Laing O’Rourke completes military project
Laing O’Rourke is proud to announce the successful completion of the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) Shoalwater Bay Training Area facilities project, situated 80 kilometers north of Rockhampton in Queensland. This landmark achievement marks a significant milestone in the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative, which aims to enhance the defense training capabilities of both the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).
The newly completed Shoalwater Bay facilities enable the Singapore Armed Forces personnel to conduct unilateral training within the area for up to nine weeks annually, further strengthening the defense relationship between Australia and Singapore. As a major part of this collaboration, Laing O’Rourke was appointed Managing Contractor in August 2018, spearheading the development of the Shoalwater Bay site. This involved both the construction of state-of-the-art new facilities and the upgrading of existing infrastructure to support the diverse training needs of the ADF and SAF.
“We are immensely proud of the successful completion of this project,” said Mark Dimmock, Managing Director of Laing O’Rourke. “By supporting the Department of Defence’s strategic objectives, we have played a key role in ensuring the long-term benefits for the local community, defense operations, and international relations between Australia and Singapore.”
A Collaborative Approach
Throughout the project, Laing O’Rourke worked closely with a diverse range of domestic and international stakeholders, including the Project Manager/Contract Administrator (PMCA) and client, to achieve exceptional outcomes for both the Commonwealth of Australia and the Republic of Singapore. This collaborative approach was particularly crucial in managing the challenges of working in an environmentally sensitive area, as well as meeting the cultural, logistical, and strategic demands of the project.
A significant part of the process was Laing O’Rourke’s early engagement with the Darumbal traditional landowners, whose ancestral connection to the land spans generations. In an effort to honor the Darumbal People’s heritage, Laing O’Rourke invited them back onto their land and forged strong relationships with the community. This approach was highly valued by the Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation, which commended the company’s commitment to cultural protocols and inclusivity.
The Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC expressed their appreciation, stating, “Laing O’Rourke has consistently demonstrated a deep respect for our cultural connection to the land and the preservation of our heritage. Their commitment to empowering Indigenous businesses and ensuring active participation in this project has set a remarkable example for others to follow.”
Laing O’Rourke’s dedication to Indigenous engagement exceeded project targets, with 11% Indigenous participation and 7% of total spend allocated to Indigenous businesses. This focus on supporting Indigenous communities through procurement was complemented by the company’s broader strategy of engaging small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and local businesses throughout the region.
A Total of 167 work packages were awarded during the project, with over 80% of the packages going to regional Queensland contractors and suppliers. By designing the scope of the project to suit the local market, Laing O’Rourke ensured that the project generated lasting economic benefits for the community.
Supporting Local Skills Development and Growth
Laing O’Rourke’s commitment to driving local skills development extended beyond procurement. The company actively partnered with local universities and schools, supporting student research projects, hosting workshops for Indigenous businesses, and participating in local industry events and career fairs. Additionally, the company formed a partnership with Central Queensland University, resulting in the employment of five university graduates, further contributing to the region’s future workforce.
“The project’s success is not only measured by its physical completion but also by the positive social and economic impact it has created for the local communities in Queensland,” added Dimmock. “By fostering meaningful collaborations with educational institutions and industry partners, we have helped create a sustainable pipeline of skilled workers, many of whom will continue to contribute to the future of the construction and defense industries.”
Excellence in Project Delivery
Throughout the life of the project, Laing O’Rourke demonstrated its commitment to delivering excellence in every aspect of the work. As the Managing Contractor, the company’s role was crucial in ensuring that the project adhered to rigorous timelines, budgets, and quality standards. By working seamlessly with stakeholders and maintaining a flexible approach to problem-solving, Laing O’Rourke was able to drive the project to completion on time, while also delivering outstanding value for money outcomes for both the Commonwealth and Singapore.
One of the most notable aspects of the project was Laing O’Rourke’s engagement with local communities and landholders. The company’s efforts to build strong relationships with these stakeholders were instrumental in ensuring the project ran smoothly, with minimal disruption to the environment and surrounding areas. This level of engagement has set a new benchmark for how large-scale infrastructure projects can be delivered in collaboration with local communities, promoting sustainability and inclusivity while achieving strategic objectives.
