Media Statements

The Newman Government today broke new ground on the 1 William Street development, marking a major milestone on a project that will create more than 1,000 jobs each year during construction.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney and Treasurer and Minister for Trade Tim Nicholls joined representatives from successful contractors Cbus Property today to celebrate the latest step forward in the 1 William Street Project.

Participating in the official sod turning, Mr Nicholls said the 1 William Street Project was a key part of the Government’s strategy to stimulate the construction industry, one of the Government’s four economic pillars.

“As Cbus Property indicated, when we announced the award of this Project just a few months ago, more than 1,000 direct jobs per year will be required on site as the development proceeds, which will also have a positive impact on indirect jobs and the overall economy,” Mr Nicholls said.

“At present, between consultants and the main contractor, there are more than 200 people working on the early stages of the project.”

Mr Nicholls said the 1 William Street development was the largest commercial office building in Queensland and one of the largest in Australia.

“Since the announcement of Cbus Property as the successful tenderer, development work, both on and off site, has been proceeding at a great pace,” he said.

“On site, geotechnical and soil investigations have been undertaken, while various surveys have been completed on and around the location.

“Off site, the developer’s team has been refining the design of the building and site and preparing documents for the necessary Development Approval applications required from the Brisbane City Council (BCC) to start works.”

Mr Seeney said the timely approval process was helped by the team’s professionalism in preparing the documents for approval and the spirit of cooperation and collaboration from State agencies and the BCC.

“While it is very early in the delivery process, the fast pace they have set now means that works are proceeding well ahead of the original development program,” Mr Seeney said.

“This is a very large project and the excavation and foundation work will be the major activity on site for the next 10 months or so.”

Mr Seeney said the site at 1 William St had been a dusty carpark for years and the development would reinvigorate the upper George Street part of Brisbane.

“Cbus Property’s development will revitalise the site and is the first stage in delivering a mixed-use precinct that will facilitate greater community use of the northern bank of the Brisbane River,” he said.

Once complete, the 75,000 square metre office tower will become home to Queensland’s public service.

It will also rationalise the Government’s CBD office portfolio and save taxpayers about $60 million every year.

The 1 William St Project is expected to be completed by the end of 2016.

[ENDS] 4 March, 2013

Media Contact:          Treasurer’s office: 07 3224 6900

Deputy Premier’s office: 07 3224 2946