Students from Batemans Bay High School were given an exclusive tour of the Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project today in recognition of International Youth Day today earlier this week, as the second barge arrived in Clyde River.
Above: Mark Stevens and Justin McCarthy from John Holland Group, Ian Archer, Senior Project Manager Transport for NSW, Finn Elijah Kinnane (student BBHS), Michael Barker from John Holland Group, Stella (student BBHS), Kellie Yakavanko (student BBHS), Finn Jeffrey (student BBHS), Megan Nicholls (teacher BBHS).
Minister for Transport and Roads and Member for Bega Andrew Constance said the second barge travelled under the existing bridge at about 1.15pm this afternoon and will be anchored on the Clyde for the duration of the project.
“The sister barge, named AMS1807, is about 21 metres wide and 55 metres long, and will work alongside the current barge, named AMS1803, to build the new bridge,” Mr Constance said.
“AMS1807 left the Brisbane River on Tuesday 6 August and was based in Jervis Bay for two days while recent swells eased. It was thoroughly cleaned beforehand to protect the beautiful Batemans marine park from biohazardous materials.
Mr Constance said in recognition of International Youth Day earlier this week, Year 12 Science and Math students from Batemans Bay High School were invited to take a behind-the-scenes tour of the project site and watch the barge making its journey into the Clyde with the project team.
“International Youth Day is a day to raise awareness of the positive role young women and men play in our community and to celebrate it we wanted to share with students an up-close look at the project and this historic milestone,” Mr Constance said.
“The theme of International Youth Day for 2019 is Transforming Education, and on this project we are committed to providing local young people life-changing learning opportunities.
“Throughout major work, the project team will work closely with local schools to provide work experience opportunities to give students a taste of the various disciplines required to build this bridge including engineering, environment, design, safety and community engagement.”
Mr Constance said as of July 2019, the project’s workforce consists of 10 per cent under-25’s compared to a state target of eight per cent.
“We also wanted to take this opportunity to remind the region’s young people that recruitment for Transport for New South Wales’ 2020 Apprentices and Trainees is open with 10 positions available in the Illawarra, South Coast and Monaro regions.”
Mr Constance said in Bega, opportunities are available for a Heavy Vehicle Plant Mechanic apprenticeship and a Civil Construction apprentice.
Applications close on Sunday 18 August 2019. Interviews will be held from 16 September to 27 September. Successful candidates will start their career with Transport for NSW on January 13, 2020.
For more information on the Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project visit rms.nsw.gov.au/BatemansBayBridge
