2022 DRFA Restoration Works Doomadgee

The Project was completed 1200km away from our local area. Doomadgee is extremely remote, with limited road access and significant distance from major urban centres. This isolation makes the mobilisation of equipment, materials, and personnel more time-consuming and costly.

Solutions:

Detailed pre-planning of logistics to minimise the number of trips and avoid delays due to travel or freight issues.

Staggered mobilisation of plant, equipment and workforce to align with project milestones and avoid bottlenecks.

On-site accommodation and self-sufficient camp setup allowed teams to remain on-site for extended periods, limiting transit disruptions.

Limited resources - such as internet access, phone reception, fuel availability and breakdown/maintenance assistance.

Solutions:

Satellite internet and communication systems installed to ensure consistent contact with head office, contract superintendent and suppliers.

Fuel management plans implemented, including bulk delivery and secure on-site fuel storage for continuous operations.

Preventative maintenance schedules and carrying critical spare parts helped reduce downtime from equipment failures.

Strategic partnerships with nearby service providers allowed for timely support or emergency repairs.

Limited water resources - toward the end of construction period the water available to complete the works had almost completely dried up. This required additional planning and prioritising throughout the job. Doomadgee also has protected ecosystems therefore working near rivers, wetlands and protected habitats requires careful environmental management and compliance.

Solutions:

Water usage prioritisation plan created to ensure critical activities (e.g., dust suppression, concrete curing) were completed efficiently.

Alternative water sources were identified early, with contingency plans for carting in water if necessary.

Environmental controls and compliance protocols were implemented, including sediment barriers, buffer zones and restricted access near sensitive areas.

Regular environmental inspections ensured all activities were within legislative and cultural heritage compliance.

The projects need to be completed in close collaboration with local Aboriginal communities, respecting culture.

Solutions:

Early and ongoing engagement with Traditional Owners and community leaders, ensuring their input was embedded in project planning.

Cultural heritage monitoring was conducted in collaboration with the local Aboriginal community before works commenced and during the completion of the project.

Cultural awareness training provided to all staff on-site, promoting respect for local customs, traditions, and history.

Employment and involvement of local community members in the project encouraged collaboration and built long-term relationships. SAW Civil employed 4 Doomadgee locals for the entirety of the project.