Noosa Council remains committed to delivering the $5.2 million Rufous Street Stage 3 project, following news that the local firm contracted to deliver the development has gone into liquidation.
In a statement released last week Noosa Council said “officers were made aware on Monday (20 January) that Ri-Con Contractors Pty Ltd was placed into liquidation, with Worrells Solvency and Forensic Accountants appointed as liquidators”.
Acting Director for Community Services Ashley Saward said it was “deeply disappointing for the community”.
“It’s distressing for the workers, sub-contractors and other local businesses, and of course for the broader community who will suffer a delay to the delivery of community assets as a result,” Mr Saward said.
“Ri-Con had done some great work on a number of Noosa Council community projects.
“This included the new Peregian Beach toilet amenities, the roof and deck works at the Noosa Aquatic Centre, Noosa Main Beach boardwalk and the recently completed car park at Peregian Beach.
“Council diligently assesses all tender submissions prior to awarding contracts and where possible looks to support local businesses.
“We had a great working relationship with Ri-Con staff, so the loss of jobs in the community and the flow-on impact to subcontractors is obviously upsetting.
“Ri-Con was soon to commence construction of the Community House as part of the Rufous Street Stage 3 Project, however this will now be delayed while Council takes advice on the impact of the insolvency of Ri-Con and the process to appoint a new contractor in these circumstances.
“The Rufous Street project is jointly funded by Australian Government, State Government and Council.
“Any subcontractors to Ri-con who have not been paid are encouraged to seek independent legal advice.”
Ri-con Contractors was one of six to tender for the project.
The Federal Government through the Building Better Regions fund, and the State Government, through its Maturing the Infrastructure Pipeline Program, have both helped fund the project.
The final part of Stage 3 includes redevelopment of the existing community building to expand the Digital Hub.
Council bought the old Peregian Beach Bowls Club site in 2014 and combined it with existing community land and facilities to create the Rufous Street Precinct.
