Whats Hot Wednesday: WA

Check out the latest infrastructure and construction trends near you! We've caught up with our WA Business Development Managers to give you an update on what's going on in the industry in WA.

TRENDS IN PLANT AND EQUIPMENT 

Over the past few months, we've noticed a real swing in hire type requests.  With less discretionary spending due to the mining-downturn, construction companies working on WA projects, typically known for their wet hire agreements, are now leaning towards their own operators on machines. In this sense, Western Australia is becoming more closely aligned with the east coast, where dry hire has always been king. 

Furthermore, we've seen a trend in requests for access gear such as scissor lifts and boom lifts, particularly in Perth where there is a great need for equipment to support the current road infrastructure. 

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

BHP Jimblebar mine expansion - JBX project

The $300 million project went to tender in August this year, and has been awarded last Thursday to CIVMEC. Mr. Patrick Tallon, Chief Executive Officer of Civmec, said,

“Following a well-structured and comprehensive tendering process we are delighted to have secured the award of this important contract and the joint venture is very focused on ensuring we safely deliver this package of work effectively and to use this opportunity to further demonstrate our combined capabilities to BHPBIO.”

The multi-disciplinary project will require plant and access equipment and specialist subcontractors in the coming months to complete the work.

Onslow Road Upgrade

Stage two, including reconstruction and overlay of the major work of Onslow road upgrade has been postponed until construction of the Chevron & BHP Billiton gas facilities have been completed. In the interim, Main Roads Western Australia have engaged ARRB to undertake pavement investigations to determine the degree of deterioration to the pavement by the increase in road train and over mass traffic.

Perth Freightlink 

Proposals will be sought for two sections as follows:

• Roe 8 – a 5km extension of Roe Highway (Stage 8) from Kwinana Freeway to just west of Coolbellup Avenue; and
• Section 2 – upgrades to Stock Road, Leach Highway, High Street and Stirling Highway, spanning 8.2km.

The proponents were asked to conduct a feasibility study for an alternative route, which includes a tunnel option. Contracts for Roe 8 of the Perth Freighlink project are expected to be awarded this month. 

Section 2 (upgrades to Stock Road, Leach Highway, High Street and Stirling Highway, spanning 8.2km) tender process is well underway, and will be decided around the environmental, economic and social impact measure in December this year. 

If you're a plant and equipment supplier or a subcontractor, a strategic plan is needed to get your gear or team on projects like these. Take the first step to strengthening your Business Development team and get a free supplier demo today!