Construction Services
IBA has recognised the potential benefits of increased Indigenous participation in the construction industry, and the key role the industry can play in fostering economic development in remote and regional areas by using and developing local labour and expertise.
IBA developed a construction services capacity to support the Australian Government in its delivery of construction-related projects in the Northern Territory Emergency Response (NTER). Since then it has been exploring opportunities to use this expertise to support internal commercial activities and increased Indigenous involvement in the construction industry.
Youth worker accommodation at Imanpa
Achievements
In 2008–09, IBA completed a number of construction-related activities for the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs as part of the NTER. IBA made a significant contribution to NTER and introduced Indigenous training and employment, where feasible, as a requirement in its contracts.
Table 18 sets out some of the many construction projects that IBA began or completed in 2008–09.
| Project | IBA’s role | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| HOIL display homes, Nguiu, Bathurst Island, Northern Territory | Develop design and procure construction services | Cost-effective designs were completed, drawing on the National Indigenous Housing Guide and in consultation with the community. Homes will be constructed for onselling to eligible HOIL Program clients in 2009–10. |
| Business precinct, Aurukun, Queensland – Cape York Welfare Reform Trial | Assist with community consultation, design development and tender documentation | Final sketch plans for the refurbishment of an existing building into a proposed business centre were provided. |
| Children’s Services Centre and Safe House, Wadeye, Northern Territory | Manage design and construction work | Designs were developed in consultation with community and relevant government agencies. |
| Docker River Women’s Centre, Northern Territory | Manage construction contract | Demountables were refurbished to create a women’s centre in Docker River. |
| Houses for youth workers in Docker River, Imanpa and Finke, Northern Territory | Manage construction contract | Permanent housing was completed for Commonwealth-funded youth workers in the identified communities. |
| Recreation hall, Finke, Northern Territory | Manage construction contract | Two existing recreation halls were refurbished and a new recreation hall was designed and constructed. |
| Government staff accommodation | Manage construction contract | Delivery of staff housing to 60 remote communities for the NTER was completed. This activity provided traineeships for 8 Indigenous Australians in Alice Springs. |
| Houses (20) at Wadapuli and Nama, Northern Territory | Manage construction contract | Completed 20 homes, involving 2,000 hours of local community employment. |
| Houses (13) at Nguiu, Bathurst Island, Northern Territory | Construct houses | Largely completed all 13 homes, using local indigenous building capacity on 8 of them. |
| DRIIVE – Major infrastructure and housing projects | Formed a consortium with industry experts to seek major contracts to maximise Indigenous involvement | A consortium was formed and consultations began with governments and Indigenous groups on potential projects. |
In 2008–09, IBA implemented an internal management system and procedures for contract and risk management specific to its construction activities and forged new links with industry groups such as the timber industry.
In consultation with the construction industry and Indigenous groups, IBA developed housing designs for affordability, sustainability and suitability for remote communities.
Outlook
In 2009–10, IBA will continue its involvement in the construction sector and provide Indigenous social and economic outcomes by:
- managing the construction of four HOIL display homes in Nguiu
- developing additional affordable housing options
- completing the Children’s Services Centre and Safe House in Wadeye
- finalising the innovative, affordable housing project in Nguiu, including landscaping and carports
- managing and delivering current construction projects to support IBA programs
- continuing to develop new construction-related business opportunities
- continuing to manage and deal with construction-related risk.