Roads & Infrastructure November 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA

PUTTING LOCAL FIRST

NOVEMBER 2023

Coffey Testing is leading the charge for local economies, opportunities and projects

OLD DOG, NEW TRICKS

Informative programs are helping to educate operators of all ages on how to optimise their machinery

THE TIME IS NOW

Inside the formation of the new ‘Infrastructure Net Zero’ initiative

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NOVEMBER 2023 CONTENTS 46 Skidding to success CEA’s skid steer loaders are both light and flexible for a variety of different civil applications.

TECHNOLOGY

49 Smart support Komatsu’ Smart Construction features are backed by an intelligent support service.

COVER STORY 10 Committing to local Behind Coffey Testing’s success in prioritising everything local.

SUSTAINABILITY 14 Leading the charge Sripath’s latest developments and achievements in the sustainability space.

17 Powering progress Viva Energy is supporting companies to make the switch to bio-diesel.

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE 20 Roads & Infrastructure helps you keep up with the latest movements across the roads and infrastructure sectors.

COMPANY PROFILE 22 Connecting the dots SAMI Bitumen Technologies’ customers on the company’s national supply network.

25 Ensuring quality Civilcast is placing quality above all else for its clients and projects.

28 Benefitting from experience Plan B Comms’ services are taking the guess work out of communication infrastructure.

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

31 An enhanced solution The secret behind the success of MaxiTRANS’ Trout River units.

34 The best spread Specialised Roading Equipment’s sixmetre telescopic sprayer is proving to be successful across New Zealand and Australia.

37 Practice makes perfect How operators, new and old, can quickly catch up to speed with the latest equipment.

40 Integrated ingenuity Astec’s compact and efficient batch plants have now been rolled out to market.

43 Tracc-ing well John Deere is helping a local West Australian civil construction provider to grow rapidly.

EVENTS

51 What’s on in WA An overview of the upcoming 2023 Western Australia Major Projects Conference.

AFPA SECTION

53 Shaping the future Inside the Queensland TMR and AfPA’s new collaborative strategic plan.

NATIONAL PRECAST SECTION

57 Fostering creative play Precast concrete has been used in new community infrastructure, with plenty of benefits.

ISC SECTION

59 The decarbonisation pathway What the industry can expect from the creation of Infrastructure Net Zero.

REGULARS

4 Editor’s letter 7 News 62 Contracts & Tenders

Prioritising local employment and suppliers is leading to high-quality project outcomes, as we learn in this edition of Roads & Infrastructure Magazine.

roadsonline.com.au

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COO Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au

GROUP MANAGING EDITOR Sarah Baker sarah.baker@primecreative.com.au

MANAGING EDITOR Mike Wheeler mike.wheeler@primecreative.com.au

EDITOR

TREASURING LOCAL COMMUNITIES COMMUNITY IS AT the very heart of the roads and infrastructure sectors. Each and every infrastructure project presents its own unique set of opportunities for the local community, whether it be in terms of employment, local investment, improved infrastructure and more.

These contributions, while predominantly going unrecognised, help to leave a positive mark, one that lasts much longer than the infrastructure itself. This is why in the November edition of Roads & Infrastructure Magazine we’re highlighting the projects and initiatives that are helping to give back to the communities that we serve.

Coffey Testing is just one organisation that is exemplifying what it means to be a local business. The company has recently become a certified Australian Owned organisation, reflecting its contributions to the local community. By supporting local employment, local suppliers and local projects, Coffey Testing is ensuring that it can leave a positive legacy on the local economy. As Kristy Ponting, Australian Owned General Manager explains, Coffey Testing is to be celebrated for its commitment to domestic opportunities, many of which are contributing to the overall health of Australia’s economy.

Also in this edition, we hear from the Infrastructure Sustainability Council on the creation of the Infrastructure Net Zero initiative, marking an exciting milestone for the industry. The new initiative will co-ordinate, collaborate and report on the Australian infrastructure sector’s pathway to net zero. The organisation will also lead to greater opportunities for both the public and private sector to decrease their impacts on the environment and the community.

A local project in Devonport, Tasmania is also highlighting the role that infrastructure plays throughout local communities. Hudson Civil, a local and familyowned business has contributed to a brand-new play environment for children that encourages physical activity, social interaction and creativity. The site is a great representation of combining the environment, infrastructure components and fun, to increase community participation and interest in outdoor activities.

Finally, in this month’s Roads Review column, we take you inside some of the industry’s key players to find out how important is it for the industry to prioritise Australian-made products to greater support local economies and communities.

Happy reading!

Tom O’Keane Roads & Infrastructure Magazine

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ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

Tom O’Keane tom.okeane@primecreative.com.au

JOURNALIST Chris Edwards chris.edwards@primecreative.com.au

DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

ART DIRECTOR Blake Storey

DESIGN Bea Barthelson

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Brad Marshall brad.marshall@primecreative.com.au

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER Salma Kennedy salma.kennedy@primecreative.com.au

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+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 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

The NSW Budget includes funding for the Parramatta Light Rail project.

Image courtesy of New South Wales.

ROAD AND TRANSPORT PROJECTS BIG FOCUS OF 2023/24 NSW BUDGET The New South Wales Government has announced a $72.3 billion for new and improved transport infrastructure, as well as $2.4 billion over the next four years for targeted road upgrades in Western Sydney, as part of the 2023/24 State Budget.

The first budget handed down by the Minns State Government places an emphasis on upgrading and developing road and rail infrastructure across the entire state.

This investment in transport infrastructure will include investing an additional $1 billion in Sydney Metro City and Southwest, $7.9 billion over four years for the Sydney Metro– Western Sydney Airport, $302.7 million reserved for a Western Sydney Rapid Bus network and $200.0 million reserved to expedite the planning for the procurement, construction, and delivery of Parramatta Light Rail Stage Two for Western Sydney.

Major commitments have also been made to road projects in both regional and metropolitan areas. This includes, $2.4 billion over four years for Western

Sydney roads, a commitment of $770.0 million to establish an Urban Roads Fund to build major roads in metro areas and a new $390.0 million Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund to provide funding certainty to regional councils damaged by recent weather events.

Roads Australia has welcomed the continued investment in transport infrastructure across the state, with CEO Ehssan Veiszadeh saying the investment would be welcomed by industry stakeholders.

“It is pleasing to see investment in the regional road network and funding for building resilience across Western Sydney in the wake of significant natural disasters,” Veiszadeh said.

“As we await the outcomes of State and Federal reviews, this Budget will provide the industry with a level of certainty around NSW’s infrastructure build.”

The Australasian Railway Association has also welcomed the funding commitment for road and rail infrastructure.

ARA CEO Caroline Wilkie said it was encouraging to see the NSW Government continue its commitment to the vital Sydney Metro projects, maintaining funding allocations for Sydney Metro West, Sydney Metro to Western Sydney Airport and Sydney Metro City and Southwest.

“It is critical that we increase the capacity of the rail network to meet growing demand, with faster and more frequent and reliable services,” Wilkie said.

Infrastructure Partnerships Australia Chief Executive Adrian Dwyer also shared his thoughts.

“The infrastructure budget still sits under a shadow cast by the Federal Government’s 90-Day Review, with the NSW Government estimating $14.2 billion of Federal infrastructure contributions remain subject to change,” Dwyer said.

“While it is pleasing to see the NSW Government confirm some projects which appeared at risk, the sector really needs certainty on the pipeline it has to deliver.” roadsonline.com.au

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NEWS

RECORD INVESTMENT ANNOUNCED FOR WA ROADS The Western Australian Government has signed a new agreement with the WA Local Government Association, which will deliver a record $1.38 billion investment in local road projects.

The five-year State Road Funds to Local Government Agreement with the WA Local Government Association will increase the estimated investment by $353 million compared to the previous agreement and will deliver close to $253 million for local roads this financial year.

The agreement guarantees councils 20 per cent of the revenue collected from the State’s vehicle licence fee collections to be allocated to local roads.

As part of the agreement, project commitments will focus particularly on road safety objectives, increasing Aboriginal employment and improving/

The record investment will see improvements for local Western Australian road infrastructure.

increasing the use of recycled materials in road construction.

The local government-managed programs will receive 67 per cent of annual funding in direct grants, road project grants, State Black Spot allocations and remote Aboriginal

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access roads.

The remaining 33 per cent of funding will go to Main Roads managed programs, which include State initiatives on local roads, bridgeworks and bridge inspections, and traffic management, signs and pavement markings.

VIC TOWN GOES FULLY ELECTRIC Seymour in central Victoria has become the first regional town in the state to have – and use – an entire fleet of zero emission buses.

The fully zero emission bus network will be used across the town’s five bus routes.

Seymour Passenger Services rolled out its first zero emission bus in January this year and is one of six operators across Victoria taking part in the Victorian Government’s $20 million Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Trial.

The trial will see 52 zero emission buses – 50 electric and two hydrogen – rolled out across Melbourne, Traralgon and Seymour.

The trial is helping inform the transition to zero emissions with data collected providing practical information such as how zero emission buses perform and the energy and charging requirements for different types of services.

The three-year ZEB trial is also giving insights into how the buses can improve financial and environmental sustainability 8

ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

and foster vital local industry partnerships – such as with energy providers and manufacturers – that will be needed to achieve the transition across the state.

The trials form part of the Victorian Government’s plan for all new buses

Seymour is now the first regional town in Victoria to house and use a fleet of fully electric buses.

added to Victoria’s public transport routes to be zero emission vehicles, as the state transitions around 4500 diesel buses in the public fleet – including around 2200 in regional Victoria – to greener technology.

This will begin from 2025.

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COMMITTING

TO LOCAL

COFFEY TESTING HAS A LONG HISTORY OF SUPPORTING LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND INDUSTRIES. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE LEARNS HOW THE COMPANY IS GIVING BACK, AND WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN ‘AUSTRALIAN OWNED’ CERTIFIED COMPANY.

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Coffey Testing’s approach to projects prioritises local suppliers and employees.

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ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

ith a strong national presence, Coffey Testing is aiming to make an impact in a variety of regions, particularly when it comes to providing opportunities and support for local suppliers, workers, and projects.

Sam Hill – General Manager of Coffey Testing Rockhampton, says this commitment has been ever-present. He has seen first-hand the positive impact it can have since he joined the company in 2018.

“It’s been an intent of ours to remain Australian owned. We think it’s a key driver for many of our current contracts, having local content,” he says. “It really helps with our value proposition to our staff.

“When you’re creating and working on a project that’s local to you, there’s going to be more buy-in. We’ve turned this commitment to contributing to local communities from an unconscious thing to a conscious decision that we actively pursue.”

Coffey Testing’s commitment to the Australian economy has been identified and celebrated with its recent ‘Australian Owned’ certification.

Hill believes Coffey Testing’s ‘Australian Owned Social Responsibility Partnership’ also reflects the company’s entrenched roots and 60 years of building relationships with communities nationwide.

He says clients also benefit from these

COVER STORY

Hiring local means Coffey Testing has a unique perspective on potential solutions for local projects.

“WHEN IT’S AN AUSTRALIAN BRAND IT REALLY GIVES YOU CONFIDENCE THAT THE PRODUCTS ARE BEING MET WITH APPROPRIATE QUALITY STANDARDS. YOU’RE GOING TO RECEIVE A QUALITY PRODUCT THAT’S SUPPORTED BY LOCAL EMPLOYEES.”

long-standing relationships.

“When you have a group of local suppliers that you’ve built up a rapport with and have relationships with, it extends how reactive you can be in what is a dynamic industry,” Hill says. “It might be a pipe bursting or a truck breaking down, if that happens you’ve got that network to provide a solution.

“The fact that we’re so connected locally in all our different locations allow us to leverage these professional networks.

It’s good to have that reactiveness for any situation.”

AUSTRALIAN OWNED Coffey Testing’s Australian Owned certification is bestowed by the official Australian Owned organisation.

Australian Owned is committed to driving and growing Australia’s business community, highlighting ways that industries can look to prioritise local investment.

Kristy Ponting, Australian Owned General Manager, says this commitment is about more than just providing opportunities. She

says it’s about supporting the long-term prosperity of the nation.

“When you’re looking at local suppliers and employing members of the community, that’s obviously going to have a flow-on effect to the Australian economy. This is where Australia can benefit as a whole,” she says.

“It’s bolstering what we already have here in Australia- it’s reinforcing and enabling us to take that next step towards selfsufficiency. Coffey Testing has a strong influence in respect to employing locally, which is demonstrated by its staff and locations across Australia.”

Ponting adds that being Australian Owned signifies a commitment to quality.

She says products and services that are provided by an Australian Owned certified company can offer reassurance to consumers.

“When it’s an Australian brand it really gives you confidence that the products are being met with appropriate quality standards. You’re going to receive a quality product that’s supported by local employees,” she says.

“The overarching economic benefit and everything that falls under it is why the commitment to supporting Australian business and staff is absolutely imperative.”

Australian Owned supports and encourages businesses to keep things local, offering tools and mechanisms (such as the Australian Owned certification) while increasing awareness around the importance of self-sustaining local economies.

Ponting says the Australian Owned certification can also provide benefits for businesses by differentiating products and services from other providers.

“It’s about transparency. There’s millions of businesses across Australia. Being able to promote their certification and demonstrate that genuine Australian ownership can help businesses in terms of their bottom line,” she says.

“The consumer values that transparency, understands that by supporting these businesses, their dollar is ultimately helping the Australian economy.”

Ponting says Coffey Testing is an ideal example of a dedicated and committed roadsonline.com.au

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COVER STORY

Coffey Testing’s team is committed to providing high-quality outcomes for projects of all sizes.

Australian Owned certified business.

“It’s wonderful that Coffey testing has achieved its certification and has been recognised for being so socially responsible in its operations and commitment.

We’re proud of their operations and this partnership, we love celebrating that fact,” she says.

TRICKLING DOWN BENEFITS David McWilliam has seen first-hand the benefits of backing local. He’s the Divisional Manager of Fulton Hogan, one of Australia’s largest infrastructure providers and a longterm client of Coffey Testing.

McWilliam says Coffey Testing’s Australian owned and trusted service is one reason why the company is Fulton Hogan’s preferred service supplier in northern New South Wales for materials testing.

“At the end of the day, if we don’t support the local economy, the local economy isn’t going to support us,” he says.

“Local people understand the local market. If you’ve got staff nationally, there’s obviously a wider network of knowledge, but sometimes that local knowledge for specific works can be missing.

“A lot of the staff we’ve worked with from Coffey Testing have just that. The staff have been around long enough to know what’s in the ground. We find that a lot of the problems we’re facing, they’ve already dealt with before. That’s made our lives much easier.”

Fulton Hogan has used Coffey Testing’s services on major infrastructure works, such as the M1 Pacific Motorway upgrade.

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ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

McWilliam says this local knowledge, combined with Coffey Testing’s modern equipment and services, can take the pain out of any materials testing requirements.

“We’ve just finished two major stabilisation packages, one being a project for Transport for New South Wales. We did stabilisation works for about 1.7 kilometres of the Golden Highway. We had a member of the Coffey Testing team there full-time, along with their mobile lab to measure densities and compressive strength on a daily basis,” he says.

“We can see results in real time.”

McWilliam adds that Coffey Testing’s local “know-how” and staff takes the guesswork

because they’ve kept in front of these changes. It means that we can get what we need, when we need it, which is great.”

This commitment to local economies also aligns closely with Fulton Hogan’s own ethos of providing local opportunities and contributions to the community. The company has supported thousands of community groups, also raising $218,000 for local brain cancer research.

“At the end of the day, just like us, they’re putting money back into the local economy. In a way, some of the money that we’re spending with them is being fed directly back to the community,” McWilliam says.

“It’s great to know you’re making an impact.”

On top of its immense support for local industries and economies, Coffey Testing has become a key partner and support for local sporting clubs and community outreach programs. As Hill explains.

“Some of the positive feedback that we get from staff relates to our support of local sporting teams. Sometimes we’ll have children of our employees playing for sporting teams that are looking for a sponsor, that’s the sort of thing we support,” he says.

“If we’re successful in the business, we can afford to do more of that stuff.

The more that our people do well in the business, the greater the capacity to support these local teams. Having that extra kitty in the bank can help facilitate this type of work.”

“THERE’S SOMETHING SO BEAUTIFUL ABOUT OUR COMMUNITY, THAT REAL ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT OF ONE ANOTHER. THAT’S WHERE COFFEY TESTING HAVE DONE A FANTASTIC JOB.”

out of constantly evolving specifications and regulations in materials testing.

“A lot of the specifications and test methods that we need to work through are constantly changing. Coffey [Testing] are generally ahead enough that when those changes come in, they can update their systems to reflect that,” he says.

“The people that they employ are local, they’re all facing the same challenges that we’re working through. We’re all on a level playing field, which I think would not be as easy to achieve if we weren’t working with such a local company.

“We’ve never really ran into issues

Ponting says such generosity is reflective of the “Australian spirit”, an enduring commitment to supporting other employees and business owners.

“It’s more than just getting certified and getting a trademark to the Australian Owned logo,” she says. “It’s about being part of being something bigger and really showing a commitment to those values of supporting the citizens of Australia.

“There’s something so beautiful about our community, that real active engagement and support of one another.

That’s where Coffey Testing have done a fantastic job.”

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LEADING THE CHARGE FOR

SUSTAINABILITY

SRIPATH TECHNOLOGIES HAS BEEN A KEY AMBASSADOR AND INNOVATOR OF SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVES IN THE PAVING INDUSTRY. THE COMPANY CONTINUES TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE IN THIS SPACE. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE FINDS OUT HOW.

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ripath Technologies’ unique approach emphasises that sustainable industry practices are the solution, not the exception. And for years, the company has backed up this belief, through its constant research and development into readily available innovative and sustainable products and solutions.

This is not only limited to the use of the final product, but also the use of environmentally friendly methods during production. This comprises – but is not limited to – the inclusion of sustainable components, methods of transporting the product and final distribution.

Kate Brough, Director of Digital Marketing, Sripath Technologies, says the company endeavours to play a leading role in showcasing the potential of sustainable products.

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ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

“[We’re] committed to adopting and promoting sustainable and environmentally friendly practices throughout the entire value chain,” she says.

One example of the company’s innovation is NuMIXER, an environmentally sustainable blend of bio-based oils. It has been tested, proven, and trusted as a bitumen softener around the globe, specifically designed to improve low-temperature performance and flexibility of bitumen.

It enhances polymer and crumb rubber compatibility and dispersion, as well as reduces and manages viscosity, leading to better performance and durability.

Another is Sripath Technologies’ ReLIXER. This product is designed to rapidly penetrate the Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement or Shingle (RAP/RAS) particles, soften the aged bitumen,

and restore its functional properties.

Ravi Rajagopalan, General Manager, Sripath Asia-Pac, says both products were developed to deliver roadways with outstanding performance and durability and promote sustainability, while providing a costeffective solution.

“They’re both bio-oil based, but they operate in slightly different ways. The function of ReLIXER is to very rapidly penetrate into the RAP particles and help restore the functional properties of the aged bitumen,” Rajagopalan says.

“NuMIXER by contrast has a slightly different additive package. It helps soften the bitumen, improving low temperature properties, fatigue resistance and the crack resistance of the bitumen.”

Similarly, the company’s PGXpand, a

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Sripath Technologies has always had a keen focus on providing a platform for a greater use of sustainable materials.

Sripath Technologies will continue to develop and innovate when it comes to sustainable alternatives for bitumen manufacture.

bitumen-friendly polymeric additive, boosts the high temperature paving grade of the binder, improves the rutting resistance, helps to maintain low temperature performance, improves viscosity, and increases the softening point with a better adhesion and tack.

Rajagopalan says the product helps to deliver roadways and roofs with excellent performance and good durability.

“It improves the workability and compactability of asphalt mixes, helping reduce the energy consumption both during the manufacture of the PMB, and during the use of such PMB-based asphalt mixes,” he says.

Sripath products can help contractors reduce their carbon footprint, lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce their energy consumption.

But how does a company like Sripath Technologies evaluate how it can further minimise the environmental impact of its global operations?

AN IMPORTANT PROCESS The company sought to develop Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) for its three key products: ReLIXER, PGPXand, and

NuMIXER. These ‘EPDs’ are independently verified documents, aiming to transparently and accurately present relevant environmental related information.

This can include assessments on the use of resources and energy, along with different types of emissions. Each EPD aims to explore the life cycle of any given product.

As Krishna Srinivasan, President of Sripath Technologies explains, the EPD journey helped the company to reflect on its manufacturing methods.

“We started this process a couple of years ago, because we genuinely wanted to understand ‘what is our imprint in terms of the environment?’ It was essentially to understand more about the way we operate,” he says.

“It made us more aware of the various factors around our production, prompting us to dive into the nuts and bolts of the manufacturing process.”

Sripath’s EPDs were developed using the Life Cycle Assessment methodology, adopting the cradle-to-gate scope. The scope effectively measures a product’s footprint from production, until it leaves the company’s facilities. Therefore, excluding aspects such as the products use by the end customer, as well as the products end-of-life (as per Ecochain).

The EPDs were authored by an independent consultant Solid Forest SL of Madrid, who are based in Spain. Each EPD was certified and registered by the Environmental Footprint Institute, an independent non-profit foundation, also based in Spain.

Srinivasan says the process required to

achieve the EPD certification helped to validate the work currently being done by the company, while also highlighting potential areas of growth for the company.

“We did a similar process for PGXpand; we went down to the products roots, asking ‘what do these molecules really look like?

How is it made? Who makes each ingredient?’

It was a really thorough comprehensive process to better understand our products,” he says.

Sripath Technologies had recently released EPDs for the following products: ReLIXER, PGPXand, and NuMIXER. Deepak Madan, Chief Marketing and Business and Development Officer for the company, adds that the “invaluable” learnings gained by Sripath Technologies throughout the EPD process will help guide the company’s future developments and research. He reiterates that the EPD’s are just one of many achievements that the company has made in the sustainability space.

“The EPDs provide a systematic way of looking at things. It’s not anything new or different, but it’s important in terms of improving our awareness of the impact our processes have on the environment,” he says.

“We were already doing a lot of this previously, it’s just helped us to better formulate our operations.”

Madan says Sripath will continue to provide sustainable alternatives compatible with a range of bitumen grades from around the globe.

“Our philosophy as a company in the infrastructure industry has always been to look at the issues that are facing the sector, and then try to find solutions for these challenges,” he says.

“We have always been focused on sustainability and have been introducing products that help reduce the carbon footprint, both during production and when used to improve performance and durability of roadways.”

Allan Khankari, who recently joined the Sripath team as a Marketing Specialist, is passionate about the environment.

“At Sripath, sustainability is part of our DNA, it is an integral part of our strategy and is incorporated into all aspects of our business plan”, he says.

Rajagopalan adds, “The road and infrastructure industry in Australia and New Zealand are committed to adopting sustainable practices and technologies. Sripath products help our customers achieve their own sustainability goals.” roadsonline.com.au

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ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

BIO-FUELLING

SUSTAINABILITY PROGRESS THE WINSLOW GROUP HAS INTRODUCED BIODIESEL TO ITS RANGE OF MACHINERY. THIS IS IN LINE WITH ITS COMMITMENT TO ACHIEVING ROBUST SUSTAINABILITY OUTCOMES. VIVA ENERGY IS SUPPORTING THAT WITH ITS INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS.

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inslow Group is a civil construction services company passionate about protecting and enhancing the environment in which it operates. It is well into its decarbonisation journey, recently starting its move to biodiesel through Viva Energy.

Trent Chamberlain is the Group Procurement Manager at Winslow Group. He says the company realised the potential of biodiesel for reducing emissions after discussions with key stakeholders at an energy summit sponsored by Viva Energy. This realisation was fulfilled after Winslow Group completed the first carbon inventory of its operations in 2022.

“Our 2022 carbon inventory brought to light the potential of biodiesel fuel as an easy solution,” says Chamberlain. “It was readily available to contribute to reducing our scope one emissions produced by diesel burn throughout our operations. We have a longterm relationship with Viva Energy, as they are

our supplier of fuels and lubricants for our plant and equipment.”

It was a natural progression for the Winslow Group to look at sustainable options with Viva Energy. The company is one of the largest fuel suppliers in Australia, with an extensive supply chain and logistics infrastructure to support its solutions.

“There is also a natural alignment between Winslow Group and Viva Energy’s sustainability ambitions, so taking our biodiesel journey together made sense.”

WHAT IS BIODIESEL? Biodiesel is a co-mingled product with a bio-sourced Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) component. These are esters of fatty acids derived from vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel is used as an alternative to conventional diesel. Typically, biodiesel is blended with diesel in ratios of five (B5), 10 (B10) and 20 per cent (B20) ratios.

Biodiesel is a drop-in solution – it doesn’t require significant upgrades to company equipment or assets.

Trent Chamberlain, Group Procurement Manager, Winslow Group.

Chamberlain says that the product’s ability to provide environmental benefits without impacting company operations is what truly pushed Winslow Group over the line to introduce biodiesel. Competitiveness in the construction industry is ever-increasing, and downtime can be the difference between winning or losing a project tender.

“Within the construction industry, delivery and lead times are critical to our clients,” says Chamberlain. “Limiting project downtime provides our customers with certainty around us being able to deliver the job on time, without delays. We’re cautious about making any changes that could impact our overall production schedules of the job sites we work on.

“For us, introducing biodiesel was a logical choice. It requires no capital investment in any of our plant or equipment. The B10 blend we’re using is essentially a drop-in solution. It doesn’t have any real impact on our operations or equipment, and our vehicles’ fueling process remains the same.”

ADVANTAGES OF BIODIESEL Viva Energy Key Account Manager - Transport Yap Chong Hua says biodiesel has several advantages. Of particular note is the sustainability outcomes biodiesel produces without impacting the company’s operations.

“My role is to support customers in their transition to biodiesel by providing them roadsonline.com.au

12:12 pm

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ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

what sustainability options Winslow Group can bring into the jobs and developments they’re creating.

“We’re seeing an increase in customers wanting contractors to use sustainable solutions on their projects. This increase is happening on all levels. It does not matter whether it is big publicly listed companies with clear targets around their sustainability ambitions or smaller private developers,” he says.

Winslow Group is introducing a B10 biodiesel blend with the help of Viva Energy.

UNDERSTAND BIODIESEL As it does with all its customers, Viva Energy puts in time and effort to understand precisely what Winslow Group is trying to achieve and the timeline it has in mind for its sustainability journey. As Mairead Hayes, National Sales Manager - Commercial Road Transport at Viva Energy, puts it – “there’s no one size fits all solution on the sustainability journey”.

Yap Chong Hua, Key Account Manager – Transport, Viva Energy.

“WE HAVE DROP-IN SOLUTIONS READY RIGHT NOW FOR CUSTOMERS LOOKING TO START THEIR SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY, SUCH AS BIODIESEL AND RENEWABLE DIESEL, AND WE’RE ALSO WORKING ON SOLUTIONS FOR FUTURE APPLICATIONS.” change any of its business practices, according to Yap. The company can order the biodiesel instead of their regular diesel. As a result, they can get up to 20 per cent bio component and, therefore, a 20 per cent reduction in carbon emissions with no impact on operations.

Fundamentally, it’s business as usual for the contractor.

access to the right technical experts within our business,” says Yap. “We supported the Winslow Group through our fuel product quality experts, who can answer any questions.”

Viva Energy also engaged its supply chain specialists to ensure Winslow Group’s transition to biodiesel was seamless.

Yap says that a big part of his role includes helping customers to transition to biodiesel without impacting their operations. Viva Energy also ensures that product quality is up to specification. Both Viva Energy and the customer can address any OEM requirements or concerns about using biodiesel.

The major advantage is there is no need for the company transitioning to biodiesel to 18

ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

SUPPORT THROUGH EDUCATION Winslow Group’s introduction of biodiesel has been further streamlined by the extensive support it has received along the way. Viva Energy has provided educational materials to Winslow Group’s plant and logistics department. That has helped all its team members understand the benefits of using biodiesel.

“Viva Energy has also provided information about the various blends of biodiesel available to be used on different pieces of our plant and equipment,” says Chamberlain.

“It’s because that percentage can change depending on things like engine configuration and equipment, brands, and a range of other factors. Viva Energy has provided all the information needed to make our move to introduce biodiesel successful.”

Chamberlain is getting more and more calls from Winslow Group’s project managers.

They are speaking to their clients about

Although customers like Winslow Group are leading the way, says Hayes, the market is still maturing in the sustainability space.

“As things evolve, we’ll see different solutions become more practical and applicable to different types of customers,” she says. “We have drop-in solutions ready right now for customers looking to start their sustainability journey, such as biodiesel and renewable diesel, and we’re also working on solutions for future applications.”

“These drop-solutions are generally accepted by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), but as always, owners should always check in with them before making the change.

“Winslow Group consulted with its OEMs about transitioning items of plant and equipment to biodiesel, who were comfortable to give the green light.”

Both Viva Energy and Winslow Group are seeing a sustainability push from stakeholders from all levels of the supply and value chain.

There’s still a way to go for the industry to make genuine inroads in reducing its emissions output, with conventional fuels still a requirement while infrastructure and technology evolve. But partnerships like that of Viva Energy and Winslow Group, bolstered by their collaborative approach, are setting a standard for what can be achieved by harnessing sustainable solutions today.

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ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE HELPS YOU KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST MOVEMENTS ACROSS THE ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS. NEW NATIONAL PEOPLE & CAPABILITY MANAGER – GEORGIOU GROUP Georgiou Group has announced the appointment of Courtney Scott as National People & Capability Manager.

Scott will join Georgiou Group’s Leadership Team, positioning people and culture at the heart of the organisation’s national strategy. Scott joined Georgiou Group in 2018. Originally from Western Australia, Scott has experience from the mining and oil and gas industries. Over the last five years, she has led Georgiou’s Eastern Region People & Capability teams – spearheading several initiatives that support the company’s vision and playing a key role in maintaining a strong company culture.

Image courtesy of Georgiou Group.

NEW APPOINTMENTS FOR GHD GHD has announced new appointments in Mia Barnard (top image) as Transport Decarbonisation Lead – Australia, and Erin Jackson (bottom image) as Mobility Lead – Australia. Dean McIntyre, GHD’s Executive General Manager – Australia said the newly created roles will help clients realise bold visions for accessible and sustainable transport networks. Barnard initially joined GHD in 2009 as a Senior Civil Engineer, contributing to the company in her previous role as Market Leader – Transport. Jackson has more than 19 years’ experience in the fields of traffic engineering, transport planning and project management and a Master’s degree in Traffic Engineering from Monash University.

Images courtesy of GHD.

BENTLEY SYSTEMS ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE APPOINTMENTS Bentley Systems has appointed Kristin Fallon as Chief Marketing Officer. Most recently, Fallon was Global Head of Brand and Digital Marketing at GE HealthCare. Among many accomplishments, she led the company’s rebranding as part of its separation from GE, for which she was named Communicator of the Year by the Association of National Advertisers. Prior to GE, she spent 10 years in international aid, leading marketing and communications for social, environmental, and economic development projects in Asia and Africa. She’s also a board member of the International Advertising Association.

Image courtesy of Bentley Systems.

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Catering to Australia’s civil and road construction industry, Roads & Infrastructure Australia is a key source for industry decisionmakers, contractors, civil engineers and individuals in local and state government sectors and the private sector looking to keep up to date with important issues, developments, projects and innovations shaping the industry today.

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SAMI BITUMEN TECHNOLOGIES IS SUPPORTING WORKS IN SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST REMOTE AREAS THROUGH ITS SUPPLY OF QUALITY BITUMEN. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE TALKS TO ITS CUSTOMERS, F&J BITUMEN SERVICES AND ROADS 2000 TO LEARN MORE.

W

ith an established national network of bitumen manufacturing and terminal facilities, SAMI Bitumen Technologies has been a mainstay of Australia’s bitumen industry.

Its ability to support customers nationwide as Australia’s only independent bulk bitumen supplier has resulted in the company becoming the preferred supplier for many asphalt production and paving companies, such as F&J Bitumen Services.

F&J Bitumen Services operates in predominantly remote areas of the Northern Territory. As such, the company relies heavily on the rail network to transport and receive bitumen, with many of the closest bitumen terminals being interstate.

Despite the associated challenges with working in remote areas, Karen Lowery – Managing Director of F&J Bitumen, says SAMI has largely taken the headache out of the logistics behind bitumen dispatch and delivery.

“When we started taking deliveries from SAMI, we had to get used to the logistics of the rail system, rather than getting bitumen 22

ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

from road transport,” Lowery says.

“By using the train we’ve got a bit more control over the containers. They can be heated to the right temperature, which I can view on my cell phone. They’ve helped us in terms of man hours – someone doesn’t need to be with the bitumen constantly.”

A family-owned and multi-generational business, F&J Bitumen Services has specialised in car park’s pavement, driveway, asphalt patching, road pavement maintenance, speed bump rounding, saw cutting, bituminous walkway and bituminous sealing across the Northern Territory for 14 years.

Lowery says an essential component of the business has been its ability to establish meaningful relationships, not only with its customers but also its suppliers.

“Our business is about great customer service and collaborative relationships. We’re all working together to solve issues because a lot of what we do is in remote locations.

They’ve been very helpful,” she says.

Samuel Wright, Project Manager – SAMI Bitumen Technologies, has worked closely with F&J Bitumen Services since the company

was introduced to SAMI’s products in July 2022.

Wright says his professional relationship with the team at F&J Bitumen Services goes back multiple years.

“I have known Karen for a while,” he says. “When SAMI improved their fleet of containers, it created a new supply opportunity for F & J Bitumen Services.”

The remoteness and lack of road delivery options did make initial deliveries difficult, but Wright says SAMI was more than willing to take the challenge head-on.

“It took some time to get our heads around the rail logistics, getting the containers from Victoria and South Australia, up to Northern Territory. There were some teething issues to get it all lined up and working, but we’ve nailed that process now,” he says.

“If [F&J Bitumen Services] give us a call, we can have bitumen to their doorstop within four to five days still with some heat, which helps with the speed of heating them to the required temperature.”

For works in areas such as Humpty Doo, Katherine and Tennant Creek, SAMI will often set F&J Bitumen Services up with a ‘container

COMPANY PROFILE

F&J Bitumen Services benefits from SAMI Bitumen Technologies’ ‘container farm’ setup, providing greater flexibility for bitumen supply.

SAMI Bitumen Technologies supplies bitumen for works nationwide.

of life in remote Northern Territory and says SAMI’s eagerness to problem solve helps to ensure that customers can receive high-quality products with minimal delays.

“We have a ‘can do’ attitude. There’s always a solution somewhere, so we’ll sometimes throw as many people and resources as it takes to solve any issue,” he says.

“I’ve never worked for a company that’s so invested in trying to develop the very best across the board.” farm’, a large concentration of bitumen containers to support works of varying scale.

Apart from assisting with the logistics, Lowery says the biggest benefit of SAMI’s service has been the jump in product quality.

This includes PMBs, emulsions, additives and sustainable binders. And when it came to changing suppliers, she says it was seamless.

“It’s really easy. We’ll have a schedule because we might have a few jobs in different locations. My son and I love it because we just turn our burners on,” she says. “We can call, organise containers and save time when someone comes and picks them up. We don’t have to do anything; it’s a circular process.

“Their customer service has been exceptional. The guys at SAMI have worked really hard on this relationship. We’re unique in terms of the movements of containers without the option of road transport.

“They help us to manage solutions, with minimal delays and a good quality product. So far we haven’t had any major delays, there’s always been a solution.”

Wright says problem solving is just a part

FLEXIBILITY AND RELIABILITY Roads 2000 is another SAMI customer and one of the largest locally owned and operated independent producers of asphalt in Western Australia.

The company provides a variety of services, including asphalt production and sales, metropolitan and regional services, government, commercial and residential projects, civil construction, project management, road construction and more.

CEO Corrinna Politis says the support provided has been one of the standout aspects of SAMI’s customer service.

“They’ve given us multiple bitumen types.

They can provide anything that we need, whether it’s a polymer modified bitumen, specialised crumb rubber or straight run bitumen,” Politis says. “Their ordering system is great. It’s really state of the art.”

Politis says another standout feature has been SAMI’s ability to support ‘container farms’ to streamline works on major projects.

“We had a 26,000-tonne asphalt project in

the Gold Fields. SAMI established a portable container farm and they managed the product for us,” she says. “That meant that we could finish the project in a really short time frame.

It really blew everyone away.

Roads 2000 accepts all of its deliveries via road trains. Politis says the current delivery arrangement ensures bitumen is available for both metropolitan and remote projects.

“We can bring in massive loads of bitumen and have the product on site, at the right temperature and always available for us. We can manufacture as much as we can in a day, rather than being constrained by how much bitumen we have readily available,” she says.

The support and confidence provided by SAMI are also enabling Roads 2000 to trial and implement products that are new to the company.

“We’ve got a big project coming up that we’ve modified our production plant for.

We’re going to be using a bitumen binder that we haven’t used previously, a type of crumb rubber asphalt,” Politis says.

“SAMI will help us with their expertise to greater understand and manage the product.

We’ve been preparing for a year, so we’re really excited to see it laid down.

“We’ve been a family owned and operated business for 25 years, so we’re always looking for suppliers that we can count on and rely on. [SAMI] have certainly been great on that side of things,” Politis says.

“We have confidence that they’ll provide us with any particular type of bitumen that we need.”

SAMI Bitumen Technologies can assist customers with the associated logistics for bitumen delivery.

roadsonline.com.au

23

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COMPANY PROFILE

Civilcast is at the forefront of product quality and compliancy.

AHEAD OF

THE REST

CIVILCAST RECENTLY ACHIEVED THE COVETED GLOBAL-MARK CERTIFICATION FOR ITS STEEL AND DUCTILE IRON PRODUCTS. AS AJIT PUJARI, HEAD OF COMPLIANCE, SUSTAINABILITY & QUALITY EXPLAINS, COMPLIANCE IS INTEGRAL TO MORE THAN JUST PRODUCT QUALITY.

C

ompliance in many ways can be considered an underappreciated aspect of infrastructure product development.

Covers and grates are just two of a wide range of infrastructure components that are subject to product quality assurance and compliance.

These products make up one of the most important aspects of infrastructure in stormwater management, a key cog in enabling the overall drainage network to function properly, to reduce the chances of hazards such as flooding.

Ajit Pujari is the Head of Compliance, Sustainability & Quality at Civilcast, a manufacturer and distributor of a range of products for civil construction and infrastructure applications.

For Pujari, product compliance is more important than just a desire to achieve industry works and contracts. He says

quality assurance is essential across the entire industry.

“It’s not just about quality issues, any defects can also lead to safety issues, which could result in an accident or even a fatality in extreme incidents,” he says.

The use of non-compliant ductile iron and steel covers and grates can heighten risks associated with environmental and load conditions, as well as potential property damage caused by poorly designed drainage systems.

Pujari says compliance can also contribute to the overall sustainability of infrastructure products, with a product’s longevity able to create both financial and environmental savings by reducing the need for re-manufacturing and disposing of faulty products.

“Sustainability is more about education.

We need to make sure we comply with Australian Standards too because of

Australia’s commitment goals to reach net zero by 2030. We need to start somewhere, so this is a journey,” he says.

“It’s not only about your processes, but also your suppliers. We need [to ask questions] around the processes that they follow, and their impact environmentally with emissions. There’s quite a bit of work that we are doing in the background.

“This includes looking into materials like sustainable concrete, to make our manufacturing as sustainable as possible.”

CERTIFIED QUALITY Civilcast’s expertise and passion towards product compliance and quality has recently been reinforced after it received a Global-Mark Certification for its range of ductile iron and steel covers and grate products.

The Global-Mark Certification signifies roadsonline.com.au

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COMPANY PROFILE

Pujari adds that valuable lessons learned throughout third-party and internal audits have highlighted potential growth areas for Civilcast, on what is an on-going journey towards quality and compliance.

“It’s not a ‘one-off’ process. Just because we’ve got the certification, doesn’t mean we’ve stopped,” he says.

“The independent third parties will continue to visit and audit, so we want to make sure every year that we’re testing our products in NATA accredited labs. On top of the GlobalMark Certification, another great achievement will be the completion of our own quality lab, where we’re going to test each and every product.

“All of these combined efforts are going to help us grow our business and make an even [greater] impact on the market. I’m really pleased to see that this approach is working so well.”

This NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities)-accredited lab will also guide future product development, as Pujari explains.

“It’s always about continuous

Ajit Pujari, Head of Compliance, Sustainability & Quality at Civilcast.

a company or products’ compliance with specific requirements within Australia, New Zealand and international standards.

Every product within Civilcast’s ductile and steel covers and grates range complies with AS3996-2019 and has received the Global-Mark Certification.

“I believe we’re the first company that specialises in the supply of steel and ductile iron products to achieve this Global-Mark Certification confirming compliance. This certification involved an external independent third party, reviewing and assessing our suppliers, internal systems our processes and of course, our products,” Pujari says.

Pujari says attaining the certification has been one of the biggest highlights during his time at Civilcast. He adds that the certification will only help to drive further improvement and manufacturing of high-quality infrastructure products by the business.

“We are very much a pioneer in the industry by achieving this certification.

It’s one of the biggest achievements for me personally as well as for Civilcast,” Pujari says.

“We wanted to make sure that every product that we are bringing onto site 26

ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

“ON TOP OF THE GLOBAL-MARK CERTIFICATION, ANOTHER GREAT ACHIEVEMENT WILL BE THE COMPLETION OF OUR OWN QUALITY LAB, WHERE WE’RE GOING TO TEST EACH AND EVERY PRODUCT.” is 100 per cent compliant. We can be confident of that as independent third parties were testing our products in an independent NATA accredited lab. As a result of this you can have 100 per cent confidence in the product that you’re supplying to the market.

“Overall, it’s been a great achievement.”

Despite attaining the Global-Mark Certification, Civilcast is not resting on its laurels, with constant internal quality assurance checks on its custommade products.

“What we’re doing is different to many of our competitors,” says Pujari.

“We have warehouses across the country, we are guided by checks of our products. We have developed our own product specification for every product that pretty much covers how we’re going to make a compliant product, the expectations around the product and how we’re going to deliver that to the customer. That’s a big point of difference for us.”

improvement. There’re always new ideas coming into the business depending on what our customers require, so any new product designs have to follow our process,” he says.

This process includes incorporating the needs of the customer against industry and internal specifications.

New drawings for new products are required to be checked by certified engineers before manufacturing begins.

Civilcast’s reputation as a certified and quality provider of infrastructure products has led to successful tenders on projects such as the Pacific Highway, Snowy 2.0 Expansion and the Western Sydney International Airport Project.

“We haven’t seen anyone go into quality on a level like this. Even for the manufacturing of our precast products, which is very much a manual process, we’ve gone to that next level to make it as automated as possible with the state-of-the-art technology that we’re continuing to develop,” Pujari says.

BENEFITTING

FROM EXPERIENCE PLAN B COMMS CONTINUES TO DELIVER ESSENTIAL COMMUNICATION DESIGN AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS AND NEW DEVELOPMENTS. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE FINDS OUT WHY THE COMPANY IS SO WELL POISED AS A PREFERRED PROVIDER.

F

illing the void in design and project management often left by telecommunication carriers makes Plan B Comms’ services in communications design and project management so unique.

Since its creation more than 11 years ago, Plan B Comms has grown in leaps and bounds, helping to relocate more than $50 million worth of telecommunications assets. This comprises works on more than 150 relocation projects with over 50 of those projects involving multiple carriers.

In addition to this, Plan B Comms has

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ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

received statement of compliance on 2000 project stages connecting over 150,000 residential, commercial and industrial lots. Plan B Comms offers a full suite of services to all new developments and any project for works on existing telecommunications infrastructure.

The success of Plan B Comms methodology, as well as the company’s timely project delivery, has led to Plan B Comms working with some of the largest telecommunication providers in Australia, as well as some of the largest infrastructure and land developers.

ID Land, an award-winning national

developer. Alex While, Senior Development Manager says the company has relied on Plan B Comms for many years, across its Victorian projects.

“They have been our trusted partner in navigating the complexities of external communication relocations and internal stage works,” While says.

While adds that Plan B Comms contributions to their projects has exemplified the private-owned company’s focus on delivering best practice solutions, no matter the task.

“Their expertise in communication services has streamlined our development

COMPANY PROFILE

Plan B Comms is now amongst the leading providers of communication infrastructure services.

design, construction and practical completion management.

Plan B Comms was tasked with the relocation of all telecommunication assets as part of the Boundary Road upgrade works in Armstrong Creek.

Plan B Comms designed and project managed six relocation projects consisting of multiple carriers and a total of $3.5 million telecommunication assets were relocated.

Plan B Comms has successfully delivered all stages at Willow Estate with a 100 per cent audit pass rate with NBN Co.

processes, ensuring smooth coordination among stakeholders,” While says.

“Plan B Comms’ tailored solutions, commitment, and unwavering dedication make them an invaluable asset to our projects.”

SMOOTH COORDINATION Plan B Comms has an in-house team that specialises in feasibility modelling, telecommunication administration, Plan B Comms’ recent works include the delivery of NBN infrastructure to the Clovertone Estate in Victoria.

Creek,” Mathios says.

“The Plan B Comms team provided a fantastic level of service in seeing through the design and delivery of this project and smoothly managed the coordination of multiple telecommunication providers as well as other stakeholders.”

Mathios says Plan B Comms’ approach to project delivery and client relations closely reflects the ethos of DPM Consulting Group, who seek to “constantly challenge the boundaries”. “[Plan B Comms] assistance and communication during the project was outstanding and we look forward to working with them again,” he says.

Plan B Comms specialise in residential, commercial, and industrial developments in addition to its existing infrastructure projects.

“THE PLAN B COMMS TEAM PROVIDED A FANTASTIC LEVEL OF SERVICE IN SEEING THROUGH THE DESIGN AND DELIVERY OF THIS PROJECT AND SMOOTHLY MANAGED THE COORDINATION OF MULTIPLE TELECOMMUNICATION PROVIDERS AS WELL AS OTHER STAKEHOLDERS.” John Mathios, Principal Engineer at DPM Consulting, says the collaborative nature of the project delivery, paired with Plan B Comms’ expertise, made the company an ideal business partner.

“DPM Consulting Group had the pleasure of working closely with Plan B Comms to relocate existing telecommunications to enable the delivery of critical water main supply works for a residential estate in Armstrong

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT – THE BASE Plan B Comms were engaged by APD to deliver the NBN (National Broadband Network) to all 130 lots within The Base development. Plan B Comms have recently completed Stage One that involved accelerated installation of the NBN ahead of schedule to allow APD to continue construction without delay. Plan B Comms were successfully able to design and co-ordinate applications with NBN and APD to deliver the complex project within the construction timeframe.

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT CLOVERTON Plan B Comms have been delivering NBN infrastructure to Stockland’s landmark 30,000 lot Cloverton Estate, since the project’s commencement in 2016; maintaining on time delivery through its application, design and project management services.

Plan B Comms also forms part of the wider Plan B Group, alongside companies such as Plan B Services and Plan B Auditing. In tandem, the Plan B Group can provide a full suite of services for the entire project lifecycle. roadsonline.com.au

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Increased efficiency, safety and quality are just some of the benefits of using Trout River units.

AN ENHANCED

SOLUTION

TONY SINGH OF BLUE TIPPERS SEQ EXPLAINS THE BENEFITS AND REASONING BEHIND THE COMPANY’S ACQUISITION OF BRAND-NEW TROUT RIVER UNITS, WHICH DEMONSTRATE GREATER OUTCOMES IN TERMS OF EFFICIENCY AND SAFETY.

B

lue Tippers SEQ is as local as they come. Situated in the heart of Queensland, the asphalt cartage company has grown its capabilities and fleet organically.

Mainly servicing Brisbane and the Gold Coast, Blue Tippers SEQ has contributed to major infrastructure projects such as the Logan Motorway and the Gold Coast Airport.

Back in 2018, Tony Singh finalised his search for the next generation of bulk transport trailers, a search to find a suitable alternative to conventional tipping trailers.

“Sometimes if there’s road works up in the tunnels, we can have difficulties tipping material up. Sometimes we’re only able to unload around half of the load due to the limited space,” Singh says.

“There weren’t many other companies out there at the time that were making these types of units.”

Singh says the search for a safer alternative

led to the discovery of Trout River’s Live Bottom units, through local dealer Trailer Sales.

Trout River’s Live Bottom Trailers and Rigid units utilise an interior conveyor belt system to ensure that operators are able to have versatility for loads, particularly in environments with low structures and overhead obstacles.

“The ‘conveyor floor’ helps to make unloading easier and safer because there is no tipping and lifting; you’re using a conveyor belt straight into the machine,” Singh says.

“The other benefit is that when we’re doing streets near residential areas, with powerlines above us, it can be a big responsibility for a spotter and the driver.

Usually, it’s all on the spotter to check how high the bin is, you’re relying on him. With the belt driven floor, we know it’s going to be easier and safer.”

Replacing conventional tipping is one of the benefits of using Trout River’s Live

Bottom units.

Roger Miller, Bulk Equipment Sales specialist at Trailer Sales has been Singh’s main contact ever since the purchase of the first Trout River unit. He says the specialised units are perfectly suited to the company’s needs and requirements.

“Trout River’s Live Bottom unit is one of the few systems of its kind in Australia,” he says. “These things are built to run seven days a week, 24 hours a day.”

Miller adds that the units can be tailored and customised individually, ensuring they can cater for industry applications and specifications.

“You’re also able to purchase additional attachments such as chip spreaders, side chutes and more. We’re always looking to innovate because we want to make sure the equipment is continually evolving with the needs of our customers,” he says.

The trailers are available in 33-foot and 31foot Tri-Axle Semis and 28-foot and 26-foot Tandem Axle Semis.

Blue Tippers SEQ has four Trout River units, with another two coming in the next 12 months. Such has been the success of these rigid body units, Singh is now considering removing tippers from his existing fleet entirely upon the delivery of the remaining two Trout River units.

Like every other company that purchases Trout River equipment, Blue Tippers SEQ receives support from MaxiTRANS’ national dealer and service support network. Using its site in Rocklea, Queensland as a base for its servicing and parts, Trailer Sales still supports Blue Tippers SEQ to this day.

“It’s not just about selling something to roadsonline.com.au

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT Blue Tippers SEQ has used its Trout River unit for a variety of works on projects of all scales.

“AS SOON AS YOU OPEN THE TAILGATE, THERE’S FLASHING LIGHTS TO ENSURE THAT BOTH THE DRIVER AND THE SPOTTERS AROUND THE VEHICLE KNOW THAT THE DOOR IS OPENING. THERE’RE ALSO AUDIO CUES TO ALERT BYSTANDERS, WHICH IS ESPECIALLY USEFUL DURING NIGHT-TIME WORKS,” someone, it’s also about that backup service.

That relationship goes beyond just sales, service and parts,” Miller says.

Singh says the support of MaxiTRANS and local dealer Trailer Sales has been a contributing factor in the acquisition of the additional units.

Incorporating international best practice, every Trout River product is manufactured and designed locally here in Australia.

“They’ve got the knowledge and they’re continually working to improve every unit as well along the way. They’ve talked to us about what could be removed or added.”

Singh says these changes have already created a better and even safer product, when comparing the new units to the ones purchased in 2018.

“I think it’s more to do with safety, the front springs used to be on the inside, now they’re on the outside. This new design has made it more accessible for my drivers to keep these units clean. Less asphalt also gets stuck on the ‘conveyor floor’ compared to the 2018 model,” he says.

“It’s easier on the driver because tippers involve more manual work to clean and roll.

You can sometimes be in there for hours trying to clean asphalt when it goes cold. As the live bottom is just a conveyor belt, even if the asphalt is cold, it still comes out nice and smooth, it doesn’t stick.”

Miller says these features represent the latest safety technology available, with the live bottom designed to negate everyday risks associated with asphalt works.

“As soon as you open the tailgate, there’s 32

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flashing lights to ensure that both the driver and the spotters around the vehicle know that the door is opening. There’re also audio cues to alert bystanders, which is especially useful during night-time works,” Miller says.

“The great thing about Trout River units is the focus on safety. When you’re working with asphalt for roadworks, you’re usually working around overhead power lines.

There’s also the risk of tipping trailers over as well.”

Singh says having Trout River units are also contributing to Blue Tippers SEQ’s success in tendering for future works.

“These are what the companies want, they’re looking for operators utilising ‘conveyor floors’. It’s also easier to find drivers for these machines,” he says.

Trout River units are equipped with the latest in conveyor technology.

“They’re a great looking piece of equipment too. Often people will ask where we got these units from and our operators love them. Between the body design and the colour combination, they look really attractive on the road, and we get great feedback.”

Speaking to the relationship between Trailer Sales and Blue Tippers SEQ, Miller says he expects both businesses to leverage off the inevitable growth of the local infrastructure sector.

“We hope Tony continues to grow his business, and we’ll be looking to grow our business as well. It’s definitely a two-way street and as Queensland grows its road infrastructure, we’re both in a good position to do that,” he says.

MOVING TOMORROW, TODAY

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SRE’s six metre Telescopic Bitumen Sprayer has been a constant presence in the market for more than two decades.

THE SUPREME SPRAYING

SOLUTION

SPECIALISED ROADING EQUIPMENT’S SIX METRE TELESCOPIC BITUMEN SPRAYER HAS BECOME ONE OF THE PREMIER OPTIONS FOR BITUMEN SPRAYERS ACROSS BOTH NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA. TEOKOTAI SAMUEL OF KEE SURFACING EXPLAINS HOW THE MACHINE HAS BOOSTED HIS OPERATION.

K

EE Surfacing has grown its reputation as one of the premier spray sealing, profiling and asphalt playing providers in Western Australia. Its relationships with tier one infrastructure providers, materials capacity and capability, as well as its safety standards have all contributed to the company becoming renowned for its end product.

Its use of the latest in machinery and equipment plays a key role in the company’s ability to deliver these high-quality results.

Teokotai Samuel, Manager – KEE Surfacing has extensive industry experience, using a wide variety of spraying equipment throughout his career. But even Samuel has a favourite.

KEE Surfacing picked up its first unit from Specialised Roading Equipment (SRE) five years ago, with the first leaving an impression that’s led to the purchase of an additional two units.

Based in New Zealand, SRE manufactures a range of telescopic bitumen sprayers for all kinds of materials and applications, such as 34

ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

hot bitumen and emulsion spraying.

Samuel says the SRE difference is in both the software and manoeuvrability of its units.

“What these machines can do compared to fixed bar sprayers is just next level,” Samuel says. “We’ve got double bars that are set up with variable spray bars, so we can spray heavier and lighter in certain spots all in one go.”

“It’s great to be able to access these areas that you wouldn’t be able to with other sprayers, you can get into those ‘fiddly’ areas.”

SRE’s Telescopic Bitumen Sprayer is at the forefront of the sector’s innovation, with the initial design continuing the stand the test of time. In fact, SRE’s six metre unit was the first to be designed and manufactured by the company, with its other products taking inspiration from the Telescopic Bitumen Sprayer’s success.

Flexibility was one of the main focuses during the development of the six metre Bitumen telescopic Sprayer, with SRE understanding the wide variety of requirements for applications in areas such

as Australia, where projects can differ greatly between rural to metropolitan areas.

One example of such innovation in this space is SRE’s fully automated telescopic spray bar. Being infinitely variable means the operators can easily adjust the spray width to follow any variation in the road width.

It’s Samuel’s belief that this flexibility helps SRE’s six metre Telescopic Bitumen Sprayer to stand above others in the market.

“That’s the reason why we’ve gone that way towards the SRE [product]. It just works, the technology and flexibility that you can get out of using telescopic bars is great, it’s more efficient,” he says.

He adds that the flexibility and efficiency is exasperated when running multiple SRE units on a single project.

“On one recent major project, we worked with 700,000 tonnes of asphalt. With this project we pretty much had to do the job five times over, because between each of the intermediate layers we had to go inbetween and put a seal on the whole area,” Samuel says.

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

“We were running multiple SRE units working in tandem, it’s not very often that you get the opportunity to do those sorts of things.”

He says the same sentiment is echoed across all KEE Surfacing operators.

“I’ve heard the same feedback from our operators, as a whole its easier and better operational wise,” Samuel says.

BEST IN CLASS Mark Wansbrough, Managing Director – SRE says the six metre Telescopic Bitumen Sprayer is amongst the most technologically advanced sprayers currently available, with years of constant development and improvement solidifying its place in the sector.

“You can do things in one pass with this telescopic sprayer that might take a couple of passes with a fixed wing sprayer,” he says.

“We know that particularly in Australia its important to be able to spray on different products, such as crumb rubber and high levels of cutter, some other sprayers have struggled to have that level of versatility. But we’re there.”

SRE’s unique design means these productivity and efficiency gains can be felt across multiple departments of a single business, not just the man or woman behind the wheel.

“A lot of our work on the machine has been around making things easier for the operator and easier for the mechanics that need to work on them,” he says. “In terms of the interface for the operator, virtually all of the functions can be controlled from the touchscreen inside the cab. Whether its setting up a spray run, or the sprayer flushing itself, in most cases the operator doesn’t even need to leave their seat.

“Via the touchscreen operators can go straight from emulsion onto crumb rubber, as the computer knows if you’re spraying different products. Those changeovers are really handy and that’s one of the biggest pieces around its versatility.”

This also extends to general maintenance on the machine.

“Ease of maintenance was a huge focus for us. This goes across both the ease of accessibility and the lifespan of the components themselves. It’s really easy to change out parts when you need, and this is backed by years of constant evolution.”

When questioned on the company’s commitment to the Telescopic Bitumen Sprayer concept, Wansbrough regularly says that the ‘proofs in the pudding’.

“With a fixed wing sprayer, you don’t have

The six metre Telescopic Bitumen Sprayer is flexible thanks in part to SRE’s fully automated telescopic spray bar.

SRE’s Telescopic Spray Bar is available in widths of up to six metres.

the opportunity to have the ‘be all and end all’. We basically put all of our eggs in this basket because that’s where the future is.

All of our research and development efforts have gone into perfecting this concept and it shows.”

“We’re sticking to our guns because we believe we’re taking the best path.”

Each six metre Telescopic Bitumen Sprayer unit is also backed by remote support, with SRE’s team on standby to assist with any mechanical and software enquiries. This is also backed up by the company’s ability to provide on-site assistance in both Australia and New Zealand.

“We can help operators out with that mix between the software and electronic aspect and its impact on the mechanics,” he says.

“Say for example the hydraulic pressures are much higher than they should be, we’re

in a position to help, without necessarily needing to have someone on site – its about getting the sprayer back operating as quickly as possible.

“These models provide benefits that some operators may not have even thought of before.”

SRE’s Telescopic Bitumen Sprayer is available in either 12,500 or 14,000 tank sizes, with a multitude of operators – such as KEE Surfacing – already reaping the rewards of the six metre model.

And if history has shown one thing, it’s that SRE’s Telescopic Bitumen Sprayer is going nowhere.

“It’s a major point of difference for us,” says Wansbrough. “It’s evolved over the years in terms of functionality and software, but it’s very much still that original concept that was developed 25 years ago.” roadsonline.com.au

35

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT CATERPILLAR’S COLD PLANER OFFERINGS CONTINUE TO GROW, AS DOES THE EXTENT OF THE COMPANY’S AFTER-SALES SERVICES, INCLUDING TRAINING FOR ITS ENTIRE COLD PLANER RANGE. CATERPILLAR’S LUCA MANCIN EXPLAINS THE VALUE AND IMPORTANCE OF THIS SUPPORT.

Luca Mancin, Training and Commissioning Engineer for Cold Planers – Caterpillar.

C

aterpillar has long taken pride in the quality and robustness of its equipment. But what good is some of the world’s most advanced road maintenance and servicing equipment if the operator fails to optimise its use?

As part of his role, Luca Mancin, Caterpillar Training and Commissioning Engineer for Paving Products is tasked with helping operators make the most of their equipment, regardless of their level of industry experience.

Initially situated in Italy, Mancin’s experience led to his departure for Australia nine years ago.

Now situated in Brisbane, Mancin’s role is to help Cat machinery users become the best operators of the equipment they can be.

“As part of the training services we offer, we particularly like to spend some time with operators during the commissioning of machinery such as asphalt pavers, cold planers and reclaimers – to walk them through the

basic features first – before going through the individual functions of the machine,” Mancin says.

Mancin himself has around 20 years’ experience in the road maintenance and construction equipment industry. Combined with his knowledge of new machinery and technologies, Mancin is a valuable member of the Caterpillar team.

“There’s continually some process of improvement across our machinery,” Mancin says. “We listen to direct feedback from our dealers’ customers to guide the development of these machines, and to also tailor our training and educational services for operators.”

FIRST-HAND EXPERIENCE Mancin can provide a unique perspective on the support and training for both dealer service crews and external operators, due in part to the fact that he himself used to be a

customer of Caterpillar.

As Dean Alley, Territory Manager for ANZ explains.

“Luca’s strength is his exposure to the industry. He has been on the customer side and so he truly understands the importance of preventive maintenance and the true cost of breakdowns,” he says.

“He takes this approach when training the new operators to maximize the machines full potential as well as provide the dealership with the right service tech training.

“This approach has created a very powerful combination and provides great value for the customer.”

Mancin says going over to the factory as a customer was telling, particularly when it comes to customising and catering solutions for specific customers.

“It was amazing, I went away to Italy with a dealer and Caterpillar organised everything.

We went to the factory; all their engineers roadsonline.com.au

37

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Mancin and Caterpillar’s dedicated team are capable of instructing operators of all ages, allowing them to optimise the use of their planing equipment.

are often the same,” Mancin says.

“Users can understand the controls from day one and build up their knowledge of the machine from there, as Cat machines are designed around intuitive controls.”

Contractors can also view Caterpillar’s catalogue of instructional videos online, on sites such as YouTube.

“It’s important to understand that you’re not going to know 100 per cent of everything right away. So, it’s very easy to have refreshers, I’ve heard countless examples of clients accessing Caterpillar’s training resources to get little snippets of information,” Mancin says.

CONSTANTLY EVOLVING Cat’s support infrastructure for paving continues to evolve, with new additions to the team, as well as constant changes and upgrades to machinery features, instructional content and product releases.

Caterpillar’s support infrastructure for paving

listened about our machine that we had at the time, about our business and where we were trying to go,” he says.

This first-hand experience was enlightening for Mancin, a peek inside the support offered

by Caterpillar. He adds that this support is particularly important in an industry with high turnover rates of staff.

“Sometimes companies might have operators for only six months, then they need to get new operators and start that process again,” he says.

“Unfortunately, some operators don’t get much training, or these operators might have bad habits from being taught incorrectly.”

Alley says training plays an important role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of each worksite.

“From a customer’s perspective, when you have the machinery on the ground, you want to make sure that it’s performing exactly how it’s designed to perform in a cost-effective and safe manner,” he says.

“It’s an important function of Luca’s role, to come in as a trainer. He’s got a great ability to quickly understand the level of knowledge of the operator he’s working with. He creates a safe learning environment, giving operators the best chance to learn how to use these machines safely in a variety of environments.”

Caterpillar provides training suitable for technicians, service training supervisors, crew members, shop supervisors and more, with a program able to be adjusted based on their experience.

These instructional sessions can be 38

ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

“CAT PROVIDES TRAINING SUITABLE FOR TECHNICIANS, SERVICE TRAINING SUPERVISORS, CREW MEMBERS, SHOP SUPERVISORS AND MORE, WITH A PROGRAM ABLE TO BE ADJUSTED BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCE.”

performed on site and includes both practical training and theory.

These hands-on classes can also be tailored to fit the needs of the client, with Caterpillar being able to provide the instructors, machinery and materials at a time that suits.

Mancin says these courses were developed to be flexible, with the majority conducted over two to three days.

“It doesn’t matter if they’ve got 30 years, 20 years, 10 years or even no experience.

Some operators pick up the technology very quickly while other contractors may know about the switches and different applications because of their experience in the cab,” he says.

“Recently in New Zealand, I spent two weeks with the owner of a company [training a number of operators]. They learn to trust your instruction as you build that relationship, where I believe they now feel more confident on their machine.”

Similarities between Cat paving machinery can also assist operators, with some model ranges using the same switches and basic control methods within the cabin.

“Once they’ve learned how to use them, these machines are easy to understand and use, as the operators can jump from one machine to another. The screens and controls

continues to evolve, with new additions to the team, as well as constant changes and upgrades to machinery features, instructional content and product releases.

“Our products are getting more advanced, we’re expanding our offerings, our product lines are getting bigger, we’re getting more parts into our stocks and we’re getting more training. This enables us and Cat dealers to serve customers better and offer them more support where they need it.”

This also extends to Cat dealers’ after sales support and service, particularly when it comes to maintenance and repairs.

“Cat dealers have great capacity to support the machine from an after-market perspective.

And, from a training perspective, Luca [Mancin] is a subject matter expert, who’s injected his knowledge and professionalism throughout to our dealers. That filters through to the customers too,” Alley says.

“We don’t just deliver these machines and then run off. Through Caterpillar’s training services, Luca and with the support of the dealership team can be in direct communication with the customer, so they’ve got that support.

“He’s invaluable in that aspect and customers can benefit from this expert support when they get a Cat cold planer.”

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Find out today why operators across Australia and New Zealand are ditching fixed wing sprayers and demanding SRE’s range of telescopic bitumen sprayers. www.specialisedroadingequipment.com Email info@specialisedroadingequipment.com Ph +64 7 848 1197

ASTEC’S INTEGRATED INGENUITY ASTEC INDUSTRIES’ BG SERIES ASPHALT PLANTS ARE A COMPACT AND EFFICIENT FORM OF ASPHALT PRODUCTION. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE LEARNS HOW THESE UNITS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED TO CATER FOR THE EVOLVING NEEDS OF AUSTRALIA’S ASPHALT INDUSTRY.

A

stec Industries observed its 50th anniversary last year, celebrating the foundation of the company by J. Don Brock.

Dr Brock started out designing innovative and highly-successful batch plants for the American market. David Smale, Regional Managing Director Australia, says that as technology continued to develop, so too did the requirements of the industry.

As markets around the world go through their various growth cycles, their asphalt plant type needs change accordingly.

Over the past forty years, Astec has had huge success globally with its unique Double Barrel continuous asphalt plant. Recognising this shift in the market, Astec established a presence in new markets, expanding its operations in America, and founding and growing footholds in Australia and India.

At the same time, the company continued its focus on designing and developing its batch plants for its customers. Over the last three years, Astec has been busy developing a new generation batch plant called the ‘BG Series’.

The batch plant market is very mature, so it was imperative Astec’s new design could meet the needs of the market in design, quality and delivery.

“We didn’t want to just design, manufacture and deliver a batch plant that suited the market,” Smale says. “We wanted to make something that exceeded the markets and our customers ‘expectations.

“So we went to work, found the right people who were specialists in these batch plants and had them working within our engineering department in America. These specialists then travelled out to Australia to meet with our customers to better understand the specific current needs now and in the future of the industry here.

“We had specialist teams internationally working on individual components, and then they brought it all together in a batch plant 40

ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

package that delivers the best in both technology and performance – our new BG Series Batch Plant.”

PACKING A PUNCH The BG Series Batch Plant features a modular and compact design, while retaining the renowned efficiency and technology of an Astec asphalt plant.

A focus during the development of the BG line was to create a product that could be transported and erected quickly and easily.

One way of achieving a more simplified design was to reduce the number of interfaces and ducts in the plant.

David Smale says in the process of designing the new BG Series Plant specifically for Australia and New Zealand, it was imperative that Astec’s most accomplished design engineers utilised their best technology, innovations and experience. The aim was to design a batch plant that was more cost effective to ship and install – yet maintained Astec’s world renowned design features and structural build quality.

Smale says combining in-house expertise with direct feedback from the Australian market helped to develop a solution that specifically met the needs of customers here.

“At Astec, we have a reputation for going above and beyond,” he says. “Especially when it comes to satisfying the needs of our customers.

“We brought even more expertise into the business to make sure we had knowledge to leverage off. The Astec team is globally centralised, and now has the ability to draw on generations of experience from around the world, including locally here in Australia.

This has been a huge benefit.”

This extensive first-hand experience played an important role in the development and build of Australia’s first BG Series Batch Plant, delivered to Fulton Hogan on-site in Darwin.

Astec Industries’ BG Series Batch Plants include a modular design for modern industry requirements.

CUSTOMISING AND CATERING Due to the remoteness and harsh weather of the working environment, Fulton Hogan required an asphalt plant that was flexible and easy to maintain.

Smale says Astec worked directly with the client to develop and implement a variety of specific needs.

“The client requested an increased capacity, so we made the engineering changes to the batch plant to allow for greater material flow,” he says. “We also added stainless-steel liners on the inside which means material can slide more easily across the smoother surface.

“We have to be ready to accommodate these sorts of requests from customers. If you’re not, then I think you’re not ready to grow your business.”

Astec’s BG Plant supports a modular and expandable design. This means customers can benefit from 30 tonnes of additional hot aggregate capacity, with extra-large hot bins able to be configured to a specified batch plant setup required.

“Sustainability is front of mind for most customers these days, so having the ability to recycle RAP (Recycled Asphalt Pavement)

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT The first Astec Industries’ BG Series Batch Plant is currently being used by Fulton Hogan for works in Darwin.

and glass, and produce Warm Mix was a pre-requisite. The Astec Whisper Jet Burner, patented V Flights, filtering system and mixing capability make this plant very energy efficient, enhancing its sustainability features even further,” Smale says.

Engineering changes have also been made to the vibrating screens, as well as to the Twin-Shaft Pugmill to reduce the frequency of maintenance and the replacement of components.

The BG Series Batch Plant’s multi-deck screening unit separates aggregates into five different hot aggregate bins without the need for lubrication points. Its easy grid exchange system reduces the effort required to replace screens.

The Twin-Shaft Pugmill features an abrasionresistant design, capable of producing a homogenous mix within a short time frame.

Rodney Clarke, Business Line Manager (Asphalt) & Director of Service for Astec, says the initial BG Batch Plant also had to cater for the tough conditions presented by Darwin’s environment and climate.

“Everything had to be oversized and structurally engineered to the highest level to deal with cyclonic conditions. It was an exciting opportunity,” he says.

“We went through the technical data and increased the strain required. Basically, we put the structure of the batch plant on steroids, and now it’s supplying a quality mix into major infrastructure projects in Darwin and as far away as Katherine in the Northern Territory. It’s performed really well.”

Astec worked closely with Fulton Hogan on a number of other engineering designs during the plant’s development, including the location and size of components such as

the bins and even the size of the operator’s cabin windows.

“The batch plant was modified while it was still in the factory. [Astec] has always had the ability to provide those changes without any hassles, whereas some of our competitors will say ‘what you see is what you get’. As these ideas have come through, we’ve been able to adjust on the fly,” Clarke says.

“We can compete on a price scale, too, and then we stick with our customers every step of the way. We don’t just cross our fingers and walk away, hoping that everything goes well. We’re there through the entire process to deliver a batch plant that does the job and meets the customers needs.”

Clarke adds that the BG Series Plant’s components are also backed by Astec Industries’ on-going after sales support, including by remote access.

“If there is ever an issue for whatever reason, such as a control system throwing up a warning that’s outside the usual parameters, our service technicians can log in from any part of the world and review the software and quickly pinpoint the problem,” he says.

This also extends to ensuring that operators can keep up to date with required maintenance intervals.

“The control system also has an in-built maintenance system. It’ll log how many hours and tonnage the batch plant has produced.

We can customise and set the maintenance schedules activities either by hours or tonnage, as the scheduled service intervals will differ between different components and applications. It gives the user a heads up on what they’ll need to do in a week’s time, or plan for in the next 200 hours for example,” Clarke says.

IDEAL FOR FULTON Brendan Cole, General Manager Infrastructure Services, Northern Region – Fulton Hogan, says the company’s works in Darwin present a unique set of challenges, meaning an adaptable and streamlined design was desired.

He says that Astec’s BG Series Batch Plants fit the bill.

“We were looking for something that was suitable for the regional market in terms of having the flexibility to produce various mix types, while having all of the modern functionality,” he says.

“Remote support was really important for us, too. We also wanted something that was economical in terms of the lead time of the shipping components and also a quick build time.

“That’s really what the modular style of this plant provides for us.”

This focus on finding “the right size plant with the right capabilities” included the ability to include warm mix and other additives.

Importantly, Cole says Astec were transparent throughout the development of the initial BG Series, allowing Fulton Hogan to influence design components to ensure the plant could best suit their needs.

“Given the location of the works in Darwin there were some design changes that needed to be made to cater for those conditions and we worked in conjunction with Astec. This included design reviews and we were lucky enough to visit the factory with our team throughout the build phase,” he says.

“That experience through the build was great on site, there was a good level of cooperation.”

This cooperation and support has also remained consistent since the plant was commissioned.

“Proven technical support was a big [factor] with the plant. We had a lot of confidence in the after-sales support and also the overall control of the system of the plant,” Cole says.

“It’s a slick design and very user friendly.”

Cole adds that while it’s still relatively early days with the plant, his team has been impressed by the plant’s initial capabilities, as well as the flexibility that’s been provided by the modular design.

“It’s a fairly substantial plant and we’ve been impressed with the build quality, as well as the speed of build,” he says.

“It’s a long-term investment. We wanted to get the right plant to set us up for the future.

The BG Series Plant has done that.” roadsonline.com.au

41

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Tracc Civil has been central to Western Australia’s civil construction industry, thanks in part to John Deere.

TRACC-ING WELL WITH

JOHN DEERE

TRACC CIVIL HAS BEEN GROWING RAPIDLY AS A SIGNIFICANT PLAYER IN THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN CIVIL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY. ITS WORK WITH JOHN DEERE HAS AIDED THE COMPANY’S EXPANSION.

T

racc Civil seeks to create a legacy in the civil construction industry. It wants to become the contractor of choice by being the most versatile contractor with the highest quality levels across multiple areas. This comes about from completing all its works in-house, as well as turnkey projects under stringent environmental conditions and time frames.

Craig Risbey has been in the civil construction industry for about 45 years. He’s seen a lot of changes in the industry and is the Operations Manager for Tracc Civil.

“When I first started out, I had just done an apprenticeship to become a plumber,” Risbey says. “However, once I finished my apprenticeship, I decided that I didn’t really

like that. I moved over to the civil engineering and construction industry. I’ve been there ever since, which was probably about 45 years ago.”

Tracc Civil uses its organisational and management capacity to successfully complete its contracts in accordance with its client’s requirements. It has an outstanding reputation as a specialist civil works contractor, which gives Tracc Civil the confidence to deliver quality through expertise.

INDUSTRY CHANGING Throughout his time in the industry, Risbey has seen many changes. One of those key changes is the increased technical abilities of

devices and machines.

“10 years ago, Tracc Civil might have had a couple of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) at best,” he says. “Now, all our graders, loaders, and scrapers are run on GPS control. That’s the way the industry is moving, and we’ve definitely embraced that.”

As a West Australian employer, such technological developments mitigate some of the challenges of employing qualified staff.

“The mining industry tends to suck up a lot of labour that we would otherwise employ,” Risbey says. “We can’t afford to go pegging everywhere because we just don’t have the staff to do so. The GPS-operated machines are an enormous help in getting everything done in a timely manner.” roadsonline.com.au

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

John Deere graders have been instrumental to Tracc Civil making a difference in its construction of subdivisions and roads.

SMARTGRADE John Deere’s SmartGrade technology is a 3D mastless integrated grade control system. SmartGrade motor graders are fully integrated and calibrated at John Deere’s factory in the United States.

The system is incorporated through all the machine’s structures and software, delivering precise grading performance while eliminating masts and cables. SmartGrade is also capable of running other Topcon grading technologies such as laser, sonic, millimetre GPS (mmGPS), and local position system (LPS).

“The level of tolerance with a John Deere SmartGrade grader is within five millimetres,” Risbey says. “A few years ago, that tolerance was more like 30 to 40 millimetres, and you just can’t build a road with such a large tolerance. We can do everything now.”

Tracc Civil purchased its first grader from John Deere via local distributor AFGRI. At the time, AFGRI did not support the SmartGrade system. Once the company had the products and the training, Risbey was keen to take on the products as long as AFGRI could support the product.

“AFGRI had its SmartGrade experts on site most days while we were trying to calibrate it and get it working correctly,” he says. “They would download a file at the end of the day and send it to John Deere headquarters in the United States. John Deere would replicate the problem in their test area and send a file back with the adjustments ready to load into 44

ROADS NOVEMBER 2023

the machine at 7:00 in the morning, ready for work.

“They did this for over a month with one of our final trim operators, Paul. Paul likes everything to work perfectly and made sure the system worked perfectly, so they had their work cut out to get it right. They got the system working perfectly.”

After purchasing the 672GP with a Premium Circle, which improves accuracy and reduces maintenance costs, Tracc Civil has since bought a mix of nine 672GP, 772 and 772GP graders, along with two 850 dozers.

“We are moving to a pegless system, where all our machines are on GPS,” Risbey says.

“This cuts down the amount of time on

The range of John Deere dozers has supported the growth of Tracc Civil.

site by increasing production and reducing costs. Our project in Serpentine (southeast of Perth) has us running the 850 dozer with SmartGrade doing all the box-outs and V-drains for the roads. The graders follow up on the final trimming of the subgrade before we install the limestone subbase and base course layers.”

Risbey says he’s keen to expand Tracc Civil’s fleet as the company continues to grow.

“We will continue to invest in the graders as we seek to replace the older machines in our fleet. We are also looking at the bigger dozers from the John Deere collection. We will probably with the 1050K FT4 Crawler Dozer, and then expand from there.”

PLAN B COMMS

SKIDDING TO SUCCESS

THE JCB 155HD SKID STEER LOADER IS ONE OF THE LIGHTEST MODELS IN ITS CLASS, WITH ITS UNIQUE FEATURES ALSO HELPING IT TO STAND OUT.

W

hen looking for a hard-working skid steer loader, JCB CEA has the goods with the JCB 155HD. It’s a small platform loader with a 703-kilogram rated operating capacity. The JCB 155HD is designed for many applications, from small farming operations to landscape material suppliers.

Greg Sealey is the National General Manager at JCB CEA and says the JCB skid steer loader range is amongst the best currently on offer across the sector.

“The JCB 155 skid steer offers a balance of innovation and versatility, where power meets precision to redefine the very essence of efficiency,” says Sealey.

The 155HD skid steer loader incorporates JCB’s unique PowerBoom design. It’s a single-sided and reinforced high-tensile strength steel boom. The PowerBoom incorporates internal baffle plates for extra strength.

The whole design is made with 20 per cent more steel than existing twin-arm designs today. Hydraulic hoses are kept

46

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safe to mitigate any potential damage. The iconic JCB Powerboom boasts tapered pivot pins. The result is greater rigidity for less wear, longer life, and improved material retention in the bucket.

“The JCB Powerboom offers operators unmatched strength, stability, and precision,” he says.

SAFE AND SOUND The cab for the JCB 155HD features a wide-opening side entry, designed for comfort, safety, economy, productivity, and durability. The operator’s cab is 46 per cent larger than comparable models. It’s also been ergonomically designed to ensure maximum operator comfort.

The cab also has an oversized entry door and increased visibility. All controls are located on a centrally located three-way joystick for easy use.

“JCB’s side cab entry and our exclusive low-slung Powerboom design means that there’s excellent visibility to both the left and right side of the machine,” Sealey says.

“There’s a 270-degree field of vision on the 155HD compared with just 165 degrees on other brands on the market.”

The flat glass at the front of the cab is simple and cost-effective to replace if necessary. The side-mounted windshield wiper on all models with a fully enclosed cab improves front visibility to the quick hitch and attachment for increased productivity.

With no requirement for the rear torque tube found on conventional machines, operators of the JCB 155HD benefit from even greater rear visibility. The standard-fit rear-view mirror enhances rearward visibility.

“JCB’s unwavering commitment to operator safety isn’t just a priority,” says Sealey. “It’s a promise that ensures we deliver cutting-edge technology underpinned by a focus on our customers safety”.

There are a whole host of other benefits, like ergonomic controls, an extremely tough and powerful boom, excellent

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

The JCB 155HD skid steer loader satisfies the requirements of many projects.

The performance of the JCB 155DH skid steer loader makes it a leader in the field.

entry/egress from the cab, turn-key-go operation, and a low cost of ownership. All of this adds up to the 155HD representing simplicity refined.

OPERATING STATISTICS With an operating weight of just under three tonnes (2990 kilograms), the JCB 155 is powered by a turbocharged Perkins 404D22 engine. The 155HD has a 95-litre fuel tank and features a fuel filtration system to keep emissions down. The hydraulics can push 70 litres per minute through the arm when running at 2600 revolutions per minute, with a main relief pressure of 230 bar.

“It’s a machine that stands the test of time,” Sealey says. “It’s built to withstand

“THERE’S A 270-DEGREE FIELD OF VISION ON THE 155HD COMPARED WITH JUST 165 DEGREES ON OTHER BRANDS ON THE MARKET.”

Suitable for almost any load type, the JCB PowerBoom provides the rigidity needed to minimise wear for a longer life.

the harshest environments and can handle the daily rigorous tasks our customers need to undertake.”

The JCB skid steers have daily maintenance points located in easily accessible places. The 155HD can tilt its body forward for more complex maintenance to provide access to the engine bay and components.

“Everyone wants to keep their machines at peak performance,” he says. “With a focus on ease of maintenance, the JCB 155HD is designed with serviceability in mind.”

Unlike conventional skid steer cooling systems, the JCB engine cooling system pulls cool, clean air from above and forces hot air out through the sides and rear, away from the operator. The result is improved, efficient cooling, even in extreme conditions.

“JCB’s engineered engine cooling system ensures consistent performance,” Sealey says. “This is the case even in the hottest of conditions experienced by customers in the Australian climate”.

A MODEL FOR EVERY APPLICATION With 14 small or large platform models to choose from featuring both vertical lift and radial lift options on wheeled and tracked chassis’ and with engines from 42kW (56hp) to 55kW (74hp), there’s sure to be a model to suit customer needs. JCB skid steers and compact track loaders are stronger and safer than conventional twin-arm machines, but still give users all the power and performance they need.

“Combining power, versatility, operator comfort, durability, safety features, and innovative technology, the JCB 155 skid steer is the ideal choice for a diverse range of applications,” Sealey says. roadsonline.com.au

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TECHNOLOGY

SMART SUPPORT

FROM KOMATSU KOMATSU AUSTRALIA’S IN-HOUSE SMART CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT CENTRE PROVIDES CUSTOMERS WITH BACKUP AND ADVICE, WHEN AND WHERE THEY NEED IT.

Komatsu Australia’s Smart Construction Support Centre gives customers the best possible support experience.

K

omatsu’s Smart Construction Support Centre was established to give customers the best possible support experience across their Smart Construction product offering. Since opening in April last year, it has resolved over 2000 customer inquiries.

The centre provides technical support, from machine set-up to operator training on the platform and remote diagnostics in case of breakdown, as well as access to Customer Technology Advisors to contract out for specific projects that need a higher level of technological support.

Brent Parker, Komatsu Australia’s National Operations Manager – Smart Construction, says this type of support is unique to the Australian market.

“We’re proud that we can offer local support with our advisors and technicians who know the local market and context of any issues machines could have,” says Parker. “It’s a real differentiator for Komatsu. We support around 650 machines on a day-to-day basis. The platform has resolved just over 2100 customer inquiries since launching last April. It’s a massive feat from our team.”

SET-UP FOR SECURITY Parker says Komatsu’s civil construction customers’ most common customer support query is around machine set-up.

“When a machine moves from one site to another, operators require the new site information loaded and configured on the machine,” he says. “Typically, this would be done by a surveyor emailing that information to someone on site. Then,

you’d physically visit the machine and configure the data manually. Our Smart Construction solutions allow this to be done through the machine’s platform, and then our support centre is there for any troubleshooting when loading the site data.”

Komatsu’s Smart Construction Support Centre also receives calls for machine breakdowns. The team can remotely access the machine to begin the troubleshooting process. They can try to resolve those issues through our service teams as quickly as possible.

BACK-UP FROM BEYOND The Smart Construction Support Centre offers backup for even the most remote locations – where internet connection can be an issue.

“We’ve had a customer in regional Western Australia where their job site didn’t have internet coverage,” says Parker. “The customer was able to take his machine tablet back to a site office out of the machine. We were able to remotely load project files and provide the required

support. Our client could then leave internet coverage to return to the machine and get it started again.”

The centre also has the full backing of Komatsu’s other systems to provide information on a customer’s machine and situation.

“The team can access systems like Komtrax and see where the machine is on a site,” he says. “Any fault codes the machine might have, its service history and the nearest branch to contact. These systems enable our remote support consultants to provide our customers with the best possible support outcomes and advice.”

More and more customers are adopting advanced technology in their business. There will always be issues with onboarding and figuring out how to get the most out of the solutions.

Komatsu Australia’s customers know they can rely on Komatsu Australia and the Smart Construction team to work through challenges. It will continue to keep their team and their fleet working and productive. roadsonline.com.au

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DISCOVER MORE

EVENTS

The 13th Annual Western Australia Major Projects Conference takes place on November 28 and 29.

2023 WESTERN AUSTRALIA MAJOR PROJECTS

CONFERENCE

THE 2023 WESTERN AUSTRALIA MAJOR PROJECTS CONFERENCE RETURNS TO PERTH IN NOVEMBER FOR TWO DAYS OF IMPORTANT DISCUSSION ON PROJECTS IN WA’S INFRASTRUCTURE PIPELINE, AS WELL AS KEY INDUSTRY TOPICS.

W

estern Australia remains Australia’s strongest economy following another budget surplus of $4.2 billion, and in what can be described as an immense infrastructure program, $39 billion has been invested into major projects across transport, health, urban renewals, and the regions.

The Western Australian Government has also made a clear commitment to tackle climate change via a $3 billion investment towards its green energy future, supporting the production of hydrogen and big batteries, and the extraction of rare earth minerals.

The program will highlight major projects and key topics covering health, housing, education, renewable energy, and mining.

The Hon David Michael MLA, Minister for Ports, Local Government, Road Safety and Minister Assisting the Minister for Transport, will open the conference. Featured presentations include Infrastructure WA, who play a crucial role in determining infrastructure priorities for the State.

Development WA will highlight significant projects including Ocean Reef Marina, set to deliver a world class waterfront

precinct in the City of Joondalup, and Lot 52 Pier Street, a build-to-rent development that will deliver social, affordable and market housing.

The Department of Health will share first-hand insights into significant health projects and infrastructure across Western Australia, and the Department of Education will discuss their delivery of new schools and upgrades that will give children the very best learning environments they require to

The conference will also explore ways the design industry is supporting WA’s commitment to net zero, and how Perth can be transformed into a regenerative city by 2050. With critical minerals and rare earths set to play a key role in global decarbonisation, a presentation will highlight how these significant WA deposits are powering clean energy technologies.

With decarbonisation emerging as a key topic in the State, the featured panel

“THE PROGRAM WILL HIGHLIGHT MAJOR PROJECTS AND KEY TOPICS COVERING HEALTH, HOUSING, EDUCATION, RENEWABLE ENERGY, AND MINING.” succeed on their education journey.

Other projects featured on the program include Frontier Energy’s Bristol Springs Green Hydrogen production project, that has received zero carbon pre-certification, and the trackless tram set to arrive in Perth ahead of the conference. Part of a trial with Curtin University, ITSG and the City of Stirling, the trackless tram technology could offer a more sustainable and cost-effective transport option for Western Australians.

discussion at the conference will focus on initiatives helping turn WA blue and green, via infrastructure that protects the environment and uplifts communities, from green community spaces to water sensitive urban designs.

Hosted by Expotrade Australia, the 13th Annual Western Australia Major Projects Conference takes place on November 28 and 29 at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre. roadsonline.com.au

51

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IN CONJUNCTION WITH

COLLABORATING TO SHAPE THE FUTURE INSIDE THE QUEENSLAND DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS AND THE AUSTRALIAN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION’S NEW COLLABORATIVE STRATEGIC PLAN.

AfPA and TMR’s strategic plan will aim to assist with current and future challenges and opportunities from across the sector.

T

he transportation sector plays a vital role in the development and progress of any region, and road pavements form the backbone of this infrastructure. In Queensland, the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA) have joined forces through the TMR AfPA Strategic Alliance to revolutionize road pavements in the state.

For over two decades, the Alliance has been dedicated to driving improvement in flexible pavements, delivering safe, sustainable, and innovative solutions for Queensland.

As the industry looks ahead, the next decade presents an opportunity to propel the next generation of flexible pavement solutions and shape the planning, delivery, and management of roads to address the possibilities and challenges facing the sector.

To guide their collaborative efforts, the TMR AfPA Strategic Alliance has developed a new strategic plan, outlining how TMR

and AfPA will work together to achieve success in this changing environment.

This article provides an overview of the journey undertaken thus far, along with a consolidated summary of the outcomes from the Working Group discussions.

Recognising the importance of collaboration, the Alliance acknowledges that working together is crucial to meeting the needs of road users, communities, and stakeholders. By adopting a collaborative approach, they ensure the continued delivery of road infrastructure that benefits the community, embraces new ideas and technologies, and fosters a robust industry known for its performance.

The Alliance Board identified five strategic pillars that will underpin its collaborative endeavours over the next decade.

These five pillars include: Safety and Wellness – to reduce and eliminate injury to our people and the community, and improve their wellbeing. People and

Inclusion – Make the industry attractive to all people from diverse backgrounds, ethnicity and gender. Sustainability – Ensure industry leads in decarbonisation and progress towards zero emissions. Delivery – As Alliance partners, meet the challenge of a record program; and Future Technology – Continuous improvement through adoption of innovations, new technology and techniques.

Each pillar represents a shared imperative and sets the stage for concerted efforts to drive progress. To support these pillars, a comprehensive five-year roadmap has been devised, capturing a series of initiatives that will be pursued to achieve the desired outcomes.

To facilitate the identification of key focus areas within each pillar, Subject Matter Expert (SME) Working Groups were formed for each pillar and included representatives from TMR and AfPA. The purpose of these working groups were to help the roadsonline.com.au

53

The strategic plan focuses on five key areas.

Alliance to identify the main challenges and opportunities in working towards the pillar ambitions and identify areas of collaborative work.

These groups played a crucial role in helping the Alliance determine the significant areas of work necessary to support the ambitions of each pillar.

Between June and October 2022, SME workshops were held, allowing experts to discuss and develop roadmaps for proposed initiatives. Through the SME workshop process a series of initiative roadmaps have been created. These roadmaps provide an aspirational view of the five-year target for each initiative and the key steps to get there. SME workshops were held online and used MIRO digital whiteboards to capture the conversations and planning.

At the conclusion of these intensive workshops 17 focus areas were distilled from the five Strategic Pillars providing direction across critical focus areas. These focus areas represent the important spaces where TMR and AfPA are seeking to collaborate, each supported by a series of initiatives and activities.

Critically this process also confirmed many of the initiatives which were needed were already in practice under existing TMR and AfPA programs. While these initiatives continue to be progressed under their respective programs, they have been incorporated into the strategic planning to provide a comprehensive summary of the collaborative work.

The shared strategic pillars, focus areas and proposed initiatives identified through the SME workshops now form the foundation 54

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of roadmaps that have been developed for each of the proposed initiatives to show the forward steps towards the desired fiveyear target state.

The roadmaps that have been developed set out the indicative activities and steps for each of the proposed initiatives. These roadmaps are aspirational and aim to draw a focus on the future and the steps to get there so even if priorities shift or resources don’t permit their implementation, they remain in place to guide future action. It is also recognised there are connections

number of initiatives for the Alliance to drive. Given the number of initiatives what are the highest priorities for the Alliance and how might the governance of the implementation work. Also important was bringing the shared stakeholders along so the question was asked how the industry wanted to socialise this work to a broader stakeholder group.

The TMR AfPA Strategic Alliance stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in driving innovation and progress within the road pavement industry. By pooling its

“THE TMR AFPA STRATEGIC ALLIANCE STANDS AS A TESTAMENT TO THE POWER OF COLLABORATION IN DRIVING INNOVATION AND PROGRESS WITHIN THE ROAD PAVEMENT INDUSTRY. BY POOLING THEIR EXPERTISE, RESOURCES, AND IDEAS, TMR AND AFPA ARE POISED TO SHAPE THE FUTURE OF ROAD PAVEMENTS IN QUEENSLAND.” between the pillars, with some initiatives contributing to success across a number of pillar ambitions.

It’s important to remember that none of this is intended to be set in stone but should remain flexible. Roadmaps are high level and intended to facilitate dialogue amongst stakeholders by providing a view of the forward intent. This will be a living document that is routinely updated to reflect progress. While many of the activities are already in planning or being progressed in some form, the roadmaps are still subject to funding and resourcing.

The development of these road maps was also important in driving further dialogue around what would be a realistic

expertise, resources, and ideas, TMR and AfPA are poised to shape the future of road pavements in Queensland. Through their commitment to safety, sustainability, and the well-being of both road users and industry professionals, this alliance will undoubtedly have a profound impact on the state’s transportation infrastructure.

In the years to come, industry can expect significant advancements in flexible pavement solutions, guided by the Alliance’s strategic plan. With a steadfast focus on sustainability, the integration of future technologies, inclusivity, safety, and efficient delivery, the TMR AfPA Strategic Alliance is paving the way for a brighter future for road pavements in Queensland.

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E T S E N N T S E N N T S E N N T

CONCRETE PIPES FOSTERING CREATIVE PLAY

I

t is well understood that a stimulating and imaginative play environment for children encourages physical activity, social interaction and creativity.

When Nixon Street Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania redeveloped its playground, the design intent was to provide an enriched play experience for children.

A precast concrete pipe was chosen as the focus for a new section of the playground for its versatility, durability and cost-effectiveness. What was a bare space has been transformed into a series of versatile play elements, where children can crawl, hide, shelter, slide and climb.

While typically used underground, the simplicity of a precast concrete pipe can serve a multitude of purposes. In this playground there is only one pipe.

While its main purpose is to serve as a tunnel, its robustness and cylindrical shape encourages physical skills of coordination, balance and motor skills, plus the development of an active imagination. At the same time, this concrete pipe is fostering adaption to environment amid the surrounding structures and awareness of the contrasting natural environment.

As a locally owned family company, Launceston based National Precaster Hudson Civil is invested in its community.

With a goal of excellence in service and product, the company has been supplying precast and civil products throughout Tasmania for many years.

With the pipe already in stock – and not something that could be poured on site – the company was able to supply the product to meet Benson’s Landscaping’s tight schedule.

With a 1200 millimetre diameter and 2.5 metre length, the pipe is one of the many products manufactured off-site in the company’s factory. The precaster’s

Hudson Civil’s works on the Nixon Street Primary School in Devonport, Tasmania.

PROJECT: Nixon Street Primary School LOCATION: Devonport, Tasmania CLIENT: Bensons Landscaping END USER: Nixon Street Primary ARCHITECT: Design Intent Architecture MASTER PRECASTER: Hudson Civil

other precast elements include culverts, pits, manholes, lids, retaining walls and bridge beams. Building elements are also able to be manufactured. It’s a protected environment where worker safety is paramount and quality is tightly controlled, ensuring a durable and robust quality result.

With its more than 100-year design life, and being manufactured to Australian Standard 4058, this pipe will serve generations of children. It adds a dimensioned blank canvas for the children, which is only constrained by their imagination. It also encourages

outdoor activity, something especially important in today’s digital world.

National Precast’s CEO Sarah Bachmann says the works exemplify the impact that local infrastructure can have on local communities.

“This project is a great example of how construction materials are able to be repurposed to enrich community spaces and enhance recreational opportunities for young individuals. In this case, it demonstrates the versatility and adaptability of precast pipes in creating an exciting and inclusive play environment for children,” she says. roadsonline.com.au

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Catering to Australia’s civil and road construction industry, Roads & Infrastructure Australia is a key source for industry decision-makers, contractors, civil engineers and individuals in local and state government sectors and the private sector looking to keep up to date with important issues, developments, projects and innovations shaping the industry today.

www.roadsonline.com.au

AUSTRALIA’S ONLY SPECIALIST ROAD MANAGEMENT, CONSTRUCTION AND CIVIL WORKS MAGAZINE

Infrastructure Sustainability Council

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council has played a key role in the formation of Infrastructure Net Zero.

ACCELERATING THE DECARBONISATION PATHWAY

I

SEVEN PRIVATE SECTOR PEAK BODIES AND THREE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE JOINED TOGETHER TO ESTABLISH INFRASTRUCTURE NET ZERO, A NEW INITIATIVE THAT WILL CO-ORDINATE, COLLABORATE AND REPORT ON THE AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR’S PATHWAY TO NET ZERO.

nfrastructure Net Zero is an initiative that will focus on aligning the development and implementation of new policy and regulations across all infrastructure sub-sectors and all Commonwealth, State and Territory governments. This idea is to build the capability of the infrastructure supply chain to meet the challenges ahead.

The initiative is led by a steering committee comprising senior representatives of its founding members.

This includes the Australasian Railways Association (ARA), Australian Constructors Association (ACA), Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), Consult Australia (CA), Department of Infrastructure, Green Building Council Australia (GBCA), Infrastructure Australia (IA), Infrastructure Partnerships Australia (IPA), Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC).

They include a federal policy-maker (DITRDCA) and its adviser (IA), the investor sector (CEFC), and private sector peak

bodies for the transport and construction sectors (ARA, and RA), which own the carbon footprints that must be reduced, and the wider delivery value chain (ACA, CA, IPA) and sustainability ratings systems operators (ISC and GBCA) that support the decarbonisation process.

The launch, which was held in Sydney on 23 August, was attended by over 100 representatives of private and public sector organisations across Australia.

Framing both the drivers and Infrastructure Net Zero’s response, Nicole Lockwood, Independent Chair of Infrastructure Net Zero, said the new organisation will tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges.

“Infrastructure embodies, consumes and enables 70 per cent of Australia’s carbon footprint. The tightened targets for 2030 and 2050, the huge pipeline of new projects, and the need to adapt to increasing climate shocks, have brewed the perfect storm. The time for decisive action is now. Infrastructure Net Zero will help

the whole sector go further and faster – together,” she said.

The Hon. Catherine King MP, Minister for Industry, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, noted in her keynote speech that the formation of the initiative demonstrates the Federal Government and industry’s efforts along the path to net zero emissions, in a way that supports communities.

“This builds on the recent decision by Infrastructure and Transport Ministers to establish the new Infrastructure Decarbonisation Working Group, which will explore ways to reduce embodied emissions in transport infrastructure, while strengthening the global competitiveness of Australia’s infrastructure and transport sectors,” King said.

This keynote was followed by a panel comprising CEOs and senior leaders from the Government, construction and investor sectors. The key consensus to emerge was the need to switch roadsonline.com.au

59

Infrastructure Sustainability Council

Infrastructure Net Zero combines the expertise of both public and private industry to accelerate the Net Zero transition.

The key stages of the asset lifecycle: investment, procurement, design, construction, operations and asset management will be addressed as part of the Infrastructure Net Zero initiative.

the market’s focus from competition to collaboration.

Rebecca Hanley, CEO of Laing O’Rourke and Danny Elia, Director Executive Director, Global Asset Management, Infrastructure of IFM Investors shared examples of how such gamechanging thinking is already delivering better outcomes.

A second panel, delivered an update on the various strands of Government policy that are currently under development and how they will fit together. These include the sector roadmap for transport and infrastructure announced by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen, and three initiatives addressing embodied carbon, which DITRDCA is developing in collaboration with Infrastructure Australia and Infrastructure New South Wales.

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This was followed by a facilitated discussion on the Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments’ new policies and initiatives for decarbonising transport infrastructure.

Ainsley Simpson, CEO of Infrastructure Sustainability Council, and the prime mover behind the establishment of Infrastructure Net Zero, explained the overall governance and strategic direction.

Working groups of industry supporters

the skills and capability for delivering net zero, and lastly to support policy and procurement reforms to accelerate emission reduction through planning, delivery and asset management.

Each workstream will be led by a group of Infrastructure Net Zero supporters – industry stakeholders who have invested in progressing a particular focus area.

With these deliverables in place, further projects will be prioritised.

“INFRASTRUCTURE NET ZERO’S STRATEGIC FOCUS IS TO ACCELERATE DECARBONISATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE BY BUILDING ALIGNMENT ACROSS THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, AND STRENGTHENING CAPACITY ALL THROUGH THE SUPPLY CHAIN.” will collaborate on initial areas of work organised around key stages of the asset lifecycle: investment, procurement, design, construction, operations and asset management.

In addition to building alignment between Government and the private sector, the initial body of work includes three key focus areas. The first is to be principles for reducing emissions in infrastructure, the second is to define

Funding and resourcing will be drawn from a mix of supporter contributions, government funding, and other thirdparty sources. All outputs will be made available on an open-source basis making the transition to net zero accessible to everyone.

Organisations interested in becoming supporters are invited to contact Mike Kilburn, Director, Infrastructure Net Zero at info@infrastructurenetzero.org

19th AfPA International Flexible Pavements Conference

Safely Paving the way to Carbon Zero 30th Oct - 31 Oct -1st Nov 2023 | BCEC Brisbane QLD

Thanking our Sponsors

CONTRACTS & TENDERS

CONTRACTS IN BRIEF ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON SOME OF THE CONTRACTS AND TENDERS RECENTLY AWARDED OR PUT TO MARKET ACROSS THE AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE SECTORS. QUEENSLAND Contracts awarded for QLD rail upgrade program Laing O’Rourke has won contracts for works on four station upgrades, which will be delivered as part of the Queensland Rail’s Station Accessibility Upgrade Program. The upgrades to the Morningside, Lindum, Banyo and Buranda Stations will aim to increase the safety and accessibility of the public transport infrastructure.

As part of the works, Laing O’Rourke will raise the station platforms to bring the platform and train doors closer together and reduce the gap to make boarding safer and easier. Commuters will now be able to catch a lift to a station overpass and then onto the platforms. Other improvements include upgraded customer facilities like accessible toilets, disability-compliant ticket windows, improved seating, and extended platform shelters. Laing O’Rourke will also install hearing augmentation loops, tactile floor indicators, new wayfinding signage, information screens and better security through CCTV and lighting upgrades. Already activity has begun at the four stations. Enabling works are underway at Lindum and Buranda stations and customers will see site establishment in the coming months. Geotechnical activities and overhead line and service location works have already been carried out at Morningside station. Customers will see piling, signalling construction and site establishment soon. This year’s Queensland State Budget allocated close to $300 million towards five station accessibility upgrades on the Queensland Rail network, including the Lindum, Morningside and Banyo Stations. The stations will be reopened throughout the second half of 2024 except for Buranda, with completion expected in 2025.

CIMIC subsidiary wins $125 million maintenance and operations contract CIMIC Group’s Sedgman, a mineral

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processing company has been awarded an operations and maintenance contract for the Bowen Basin in Queensland.

Sedgman and CPB Contractors, also a CIMIC Group company, have been working together to deliver an endto-end solution for the Olive Downs Complex processing plant since mid-2022. These additional works will extend the scope of work for Sedgman to include optimising operations, enhancing efficiency, and elevating productivity at the facility. The fiveyear contract at Pembroke Resources’ Olive Downs Complex will generate revenue for Sedgman of $125 million.

The Bowen Basin, which has traditionally focused on coal production, has the potential to bring more gas to Queensland’s domestic and export markets – by opening up areas for new gas production and potentially capturing unutilised gas from coal mines.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA $1B worth of contracts awarded for WA big batteries The Western Australian Government has awarded more than $1 billion in contracts for works on battery storage systems in Kwinana and Collie. The new battery energy storage systems in Kwinana and Collie are set to provide cleaner, reliable and affordable energy for Western Australia. Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited (CATL) has been contracted to supply about 300 EnerC Plus, containerised liquidcooling battery systems for Kwinana Battery Stage Two, and about 650 EnerC Plus for Collie. Power Electronics will deliver 72 inverters for the Kwinana battery and 160 inverters for the Collie battery. Kwinana Battery Stage Two will provide 200 megawatts of power with 800 megawatt hours of energy storage. Construction started on Kwinana Battery Stage Two in June and

is estimated for completion at the end of 2024, supporting 160 jobs. The Collie battery will be the biggest in WA providing 500 megawatts with 2000 megawatt hours of storage. It will create about 500 jobs during the peak of construction. The Government owned Synergy provides 52 per cent of the electricity sold to households and business customers in the South West Interconnected System (SWIS) and about 55 per cent of the contestable gas load in the industrial and commercial market.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Contract awarded for defence infrastructure redevelopment A joint venture of Downer and CPB Contractors has been awarded a contract to deliver the planning phase of the Australian Defence Force’s proposed Woomera Redevelopment Program in South Australia. As part of the contract, Downer and CPB will begin design development activities on the project, with the works having an estimated value of between $500 and $750 million. This revenue will be split 50:50 between the two companies. Under the package (if approved by Government and Parliament) the joint venture will deliver buildings, services and infrastructure works, with construction planned to commence in early 2026. These works will form part of the Australian Defence Force’s submission for Federal Government approval.

Construction of the project is scheduled to be completed by early 2029.

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Small Asphalt Rollers Compact and Smart

DYNAPACS SIXTH GENERATION SMALL ASPHALT ROLLERS - READY TO ROLL Dynapac’s sixth generation CC1300VI and CC1400VI small asphalt rollers are designed and built to meet the construction industries ever evolving and tough conditions.

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The new generation has a unique cross mounted engine providing exceptional access to engine and hydraulic components. This new engine concept and the slideable operators seat combine to increase visibility to drum edges and the greater worksite. High vibration frequency, offsetability of the drum, high efficiency eccentrics and options such as edge press devices and chip spreaders all improve compaction efficiency and versatility.

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PROUD DISTRIBUTOR

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA NOVEMBER 2023

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