Projects in progress – Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia Northern Territory
NAIF Projects in progress: upgrade of Connellan Airport, a gateway to Uluru
NAIF Investment Decision: 14 May 2018
Financial Close: 17 December 2018
Funds drawn at 14 November 2019: $23.93m of $27.5m approved
Construction work on the upgrade to the Connellan Airport is now substantially complete. Work undertaken has involved the upgrade and resurfacing of the 2,600m airport runway, taxiway and apron and the installation of new runway lighting. The upgrade maintains the safety of the runway and the new lighting will support future night flights.
The construction work was led by the Principal Contractor Downer EDI Works Pty Ltd. The runway lighting completed by a specialist aircraft lighting contractor, Airside Technical. Voyages also has in place an Australian Industry Participation (AIP) Plan as required under the Government’s AIP policy.
Permanent accommodation has been constructed as part of the project. This provides an accommodation base not only for those working on the runway upgrade but also accommodation to meet the needs of future refurbishment projects.
During the major construction period between February and March 2019, the Principal Contractor was able to achieve greater than 10 percent average for Indigenous employment for this part of the project, with the total Indigenous employment for the total project being 8.9 percent. This equated to five Indigenous FTEs in February 2019 and 12 Indigenous FTEs in March 2019. Indigenous employment figures for the contractor’s village accommodation project element ranged from 16 percent in September 2018 up to 35 percent in December 2019, averaging 16.8 percent across the construction period with Indigenous personnel on site ranging from electricians, carpenters and trade assistants.
Challenges were encountered in ensuring 3-5 percent of goods and materials were sourced from companies that are 50 percent or more Indigenous owned. Voyages is now undertaking a review of its procurement processes to ensure that opportunities for engaging regional suppliers, businesses and enterprises are maximised through improvements to its regional engagement model.
As part of its NAIF IES commitments, Voyages has invigorated its community engagement mechanisms, including establishing an Anangu Advisory Group which met in March 2019 and again in June 2019. The Group has nominated members from Mutitjulu, Imanpa, Watarrka/Lilla, Docker River, Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands in South Australia. The Group comes together with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia to collaborate, share information and improve Anangu training, employment and economic participation opportunities and outcomes.
