Contracting’s Rising Stars
Abergeldie Group (Abergeldie Contractors, Abergeldie Constructions and Abergeldie
Mining)
Head office: Regents Park, Sydney NSW
Branches/depots: Sydney, Brisbane, Newcastle and Canberra
Major activities: Complex civil infrastructure projects and boring large diameter
ventilation shafts for the mining industry
Area of operations: National
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: $50-100 million
Current projects: Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre ($39 million); pipe
jack tunnel, Kogarah, NSW ($4.7 million); Tin Can Bay, Rainbow Beach And Cooloola
Cove sewage treatment plants, Qld ($18 million); Cotter Tunnel No 3 stabilisation, ACT
($850,000); Mt Isa Terminal Reservoir Pump Station ($8 million); GWH Upgrade
Hazelbrook, NSW – skywalk bridge & suspended slab ($1 million); Wollongong STP
recycled water system Stage 2 ($3.5 million); City Road foot bridge, Sydney ($2 million);
Ropes Creek Bridge, NSW ($2 million); Footings for 92 transmission line poles and bund
walls to power transformers (Integral Energy – $3.2 million); Landfill Tar Seep Drain 2,
Sydney Olympic Park ($1.2 million); Replacement of railway overbridge At Newtown,
Sydney ($4 million); Goodna (Qld) sewerage pump station ($9 million); Belmont (NSW)
waste water treatment works Stage 3 ($20.1 million); Dendrobium mine shafts 2 & 3,
NSW ($24 million)
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Pedestrian bridge over Princes Highway at
Blakehurst, NSW ($1.5 million); South Maclean Weir, Qld ($3 million); Pontoon & jetty
upgrades: Proud Park, Russell Island And Weinam St, Redland Bay, Qld ($200,000);
North Goonyella 2 vent shaft, Qld ($14 million); Jersey barrier on M4 off-load ramp at
James Ruse Dr, NSW ($300,000); Marsden Sewerage Pump Station, Qld ($2 million);
Landfill tar seep drain, Sydney Olympic Park Authority ($380,000)
Company objectives: To continue to grow by providing clever solutions to complex
problems
Preferred contract models: Construct only, design and construct, early contractor
involvement, alliance, joint venture
Growth Barriers: Opportunities to work directly with the infrastructure providers; too
many massive infrastructure projects are let to major contractors and we are reluctant to
work as a subcontractor to them
ADCIV
Head office: Adelaide, SA
Major activities: Civil engineering, project management, building construction,
remediation, roads, bridges, subdivisions, pipelines, waste water treatment plants, bulk
earthworks, wetlands, airport runways, wharves, breakwaters, and marinas
Area of operations: SA, NT, Qld
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Wingfield Cast Metal Precinct civil works; Pt Pirie Flinders industrial
subdivision stage 2; Blackwood Park Phase 2 Stage 3; Wyatt Road Beaumont
subdivision; Hahndorf – supermarket site; West Lakes lake reconstruction Stage 2; Glen
Vista Estate, Mt Barker; Underdale Stage 2; Aldinga Beach Norman Rd reconstruction
Stage 1; O'Halloran Hill & Happy Valley depot works; Playford Waters Stage 4; Point
Boston infrastructure & land division Stage 1; Wiland St subdivision, Mt Barker; Hallett
Cove Stage 3; Industry Park Stage 4, Seaford; Andrews Farm Stage 1; Point Turton
Heights Estate subdivision; Morphett Road drainage upgrade, Mt Barker; Campbelltown
subdivision, Lochiel Park
Projects completed in the last 12 months: West Lakes Freshwater Lake redevelopment;
Bayswood Estate Stage 3a & B, Aldinga; Adams Creek rehabilitation; Sellicks Creek
rehabilitation & How Rd detention basins; Balhannah to Mattner Road; Willunga Plain
Rd Bridge; Zinifex smelter, Pt Pirie; Bayliss Road Bridge reconstruction, Mclaren Vale;
Marina Extension, Pt Vincent; Vincent Rise Stage 3a subdivision, Pt Vincent; Heylen
Drive Subdivision, Globe Derby; Blyth Road Subdivision, Clare; Victoria Rd
remediation, Osborne; bulk earthworks Stage 2, Underdale; demolition works, Henley
Beach; Broadview Rd pumping main, Pt Pirie; Commercial Road stormwater, Moana
Heights
Company objectives: Short-term (5 years): Increase turnover to $100 million,
concentrating on the SA market place and expanding into the resource sector. Target
long-term clients such as state and local government. Encourage young engineers and
project managers into civil contracting. Continue to grow as a recognised contractor in
large scale remediation and bulk earthworks projects. Improve quality, safety and service
provision. Long-term:(5-10 years): Expansion on a national and possible international
scale
Preferred contract models: Construct only, design and construct, joint venture
Growth Barriers: SA natural resource boom is having a serious impact on salaries and
retaining quality staff; payroll tax; SA Government’s reluctance to release work packages
suitable for local contracting companies; the lack of training being undertaken by the
industry as a whole
Austin Earthmoving
Head office: Bendigo, Vic
Major activities: Civil construction
Area of operations: Greater Bendigo region
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Residential development
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Recycled water pipeline, various road
reconstructions for local council, various sub divisions
Company objectives for the next 5/10 years: Consolidate business
Preferred contract models: All
Growth Barriers: Skills shortages
Brefni Excavation & Earthmoving
Head office: Picton, NSW
Major activities: Construction, earthmoving, pipelaying, trenching, plant hire
Area of operations: Sydney and surrounding country areas
Revenue: Up to A$50 million
Work in hand: Up to A$50 million
Current projects: Pipelaying and construction for Rail Corporation, pipelaying for
electricians and plumbers, plant hire
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Linfox depot, Eastern Creek; Long Bay
extension, Epping Rail Link
Growth Barriers: Skills shortages
Civil Mining & Construction
Head office: Maryborough, Qld
Branches/depots: Brisbane, Toowoomba, Hervey Bay, Emerald, Maryborough
Major activities: Civil construction, contract mining
Area of operations: Qld wide
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: $50-100 million
Current projects: SQARRP Bridge Alliance; Oxley Pump Station; Riverview Estate;
Middlemount Estate; Cooloola, Maroochy, Noosa Roads; Cunningham Highway
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Arundel Industrial Park; Tinana sewerage
scheme; Emerald Hospital car park; gravity & pressure sewer mains; Maryborough West
sports oval; Hinkler Shopping Centre; Tooan Tooan Creek open space link; Fraser
Waters development; various industrial and residential subdivisions
Company objectives: $500 million per annum turnover, equally diversified between
civil, mining & development; R5B4F open prequalification status
Preferred contract models: All
Growth Barriers: Qld Dept of Main Roads contract size, i.e. too many large ($100
million plus) packages and not enough $50 million size packages; very subjective
prequalification system; skills shortages
Changes advocated: Relax state purchasing policy to allow sole invitee contracts to be
let; abolish Road Tek (DMR) and local councils competing in open market
CIVMEC Construction & Engineering (wholly owned subsidiary of VDM Group)
Head office: Perth, WA
Branches/depots: Logistics – Belmont WA
Major activities: Industrial sized projects for the mining industry including design and
construct of large workshops, construction of overland conveyors, concrete work to
crushers, screening, mills and complete plants. CIVMEC are known as leaders in the field
of underground construction projects
Area of operations:
WA – Kimberly, Pilbara, Goldfields, southern region
QLD – Bowen Basin, Moorvale
Revenue: $50-100 million
Work in hand: $50-100 million
Current projects: Underground Crushing, screening and conveyor system with overland
conveying for Argyle Diamonds (JV with Laing O'Rourke); 480-room mine camp in
Moorvale, Queensland; Civil works for Murrin Murrin nickel mine upgrade;
Ravensthorpe civil structural works
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Abbot Point coal terminal civil and concrete
works; Newman Ammonium Nitrate storage facility; Yandi iron ore mine infrastructure
project; Wagerup refinery fuel oil storage and supply system package; Tom Price Vault –
load out, crushing and screening, concrete & bulk earthworks; Area C ore handling and
civil works; Argyle underground project; Boddington gold mine expansion project;
Brockman 2 – HV workshop and AN storage facility
Company objectives: To consolidate our position as contractor of choice to blue ribbon
clients such as Rio Tinto in the iron ore arena. To strengthen the VDM construction
division by uniting the various construction organisations within the group, exploiting the
variety of disciplines available and the design capacity of VDM Consulting
Preferred contract models: All
Growth Barriers: Lack of available trained, experienced tradespeople has had an
ongoing impact on profitability and client budget expectations, as we need more people
on sites to carry out the work. This has an impact on flights, accommodation, supervision
and infrastructure including tools, plant, vehicles etc
Changes advocated: The mining industry to release the burdens around native title,
encourage exploration and improve transport systems/access. Improved port facilities.
Generally, more land released for developments and improved infrastructure to encourage
more experienced people to enter WA and Qld
Cowell Electric Supply
Head office: Cowell, 100km south of Whyall, SA
Branches/depots: Olympic Dam, Woomera
Major activities: Power line construction
Area of operations: Rural and remote SA including Olympic Dam, Woomera,
Prominent Hill; South West Qld, Broken Hill
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: 90km 33kV power line from Broken Hill to the Honeymoon mine;
33kV powerlines for Santos at Jackson, Moomba and Tarbat in the Cooper Basin; 11kV
powerlines at Prominent Hill
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Ongoing construction of 33kV overhead
power lines at Tarbat for Santos; remediation of 33kV, 11kV and single wire earth return
overhead powerlines in the Cooper Basin; 22kV overhead power line at the Potosi mine,
Broken Hill, Perilya; 33kV power line extension at Iron Knob for One Steel; re-cabling of
iron ore stacker at Iron Duke mine site for One Steel
Company objectives: Grow our revenue by 50% pa; return on Shareholder’s Funds of
25% per annum; build a working capital fund of $100,000 per year for 5 years; no workrelated injuries; reward our employees appropriately; pay our suppliers on time, every
time; be a good and ethical corporate citizen, supporting local communities and charitable
organisations; increase our gross and net profit margins by working smarter; implement
strategies to overcome labour shortages, by increasing apprentice intake, recruiting
overseas and becoming an employer of choice to retain skilled employees
Preferred contract models: All
Growth Barriers: All skills shortages, nationally recognised licences and training
Changes advocated: National licensing of trade workers and contractors, rather than
state by state; less government red tape and bureaucracy; Abolition of payroll tax or
reduce percentage and increase threshold; good relationship between bank sector and
small business to nurture entrepreneurial spirit
Earthtec Construction
Head office: Lane Cove, NSW
Major activities: Retaining walls, erosion control, reinforced soil walls, rockbolting,
rock fall protection mesh, rock fall fences, floating boom debris and security barriers
Area of operations: Australia, New Zealand, Asia Pacific and southern Africa
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Bloomfield Road stabilisation; Hamilton Island; Craven Rail Loop;
Wujal Crossing; Great Western Highway upgrade, Hazelbrook
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Goro Nickel, New Caledonia; Gunghalin
Drive, ACT; The Summit, Coffs Harbour
Company objectives: Expand domestic and international operations with particular
emphasis on rock fall protection and design and supply including technical services
Preferred contract models: Construct only, design and construct, early contractor
involvement, alliance, joint venture
Growth Barriers: Skills shortages; red tape – compliance time and effort
Changes advocated: Implement national systems for all business related compliance
issues. Eliminate payroll tax
Etheredge Mintern
Head office: Bayswater, Vic
Major activities: Road reconstruction & drainage
Area of operations: Melbourne
Current projects: Road reconstruction: Station St, Ferntree Gully, Huggins Rd & Stock
Ct, Eastlink; Heathfield Road, Brighton. Subdivisions
Company objectives: Progress same as now. No plans to grow – happy the way the
company is
Preferred contract models: Construct only, early contractor involvement
Changes advocated: Fuel rebates
Excell Gray Bruni
Head office: Tullamarine, Vic
Branches/depots: Wodonga
Major activities: Road construction, industrial subdivisions, residential subdivisions
general civil works
Area of operations: Vic, NSW
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Company objectives: Grow business to be recognised as an innovative ethical leader in
the market
Preferred contract models: Construct only, design and construct, early contractor
involvement
Growth Barriers: The civil market for up to $5 million contracts is focused on the
lowest cost provider and doesn’t recognise a value for money procurement approach
Changes advocated: Clients/developers need to understand the concept of value for
money and not just look at the lowest cost provider regardless of their performance
capabilities
Guidera O'Connor
Head office: Thebarton SA
Major activities: Design and construction of water infrastructure
Area of operations: SA, WA, Vic
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Berri Barmera Wastewater re-use scheme, SA; Coliban water
chlorination upgrades, Vic; South Dandalup Dam upgrades, WA; Wattle Park
chlorination & valve stations, WA; Bolivar wastewater treatment plant fluoride storage
facility, SA; Hope Valley water treatment plant security upgrade, SA
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Canning Dam upgrades, WA; Little Para
WTP chlorination plant, SA; Happy Valley WTP backwash pumps, SA; Royal Adelaide
Golf Club aquifer storage and recovery scheme, SA; Eyre Peninsula Water Supply
Scheme, SA
Company objectives: Get involved in alliance contracting; steady, controlled growth –
focusing on profitability; relocate to new office; provide excellent conditions for our staff
Preferred contract models: Construct only, design and construct, early contractor
involvement, alliance, joint venture
Growth Barriers: Skills shortages; government red tape/delays
Changes advocated: Eliminate payroll tax; empower government employees to make
decisions; more alliance contracting
Haulton Construction Services
Head office: Bayswater, Vic
Major activities: Water industry specialists. Activities include civil construction,
pipeline construction, pollution control, mechanical services and electrical services
Area of operations: Vic, southern NSW, Tas
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Pump station augmentation – Perisher Valley; Trentham upgrade
works; Point Worner sewage pumping station; various estate works
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Bendigo pump station works; Daylesford –
Coliban civil/electrical upgrade; pressure reducing valve stations for Yarra Valley Water
Company objectives: Continue as one of the nation’s leading specialists in water
industry services, with a proven record of successful projects for government, industry
and private enterprise
Preferred contract models: Design and construct, joint venture
Growth Barriers: Finance and guarantees
HH Hilbert Constructions
Head office: Airport West, Vic
Major activities: Sports field construction, horse racetrack construction, roads and car
park construction, bulk earthworks
Area of operations: Melbourne
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Warrandyte Secondary College sports field
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Roads, car parks and infrastructure works for
community stables, Flemington Racecourse
Company objectives: Successful contracting
Preferred contract models: Construct only, design and construct, early contractor
involvement, joint venture
Growth Barriers: Skills shortage and industry red tape
J&C Reid Earthmoving (JCR)
Head office: Bright, Vic
Branches/depots: Melbourne, Wodonga
Major activities: Environmentally sensitive civil works, wind farm civil works,
underground service relocations, general earthworks, high voltage cable installations,
communications cable installations, subdivisions, drainage, underground boring, cartage,
road building, engineering and design, recycling green waste and concrete
Area of operations: National
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Bogong Power station earthworks and cartage of spoil; Westgate
freeway electronic toll and traffic management relocation; Northern Hume Alliance
drainage; SP Ausnet installation contract
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Tullamarine-Calder interchange services
relocation; Melrose Drive upgrade; Bogong tunnel boring machine portal; Bogong power
station portal; White Box Rise (Wodonga) recycling of 30,000m of old concrete slabs
into class 3 subgrade material
Company objectives: To grow our company by 25% each year for the next 10 years and
move into the water sector of the market
Preferred contract models: Design and construct, early contractor involvement,
alliance, joint venture
Growth Barriers: Skills shortages is the biggest issue, and then contracts requiring bank
guarantees – as opposed to alliances where none are required. Bank guarantees tie up
cash flow and are constraining on business
Changes advocated: More emphasis on training, from all levels of education; a return to
good old common sense values
Comment: Many of our youth seem to leave school early and lose their way. With our
industry screaming for new blood that is willing to learn, we need to excite these young
people and recruit and train them – most boys love big toys
JA Dodd
Head office: South Melbourne, Vic (JA Dodd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Watpac,
Fortitude Valley, Qld)
Major activities: Commercial and industrial construction, civil construction and civil
landscaping, property development and refurbishment. JA Dodd is a second-tier
contractor with the capacity to undertake building and civil/civil landscape projects of all
sizes, from $1-40 million in value; registered with the Department of Infrastructure (Vic)
as a prequalified Design & Construct contractor for projects up to $20 million; prequalified with VicRoads for works up to $20 million
Area of operations: Eastern seaboard
Revenue: Over $100 million
Preferred contract models: Construct only, design and construct, PPP
Jaydo Constructions
Head office: Melbourne, Vic
Major activities: Pipeline construction specialising in large pipeline construction for
drainage and water supply
Area of operations: National
Jayelle Excavations
Head office: Narre Warren, Vic
Major activities: Water and sewer services including pipeline, marine and subdivision
work
Area of operations: Vic, Qld, NSW
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Martha Cove Marina, Vic; Safety Beach, Vic; North Sapphire, NSW
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Torquay sewerage scheme, Vic; Water
supply pipeline, Mackay, Qld
Company objectives for the next 5/10 years: Establish as major national pipeline
constructor; consolidate and continue to deliver projects for existing clients
Preferred contract models: Alliance
Growth Barriers: Skills shortages
JHL Civil
Head office: Port Melbourne, Vic
Major activities: Water and environmental services
Area of operations: Vic, SA, Tas, NSW
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Traralgon to Rosedale pipeline (20km); Sale to Fulham pipeline
(10km); Bega Valley recycled water pipeline (4.5km); Loy Yang Power Station pipeline
(1.5km)
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Aireys Inlet to Anglesea pipeline (Winner of
CCF State Earth Awards 2007); Werribee recycled water pipelines project; Portarlington
recycled water pipeline; Colac transfer main duplication; Uni Hill sewer rising main
Company objectives: Increase turnover by 25% pa to $15 million in five years & $50
million in 10 years
Preferred contract models: All
Growth Barriers: Red tape, government delays, capital
Changes advocated: Cut red tape
Koppens Group
Head office: Cairns, Qld
Major activities: Subdivisions
Area of operations: Qld (Port Douglas to Mission Beach)
Current projects: Fairway Estate, Gordonvale; Canopys Edge, North Cairns; Smithfield,
Qld
Maw Civil
(incorporating Maw Civil Marine)
Head office: Dromana, Vic
Major activities: Civil construction specialising in marinas, golf courses and residential
and commercial subdivisions
Area of operations: Vic principally but periodically in NSW
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Newhaven Yacht Squadron – upgrade of marina; Bungower Road,
Mornington – road construction; Pakenham Quarry – removal of overburden material
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Baxter – Tooradin Road construction;
Eramosa, Graydens & Grants Roads construction; Stage 4 subdivision and revetment
walls at Martha Cove
Company objectives: Growth in turnover and bottom line of at least 20% per annum
Movement away from reliance on Mornington Peninsula based business
Preferred contract models: Construct only, alliance, joint venture, PPP
Growth Barriers: Red tape delaying project start-ups; failure by potential principals to
recognise true local content; experienced equipment operators
Changes advocated: Tender evaluations with greater emphasis on quality work and less
emphasis on price
McIntosh Fencing
Head office: Griffith, NSW
Major activities: Crash barrier installation; guardrail and wire rope supply and install
specialists
Area of operations: Throughout NSW, Vic and Tas
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Griffith City Council, Wentworth City Council, Walgett Council,
Roads & Traffic Authority NSW, VicRoads, Baulderstone Hornibrook (Vic)
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Various councils in NSW; RTA NSW;
VicRoads, Baulderstone Hornibrook (Vic) tram stops upgrade program
Company objectives: To consolidate works in NSW and Victoria and set up new
branches in Queensland and Tasmania
Preferred contract models: Construct only, design and construct, early contractor
involvement, joint venture
Growth Barriers: Skills shortage
Changes advocated: A more even playing field. Stop the backyard deals – tendering
processes should be transparent. Confirm the meeting of all Australian Standards in
regards to the supplying and the installation of materials.
Comment: In our industry, Chinese imported materials have been supplied and installed,
not meeting Australian Standards. The price of the inferior materials is substantially
cheaper, making competitive quoting difficult. The quality of work can compromise the
safety for road users
Megex Civil
Head office: Wetherill Park, NSW
Major activities: Earthmoving contractors/drainage
Area of operations: Metropolitan Sydney
Midwest Civil
Head office: Ballarat, Vic
Major activities: Concrete, timber and steel bridge works; road works; subdivisions;
underground services; trenching; rural earthworks; wet and dry equipment hire
Area of operations: All of Victoria, part of NSW
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Cheyne Bridge, Licola; Alfredton Park subdivision, Ballarat; IGA
Miners Rest civil works; Hade Avenue bridge renewal, Bass; footbridge renewal, Colac
(VicTrack); pressure reducing valves, Ballarat; metal culvert lining, Wallace; traffic
lights, Bacchus Marsh and Ballarat
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Mt Emu Creek bridge replacement; Garibaldi
bridge replacement; Blind Creek Rd subdivision, Ballarat; Stage 2 Ballarat Gold process
plant, car park and gravity sewer; Colac Treatment Plant trench UV; Golden Point vent
shaft civil works; Kerang footbridge renewal; Grant Street bridge rehabilitation; Cuthbert
Rd roundabout; Vale St reconstruction; Morrison St reconstruction; Forest Resort
subdivision; Bridge strengthening, Narre Warren
Company objectives: Retain current staff; consolidate and build a stronger company
Preferred contract models: Construct only, design and construct, early contractor
involvement
Growth Barriers: Buoyant industry – no real restrictions apart from inflexible start dates
for contracts imposed by the client. We have a good workforce and a great deal of effort
goes into training and retaining employees
Changes advocated: Agreed start dates on contracts by the client and the contractor
Pressure Sewer Services Australia
Head office: Hallam, Vic
Major activities: Design, installation & maintenance of pressure sewer systems
Area of operations: Qld, NSW, Vic and SA
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Naracoorte pressure sewer system; Parkes & Caboone sewer projects
(design only); Donnybrook and Godwin Beach (Qld) pressure sewer projects (design
only)
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Design and construction of pressure sewer
systems at Seaspray, Vic (320 properties) and Victor Harbor, SA; Lake Tabourie (NSW)
pressure sewer property design
Company objectives: To be an industry leader in this new innovative sewer technology,
setting high standards of workmanship and customer liaison
Preferred contract models: Design and construct
Growth Barriers: Shortage of skilled reliable people and our inability to know how to
grow steadily
Changes advocated: Government agencies set unrealistic completion target dates to
ensure their budgets are kept intact – better negotiation between contractor and agency
would be great. Small companies often don’t have the resources to compete with rigid
timeframes yet can offer a better service when dealing directly with the client
Quinn Civil
Head office: Pakenham, Vic
Major activities: Water and waste water infrastructure – water mains, pump stations,
concrete structures, sewers (pressure and gravity)
Area of operations: Melbourne metropolitan, south eastern suburbs
Current projects: Melbourne Airport Taxiway Victor runway widening; Water main
relocation for John Holland; Gamble Road, Carrum Downs – 660mm mild steel cement
lined water main for Utility Services; Officer South – rising main for Utility Services;
Taylors Road Underpass, St Albans; Stormwater pump station fit out for Abigroup
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Taylors Road Underpass, St Albans –
Relocation of MSCL water mains for Abigroup and VicRoads; Sandhurst Club recycled
water supply facility, Skye for VPM and Links Living; Mary Street sewer pump station
and contingency tank, Officer for Utility Services; Martha Cove Stage 2 sewer pump
station, Safety Beach for Watsons; Mary Street outfall sewer, Officer for Delfin Lakeside
Company objectives: Expand personnel and services
Preferred contract models: Construct only, early contractor involvement
SA Civil
Head office: Lonsdale, SA
Major activities: Civil construction – earthmoving, pipelaying, drainage, road
construction
Area of operations: SA
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Preferred contract models: Construct only, joint venture
Growth Barriers: Skills shortages
Changes advocated: Increase in working capital, improvement in skills shortage
problem
Strano Enterprises
Head office: Bundaberg, Qld
Major activities: Subdivisions/plant hire
Area of operations: Childers, Bundaberg, Agnes Water and west to Monto, Queensland
Current projects: Subdivisions
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Subdivisions and sewer pump stations
Company objectives: Maintain status quo and provide quality workmanship
Preferred contract models: Early contractor involvement, alliance
Growth Barriers: Obtaining quality operators
Changes advocated: Professionals, e.g. engineers, to get their paperwork and plans
correct before the commencement of a project. Incorrect paperwork and plans cause
project delays and is costing money
Sure Constructions (Vic)
Head office: Warragul, Vic
Major activities: Road and civil construction – land development, transport
infrastructure, townscaping, road maintenance, bridgeworks, drainage, major earthworks
Area of operations: Vic
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Warragul – Drouin bike trail (7.5kms, $1.5 million); Strand Estate
Stages 3a,4,5,6 & 7 ($2.5 million); Gembrook Tonimbuk Road ($1 million); various
subdivisions ($5 million); Baw Baw resheet Program ($2.5 million)
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Crosses Road Wetlands ($2 million); various
subdivisions ($5 million); Drouin townscape ($2 million over 5 years); Yarragon,
Warragul townscapes
Company objectives: $25 million turnover with 15% net margin
Preferred contract models: Design and construct, early contractor involvement
Growth Barriers: Skills shortages; government contract packaging; non-standard
contracts across local government; red tape with service authorities
Changes advocated: Direct funding to business for skills training; ombudsmen
overseeing construction and development with the power to get things done; tax breaks
for those investing in skills and people of the future; more communication between state
and federal government
Tron Civil Contracting
Head office: Salisbury, SA
Major activities: Major and minor excavation work for ETSA utilities and councils;
recycled water; pipeline for wet lands; major storm drains for Tennix, directional boring
from 50mm to 950mm, SA water pumping station; underground location of utilities with
x-ray machine
Area of operations: All of SA and into NT and Qld
Revenue: Up to $50 million
Work in hand: Up to $50 million
Current projects: Wet land for City of Salisbury (Edinburgh), Mannam to Whyalla pipe
line inlet, station at Mannam, Adelaide Shores Golf Club upgrade
Projects completed in the last 12 months: Iron Knob pumping stations ($500,000), 110
pole footings ($800,000)
Company objectives: To increase turnover to $10 million in two years and keep that
increase going at a rate of 10-15% for the next five years
Preferred contract models: Construct only, design and construct, joint venture
Growth Barriers: Skills shortage and finance
Changes advocated: For principals to make contracts apples for apples and not just look
at the bottom line (price)
Western Earthmoving
Head office: Seven Hills, NSW
Major activities: Commercial, industrial and residential subdivisions including roads,
drainage, water mains, sewer mains, electrical reticulation, landscaping, bridges, sports
fields and trunk drainage works
Area of operations: NSW
Preferred contract models: Construct only, early contractor involvement, alliance, joint
venture, PPP