QUEENSLAND Transport’s marine division is under fire by local industry groups for overlooking a Gold Coast marina builder for a planned $36 million Southport Broadwater Parklands project.
The Gaven-based Superior Jetties lost a contract to supply a pontoon to the project in favour of the US-owned Bellingham Corporation.
Abigroup is the project manager. It is understood the Gold Coast City Council is being paid by the State Government to supervise the project manager.
Queensland Transport (QT) has allocated funds for the pontoon construction with a State Government stimulus allocation on grounds the job was completed by June 30 2009.
The pontoon is a critical part of a $2 million main pier project. It was originally a $6 million project, but Abigroup shaved $4 million off the price due to funds already spent on the original design plan.
Gold Coast Business News can reveal that the quotes offered by both companies—Bellingham and Superior Jetties—were identical, only Superior offered more piers, was local and had proven QT tender expertise. The contract was awarded to the other firm and three local Gold Coast boilermakers may lose their jobs.
Superior Jetties recently delivered a world-class, 600-berth marine docking facility at Abu Dhabi in time for the 2008 International Boat Show.
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