Improving Ipswich Motorway means improving job skills and future prospects for locals
Workers across a range of professions are benefiting from a focus
on employment, training and development on the Dinmore to Goodna
section of the Ipswich Motorway Upgrade project.
The Ipswich Motorway Upgrade between Dinmore and Goodna is one of
the largest infrastructure projects in Australia and is being
delivered through an alliance between the Department of Transport
and Main Roads, Abigroup Contractors, Fulton Hogan, Seymour Whyte
Constructions, Parsons Brinckerhoff and SMEC Australia, known as the
Origin Alliance.
Program Director for Western Corridor Projects Gerald ‘Mango’
Murphy said Origin Alliance has selected 'Employment, Training and
Development' as one of its targeted High Performance Zones, and is
undertaking a range of strategies to ensure a positive and lasting
legacy in this area.
Origin Alliance is taking local apprentices onto the project and
working with local high schools to participate in career information
days, site visits, presentations, work experience programs and
traineeships – which would ultimately benefit the wider construction
and engineering industries.
In addition, the Origin Alliance is working with Jobs Fund
Australia on exciting initiatives to rebuild and repair local
community facilities, through training and by supporting unemployed
locals to complete the work on these positive community projects.
Mr Murphy said the Alliance aimed to ensure that long after road
users are able to enjoy the new motorway, local communities would
continue to thrive thanks to the project’s contribution to
sustainable employment and training initiatives.
Trade staff and contractors working on the Ipswich Motorway
Upgrade project between Dinmore and Goodna include carpenters, pipe
layers, civil construction, mechanics, concreters and skilled
labourers. Wherever possible, local businesses and individuals have
been engaged to provide these services and many resources are being
sourced from local suppliers.
Full construction of the upgrade commenced in June 2009 and the
project is expected to be completed by the end of 2012.
More In Focus articles