Georgiou - Townsville Ring Road Stage 5 project
Georgiou delivered the Townsville Ring Road Stage 5 (TRR5) project for the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) in 2023. The project involved duplication of a 6km section of the Bruce Highway through Condon and Bohle Plains, and construction of a new interchange to improve access to the Upper Ross area.
The TRR5 project was constructed on land over which the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba peoples are the Traditional Owners and Native Title Applicants. An early positive outcome of the TRR5 project was the implementation of a Cultural Heritage Management Agreement (CHMA) between TMR and the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba peoples for all TMR projects on Wulgurukaba land.
In partnership with the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba peoples, the TRR5 project sought to deliver outcomes above CHMA requirements. Significant value was placed on incorporation of Traditional Owners’ views and culture on the project, and all parties committed to ongoing, positive engagement throughout all aspects of the project.
The strong and effective partnership between the TRR5 project and Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba peoples delivered significant cultural heritage outcomes and engagement with Traditional Owners, including:
- Design of official project artwork – displayed on the TRR5 Project Charter and on personal protective equipment (PPE) workwear proudly worn by all staff
- Mosaic burning on the project site for environment health prior to the planting of native grasses
- Monitoring of clearing activities for sites and artefacts of cultural significance
- Delivery of cultural awareness training to project staff
- Inclusion of cultural heritage material for site inductions
- Engagement of First Nations-owned businesses for goods and services
- Incorporation of First Nations artwork on infrastructure
Additionally, Georgiou committed to and exceeded contractual requirements for engagement and spend with First Nations businesses in the local area. This included awarding major works packages such as landscaping and concreting works to First Nations businesses, spending more than $10 million with these contractors and exceeding an original target spend of $2.7 million.
The TRR5 project has also exceeded initial targets for hours worked by First Nations staff, with 45,000 hours worked – 15,000 hours above target.
