November 2009

The EMAI Biosecurity upgrade project has reached an exciting stage with the design for the new and refurbished laboratories out to tender and the commencement of earthworks at the site.

On 22 September the Project Steering Committee noted the project pre-tender cost estimate was within the approved $56.678 million allocated and agreed to seek the Ministers approval to allow the project to go to tender. The Committee recognised the significant contribution made by staff in developing the detailed design. On 29 September Wollondilly Shire Council approved the development application for the new laboratory buildings.

In early October the Minister received a letter from the Treasurer expressing his continued support for the project.  The Minister then approved the project going to tender.

A NSW Public Works approved Early Tenderer Involvement (ETI) process has been initiated for the main construction work. This has involved selecting pre-qualified, best practice building contractors based on their previous experience and ability in constructing complex bio-containment facilities. A briefing session for four preferred contractors was held on 9 September 2009. A second workshop was held on 14 October 2009 to address risk and documentation issues. The tender for the main construction work was formally issued to the four preferred contractors on 26 October. Tenders will close in December and the tender review panel will work to make recommendation to the Minister by February. This is a complex process with over 4,000 pages of documentation to be reviewed against the tender applications.

Construction of the new laboratory facilities will occur throughout 2010 and is expected to generate up to 150 jobs during the construction period. Refurbishment of existing laboratory facilities will commence when the new facilities are commissioned.

An early works contract to undertake flood mitigation works, electrical upgrade and general earth works in preparation for the main construction was awarded to Ford Civil Contracting P/L in October. This work is valued at $1.65 million. Ford Civil have commenced work and will be on site for several months.

A staff lunch and information session was held at EMAI on 27 October. Over 130 EMAI staff were briefed on the project and the commencement of early works.