LNG boosts jobs in rural Qld

Civil construction company Ostwald Bros is expected to employ 500 workers in rural Queensland in coal seam gas construction.

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THE State and Federal governments’ decisions to approve the Queensland Curtis LNG development in the Surat Basin has already resulted in a massive boost to Queensland’s rural economy.

While the government has only recently given Surat and Bowen Basin gas projects the green light, a national civil construction company based in Dalby, Ostwald Bros, has been awarded a contract by QGC, a BG Group business, valued at up to $60 million.

The decision was welcomed by the 400-strong rural-based Ostwald Bros whose workforce is now set to expand to accommodate the massive gas projects.

Company CEO Brendan Ostwald said the family-owned Ostwald Bros ranks would swell to over 500 within the next six months and was confident the company would continue to win more work over the next year.

“Our appointment proves QGC are committed to sourcing and spending locally,” Mr Ostwald said.

Ostwald Bros has the largest privately owned scraper fleet in Australia. The company now intends to inject an additional $7 million in plant and equipment to meet new project requirements. The fleet expansion has resulted in an increase in the ranks at their Dalby servicing centre.

Mr Ostwald believes the LNG project and the expansion of a local company like Ostwald Bros will have a ripple effect on the Bowen and Surat Basin communities.

“Ostwald Bros’ growth brings new employment opportunities, which means more people moving into towns in the region and in turn will boost bush businesses and services,” Mr Ostwald said.

Ostwald Bros will start work immediately and has already started advertising positions.