Roads & Infrastructure April 2019

APRIL 2019

& INFRASTRUCTURE

GOING THE DISTANCE Why spray sealing contractors are using SAMI Bitumen’s long-haul crumb rubber binder

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APRIL 2019 CONTENTS

& INFRASTRUCTURE Precast’s role in the Torrens Rail Junction project. Page 42.

UP FRONT

14 The rubber continues to hit the road

Demand for SAMI Bitumen’s long-haul crumb rubber binder continues to grow as more spray sealing contractors across Australia are using it for their binder of choice.

18 Building the skills for the future

The role major training hubs and initiatives play in upskilling Australia’s infrastructure industry and where the key challenges and opportunities are.

ASPHALT NEWS

22 AUS-SPEC: Making roads safer for rural communities

An overview of AUS-SPEC’s new Rural Roads specification package, which is bringing technical expertise to rural and regional councils Australia-wide.

26 Custom built for the industry

AAPA details its new partnership with LTT Group to scope and customise the MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques.

28 Nominations open for 2019 AAPA State Industry Awards

The State Industry Awards recognise the leaders, organisations and individuals leading the Australian flexible pavements industry.

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

30 The building blocks of progress

H ow one company is taking a sustainable approach to brick manufacturing, reusing clay sourced from Metro Tunnel’s Parkville Station.

32 The road to recovery

Alex Fraser has developed a world-first process to improve its recycling of glass fines and increase its supply of sustainable construction material to the market.

36 Enduring career

J acquie Hiller from BOC talks about how the gas and engineering organisation has reduced its carbon footprint and the sustainability initiatives driving change.

NATIONAL PRECAST

40 The latest news from National Precast Concrete Association Australia.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

44 Contracts – in brief

A n update on some of the major project contracts awarded and out to the market over the past month across the Australasian infrastructure sector.

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

46 Excellence in motion

To undertake foamed bitumen works on the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade, SEE Civil turned to Dynapac to find the right machinery for the job.

EVENTS

54 Engineering Thriving Communities

The IPWEA (Victoria)’s 2019 Public Works Conference will provide a key platform for public works professionals to discuss Victoria’s public infrastructure future.

57 Population growth focus of Queensland conference

The 10th Annual Queensland Transport Infrastructure Conference is set to address how the state’s infrastructure will cope with its population boom.

REGULARS

4 Editor’s note 6 News 58 Events diary

Read about the details of AAPA’s new partnership with LTT Group on page 26.

50 Performance under pressure

VEGA Australia’s new differential pressure transmitter helps bitumen manufacturers maintain safety standards by providing simultaneous pressure readings.

SAFETY

52 Safety with solar

Saferoads solar lights have been installed outside the Melbourne Cricket Ground to help improve safety and reduce carbon emissions. roadsonline.com.au

3

& INFRASTRUCTURE

PREPPING FOR THE FUTURE WITH YET ANOTHER MAJOR TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT MOVING one step closer to becoming a reality this March – following the Victorian and Australian Government sign-off on the Melbourne Airport Rail Link – the amount of skilled labour needed to deliver the projects earmarked for the next few years is significant.

Proactive steps in securing and upskilling future talent to work on these immense undertakings are already being taken through the establishment of dedicated training hubs on projects, such as NorthConnex and Metro Tunnel, to name a couple.

In this issue of Roads & Infrastructure Magazine, we look at the opportunities these major project training hubs present. We also look at the challenges when it comes to ensuring we have enough skilled labour to not only deliver these big infrastructure tasks at hand, but the projects of all sizes across the nation, now and into the future. Read the article on page 18.

We also take an in-depth look at some of the sustainable initiatives and innovations taking place in the infrastructure sector this issue, looking at SAMI Bitumen’s long-haul crumb rubber binder for spray sealing (page 14), how clay from Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel project is being reused to make bricks (page 30) and how Alex Fraser continues to improve its glass fines recycling process to deliver sustainable construction materials for the Australian infrastructure market (page 32).

It’s great to see the innovation and progress being made to reduce the industry’s environmental footprint, while continuing to improve safety and productivity in how we deliver the significant pipeline of infrastructure projects on the cards.

Finally, this edition of Roads & Infrastructure Magazine will be my last, as I move on to new opportunities. I’d like to take this chance to introduce the new Editor, Mike Wheeler. Mike is a highly experienced professional who has worked as a journalist and editor across a range of industrial publications.

It has been an absolute pleasure working within this fantastic industry. I’ve met so many amazing people who truly reflect just how progressive and exciting the Australian road and infrastructure sector really is.

I’m confident that Mike will thrive in the roads and infrastructure sector, and continue to facilitate engaging conversation around new projects, developments and innovations taking place across the industry. I wish Mike all the very best in leading Roads & Infrastructure Magazine into the future.

PUBLISHER Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au EDITOR Robbie Parkes robbie.parkes@primecreative.com.au JOURNALIST Holly Keys holly.keys@primecreative.com.au DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au ART DIRECTOR Blake Storey DESIGN Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Nick Markessinis nick.markessinis@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au HEAD OFFICE Prime Creative Pty Ltd 11-15 Buckhurst Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia p: +61 3 9690 8766 f: +61 3 9682 0044 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.roadsonline.com.au SUBSCRIPTIONS +61 3 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au Roads & Infrastructure Australia is available by subscription from the publisher. The rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher.

ARTICLES All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher.

The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

COPYRIGHT

Robbie Parkes Editor, Roads & Infrastructure Magazine

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ROADS APRIL 2019

Roads & Infrastructure Australia is owned and published

by Prime Creative Media. All material in Roads & Infrastructure Australia is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without the written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Roads & Infrastructure Australia are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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NEWS

INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA’S $58B PROJECT PIPELINE Infrastructure Australia has released its 2019 Infrastructure Priority List, which features a $58 billion project pipeline to help guide investment towards 121 nationally significant infrastructure projects.

This year’s publication features 25 new infrastructure proposals, with the 2019 Priority List identifying a total of eight High Priority Projects, 10 Priority Projects, 29 High Priority Initiatives and 74 Priority Initiatives.

The list was developed using data from the Australian Infrastructure Audit alongside more than 100 submissions from state and territory governments, industry and the community. It aims to provide all levels of government with a list of infrastructure investment opportunities for the near, medium and longer term.

Infrastructure Australia Chair Julieanne Alroe said the list was the most comprehensive and diverse list of

investments to meet the challenges of the future.

“The 2019 Priority List provides a credible pipeline of nationally significant proposals for governments at all levels to choose from. As an evidence-based list of opportunities to improve both our living standards and productivity, the Priority List reflects the diversity of Australia’s future infrastructure needs across transport, energy, water, communications, housing and education,” Ms. Alroe said.

“Many of the projects and potential infrastructure solutions identified in the 2019 Priority List respond to the challenges of population growth in our largest cities, and address the need for frequent and accessible public transport to reduce congestion and maintain Australia’s worldrenowned liveability.

“Congestion in our cities and faster-

growing regional centres not only has significant consequences for the Australian economy, but has direct impacts on communities, reducing people’s access to education, health services, employment and other opportunities.”

A number of the projects on the Priority List focus on getting the most out of infrastructure though the use of smart technology, such as intelligent transport systems. These include projects such as the Monash Freeway Upgrade Stage 2, the Regency Road to Pym Street section of Adelaide’s North-South Corridor and a proposal to improve the performance and efficiency of motorways in Sydney’s CBD. Road safety improvements were also highlighted as a national priority, with an expected increase in heavy vehicle freight vehicles on regional roads requiring an upgrade to the road infrastructure.

BORAL ANNOUNCES SENIOR EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS IN AUSTRALIA, NORTH AMERICA Boral has revealed changes to its senior executive team, including a new President & CEO of Boral Australia, which took effect at the beginning of March.

Joe Goss, then-Chief Executive Boral Australia, moved into a senior advisory role, reporting to Boral CEO & Managing Director Mike Kane.

Wayne Manners, then-Executive General Manager, Western Australia, Building Products & Major Projects, was named President & CEO Boral Australia.

Boral Executive General Manager

Wayne Manners will lead Boral Australia as its new President and CEO.

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ROADS APRIL 2019

Cement Ross Harper is now Group President Operations and will be responsible for Boral Australia and Boral North America as well as Group HS&E. Mr. Harper will be working closely with Mr. Manners and David Mariner (President & CEO Boral North America) in this new role.

Ros Ng, currently Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Chair of USG Boral, has an expanded role as Group President Ventures and CFO, which includes Group Strategy and M&A and broader responsibility for USG Boral and Meridian Brick joint ventures.

In addition to these key changes, Greg Price, Executive General Manager, New South Wales, for Boral Australia, took on an expanded role including responsibility for Boral’s Project Management Office, which manages major projects.

According to Boral, the moves aim to broaden leadership roles and responsibilities within the company as it looks to the future.

Commenting on Mr. Goss’ transition to

a senior advisory role, Mr. Kane thanked him for his commitment and leadership of Boral Australia over the past six years.

“Under Joe’s leadership, the division has delivered strong financial and safety improvements and has seen a strengthened organisational culture including a clear commitment to safety, customers and continuous improvement,” he said.

Mr. Kane said the executive changes recognise the skills, capabilities and track record of key executives to deliver value to the Boral business and its shareholders.

“This is an important evolution in our successful senior executive development program, which has been in place for several years. It is about ensuring Boral is well positioned around executive capability today and in the future, and that we are prepared for an orderly succession of the CEO role in the coming years.”

The Boral Board said it expects that Mr. Kane will continue in the role as Boral’s CEO & Managing Director for another two to three years.

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ROADS APRIL 2019

NEWS

INFRASTRUCTURE WA BILL ENTERS STATE PARLIAMENT Legislation to establish Infrastructure WA (IWA) was introduced to the Western Australian Parliament in February, with the organisation’s chair-designate now also appointed.

The legislation will establish IWA as a statutory authority that will advise the state government on the region’s infrastructure needs and priorities.

It will also ensure the state’s long-term infrastructure priorities are informed by independent advice and foster a bipartisan approach and greater collaboration between the government, community and industry.

John Langoulant AO has been appointed as the IWA chair-designate to assist with the establishment and early operation of Infrastructure WA. Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan welcomed the next step for IWA and Mr. Langoulant’s appointment.

“IWA will change how we plan and deliver infrastructure and will set our state up for the long term,” he said.

“The State Infrastructure Strategy will build on our existing infrastructure plans for the State, including the first stages of METRONET, and outline a vision over a 20-year horizon.

“I welcome John Langoulant to the position of Infrastructure WA chair-

designate and have confidence he will provide the necessary leadership to get IWA up and running.”

IWA’s immediate task will be to develop a 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy that will identify WA’s long-term infrastructure requirements and recommend significant projects and programs to meet those needs.

The organisation’s other roles include:

assessing and reporting on major government infrastructure proposals before investment decisions are made; providing advice on infrastructure priorities, and funding and financing options; and coordinating the state’s submissions to Infrastructure Australia.

An expression of interest will be released in coming months to select other board members.

IWA’s immediate task will be to establish a 20-year State Infrastructure Strategy.

SNOWY HYDRO 2.0 APPROVED, PROGRESSES TO EARLY WORKS Snowy Hydro 2.0 has been officially approved by the Federal Government and is expected to create 2400 construction jobs over the life of the billion-dollar project.

The project will expand upon the Snowy Mountains Scheme and aims to make renewables reliable, reduce volatility and drive affordability in energy markets.

It will increase energy generation capacity by 2000 megawatts and provide 175 hours of energy storage, which is enough to power the equivalent of 500,000 homes during peak hours.

Following the Snowy Hydro Board’s final investment decision in December 2018, the Federal Government reviewed the projects business case and is satisfied with the projects aims and benefits.

The Federal Government will commit up to $1.38 billion in an equity investment for Snowy 2.0, with the remainder to be financed by Snowy Hydro Limited.

It will support around 5000 direct and indirect jobs across the Snowy Mountains region, providing opportunities for local businesses, improvements to local

infrastructure and increased economic activity to the region.

Planning for the Snowy Hydro 2.0 project is well advanced, with the Government’s approval allowing the project to progress to the early works stage.

The decision build on the investment in Snowy Hydro following the acquisition from the New South Wales and Victorian Governments on 29 June 2018 and a new $56 million investment in the Marinus Link to support Tasmania’s Battery of the Nation project. roadsonline.com.au

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NEWS

CONSTRUCTION SUBCONTRACTOR ASSOCIATIONS ANNOUNCE MERGER The Australian Subcontractors Association (ASA) and Subcontractors WA (SWA) have joined forces and will now represent over 50,000 subcontractors in Australia.

The merger was spearheaded by ASA board member and previous Chairwoman of Subcontractors WA Louise Stewart and ASA Chairman Paul Williams.

“This is a fragmented industry and the merger will help prepare it for the future,” Ms. Stewart said.

“With a federal election looming, we need to be prepared for any eventuality.

This merger will give our members a much stronger voice in Canberra as well in the states and territories.”

The ASA in a statement asserted that there are a number of challenges facing the construction industry over the next year and the organisation needs to be prepared to face them head on.

Ms. Stewart said the biggest issues for the construction industry include delayed and non-payment due to high levels of insolvency, unfair contractual conditions and changes to the industrial relations laws.

“Small businesses in the sector are already on their knees as a result of over $3 billion lost in non-payment due to insolvencies every year. We need payment protections, not more instability. Given our members make up over 82 per cent of the industry, it is time for them to assert their dominant position in the industry.”

According to the joint statement, Subcontractors WA has experienced rapid growth over the past 12 months due to the

The two organisations will now jointly represent over 50,000 subcontractors.

high number of construction insolvencies in WA, in addition to the advocacy work done

by Ms. Stewart on reform for better payment protections for subcontractors in WA and across Australia.

“We recognise and support the significant achievements made by Louise Stewart in advocating for fairer payment process and the introduction of cascading deemed statutory trusts across the industry,” Mr. Williams said.

“Louise has a very deep understanding of the industry and the complexities of the construction laws across the country.

She has been an active participant on the Commonwealth Government’s Security of Payment Review and in assisting state governments on reform.”

Ms. Stewart said it’s also crucial that

there are consistent laws across the country based on current laws in place in the eastern states.

“A subcontractor in WA should not be waiting 42 days to get paid when the law stipulates payment in 20 days in NSW,” she said.

“Subcontractors in the construction industry are often family-run, small businesses; we do not need to see an increase in levels of unlawful activity.

The impact could be enormous. We are advocating for more transparency, collaboration, better regulation and enforcement in the construction industry – elements that are sadly lacking. Any attempt to remove what basic regulation exists without an attempt to replace it in another way would be detrimental.”

VICROADS ANNOUNCES NEW CEO VicRoads has appointed Robyn Seymour as its new CEO, with Michael Malouf stepping down from the role at the beginning of March.

Mr. Malouf was asked to step into the Chief Executive position on a short-term basis last year.

He said it was time to move on after achieving his key objective of guiding the organisation through significant 10

ROADS APRIL 2019

organisational changes.

“It’s been a privilege to lead an organisation full of dedicated people who are passionate about delivering for the Victorian community,” he said.

Ms. Seymour will step into the role after working at the road authority for over a decade.

Ms. Seymour said she was excited to build on the capability and capacity of the

organisation.

“Our remit has never been clearer – to manage and operate a high-performing road network that supports Victorian communities.

“We’re now equipped with the organisational structure to achieve this and I want to thank Michael Malouf for his work laying a solid groundwork for us to succeed,” she said.

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NEWS

BILLION-DOLLAR FUNDING PACKAGE FOR NSW REGIONAL ROADS AND TIMBER BRIDGES The New South Wales government has announced a package of $1 billion to repair timber bridges and reclaim up to 15,000 kilometres of council-owned regional roads.

The funding package intends to clear the council roads maintenance backlog and enable rapid improvements to regional roads and bridges.

The package, which was announced by Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda

Pavey, includes the establishment of a Fixing Local Roads program and a Fixing Country Bridges program, each worth $500 million.

“This unprecedented funding commitment will change the face of road ownership in NSW and remove the heavy burden from our local ratepayers,” Mr. Barilaro said.

Deteriorating timber bridges are one of the largest ongoing costs for regional councils in NSW. “Regional councils currently maintain

over 1800 timber bridges.

“Through the $500 million Fixing Country Bridges Program councils will be asked to nominate bridges that are currently rated in poor condition to be included in the fund,” Ms. Pavey said.

The Fixing Local Roads program will work similarly, asking councils to apply for grants to repair, patch and seal priority local roads.

An independent expert panel designed to oversee the asset transfer process was also announced.

The funding package intends to clear the council roads maintenance backlog.

DOWNER DELIVERS AUSTRALIA’S FIRST FULLY RECYCLED ROAD In an Australia-first, City of Adelaide has partnered with Downer to construct a road made completely from recycled material.

The recycled road is made of reclaimed asphalt pavement from local streets and recycled vegetable oil.

The asphalt mix was processed through Downer’s state-of-the-art asphalt plant in Wingfield, before being laid on Chatham Street in the city’s south-west.

Downer’s General Manager – Pavements Stuart Billing said the event demonstrates the importance of partnerships.

“Together with City of Adelaide, we have set a new benchmark in achieving sustainable solutions, The 100 per cent recycled road saves up to 65 per cent CO2e emissions when mixed at a lower temperature (warm mix asphalt), compared

to standard asphalt made with virgin materials,” he said.

“Our Australia-first 100 per cent recycled asphalt is about 25 per cent stronger than standard asphalt, which means it will be able to better resist deformation.”

Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor said the demonstration aligns with the council’s ambition to becoming a leading green, liveable and creative city.

“The project originates from a Motion on Notice brought to council last year, which asked the administration to seek to maximise the amount of recycled material used within our roads,” she said.

“At around the same cost as the standard process, the recycled road is costeffective and, as we’re recycling our own materials, it has a great benefit to the environment.”

The asphalt mix used was processed through Downer’s asphalt plant in Wingfield, South Australia.

roadsonline.com.au

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THE RUBBER CONTINUES

TO HIT THE ROAD DEMAND FOR SAMI BITUMEN’S LONG-HAUL CRUMB RUBBER BINDER CONTINUES TO GROW AS MORE SPRAY SEALING CONTRACTORS ACROSS AUSTRALIA ARE USING IT FOR THEIR BINDER OF CHOICE.

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UP FRONT

C

Spraying SAMI’s long-haul S45R product near Quilpie in Queensland after a 1000-kilometre haulage.

rumb rubber has been used in spray seal binders in Australia since the 1970s, and is continuously being explored across the country by producers and contractors alike as a costeffective maintenance treatment.

As a material derived from end-of-life tyres, crumb rubber boasts a number of environmental benefits as a recycled product – benefits that are being realised across the Australian roads and infrastructure sector.

SAMI Bitumen has been leading technological innovations in the sector for nearly 40 years, and has established itself as a staunch player in the national bitumen market. One of its most recent accomplishments has been the development of its long-haul S45R crumb rubber binder, which overcomes traditional challenges around material transportation across long distances and is helping increase the uptake of the sustainable material.

The binder has been specially formulated so that it remains more storage stable during prolonged heating and transport from the factory to the point of use.

SAMI’s Technical Services Manager Iulian Man says previously, the use of preblended crumb rubber binder was limited to a short distance from the point of manufacture.

“SAMI’s new crumb rubber binder technology allows the preblended binder to be transported over thousands of kilometres without any degradation or settlement problems. This was proved again more recently with the use of SAMI’s S45R binder on two large rural reseal contracts in Queensland and Western Australia,” Mr. Man explains.

Approximately 1500 tonnes of S45R binder was supplied to Colas’ spray sealing crew for a project in the Western Region of Queensland – located over 1000 kilometres away from SAMI’s Brisbane plant.

“The typical transport and heating time for each delivery to the work site was 27 hours. No problems were experienced with rubber settlement in the road tankers

SAMI’S NEW CRUMB RUBBER BINDER TECHNOLOGY ALLOWS THE PREBLENDED BINDER TO BE TRANSPORTED OVER THOUSANDS OF KILOMETRES WITHOUT ANY DEGRADATION OR SETTLEMENT PROBLEMS. or changes in the binder properties at the point of use,” he says.

Similarly, 5000 tonnes of S45R was supplied to Boral for a reseal contract in the Goldfields region near Kalgoorlie and Esperance from SAMI’s Freemantle binder plant in Western Australia without any problems.

Mr. Man says the use of preblended long haul crumb rubber binder is a win-win for all stakeholders, from the surfacing contractor to the asset owner and the environment. “The supply of preblended crumb rubber modified binder over long distance negates for the need to carry out field blending at the point of use,” he says.

“Contractors also prefer to use crumb rubber modified binder because it improves the early stone retention in the newly constructed spray seal.”

This means that the new spray sealed surface can be swept and opened to traffic much sooner compared with other binder

Fast fact: Australia generates around 56 million end-of-life passenger car tyres each year, with many ending up in landfill, illegally dumped or exported overseas. These tyres contain resources which can be utilised by tyre recyclers to create many different types of products, such as rubberised asphalt and spray seal.

roadsonline.com.au

15

types,reducing the risk of stone wipe-off.

The natural rubber and polymer in the tyres are very effective for improving the elastic properties of the bitumen, which is good for sealing cracks in the pavement. The carbon black in the rubber is an antioxidant, which helps improve the durability of the binder, providing a much longer life to the seal.

SAMI’s General Manager Sebastien Chatard says there are also big benefits to the environment in reusing the rubber from end-of-life tyres. SAMI’s crumb rubber binder, for instance, is produced from rubber buffings recovered from used truck tyres.

Spreading and rolling aggregate of the freshly sprayed long-haul S45R at Quilpie in Queensland.

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THE NATURAL RUBBER AND POLYMER IN THE TYRES ARE VERY EFFECTIVE FOR IMPROVING THE ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF THE BITUMEN, WHICH IS GOOD FOR SEALING CRACKS IN THE PAVEMENT. THE CARBON BLACK IN THE RUBBER IS AN ANTIOXIDANT, WHICH HELPS IMPROVE THE DURABILITY OF THE BINDER, PROVIDING A MUCH LONGER LIFE TO THE SEAL. “In 2018 this amounted to 658,000 equivalent passenger car tyres being saved from ending up in landfills,” he says. “Australia generates about 56 million equivalent passenger car tyres per annum.

So, SAMI is doing its bit by helping to reuse the rubber in these tyres to modify

the properties of the bitumen.

“By reusing the rubber from end-of-life tyres we are reducing the demand for importing more expensive polymers to modify bitumen, providing a more durable and longer lasting road surfacing and keeping old tyres out of landfills.”

UP FRONT

SIX

TY Y

NNIVERSAR EARS A Y EV

60

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Y EARS ANNIVERSARY

Victoria

roadsonline.com.au

17

BUILDING THE SKILLS

FOR THE FUTURE ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE LOOKS AT THE ROLE MAJOR TRAINING HUBS AND INITIATIVES PLAY IN UPSKILLING AUSTRALIA’S INFRASTRUCTURE INDUSTRY AND WHERE THE KEY CHALLENGES AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE.

C

omplete with a replica tunnel, three multi-purpose engineering workrooms and training facilities – not to mention tunnel shaft and concrete lining spray simulation – Melbourne’s proposed $16 million tunnelling training centre sounds like an ideal location to learn the ins and outs of tunnel construction in Australia.

In August last year, the Victorian Government announced the new tunnelling centre, to be located at the Holmesglen Institute’s Drummond Street campus in Chadstone and modelled after the Tunnelling and Underground Construction Academy set up as part of London Crossrail.

The state anticipates that by 2021 up to 5000 students will participate in trainee courses at the new centre each year, helping up-skill thousands of local workers required to build some of the state’s major

transport infrastructure projects.

With works underway for the West Gate Tunnel and Metro Tunnel projects, as well as the North East Link, Melbourne Airport Rail Link and Suburban Rail Loop on the horizon, the provision of such training centres may very well set the standard for training and upskilling in Australia’s infrastructure sector.

But Victoria is not alone in its quest to empower local labour through such training centres based around major projects. In February this year, the Western Australian Government announced its intentions to transform the Midland TAFE campus into a specialist training facility to equip locals with the skills to build METRONET projects.

Specifically, the proposed METRONET Trade Training Centre will provide a specialist training hub that provides the technical and support skills for CYP D&C Cadets kickstart their career in construction on the Metro Tunnel Project.

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railcar manufacturing and METRONET maintenance.

Likewise, the NorthConnex Training Hub, set up as part of the $3 billion project in New South Wales, was established to help develop and upskill the labour in the civil construction market required for the project and beyond.

With myriad training hubs being established alongside major transport infrastructure projects around Australia, Roads & Infrastructure Magazine seeks to understand the key benefits they bring as well as the other opportunities and challenges out there in ensuring there is enough skilled labour to build Australia’s infrastructure future.

BUILDING THE METRO TUNNEL MetroHub – a project-specific employment, training and industry connection centre for the Metro Tunnel Project’s tunnels and stations package – is one such centre at the forefront.

Launched in July last year by Victorian Minister for Industry and Employment Ben Carroll, MetroHub is a centre for providing career pathways, industry training and employment opportunities on the Metro Tunnel.

The centre is a partnership between the project’s tunnels and stations contractor CYP Design and Construction (CYP D&C) – a consortium comprising Lendlease, John Holland and Bouygues Construction – and Holmesglen Institute.

MetroHub Manager Lexie Walter says the centre facilitates a full project induction, construction induction white card training and other project-required accredited training.

UP FRONT

“It provides upskilling opportunities for people working on the project, from entry level training certificates through to advanced leadership and development courses,” Ms. Walter explains. This includes the support for the project’s subcontractors and suppliers through sourcing candidates and providing training.

The training hub also places emphasis on opportunities for priority job seekers by working through partners such as Holmesglen’s Skills and Jobs Centre, Whitelion, CareerSeekers and the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre.

“More than 500 apprentices, trainees and engineering cadets working on the project will study and train at MetroHub in programs designed to support the development of young people looking for a career in construction,” Ms. Walter says.

For instance, its Professional Pathway Program is a partnership between CYP D&C, Holmesglen and Whitelion – an

organisation that works with youth at risk – with quality training provided through Holmesglen Institute. It provides young people with pathway traineeships in business. As part of this, trainees also receive life skills training, employment, personal and study support to provide them with an opportunity to develop a career.

Ms. Walter says work is also being done through the Holmesglen Skills and Jobs Centre to prioritise ex automotive industry workers to transfer their skills into relative roles on the Metro Tunnel project.

Likewise, MetroHub’s Cadet Program supports local university students to build a career in construction and engineering.

The cadets spend their summer and winter university breaks working with CYP D&C gaining on-the-job experience while receiving training and support through professional development and coaching.

“To date, CYP D&C cadets have worked

140,000 hours, gaining practical on-the-job experience and giving their career a head start while they complete their university studies,” Ms. Walter explains.

Overall, more than 3500 people have already been inducted on the Metro Tunnel project, including more than 400 apprentices, trainees and cadets with MetroHub playing an important role.

Ms. Walter says the centre has conducted 4700 training events (or 18,000 hours in training) and more than 270 priority jobseekers have worked on the project to date.

“MetroHub is playing an important role in upskilling the next generation of construction and engineering professionals through providing pathways onto the project, and training and career development,” Ms. Walter states. “It also supports people wanting to upskill, advance and retrain while working on the state’s biggest ever infrastructure project.”

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19

GOLD MEMBER

EMPOWERING THE NEXT GENERATION Tanja Conners, Executive Director Knowledge and Partnerships at Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA), says major training hubs are an excellent way to upskill the industry to deliver these significant transport infrastructure projects, and similar structures and systems need to extend to other parts of the pavements and civil construction sector. “One of the biggest issues we face at the moment is a skills shortage and how we can bring new people into the market instead of rotating old blood from job to job,” she explains.

Transferring knowledge and expertise to the next generation is the key here, she adds, but doing so on the job is vital, and needs to occur across the industry not just on major projects.

She says large organisations in the sector can provide great pathways for their staff and the training hubs on projects especially help workers from other sectors move into the industry; however, there needs to be consistency across the board.

“Everyone wants skilled people, but more often than not they’re unwilling to pay to train them.” What ends up happening is that all the knowledge and skills a business has is kept internally. “Companies are working to avoid those time penalties on projects, so they want people who can drop in and do the job straight away. But this means that at the end of a project a younger staff member might only come out with shovel The Metro Tunnel Project is Victoria’s biggest ever public infrastructure project, creating more than 7000 jobs.

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ROADS APRIL 2019

A major issue faced in the industry is a skills shortage and how new people can be brought into the market.

and broom skills, without having had the opportunity to learn about other facets of the organisation.” Ms. Conners explains.

Part of the challenge in upskilling the civil construction and flexible pavements sector, not only lies in appropriate training and maintaining a high level of industry skills and knowledge, but also showing a sustainable, enjoyable and prosperous career path.

“What needs to be done to actively get them into the industry is for Australia to adopt the same sort of training system that Germany has,” Ms. Conners asserts.

She says the German system gives those opting not to attend university the opportunity to go to technical college where students are able to spend a significant amount of work experience with an industry organisation, rotating through different parts of the business as part of that process.

“They’re not just out there holding up a

road sign, they’re seeing all different aspects of the organisation and industry through their work experience. You’re coming out of work experience not just having handled a broom or shovel,” she says.

“There are a lot of career pathways available, even through that traditional way of starting as a labourer and working up through to management, and then even on to graduate accreditation.”

Some organisations in the industry are taking up the challenge themselves, including an AAPA member company in Western Australia. “They started looking at reintroducing their own training scheme – working with a school and technical college. One day a week the students go through a few related subjects at the technical college on bituminous surfacing and civil construction. Then they go on to do work experience with the company during the school holidays,” Ms. Conners says, adding that 13 students have already

UP FRONT

gone through the first round of the scheme.

Similar initiatives are being developed across the sector, that aim to help bridge that skills gap in delivering these major projects, especially those that don’t have a dedicated training hub.

Debbie Reynolds, Director – Industry Initiatives & Engagement from RMIT University’s School of Vocational Engineering, Health & Science, is leading the development of a new initiative to get people work-ready for projects in the civil construction and pavements industry.

The Victorian Government-funded project aims to move away from the idea of qualifications. Rather, it’s about getting unemployed people “work ready”.

“The state is going to have to upskill an enormous amount of people so we have enough people employed in major projects across Victoria,” Ms. Reynolds explains. “Right now, most of these people aren’t going need to be trained in full qualifications, but the challenge is about getting them work ready.”

The initiative is earmarked for a pilot launch in mid-2019 to coincide with major

infrastructure construction works ramping up in Victoria in 2020, including on the Metro Tunnel.

The project is targeting those interested in moving into the pavements and civil construction space, including those transitioning their skills from another industrial setting.

A group of candidates would be selected for the program and continue to the next stage of training, which involves achieving accredited units and means they also have a pathway towards a graduate qualification. Once complete, the successful candidates will then go through to an interview-type process to make sure they’re prepared to enter the industry with the skills they need to succeed. “The end game is getting them into a job,” she adds.

To help ensure candidates in the program can eventually find employment, Ms. Reynolds says discussions are underway with industry partners and building interest around the scheme, particularly with organisations in the flexible pavements and civil construction sectors, including AAPA. Besides the big-name infrastructure

projects like the Metro Tunnel, Ms. Reynolds says there is the question surrounding other infrastructure works taking place across Victoria and Australia and the skilled labour that is required to deliver it.

“Even when the projects end, they need to go somewhere, so we still offer a pathway from an education perspective.

We want to ensure participants have an educational pathway as well as an employment outcome. They may want to continue into an apprenticeship or into higher education and complete a bachelors degree from doing those early accredited units,” Ms. Reynolds explains.

She says now is a really crucial time for investment in upskilling Victoria’s labour market at volume, particularly with the number of major projects underway or commencing across the state. “It’s a trial for the Victorian Government too.

They’ve recognised a real need for this, which is why they’re funding the training component of it – they understand the need for these projects, especially in the future.”

NEW ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT APP COMING SOON Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) is a new application of the National Telematics Framework.

RIM introduces a new way of collecting road use data through telematics, which can improve road maintenance, planning and investment decisions.

Heavy vehicle operators will soon have an opportunity to opt in to the RIM app.

Through RIM, road infrastructure managers can: • Get de-identified telematics data about heavy vehicle use on the road network • Make better investment decisions on road use through specialised reports

Vehicle data to TCA TCA de-identifies vehicle data TCA publishes road use reports

• Have a single point of access for valuable telematics road use data.

Visit TCA’s website for further information: www.tca.gov.au/new-applications Look out for more information on RIM, or talk to us – call TCA directly on (03) 8601 4600. roadsonline.com.au 21

AUS-SPEC Rural Roads includes four new specifications for geometric road design and pavement design for sealed and unsealed roads.

AUS-SPEC: MAKING ROADS SAFER FOR RURAL COMMUNITIES EMMA GREEN FROM NATSPEC PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF AUS-SPEC’S NEW RURAL ROADS SPECIFICATION PACKAGE, WHICH IS BRINGING TECHNICAL EXPERTISE TO RURAL AND REGIONAL COUNCILS AUSTRALIA-WIDE.

O

ver half of all road accidents in Australia occur on rural and regional roads. Safety is paramount on all roads. For road authorities, road management is an important responsibility – and a serious challenge.

Roads are a local government’s most significant asset. Rural and regional local councils need a reliable, efficient resource to help them design, construct, maintain and operate their roads to a high standard, in a sustainable manner.

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ROADS APRIL 2019

Sealed and unsealed local roads are dynamic systems affected by traffic, environment, road profile and material characteristics. Material and techniques for the placement of material are the only elements that can be controlled and improved.

AUS-SPEC’s new Rural Roads package brings technical expertise to rural and regional councils nationwide, supporting them in the management of their largest asset.

AUS-SPEC is a joint venture between NATSPEC and the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia to provide the national local government specification system. It is an essential tool for resourcepoor rural councils.

The Rural Roads package is intended for staff members and contractors in engineering services, environmental services, asset management and maintenance management. Designing road networks requires in-depth knowledge

ASPHALT NEWS

of geometric road design, pavement design, the expected traffic volume, available material resources and impact of environmental factors. AUS-SPEC Rural Roads works across all these areas, providing the insight needed to improve roads’ safety and structural integrity.

The AUS-SPEC Rural Roads specification includes editable worksection templates, documentation and guidelines for planning, design, tendering, contracting, preliminaries, construction, operation and maintenance.

AUS-SPEC is especially useful for improving the sustainability of road assets as it embeds these requirements in worksections and reference documents, including the new design reference and checklists and construction reference and schedules, as well as TECHguides, TECHnotes and TECHreports.

Unsealed road performance is more easily affected by materials and environmental factors, and AUS-SPEC Rural Roads addresses this with four new specifications

P L A N T

.

for geometric road design and pavement design for sealed and unsealed roads.

TECHreport TR08 Management of council gravel pits in country areas – a case study – explains how blending gravels from marginal gravel pits can produce unsealed roads without any defects. The case study of Lachlan Shire Council in this TECHreport gives a practical example of how to improve the management of council gravel pits in country areas. Projects in Cassowary Coast Regional Council in Queensland, where road maintenance intervention times were extended from three months to three years, and the Shire of Albany in WA have already been successful. In the Shire of Albany, improved gravel blending for unsealed roads reduced potholes and water penetration to zero, reduced maintenance grading from every week to twice a year and extended resheeting intervention times from every three to five years to every 10 to 15 years. This creates a significant whole-oflife cost saving.

E Q U I P M E N T

.

P A R T S

.

UNSEALED ROAD PERFORMANCE IS MORE EASILY AFFECTED BY MATERIALS AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS, AND AUS-SPEC RURAL ROADS ADDRESSES THIS WITH FOUR NEW SPECIFICATIONS FOR GEOMETRIC ROAD DESIGN AND PAVEMENT DESIGN FOR SEALED AND UNSEALED ROADS.

AUS-SPEC construction worksections provide better quality control, environmental management and integrated management. New worksections include rural concrete bases and the wearing courses, bases and subbases of unsealed roads. Existing worksections, including stabilisation, flexible pavements and sprayed seals, have been updated for rural councils. Councils that engage contractors will find these particularly helpful. The new

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construction TECHnote GEN026 Otta seal – a different approach to road sealing – supports these new specifications, outlining the use of Otta seal for low traffic volume unsealed gravel roads.

The Rural Roads package’s Design reference and checklists and Construction reference and schedules are a major advantage. The design checklists provide a record of design processes and design requirements. The customisable checklists can include project-specific criteria, flexibility that is also offered by the AUSSPEC construction schedules. These include material selection schedules, summaries of hold points and witness points, maximum lot sizes and test frequencies. The reference documents provide essential quality requirements for regional and rural councils.

AUS-SPEC Rural Roads incorporates scientific technology to extend intervention times and enable road operation at optimal maintenance investment. The new TECHnote GEN027 maintenance of unsealed roads assists local road authorities in maintaining low volume unsealed gravel roads. AUS-SPEC maintenance worksections, such as 1602 Maintenance schedules – road reserve, help councils record asset inspections, program and

The package also includes the new TECHnote GEN027 maintenance of unsealed roads.

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ROADS APRIL 2019

SERVING AS A COMMON LANGUAGE, AUS-SPEC BENEFITS CONTRACTORS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENGINEERS. IT PROMOTES BEST PRACTICE AND CREATES A NATIONAL FRAMEWORK FOR MANAGING LOCAL GOVERNMENT INFRASTRUCTURE AND ASSETS. THIS MAKES COLLABORATION AND CONTRACTING FAR EASIER. prioritise works and prepare monthly ‘works-as-executed’ reports. These improve asset inventory and maintenance history and provide necessary records for defence against litigation.

The comprehensive specifications, technical documents, checklists, references and schedules assist councils that lack inhouse engineering expertise.

To simplify the documentation process, subscribers have access to SPECbuilder, NATSPEC’s online specification compiler.

AUS-SPEC provides an annual update service in response to changes to regulations, standards, industry practices

and the evolving needs of subscribers.

Serving as a common language, AUS-SPEC benefits contractors and local government engineers. It promotes best practice and creates a national framework for managing local government infrastructure and assets.

This makes collaboration and contracting far easier.

Protecting roads means protecting livelihoods and lives. With the Rural Roads package, councils can ensure that they are proactively managing their road assets and providing safe infrastructure to their communities. AUS-SPEC should be used as an essential technical resource for delivering sustainable local government projects of exceptional quality.

AUS-SPEC is developed by industry, for industry. It is managed by NATSPEC, a not-for-profit, Government- and industryowned organisation. NATSPEC maintains the National Building Specification for Australia and has been a valued part of the construction industry for over 40 years.

For more AUS-SPEC information, case studies and resources, visit www.natspec.com.au.

Australian Asphalt Pavement Association

State Industry Awards Nominations Open

Gunther Breindl

Downer Infrastructure

Winner of 2018 Road Work of the Year Award

Carlos Solis-Navarro Winner of 2018 Emerging Leader Award

Downer Group

Nigel Preston

Tony Aloisio

Winner of 2018 Innovation Award

Winner of 2018 Safety Initiative Award

Winner of 2018 Industry Leadership Award

Industry Award presentation dinner dates: South Australia: Tasmania: Western Australia: Queensland: New South Wales: Victoria: To book your table: www.aapa.asn.au/events/

17th May 24th May 7th June 14th June 21st June 28th June

Winner of 2018 Outstanding Project Award

Nomination submission closing dates: 26th April 3rd May 17th May 24th May 31st May 7th June

South Australia Tasmania Western Australia Queensland: New South Wales Victoria To nominate someone: www.aapa.asn.au/events/

1

CUSTOM BUILT FOR

THE INDUSTRY

AUSTRALIAN ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION PROVIDES DETAILS OF ITS NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH LTT GROUP TO SCOPE AND CUSTOMISE THE MSL40118 CERTIFICATE IV IN LABORATORY TECHNIQUES. One of the project’s aims was to allow for consistent reporting to VicRoads and other large project managers.

W

ith the rise in infrastructure works across Australia contributing to a sharp increase in demand for the asphalt industry, the need for thorough testing and comprehensive quality control is greater than ever before.

Historically, the training needs of Australia’s growing asphalt and flexible 26

ROADS APRIL 2019

pavement sector has not been addressed, leaving employers calling out for a tailored laboratory training solution to more effectively manage risk, bolster safety and avoid costly errors.

In particular, members of Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) – Australia’s pre-eminent asphalt industry body – have reiterated the failure of

laboratory operations training packages to adequately address the central components of the trade, including the sampling, handling, grading, testing and measurement of asphalt and related products.

In an effort to redress the situation, AAPA approached LTT Group, a specialist training organisation in the laboratory space, to scope and customise the

MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques – a widely applicable qualification for the industry.

The project was embarked upon with the following aims: • To use the partnership as an opportunity for industry to have input on a niche qualification that is normally either not fully customised or economically viable to customise for each cohort • To enhance the quality of lab tests across multiple sites upon successful rollout of the qualification • To allow for consistent reporting to VicRoads and other large project managers • To benefit the industry as a whole, and contribute to the construction of safe and sustainable future roads • To ensure that AAPA’s members are kept up-to-date with the changing industry

IN AN EFFORT TO REDRESS THE SITUATION, AAPA APPROACHED LTT GROUP, A SPECIALIST TRAINING ORGANISATION IN THE LABORATORY SPACE, TO SCOPE AND CUSTOMISE THE MSL40118 CERTIFICATE IV IN LABORATORY TECHNIQUES – A WIDELY APPLICABLE QUALIFICATION, FOR THE INDUSTRY.

landscape.

The result: a custom-built solution for the asphalt industry.

As part of the joint undertaking, AAPA members were able to contribute and subsequently endorse the training product.

LTT Group’s MSL40118 Certificate IV in Laboratory Techniques with a specialisation in construction materials testing is a nationally recognised qualification that covers the skills and knowledge required to perform a range of laboratory techniques to conduct

sampling and tests in the asphalt industry.

LTT Group works in strategic partnerships with key industry bodies to develop scalable training models supporting and progressing business growth. The training is designed to help develop a smarter, more engaged workforce, increasing staff retention and efficacy.

Using applied research to solve real world industry and business productivity challenges, LTT Group facilitates the translation of technical excellence into practical outcomes.

Supporting Partner

roadsonline.com.au

27

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR 2019 AAPA STATE INDUSTRY

AWARDS

AUSTRALIAN ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION IS NOW ACCEPTING NOMINATIONS FOR THIS YEAR’S STATE INDUSTRY AWARDS, WHICH RECOGNISE THE LEADERS, ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS LEADING THE AUSTRALIAN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS INDUSTRY.

T

he best of the best in the flexible pavements sector are once again set to be recognised at the peak industry awards, the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) State Industry Awards.

Taking place across the nation over the course of the year, the 2019 instalment of the annual awards will see the best in class acknowledge across eight competitive categories.

Nomination are now open for the state awards, held in South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria.

The awards categories are as follows, and outline the key criteria for nominees.

2019 FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS FIELD WORKERS OF THE YEAR AWARD Nominations are called for both an individual female and male flexible pavement field worker, within the flexible pavement industry, who has demonstrated outstanding onsite performance of: • Delivering high quality production outcomes and workmanship • A strong focus and commitment to safety and safety awareness throughout all activities • Possessing strong customer service outcomes • Being a positive role model, providing guidance and advice to peers and the team 28

ROADS APRIL 2019

in delivering the works • Teamwork and initiative.

• Interaction and participation with other industry stakeholders.

2019 GRADUATE/CADET AWARD Nominations are called for both an individual female and male with less than 3 years’ experience within the flexible pavement industry who has demonstrated development in the following: • Leadership potential and leadership skills across an organisation and industry • Seeking to progress positive outcomes over and above their normal role for their organisation and industry as a whole • Interaction with other industry stakeholders and participation in, and contribution to, the Association beyond their normal role.

2019 OUTSTANDING PROJECT AWARD Nominations are called for an AAPA member organisation or organisation within the flexible pavement industry who has partnered with an AAPA member organisation who has delivery a project demonstrating the following criteria: • Excellence and outstanding quality outcomes in the delivery of a flexible pavement or associated project in Australia • Excellence and quality outcomes achieved for the client • Developed and/or delivered improvements in design, processes, systems, software and/

2019 EMERGING LEADER AWARD Nominations are called for both an individual female and male under the age of 35 and with less than 10 years’ experience within the flexible pavements industry who has demonstrated the following: • Outstanding leadership and contribution to the flexible pavement industry and the association beyond their normal role • Leadership across their organisation • Delivered improvements in operations from self-directed action • Notable outcomes achieved within and for their organisation and industry as a whole

Nomination submissions for the 2019 AAPA State Industry Awards close on the following dates: South Australia – 26 April Tasmania – 3 May Western Australia – 17 May Queensland – 24 May New South Wales – 31 May Victoria – 7 June To submit a nomination, go to: www.aapa.asn.au/2019-state-andnational-awards-nominations

or products utilised • Positive interaction with the client and/or the community and onsite team to ensure on time and on budget delivery of the project/outcome • Notable and demonstrated benefits for the client/community resulting from the delivered project • This nomination will require a referee to endorse the outcomes addressed as part of the criteria.

2019 INNOVATION AWARD Nominations are called for an AAPA member organisation or organisation within the flexible pavement industry who has partnered with an AAPA member organisation and has demonstrated the developed and/or delivered of innovation specific to the industry against the following criteria: • Development and/or delivery of innovation in technological change • Cost reduction or performance improvements in design, process, system or product for the flexible pavements industry.

• Innovation and outcome achieved from the development • Demonstrated improvements in design, processes, systems and/or products available to the industry through adoption of the innovation • Actual and/or proposed benefits to the industry resulting from the developed innovation • Enhanced value to the asset owner and/ or community benefit delivered through adoption of the innovation.

2019 SAFETY INITIATIVE AWARD Nominations are called for an individual, AAPA member organisation or organisation within the flexible pavement industry who has partnered with an AAPA member organisation that has delivered the most notable safety initiative(s) and demonstrated safety improvements in the flexible pavement industry by addressing the following criteria: • Demonstrated leadership in identifying and/or developing and delivering new safety initiatives • Engagement with the broader industry and stakeholders to encourage uptake and adoption of the solution to improve safety outcomes for all

• Commitment to the continued dissemination and delivery of all available sustainable safety initiatives across the industry • Demonstrated improvement in the overall safety environment resulting from the developed initiative.

2019 FEMALE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARD This award recognises the contributions of an individual female within an AAPA member organisation who has demonstrated outstanding service within the flexible pavement industry. The following criteria requires the nominee to demonstrate: • Working history of a minimum 15 years within the industry • Outstanding leadership to the organisations past and present they have worked for • Delivered benefits, commitment and contribution to the industry, stakeholders and the Association as a whole • Developed and/or delivered improvements in outcomes, systems or processes for the industry as a whole • Commitment and contribution to the industry beyond their normal role during the time they have been a part of the industry • Developed/delivered/implemented innovation or changes for their organisation and industry through actions and contributions • Sharing of knowledge and expertise to benefit others and the industry • Interaction with other members and stakeholders and demonstrated stewardship of the association.

2019 MALE INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARD This award recognises the contributions of an individual male within an AAPA member organisation who has demonstrated outstanding leadership, commitment and contribution to the flexible pavement industry and the association. Nomination for this award will demonstrate the following criteria: • A work history spanning 25+ years within the industry as a whole • Developed and delivered improvements in outcomes, systems or processes for the industry as a whole • Commitment and contribution to the

Tony Aloisio from Fulton Hogan won the 2018 Industry Leadership Award.

industry beyond their normal role • Delivered innovation and/or changes for their organisation and industry through actions and contributions • Sharing of knowledge and expertise to benefit others and the industry • Delivered contribution and benefits to the Association as a whole • Interaction with other members and stakeholders and demonstrated stewardship of the Association.

Winners from the State Industry Awards will be in contention for the 2019 National Industry Awards, to be held in New South Wales as part of the 18th AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference & Exhibition in August.

The 2019 AAPA State Industry Awards will be presented at the association’s State Gala Dinners, to be held in their respective states over the course of the year, with the National Awards ceremony also taking place in New South Wales. The Gala Dinner dates are as follow: South Australia – 17 May Tasmania – 24 May Western Australia – 7 June Queensland – 14 June New South Wales – 21 June Victoria – 28 June National Industry Awards – 20 August

roadsonline.com.au

29

THE BUILDING BLOCKS

OF PROGRESS

PGH BRICKS & PAVERS IS TAKING A SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO BRICK MANUFACTURING, REUSING CLAY SOURCED FROM METRO TUNNEL’S PARKVILLE STATION.

C

lay material from Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Parkville Station is estimated to weigh around 1.2 million tonnes.

With the new Metro Tunnel expected to be ready by 2025, Parkville Station forms one piece of a significant puzzle that includes new stations and tunnel entrances at Kensington, North Melbourne, Parkville, Melbourne CBD, Domain precincts, South Yarra and West Footscray.

Regular industry practice would see that material sent to landfill, but in the case of Parkville, a sustainable alternative has been developed that will see PGH Bricks & Pavers use the clay to create over 10 million bricks.

Formed in 1958, after a merger between Hanson Consolidated Industries and Maxwell Porter & David Galbraith, PGH has grown to become one of Australia’s largest clay brick manufacturers.

Work began at the Parkville site 14 January below Grattan Street, between Leicester Street and Royal Parade.

Reusing clay material has obvious environmental benefits, but it will also take pressure off PGH’s main Thomastown quarry.

As with all natural resources, at some point the clay runs dry. This forced the business to move to a new site, uprooting an established workforce, hindering 30

ROADS APRIL 2019

businesses that work around the facility and creating rebuild costs.

Andrew Peachey, PGH’s General Manager, says projects like this help to secure Australia’s manufacturing capability into the long term.

“Normally we would extract this clay from our own quarry, so recycling material from construction sites also serves to provide longevity at our facility and continuity of work for everyone employed there,” Mr. Peachey says Ten million bricks from the Metro Tunnel saves 10 million bricks from the quarry and this safeguards the site into the future.

“The longer we can stay at our existing facility is obviously good for builders because it keeps costs down for them. It also means we don’t have to go further out of Melbourne,” he says.

“If we ran out of resources and couldn’t get anything at Thomastown, eventually we would be moving 10, 20, 30 or 50 kilometres out of Melbourne.”

With the majority of construction in Melbourne happening in growth corridors in the north and the west, close to the Thomastown manufacturing facility, it’s in PGH’s best interests to keep the quarry maintainable for as long as possible.

Mr. Peachey says that it’s fundamental to the sustainability of Australian

manufacturing.

Parkville is not the company’s first foray into material recycling PGH took clay from Blackburn railway station during the underpass redevelopment and has used sandstone from various NSW infrastructure projects.

It also has a history of using crushed bricks in mixes.

Mr. Peachey highlights the importance of the project by citing concerns that greenfield sites are being built on potentially clay-rich areas, thereby sterilising resources.

“The ability to get quality material from a large infrastructure project is quite important to the company,” he says.

The mining process can be broken down to three stages. Stage one is a traditional mine, straight down with the use of station boxes.

PGH National Raw Materials Manager Joe Gauci cites this as his preferred method, as material can be monitored more effectively, ensuring the best quality possible.

Stages two and three, which are still to be tendered, will use a tunnel boring machine.

Mr. Gauci says PGH will have to wait and see who wins those jobs before assessing the suitability of the material.

PGH, working through a contractor, has been in the planning process for roughly 18

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

months and has started moving material to its main facility.

After geo-testing, the clay will be moved to the company’s largest mixer, where it will be combined with other materials to create an environmentally sustainable batch of bricks.

These will be sold to builders ranging from volume groups like Dennis Family, AHB Sheridon and Burbank Homes, to medium and small builders, who will use them to build predominantly residential properties.

The wider Metro Tunnel project will include two nine-kilometre tunnels running from South Kensington to South Yarra, and see the creation of five new underground stations, Arden, Parkville, CBD North, CBD South and Domain.

The sheer volume of clay material being moved by the project highlights the significance of material recycle initiatives like PGH’s and has also opened vast opportunities for the company.

“I’ve had that many calls coming in from different people. All of a sudden we’re getting a lot more interest, people coming

Reusing clay material is also taking pressure off PGH’s main Thomastown quarry.

to us saying, ‘we never knew you guys used this sort of material’,” Mr. Gauci says.

Mr. Peachey says the experience would make the company more proactive about finding infrastructure projects to partner

with in the future.

“Everything gets evaluated on a case by case basis – it’s got to go through the stringent controls of our laboratory first, but it’s opened a lot of doors.”

10th Annual Queensland Transport Infrastructure Conference 2019

18 - 19 JUNE

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre

Townsville Channel Capacity Upgrade Project

Address by the Department of Transport and Main Roads

Queensland’s Electric Vehicle Strategy

Pacific Motorway M1 upgrade Mudgeeraba to Varsity Lakes Project

Project LIFT: Gold Coast Airport Major Development Plan

Cross River Rail – Keeping Southeast Queensland Moving

Brisbane Metro

www.qldconference.com.au

CAVI Project

roadsonline.com.au

31

THE ROAD

TO RECOVERY

ALEX FRASER HAS DEVELOPED A WORLD-FIRST PROCESS TO IMPROVE ITS RECYCLING OF GLASS FINES AND INCREASE ITS SUPPLY OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MATERIAL TO THE AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE MARKET. 32

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ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

“OVER THE LAST SIX YEARS, WE’VE TRAVELLED THE WORLD RESEARCHING PLANT DESIGNS, SCOPING THE TECHNOLOGY AND TESTING THE COMPONENTS NEEDED TO DESIGN AN INNOVATIVE GLASS RECYCLING PLANT, CAPABLE OF PRODUCING A HIGH QUALITY CONSTRUCTION SAND FROM EVEN THE MOST DIFFICULT GLASS WASTE STREAMS.”

The new facility is Victoria’s first licensed glass recycling plant under the state’s new EPA regulations.

C

arrying more than 200,000 vehicles a day, the Tullamarine Freeway is a vital link connecting Melbourne’s Tullamarine Airport with the central city.

Little known about the arterial route, however, is that nearly 40 million recycled glass bottles have been used in its recent, multi-million-dollar upgrade.

Construction material supply company Alex Fraser was selected as the primary supplier of roadbase materials for design and construct contractor CPB Contractors for the $570 million Bulla Road to Power Street section of the CityLink Tulla

Widening project, for which Transurban is responsible.

In keeping with its reputation as a leading recycled material supplier in the Australian construction sector, Alex Fraser capitalised on the opportunity to not only provide the project with a sustainable material alternative, but help reduce local waste stockpiles too.

Good environmental outcomes are not a new thing for Alex Fraser. The business has been at the forefront of recycling in road and civil construction projects for decades – recycling concrete, asphalt, industrial sands and glass for use in myriad projects around Melbourne and Brisbane.

In 2014, the company recovered 80,000 tonnes of Melbourne’s non-traditionally recyclable glass fines. Then, in 2015, Alex Fraser recycled 141,000 tonnes of the same material and, as a result, started to reduce stockpiled material.

For 12 years, the business has been improving its glass recycling capabilities, and supplied construction contractors with easily available, sustainable, green material alternatives, namely its recycled glass sand that can be used in VicRoadsapproved roadbase and asphalt.

Building on this success with major infrastructure projects such as the CityLink-Tulla Widening project, Alex Fraser has taken its glass recycling capabilities to the next level, allowing the firm to ramp up its environmentally conscious service to the Australian construction market.

While the business has circumnavigated traditional challenges around recycling glass fines through its innovative recycling process, a more problematic glass waste stream – known as CSP (or ceramics, stone

and porcelain) – has been accumulating in stockpiles around the nation.

CSP contains other materials like ceramics, stone and porcelain, as well as metals, plastics and paper, which can be problematic in themselves.

Peter Murphy, Alex Fraser Managing Director, says these burgeoning stockpiles compelled Alex Fraser to forge a more sustainable way forward.

“Over the last six years, we’ve travelled the world researching plant designs, scoping the technology and testing the components needed to design an innovative glass recycling plant, capable of producing a high quality construction sand from even the most difficult glass waste streams,” he says.

Last year, the company built its first fixed glass recycling plant capable of separating contaminants such as metal, paper and plastics from recyclable glass fines.

The custom-designed facility features a range of technologies to separate impurities from the glass, as well as selfcleaning screens. Conveyors link the glass recycling facility to the company’s main recycling plant, enabling the glass sand to be blended into other products according to carefully calibrated mix designs.

This link substantially reduces diesel consumption.

The new facility is Victoria’s first licensed glass recycling plant under the state’s new EPA regulations. Now in full production, it is capable of recycling up to 150,000 tonnes a year, equating to four million bottles per day.

The recycled sand is currently blended into roadbase and asphalt or used as pipe bedding, filter/drainage and a range of other uses in infrastructure works. roadsonline.com.au

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Another recent example of glass sand application was Victoria’s Kororoit Creek Road Level Crossing Removal Project, a thoroughfare to the state’s west. A grade separation at Kororoit Creek Road was undertaken by the Level Crossing Removal Project. Alex Fraser’s recycled sand was used as bedding material for the combined services conduit housing the communications and power cables.

The sand is consistently tested to ensure it remains within specifications. While the material is being put to good use, Mr. Murphy expects that recycled glass sand will be used in more concrete and higher value applications in the near future.

“The most exciting change this recycling plant enables is the production of a high quality, valuable construction material from hundreds of thousands of tonnes of otherwise worthless waste, which until now would have ended up in landfill,” he says.

Across its five recycling sites in Victoria and Queensland, Alex Fraser recycles concrete, brick, asphalt, rock, glass, industrial sands and ballast – annually diverting up to 4.5 million tonnes from landfill. This large-scale capacity makes it one of Australia’s largest providers of

For 12 years, Alex Fraser has been improving its glass recycling capabilities and supplying contractors with glass sand as a sustainable material alternative.

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sustainable construction materials.

Mr. Murphy says the company’s scale sets it apart, in addition to offering a reliable, high-quality product that meets government specifications. “We work very closely with customers and regulators to get the volume they need, at a very consistent quality.

“We love to innovate but we pride ourselves on reliability. We have proved we can ably supply high volumes of consistent, quality materials to major projects.

“Our network of sites across Victoria and Queensland means we can service the market anywhere around those metropolitan areas. Some local governments have been using our products for 20 to 30 years,” he says.

Mr. Murphy says that while there is potential for more glass recycling plants in the company’s future, in the short term the plant will produce enough glass sand to supply its asphalt plants in Laverton and Dandenong and recycling plants in Epping, Clarinda and Dandenong.

The launch of the glass recycling plant aligns with the commissioning of Alex Fraser’s new High Recycled Technology asphalt plant in Laverton, uniquely designed to blend high quantities of

recycled glass, asphalt and plastics into sustainable asphalt mixes.

“Our new plants substantially increase our capacity to service our long standing customers with greener products. Instead of trucking sand to our asphalt plants from outlying areas, we use quality, recycled sand produced within the metropolitan area, saving thousands of truck movements and tonnes of carbon,” he says.

The plant was commissioned in March and has now produced its first batch of asphalt. The plant will supply long term customers and council maintenance contracts as well as servicing major projects in the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Looking to the future, Mr. Murphy is confident the company’s long history of growth will continue on an upward trajectory, along with the end markets’ appetite for sustainable alternatives.

“With 140 years of operation, 50 million tonnes recycled and hundreds of green roads behind us, the future looks bright.

As long as our communities are recycling, and people building our infrastructure do it sustainably, we have an important role to play in building greener roads that ensure a thriving circular economy.”

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

TICKETS

AVAILABLE NOW WOMENININDUSTRY.COM.AU P R O U D LY P R E S E N T E D B Y

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ENDURING CAREER JACQUIE HILLER FROM BOC TALKS ABOUT HOW THE GAS AND ENGINEERING ORGANISATION HAS REDUCED ITS CARBON FOOTPRINT AND THE SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES DRIVING CHANGE. The Women in Industry Awards recognise outstanding women across the wider industrial sector.

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ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

I

t’s rare in the 21st century to find someone that has spent most of their career with one company, as modern estimates predict future graduates will have as many as 17 different jobs in their lifetime across five different careers.

Jacquie Hiller has spent most of her three-decade career as an engineer for the industrial gas and engineering company, BOC, which is part of the global Linde Group.

Her passion dates back to her school years where she had a keen interest in science. This initially saw her being interested in vet science or physio as potential career options, but after a summer camp promoting Women in Science and Engineering at UNSW, Ms. Hiller found herself drawn to the technical and problem solving world of engineering.

“In the summer holidays between year 11 and 12, there was a summer camp at the University of New South Wales called Women in Science and Engineering. That was the first time I ever heard and found out what engineering was and thought this is exactly the kind of thing that I would enjoy doing,” she explains.

Ms. Hiller studied chemical engineering at the University of Sydney in the late 80s and was fortunate enough to be given the opportunity to join the engineering cadetship program at BOC (formerly known as CIG) during this time.

Having thoroughly enjoyed university and the cadetship, she went on to work for BOC, commissioning cryogenic air separation units as well as hydrogen and carbon dioxide plants in remote locations across Australia and Indonesia. Other roles have included logic programming and project engineering all involving cryogenic liquid and gas production facilities.

“In the late 90s, I went back to study to be a physio and remained as a contractor working on programming for BOC,” she says.

But her zeal to work as an engineer and

solve day-to-day challenges with logic and technical expertise remained strong, and five years later Ms. Hiller rejoined BOC as a process engineer in 2014.

She has since moved into the role of Energy Manager for BOC South Pacific Region, working mainly in optimising the procurement and demand side management of electricity. She is also involved in efficiency schemes to reduce BOC’s energy consumption, minimise gas losses and maximise efficiency. The projects are not only commercially beneficial, but reduce the overall carbon footprint.

“As part of BOC’s energy management strategy and commitment to sustainability, we are currently rolling out solar PV to approximately 50 sites across Australia with an installed capacity of 1.5 megawatts with a potential to double this in the second stage of the solar program.”

Efficiency and sustainability are embedded in BOC and its parent company Linde. Linde has developed specialised equipment and gas treatments that enable environmental benefits such as increasing recyclable water rates by up to 70 per cent and reducing fuel use and emissions in parts of the steel making process by 50 per cent.

BOC and Linde are also involved in pioneering renewable hydrogen projects for use in hydrogen fuel cell vehicles in many regions around the world.

“BOC has also invested with the CSIRO to develop technology to enable the green hydrogen supply chain so that hydrogen can be exported to Japan and other parts of Asia where it is in high demand but difficult to produce from renewable sources. We are working with Australian Renewable Energy Agency to see if we can get some of those technologies off the ground,” she says.

According to Ms. Hiller, best practice environmental leadership encompasses a shared responsibility. For example, BOC

participates in demand-side management, which offers the company commercial incentives but also assists in supporting the electricity network in times of peak demand in order to reduce blackouts.

This occurred recently during the extreme temperature periods in SA and Victoria when BOC responded to requests to shut down one of its major production plants to provide extra capacity to the grid when it was under excessive pressure.

“I think this is part of the sustainable way forward. Instead of having to add new capacity into the electricity market and build additional expensive non-renewable power generation, if industry can come together and participate in these schemes, then during extreme conditions the electricity grid will be able to cope without the costly extra electricity infrastructure.

“In 10 years, the electricity grid will have undergone further remarkable change with more renewables and better means of energy storage which will place us in a better position. The key is how we all pull together to get to this future state,” Ms. Hiller says.

She says it’s important to live and work in accordance with your own values and lead by example. “Leadership is about living and working toward your aspirations in a positive, spirited manner that then inspires those around you. There are many females that start in engineering roles, but there is also a high attrition rate, potentially because of the lack of female leaders in engineering,” she says.

She adds that being in a more visible role in engineering, she hopes to show other young women out there that it is possible to have a long and rewarding career in engineering where every day is interesting and stimulating.

As a sponsor of the Women in Industry Awards, Ms. Hiller says BOC is proud to be part of a night showcasing the best and brightest across a range of diverse career roadsonline.com.au

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“LEADERSHIP IS ABOUT LIVING AND WORKING TOWARD YOUR ASPIRATIONS IN A POSITIVE, SPIRITED MANNER THAT THEN INSPIRES THOSE AROUND YOU. THERE ARE MANY FEMALES THAT START IN ENGINEERING ROLES, BUT THERE IS ALSO A HIGH ATTRITION RATE, POTENTIALLY BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF FEMALE LEADERS IN ENGINEERING.”

roles. Roads & Infrastructure Magazine, a media partner to the awards, is encouraging leaders achieving excellence in the engineering and infrastructure sector to be part of the event.

The Women in Industry Awards recognise outstanding women from across the mining, engineering, manufacturing, road transport, logistics, infrastructure, rail, bulk handling and waste industries.

The awards aim to raise the profile of women within industry, as well as promote and encourage excellence.

“It is very inspiring to hear of the

BOC is a sponsor of the Women in Industry Awards, with this year’s events taking place on 6 June in Melbourne.

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achievements of other women and their diverse technical skills as well as their unique approaches to leadership.

There are always take-outs that can help motivate and inspire back in your own workplace,” Ms. Hiller says.

Women in Industry will take place on Thursday, 6 June 2019 at The Park, Albert Park, Melbourne.

For more information, head to: www.bit.ly/2UV5ZYA

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

SAVE THE DATE

1ST - 3RD APRIL 2020

MELBOURNE CONVENTION & EXHIBITION CENTRE roadsonline.com.au

39

NATIONAL PRECAST ANNOUNCES NEW SERVICES, MEMBERSHIP FEES AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS NATIONAL PRECAST CEO SARAH BACHMANN GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF NEW SERVICES AND BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS AND THE ORGANISATION’S LATEST BOARD APPOINTMENTS.

N

ational Precast’s precaster membership offers Australian precast manufacturers valuable resources, support and exposure to take

The AGM saw the biggest change to the National Precast board in its 27 years of operation.

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their business to new heights.

In November 2018, the organisation announced the details of a major overhaul.

This includes revised membership fees, new

services, and a new Board of Directors.

National Precast Chief Executive Officer Sarah Bachmann says that with a change in membership category structure and a

solid package of services now on offer, membership is continuing to grow.

“Our work stands out for all the right reasons as we strive to promote, protect, and empower the precast industry,” Ms. Bachmann says.

SERVICES THAT STACK UP According to Ms. Bachmann, National Precast membership network offers fantastic return on investment – now more than $56,000 in savings. “New services available to precaster members offer access to important information needed to boost productivity, remain compliant and gain a competitive edge,” she says.

Included in the new package of services for precasters are: • 35+ Australian Standards for download and print More than 35 precast-specific Australian Standards are now available to precaster members for download and print. Valued at up to $14,000 per annum, Ms. Bachmann says this one service can pay for a year’s membership for a small- to medium-sized precaster.

• Monthly Cordell Precast Project Reports

Partnering with CoreLogic, National precast sends precaster members monthly Cordell Precast Project Reports. These reports have been tailored to contain essential details for 200+ projects where precast has been specified, that are valued at $2+ million from around Australia.

•D iscounted Cordell Connect subscriptions CoreLogic now offers precaster members a 50 per cent discount on its Cordell Connect Project Detail subscription rate. This discount can save members up to $14,000 (one user, national annual subscription, commercial categories).

Subscribers can receive information on civil projects in three local government areas for as little as $99 +GST per month.

•C ordell Construction Monthly reports Cordell Construction Monthly reports are sent to all National Precast members, giving an overview of construction market activity. They also serve as a regular update on the number and value of construction projects that are in planning or have commenced construction across residential, community, commercial and infrastructure developments.

•A CIF News and the Customised Forecasts Dashboard All precaster members can now determine what the local construction market will look like in 12 months or 10 years by accessing the Customised Forecasts Dashboard. This is a highly regarded, valuable forecasting tool that has been developed by the Australian Construction Industry Forum’s (ACIF) Construction Forecasting Council. ACIF forecasts provide a credible ‘compass’ on upcoming demand for work across all sectors in all states, as well as what is happening with construction costs and labour requirements.

•C ase studies Precaster members can have five project case studies written for them every year.

Once finalised, members are provided with 20 printed copies, which can be distributed to existing and potential clients. Many members use these as a part of their tender submissions.

These case studies are also supplied to National Precast’s media partners for publication in a range of national and

international magazines. These magazines – and member project case studies – are read by thousands of builders, architects and engineers.

As well as the new services, National Precast is appointing coordinators for each state.

Part of this role is to organise informal gatherings for local precasters and their suppliers and liaise as a regular conduit between precasters and the CEO. SWEEPING LEADERSHIP CHANGES FOR THE NATIONAL PRECAST BOARD 2018’s Annual General Meeting saw the biggest change to the National Precast board in its 27 years of operation.

Goodbyes were said to inaugural Board member Matt Perrella (Delta Corporation), as well as to Peter Healy (Hollow Core Concrete) and Glenn Degenhardt (formerly from Humes).

Reappointed were Kevin Crompton (Ultrafloor), Craig Zinn (Stresscrete), Ian Coulter (Precast Concrete Products), Graham Underwood (Rocla) and Michael Waeger (Waeger Precast).

This new Board term welcomes new Board members Paul Adams (Humes), George Spiropoulos (Euro Precast), Daniel Coutts (Austral Precast),Riccardo Musella (Reinforced Earth) and Alberto Ferraro (PERMAcast).

“National Precast is about adding value, whether that is to our members as they run their businesses or to the broader industry,” Ms. Bachmann says.

“That can mean helping precasters to solve problems or helping designers to understand precast’s sustainability benefits and the ever-evolving aesthetic options. The new package of services now available to precasters really stacks up and gives a very positive return on investment.”

Precasters wishing to find out about National Precast membership should visit National Precast’s website at www.nationalprecast.com.au/memberpage-1 or contact Sarah Bachmann on 0414 880 351.

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CONNECTING AUSTRALIA’S EAST AND WEST WITH PRODUCTIVE RAIL INFRASTRUCTURE NATIONAL PRECAST MEMBER PERMACAST HAS MANUFACTURED AND DELIVERED PRECAST CONCRETE ELEMENTS KEY TO THE TORRENS RAIL JUNCTION PROJECT IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA.

T

he Torrens Rail Junction Project in South Australia was implemented to increase productivity on the Melbourne-Adelaide-Perth rail line, reduce delays at level crossings within the metropolitan road network and improve urban environment through the provision

The Torrens Rail Junction project removed major congestion points in the freight and rail network.

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of upgraded cycling and pedestrian linkages.

It is the second project in the separation of freight and passenger rail lines in metropolitan Adelaide, with the first being the Goodwood Rail Junction project.

It has been delivered by ConneXion

Alliance, comprising the South Australian Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure, Laing O’Rourke, AECOM, and Kellogg, Brown & Root (KBR).

The Torrens Rail Junction is located where South Australia’s interstate freight railway crosses the Outer Harbor

All precast elements on the project were manufactured in PERMAcast’s Cardup factory in Western Australia.

passenger railway in the north-western rim of the Adelaide ParkLands. Works to increase the flow of Adelaide-Melbourne rail freight line commenced in 2016 with an upgrade of the junction.

The project has removed major congestion points in the freight and rail network by lowering the Outer Harbor rail line below the interstate rail line. It has also removed three level crossings and constructed three road/rail and three pedestrian/cycling bridges along the 1.5 kilometres of lowered railway.

THE PRECAST PACKAGE National Precast member PERMAcast manufactured and delivered several types of precast concrete elements for the construction of two parts of the project – the new lowered Bowden Railway Station and the Torrens Junction Bridge. All units were cast in specially built moulds and comprised both precast and prestressed elements. The components included: • 46 precast bridge barriers • 30 bridge approach slabs

• 58 platform retaining walls • 58 platform panels • 18 ramp retaining walls • 142 pad and strip footings • four platform end walls • four 18-metre prestressed prop beams.

PERMAcast Managing Director Alberto Ferraro says the precast package included a mix of architectural and structural elements.

“We manufactured two-tone coloured platform slabs as well as retaining walls with patterns and coloured concrete,” Mr. Ferraro explains.

“Being a rail project, all reinforcement was welded and required electrical continuity for earthing purposes.”

products weighed 33 tonnes,” Mr. Ferraro says.

With a highly skilled team and a 250,000-square-metre storage yard, the precaster has the capacity to manufacture and manage large-scale projects, like the Torrens Rail Junction. “Our in-house fleet of prime movers and trailers gives us additional flexibility in coordinating with and meeting our clients’ required delivery schedules,” Mr. Ferraro says.

RAIL LINES ON TRACK Precast was specified as the main construction method because of its speedy construction times and offsite manufacture.

“We needed to build a large number of moulds and set up the project within weeks,” Mr. Ferraro explains. “A full precast design meant that there was minimal interference with live train rails.”

Installation of the bridge deck demanded a team of almost 400 workers each day for 16 days, working to install a 90-metre-wide bridge, which included 950 cubic metres of concrete, 68 planks of 12 tonnes each, excavation of 22,500 cubic metres of soil and laying of the rail track.

The Goodwood Rail Junction project was the first project in the separation of freight and passenger rail lines in metropolitan Adelaide. Completed in 2014, it included an upgrade of rail infrastructure along with new pedestrian facilities for the community.

Now also completed, the Torrens Rail Junction enables 1800-metre-long freight trains to operate between Adelaide and Melbourne – an increase in the maximum length of trains by approximately 20 per cent. It will also remove the need for freight and passenger trains to interact on the Outer Harbor line and will free up traffic for tens of thousands of vehicles at critical intersections.

The Parklands and surrounding inner-city suburbs are already a hive of activity and the Torrens Rail Junction Project is set to bring this pocket of Adelaide to another level with improved safety and convenience.

AN INTERSTATE JOURNEY All precast elements were manufactured in the precaster’s Cardup factory in Western Australia – 2723 kilometres away from the project’s South Australian location.

Offering extensive logistics solutions for clients and providing purpose-build transport stillages, PERMAcast ensured that all elements arrived on site within tolerance specifications and without damage. “Transport of the precast had to be delivered on more than 200 semi-trailers, which was extremely challenging, as some

Project: Torrens Rail Junction Precaster: PERMAcast Client: Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure Design and Construction: Laing O’Rourke, AECOM and KBR

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CONTRACTS

– IN BRIEF

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON SOME OF THE MAJOR PROJECT CONTRACTS AND TENDERS RECENTLY AWARDED AND OUT TO MARKET ACROSS THE AUSTRALASIAN INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR. NEW SOUTH WALES TfNSW awards $725M Regional Rail Project The Momentum Trains consortium has been selected by Transport for NSW to deliver the $1.26 billion Regional Rail Project as a design, build, finance and maintain contract.

CIMIC Group companies Pacific Partnerships, UGL and CPB Contractors, as part of the Momentum Trains consortium, will deliver a new regional rail fleet and a new maintenance facility in Dubbo.

Northern Territory‘s Barkly Stock Route.

The upgrades will provide a more reliable link between the Stuart Highway and the Tablelands Highway.

Contract awarded for $79M Blue Mountains rail works Sydney Trains has awarded a $79 million contract to adjust the track and overhead wires to allow more trains to travel to the Blue Mountains.

The Mount Victoria area remodelling project will be undertaken by John Holland which aims to improve the reliability of train services within the region.

QUEENSLAND Construction tenders won on $75M Warrego Hwy works The Queensland Government has awarded tenders for the $63.6 million Dalby-Miles Pavement Widening and Safety Upgrades project and the $11.7 million Oakey-Miles Safety Upgrades Package 2.

Georgiou Group has won both construction contracts as part of the $635 million Warrego Highway Upgrade Program.

NORTHERN TERRITORY Local contractor to deliver sealing works in NT A contract has been awarded to Alice Springs-based Exact Contracting to deliver 15 kilometres of sealing works on the

SOUTH AUSTRALIA SA water awards $304M solar panel installation contract Enerven has been awarded the multi-million-dollar contract to install half-a-million solar panels across 80 SA Water sites over the

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Tender released for $39.9M Keep River Road upgrade The Northern Territory Government has released the tender to deliver the $39.9M Keep River Road upgrade, which will see up to 28 kilometres of the road upgraded to improve flood immunity, freight capacity and productivity for cattle producers.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

next two years.

The company will install 154 megawatts of new solar photovoltaic generation and 34 megawatt hours of energy storage under the framework agreement.

Contractors shortlisted for $354M North-South Corridor Two consortia have been shortlisted for the major works contract on the $354 million Regency Road to Pym Street project, which will deliver a 1.8-kilometre section of North-South Corridor. The two consortia shortlisted are McConnell Dowell Constructions, Mott MacDonald Australia, Arup Group; and CPB Contractors and GHD. VICTORIA Preferred tenderer announced for $375M Mordialloc Fwy Major Projects Victoria has appointed its preferred tenderer for the $375 million Mordialloc Freeway project, which will link Mornington Peninsula Freeway to the Dingley Bypass.

A McConnell Dowell/Decmil joint venture has been named as the preferred tenderer, with a $25 million early works contract awarded for detailed design works to commence immediately.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Builder selected for $1.3B lithium plant in WA Construction of the largest lithium hydroxide plant in Western Australia is well underway, with the earthworks construction contract awarded late last year and an engineering services firm now announced as the builder.

The Albemarle Kemerton Plant will be built by Civmec at the Kemerton strategic industrial area near Bunbury.

BGC Contracting was awarded the project’s earthworks construction contract by Albemarle Group at the end of last year.

Main Roads WA awards $46M Reid Hwy contract Main Roads Western Australia has awarded a $46 million contract to design and construct a dual carriageway and overpass in to Decmil.

The works include delivery of a dual carriageway along Reid Highway from Altone Road to West Swan Road in Caversham, Perth.

Contract awarded for balance of plant works at WA wind farm Decmil has been awarded a $72 million contract for balance of plant works at 180-megawatt Warradarge Wind Farm in Western Australia.

The project will be delivered in collaboration with Vestas, which won the engineering, procurement and construction; and operations and maintenance contract in January.

NEW ZEALAND Contract won to build $1.2B NZ wastewater tunnel Work on New Zealand’s largest wastewater project – the $1.2 billion Central Interceptor tunnel – is set to begin in May, following the construction contract award to the Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture.

The tunnel will stretch over 13 kilometres from Western Springs to the Mangere Wastewater Treatment Plant in Auckland.

Contract awarded for NZ outfall pipeline project McConnell Dowell has been awarded the design and construction contract for the Watercare Services Snells Algies outfall pipeline project in New Zealand.

The pipeline is set to move wastewater from Warkworth to a new Snells Beach water treatment plant, ending the discharge of treated wastewater into Mahurangi Harbour. roadsonline.com.au

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EXCELLENCE

IN MOTION

TO UNDERTAKE FOAMED BITUMEN WORK ON THE WOOLGOOLGA TO BALLINA PACIFIC HIGHWAY UPGRADE, SEE CIVIL TURNED TO DYNAPAC TO FIND THE RIGHT MACHINERY FOR THE JOB.

SEE Civil putting its new Dynapac paver to work on the project site north of Maclean.

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TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

W

hen Australian owned civil construction and engineering business SEE Civil secured a contract on the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade, General Manager Joel Barnes knew the firm needed a unique equipment solution.

The Woolgoolga to Ballina upgrade is the final link in the Pacific Highway, between Hexham and the Queensland border, to be upgraded to four lanes. SEE Civil is working on a section between

Maclean and Devils Pulpit which includes delivering foamed bitumen work.

“The contract had very specific requirements, including that it needed to be feeder to paver. We were looking for a large paver and material transfer vehicle capable of transporting foamed bitumen gravel and open-bound and unbound gravel,” Mr. Barnes explains.

“We also wanted a paver that had machine control built-in, especially as there are quite tight ride and level tolerances for the foamed bitumen.”

The east coast-based firm has a range of different equipment brands in its fleet, including two Dynapac CC2200 Double Drum Rollers, which it has operated for just over a year.

Building on positive past experiences with Dynapac dealer Construction Equipment Australia and the technical capabilities of the manufacturer’s paver and material feeder products, SEE Civil opted for two new Dynapac models for the contract – the SD2550CS Paver and MF2500CS Material Feeder with SwingApp. SEE Civil took delivery of both machines late last year and has no intention of looking back.

“Ultimately we went with Dynapac because they were able to deliver on time and within our specifications. The Dynapac pavers have also been proved to pave foamed bitumen well,” Mr. Barnes asserts.

Using a feeder offers a number of advantages, particularly in allowing for continuous paving, helping to minimise any disruptions or delays, as well as maintaining product quality. As a result, a high-capacity machine was what the contractor needed, and was what Dynapac delivered.

“With the material feeder and paver, we can store up to 46 tonnes of material, which gives us that strong capacity to keep moving during paving,” Mr. Barnes says.

The MF2500CS features a highperformance conveying system, which can transport 30 tonnes of material in just 35 seconds, providing a high-capacity solution for the complex task at hand.

Likewise, the SD2550CS’s machine control enables smooth operation, with

“WITH THE MATERIAL FEEDER AND PAVER, WE CAN STORE UP TO 46 TONNES OF MATERIAL, WHICH GIVES US THAT STRONG CAPACITY TO KEEP MOVING DURING PAVING.” minimised disruption, especially when working in tandem with the MF2500CS. “The paver can lay material on track without affecting level and the quality of the product. The level grading on the paver is amazing – it means we’re not stopping, which is essential on this job.”

SEE Civil worked with both Dynapac and Trimble on the paver’s machine control technology, which Mr. Barnes says was a significant investment, but one that is already paying dividends for the business now and into the future.

Both machines also feature Dynapac’s unique tool for monitoring and controlling machine fleets – Dyn@Link. It gives SEE Civil the ability to track utilisation and also watch the machines’ performance in real time, allowing preventative measures to be implemented if required.

Safety, like productivity, was also a major consideration for SEE Civil when purchasing its new paver and material feeder.

“We purchased the material feeder with reversing systems on it, which alerts the driver so they know when they get closer and closer to the other machines and workers on the ground. Not only did it remove our need for a spotter, but it reduces labour costs as a result too,” Mr. Barnes says. “It’s been an excellent safety feature for us so far.”

SEE Civil has had a successful experience with the new Dynapac machines.

“We’re about 25 per cent through the work now and we have had some challenges in getting used to the new technology between Trimble, Dynapac and our paving crews. But it’s been really good – the machines have been really successful and will continue to be successful,” he says.

“Getting the tolerances for ride and level have been challenging, but so far the machines have been pretty foolproof, roadsonline.com.au

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“WE PURCHASED THE MATERIAL FEEDER WITH REVERSING SYSTEMS ON IT, WHICH ALERTS THE DRIVER SO THEY KNOW WHEN THEY GET CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE OTHER MACHINES AND WORKERS ON THE GROUND.”

The foamed bitumen work is being undertaken north of Maclean.

and the aftersales service has been really helpful too.”

Now, with two rollers, a paver and material feeder from Dynapac in its fleet, SEE Civil is reaping the benefits of having

aftersales support on all four machines from one technical support team.

“Their office is just down the road so they can get here in about 20 minutes and help us out. I think the relationship

between us and Construction Equipment Australia has been really good – I think we’ve had a good run with the paver and feeder so far.”

Not only are the new Dynapac additions helping SEE Civil in its work on the Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade, but Mr. Barnes believes their capabilities set the business up for more success in the future, “We’re seeing more and more jobs sent out to the market using foamed bitumen as a requirement on larger projects. There’s a lot of competition in the market, but we think these machines are a good way to differentiate ourselves.”

Both the paver and material feeder from Dynapac are performing well on the site, situated north of Maclean.

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ROADS APRIL 2019

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

IGNITE YOUR 2019 SALES AND MARKETING DRIVE TODAY! ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA is the industry’s top resource for the latest developments, and in-depth features.

APRIL 2019

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GOING THE DISTANCE Why spray sealing contractors are using SAMI Bitumen’s long-haul crumb rubber binder

In the May 2019 issue of Roads & Infrastructure Magazine we’ll include two new promotional features on Rollers and Compactors and Line Marking.

TO GET ONBOARD AND FIND OUT MORE PLEASE CONTACT: NICK MARKESSINIS

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Business Development Manager nick.markessinis@primecreative.com.au or call 0422 800 920

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AUSTRALIA’S ONLY SPECIALIST ROAD MANAGEMENT, CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL WORKS MAGAZINE roadsonline.com.au

49

PERFORMANCE UNDER

PRESSURE

VEGA AUSTRALIA’S NEW DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE TRANSMITTER HELPS BITUMEN MANUFACTURERS MAINTAIN SAFETY STANDARDS BY PROVIDING SIMULTANEOUS DIFFERENTIAL AND STATIC PRESSURE READINGS.

A

ustralia’s population is growing by 1.6 per cent a year, generating a thriving infrastructure sector.

To keep up with construction levels, production facilities dealing with chemically unstable materials face a specific set of safety challenges.

As governments pump money into the industry, processing facilities wanting to keep up with demand need new technologies to help improve efficiency while meeting safety standards.

VEGA Australia Managing Director John Leadbetter says this is the reason VEGA ensures all its products have the option to conform to Safety Integrity Level (SIL) approvals, describing the International Electrotechnical Commission’s measurement system as a coherent apparatus for mitigating risk.

Drawing from previous company innovations in pressure reading and Bluetooth communication, VEGA has developed the VEGADIF 85, the first differential pressure transmitter of its kind.

It is capable of simultaneously measuring differential and static pressure, with the added value of providing that information to customers and enabling wireless configuration by Bluetooth The unit’s ability to output both differential and static pressure is important for processors hoping to improve workplace safety, formulating a more accurate idea of level and pressure readings inside specific vessels, which in turn reduces the possibility of accidents.

According to Mr. Leadbetter, bitumen emulsion is a fundamental application of the VEGADIF 85. With a potential 50

ROADS APRIL 2019

THE UNIT’S ABILITY TO OUTPUT BOTH DIFFERENTIAL AND STATIC PRESSURE IS IMPORTANT FOR PROCESSORS HOPING TO IMPROVE WORKPLACE SAFETY, FORMULATING A MORE ACCURATE IDEA OF LEVEL AND PRESSURE READINGS INSIDE SPECIFIC VESSELS, WHICH IN TURN REDUCES THE POSSIBILITY OF ACCIDENTS. explosive environment, the necessity of accurate pressure readings is paramount.

The unit’s operating principle, based on it having two diaphragms, or measuring points and with remote chemical seals, one at the bottom of the tank and one at the top, enables the VEGADIF 85 to provide differential and static pressure readings to its users.

Mr. Leadbetter says the mechanics and software for VEGADIF 85 were designed in collaboration with customer feedback, with customers routinely asking the company whether it was possible to get outputs for both the differential and static measurement.

“Before, transmitters would subtract one reading from the other, providing customers with a single figure, that being the level inside the vessel. We took customer feedback on board and worked to develop a transmitter that could output both figures,” he says.

“What we are doing is taking the information that was used as a subtractor and optionally outputting it,” he adds.

The previous inability to access both measurements from a single instrument created the potential for over-pressurisation, a massive issue when dealing with emulsion that, when overpressurised, can cause tank explosions.

For flow measurement, pressure difference is determined with a metallic orifice plate that narrows the flow at a predetermined point. Pressure increases in front of this constriction point.

This difference – before and after the restriction – is then used to infer the absolute quantity of flow through the pipe. The VEGADIF 85 then converts this information into a corresponding flowrate output signal.

The VEGADIF 85 has the option for a compact single-chamber electronics housing made from plastic for intrinsic safe applications or aluminium/stainless steel for flameproof applications.

The emulsion process, by its very nature, means pressure transmitters must be able to withstand the harsh environments whilst complying to the requirements of a hazardous area.

The VEGADIF 85 can produce accuracies up to 0.065 per cent and has a pressure measuring range up to -16 to 16 bar, a process-temperature rate of -40 to 85 degrees celsius or -40 to 400 degrees celsius with the use of the remote chemical seals and a process pressure falling between -1 and 400 bar.

It is approved under SIL for manufacturing processes that depend on certified components, simple, user-

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

“BEFORE, TRANSMITTERS WOULD SUBTRACT ONE READING FROM THE OTHER, PROVIDING CUSTOMERS WITH A SINGLE FIGURE, THAT BEING THE LEVEL INSIDE THE VESSEL. WE TOOK CUSTOMER FEEDBACK ON BOARD AND WORKED TO DEVELOP A TRANSMITTER THAT COULD OUTPUT BOTH FIGURES.” friendly operation and permanently transparent processes.

Mr. Leadbetter thinks safety-first pressure readings are essential for bitumen emulsion facilities hoping to keep up with expanding demand and the infrastructure boom, highlighting the VEGADIF 85’s ability to provide accurate level and pressure readings as fail-safe selling points.

Another value-add for convenience is the VEGADIF 85’s wireless Bluetooth capabilities, which Mr. Leadbetter explains enables easier access to the transmitter’s configuration.

“The need for accurate, real-time information is increasing, but how that information is accessed needs to be simple enough for a technician to operate without specialised training and or tools,” he says.

The optional feature lets users access the configuration from up to 25 metres, via a smartphone or tablet with the VEGA Tools app, eliminating the need to be physically present at the unit.

The app is embedded with encryption modes at an interface level and requires access codes to protect the unit from unauthorised access.

According to Mr. Leadbetter, these Bluetooth capabilities strike a balance between safety and convenience, and are a real benefit in cases where access to the transmitter is difficult.

The VEGADIF 85 can simultaneously measure differential and static pressure. roadsonline.com.au

51

SAFETY

WITH SOLAR

SAFEROADS SOLAR LIGHTS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED OUTSIDE THE MELBOURNE CRICKET GROUND AS PART OF A SCHEME TO IMPROVE SAFETY CONDITIONS AND REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS.

Saferoads installed 12 CCTV enabled 30-Watt Ultra Solar Lights at Yarra Park for the project.

52

ROADS APRIL 2019

SAFETY

Y

arra Park, the area between The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) and Jolimont Station, is one of the most utilised public parklands in the city, functioning as a vital part of Melbourne’s national identity.

Following a spate of post-game incidents, the Melbourne Cricket Club (MCC), which manages the park on behalf of the state, decided to develop an infrastructure and lighting plan to improve Yarra Park’s safety and accessibility levels.

Earlier this year, the MCC, in collaboration with Energy Australia, commissioned Saferoads to install 12 CCTV-enabled 30Watt Ultra Solar Lights at Yarra Park with the aim of increasing security and safety for the public, while simultaneously working towards the goal of a carbon-neutral MCG stadium.

Saferoads National Sales Manager for solar lighting, Paul Thompson, says he was excited to work on the project as it aligned with company values to utilise developing technology to keep Australians safe when engaging with public spaces and infrastructure.

“The MCC and Energy Australia both stressed the importance of improving the light field at Yarra Park,” Mr. Thompson says.

“The asymmetrical spread of our lights facilitates greater illumination, which in turn strengthens the safety of Yarra Park for residents, fans and the general public,” he says.

According to Mr. Thompson, the CCTV capabilities of the lights installed at Yarra Park provide security for the MCC, granting the ability to live stream video 24 hours a day via a multi-user app that connects to any smartphone or tablet.

The 1.3-megapixel CCTV cameras have automatic day/night modes and operate on a separate solar charging system to the light itself.

Mr. Thompson says the scope of the Yarra Park project required unique SIM card storage capabilities, explaining that 128-gigabyte SIM cards were inserted into the cameras to enable storage for a month

“THE ASYMMETRICAL SPREAD OF OUR LIGHTS FACILITATES GREATER ILLUMINATION, WHICH IN TURN STRENGTHENS THE SAFETY OF YARRA PARK FOR RESIDENTS, FANS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.” of constantly recorded video.

The Victoria government supports the idea of a link between public lighting and reduced crime rates.

The 5.5-metre-high Saferoads lights run on a motion sensor, meaning the light will operate at a third of its power capabilities when no-one is around, before jumping to full power when someone approaches the sensor space.

Mr. Thompson says this feature is designed to save power and reduce energy consumption.

Motion sensors, like CCTV applications, is a value add for safety as it eliminates people’s ability to move around the park at night undetected, thereby reducing the possibility for incidents that would deter the public from entering the park after dark.

The need for 24-hour lighting was a driving force behind the use of solar lights at Yarra Park as reduced energy The asymmetrical spread of the lights facilitates greater illumination at the park.

consumption complies with project partner Energy Australia’s Go Neutral initiative.

Go Neutral was developed by Energy Australia to help companies and households achieve carbon neutrality through the purchase of carbon offsets.

After getting involved with the initiative last year, the MCC and Energy Australia were able to turn the MCG into a carbonneutral stadium for the entire month of September.

“Given the reality of 24/7 surveillance and energy consumption, solar is the only viable lighting option for areas that function at the scale of Yarra Park and are committed to environmental responsibility,” Mr. Thompson says.

According to Energy Australia, the Saferoads lights installed at Yarra Park are estimated to save 1.3 tonnes of carbon emissions per year, equal to the power consumed by an average Victorian household in four months.

Mr. Thompson says Saferoads’ customisation capabilities were another added benefit for the MCC and Energy Australia. The iconic and historical nature of Yarra Park and the MCG grounds at large meant the MCC needed Saferoads to provide lighting poles that aesthetically conformed to existing structures.

Taking pre-existing light poles into account, Saferoads acquired round tapered poles that met technical and visual specifications. Using their own painters, they were able to match the new poles to existing lights’ heritage green paint.

Saferoads’ combination of unique add-ons and technical capabilities has created a lighting system that enhances public safety via real time surveillance and greater light fields, while simultaneously maintaining the classic look and feel of the precinct.

“Yarra Park is very important to Melburnians so keeping the look consistent with history was at the forefront of our mind,” Mr. Thompson says. “There would be no point making all these moves towards safety if the public didn’t feel at home in the park.” roadsonline.com.au

53

ENGINEERING THRIVING

COMMUNITIES

THE IPWEA (VICTORIA)’S 2019 PUBLIC WORKS CONFERENCE WILL PROVIDE A KEY PLATFORM FOR PUBLIC WORKS PROFESSIONALS TO DISCUSS THE MAJOR INNOVATIONS AND DEVELOPMENTS SHAPING THE FUTURE OF VICTORIA’S PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE.

W

ith 60 years of excellence to celebrate in 2019, the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia’s Victorian Division (IPWEA VIC) is marking the occasion this May with what CEO David Hallett anticipates will be one of the organisation’s best Public Works Conferences yet – PWC19.

Held at Arts Centre Melbourne 9-10 May, PWC19 will enable IPWEA members, industry professionals and leaders from all parts of the public works sector to engage, collaborate and share ideas around the industry’s future.

Attracting stakeholders from the public works sector and in local government, including engineers, asset managers, contractors and consultants, the two-day conference program and theme aims to highlight the core driver for the industry.

“This year, the overall theme of the conference is ‘Engineering Thriving Communities’, which is about refocusing on who we work for – which is the community at large – and how we can best deliver what they want and need,” Mr. Hallett explains.

To provide a unique platform and vital professional development opportunities for public works engineers across Victoria, the PWC19 program is split into four key streams: technology, asset management, sustainability and leadership.

Led by keynotes from the Hon Trish White, Engineers Australia President, and Dr. Graeme Emonson, Executive Director for Local Government Victoria, the technology-focused aspect of the conference will shine a light on the latest innovations and milestones in this area.

This includes everything from holographic 54

ROADS APRIL 2019

computing and virtual reality, through to road sensors for embedded fibreoptics and flood-resilient pavements.

Mr. Hallett says asset management is another area becoming increasingly important for public works engineers and other key stakeholders, particularly at the

local government level.

“Asset management, which is becoming a more and more innovative field, is a relatively new discipline that benefits from the skills and experience of engineers, especially those in local government. We’re also expecting a

The conference will enable industry professionals and leaders to collaborate and share ideas around the industry’s future.

EVENTS

new local government act to mandate the establishment of 10-year asset management plans for councils, so it’s appropriate to learn from leaders in this space,” he explains.

Presenters are set to look at a range of aspects around asset management in the public works sphere, including strategies to better manage unsealed roads, how to leverage big data from the cloud and connectivity to drive efficiencies.

Similarly, sustainability in public works is another key element Mr. Hallett says plays a major role in Australia and Victoria’s engineering sector today, with sustainable practices becoming increasingly important. “Many councils in Victoria are struggling with challenges like kerbside waste management, so there’s a big interest in waste-to-energy technology and the use of certain waste products in road construction.”

The PWC19 program includes a range of presentations on sustainability, such as strategies for management of former landfills within an urban area, case studies and a keynote presentation from Sustainability Victoria CEO Stan Krpan on sustainable liveability.

Mr. Hallett says recent years have also seen a real need for developing leadership and management skills within the sector, which IPWEA VIC aims to again feature at its 2019 conference.

Led by a keynote presentation from The Leaders Mentor’s Kerry Osborne, presenters from the La Trobe Business School, Davidson Executive and Board, The Institution of Engineering and Technology and more will take to the stage to discuss how to develop future leaders in the engineering sector.

PWC19 will also provide a unique exhibition and engagement space for

sponsors and exhibitors to showcase a range of innovative products and services.

“We have created lots of opportunities over the course of the event for delegates to engage with industry peers and to connect people where we can,” Mr. Hallett explains, adding that the annual Engineering Excellence Awards Dinner will top off the event by celebrating the achievements of the Victorian engineering sector as a whole.

Held on the evening of the 9 May 2019, the awards dinner will celebrate the best and brightest in public works and engineering services.

Registrations are now open for PWC19 with tickets also available for the awards dinner.

For more information or to register, head to www.pwc19.org

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55

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With increasing emphasis on the need to upgrade Australia’s road network, nationally and locally, and the need to deal with worsening congestion in our cities, ROADS provides a window on developments in the roads construction sector.

Roads & Infrastructure Australia is published monthly and contains articles/segments from industry associations and advocacy groups, technical papers from roads for the future of digital engineering Bitumen’s long-haul crumb rubber binder innovative journey with Wirtgen machinerydetails of major projects being undertaken around the country, related conferences, What Victoria’s new asset strategy means Why spray sealing contractors are using SAMI Stabilised Pavements of Australia’s long and THE DIGITAL LINK GOING THE DISTANCE AUSTRALIAN STORY specialised sections, a news roundup and new product releases.

The specialised sections & I N F R Ainclude S T R U C T Uroad R E safety, intelligent & I N F R A S transport T R U C T U R E systems, road & I Nbuilding F R A S T R U equipment, CTURE road and pavement maintenance, safety barrier systems and road marking.

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ROADS APRIL 2019

EVENTS

POPULATION GROWTH FOCUS OF

QUEENSLAND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE CONFERENCE THE 10TH ANNUAL QUEENSLAND TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE CONFERENCE IS SET TO ADDRESS HOW THE STATE’S INFRASTRUCTURE WILL COPE WITH ITS POPULATION BOOM.

Q

ueensland’s population is expected to exceed six million by 2027, generating pressure on roads and public transport services.

Cross River Rail is set to address this, transforming South-East Queensland’s public transport network with a new 10.2-kilometre rail line and two tunnels under the Brisbane River.

Brisbane is one of Australia’s fastest growing cities and, will see a $15 billion infrastructure boom over the next few years as high-profile projects begin.

These will be the central themes of the upcoming 10th Annual Queensland Transport Infrastructure Conference, held 18 - 19 June at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The conference will profile a range of infrastructure works crucial to the state, beginning with an address by Department of Transport and Main Roads Deputy Director

General Matthew Longland.

The two-day event, themed “Queensland’s Transport Future – Moving People and Places”, is expected to draw 200 delegates, creating an exciting hub for networking with government, private organisations and industry experts.

A panel exploring the sustainable transport conundrum will discuss how massive population expansion can be integrated with urban development and sustainable transport infrastructure.

Building Queensland’s Chief Executive Officer, Damian Gould, will present the organisation’s infrastructure pipeline report, providing an expert view of priority infrastructure proposals under development by the Queensland Government.

Cross River Rail Delivery Authority Chief Executive Officer Graeme Newton will address the latest updates for the $5.4 billion

rail project, which is set to inject 7700 new jobs into the state.

Speaker presentations, Q&As and panels will discuss new digital trends and the rise of disruptive applications and how these developments converge with transport infrastructure.

Other projects on the agenda include the Pacific Motorway M1 upgrade, the Rural Roadworks and Asset Management program and the Mackay Ring Road project.

The event will feature more than 20 industry expert speakers from public and private sectors and have over 100 top-tier organisations represented.

Registrations are open now.

For more information about the event, please go to www.qldconference.com.au

Credit: / Shutterstock.com

The 10th Annual Queensland Transport Infrastructure Conference takes place 18 - 19 June.

roadsonline.com.au

57

EVENTS DIARY

11TH ANNUAL VICTORIAN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE CONFERENCE 2019 1-2 MAY

IPWEA (VIC) PUBLIC WORKS CONFERENCE 9-10 MAY

Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Following the success of past events, the theme of the 11th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference 2019 edition, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in May, is “Transporting Victoria Forward”. The conference will feature upto-date presentations that discuss the prioritisation, planning and delivery of critical transport infrastructure across the state. Across the two days, the event will also provide highly valuable private networking opportunities where project managers, operators, contractors, consultants and investors can learn about the major transport projects that are shaping the future of Victoria.

The IPWEA (Victoria) celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2019 and PWC19 is set to be its best conference yet. A program focussed on technology, asset management, sustainability and leadership will provide vital professional development opportunities for public works engineers, while sponsors and exhibitors will showcase a range of innovative products and services. All this – and the chance to network and socialise with colleagues at the associated awards dinner – makes PWC19 a unique “by the sector, for the sector” event. www.pwc19.org

www.vicinfrastructure.com.au

18TH AAPA INTERNATIONAL FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 18-21 AUGUST

NATIONAL ROADS & TRAFFIC EXPO 17-19 SEPTEMBER

Sydney, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Under the title “Our Everlasting Roads – Enabling Future Mobility”, the 18th Australian Asphalt Pavement Association International Flexible Pavements Conference & Exhibition refers to the changing demands that society and transportation technology place on the long term investment that is road infrastructure. It also refers to our increasing technical ability to build perpetual pavements, roads that will last for an indefinite amount of time, while only requiring regular surface maintenance. The event will bring together the leaders and key industry stakeholders of the flexible pavements industry under one roof to discuss the future of the sector.

The National Roads & Traffic Expo is Australia’s trade show for the entire roads transport ecosystem. Market leaders and experts from across the country attend to do business and get up-to-speed with developments in the fields of infrastructure, traffic management, smart mobility, parking and safety. The event takes place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, 17-19 September.

www.aapa.asn.au 58

ROADS APRIL 2019

www.terrapinn.com/exhibition/road-traffic-expo

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