Quarterly News • June 2003 - Leighton Holdings

Living our valuesThiess is committed to operating all its businesses in an ethical, sociallyresponsible and environmentally sustainable manner.InsightOne of the areas in whichThiess operates, themining and resourcessector, has made significantadvances in recent years inrecognising that long-termsustainability requires awarenessof the world beyond bottom lineprofit, followed up with tangibleactions.The Prime Minister John Howardaddressing the recent annualMinerals Council of AustraliaParliamentary Dinner in Canberrapaid tribute to members for theirleadership role in promoting aculture that recognises the valueof sustainable development.“We live in a world whereeconomic efficiency isimperative, but we also live ina world in which environmentaloutcomes, fairness, decency toall and a regard for the longertermplace of Australia in theworld are also very importantconsiderations,” the PrimeMinister said.For Thiess, these are principlesthat have applicability in everyaspect of our business - not justmining but also in our othercore areas of building, civilengineering, process engineering,environmental services, utilitiesservices, telecommunications,and facilities operations andmaintenance.Of course, a profitable businessis critical to our survival and ourhighest priority is to generatean acceptable and sustainablereturn to our shareholders.However, Thiess continuesto work hard to ensure thatworkplace health and safety,protection of the environmentand community engagement arealso priorities in our businessplanning and project deliveryactivities.The embodiment of thisphilosophy is contained in ourValues Statement we call ‘Makea Difference’, which is on publicdisplay at all Thiess offices andprojects. It communicates ourcore values and the approach ofthe company and our people tothe conduct of business.Thiess recognises that successin the longer-term is notdemonstrated by financial resultsalone, but also by the acceptanceof our activities by a broad rangeof stakeholders who, in effect,grant us the ‘licence’ to operate.We regard third party scrutiny andself-examination of performanceagainst a range of criteria assimple good business sense.Only 11 per cent of Australiancompanies produce ‘triple bottomline’ reports and, in order toencourage more companiesto inform stakeholders onenvironmental and other areas ofnon-financial performance, theFederal Government has issued apublication called ‘Triple BottomLine Reporting in Australia’.For the past four years, Thiesshas produced an annual ‘reportcard’ on our delivery againstkey performance indicators inthe areas of health and safety,the environment and communityrelations. Each year, we have sethigher performance expectationsin these important areas.This year’s report, which will alsoinclude information on economicoutcomes, will be completed anddistributed in the last quarter of2003.Please enjoy this edition of ThiessNews, focusing on the work ofour people in New South Walesand the many exciting projects inwhich they are involved.Roger TrundleManaging Director ■3 THIESS

NSW/ACTTHIESS 4Karuah Bypass, NSW

NSW/ACT – a business builton long-term relationshipsWe move into the second half of 2003 with a strong forward order book of $1.5billion and a number of exciting opportunities in the civil engineering sector ofour business.Executive General Manager NSW/ACT &Vic/SA/Tas/NZ David SaxelbyThe growth of our businessin civil engineeringis underwritten byour successful, long-termrelationship with the NSW Roadsand Traffic Authority (RTA) andthe commencement of works onthe $880 million Parramatta RailLink (PRL). I commend the PRLproject team for undertaking themassive ramp up of the project,including the establishment ofrigorous project managementsystems and the recruitmentof a workforce within a shorttimeframe. We are preparingfor the arrival in August of theworld’s most advanced tunnelboring machines to take thisproject into its next phase.On the $90 million KaruahBypass, we are constructingAustralia’s longest incrementallylaunched bridge. Thiess hasconstructed more incrementalbridges than any other Australiancontractor and this projectcomplements our core civilengineering skills.We have recorded a solidperformance in our miningand resources activities,maintaining our leading positionin the Hunter Valley coalsector, despite the increasingcompetitiveness of this market.We mine some 14 milliontonnes of coal in the HunterValley, including two milliontonnes from Australia’s deepestunderground coal mine atSouthland. Testament to ourperformance is the extension ofcontracts, through our subsidiaryHunter Valley Earthmoving, atthe Liddell and Westside coalmines valued at $380 million forXstrata Coal.We continue to manage works onthe $228 million redevelopmentof the Royal Prince Alfred Hospitalin Sydney, and have secureda number of smaller buildingopportunities in the last fewmonths. In July 2003, we wereawarded work at Gosford Hospitalfor the design and construction ofa 550-space multi-deck car parkSimone Wetzlar and Peter Kane at the Mt Owen Coal Mineand we will soon commence workon a workshop and office facilityfor Liebherr Australia in theHunter Valley.The application of robusthealth and safety managementsystems, diligence inenvironmental managementand synergistic relationshipswith the community continueto be pivotal to our businessoperations. Most significantlythis year, we have madeconsiderable progress inapplying risk managementprinciples in relation to designand plant safety.With the Australian constructionand resources markets setto improve over the comingyears, we are focused onsecuring a number of emergingopportunities. We believe wehave the right mix of people,resources and systems tocapitalise on this upswing inactivity while, at the same time,remaining committed to serviceperformance and adding valueto our clients’ businesses. ■5 THIESS

Boring interesting tunnels onParramatta Rail LinkThe much-anticipated arrival of some of the world’s largest tunnel boringmachines (TBMs) on the Parramatta Rail Link (PRL), which is being constructedby the Thiess Hochtief Joint Venture (THJV), is now one step closer, withassembling works currently underway in Newcastle, north of Sydney.Weighing 700 tonnes eachand extending 210 metres(equivalent to threeBoeing 747s in a row), the TBMswill be instrumental in excavatingthe majority of the 1.7 millionbcm of material required todeliver the main component of therail works for the Chatswood toEpping section of the project - 13kilometres of twin tunnels.In January 2003, the main carcassesof the TBMs arrived on Australianshores from France, with 15companies and approximately60 staff involved in the assemblyworks, providing a significant boostto the local economy.Underground excavation (Photo: Bob Peters)The two machines will betransported in sections to Sydneyin July and August 2003, and willbe lifted by crane down the accessshaft into the launch chambers.Final assembly will take place onsite before the TBMs are launchedon their 13km journey betweenChatswood and Epping.Tunnelling will proceedsimultaneously from the M2 sitethrough to Macquarie Universitybefore moving on to Epping.The TBMs will then be pulledback to the M2 site from wherethey will be turned around andproceed to Chatswood. The TBMswill travel approximately 120 to 180TBM launch shaft at the M2 site (Photo: Bob Peters)metres per week, primarily throughHawkesbury sandstone, and areexpected to complete tunnellingworks by late 2005.The PRL project is one of thelargest upgrades to the CityRailNetwork and aims to increase thelong-term capacity of the Sydneymetropolitan rail system andprovide rail access to areas notpreviously serviced by rail.In July 2002, the THJV was awardedan $850 million contract to designand construct the Chatswood toEpping section of the rail link.Additional works include excavationof the station caverns, installationof the rail tracks and systems,three new underground stations,and major upgrades (including newplatforms) at two stations.Project Director Steve Burns saidmore than 1,000 direct constructionTHIESS 6

jobs would be created throughoutthe life of the project.“We are establishing eight majorconstruction sites to carry outthe works, with sites already inoperation at Waterloo Rd, theM2, Lane Cove and MacquarieUniversity,” he said.“... the TBMs willbe instrumental inexcavating the majorityof the 1.7 million bcmof material requiredto deliver the maincomponent of the railworks ... - 13 kilometresof twin tunnels.”“We have spent considerableeffort establishing the systemsto closely manage the projectto ensure it delivers safety indesign, sound environmentalmanagement techniques andoperational efficiency.”Dive structures will be built atlocations where the undergroundtunnels meet the surfacetracks. Integration works willconnect the new rail link withthe existing Main North Lineat Epping and the North ShoreLine at Chatswood. These workswill continue in stages until2006 and include the rebuildingand/or upgrading of a numberof road and rail bridges andassociated infrastructure alongthe Chatswood rail corridor.Three new underground stationsat Macquarie University,Macquarie Park and Delhi Road,and new underground platformsat Epping will also be built.The station caverns are beingexcavated in 2003, with fit-outexpected to be completed bylate 2007.Also integral to the THJV worksis the construction of thenew $100 million ParramattaTransport Interchangecommencing in late 2003 and tobe completed by 2006, and theChatswood Transport Interchangeto be completed in 2008.The THJV Chatswood to Eppingsection is expected to beoperational in mid 2008. ■Sonny Soper and Jason Murphy installingrock bolts for permanent ground supportat the M2 site (Photo: Bob Peters)TBM assembly in Newcastle (Photo: Simon Freemon)7 THIESS

Performance and innovationat Mt OwenRecent productivity performance and the need for additional tailings storagehas resulted in Thiess implementing innovative plans at Mt Owen Coal Minein the Hunter Valley region of NSW.Afurther $25 million tailingspit project at Mt Oweninvolves the constructionof a 1.4 kilometre long x 500metre wide pit reaching a depthof 30 metres, with the originalconcept and design developedby the client, Hunter ValleyCoal Corporation (HVCC).Thiess operates the mine andproduces more than 7.5 milliontonnes of ROM coal each year.The tailings pit is an integralpart of the operation and willhold 100 per cent of Mt Owen’stailings. With productionexceeding targets and aforecast continuation of strongproduction, the new tailingspit will accommodate futureexpanded operations.Mt Owen Project OperationsManager Peter Kane said,“Initial work on the new tailingspit project began on the 31stMarch and forms part of alarger plan to reinforce thelongevity of the Mt Owen Mineoperations.”“Timing of this project is criticaland has been carefully scheduledto be undertaken over a 13 monthperiod, which will allow us tomaintain maximum productionwithout altering currentoperations.”Mt Owen uses innovativeelectronic blasting to providegreater flexibility and control.For this reason, it will be usedto assist in the construction ofthe new pit, where security ofadjoining structures is critical.THIESS 12

Electronic blasting at Mt Owen“The project is anexciting developmentopening up opportunitiesfor us to furtheradvance the use ofelectronic blastingtechniques.”tradespeople. It is one of theonly mines in the region to adoptthis initiative, aiming to developa multi-skilled workforce at anearly stage.“The trainees we employ at MtOwen are offered the chance tolearn more aspects of the overalloperation, which we find fostersa strong sense of pride andloyalty.”An Environmental ImpactStatement is being prepared toaccompany the DevelopmentApplication for futureoperations and will ensureMt Owen maintains its strongenvironmental performance.Mt Owen has also initiated anEnergy Improvement Project toaddress greenhouse gas emissionsand energy consumption.Following the initial phase ofproducing a report detailingbaseline energy consumption andgreenhouse gas generation, fourdifferent fuel saving devices arebeing trialled on eight companyvehicles.The successful developmentand operation of the Mt OwenCoal Mine has been achievedthrough Thiess’ commitment toa partnering agreement withthe client. This relationshipplaces Thiess in good steadfor the next eight years ofthe contract, following thecompany’s involvement in thedesign and construction of allmine infrastructure and purchaseof mobile plant equipment. ■Specific measures have beendeveloped to ensure the safety ofthe workforce, including misfireidentification prior to detonation.Glen Pickard communicates safety procedures to site personnel“The project is an excitingdevelopment opening upopportunities for us to furtheradvance the use of electronicblasting techniques,” Peter said.To assist in the efficientconstruction of the new pit, a newHitachi 2500 excavator has beenpurchased.“Not only will the new machineassist in providing swiftconstruction, it also providesopportunity for existing operatorsto expand their skill set, aswell as newer personnel gaininginvaluable experience operatinglarge capacity equipment.”Each year Mt Owen inducts fourtrainee operators and apprentice13 THIESS

Southland Alliance unearthsrich seam of productivityDespite operating in what are probably the most difficult underground miningconditions in Australia, the project team at Southland Colliery has achievedrecord production levels since February this year, doubling its previous bestmonth performance.Alliance Manager SimoneWetzlar said the projectteam had worked hard tosuccessfully mine the difficultGreta seam at a depth of morethan 500 metres.“We have taken an extremelychallenging operation and founda way to ensure the required costper tonne can be achieved,” shesaid.“The secret to our recent successlies in changing the mining horizonto the bottom of the seven metrethick seam (the longwall mines atan average height of 3.2 metres),some personnel changes, anAlliance contract which hasenabled better sharing of riskand rewards, enhancement ofour management systems and thededication of our people.(L to R): Coal miners Nathan Pesko, Graham Dawson, Matt Durrant, Jamie Mitchell, JohnCalleja and Danny Doyle“At the same time, there hasbeen a continued focus on safety,with the team achieving 500 daysLTI free.“We are looking forward tofurther working with Gympie Goldunder our eight year allianceagreement to continue to get thebest out of this high quality coaldeposit.”The most significant upgradeto be undertaken will be thereplacement of 90 metres ofthe 217-metre wide longwallface using the latest technology- two legged chocks. This newCoal miners Jamie Mitchell (left) and John Calleja operating a tunnel development machine(continuous miner) 450 metres below groundintegrated wall will be installedduring the next longwall move inSeptember 2003.With a potential life of more than20 years, Southland produces whatis regarded as Australia’s lowestash, highest fluidity coking coal.Since assuming site operations inMarch 2001, Thiess has completeda range of remediation works,re-established operations andinitiated a range of improvementprograms to increase productionand reduce costs. ■THIESS 14

HVE’s decade of serviceleads to ongoing operationsFor more than 10 years, Thiess subsidiary Hunter Valley Earthmoving (HVE) hasbeen providing contract mining services to key clients in the Hunter region.This presence has recently been extended, with the award of ongoingoperations at the Liddell and Westside coal mines.Awarded in April 2003 andwith a combined value of$380 million, the extensionswill see HVE maintain a miningpresence in the region until atleast 2011.HVE General Manager BrettLewis said the award of ongoingworks at Liddell and Westsidewas a reflection of HVE’s abilityto continually meet clientexpectations.“We are proud of the longtermrelationships we haveestablished in the Hunter Valleyand look forward to being a partof the continued development ofthe Liddell and Westside mines,”he said.“The extensions are a reflection ofthe dedication of the project teamand their ability to add value toour clients’ businesses.”Located 20 kilometres north westof Singleton, Liddell Open CutMine is characterised by a stripratio of approximately 4.5:1. HVEwill be responsible for an initialnominal ROM coal of 3.5Mtpa,with a client option to increaseproduction to a nominal 5.0Mtpa.The seven-year contract requiresthe blasting and removal ofoverburden and the mining andhaulage of coal to the client’sprocessing plant. Overburdenis removed using a 5500 Hitachiexcavator and Cat 789 trucks, andThe new 5500 Hitachi excavator mining at the Liddell Open Cut Coal Minecoal is mined with a 992G loader,together with a dozer to rip andpush up the coal.Westside Mine is located on thesouthwest outskirts of Newcastle.Under a life of mine contract,estimated at eight years, HVE isresponsible for the blasting andremoval of overburden and thewinning, haulage and crushing ofcoal to the client’s product bin.Established in 1961 as a familyowned company, HVE commencedoperations undertaking clearingworks for powerline construction,with a plant fleet comprisingone D6 dozer. Today, HVE hasdiversified and developed a strongreputation for cost competitiveand timely performance ofcontract mining, heavy civilengineering and earthworksprojects, with a plant fleet valuedin excess of $30 million.The company pioneered open cutcoal mining in the Hunter Valleyduring the 1970s, and since thenhas undertaken mining operationsat Lemington Open Cut, UnitedCollieries, Pelton Open Cut andGunnedah Brickworks Open Cut. ■15 THIESS

General NewsHelping Port Phillip SpecialistSchool realise a dreamThe official opening of an Independent Living Unit at the Port Phillip SpecialistSchool in Victoria demonstrates that dreams can come true through vision,teamwork and a little corporate generosity.said it was pleasing to see thecompany’s resources makinga significant difference to thelives of the students at theschool.“Thiess is committed to makinga contribution to the communityon all its projects, and wherethe positive effects of theseefforts will continue well afterthe project has finished,” hesaid.The people who helped make a dream come true - the Bayview Project Team in front of thePort Phillip Specialist School Independent Living UnitFor the Port Phillip SpecialistSchool, this dream wasto provide students withan expanded curriculum andfacilities that would optimiselearning opportunities andassist in their transition intoindependent community options.Thiess, in conjunction with itssubcontractors and consultantson the Bayview ApartmentsProject, donated time, skills andexpertise to construct a threebedroomIndependent Living Unitat the school.Principal of the Port PhillipSpecialist School Bella Irlichtsaid the generosity of Thiessand its team in donating andconstructing a house on theschool grounds had shown thatdreams do come to fruition.“It is through the support oforganisations such as Thiessand their donation that we canoffer our parents and childrennew and improved educationalopportunities,” she said.“The Independent Living Centrewill provide students with anenvironment in which to developand practice independent livingskills – skills that we sometimestake for granted.”Thiess General Manager Vic/SA/Tas/NZ Chris Forsterling“It is through thesupport of organisationssuch as Thiess andtheir donation that wecan offer our parentsand children new andimproved educationalopportunities.”The Independent Living Unitis located within the schoolgrounds in Port Melbourne, andfeatures three-bedrooms, aliving area, kitchen, bathroom,laundry facilities and alandscaped garden which will bemaintained by the students.The Centre was officiallyopened by television personalityGlenn Ridge in a ceremony thatwas attended by representativesfrom Thiess, the Port PhillipSpecialist School and the localcommunity. ■THIESS 16

A welcomed sea change forCairns waterfrontIn May 2003, the Minister for Transport and Minister for Main Roads, HonSteve Bredhauer MP, officially opened the Cairns Cityport North Project inQueensland.The Cairns Port Authority(CPA) awarded the $42million design and constructproject to Thiess in August 2001,with the aim of integrating theexisting waterfront and centralbusiness district to provide forfuture growth in the area.Encompassing building, civiland marine works, Thiess wasresponsible for upgrading theexisting Marlin Jetty, landreclamation, expansion of theexisting marina, roads andcarparking, construction of aReef Fleet Terminal Building anddevelopment of new boardwalks,street furniture and landscaping.Overcoming a number ofobstacles, including workingwithin an existing operationalThe Reef Fleet Terminal Buildingenvironment and a sensitivemarine habitat, Thiess was ableto deliver a world-class touristand business precinct, whileachieving considerable costsavings for the client.Cairns Office Manager Ken Spainsaid Thiess enjoyed teaming upwith long-term client CPA.“Thiess and CPA have along and successful workingrelationship that started withthe Cairns International AirportRedevelopment in the 1990s.Having the opportunity to workwith the CPA team again on theCityport North Project was veryrewarding,” Ken said. ■L to R: Chairman CPA Clive Skarott, Ministerfor Transport and Minister for Main RoadsHon Steve Bredhauer MP, Thiess ExecutiveGeneral Manager Qld/NT/Pacific MurrayFox, Thiess Building Manager Qld/NT/PacificPeter Sheehy and CEO CPA Brad GeatchesWaste wise in the minesThiess Services has been selectedto implement a new wastemanagement service across ninemine sites throughout the HunterValley in NSW.Hunter Regional Manager for ThiessServices Collection and Recycling(C&R) Tony Calleja said by applyingthe waste hierarchy principal, theywere able to assist their client inminimising the amount of materialgoing to landfill.The system will focus on the reuseand recycling of waste material as apriority before turning to treatmentand disposal.“One of the key components of thewaste management system beingimplemented includes an educationprogram to encourage participationby all the personnel employedacross nine different sites,” hesaid.“We have identified every typeof waste material currently beingproduced and will be able to trackmaterial from ‘cradle to grave’.” ■Hunter Regional Manager C&R Tony Calleja(seated) and Hunter Region CustomerService Manager Kevin Wilson working onthe project17 THIESS

HSE advisorawardedSafetyFellowshipThiess Health, Safety andEnvironment (HSE) SeniorAdvisor Rob Murdock joinsan elite group of safetyprofessionals following hisrecent induction as a SafetyInstitute of Australia CharteredFellow.Receiving his certificate inCanberra late last year, Rob isnow one of only 12 professionalsrecognised as a Chartered Fellowin the past two years.Thiess Project Manager HughMorrison said the awardrecognised Rob’s commitment toachieving and maintaining highstandards in health and safetypractice.“Rob’s outstanding leadership atthe Comalco Alumina RefineryProject in Queensland hascontributed to achieving solidhealth and safety results,”Hugh said.“His dedication sets an examplefor employees and reflects thecompany’s commitment to highstandards in HSE practices.”Rob achieved his Fellowship bydemonstrating a commitmentto safe work practices andhealthy work environments, andproducing an original paper,which was ‘challenge tested’ bya panel of his peers over an 18-month period. ■Hail Creek receivesfive stars for safetyThe Hail Creek Coal Mine Project in Queensland wasrecently awarded the coveted five-star rating in the2003 National Safety Council of Australia’s (NSCA)Awards of Excellence.The rating reinforcesthe strengths of thesite’s health and safetymanagement system andcommitment to achieving bestpractice in workplace safety.The Thiess Sedgman JointVenture is currently designing,constructing and testing a new$87 million, state-of-the-art coalhandling and preparation plant atthe mine.Thiess Project Manager GrantFraser said the award providedsolid recognition of theoutstanding results achieved inworkplace safety at Hail Creekand was great motivation for theteam to continue its focus onmaintaining high standards.“A stringent audit by NSCAshowed the project has 94.6per cent compliance withsafety systems and procedures,positioning the project in the toptwo to five per cent of Australiancompanies. In addition, theHail Creek Project is the firstgreenfield construction projectto receive a five-star rating on itsfirst audit,” he said.“The award is indicative of thededication of each contractor andour combined effort to provide asafe and healthy environment forour employees and surroundingcommunity.” ■Thiess Project Manager Grant Fraser withthe five-star rating from NSCA

Mining team changes ensurecontinued client focusChanges in the Qld/NT/Pacific mining team will ensure a continued focus onmaintaining solid client relationships and providing flexible solutions that supportour clients’ business objectives.“Bob is committed to delivering flexible contractarrangements that assist our clients to meet theiroperational objectives,” he said.“Offering more than 20 years of experience, with thelast seven years concentrating on contract miningprojects, he will continue to work closely with ourclients to maximise the value of our operations.”Bob McKerrow said he was looking forward to thechallenges of his new role.Engineering Manager Bob McKerrow and Mining Manager Mike FaganFormer Operations Manager for the Burtonand South Walker Creek coal projects, BobMcKerrow, has been promoted to EngineeringManager and will be responsible for projectengineering, technical support and businessdevelopment for the Qld/NT/Pacific mining business.Thiess Mining Manager Qld/NT/Pacific Mike Fagansaid the new position was established to meetthe challenges of an increasingly competitivemarketplace.“I intend to further develop the strong relationshipswe have with clients and key business associates,and continue to investigate opportunities that deliverperformance excellence at a competitive price,” he said.Following Bob’s promotion, the mining group hasbeen restructured, with Operations Managers nowresponsible for the following projects:• Burton Coal Project – Rob Monaci;• South Walker Creek Coal Project – Phil Baker;• Oaky Creek Coal Project – Geoff Sengstock; and• Collinsville Coal Project – Brian Spencer. ■Pushing forward at Oaky CreekMay saw the dozer team at the Oaky Creek Open CutCoal Project in Queensland set a new Thiess record formoving overburden.Bulk dozing is a well-established method of movingoverburden and uncovering coal at Thiess’ Collinsvilleand South Walker Creek operations. However, OakyCreek has further refined this method, subsequentlycreating a Thiess record by moving 880,697 bcm ofoverburden in a month.Oaky Creek Operations Manager Geoff Sengstock said,in the right material and configuration, bulk dozingprovided a cost efficient method of moving overburden.“At Oaky Creek, cast blasting is employed and thenbulk dozing, with the last bench of rock being removedby an excavator and truck fleet,” he said.“The overall combination of activities provides the costefficiency.“We first started the system at Oaky Creek in November2002 using only two Caterpillar D11 dozers. Now, wehave seven D11s on site, with five machines regularlyon bulk push.“We are currently moving approximately six millionbcm per month and dozing now represents a significantproportion of our work.” ■19 THIESS

Indonesian training centremodel for polytechnicL to R: Thiess Indonesia representative Bambang Wijanarko, Head of Regional DevelopmentPlanning Board (City Government of Balikpapan) Mr Sarjono, Thiess Chairman MartinAlbrecht AO, and Director of Polytechnic Balikpapan Mr WahyudiHelpingraisefunds forLifeStreamThe Thiess/LifeStreamFoundation gala fundraisingdinner was held on May 30 that the Hilton in Brisbane andattracted some 500 guests.Together, more than $72,000 wasraised for LifeStream Foundation- the new name for Thiess’ longtimecommunity partner Q-Rapid.Thiess’ training centre inIndonesia is being used as amodel by the City Government ofBalikpapan in the development ofa new polytechnic in the region.In May, Thiess facilitated acontract signing between CentralQueensland Institute of Tafe(CQIT) and the City Governmentof Balikpapan which will seeCQIT deliver training, advisoryand professional developmentservices.Queensland Employment, Trainingand Youth Minister Matt Foleysaid, as part of a three-yearstrategy, CQIT would support thepolytechnic in developing a rangeof specialised training programs.Under the agreement, CQIT willprovide training to 27 teachersfrom the Balikpapan polytechnic.A Training Infrastructure Advisorwill be based in Balikpapan anda formal registered trainingorganisation arrangement willenable qualifications to be issuedto polytechnic students.Mr Foley thanked Thiess for itsvaluable assistance in helpingfacilitate the contract.“Thiess’ Indonesian trainingcentre played a pivotal rolein assisting with negotiationsthrough their liaison servicesduring the past months,” hesaid.Thiess Chairman Martin AlbrechtAO said the company welcomedthe development of the newpolytechnic and its capacity toassist in further enhancing skillsdevelopment and training inIndonesia.“It is also a further step in thedevelopment of a cluster ofeducation training resources.A skilled and well-trainedworkforce is one of the keys tothe unlocking of the enormouspotential for the developmentof the resources sector inIndonesia,” he said.“We are proud that ourfacility has been used as amodel for the polytechnicand that our experience hasbeen successfully adopted,a development that will bebeneficial for the people ofBalikpapan and the broaderIndonesian community.” ■Thiess Managing Director Roger Trundle atthe gala fundraising dinnerA special thank you to allwho supported this event andthose companies that workedclosely with Thiess in ensuringa great night: Enhance Group,Exceptional Events, Frametek,GHD, Hastings Deering, K.W.Doggett, Peter Lik Photographer,Queensland Rail, RivercityPrinting, The Qld Orchestra,Watch Out Concepts, Fisher &Paykel, Lush Blooms, Hatch, MikeZalesky-Artist, Michael Nicholas-Artist, MIM Holdings, Mitsui &Co., Rock n’ Roll Circus, RydgesHotels & Resorts, Sheraton HotelBrisbane, Thiess Social Club,Toyota Australia, Tek Services,KPMG Brisbane, Sinclair KnightMerz, Komatsu Australia andMaunsell Aust. P/L. ■In the next edition of Thiess Quarterly News due out in September, read about:• the Managing Director’s review of the company’s performance over the last 12 months and thestrategic direction of the business; and• the strong performance of the Qld/NT/Pacific Business Unit across building, civil, mining andprocess engineering.