Peter Thomas, Adani Australia Projects Director, presenting at the Mackay Indigenous Supplier Briefing
The Adani Supplier Roadshow has wrapped up a five-event tour of regional Queensland, with nearly 1,300 regional business owners and suppliers meeting the key project team from both Adani and the mine construction and operations contractor, Downer Group.
The supplier briefings were all extremely well-attended, with exceptional support from local industry associations, indigenous communities, councils and peak economic development bodies in Rockhampton, Emerald, Clermont, Mackay and Townsville.
Irene Simpson, Wangan & Jagalingou spokesperson, with Peter Thomas at the Clermont Supplier Briefing
There was also a strong show of support for the Carmichael project from the Wangan & Jagalingou traditional owner groups, as well as other Indigenous groups and businesses in all locations.
Peter Thomas, Adani Australia’s Projects Director, says the Roadshow’s main objective was to engage positively with Regional Queensland businesses interested in supplying the mine, rail and port projects.
“The Roadshow was a great opportunity for the project and procurement teams to meet businesses on the ground – we took the time to genuinely listen to their thoughts and concerns about the project, and it’s clear to see that they are excited for the jobs, economic security and local growth that we will bring to their regions,” said Mr Thomas.
Attendees at the briefings heard about the expected project commencement timelines and associated supply opportunities, with billion-dollar procurement activity set to commence in 2017 and the first coal projected to be delivered before the end of the decade.
Clint Zahmel, Adani Australia’s Head of Commercial, presented on the various work packages to be released by both Adani and Downer Group over the project’s commencement. These packages include earth and civil works, rail supply and infrastructure, water infrastructure, as well as offsite works and mine operations.
“It’s important for regional suppliers to be able to assess major project opportunities – understanding the project’s operating environment, carefully assessing their capabilities and capacity, and most importantly, determining their position in the supply chain,” said Mr Zahmel.
“By forming relationships and joint venture arrangements with other suppliers, regional businesses can certainly increase their capacity and capability to win work. We strongly recommend regional suppliers to partner with Indigenous business to get priority in front of decision-makers, as Indigenous training and jobs are a main priority for this project’s procurement, and we want to maximise regional business involvement,” said Mr Zahmel.
Interested regional businesses have three ways to express their interest in working with Adani or Downer Group: through the ICN Gateway, through direct contact with the project team and through an upcoming Regional Supplier Portal, set to launch in the second quarter of the year.
Regional businesses attending the Mackay Supplier Briefing
Presentation slides will be made available to registered attendees in the coming days. To stay updated on the Carmichael project’s progress, sign up to the Bowen Basin Mining Club’s mailing list at bbminingclub.com.