Locals miss out

By Kath Gannaway
YARRA Valley contractors who say they have been left out of the bushfire reconstruction loop may soon be able to get the tickets they need to do the specialist demolition and clean-up work.
Many excavation contractors who have the equipment needed for the massive process don’t have the required qualifications, particularly to work on properties that may have asbestos among the rubble.
The clean-up operation was awarded to construction giant Grocon, which made a commitment to use local contractors wherever possible.
The owner of a Warburton Highway excavation business, who contacted the Mail, accused Grocon of delivering the work to its established Melbourne-based sub-contractors.
He said he emailed Grocon after having difficulties accessing the registration process on the internet but had not heard back.
“They haven’t replied and don’t even know what machines, equipment or qualifications we’ve got,” he said.
McEwen MP Fran Bailey supported the call for more work for local operators.
Urging local contractors to register direct with Grocon she said local small businesses had experienced difficulties in trying to join the recovery program.