A Brisbane building company is setting up a satellite office in Napranum as it looks to win public housing contracts in Cape York.
Cowie Group representatives spent two weeks travelling between Napranum and Mapoon to speak with locals as they look to establish long-term contracts.
“We don’t want to just come up here and then leave,” director Phil Cowie said.
“We want to build a long-term relationship with the communities, employ locals and train them up so they are capable of running the business here.”
Cowie Group general manager Mark Roberts said he expected work to begin after the wet season and was confident of securing projects through the Napranum and Mapoon councils.
“It’s pretty exciting to see the potential in these communities,” he said.
“There are a lot of opportunities around for people who don’t want to drive a truck in the mines.”
Charles Budby from Kuku’nathi Services said he was happy to welcome Cowie Group to the region, provided it meant jobs for locals.
“So far everything seems to be really positive and that’s what we need in Napranum,” he said.
“We need more than just mining jobs and I hope Cowie Group are here for the long haul.”
This article appeared in Cape York Weekly, 8 February 2021.
