‘Tough pill’: State Government overlooks Geraldton contractors with hospital upgrade, claims Nationals MP Ian Blayney

The Nationals Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney said the WA Labor Government had overlooked local firms when awarding contracts for key parts of the Geraldton Hospital redevelopment. He said questions in Parliament showed a geotechnical consultancy and a project management service were the only local firms contracted out of 22 consultancy services and two other service providers. Mr Blayney said a “reluctance” to use local contractors raised concerns about Labor’s priorities for WA’s regional cities. “Knowing local contractors weren’t prioritised over those outside of the Mid West region is a tough pill for our business community to swallow,” Mr Blayney said. “We have successful local contractors here in Geraldton who are more than capable of carrying out the consultancy services required during the hospital redevelopment.” Mr Blayney is calling on the Government to ensure future contractors are sourced from Geraldton and the Mid West. “It’s now more important than ever to support local providers.” Agricultural Region member Darren West said successful tenders for the forward works would be announced soon. “Our Government is working hard to maximise local content in government works,” he said. Mr West said businesses seeking further advice should contact the Local Content Adviser at the Mid West Development Commission.