What’s happening?
Laing O’Rourke has announced the successful completion of the Australia-Singapore Military Training Initiative (ASMTI) Shoalwater Bay Training Area facilities project, located 80 kilometres north of Rockhampton, Queensland. The milestone marks the end of a multi-year effort to enhance military training infrastructure, supporting both the Australian Defence Force and Singapore Armed Forces.
Why it matters?
The completion of this project will enable Singapore Armed Forces personnel to conduct unilateral training at Shoalwater Bay for up to nine weeks each year. It represents a major achievement for the ASMTI, a defence partnership that strengthens strategic ties between Australia and Singapore.
Laing O’Rourke played a crucial role in upgrading and constructing new facilities to accommodate training needs while also focusing on local industry engagement, Indigenous partnerships, and environmental considerations.
Mark Dimmock, Managing Director of Laing O’Rourke, emphasised the project’s significance, stating:
“Laing O’Rourke is proud to have delivered this project, supporting the Department of Defence in achieving their strategic objectives, and driving positive outcomes for the local community for years to come.”
Local Impact
A key focus was supporting local businesses, Indigenous enterprises, and workforce development, ensuring lasting benefits beyond the project’s completion.
The Darumbal People Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC praised Laing O’Rourke’s engagement with traditional owners, stating: “Throughout our partnership, Laing O’Rourke has consistently demonstrated their commitment to honouring Cultural Protocols and respecting the profound Darumbal connection to country and the preservation of our invaluable cultural heritage. Their dedication to inclusivity and empowerment is truly commendable, as they worked hard to ensure the active participation of Darumbal-owned businesses in this significant project. Laing O’Rourke’s genuine efforts have not only adopted a harmonious relationship but have also set a remarkable example for others to follow.”
By the Numbers
- 11% Indigenous participation was achieved, exceeding the project target.
- 7% of total project spending went to Indigenous businesses.
- 167 work packages were delivered, with over 80% awarded to regional Queensland contractors and suppliers.
Zoom In
The project placed strong emphasis on local business engagement, breaking down work packages into manageable scopes to support the cash flow of small to medium enterprises (SMEs).
To further strengthen regional workforce development, Laing O’Rourke partnered with Central Queensland University, leading to the employment of five graduates. The company also worked with local schools, hosted workshops for Indigenous businesses, and participated in industry events and career fairs.
Zoom Out
Laing O’Rourke successfully collaborated with multiple stakeholders, including the Commonwealth of Australia, the Republic of Singapore, and the Department of Defence, to ensure project milestones were met. The project required flexibility in an environmentally sensitive location and demonstrated best practice in stakeholder engagement.
A Capital Facilities and Infrastructure Representative highlighted the company’s effective project management:
“Laing O’Rourke demonstrated best practice delivery excellence in the role of Managing Contractor, through collaboration with stakeholders, determination to achieve project milestones, strong commercial acumen, dedication to driving positive, value for money outcomes for both the Commonwealth and Singapore, while maintaining a flexible approach, bolstered by an unwavering commitment to support Defence.
The way the team developed strong local industry relationships and managed supply chain, as well as their engagement with local community and land holders was outstanding.”
What to Look for Next?
With Shoalwater Bay Training Area now fully upgraded, attention will shift to ongoing training operations and how both the Australian and Singapore Armed Forces utilise the enhanced facilities. The project’s successful Indigenous and local business engagement could also serve as a model for future Defence infrastructure projects across Australia.
