Townsville Ring Road (Stage 5)

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​This initiative addressed a major challenge to success in achieving the national objectives for the recovery of the BTF, being the lack of availability of suitable grasses and associated seeds favoured by the species. Not only does the rehabilitation area improve local ecological diversity, but the cultivation and commercial production of BTF-targeted foraging seed species, which are otherwise only available via wild harvest, helped to create a more reliable and commercially viable source for these seed species to facilitate future rehabilitation efforts.  

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​The TRR5 team also leveraged opportunities to implement traditional land management practices with Traditional Owners, the Wulgurukaba People (GW Group). To prepare the rehabilitation area, Georgiou worked in conjunction with the GW Group and Rural Fire Service to complete a controlled mosaic backburn to prepare the rehabilitation area. This preparation was a key step in the rehabilitation process to facilitate its success.  

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​A final assessment of the area after completion determined that the trial was a success; confirming the commercial production of three seed species for BTF habitat areas and increased ecological value of the area by 7.47%. 

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​In addition to the material savings, and associated energy and cost savings, the specification development process contributed to knowledge growth in the North QLD region through extensive involvement and engagement of many local industry stakeholders. This collaborative approach fostered the sharing of expertise and experiences, further enhancing the industry's understanding of alternative designs and acceptable materials. 

​The revised specification and annexures allowed for the use of local quarries and their produced materials, promoting higher local procurement and contributing to the regional economy. This approach prevented negative impacts on quarry productivity associated with additional manufacturing processes and reduced overall project costs that would have arisen from increased manufacturing of locally sourced materials or importing them from distant suppliers. 

​The use of Slurry Thick has resulted in benefits across the entire sustainability quadruple bottom line (environmental, economic, social and governance), stemming from reductions in energy, materials and waste. A case study was also published to outline the implementation process, various quantitative benefits against the traditional method, and recommendations for its optimum use. 

​The project also organised and supported an ’Industry Day’, showcasing sustainability and environmental best practice from the project to a variety of local contractors, and environment and sustainability professionals. Representatives from Vital Chemical, the producers of Slurry Thick, attended the day and presented to the attendees their innovations in erosion and sediment control practice. 

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​Prior to the project, Boral Resources had a well-established local  network however the lower carbon product rages were not available in Townsville at the time - meaning that local projects wanting to procure a product in the LCC range would need to import them from other regions – an outcome that would result in significantly increased transport emissions (and associated costs), a perverse outcome that would lessen any benefits obtained from the reduced embodied impacts of the products. 

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​In response to the immediate and significant demand from TRR5 for local sustainable material options, Boral Concrete upgraded their Garbutt concrete plant to improve operational efficiency and introduce ground-granulated blast furnace slag as a more sustainable alternative to Portland cement, allowing for the local production of Envirocrete®, with further plans to upgrade the facility for the production of additional lower-carbon cement products. 

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​Introduction of the product in conjunction with TRR5 also delivered further benefit to the location region including: 

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• ​Use of the product by Townsville City Council in new construction; 

• ​Use on future TMR infrastructure projects in the region; 

• ​Further strategic implementation of Envirocrete® Plus and ENVISIA®  to benefit future project considerations where low concrete shrinkage, or high exposure durability requirements  

• ​Overall support in the Boral goal to transform the standard offer to Lower Carbon Concrete. 

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​A highlight of the Project, and a lasting legacy for the community, was delivered through the design of the ’Wulgurukaba Walkway’. Georgiou proposed the inclusion of First Nations artwork of the two 6m tall pedestrian underpass to maximise Indigenous inclusion and improve community outcomes.  The mural design showcases a blend of traditional and modern Indigenous art across the three sections – new underpass, median chamber and existing underpass. The mural feature’s key themes and  

​totems from the Wulgurukaba creation stories, such as: 'Gabul', the giant carpet python that carved out the river system and coastline of the north Queensland region; the sulphur crested cockatoo; the Wulgurukaba tribal shield; and the hands of the elders.  

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​Further, the mural was painted by local Indigenous artist Nicky Bidju Pryor.  The mural was named by the GW Group peoples, an initiative which was positively received by the community and expressed by the Wulgurukaba representative. The mural demonstrates Georgiou’s commitment to community engagement and provides opportunities to showcase the cultural heritage of the region. 

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​The Her-1 credit also confirmed the success of the development and implementation of the heritage monitoring system was aligned with the requirements of the Her-1 credit. Prior to award, TMR developed a Cultural Heritage Management Agreement (CHMA) between TMR and the GW Group) peoples to protect and preserve Indigenous cultural heritage in the region. The agreement included conducting cultural heritage surveys, engaging with Traditional Owners and  implementing mitigation measures to minimise the impact of the project on Indigenous heritage sites. This was managed through the development and implementation of a comprehensive Cultural Heritage Management Plan in line with the requirements of the (CHMA). This plan included engagement of cultural heritage monitors during  ground disturbing works in sensitive areas such as: 

​ • Waterways and uncleared vegetation; 

​ • Inclusion of a Finds procedure; 

​ • Delivery of cultural awareness training to Project staff; 

​ • Inclusion of cultural heritage material for site inductions. 

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​Further cultural practices and engagement strategies that were implemented throughout the Project included: 

• ​Mosaic burning on the project site for environment health and prior to the planting of the black-throated finch rehabilitation area; 

• ​Project logo designed by Indigenous artist to symbolise the partnership with the Gurambilbarra Wulgurukaba peoples which is featured on all Project advertisement including PPE workwear; 

• ​Engagement of First Nations-owned businesses for goods and services which exceeded contractual requirements by 284% (384% of target achieved). 

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​Georgiou found that undertaking the credit under V2.1 prompted ’close out’ and assessment of the heritage approach, which allowed for greater opportunities for cultural heritage engagement and outcomes on future projects. This was seen to be an opportunity for contractors, particularly in regions where it is likely that there will be further major public roads projects where the same Traditional Ownership groups, infrastructure providers and constructors are involved (particularly relevant to the Townsville region). This allows for improved continuity of the cultural heritage approach and systems, and continuity of stakeholder relationships. 

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​The Project prioritised early engagement with the main stakeholders on the project to understand their key drivers and outcomes for the project. Georgiou was able to align with their objectives for the project to deliver mutually beneficial outcomes in an honest and open manner. 

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​The Project’s commitment to stakeholder engagement, particularly of local community facilities and groups, lead to excellent outcomes in design and management of the construction process. Highlights of the stakeholder engagement strategy included: 

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• ​Extensive consultation with Carlyle Gardens Retirement Community and establishment of a Community Reference Group with a major focus on noise wall design and minimisation of construction impacts; 

• ​Extensive collaboration with GW Group for the design of the Wulgurukaba Walkway mural; 

• ​Extensive engagement with neighbouring stakeholders, including neighbouring schools, childcare centres and residents to minimise construction impacts; 

• ​Extensive door-knocking, notification campaigns and establishment of a social media presence to ensure that surrounding stakeholders were aware of out of hours works and project progress. 

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​A 3ha area for rehabilitation for the Black Throated Finch and to produce a commercial quantity of seed for use on future projects by TMR was included as a contractual requirement for the project.

​This was the first time in Australia where these species of grass seed were grown on a commercial scale. A final assessment of the area after completion determined that the trial was a success; confirming the commercial production of three seed species for BTF habitat areas and increased ecological value of the area by 7.47%