Gloucester Chamber of Commerce and Industry signed an agreement with AGL last week to ensure local businesses are considered as preferred suppliers should the proposed Gloucester Gas Project go ahead. 

“‘Preferred supplier’ means a local supplier would be chosen over others where they are equally competitive and meet the project requirements,” chamber president Yvonne Reynolds said. 

“Should the proposed Gloucester Gas Project proceed, we are committed to working with AGL to ensure that local businesses are given the chance to supply the project and opportunities for sustainable employment and economic development for local industry are maximised wherever possible.” 

The Local Procurement Program developed by the chamber and agreed to by AGL would also work to identify support opportunities for local and indigenous businesses.

“As part of the agreement, the Chamber and AGL will work together to outline the opportunities available and skills and training needed for each stage of the project,” Mrs Reynolds said. 

“We are very pleased that AGL has committed to investigating the potential for traineeships and apprenticeships for local workers and we will hold regular meetings to identify and discuss new opportunities for local businesses.”

AGL said the agreement was a commitment to support the Gloucester community.

“While there are specialist management, engineering and procurement skills that will see us bring in major companies as primary contractors, our intent is to work with local businesses to help them be competitive sub-contractors and suppliers for the project and meet AGL’s safety, environment and quality requirements,” AGL’s community relations manager Karyn Looby said.

“It is our sincere hope that this initiative will bring new skills and opportunities to the town.”

Mrs Reynolds said the agreement, developed in close consultation with the NSW Business Chamber, would help ensure the future viability of local businesses. 

“We recognise that not all the skills will be here in Gloucester but we’re going to work together to build them up over time to help stimulate the economy,” she said. 

“Local Gloucester Shire businesses have invested significantly in our community’s future, and the Chamber will continue to advocate strongly on their behalf should the gas project proceed further.”