Thiess News September 2002

Quarterly News • September 2002
www.thiess.com.au
FRONT
COVER
Managing Director’s Year in Review
$1B in Major Rail Contracts Awarded in NSW & Vic
Qld/NT/Pacific Forging Solid Client Relationships

Contents
2 Managing Director’s Year in
Review
6 Major Rail Projects
$1B in major rail contracts awarded
in NSW and Vic
8 Qld/NT/Pacific Overview
The Qld/NT/Pacific Business Unit
continued its solid performance during
2001/02 financial year, securing nine
new contracts.
• Building
• Civil Engineering
• Mining
• Process Engineering
• Community Partnerships
• Safety
• Engineering Awards
22
23
24
Chullora Recycling
Thiess Services’ Chullora Materials
Recycling facility has passed the
300 million mark in PET bottles
Recycled.
News in Brief
Sustainable Water Supply
The continued prosperity of the
Gladstone Region has been
reinforced following the completion
of Awoonga Dam Raising and
Infrastructure Relocation Project.
FRONT COVER: Awoonga Dam Raising
and Infrastructure Relocation Project,
Gladstone, Qld.
> THIESS Quarterly News is published by
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Marketing Services Section of the
Technical Services Department.
>Editor: Rebecca McDonald
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Managing
Director’s
Year in Review
2001/2002 saw Thiess
continue to strengthen the
quality of work in hand,
with our business well
served by the strategy of
market and geographic
diversity.
Our turnover of $2.2B and
▲ Managing Director, Roger Trundle
the value of work in hand
of over $5B reflect record workloads in Australia and
overseas in mining and resources, infrastructure and
engineering and services.
Alliances and joint ventures form a significant and rapidly
increasing proportion of the work in which we are involved.
Featured in this edition of Thiess
News, the Awoonga Dam Raising and
Infrastructure Relocation project is
typical of our flexible, outcomes
focused approach.
The Awoonga Dam was completed
in June this year, five months ahead
of schedule and well under budget
through an innovative alliance
between the client (Gladstone Area
Water Board), the infrastructure
Performance
1150
1531
1815
1808
1852
97 98 99 00 01 02 97 98 99 00 01 02
Total Revenue $ Million
2254
designer (PPK), the dam designer
(SunWater) and Thiess as Project
Manager.
In addition, a number of strategic
partnerships were initiated with
local training organisations to
deliver training and career
development opportunities for
employees.
Significant work in partnerships
was won in June when the Thiess
2625
3193
2817
3698
4866
Work in Hand $ Million
5218
THIESS 2

Year in Review
Hochtief Alstom Group was
awarded Australia’s largest publicly
funded infrastructure contract – the
Epping to Chatswood section of the
Parramatta Rail Link in New South
Wales, valued at $862M.
The work incorporates the design
and construction of tunnels,
stations, track, signal and
communications work to deliver a
fully operational rail system to the
NSW Government.
Also awarded in June, a Thiess
Alstom Joint Venture will design,
construct and commission track,
signal and communications for the
Ballarat and Geelong corridors of
the Regional Fast Rail Project in
Victoria, with a project value of
$200M.
The award of these two
significant rail infrastructure
projects is the result of the
commitment and hard work by our
teams, demonstrating the
company’s technical expertise and
strong project management
capability.
The Year’s Highlights
Mining and resources activities
contributed strongly to revenue
during the year. In Australia, we
progressed operations at 12 mine
sites in New South Wales and
Queensland and we were recently
awarded, with Joint Venture partner
Sedgman Pty Ltd, the construction
of new coal handling facilities at
the Hail Creek Coal Mine in
Queensland’s Bowen Basin.
In Gladstone, Queensland, we are
constructing new calciners at QAL’s
▲ Swing Bridge Project, Victoria
alumina refinery and undertaking
major civil works at Comalco’s
alumina refinery.
At year end, work was ongoing at
the Goro Nickel project in New
Caledonia and the LNG4 project at
the North West Shelf in Western
Australia.
In Indonesia, we performed well
on our $1B contract for PT Arutmin
at the Satui and Senakin coal mines
and also the Kideco and the KPC
mines.
Building work undertaken during
the year included the Royal Prince
Alfred Hospital and Shoal Bay Resort
in New South Wales, the
commencement of Stage 3 of the
Lavarack Barracks in Queensland
and a number of commercial and
residential projects in Victoria.
The Services business contributed
with ongoing work across the
environmental, telecommunications
and utilities sectors. Facilities
operations and maintenance
continues to grow with good levels
of new work won. Silcar, our Joint
Venture with Siemans Pty Ltd, has a
strong order book for maintenance
and asset management in the
industrial and utilities areas.
Safety in the work place remains
an absolute priority. A highlight to
note was the achievement of the
Thiess Services team operating the
BHP Port Kembla coke ovens water
recycling plant. In February this
year they passed the ten year mark
of continuous operation since
project inception without a lost
time injury.
In the course of the year, we
were recognised with sixteen
▲ Thiess Infraco, maintenance and
management for M>Train and M>Tram
Network, Victoria
industry awards for innovation,
environmental management, waste
management, training and project
excellence.
Increased awareness of
environmental issues is important
together with responsible
management decisions. To that
end we completed our third annual
greenhouse gas audit and
established operational key
performance measures.
We won the National Case Earth
Award for the second time for our
rehabilitation work in relation to
the construction of the Kwinana
Freeway in Perth. More than a
tonne of native seed was collected
from the works area, cleaned,
stored and then replanted upon
completion of the works.
Thiess Services continues as the
sole corporate supporter of the
prestigious annual international
and national Riverprizes, which
recognises the vital work of those
responsible for river and waterway
management in Australia and
around the world and helps to
communicate the importance of
this work to the broader
community.
Thiess believes that the
communities in which we work are
important stakeholders in our
business and we commit each year
to support vital community services
at a national, regional and local
level.
Research to seek feedback from
our clients was undertaken during
3 THIESS

Projects secured in the year to 30
June 2002:
THIESS
• Epping to Chatswood section of
the Parramatta Rail Link in NSW
(Thiess share is $421M)
• Ballarat and Geelong corridors
of the Regional Fast Rail Project
in Victoria (Thiess share is
$100M).
• Management contract for
construction of Lavarack Barracks
Stage 3, Townsville, QLD, for
Department of Defence (value
$154M).
• Contracts for design and
construction of three calciners,
Gladstone, QLD, for Queensland
Alumina Limited ($108M).
• Alliance contract to construct a
river diversion aqueduct,
including three conveyor tunnels
for the Morwell River, Yallourn,
VIC, for Yallourn Energy (Thiess
share $44M).
• Contract to design, construct and
maintain the Karuah bypass for
NSW Roads and Traffic Authority
($82M).
• Joint venture contract for site
and civil works at the Comalco
Alumina Refinery, Gladstone,
QLD, for Bechtel Australia
(Thiess share $36M).
• Management contract for
redevelopment of the Cairns
waterfront and central business
district areas, QLD, for Cairns
Port Authority ($42M).
• Contract to design, construct and
commission the Hail Creek coal
handling plant, Nebo, QLD, for
Hail Creek Coal (Thiess share
$41M).
• Contract to construct two
wharves at the Darwin East Arm
Port Stage 2A, Darwin, NT, for
Northern Territory of Australia
($38M).
• Contract to design and construct
a rail car maintenance facility,
Nowergup, WA, for EDI
Rail/Bombardier Transportation
($33M).
• Management contract for
construction of nine health
facilities, in rural NSW, for NSW
Department of Public Works and
Services ($33M).
• Contract to construct civil works
for the North West Shelf Phase IV
project, Karratha, WA, for
Woodside Energy Limited ($32M).
• Contract to construct pavements
and associated roadworks at the
West Charlestown bypass,
Charlestown, NSW Roads and
Traffic Authority ($22M).
• Contract to design and construct
civil works at the Springwood bus
station, Logan, for Queensland
Transport ($15M).
PT THIESS CONTRACTORS
INDONESIA
• Contract to install a pipeline and
associated works at the PGN
Sakernan pipeline pump station,
Jambi, Indonesia, for PT
Perusahaan Gas Negara ($13M).
• Contract to construct drainage
structures and hire equipment,
Batu Hijau copper-gold mine,
West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia,
for PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara
($13M).
• Contract to supply mine support
services at the Minahasa Messel
coal mine, North Sulawesi,
Indonesia, for Newmont Minahasa
Raya ($11M).
THIESS SERVICES
• Contract for domestic waste
collection and recycling for the
City of Casey, Victoria ($41M).
• Contract to design, construct and
operate the pretreat facility in
South Windsor, NSW, for Resource
NSW ($29M).
• Contract to remediate the
Homebush Bay site, Sydney, NSW,
for Waterways Authority ($20M).
• Contract to collect and recycle
domestic waste for Cardinia
Shire, Victoria ($11M).
THIESS SOUTH AMERICA
• Contract for construction of a
tailings dam and associated
facilities, Tintaya, Peru, for BHP
Billiton Tintaya SA ($30M).
• Contract to build new leach pad
as part of the Yanacocha
Carachugo Stage 9 expansion
for Minera Yanacocha, Peru
($30M).
the year, to help us to better
understand their requirements and
priorities, including:
• The qualities they regard as
important when using service
providers such as Thiess
• Our performance on a range of
service aspects
• The challenges our clients expect
to face in the next three years.
Representatives of fifty of our
client organisations from across
Australia were interviewed,
providing information that will be
important in helping us to
continually improve the quality of
our services.
Results show that while clients
continue to place a strong emphasis
on value, quality and timely
▲ Thiess Services waste management
services
delivery, there is an increasing
emphasis on the importance of a
good, responsive working
relationship between clients and
service providers.
When responses from all
participants were collated, we were
given a rating of 4.2 out of 5 for
overall performance.
The challenge for us is to turn
this valuable feedback into actions
that will further enhance our service
and performance.
Outlook
The outlook for our business is
positive. The 2002/03 year will be
characterized by consolidation of
our strong market position with
particular focus on quality
opportunities and the delivery of
quality outcomes.
Continuing to foster strong
stakeholder relationships is key to
THIESS 4

Year in Review
▲ Satui Coal Mine, Indonesia
maintaining high levels of repeat
business and to enhancing our
reputation as a provider of quality
services.
There are good opportunities in
civil and process engineering and in
large-scale transport infrastructure
projects. We expect an upturn in
the building and property market
in Australia and our services
business is expected to perform
well in a steadily growing market.
An increasing demand worldwide
for minerals should provide good
levels of activity in the minerals and
resources sector, both in Australia
and internationally.
Our ongoing success depends on
our people who are encouraged to
undertake training and development
programs to enhance their skills and
to achieve their full potential.
A new Group Health, Safety and
Environment Plan is being
implemented as we constantly strive
for improvements in our safety and
environmental performance.
We will also be focusing on
business efficiencies through the
implementation of the JD Edwards
enterprise system, due for
completion by late 2003.
In closing I would like to say a
most sincere thank you to our
valued clients and business
partners for your continuing
support of Thiess and your
confidence that in working
together we are able to achieve
common goals and objectives.
I would also like to thank all
Thiess Group employees for your
valuable contribution over the
course of 2001/02 and I look
forward to another strong
performance in the year ahead.
▲ Shoal Bay Country Club, NSW
Roger Trundle
Managing Director ■
5 THIESS

Major Rail Projects
$1B in Major Rail
Contracts
The recent award of more than $1 billion in major rail contracts in NSW and Victoria has
placed Thiess at the forefront in the push to rejuvenate and expand Australia's transport
infrastructure.
Works Commence on $880M Rail
Contract in NSW
The Thiess Hochtief Joint Venture
has commenced work on the largest
single infrastructure contract ever to
be awarded by the NSW Government
– the $880M Parramatta Rail Link in
Sydney.
Selected from a strong Australian
and international field, the Thiess
Hochtief Joint Venture will be
responsible for all tunneling and
station excavation work and
installation of track, and through our
partnership with Alstom, the signaling
and communication systems for the
14 kilometre section between
Chatswood and Epping.
The contract signing in July
signaled a major investment in public
transport by the NSW Government
aimed at increasing the long-term
capacity of the Sydney metropolitan
rail system and providing rail access
to areas not previously served by rail.
NSW Minister for Transport Mr Carl
Scully said, once operational, the
project would add 12,000 new rail
passengers to the City Rail network
each working day.
"It will also create the capacity for
an extra 18,000 passengers to travel
by train from Western Sydney each
morning peak by diverting current
Northern services via Epping rather
than Strathfield," Mr Scully said.
Thiess Executive General Manager
NSW/ACT & VIC said "Our success
was due to mobilising the best
available tunneling expertise world
wide combined with strong
THIESS 6

management of design, construction,
safety and environmental and
community issues".
"The Thiess Hochtief Alstom group
are leading edge in their respective
fields and together will respond to
the challenge of constructing a world
class operating rail system" he said.
The main component of the works
involve 12km of twin tunnels
stretching from Epping in Sydney’s
north west to Chatswood on Sydney’s
North Shore. The rail tunnels will be
seven metres in diameter and run
mostly in parallel. They will vary in
depth from 15 metres to 60 metres
underground. The works will also add
three new stations to the rail
network and enable the upgrading of
two existing stations.
A number of construction methods
will be used, including bored
tunneling, road header and cut and
cover tunneling techniques. Two
Tunnel Boring Machines will excavate
approximately 1.2M bcm of spoil.
These machines will arrive in mid-
2003 and undertake tunneling
activities for two years - traveling
approximately 120 to 180 metres per
week through Sydney sandstone.
Following excavation of tunnels and
station, lining of the tunnel (using
concrete and membrane) and
installation of rail components will
commence.
Hochtief’s International Tunnel
Manager Ulrich Wadepohl said "We
are delighted the strength of our
local and international based Joint
Venture has been recognised by the
NSW Government."
The environmental management
requirements on this project are
understandably stringent given the
urban environment, and management
plans and procedures are being
developed and systematically
implemented to ensure the impacts
of construction are kept to an
absolute minimum and in line with
government and stakeholder
expectations. To minimize the
impact of noise and vibration during
operation of the rail network, a
number of acoustic treatments will
be applied to the rail tracks along
the route.
Construction, commissioning and
handover of the Epping to Chatswood
section of the Parramatta Rail Link is
expected to be completed in 2008. ■
▲ Sandy Eliot (ALSTOM), Peter Batchelor (Minister for Transport), Premier Steve Bracks,
Don Johnson and Robert Rust (ALSTOM).
Thiess Wins Major Rail
Project in Victoria
Thiess and joint venture partner,
ALSTOM Australia Ltd, have been
awarded two contracts on Victoria’s
$550M Regional Fast Rail Project.
The contracts have a combined
value of $200M, and involve rail
infrastructure upgrade works
between Melbourne and Ballarat
(107km), and Melbourne and
Geelong (41km).
As one of the biggest upgrades of
the Victorian regional rail system in
120 years, the project will see a
reduction in traveling times with
trains operating at speeds up to
160km/h and the delivery of more
frequent services.
The Thiess ALSTOM Joint Venture
will be responsible for the design,
construction and commissioning of
track, civil, signal and
communication works to achieve
the Department of Infrastructure’s
(DOI) specified times for each
corridor.
Thiess General Manager
Vic/SA/Tas/NZ, Don Johnson said he
was delighted that Thiess, and its
joint venture partner, ALSTOM, had
been chosen to play a significant
role in this historic transport
project which will drive economic
growth across Victoria by providing
greater accessibility to these
regional communities, and linking
them more closely to Melbourne.
"Thiess and ALSTOM formed a
strategic relationship, which has
proven to be successful and for this
project we have established a team
with extensive rail and project
management expertise to ensure the
delivery of the project to the State’s
requirements," said Don.
"Our team is looking forward to
managing the challenges on this
complex project, and is committed
to maximising the involvement of the
local community.
"We intend to implement
strategies that promote local
employment, providing opportunities
to local contractors, suppliers and
subcontractors to be involved in this
major infrastructure project."
Detailed design has commenced
for both the Ballarat and Geelong
corridors, along with community
consultation in the form of public
meetings and workshops. Work on
site is scheduled to commence in
November 2002 and will be
completed by mid 2005.
The award of these contracts
strengthens Thiess’ rail portfolio in
Melbourne which includes Thiess
Infraco’s ongoing contract for the
infrastructure maintenance of the
M>Train and M>Tram networks and
the St Albans to Sydenham Rail
Electrification project completed
earlier this year. ■
7 THIESS

Qld/NT/Pacific Overview
Forging solid client
relationships
for win-win results
▲ Murray Fox, Executive General
Manager (Qld/NT/Pacific)
The Qld/NT/Pacific Business Unit continued its solid performance during the 2001/02
financial year, securing nine new contracts.
Driving our success has been the
positive relationships we have
forged with our clients, supported
through a team dedicated to
maintaining high standards in client
service.
With 18 projects throughout the
region, the Business Unit continues
to deliver a full spectrum of civil,
building, mining and process
engineering services.
Some key achievements:
• Our appointment to undertake
the $171M Lavarack Barracks
Stage 3 project is a continuation
of our strong relationship with
the Department of Defence.
Working in consultation with our
client, we are confident the
delivery of Stage 3 will reflect
the excellent results achieved on
the award-winning Stage 2
Redevelopment.
• We are proud to be working with
Bechtel to assist in delivering the
Comalco Alumina Refinery Project,
with the Queensland Department of
Transport in constructing the
Springwood Bus Station, with QAL
in delivering the QAL Calciners
Project and with Hatch and our
Joint Venture partner Sedgman in
delivering the Hail Creek Coal
Handling and Preparation Plant.
With $1.6B worth of work in
hand and a firm commitment to
supporting our clients’ business
objectives, we are confident that
the Qld/NT/Pacific Business Unit is
well positioned to continue its
strong performance during the next
12 months and beyond.
Health and Safety
Health and safety remains a priority.
We are committed to achieving an
incident and injury free workplace,
and we continue to identify better
ways to improve safety performance.
Initiatives such as Job Safety and
Environmental Observations, the JMJ
Behavioural Change Program and the
Remember Charlie video have proved
to be invaluable in encouraging people
to be responsible for work safety, as
well as empowering them to take the
initiative to correct or improve
potentially hazardous situations.
By providing a balanced mix of
behavioural programs and health and
safety procedures, we are creating a
work culture focused on responsibility,
commitment and consideration.
▼ Geoff MacKenzie - Environmental Officer, monitors water quality at the Burton Coal Project
• Under an alliancing agreement,
we are pleased to be working in
partnership with Queensland
Transport and Sinclair Knight Merz
to deliver Stage 3 of the $34M
Inner Northern Busway Project in
Brisbane.
• In early 2002, we re-entered the
Pacific region with the
opportunity to again work with
our client, Inco, and provide
civil engineering services to the
$2.7B Goro Nickel project in New
Caledonia. We look forward to
developing our business in
the region and to continuing our
relationship with Inco.
THIESS 8

▲ Kerry Weller (left) and Cassandra Pickard, Equipment Operators, at the Foxleigh Coal Project
Highlighting the success of our
approach is the performance of
projects such as the QAL Calciners
Project in Gladstone, which has not
recorded an incident on site since
the project started in July 2001. In
addition, the Comalco Alumina
Refinery Project in Gladstone has
worked almost 650,000 employee
hours without a lost time incident.
Our People
We employ some 1,600 employees
and 1,400 subcontractors in the
Qld/NT/Pacific Business Unit, and
we understand that business
excellence is achieved through our
people.
Thiess was recently announced
"Large Employer of the Year" for the
Brisbane district at the Queensland
Department of Employment, Training
and Youth 2002 Awards, as well as
the "Mining Industry Training Provider
for 2002" at the annual Queensland
Mining Industry Training Awards.
Environmental Management
Despite tightening regulations, our
projects continue to achieve
excellent environmental
performance that can be measured
through our due diligence and
awards received.
Each of our projects has passed
all environmental inspections and
reviews without a fine or penalty. In
addition, our environmental
performance on projects such as
Lavarack Barracks Stage 2 has been
recognised through the
achievement of the “2001 Arbor
Day Award”.
Community Relations
Our long association with the
Queensland Arts Council continues
this year through our sponsorship
of the Ontour Inschools program –
providing arts access statewide and
therefore positively contributing to
the cultural spirit of communities
throughout regional Queensland.
We continue to proactively raise
funds for local groups through
activities such as the Thiess/CQ
RESQ Charity Ball and the
Christmas Coal Dash in Mackay, the
Thiess/Suncorp Hear and Say
Charity Ball in Brisbane, and
charity movie nights in Gladstone.
Community groups we support
include the Queensland Biennial
Festival of Music, Gladstone Tutorial
Centre, Variety Club of Queensland,
Hear and Say Centre for Deaf
Children and Central Queensland
Rescue Helicopter Service. ■
9 THIESS

Building
Hospital’s
New Building
on Schedule
Despite a technically challenging working environment,
construction of the West Block Building within the Royal
Brisbane Hospital’s Herston Complex in Brisbane is well on
schedule to be completed by October 2002.
With responsibility for
documentation, construction and
commissioning, Thiess commenced
work on the $35.5M project in May
last year.
Project Manager Brad Anderson
said the challenge was to deliver a
modern medical facility within a
busy, operational hospital campus,
while allowing for efficient,
functional relationships between
new and existing buildings to
continue.
"The small and restricted project
site is located in close proximity to
other hospital operations, as well as
next to an access road for
pedestrian traffic and emergency
vehicles.
"This meant that careful and
detailed planning of all construction
activities and continual
communication with our client,
Queensland Health, was vital in
effectively managing all project
outcomes," Brad said.
Upon completion, the new
12,700m 2 building will provide
facilities for infectious diseases,
medical and radiation oncology,
including bone marrow transplant
and haematology inpatient services,
and administration areas.
A major project success has been
the installation of five linear
accelerator bunkers for the
Oncology Department, consisting of
1.5 metre thick, high density
concrete walls and roof slabs.
According to Brad, the concrete
mix design was an innovation that
had never before been implemented.
"As the linear accelerators use subatomic
charged particles to treat
various forms of cancer, it was
necessary to use high density
concrete to contain the therapeutic
radiation and maintain radiation
protection," he said.
“Working in close consultation
with our client, medical staff and
structural engineers, we undertook
extensive laboratory testing to
determine the correct concrete mix
and identify the best solution to
control the core temperature of the
concrete to ensure it set properly.” ■
Cityport North...
Maintaining Environmental Excellence
Operating within a sensitive
marine and natural environment, the
Cairns Cityport Project has employed
stringent management practices to
ensure the highest standard of
environmental excellence.
Commencing in August 2001, the
project team has worked closely with
the Cairns Port Authority to ensure
construction activities on the new
waterfront do not impact existing
flora and fauna.
To date, a number of large fig
trees have been preserved with other
rare species of trees identified and
relocated as part of the
environmental management
program.
Project Manager Ken Spain said
that retaining as much of the natural
environment was a key focus for the
project team, particularly with the
close proximity of fish habitat areas,
sea grass beds and the Great Barrier
Reef Marine Park.
"Cairns boasts a beautiful natural
marine and land environment, with a
solid reputation as the pre-eminent
gateway to the Great Barrier Reef.
This project is designed to enhance
the existing port area and develop it
into a world-class tourism precinct,"
Ken said.
The project includes the upgrade
of the existing Marlin Jetty, land
reclamation, expansion of the
existing marina, roads and
carparking, construction of a Reef
Fleet Terminal Building and
development of new boardwalks,
street furniture and landscaping.
"To ensure environmental issues
are promptly identified, Thiess
actively participates in a Scientific
Advisory Group that consists of
representatives from the Cairns Port
Authority, Environmental Protection
Agency, Queensland Parks and
Wildlife Services and the Great
Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority,"
Ken said.
Work on the $41M project is
scheduled for completion by May
2003. ■
THIESS 10

Performance Excellence
Wins $171M Redevelopment Project
Thiess’ success on the award-winning $140M Lavarack Barracks Stage 2 project resulted in the
company being chosen on a ‘sole-select’ basis by the Department of Defence to undertake the
$171M Lavarack Barracks Stage 3 Redevelopment.
As Managing Contractor, Thiess is
responsible for the briefing,
planning, design, construction and
commissioning of Stage 3, which will
include office accommodation,
training, warehousing and
communications facilities,
workshops, vehicle shelters,
transport compounds and service
infrastructure.
Project Manager Murray Frame said
the successful delivery of Stage 2,
within a cost-capped budget, was
achieved through Thiess’ proactive
project management approach that
involved open, two-way
communication with the client and
end users.
"A key Stage 2 challenge was to
address an increasing trend towards
Army personnel having a preference
for better accommodation off base.
A further challenge was that mess
membership and patronage was
declining, resulting in less social
interaction between Army
personnel," Murray said.
"Early and ongoing
communication with our client and
project personnel helped us to
clearly identify the users’ functional
requirements to be accommodated
by the design, while ensuring that
all issues were being effectively
addressed.
"To facilitate this process we
developed a prototype of a single
accommodation unit, which enabled
stakeholder groups to see firsthand
what the finished units would
look like. This gave Defence the
confidence to sign-off on key
building design features prior to
construction, reducing the
likelihood of any future design
changes.
"By delivering a project that
fulfilled all client and user
requirements, there is now a
waiting-list for Army personnel to
move from rental accommodation
in Townsville back to the Barracks."
Brigadier Garry Kelly, who was
Director General Capital
Infrastructure for Defence during
Redevelopment Stage 2, said the
success of the project highlighted
the benefits gained through a true
partnership approach.
"I appreciated the way in which
Thiess embraced the Managing
Contractor delivery method, in all
senses of the term ‘partnering’.
All outcomes were achieved in a
friendly, cooperative manner
through a philosophy of open
communication and working
together," he said.
"Defence’s decision to negotiate
the Stage 3 project with Thiess on
a sole select basis is testimony to
the value Thiess has added during
Stage 2."
Lavarack Barracks Stage 3 is
scheduled for completion by
mid-2005. ■
11 THIESS

Civil Engineering
Major Work Starts
on Inner Northern Busway
The first sod on the Inner Northern Busway Project in Brisbane was turned recently by
Queensland Transport and Main Roads Minister Hon. Steve Bredhauer, marking the official
start of construction on Stage 2 of the busway.
According to Mr Bredhauer, the
Inner Northern Busway will provide
passengers with a fast, congestionfree
run between the Queen Street
bus station in the city and the
Royal Brisbane Hospital at Herston.
"The new busway forms part of
the State Government’s
commitment to reducing car
dependency in Brisbane by
providing improved public
transport opportunities. This
project will give buses various
options to access local routes and
communities along the way,
providing people with a faster,
safer and more comfortable
journey," he said.
Alliance partners Queensland
Transport, Thiess and Sinclair
Knight Merz will be responsible for
the design and construction of
Section 3, which will include a
dedicated two-way busway from
Roma Street to the Normanby
Fiveways, as well as extensive civil
and tunneling works.
Thiess Alliance Manager Andrew
Large said the alliance method was
an effective way to minimise risk
and ensure the successful delivery
of the project through a collective
approach to project challenges.
"Unlike many contract methods
where risks are normally borne by
one party, an alliance focuses on a
joint-approach that sees both
benefits and risks equally shared,"
Andrew said.
"As Alliance partners, our focus
is on achieving shared objectives
and identifying solutions that will
ensure the efficient delivery of all
project aspects, including health
and safety, environmental
management, community relations
and quality.
"Furthermore, by drawing on the
diverse skills and expertise of the
partners, we are confident in
delivering smart solutions that will
achieve maximum results."
The Inner Northern Busway
Project is a joint effort by the
State Government and the Brisbane
City Council in providing attractive
alternatives to the car when
traveling into the inner city.
The busway is expected to be
completed by December 2003.■
▲ Hon. Steve Bredhauer turns the first sod
marking the start of construction
▲ Alliance Manager - Andrew Large (left)
and Marc Danckert review plans for INB3
THIESS 12

Comalco Project
Targets Local Employment
With approximately 90 per cent of the existing workforce recruited locally, the
Comalco Alumina Refinery Project in Gladstone continues its valuable contribution
to the growth of the local economy.
In mid-December 2001, the Thiess
Golding Joint Venture was appointed
to undertake initial civil works in
preparation for the construction of
the first stage of the refinery, which
is expected to produce approximately
1.4 million tonnes of alumina
annually.
According to Project Manager Hugh
Morrison, more than 200 locals are
currently employed on the project,
with further local recruitment to take
place for the wharf development.
"Local employees are carrying out
a range of civil engineering activities,
from general earthworks through to
extensive concrete works. In addition,
eight trainees are completing formal
apprenticeships and TAFE-accredited
courses on site," Hugh said.
"Due to the significant size of the
project and the extent of works to
be undertaken, the construction
workforce is expected to peak at
2,300 people during mid 2003."
Commencing site preparation
work in December 2001, the Joint
Venture is carrying out 1,000,000m 3
of bulk and detailed earthworks,
storm and sewerage services
installation, some 50,000m 3 of
structural concrete foundations,
construction of wharf and jetty for
inloading and outloading, building
work, as well as the upgrading of
existing road infrastructure to
allow safe site access.
Hugh said the overall project
was being delivered via an
innovative process where a group
of five contractors, including the
Thiess Golding Joint Venture,
shared a common budget and
program.
"Contractors are rewarded
through enhanced fees if they are
able to collectively meet or
achieve budget and time savings
that result in early and most cost
effective commencement of
alumina production," he said.
"We believe this type of
incentive program has not been
previously implemented on a
project of this size and
complexity. The program is an
effective method to ensure that
everyone is collectively delivering
the best possible outcomes for the
project.” ■
Thiess Contract Extended
on $2.7B Nickel Project in New Caledonia
Successfully undertaking initial
civil works on the $2.7B Goro Nickel
project in New Caledonia, Thiess’
work scope has been extended to
include a further $30M worth of work
by the world’s second largest nickel
producer, Inco Limited.
Thiess, in partnership with local
earthmoving subcontractor COLAS,
will be carrying out additional civil
earthworks and management of
geotechnical investigations and
drilling, as well as development of
substantial drainage structures and
laydown areas.
Construction Manager Duncan
Gibb said Thiess’ contribution to the
project was a positive step into a
new market, with the extended
contract strengthening the
company’s re-entry into the Pacific
region.
"The Goro Nickel project is one of
a number of billion dollar
developments forecast for the New
Caledonia region in the next 10
years," he said.
"We look forward to developing
and strengthening our presence in
New Caledonia by forging close
working partnerships with local
industry and community in
supporting the economic growth of
region." ■
13 THIESS

Mining
Collinsville
Maintains Solid Position in Coal Market
Commencing at Collinsville Coal Mine in 1996, Thiess continues to work in close consultation
with our client, NCA Joint Venture, in all aspects of mine management to ensure that
Collinsville maintains its solid position in the coal market.
As Managing Contractor, Thiess is
responsible for the overall
operations of the mine, including
mine planning, operation and
maintenance of existing mine
infrastructure, workplace health,
and safety and community relations,
as well as providing assistance to
the client in the area of
environmental management.
Project Manager Steve Rodgers
said the success of Collinsville could
be attributed to the positive
relationship established with the
client, which had ensured the
efficient implementation of
initiatives to support mine
expansion.
"Collinsville produces up to nine
product coal types for export and
domestic customers. The mine has
gradually expanded during the past
three years, which has been
supported through a steady rise in
coal sales," Steve said.
"To accommodate this increase,
we recently recommissioned a
BE1300 dragline and purchased a
new higher capacity bucket that will
assist to increase production.
"Furthermore, we have undertaken
two wash plant upgrades that have
improved throughput by 30 per cent,
which has allowed an increase in
washed coking coal sales.
"As the newly appointed Project
Manager, my challenge is to maintain
the excellent progress that has been
achieved to date.
"I plan to do this by continuing to
work closely with our client and the
project team to maximise the value
of the Collinsville resource and
therefore further strengthen the
mine’s position in the competitive
coal market."
Steve Rodgers joined Thiess at
Collinsville in July this year. He
brings to the project more than 20
years experience in the mining
industry, covering open cut coal,
large-scale iron ore mining,
metalliferous mining, dry mining and
large scale dredging of mineral sands.
Steve has held the position of
Site Senior Executive at a number of
mine sites throughout Queensland,
and is qualified as a Metalliferous
Mine Manager in Queensland and
Western Australia. ■
Training Awards
▲ (Lt-Rt) Mick Nash - Human Resources
Manager (Qld/NT/Pacific) and Adam Chapple
- Training and Development Manager
(Qld/NT/Pacific) receive training award.
Thiess’ outstanding efforts in
training and development were
recognised at the Queensland
Mining Industry Training Awards
with the company named the "2002
Mining Industry Training Provider of
the Year". Thiess was also
announced the "Large Employer of
the Year" by the Queensland
Government at the recent 2002
Queensland Training Awards.
THIESS 14

Burton Coal
Completes Record Year
Development of the new Ellensfield opencut pit has seen the
Burton Coal project move more than 35 million BCM of
overburden during the past 12 months – setting a new record
for the mine.
Located immediately south of
the original Burton boxcut
operation, Ellensfield commenced
in January this year and required
overburden removal of more than
7.3 million BCM to develop the pit
to a stage ready for steady state
mining of coal.
Project Manager Geoff Caton said
the responsiveness of the project
team in mobilising equipment and
resources ensured the development
of Ellensfield and extraction of first
coal from the pit was undertaken
within the scheduled timeframe.
"As part of the mine plan to
maintain Burton’s high quality
coking product, our client required
us to fast track the expansion,"
Geoff said.
"To ensure timeframes were
efficiently met, upon approval of
the Ellensfield scope, existing
plant from the Burton Pit –
including a 580 tonne Liebherr 966
hydraulic excavator – was
immediately relocated to
Ellensfield. Additional equipment
was then hired and purchased to
augment the original fleet.
"Also purchased was a new
generation Liebherr R994B hydraulic
excavator, which is a 290 tonne ‘big
brother’ to the existing R994-200
series of excavators operated by
Thiess. As the first R994B to go into
production in the world, Burton
continues to break new ground in
equipment selection," he said.
"This resulted in Ellensfield being
successfully established within six
months of the initial proposal,
allowing the first coal to be
extracted in June this year. The
timely delivery of the pit has
contributed to overall production
levels during the past 12 months."
Located in Central Queensland
and owned by RAG Australia Coal,
the Burton project has more than
doubled its yearly production rates
since its establishment in 1996, with
annual production currently at 5.2
million tonnes. ■
New Digging Method
Increases Productivity
The introduction of an innovative digging method at
Newlands Coal Mine in Central Queensland has assisted in
minimising operating delays and increasing productivity.
According to Project Manager
Scott Winter, the new digging method
has increased the rate that coal is
uncovered through improving
efficiency in removing overburden
and reducing operational delays.
"The Jensen and Curtis digging
technique has significantly increased
production levels by reducing the
cycle phase through shorter swing
angles and improved fill times,"
Scott said.
"Unlike the conventional method
where the dragline cuts a key along
the highwall and removes
overburden, this method relies on a
dozer to cut the highwall, enabling
the dragline to operate more
efficiently and remove larger
quantities of overburden from the
highwall at a faster rate."
The effectiveness of the Jensen
and Curtis method in improving
productivity has been reinforced
through Newlands’ consistent
production performance, since the
digging method was introduced in
March this year.
"The success of the initiative can
be attributed both to our operators
and planners who have embraced the
new technique. The productivity
gains achieved and maintained over
the past six months are testimony to
their commitment and continued
focus on innovation," Scott said.
"The Jensen and Curtis method
has proved to be beneficial for both
Thiess and our client, NCA Joint
Venture, in assisting Newlands to
maintain its competitiveness as a low
cost steaming coal producer." ■
15 THIESS

Process Engineering
Joint Venture
Meets Growing Demands of Coal Industry
The strength of the Thiess Sedgman Joint Venture in providing a ‘one stop’ solution for coal
mine processing design and development has secured an $82M Coal Handling and
Preparation Plant (CHPP) contract in the Bowen Basin.
With construction commencing in
July this year, the Joint Venture is
responsible for designing,
constructing, commissioning and
testing a new, state-of-the-art CHPP
at Hail Creek Mine, near Nebo in
central Queensland.
Construction Manager Kevin Vallino
said the Joint Venture was a key
factor in the Hail Creek success,
providing the client, Pacific Coal
subsidiary Hail Creek Developments,
with greater flexibility of service and
guaranteed project delivery.
"Sedgman already had a long-term
role in the Hail Creek development,
which put us in a solid position to
offer a complete service for the
design and construction of the new
CHPP," Kevin said.
"Sedgman are arguably the
industry’s leading technology provider
in relation to coal handling and
processing. This, coupled with Thiess’
financial strength and proven total
project management capability,
ensures competitive solutions that can
be tailored to suit the requirements
of our clients in terms of cost, time,
quality and risk management.
"In addition, the Joint Venture
offers clients the security to choose
the type and extent of service they
may require through all stages of
project development.
"Having immediate access to a
complete range of services and
capability to deliver on all phases of a
project will generally provide clients
with increased efficiency, as well as
reduced administration and costs,
while also providing consistency in
quality," he said.
According to Kevin, the ‘merger’
between Thiess and Sedgman was an
obvious move due to the
complementary skills and capabilities
of the respective companies in
relation to the development of coal
projects and the provision of
innovative mining, handling and
processing solutions.
"Thiess and Sedgman have worked
closely together on numerous
projects in Australia and Indonesia,
making the Joint Venture a strategic
investment for both companies to
provide a strong basis for meeting
the growing demands of the coal
industry." ■
▼ (Lt-Rt) Mark Pietzner, Mark Ringiao, Brett Woodley and Rouru Tuaine, undertaking preparation work for the construction of a new CHPP at
Hail Creek Mine
THIESS 16

▲ (Lt-Rt) Michelle Garland - Student Engineer, Ross Greenhalgh – QAL Chief Consultant/Projects and Dave Fraser - Superintendent, discuss
safety planning at QAL Stationary Calciner Project
Safety Driving Success
at QAL
Focused on collective responsibility for safe work practices, the QAL Calciners Project team in
Gladstone has achieved more than 100,000 employee hours of work, incident free.
Thiess QAL Project Manager Brad
Fackender said a new approach to
workplace health and safety had
enhanced employee morale,
increased productivity and created a
better working environment.
"All actions undertaken on site are
driven by a shared personal and
project value that safety is not
negotiable. This has been vital in
building a work culture focused on
individual responsibility and
commitment, as well as care and
concern for others," Brad said.
"Our strong safety performance to
date, coupled with the achievement
of key milestones since project
inception in July last year,
strengthens the notion that a safe
and responsible work environment
translates to improved productivity
and ultimately, better outcomes for
our client."
According to Brad, the
introduction of the JMJ Associates
High Performance Safety Program has
been instrumental in facilitating a
behavioural and attitudinal change
towards workplace safety.
"All actions undertaken
on site are driven by a
shared personal and
project value that safety
is not negotiable.”
"In our industry there tends to be
a focus on maintaining workplace
safety through the implementation
of management systems. Although
this is important, we have found
that a balanced mix of behaviourfocused
programs and management
procedures is more effective," he
said.
"JMJ is an excellent program to
educate and stimulate proactive
thinking regarding work safety,
while motivating people to act
safely by highlighting potential
personal outcomes of unsafe work
practices. This, in turn, positively
influences people’s attitudes
towards risk-taking at work and
home.
"The program’s effectiveness is
further strengthened by ensuring
that all individuals from the
workforce through to project and
Business Unit management, the
client and sub-contractor personnel
are involved in the development
and implementation of initiatives,"
Brad said.
"Our solid safety performance is an
indication that a balanced approach
achieves good results. Given the QAL
project team’s current level of
commitment to safety, I am positive
we can achieve our commitment to
being a workplace free from injuries
and incidents." ■
17 THIESS

Vic/SA/Tas/NA Community Partnerships
Operations
Creative Partnership
Provides Arts Access to Regional
Communities
Despite a downward trend in corporate sponsorship of the arts, Thiess and the
Queensland Arts Council (QAC) continue to forge a creative business partnership that
contributes to the cultural spirit of regional Queensland communities.
Research conducted in 2001 by
the Australia Council for the Arts
showed that, although corporate
sponsorship grew in real terms, the
share going to the arts had dropped
by more than 250 per cent.
QAC Marketing and Corporate
Development Manager Lenny Vance
said a committed focus on forming a
true partnership with Thiess had
been integral in establishing a
successful corporate sponsorship.
"In the past, many arts
organisations subscribed to the
sponsorship model of accepting
financial support and then keeping
the sponsor at arm’s length. This
often led to a dissatisfied sponsor
who was then reluctant to
participate in a long-term
relationship," he said.
"A true partnership approach
based on regular communication
and knowledge sharing has allowed
a solid relationship to develop
between Thiess and QAC that is
providing significant benefits for
both parties."
Thiess Executive General
Manager Murray Fox said mutual
respect and understanding of each
other’s business requirements and
activities had lead to good
community outcomes for both
Thiess and QAC.
"Thiess’ involvement with QAC
and other arts sponsorships such as
the Queensland Biennial Festival of
Music, results from our desire to
give back something tangible to
the communities within which we
operate," Murray said.
"We have numerous operations
throughout Queensland and with
▲ “Poised for success” - Brian Clarke and Ciaran McKenna from the RBH West Block Project
with QAC Ballerina
QAC’s focus on providing arts
access statewide, the partnership
is an obvious one and has enabled
both parties to contribute to the
cultural spirit of Queensland’s
regional communities."
With a network of 63 regional
arts councils and some 9,000
members, QAC is Queensland’s
peak regional arts organisation.
The Thiess QAC partnership was
established in 2000, when Thiess
became a major sponsor of QAC’s
Ontour Inschools program. ■
THIESS 18

Hear and Say
Celebrates 10 Years
This year the Hear and Say Centre
celebrates both its 10th anniversary and its
long-term partnership with companies such
as Thiess, which have raised millions of
dollars to help give more than 300 deaf and
hearing-impaired children the gift of sound.
From modest beginnings with a
total enrolment of six children, the
Hear and Say Centre is today
recognised as one of Australia’s
leading auditory-verbal early
intervention centres.
Qld/NT/Pacific Building Manager
Peter Sheehy said the Hear and Say
Centre’s vision to enhance the lives of
young children was strong motivation
for Thiess employees to actively
contribute to the goodwill provided
through the Centre.
"The Kings Row Project team’s
initiative to engender team spirit and
contribute to the local community
saw the start of our partnership with
the Centre in 1996, which aimed to
raise funds to upgrade and expand its
leased premises and purchase
equipment including a Hearing
Assessment Booth.
"Teams across a number of our
project sites and Milton Office have
since embraced the partnership,
actively undertaking annual events
and on-site fundraising initiatives.
Seven years later, it is great to see
that we have raised an estimated one
million dollars, which has helped to
directly change the lives of more than
111 children," Peter said.
Funds raised by Thiess have
contributed to the Centre’s success
through:
• Support of hearing impaired and
deaf children
• Renovation and refurbishment of
the Centre’s audiological and
teaching facility in Brisbane
• Renovation and fit-out of the
Centre’s teaching facility in Cairns
• Support in establishing an
Outreach Program for deaf and
hearing impaired children in rural
and regional areas of Queensland.
Thiess also provided management
supervision for the renovation of
the Centre’s Brisbane premises,
utilising subcontractor and supplier
contacts that helped to achieve
savings of approximately $200,000.
Hear and Say Development Officer
Jim Fagan said Thiess’ enthusiasm and
drive from top level managers through
to site workers had been integral to
the Centre’s success.
"Thiess came on board when we
were struggling and gave us
encouragement when we needed it.
Their support over the years has
allowed us to treble our numbers and
create a public awareness, which we
previously did not have.
"The Centre thanks Thiess for its
support over the years and looks
forward to a continued successful
working relationship in helping
Queensland’s deaf children," Jim
said.
In July this year, Thiess, in
conjunction with Suncorp, again
hosted the Hear and Say Charity Ball,
which attracted more than 240
guests and raised a further $30,000
for the Centre.
The next major fundraiser will be
the Thiess/Suncorp Annual Charity
Golf Day to be held at the Royal
Queensland Golf Club on 1
November 2002. ■
Mining Murals
With paint brushes in hand, more
than 55 children from Andergrove
State School recently visited the
North Goonyella Coal Project to
paint underground mining murals on
the office walls. As part of Thiess’
ongoing involvement with the Bowen
Basin community, the Year Seven students
spent the day designing and
painting images that reflect underground
mining operations. As part of
the exercise, students also received
a tour of the preparation plant, lamp
room and site office. ■
19 THIESS

Safety
Working Safely
With Cultural and Behavioural Change Programs
Working towards an incident and injury free workplace, the Qld/NT/Pacific Business Unit
has strengthened its approach to safety management through the implementation of a
range of cultural and behavioural change programs.
Facilitating this approach has
been the introduction of
specialised safety initiatives, such
as the Remember Charlie video and
training program, as well as the
Job Fit system.
Thiess Qld/NT/Pacific Safety
Manager Ken Esson said it was
programs such as these that had
provided the catalyst needed to
motivate people to proactively
think about workplace health and
safety.
"The Remember Charlie program
highlights the potential ‘human’
impact of workplace incidents. In
the video, Charlie shares with
viewers a personal account of an
horrific work incident, which he
could have avoided through due
care and responsible work
practices," Ken said.
"The reality of Charlie’s story
has strongly influenced people’s
emotions and proven to be
effective in encouraging individuals
to take responsibility for their own
safety."
Ken said the health and wellbeing
of employees, as well as
their ability to undertake required
tasks, were equally important in
reducing workplace incidences and
ensuring a safer work environment.
"We were recently involved in
developing the Job Fit system,
which provides a database of
information about the physical
demands of work-related tasks and
the physical capabilities of
workers. This information helps to
match a work task with a suitable
employee," he said.
"Job Fit is also an excellent
program to facilitate the
rehabilitation of employees by
▲ Darin Thomson - Mining Supervisor at the Foxleigh Coal Project
helping to identify suitable tasks
for the individual to undertake, as
well as to assist in goal setting for
the employee’s graduated return to
work."
The Job Fit system has been
endorsed by WorkCover, nominated
medical advisers and the Mines
Inspectorate as being a system that
would benefit the mining industry.
"Safety is a priority focus and by
ensuring the health and safety of
our people, we are able to create a
work environment that guarantees
better results for our people, and
ultimately our clients," Ken said. ■
THIESS 20

Engineering Awards
Building Projects
Scoop Awards
Thiess’ strong project management skills were recently recognised at the 2002 Engineering
Excellence Awards, with the $51M Holy Spirit Northside (HSN) Hospital and $140M
Lavarack Barracks Redevelopment Stage 2 projects scooping the top two awards.
HSN was announced the overall
winner in the project management
category, with Lavarack Barracks
picking up the highly commended
award.
The completion of HSN in June
2001 saw the delivery of the first
co-location project of its size in
Queensland, with the new facility
providing 162 private hospital beds,
in addition to a range of acute, subacute
and general health services.
As Design and Construction
Manager, Thiess was responsible for
the complete design and
construction of the hospital facility.
Project Manager Brad Anderson
said HSN was the second hospital
project undertaken by Thiess for the
Sisters of Charity and Holy Spirit
Health Service.
"Following our successful delivery
of the St Vincent’s Hospital and
Health Service at Robina, the Sisters
of Charity Health Service and Sisters
of the Holy Spirit formed a joint
venture with Thiess to build HSN,"
Brad said.
"Our partnership involved a
seamless approach to all aspects of
hospital development – combining
our clients’ expertise in health
service delivery with Thiess’
experience in design and
construction of hospitals and
healthcare infrastructure.
"This cooperative working
relationship enabled us to provide
the local community with an
excellent metropolitan based
private health care facility."
HSN and Lavarack Barracks were
also recognised at the Queensland
Masters Builders Association 2002
Awards.
HSN achieved the ‘Health
Facilities over $10M’ and ‘Project of
the Year’ awards for the Brisbane
Region, while Lavarack Barracks
Stage 2 won the ‘Excellence in
Environmental Management’ and
‘Community Services over $10M’
awards for the North Queensland
Region. ■
21 THIESS

Waste Recycling
Chullora
Recycles 300,000,000th PET Bottle
Thiess Services’ Chullora Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) in Sydney has passed the 300
million mark in PET bottles recycled.
Constructed and operated by
Thiess Services on behalf of Waste
Service NSW, the Chullora MRF
commenced recycling in 1997.
Thiess Services’ contract runs until
2009.
The facility receives recyclables
from kerbside collections from
roughly half of Sydney’s population,
and processes approximately 2,600
tonnes of paper, plastic, glass and
cans per week.
Thiess Services Sydney Region
Collection and Recycling Manager,
Richard Mander-Jones, said Chullora
was the largest and most efficient
MRF in the southern hemisphere.
"This was the first ‘mega’ MRF
project Thiess Services took on, and
the facility has just gone from
strength to strength," he said.
"When we started, we employed
approximately 30 people on a five
"We have the people
and the technology to
sort all mixed
recyclable materials
into different products
for reprocessing and
returning to the
market."
shifts per week regime, and the
facility now operates with up to 95
people working 12 shifts per week.
"It’s easy to lose track of how
much material we're saving from
landfills by recycling it, so this
milestone has been a great
reminder."
In addition, the Chullora MRF
recently achieved another
significant milestone, reaching 500
days without a lost time injury.
Demand for plastic recycling has
increased over the past five years,
with more and more PET bottle
manufacturers reusing materials.
Waste Service NSW General
Manager of Business Development
and local Government Services,
Mike Ritchie, was on hand to
celebrate the Chullora’s PET
milestone.
"Working together with Councils
across Sydney to meet their needs…
has resulted in a higher level of
recycled waste collection to our
Chullora Materials Recycling
Facility," Mr Ritchie said.
"We have the people and the
technology to sort all mixed
recyclable materials into different
products for reprocessing and
returning to the market." ■
▲ Waste Service NSW General Manager Mike Ritchie (left) and Thiess Services’ Richard Mander-Jones reach for the 300,000,000th PET bottle.
Photo compliments of the Canterbury Bankstown Torch.
THIESS 22

News in Brief
Thiess Q-RAPID
Disability Action Week Award
Thiess South Bank recently
received a Queensland Disability
Action Week Award in the Private
Sector category. In a ceremony on
July 16, Hilary Chapman – Chair of
Thiess’ Q-RAPID Partnership
Committee - accepted the award
Sale Swing Bridge Project
Recognised for Environmental Excellence
Environmental initiatives such as
the use of recycled products, precast
concrete formwork, wick drains and
from the Minister for Disability
Services, the Hon. Judy Spence MP.
Q-RAPID is a non-profit
organisation assisting people with an
intellectual disability to participate
in recreational, sport and other
social leisure activities.
The award was given to Thiess in
recognition of the significant
contribution made to increasing
community and workplace
opportunities for people with a
disability. Thiess’ South Bank staff
work closely with the Q-RAPID team,
providing guidance, skills transfer,
volunteers and fundraising activities
to promote Q-RAPID’s services. ■
Soldier's Pinch Roadworks project
wins the Case Earth Award NSW
Thiess was awarded the Case Earth
Awards winner in the category
$2million - $10 million at the NSW
Civil Contractors Federation Annual
Gala in June.
This project is surrounded by the
Blue Mountains National Park, which
is listed by UNESCO as a World
Heritage Site.
As one of only 14 World Heritage
sites in Australia, the area contains
ten percent of Australia's biodiversity,
including numerous rare and
endangered species. Through the
environmental management
▲ (From left: Danny De Santo, CASE
Corporation; The Hon. John Aqualina, NSW
Minister for Land and Water Conservation;
Eva Hanly, Thiess and Michael Spencer,
Thiess)
demonstrated on this project, Thiess
continues its commitment to
environmental protection and
excellence. ■
a number of other measures to
eliminate pollution into the Ramsar
protected wetland were key factors
in Thiess’ award at the recent annual
Victorian Case EARTH ceremony.
Thiess were the design and
construct contactor for VicRoads’
Sale Swing Bridge Project, and won
the Category 3 award for projects
valued over $10 million. The award
recognises the significant effort of
the team in managing the issues
associated with the environmentally
sensitive Sale Common. ■
Staff
Developments
Terry Bulmer
Terry has been appointed to the
position of General Manager South
America. Terry has an impressive
history of 20 years’ service with
Thiess, the past three of which he
has spent leading the corporate
Technical Services group. He
officially took up the position on 1
September 2002.
Diane Bettess
As of 1 September, Diane took up
her new position as Executive
Manager Technical Services,
replacing Terry Bulmer. Joining the
Thiess group as Executive Director
and General Manager of Quantum
Explosives in February 2001, Diane
has spent the past 18 months as an
Executive Manager within Thiess’
corporate Strategic Development
team.
David McLachlan
David started in the newly created
Executive Manager Corporate
Affairs role in July 2002. The role
was established to enhance Thiess'
profile in the areas of political and
media co-ordination, and
community and corporate affairs
initiatives. Prior to joining Thiess,
David worked as a strategic
communications consultant to a
number of businesses and won
national and international awards
for his issues and crisis
managmement work. He has
previously worked as a journalist
and as an adviser to a Federal
Government Cabinet Minister.
Richard Swann
Richard has been appointed
Executive Manager Mining
Development. Richard has
extensive experience in the
metalliferous and coal mining
industries, having held senior
positions at Alcoa, CSR and Norths.
His most recent position was that
of General Manager for Moneo
Metals.
Michael Fagan
With almost 30 years’ experience in
the mining and civil engineering
sectors, Michael was appointed
Mining Manager for Thiess’ Qld/ NT/
Pacific Business Unit in July 2002.
23 THIESS

Sustainable
Water Supply
Enhances Prosperity of
Gladstone Region
The continued prosperity of the Gladstone Region has been
reinforced following the completion of the Awoonga Dam
Raising and Infrastructure Relocation Project.
Successfully delivered by
Alliance partners the Gladstone
Area Water Board, Thiess, PPK and
SunWater, Awoonga Dam was raised
by 10m to meet the region’s water
needs for current and future
growth.
Significant infrastructure works
were also undertaken, including
the relocation and upgrading of
roads, rail line, power and
communications infrastructure, and
recreational facilities.
Alliance Manager Hugh Morrison
said the strong results achieved on
all aspects of project performance
were attributed to delivering the
project through alliance
contracting.
"The Awoonga project is one of
the largest infrastructure works in
Queensland to be undertaken using
the alliance delivery method,
which promotes a ‘no blame’
project management approach,"
Hugh said.
"Focused on collectively
delivering ‘best for project’
solutions rather than
counterproductive contract issues,
the team utilised the diverse skills
and expertise of Alliance partners
to achieve excellent results.
"The Alliance was all about
people and what could be achieved
collectively when everyone is
committed to achieving the same
objectives. We are proud to
deliver to the Gladstone Area
Water Board and local
communities, outstanding
infrastructure and facilities that
will contribute to the future
success of the region," Hugh said.
Commencing in August 2000, the
project was completed in June this
year – five months ahead of
schedule and well within budget. ■
In the next edition of Thiess Quarterly
News due out in December, read about:
• the continuing strong performance of
the Victoria / South Australia / Tasmania /
New Zealand Business Unit.