$1 BILLION CANCER CENTRE BOOSTS JOBS AND LOCAL INDUSTRY From the Minister for Innovation

$1 BILLION CANCER CENTRE BOOSTS JOBS AND LOCAL INDUSTRY From the Minister for Innovation
Monday, 10 May 2010

Two hundred jobs and $80 million in work for local industry are the benefits of a Brumby Labor Government decision for 90 per cent of work on the $1 billion Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre to be sourced locally.

In Dandenong today, where more than 40 per cent of the state's manufacturing occurs, Industry and Trade Minister Jacinta Allan announced that short-listed bidders must include a minimum 90 per cent local content requirement in their construction proposals.

"The Brumby Government has strengthened local content requirements in its Victorian Industry Participation Policy to ensure local businesses and workers can benefit from the construction of major projects like the Parkville Comprehensive Cancer Centre," Ms Allan said.

"The decision to declare a local content requirement of 90 per cent for this project will result in 200 jobs and $80 million in work for local industry."

Ms Allan said the 90 per cent local content requirement applied to the overall design, construction and fit-out of the Parkville centre.

"These areas include design and drafting services, glass and facades, structural steel, ICT/building management systems, mechanical equipment and services, electrical equipment and services and floor coverings."

Health Minister Daniel Andrews said the state-of-the-art comprehensive cancer centre, co-funded by the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, would drive the next generation of progress in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer.

"During the peak of construction there will be approx 1200 construction workers on site," he said.

"Construction is expected to start in 2011, with the new facilities expected to be ready in 2015. Demolition of the former Royal Dental Hospital has begun."

Innovation Minister Gavin Jennings said investment in science and technology initiatives was an important driver of the economy and job creation.

"A major independent analysis last year by Deloitte showed the Victorian Government's investment in science and technology has created thousands of jobs and will contribute to an economic benefit to Victoria of $1.7 billion," he said.

"This means that for every dollar of Victorian Government investment the contribution to our economy has been up to $3.56 which makes Victoria a great place to conduct business as well as raise a family."

Member for Dandenong John Pandazopoulos said the decision would be good for manufacturing hubs such as Dandenong.

"Local businesses will stand a greater chance of benefiting from major building projects in Victoria, meaning more jobs, and more opportunities for Victorian workers and businesses," he said.