Laing O’Rourke announces completion of Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative project

Laing O’Rourke is pleased to announce the completion of the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) Shoalwater Bay Training Area facilities project, 80 kilometres north of Rockhampton in Queensland.  This is a major milestone in the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative.

The completion of the Shoalwater Bay Training Area facilities project will enable Singapore Armed Forces personnel to conduct unilateral training for up to 9 weeks a year within the Shoalwater Bay Training Area.

Announced as Managing Contractor in August 2018, Laing O’Rourke led the development of Shoalwater Bay Training Area, including the construction of new facilities and upgrade of current infrastructure to support training activities of the Australian Defence Force and Singapore Armed Forces.

Mark Dimmock, Managing Director, said, “Laing O’Rourke is proud to have delivered this project, supporting the Department of Defence in achieving their strategic objectives, and driving positive outcomes for the local community for years to come.”

Laing O’Rourke collaborated with complex domestic and international stakeholder groups, as well as the Project Manager/Contract Administrator (PMCA) and client to drive positive outcomes for both the Commonwealth of Australia and the Republic of Singapore, while maintaining a flexible approach in an environmentally sensitive location.

Engaging early with the Darumbal traditional landowners, inviting them back onto their land, and building a close working relationship with them was all part of an approach which yielded positive outcomes.

Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, said, “Throughout our partnership, Laing O’Rourke has consistently demonstrated their commitment to honouring Cultural Protocols and respecting the profound Darumbal connection to country and the preservation of our invaluable cultural heritage. Their dedication to inclusivity and empowerment is truly commendable, as they worked hard to ensure the active participation of Darumbal-owned businesses in this significant project. Laing O’Rourke’s genuine efforts have not only adopted a harmonious relationship but have also set a remarkable example for others to follow.”

This commitment led to 11% Indigenous participation and 7% of total spend with Indigenous businesses exceeding the project targets.

More broadly, procurement for the project focused on engagement of local small to medium enterprises (SMEs) and Indigenous enterprises to stimulate skills development and economic growth within the region. The scope was designed and packaged to support the local market, breaking down work packages into scopes which suited the cash flow of local businesses. A total of 167 work packages were delivered, and more than 80% of these works were awarded to regional Queensland contractors and suppliers.

To support this engagement, Laing O’Rourke partnered with local universities and schools throughout project delivery, including assistance with student research projects, hosting workshops with Indigenous businesses, participation at local industry events and careers fairs, and forming a partnership with Central Queensland University which resulted in five graduates being employed by Laing O’Rourke.