The Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project is exceeding state-wide employment targets with almost 45 per cent of the workforce being locals and large numbers of under- represented groups also employed on the project.
Minister for Transport and Roads and Member for Bega, Andrew Constance said the NSW Government provided $274 million for the project which aims to improve freight access, reduce traffic delays in peak travel times, and improve access to the Clyde River.
“There is a workforce of 133 people currently on the project, and this is expected to grow to 200 as progress on the new bridge is made,” Mr Constance said.
“Almost 45 per cent of the workforce is made up of local employees, and through initiatives such as the Training Hub, these employees are gaining valuable knowledge and are being upskilled.
“This upskilling is allowing skills shortages to be filled and improving their future job prospects.
“This project has exceeded Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program targets set by the Department of Industry for four main groups of employees, Aboriginal, under-25, women in non-traditional pathways and the long-term unemployed.
“We are hitting a number of targets on the project and are four percent above the state target for women in non-traditional pathways, and 14 per cent of the workforce are Aboriginal employees,” Mr Constance said.
“The project also has a number of opportunities for employees to be part of a diverse and inclusive workforce, including job-sharing and team events.
“Contractors John Holland have introduced job-sharing, to help workers achieve better work-life balance and to support a more inclusive and diverse workforce,” Mr Constance said.
“On Friday the project team will also recognise NAIDOC week with a lunch and an artwork and story-telling session with project staff, including Indigenous trainees, a local Elder and the Local Aboriginal Land councils.”
For more information on the Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project visit rms.nsw.gov.au/BatemansBayBridge.
