Victorian State Government implements new procurement approach to aid local companies

The Victorian Government is changing the procurement of the two Suburban Roads Upgrade packages into a $2.2 billion road construction blitz, reports Infrastructure Magazine.
In an effort to support the construction industry’s role in boosting the state’s economy, the Victorian Government will accelerate the massive Suburban Roads Upgrade, using a new procurement approach to give local construction companies more opportunities to win contracts.
As part of the state government’s economic response to COVID-19, consultation has occurred with smaller construction companies to understand how to best support their involvement in the Big Build program.
The approach is modelled on the Level Crossing Removal Project – a collaborative model that delivers benefits for both local communities and industry, while providing certainty for the construction sector. It aims to support Tier 2, 3 and 4 companies access this work, creating more jobs and capacity in the construction sector
Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, Jacinta Allan, said, “We’ve been able to deliver our Level Crossing removals at a record pace by working collaboratively with the construction industry – we’ll now do the same for this massive package of road upgrades across Victoria.”
“Our construction industry will be a vital part of our economic recovery – this approach will give local construction companies the best chance to secure work and get shovels in the ground sooner.”