Queensland Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, has announced the State Government will invest $95 million in Rebuild QBuild, which will more than double its own trades-based workers.
The government said it will grow the publicly-owned QBuild to 1,000 tradies and apprentices by 2026.
“QBuild is more than 160 years old – and we are proud to outline our clear plan for QBuild’s future and boost the capability of its frontline,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Our government is growing QBuild to 1,000 trade and apprentice positions by 2026 – with plans to further increase the ranks to 1,500 by 2029.
“It is the strength and skill of our workforce that will build the schools and homes of the future and inspire the next generation of apprentices to do the same.”
With more tradies on hand, the government said it can build more housing, more quickly as part of the largest concentrated investment in social and government employee housing in Queensland’s history.
Rebuild QBuild consists of two phases:
- Phase one of Rebuild QBuild – announced in August 2019 – involved employing 300 skilled tradespeople, including 60 apprentices, over three years. It also reinvigorated QBuild’s regional depots in Rockhampton, Cairns, Bundaberg and Caboolture
- Phase two maps out how, by 2026, Rebuild QBuild will have boosted the trades-based workforce to 1,000 people, including 200 apprentices
- Phase two also supports manufacturing of modern homes at QBuild’s Rapid Accommodation and Apprenticeships Centre at Eagle Farm and the proposed new RAAC facility in Cairns
The Queensland Government is backing the rebuild of QBuild with a $95 million investment including recruitment, upgrades to depots, and investments in Rapid Accommodation and Apprenticeship Centres.
The rebuilt QBuild will also support Queensland’s construction sector in building government infrastructure projects in the lead-up to Brisbane 2032.
Queensland Treasurer, Cameron Dick, said, “The Palaszczuk Government is rebuilding QBuild.
“Our progressive growth plan supports QBuild’s modern methods of construction facility at Eagle Farm and the new factory planned for Cairns, which plan to significantly scale up production to help ease pressure on regional and remote rental markets.
“We’ve timed this new phase of QBuild’s growth to provide an optimal response to market pressures and government needs.”
QBuild staff are also among the first responders to natural disasters, helping to repair key infrastructure such as schools and social housing so communities can get back on their feet as soon as possible.
Rebuild QBuild is an initiative announced in 2019 to strengthen QBuild and restore its capacity after over 1,600 jobs.
