BMD Constructions has been awarded a contract to commence site preparation and access work for Powerlink’s Calvale to Calliope River Transmission Reinforcement Project.

BMD Group chief executive officer Scott Power said the company expected to directly spend about $50 million with Central Queensland businesses through the early works package.

This would include about $3 million with First Nations-owned enterprises, alongside substantial local employment opportunities, he said.

“Our focus is on working closely with Powerlink and the local supply chain to deliver this work safely and efficiently, while helping build capability that supports the region well beyond this project,” Mr Power said

The full value of the BMD contract has not been disclosed publicly.

Powerlink chief executive Dr Seán McGoldrick said reinforcing the network between Calvale and Calliope River was an important part of ensuring the reliability and security of electricity supply for the Gladstone region as sources of power generation changed.

“BMD has been competitively selected to deliver this important preparatory work, and we have worked closely with them through the planning and tender stages to ensure local workforces and businesses are involved as much as possible,” he said.

“We have also partnered with State Development to hold a series of workshops to build capability and give local businesses confidence to tender for major projects.

“These workshops will continue as we head towards construction, and I encourage local businesses to get involved.

“We are laser-focused in delivering this critical project, a key part of the Queensland Government’s Energy Roadmap backed by a $501 million commitment in the recent State Budget.”