NORTH Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation has announced Mackay-based company, Razor Demolition and Asbestos Removal, as the principal contractor for the demolition of the disused Mt Bassett water reservoir, set to start next week.

NQBP chief executive Nicolas Fertin said the demolition of the reservoir will improve safety.

“The Mt Bassett water reservoir was identified as having reached the end of its useful life as part of NQBP’s maintenance and repairs program,” Mr Fertin said.

“The reservoir was once used by the Port as a potable water supply, but has not been used in many years.

“A safety inspection showed the demolition of the reservoir was necessary due to structural integrity issues.”

Demolition will start next Monday and is expected to take up to four weeks to complete.

Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said Razor Demolition was the latest in a number of businesses based in the region gaining works at the Port of Mackay.

“Local works by local business equals local jobs,” Mrs Gilbert said.

“And here we’ll see another six jobs supported in the Mackay region, adding to those 100 already created as part of the Palaszczuk government’s recent $17m investment in the port.”

The investment will fund a new $8.5m tug berth facility and major road upgrades.

The Mt Bassett reservoir works will include some minor landscaping of the area with kerbing and rocks/bollards used for safety barriers.

To ensure safety of the public and demolition workers, vehicle traffic along Mount Bassett Drive will be restricted during the works.

Pedestrians and cyclists will have access of Mount Bassett Drive, but the worksite area will be restricted.

Razor Demolition Manager Shane Worbey said the company is looking forward to working with NQBP on the project.

“We have been servicing the Mackay community with a range of diversified projects for the past 25 years,” Mr Worbey said.

“We are genuinely committed to supporting the local community, engaging local suppliers and supporting up to six local jobs on this project.”