Tenders called for Albany regional office siteworks

25/5/94

Tenders have been called for initial siteworks on the new Albany regional office of the Department of Agriculture, Primary Industry Minister Monty House announced today.

The first contract is to extend the sewers to the site on the corner of Albany Highway and Anson Road and the other is for earthworks to fill and contour the site.

Mr House is optimistic that a large percentage of the development would be conducted by local contractors and use local labour.

"The work on these contracts should be completed within four months and will be followed by tenders being called for construction of the new office complex," Mr House said.

"When completed, the new regional office will amalgamate the three department sites in the Albany area on to one site.  This will benefit the department's clients and improve the efficiency of its operations.

"The construction of a new office fulfils the Government's commitment to supporting the agricultural industry in the Great Southern."

The new Albany regional office was allocated $500,000 for planning and design in last year's State Budget and cost about $7.5 million to complete.

The development of the new office will improve the streetscape in the entrance to the town.  It has been designed to reflect the historic nature of Albany and the department's direct link with the importance of agriculture in the region.

The exterior buildings with brick walls and colorbond roof will create a familiar link with traditional rural and agricultural buildings.

Mr House said the office's close proximity to the Great Southern Regional College of TAFE and the North Albany Senior High School would create education opportunities between the department and students.

The office had also been strategically located to take advantage of the major transport routes of the Albany Highway and Chester Pass Road.

Media contact:  Will Henwood (09) 481 2044

Department of Agriculture regional manager Greg Paust: (098) 420 500