The lead developer on Nepean Hospital’s new mental health facility has gone into administration, leaving the projects at a standstill.
National Buildplan entered into voluntary administration on Monday, April 8, inciting anger in the community particularly amongst sub-contractors working on the site who are now out of pocket, some by up to half a million dollars.
“The Voluntary Administrators have commenced an urgent assessment of the financial position of the company. In the interim it has ceased work on its construction projects,” said a representative of BRI Ferrier on behalf or National Buildplan Group.
The Construction Forrestry Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) displayed their frustration with the State Government over poor management with a protest at the site.
“Subcontractors working on the Nepean constructions are now going to have to look at closing their doors and laying off our members. They will be possibly looking at 20 to 50 redundancies,” said CFMEU Assistant State Secretary, Rebel Hanlon.
“We are asking why workers on a State Government project aren’t getting paid? We would just like the government to step in and pay all outstanding money – it’s the Australian way; a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work.”
According to Mr Hanlon, a plasterboard company is currently owed around $500,000, and a plumber is owed just under $300,000.
NSW Health Infrastructure said that they are continuing to log and respond to enquiries and are endeavouring to find a solution to suit all involved.
“The Health Infrastructure response team is investigating solutions so works can restart as quickly as possible, particularly at each of the NBPG health projects which had active sites, until its voluntary administration was announced last week,” a spokesperson said.
“Health Infrastructure is undertaking site inspections and urgent maintenance works if required to ensure that the project sites are safe and the hospitals continue to operate during this difficult time.
“Solutions are being assessed on the basis of what will best serve local communities including subcontractors, local health staff and patients.”
