ADANI FIFO Gear Up

Let’s imagine Rockhampton does become the FIFO hub for Adani; after the initial excitement dies down how would we maximise the benefits it will provide?
The workforce will need to be recruited, this will be from a combination of locals and people moving here. A percentage of those moving here will bring their families and be looking for places to live. Opportunity for employment agencies, landlords, land developers, real estate agents, moving companies, builders, electricians, plumbers, landscapers, schools, etc.
Local employers may lose some staff to Adani or need to offer higher wages to keep them – more money starts to circulate in the economy.
This money combined with the newbie’s is spent on food, clothing, transport, entertainment, education, etc. Local retailers who offer a good online and off-line experience can obviously benefit and as a result put on more staff to satisfy the expected increased demand.
Adani will be likely sourcing engineering, maintenance, construction, logistics, workers accommodation builders and managers, equipment, environmental contractors. Local companies that have geared up and made themselves visible to Adani through the ICN Gateway will have the opportunity to win these contracts, either directly or indirectly.
Out of region businesses that obtain contracts may expand here. Successful businesses will possibly need to recruit additional staff, require additional suppliers, introduce new technology, purchase new equipment. Again, possibly more money being spent in the region.
The extra money being spent may see some labour shortages in some areas. Thus, an opportunity for training providers to offer courses in these areas, which will help enable the benefits to be more broadly spread across the region.
As this simple outline demonstrates Adani can trigger a major change in our economy, but to get the most from it we need to have plans put in place now, not when the announcement is made.
Yes, there are no guarantees that Rockhampton will be the FIFO hub, but we are a strong chance and we need to be prepared. Do you think Stockland’s expansion plans do not have Adani in mind?
Rockhampton Regional Council is wanting to help local businesses be prepared as part of their Gear Up Rocky initiative. If you own or manage a local business fill in the online survey to help identify ways you can gear up; not miss the starters gun.
There is a lot at stake here, the main thing being jobs, let’s do our best to get as many of these jobs here. Go to www.rockhamptonregion.qld.gov.au/ForBusiness to complete the Gear Up Rocky survey today and, if you haven’t already, start putting a plan together on how your business can get the most out of this multi-billion dollar project.