Coles Supermarkets commitment to create around 8000 jobs and invest $480 million in Queensland over the next four years is a significant vote of confidence in the state’s economy, Premier Campbell Newman said today.
Premier Campbell Newman said the investment would help deliver a brighter future for Queensland.
“My team has a strong plan to drive growth in our State which ultimately delivers jobs for Queenslanders and investment into our great state,” Mr Newman said.
“Over the next four years, Coles has committed to $480 million of investment in 31 new stores around Queensland which will result in around 8000 jobs for locals.
“It’s promising to see that a third of the new stores will be constructed in regional Queensland, not just securing long term jobs for the regions but also for local construction companies and local contractors.
“Queensland is the best place to live and work and more and more businesses are now seeing just how serious my government is about driving growth and economy in our state.”
The company is investing in 21 new stores in metro and suburban Brisbane and 10 throughout regional Queensland.
Coles General Manager for Queensland and Northern Territory Mark Scates said the $480 million investment in new stores reflected Coles’ confidence in the future of Queensland as the company celebrated its 100th birthday.
“We are delighted to be investing in Queensland and generating more jobs in the community with the roll-out of new market-style supermarkets for shoppers,” Mr Scates said.
“As we roll out more supermarkets with a bigger and better range of products, we will also be supporting local producers and who grow and manufacture the highest quality food for Queenslanders.”
Building is also underway at six new stores and construction of another 13 stores in regional and metropolitan areas is expected to be completed in two years. The additional five stores are anticipated to open by late 2017.
Mr Newman said he hoped Coles would continue investing in the State for years to come to continue to offer jobs to hard working Queenslanders.
