More than just a level crossing removal
While the project is called the Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal Project, the team is delivering far more than just that. In fact, there are four major projects being delivered as part of this project.
While the impacts are significant at the moment, undertaking this work simultaneously reduces the length of the disruptions. The four projects being delivered are:
- Removing the Denny Avenue level crossing and building a new underpass at Davis Road.
- Removing and replacing a 100 year old water main on Albany Highway which supplies the Perth Central Business District, and replacing and increasing capacity of a storm water drain to mitigate local flooding (in collaboration with Water Corporation).
- Replacing Albany Highway’s surface and updating drainage in collaboration with Main Roads WA.
- Revitalising Kelmscott Town Centre with landscaping and public art in collaboration with the City of Armadale and DevelopmentWA.
As well as the Water Corporation’s water main replacement, additional service relocations are underway for the benefit of the Kelmscott community with realigning and undergrounding of power lines, realigning and replacing gas pipes and relocating NBN, Telstra, Optus, and TPG services.
As the Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal project progresses, so do opportunities for Aboriginal Procurement and Employment.
The project’s Aboriginal procurement continues to strengthen with six of the 24 subcontracts awarded to registered Aboriginal businesses. A number of Aboriginal employees will also have the chance to upskill themselves through professional industry training. Of the nine Aboriginal employees on-site, two are undertaking specialised rail training, putting them in the best position for future rail projects.
In 2020, Downer’s first Protection Officer, Kelvin Morrison passed training required for the safe operation of the freight network and this year will complete training related to safe operations on the passenger network. Protection Officer Andrew Richards is also a trainee undergoing his Certificate II in Rail Infrastructure this year.
Aboriginal Engagement and Participation Manager Peter Taylor explained each of the Aboriginal team members are fulfilling critical roles for the project.
“We’re all one team, where we see each of our Aboriginal employees performing many different tasks across the project, as well as managing others within the workforce” he said.
“By working together, not only are we putting ourselves in the best position to deliver this project, we are also helping Aboriginal people find varied and highly skilled jobs for the future.”
Welcoming Bunuru season
While the Noongar season of Birak (December – January) is coming to an end, February welcomes the Bunuru season which stays throughout March.
Bunuru is the hottest part of the year, with sparse rainfall. Traditionally at this time, Noongar families camped near the coast and river inlets and gil-git (fish) was a key part of the seasonal diet. Large gil-git, such as salmon, could be speared from overhanging trees along river banks. The red symbolises the typical heat, sun and fire of the season.
