The construction company in charge of Bay Pavilions has confirmed their use of some Sydney-based contractors, but reiterated their commitment to finding local workers to help build the project.
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The Bay Post received tips from concerned readers this week that a company based out of Sydney's west was staying at an Airbnb in the Eurobodalla Shire while they complete work on the Bay Pavilions project.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro confirmed yesterday that authorised Sydney construction workers are able to work on the South Coast provided they meet COVID-19 testing requirements and register their travel.
The Sydney-based company, who the Bay Post will not name, has complied with all requirements.
READ MORE: Eurobodalla stays in lockdown
Construction company ADCO, who are in charge of the Bay Pavilions, said in a series of statements via Eurobodalla Shire Council they had been "proactive" in hiring locals.
"ADCO manages the tendering selection of contractors for specific specialist trades," the statement read.
"They have strict selection criteria which focuses on previous experience, ability to resource the project adequately, a history of maintaining safe operations, and demonstrated quality in their projects.
"ADCO has been proactive in hiring locals and using local suppliers from the outset. The company has engaged eight local contractors and seven local suppliers so far, and has also employed a local first-year carpentry apprentice and graduate engineer.
"Projects of this scale require some specialty trades. For this, ADCO commonly uses subcontractors that have worked for them in the past.
"This assures quality of work as ADCO can assess their performance and ability based on recent past performance."
ADCO also confirmed it was doing everything possible to make sure their contractors wouldn't bring COVID-19 to the region.
"ADCO strictly complies with the NSW Health guidelines and has COVID management plans in place on the Bay Pavilions project," the statement read.
"Workers coming from Greater Sydney, regional NSW, or other states who have demonstrated compliance with the health orders are able to access the site.
"ADCO has a COVID marshal at the site entrance at all times to ensure strict compliance with the health orders.
"The ADCO site project management team issues regular communications to subcontractors and project partners with updates on the changing health order advice and reinforcing requirements for strict compliance to NSW Government regulations."
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Airbnb also has safety measures in place, but face a tougher path as Airbnbs can see use as semi-permanent residences for frontline workers, people who are facing rent challenges, or people forced into alternate accommodation by other emergency situations.
"From the outset of COVID-19, one of our top priorities has been the health of Hosts, guests, and the broader community," Airbnb's Head of Public Policy for Australia and New Zealand, Derek Nolan, said.
"Airbnb is extremely serious about supporting government efforts to combat COVID-19. As part of this support, we have reiterated to our community on a number of occasions the critical need to follow government advice and adhere to the rules.
"Everyone must do their part to combat COVID-19 - that includes being aware of their obligations. Individual hosts and guests are strongly urged to ensure they are complying with local health directives.
"Our policies also expressly prohibit hosts and guests from encouraging others to ignore applicable health or travel advisories or encouraging gatherings that breach health restrictions.
"Our messages has been consistent and clear: everyone must follow government advice and strictly adhere to the rules."