Indigenous company wins Gallipoli Barracks contract

An Indigenous construction and facility maintenance business has been awarded a A$3.8 million contract for works at Gallipoli Barracks in Brisbane. Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the government’s contract with Kennelly Constructions Pty Ltd was part of its commitment to maximise Australian industry involvement in its A$270 billion investment in defence capability. “I am pleased to see Australian businesses thrive and create a stronger industry in the Defence market,” Price said. “Brisbane-based Kennelly Constructions is a prominent Indigenous business providing opportunities for Indigenous Australians, while delivering a wide range of civil, electrical, building and maintenance services across Australia. Importantly, Kennelly Constructions is aiming to achieve 100 per cent local content for the project, which is fantastic news for the local economy. The Morrison Government is committed to engaging with Australian enterprise to continue to bolster our sovereign defence capabilities and this contract is another example of us getting on with the job.” The works will include the replacement of the original hardstand at Gallipoli Barracks to enable the second Combat Engineer Regiment to move its plant equipment, reducing heavy vehicle movement close to the perimeter of the Base. Member for Ryan Julian Simmonds said the investment would bring significant benefits to the Gallipoli Barracks and the local economy. “This contract will not only facilitate essential upgrades to the Barracks, but will create more local jobs and support families in my electorate of Ryan,” Simmonds said. “We have a strong military and veteran presence in the Ryan electorate and it is pleasing to see local business supporting our proud military.” Construction will start in September and is expected to be finished by August next year. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Director of Sales Graham Joss at [email protected]