Improving education infrastructure for future generations.

Multiplex was contracted to deliver new and upgraded facilities to 180 schools in the Western Region of Sydney, an area that stretches from Parramatta through Blacktown to Penrith and Windsor. Works included halls, libraries, home bases, covered outside learning areas (COLAs), toilet blocks, administration buildings and upgrades of existing facilities and services such as roof replacements, electricals and alterations.

The project included design management and liaison with each school Principal to ensure the school's individual objectives were understood and where possible, accommodated. The complexities of the project related to the large number of schools and their wide geographic distribution and extremely tight timeframes. Multiplex was the first Managing Contractor to complete on time and on budget.

Aboriginal participation and local involvement was a prime requirement of the project. Multiplex adopted a policy of engagement through a series of industry forums that allowed potential local subcontractors and suppliers to appraise the situation and identify where opportunities might exist. This was particularly important for those impacted by the global financial crisis.

Through close cooperation with The Salvation Army Employment Plus jobs network group, Comet Training as a Registered Training Organisation and Linddales as a labour hire group, a series of initiatives were developed that provided opportunities for over 60 individuals (to the end of March 2010) to gain direct employment in the BER Program in the Western Sydney region. This was achieved through a rigorous process of pre-qualification training and gaining accreditation for individuals so that industry can place them and they have the best opportunity to maintain employment.

The Project directly employed 135 of Multiplex’s staff and gave rise to opportunities for the employment of additional staff.

As intended by the government, the ‘multiplier effect’ of construction employment meant the BER program injected much needed funds into local communities where the work was being carried out.