Mentoring for transition to construction

Almost 10 per cent of construction hours on the $274 million Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project have so far been performed by Aboriginal employees or sub-contractors.

The bridge will provide better connections in and around Batemans Bay for motorists, freight, river users, pedestrians and cyclists. Major work started in early 2019 and the new bridge opened to traffic in March 2021.

Transport created a successful mentoring program for Aboriginal trainees on the bridge project, in collaboration with contractor John Holland Group and the Batemans Bay Local Aboriginal Lands Council under the Infrastructure Skills and Legacy Program.

The program was conducted by community Elders to ensure trainees on the project were supported throughout the structured learning phase and transitioned well into working in the construction industry. This support contributed towards long-term retention of trainees on the project.

Removal of the existing bridge and improvements to the foreshore is continuing, with completion planned in early 2023. More than $3.5 million has been spent on Aboriginal participation in construction, including education, training and goods and services purchased from Aboriginal businesses.