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Alan Johnson
AJ Civil Projects specialise in all types of large and small civil construction projects, including: pipe laying, pump stations, earthworks, machine hire and road works. FOCUS had a chat to business owner Alan Johnson, to ďŹ nd out more about the projects he has worked on and his business plans for the future.
W
hat is the history behind AJ Civil Projects, and how has the business
changed over the past decade? I was born in the Nambucca Valley
and lived in Nambucca Heads for
I could see a niche in the market and an increase in demand for this aspect of plumbing, so we decided to branch out and launch AJ Pipelines & Construction Pty Ltd in 1998.
over 30 years. My father, Garry, had a successful plumbing business there, so as soon as I was allowed to leave
mains. So, I gathered experience early in my career. Along with my Uncle Ken, who helped to teach me this side of plumbing, we started taking on larger projects around the Nambucca area. I could see a niche in the market and an increase for this aspect of plumbing and decided to branch out and launch AJ Pipelines & Construction Pty Ltd in July 1998. My first contract was to construct the stormwater mains and associated works for the
school at the age 15, I started as a plumbing apprentice with
upgrade of the Pacific Highway and the Arthur Street overpass
him. Over the years, we started moving towards the civil side of
in front of the Park Beach Plaza. I purchased my first 20-tonne
plumbing, which is constructing sewer, stormwater and water
excavator for the project, which was a huge step at the time, but
CELEBRATING
20 YEARS IN BUSINESS AJ Civil Projects are celebrating this milestone in business with a renewed focus on civil projects; including changing our name to AJ Civil Projects. We are committed to providing exceptional delivery, service and outcomes for all of our clients.
The team would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our clients and suppliers for their support over the past two decades ajcivil.com.au tel: 02 6651 3276 email: mail@ajcivil.com.au PO Box 6639 Coffs Harbour Plaza NSW 2450 ABN 40 083 081 645
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We have decided to change the name of the business to AJ Civil Projects, which covers all aspect of civil works. Only the name has changed; the company structure remains the same.
proved to be a good one. We were then awarded a contract with Coffs Harbour City Council to construct the re-use mains from Coffs Harbour to Woolgoolga stage 1 and have continued to successfully complete contracts with them to this day. In 2002, I decided to move the family to
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Coffs Harbour, as all of our work was around the area, and I have enjoyed living in this great place ever since. Over the past decade or two we have completed many projects that are civil construction rather than pipe laying projects, so we have decided to change the name of
the business to AJ Civil Projects, which covers all aspect of civil works. Only the name has changed; the company structure remains the same. We are looking forward to another successful few decades in business to add to our 20-year milestone we’re celebrating this year. What services do AJ Civil Projects offer? AJ Civil Projects specialise in all types of large and small civil construction projects, including: pipe laying, pump stations, earthworks,
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machine hire and road works. We service the private sector, as well as local, state and federal government contracts. We have the experience and resources to undertake small or large projects, as either the principal contractor or sub-contractor. Our key personnel all have over 20 years’ experience in the industry and are very adaptive to complete all the various tasks involved with civil works. Plus, we have all types and sizes of plant and equipment, that enables us to be remain very competitive in the market. Tell us about some big projects you have worked on in the past decade. Some of the larger projects we have completed over the past decade include: • Coffs Harbour Waste Water Reclamation Plant - this contract was a joint venture project with Coffs Harbour City Council as the client. We were appointed as the sub-contractor to construct the pipe. The contract period was approximately 18 months. • Junction Hill to Grafton Sewer Transfer System - we were awarded the contract through the NSW Public Works Department for the Clarence Valley Council. The works included decommissioning three small treatment
plants and installing large pumping stations to transfer the sewage via 5 km of pipeline to the Grafton Treatment Plant. The works were part of the Clarence Valley’s sewage system upgrade, in which we were also involved in two other large projects as a sub-contractor. • Nambucca Heads Sewage Treatment Plant upgrade - our contract was to construct all of the earthworks, road construction and pipe work. The project was managed by the public works with the principal contractor Haslin and the client, Nambucca Shire Council; the contract period was 12 months. • Park Beach Plaza and Park Beach Home Base - we have completed many large projects for the Bachrach Naumburger group at the Park Beach Plaza and Home Base over the past decade, including the new fire main at the Home Base site, flood mitigation works at both sites, earthworks and drainage for the new multi-storey car park, new fire mains for the plaza buildings and recently the earthworks and road works for the IGA entrance. • The Frederickton to Eungai Pacific Highway upgrade - this was one of largest projects we have undertaken
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over the past decade. contract period was Our contract was approximately two and a To me, the proof of the to construct the half years. success is in the number • The Jetty4Shores stormwater drainage of people who are now using or visiting the area Upgrade - this was and associated works day in day out, since its our most recently for Thiess, who where completion. completed project contracted to the and one of the most RMS (Roads Maritime pleasing contracts that Services). The works we have undertaken. include construction I have to congratulate of 26 km of pipe the staff at Coffs Harbour City Council who work and installation of over 800 pits; the
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were involved in implementing this project and coming up with a great design. To me, the proof of the success is in the number of people who are now using or visiting the area day in day out, since its completion. The project was completed with the help of some great local contractors and suppliers, whose contribution made sure the project was completed successfully on time and within the budget, which we are very proud of. Tell us some more details about the Jetty4Shore upgrade project.
As I mention before, this project was the one of the most enjoyable projects that we have had the opportunity to complete. The Jetty project was a combined effort between us and the Council. We were an integral part to organising all the aspects of the construction and working with so many local businesses in achieving the end product, which we thoroughly enjoyed. As a company, we’re so proud of this project, and I think it’s mainly due to the fact that it has a really visible end result. With most
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The concrete amphitheatre structure in front of the Yacht Club was designed and constructed to protect from further erosion of the beach due to high tides and large swells.
of our contracts being underground, we don’t get the opportunity to see the end result, so this project is great for everyone involved in this regard. I also believe that a good design ends with a good final product, and this is definitely the case for the project. We congratulate the Council on this. The project was completed on time and within the budget. We also planned for it to be constructed in the winter months to minimise the impact
on the stakeholders and the public, as the Jetty really is the jewel in our crown of Coffs Harbour. What actually went into the Jetty4Shore project? • The existing trees were removed and mulched on site, with over 400 cubic metres of the mulch being reused on the new garden beds. • 14,000 tonnes of imported fill was transported to the site and compacted to
raise the existing ground level to ensure runoff during rain events and eliminate flooding of the area, resulting in a more user-friendly space. 9,000 tonnes of the imported fill was supplied by Council, and was recycled from other projects. • The concrete amphitheatre structure in front of the Yacht Club was designed and constructed to protect from further erosion of the beach due to high tides and large swells, as well as creating a more user-
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friendly place to access the Jetty Beach or to just relax and enjoy one of Coffs’ best natural assets. Sheet piles, screw piles and large footings have been installed under the structure, to ensure its longevity. • The Boardwalk is very user-friendly and was designed and positioned to minimise the impact on the existing dunes and vegetation area, as well as give easy access for the public from the Jetty Pier to the Jetty Beach. • Over 4,000 square metres of wide coloured concrete paths were installed to ensure ease
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of access for the public, as well as cater for different public events. The new stage, shelters and the outdoor gym are all great assets for the area and have been well utilised since the opening.
Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed a lot of local businesses grow from their humble beginnings to the successful entities they are today.
• During the construction period for the project we had an average of 47 workers on site, with the peak number being 83 workers on site in one day; most importantly, the project remained incident free. Over
96% of the employees and subcontractors on site were local Coffs Coast residents. To have been in business for 20 years, you must have some very loyal suppliers and customers. Share with us a little about this. We have formed some great relationships with many local suppliers, subcontractors and clients. Over the past 20 years, we have witnessed a lot of local businesses grow from their humble beginnings to the successful entities they are today.
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Our local suppliers and hire companies ensure that the products we use day in and day out are readily available in stock or obtainable in a short time. Some of our local suppliers that come to mind are: T.G Jung Quarries, HQ Concrete and HQ Sands, BISCO, Fine Form Pre-cast, North Coast Power & Water, Advanced Metal Industries, Reece Plumbing & Civil, Holcim Quarries & Holcim Concrete, Coffs Reo Supplies,
Conplant, Men at Work, CDA Eastland, Coates Hire, North Coast Plant & Marine, Cable & Pipe Search, Tutt Bryant Hire, Boral Asphalt, Brycker Hire and Resource Design Management. There are many others who also ensure local contractors are catered for. On our larger projects, we often need to engage specialist subcontractors for the areas of the contract we can’t complete ourselves. Coffs Harbour has some great
We also have some great clients from the private sector, including the Bachrach Naumburger Group (Park Beach Plaza) who deserve a special mention for their continued contribution to the local economy.
companies that we can call on for these works, including: Coffs Coast Formwork, FM Glenn, Farlow Concreting, B & S Landscaping, EB & DE Bunt, Reg Latter Electrical, Coffs Harbour Kwik Kerb, Michael Flick Horticulture, Arbpro Tree Services, Stocks & Hogan Core
& Saw, Gosling Electrical, Ray Ellicott Concreting, Arc Attack Fabrication, Advanced Pumping & Irrigation, Hydrodigga, as well as many others. We have many long-term and loyal clients whom we have completed projects for over the years, including: Coffs Harbour City Council, Nambucca Shire Council, Clarence
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Valley Council, RMS and the Department of Public Works. We also have some great clients from the private sector, including the Bachrach Naumburger Group (Park Beach Plaza) who deserve a special mention for their continued contribution to the local economy. The General Manager, Steve Gooley, ensures that local contractors and suppliers are utilised on all of their projects. We have also completed projects
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locally through companies such as: de Grout Benson, Haslin, Lendlease, Kerr Earthworks, Geoff Slattery, Coffs Coast Formwork and FM Glenn. We are
We are tremendously proud to have these strong relationships and networks of reliable, professional and trusted suppliers, clients and subcontractors.
tremendously proud to have these strong relationships and networks of reliable, professional and trusted suppliers, clients and
subcontractors. How important is it to support local businesses? It is very important to us. We are supported through our network, so it’s only fitting to go full circle and support local businesses wherever we can. If we don’t support the local businesses, then they won’t survive, which costs your business time and money in the long run.
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What are some challenges that the Coffs Harbour is blessed (and so are we) industry has faced, and how have you to have some very good local businesses overcome these? that specialise in supplying the civil and Work Place Safety has been a huge construction industry. The same goes for the challenge for the industry, and to me it is local subcontractors; we have some of the one of the most important factors in the civil best in the state, and it is very seldom that construction sector. We have invested heavily we need to look beyond the locals to service in safety procedures our needs. and training and have The recently a dedicated employee completed Jetty4Shore to ensure these are Project is a classic implemented into example; over 95% The recently completed the daily work tasks, of the contract sum Jetty4Shore Project is a ensuring a safe work remained in the local classic example; over 95% of environment for all economy, with just 5% the contract sum remained involved. being spent on materials in the local economy, with Weather is also a from out of town just 5% being spent on definite challenge to suppliers that could not materials from out of town our industry, as nearly be obtained locally. It’s suppliers that could not be all of our projects are not just a credit to our obtained locally. outdoors. Coffs Harbour company for achieving has a great climate, this, but also to Coffs but it is also known for Harbour City Council its incremental wet weather and not always for its policy to use local contractors on their when predicted, so we have to put a lot tendered projects wherever possible. of plans in place to be prepared for these We also use this policy when buying events. Having a contingency for weather vehicles, plant, equipment etc. for the delays is always crucial, so we make sure we business, and the same applies for our put a bit away for a rainy day! everyday living.
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Keeping the business up-to-date with technology is a challenge. Both with administration and construction sides, you need to have good advice, research and services to call on, to ensure you have the best systems. We are lucky to have the Civil Construction Federation, which we are a member off. It keeps us updated and provides expert advice when needed. Aside from these three, there are the usual challenges all businesses face, like: financial capacity, stable clients, good staff
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and so on. Tell us how AJ Civil Projects is involved in the community? It’s great to be able to get involved with many local community organisations through our business. Over the past 20 years, AJ Pipelines now AJ Civil Projects, have sponsored local sporting groups, including: the Coffs Harbour Comets (under sufferance), Coffs, Woolgoolga, Bellingen and Nambucca senior and junior Rugby League Clubs, Coffs Harbour Boardriders,
Coffs Harbour Surf Lifesaving Club and Coffs Rotary Club, just to name a few. The charity most close to my heart is Pink Silks Trust. I believe in the work and impact they do for local women’s health. At a recent Ladies and Tradies fundraising night, AJ Civil Projects donated the patient pod for the All-Terrain Medical Rescue Vehicle. This essential equipment the Coffs Harbour Hospital has access to is solely due to the Trust’s tireless work. My wife, Tanya, is the co-founder and chair of the Pink Silks Trust,
At a recent Ladies and Tradies fundraising night, AJ Civil Projects donated the patient pod for the All-Terrain Medical Rescue Vehicle.
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and so I see first-hand the hours she and her committee spend in making a difference in our community. A very well done to the committee for their efforts. I am also a Director and the Chairman of the Board of the Coffs Harbour Racing Club. I have held the position Chairman for the past 13 years, and throughout that time our team at AJ Civil Projects have donated labour and machinery to help the club for particular projects they may need completed. How does the future look, and what new trends are you seeing in the civil construction industry? The Civil Construction industry seems to be travelling well
at the present moment, both around the state and on the Coffs Coast. The government is implementing some large infrastructure projects, probably headed by the current upgrade of the Pacific Highway along the North Coast. Some local contractors have benefited from the highway works, and others haven’t got involved. We spent three years on the Frederickton to Eungai upgrade, and have since decided to stay on the Coffs Coast to service the local government and private sector projects. I think the future looks good for Coffs Harbour, with some exciting projects in the pipeline! Some of the industry trends we are seeing include the
The Civil Construction industry seems to be travelling well at the present moment, both around the state and on the Coffs Coast. The government is implementing some large infrastructure projects, probably headed by the current upgrade of the Pacific Highway along the North Coast.
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There are many important factors to running a successful business. I think the first few years are critical. You need to set goals and targets, have a good budget, look after your clients and have experienced people around you to help and guide you.
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advance in technology through the likes of GPS guidance systems. Such a system features the project design pre-loaded into an excavator or hand-held device, then the GPS can guide the operator through a monitor and sensors to achieve the levels etc. for the project, which results in better efficiency, accuracy and quality of the project. Machines are being constantly updated with new technology to help with further efficiencies and safety in the industry. There are also new products to help with the administration side. We have recently implemented a product called Assigner, which is an industry-specialised programme that allows communication from the employees to the employers via their smart phone. The technology allows the employees to submit their time sheets, complete safety forms, pre-starts, holiday request forms and many other functions as they need, cutting down paperwork and administration time. It also allows the
employer to keep employees updated with the company’s progress or essential communications. What’s the secret to success in reaching your 20-year milestone in business? That’s a very good question! I can tell you there are plenty of highs and lows in running a business, especially over a 20-year period and through a few different (and at times difficult) economic climates. There are many important factors to running a successful business. I think the first few years are critical. You need to set goals and targets, have a good budget, look after your clients and have experienced people around you to help and guide you. And usually balance plays an important role (or should). If you are like me, then at the time of building a business you are also trying to support a young family, so finding a balance is a great asset and lesson to learn early on. Employees are a huge part of the success of your business.
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I am lucky to have a great crew, most of whom have been have always found to be the best approach. Repeat, loyal with me for many years. I believe you need to have a good customers are key to a successful business and when relationship with them, keep open you are able to build a professional communication, listen to their ideas relationship on trust, this goes a long and work needs and encourage way to delivering successful projects. them to be involved in the day to To be able to maintain a successful day operations of the business. If business you also need to have a good Repeat, loyal customers your team are engaged, everyone financial and administration team around are key to a successful benefits. Trust is another great asset you. I have a great relationship with my business and when you are able to build a professional and needs to work both ways with financial accountant, Shaun Marshall relationship on trust, this your employees; look after them, from the Strategic Business Group. goes a long way to delivering and they will look after you! Shaun has a wealth of knowledge successful projects. Clients are obviously a crucial part and experience in driving a successful of the business. You need to be business. I regularly meet with him about able to satisfy their needs and work the forward direction of the business, as to their budget. Communicating he is a great business mentor. regularly with them and keeping Bookkeeping and keeping up with them involved with the different stages of the project I industry and government legislative changes is also
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important, so I have recently engaged the team at Admintechniqs in Coffs Harbour to take care of all aspects with that side of the business. I also wouldn’t be where I am today without the support of my wife, Tanya, who has taught me the importance of a balanced life. It’s not hard to be successful when your life partner is as motivated and hard working as her. Tanya always encourages and supports me in whatever I need to do, including having a bit of down time at the pub! Plus my parents, Norma and Garry, have been a constant support for me over the years, whom I will always be forever grateful to. My last word on success, would be to always be prepared for the tough times and
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Coffs Harbour is also very accessible to anywhere, with a great airport and the highway upgrades making road transport easier, safer and better.
make the most of the good times. What do you enjoy most about living on the Coffs Coast? How could you not love living here? Having grown up at Nambucca, we used to love visiting the big smoke for special occasions. I can remember Mum and Dad would bring us up on the occasional Friday nights to the Star Motel for their famous smorgasbord, then there was Henny Penny and KFC etc. And when I was older, with my friends and the night clubs! In the following years, it was more about the local Rugby League competition; there
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a great rivalry between Nambucca and Coffs. I remember playing at Brelsford Park on many occasions, and it wasn’t very often that you left without a few bruises, but also just as many great memories. It was from these experiences that I was able to form many relationships with the Coffs Harbour locals. So, when the decision was made to move to Coffs, it made the transition a lot easier. I found Coffs to be a great place for my children, Sarah and Scott, to grow up. The schools are very good; there was plenty for them to do. Coffs was a great platform for them, and they are now pursuing successful careers away from Coffs. Coffs Harbour is also very accessible to anywhere, with a great airport and the highway upgrades making road transport easier, safer and better. I have now lived in Coffs for 16 years - and apparently that still doesn’t make me a local yet - but it is definitely home for me. Thanks Alan.
I remember playing at Brelsford Park on many occasions, and it wasn’t very often that you left without a few bruises, but also just as many great memories. It was from these experiences that I was able to form many relationships with the Coffs Harbour locals. So, when the decision was made to move to Coffs, it made the transition a lot easier.
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