2012 ANNUAL REPORT

The $112.8 million upgrade of the Dampier Highway remains on track to meet its anticipated completion date in Summer 2012. This upgrade is a State and Federal Government-funded project designed to improve the safety of the highway and create essential infrastructure to support the growing population and industry in this part of the Pilbara.

The project, delivered as a design and construct contract, will be carried out in two stages and duplicates just over 12 kilometres of the Karratha to Dampier Highway between Balmoral Road West and Burrup Road intersections. The first stage will be finished by August 2012 and will complete works between Balmoral Road West and the airport turnoff. Stage Two, which is the section from the airport turnoff to the Burrup intersection, is due for completion by December 2012.

The Construction Reference Group, operating since 2009 brings together representatives from the local community, industry and Local Government. The main purpose of the Group is to ensure the voices of all stakeholders are heard in the run up to and during the delivery of the project. Its advice and guidance has been very useful.

Part of the works falls within an area rich in Aboriginal heritage resulting in strict conditions to avoid any adverse impact to these important sites. The nature of the project meant that some blasting was required as the rock cutting depth along this section of road varies and in some locations is as high as 14 metres. Extensive consultation took place with heritage groups including Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo, Ngarluma and Yaburara and the Coastal Mardudhunera Aboriginal Corporation. In addition, sites were inspected prior to and post rock blasting with a heritage consultant who verified the condition of the sites and an independent blasting consultant who audited the impact of the work. Some of the actions taken included stabilising sites with sand bags and temporary coverings, placing blast mats across the blast area to minimise fly rock disturbances and, monitoring vibrations during blasting. Based on the success of the precautionary and control measures used on this project it has been agreed that these measures will be used in other projects with similar constraints.

The current status of the project along with more information is available by visiting www.dampierhighway.com.au.