Laing O'Rourke was awarded the Managing Contractor packages for two vast New South Wales regions as part of the Federal Government's Nation Building Economic Stimulus Plan Building the Education Revolution.
The school infrastructure program of works included the design and construction of new libraries, classrooms, covered outdoor learning areas and halls for 329 schools across more than half of the state. As part of the stimulus priority of the works, construction was to be carried out by local contractors.
The complex program of works was delivered over an 18-month timeframe, with around 420 projects at 329 individual schools. The program involved $319 million in capital works, to help bolster local jobs and communities and improve regional school facilities.
A high level of training was also rolled-out to regional tradespeople, ensuring the program met the department facilities standards and Laing O'Rourke's strict safety standards.
Community engagement was also instrumental in keeping all stakeholders - schools, local tradespeople, communities and government departments - informed.
Laing O'Rourke opened five zone offices - Albury, Griffith, Wagga Wagga, Orange and Dubbo - to service the vast area covered by the scheme.
In order to drive down costs, but still deliver quality school buildings to remote locations, the team worked with local manufacturers to design and construct pre-fabricated buildings for smaller schools with lower budgets.
CLIENT:
Commonwealth Government and NSW Government
TESTIMONIAL
Thank you for all your work and continued management of the project. The school community is very excited about the prospect of such a significant school improvement and I am looking forward to seeing it on site.
Catherine Peach, Principal, Wakool Burraboi PS
I’m absolutely happy. The whole process has been really smooth. I’ve never had the opportunity to work in such a modern classroom.
Meg Cross, Principal, Euchareena PS
AWARDS:
2010 National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) Awards – Susan Crawford, Sustainability Category (Merit Award)
