Work has been suspended on the Mandurah Forum’s flagship David Jones store while construction company Cooper & Oxley conducts “an urgent review of its financial position”.
In a statement, Cooper & Oxley said: “The company has been working with its stakeholders, including financiers and key clients, to undertake a restructure and refinance process”.
“Unfortunately a suitable agreement has not been reached at this time, and the company has suspended trading while reviewing its options and continuing discussions with stakeholders.”
In addition to the Mandurah David Jones store, Cooper & Oxley had downed tools on six other projects around the state including the Curtin University Bus Interchange, the Hollywood Hospital theatre expansion and an amenities facility at Perth Airport.
Building Commissioner Ken Bowron said all registered builders were required to notify the government if they were no longer able to meet their financial obligations under their registration.
He said the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety's building and energy division was investigating reports that Cooper & Oxley had entered voluntary administration but had no formal notification of this having occurred.
Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union WA state secretary Mick Buchan said the union had received calls on Monday from workers and sub-contractors who were “devastated”.
“Not only have they missed out on being paid, but many can’t even access Cooper & Oxley sites to retrieve their own property, including tools and equipment,” he said.
“We understand the situation is fluid at the moment and we will comment further once the facts are firmly established into the company's current trading situation.”
A David Jones spokesperson said: “We are working with the relevant parties to assess any impact to our build schedule”.
– with WA Today
