State govt awards $117m maritime contract

Broadspectrum has secured a $117 million contract for work on maritime facilities along the Western Australian coast, as part of a wider state government initiative to support small businesses.

The Sydney-headquartered company will carry out maintenance work on 38 maritime facilities from Wyndham to Esperance.

Broadspectrum is owned by Spanish group Ferrovial, which recently gained ACCC approval to sell the business to Ventia, which is a 50:50 partnership between Apollo Global Management LLC and CIMIC Group. 

Broadspectrum is expected to employ 117 people under the contract, including 12 apprentices to complete the six-year project, which could be extended by a further four years.

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the contract would ensure long-term work in the marine sector and that WA had well maintained harbour facilities.

The state government has also announced three new walking trails to be built at Hillarys Boat Harbour, intended to encourage families to visit the popular tourist spot.

Premier Mark McGowan says Hillarys is an iconic WA destination.

“Our boat harbours, like Hillarys, are home to a number of small businesses, including retail, hospitality and tourism ventures, so it’s important we do our best to support them,” he said.

“I urge Western Australians to support the local businesses who have been devastated as a result of COVID-19.”

The new trails are due to be completed by the end of the month.