22/11/05
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan has praised managers of the Gallop Government’s $88million Southern Transport Corridor development after it won two national construction industry awards.
Ms MacTiernan said the project won the Environmental Excellence category for projects over $10million as well as the overall Environmental Excellence award across the three environment categories at the Civil Contractors’ Federation 2005 Case Earth AwardsSunday in Sydney.
The development, managed by Main Roads WA and the Public Transport Authority and constructed by Thiess Pty Ltd, was also a finalist in the Construction Excellence category.
“This is welcome recognition for everyone who has worked so hard on this mammoth project, which posed big challenges in minimising disruption and environmental impacts on surrounding residents and businesses,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“Construction included moving more than 300,000 tonnes of sand to replenish town beaches and it took complex planning to manage transport movements and noise and dust levels.”
This year’s awards attracted a record number of entries and were held earlier this month.
Ms MacTiernan said the Southern Transport Corridor project, opened by the Premier in September, had been a key driver in the region's transformation, providing jobs and opportunities for the community.
“The project directly contributed about $25million to the local economy through the use of more than 100 local suppliers and subcontractors,” Ms MacTiernan said.
“The corridor will continue to strengthen the Mid-West's position as a competitive export region by improving access to the port and increasing the efficiency of regional trade.”
The Gallop Government has committed $10million towards the $25million Stage 2 of the Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor in the 2005 Budget and forward estimates.
Ms MacTiernan said Main Roads was proceeding with Stage 2 concept design development and other pre-construction activities ready for a contact to be awarded in 2007-08.
Minister's office: 9213 6400
