WE'VE all heard of the phrase "build it and they will come", but today the call is "come build it".
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Local tradies are being invited to put themselves forward to be part of one of the biggest construction projects to come to Scone in recent years - the $23.5 million Scone Airport Project.
The major works includes upgrades to the runways and taxiways and a new aviation attraction and terminal building.
Upper Hunter Shire Council is calling for expressions of interest (EOI) from suitably qualified local tradespeople, services and suppliers from the Upper Hunter and neighbouring shires who wish to be included in a list of local contractors that will be provided to the tenderers for the project.
Council's Manager Special Projects, Alan Fletcher, said the intention is to facilitate local involvement and help get local businesses front and centre when the overall tender is awarded.
"We're aiming to have construction finished by August 2020 - a year away - so we need to get stuck into it," he said.
"Plans have been finalised, the Development Application is lodged and it's all starting to happen."
The whole project, including the aviation terminal and the airside works, will create an additional 52 construction jobs - 27 direct and 25 indirect - with the goal to see as many subcontracts as possible awarded to locals.
The airside upgrades are needed to comply with new Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) requirements to be introduced in August 2020.
The works are also planned to be complete in time for a Scone Airshow in September 2020.
Possible local trades, services and suppliers include: earthworks contractors; builders; carpenters; concreters; electricians; plumbers; plasterers; landscapers; soil and gravel suppliers; cranage, EWP and lifting gear suppliers; concrete suppliers; worker accommodation and work site food suppliers.
"This list is indicative only so if people think they have a service, trade or supply that will be needed, they're welcome to put an EOI in," Mr Fletcher added.
"There's another EOI out for the head contractor to construct the building and local contractors are welcome to have a go also.
"We've purposely made the EOI link very simple - all you need to do is give us the contact details of your company or service and tell us what you do, so it's nice and easy to fill out."
The combined works - airside and the visitor aviation attraction - planned for Scone Regional Airport has a total estimated cost of $23.5 million.
The NSW Government's Drought Stimulus Package recently contributed $6.5 million in funds for the airside work.
The new Warbird Aviation Attraction and Terminal building received a grant of $6.25 million from the NSW Government's Restart NSW Regional Growth - Environment and Tourism Fund.
Upper Hunter Shire Council will take on a $10.75 million loan to cover the remaining required funds.
EOI documents can be completed and submitted online at Council's website: http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/your-council/media/tenders/expression-of-interest-local-trades-services-and-suppliers.aspx
The EOI closes at 2pm on Thursday, September 26, 2019.