Broome Cape Leveque Road Upgrade engaging locals

The Broome Cape Leveque Road is the main transport link through the Dampier Peninsula, enabling vehicle access to the estimated 1,425 people including 71 Aboriginal communities, pastoral stations, pearling industries and tourist destinations. The 205 km unsealed road, under the care and control of the Shire of Broome, was susceptible to flooding forcing it to be closed and isolating communities. Once fully-sealed, communities on the Dampier Peninsula will have year-round access to essential services and a safer, more efficient journey.

The project will provide sustainable employment for the local Aboriginal workforce. This local upskilled workforce will also have the capability to manage and rehabilitate the road during wet season while it is still under construction. The development of a skilled local workforce during construction also provides local capacity to undertake future works in the area. Working with Broome-based Aboriginal organisations Nirrumbuk Aboriginal Corporation and Kullarri Regional Communities Indigenous Corporation (KRCIC) to provide a local Aboriginal labour force ensuring sustainability of a local skilled workforce. Both organisations provide on-the-job training during the project to develop the skills and qualifications of the local workforce.

This project is leading the way for Aboriginal engagement and participation, at the peak, 59 per cent of total labour hours provided by Aboriginal people, and of that 84 per cent are locals. In addition to this 49 per cent of the construction value has been undertaken by Aboriginal businesses.

The project team’s achievements in Aboriginal engagement and participation were recently recognised winning the Institute of Public Administration Australia Award for Best Practice in Corporate Social Values.