Cross-border collaboration delivers Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative.

Since 1965, more than 4,500km² of the Shoalwater Bay region, north of Rockhampton, Queensland, has served as a military training area. It was first used by troops that were deployed to serve in the Vietnam War and has played an important role in military training of Australian and international forces ever since.

A key initiative under the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership signed between Australia and Singapore in 2015, the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) has expanded and developed the existing Shoalwater Bay Training Area and is establishing the new Greenvale Training Area in North Queensland.

Laing O’Rourke, as the managing contractor of the ASMTI Shoalwater Bay Facilities Project, utilised its global experience in construction to lead the development of Shoalwater Bay Training Area, including the construction of new facilities and upgrade of current infrastructure.

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 and building a close working relationship with them was all part of an approach which yielded positive outcomes.

Darumbal Enterprises / 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.”

Laing O’Rourke exceeded targets for Indigenous employment and spend, achieving 11% Indigenous participation and 7% of total spend with Indigenous businesses.

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 smaller business. 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.

An investment in security

The ASMTI is an investment in Australia’s development and enhancement of training areas and training facilities to jointly meet the future training needs of the Australian Defence Force and the Singapore Armed Forces.  The investment in Central Queensland has included the acquisition of approximately 110,000 hectares of land for the expansion of Shoalwater Bay Training Area. This project has also involved a strong focus on local industry participation for lasting and tangible benefits for regional jobs, skills, and the economy, with Laing O’Rourke awarding more than 80% of the works to regional Queensland contractors and suppliers.