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General News

15 May, 2021

Smithfield Bypass provides platform to empower Indigenous construction trainees

Young, indigenous trainees wishing to pursue a career in civil construction are being given an opportunity on the Queensland Government’s Smithfield Bypass project.


Smithfield Bypass provides platform to empower Indigenous construction trainees - feature photo

Queensland civil concrete construction company SDC Group is launching its UB The Change initiative as it works with principal contractor Highway Construction and Albem Operations Joint Venture (HAJV) on the $164 million road upgrade.

Member for Barron River Craig Crawford said inspiring and empowering the young indigenous community would have long-lasting benefits.

“This is a fantastic initiative providing employment, mentoring and social change for men and women seeking a career in the construction industry,” Mr Crawford said.

Mr Mohamed, a traditional owner of the First Nations Yirrganydji people of Cairns, on which the Smithfield Bypass is located, said the trainees would be among a group of 15 SDC workers who would construct concrete medians and shared paths on the project.

“To be aligned with one of Queensland’s most significant civil construction projects is a wonderful opportunity for our team,” Mr Mohamed said.

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HAJV Project Manager Japan Shah said the Smithfield Bypass project was committed to working with all levels of community to create a lasting legacy.

“We applaud SDC Group for this life changing initiative which will hopefully lead to the creation of more jobs in the Queensland’s growing civil construction sector," Mr Shah said.

It is one of hundreds of projects being delivered across Queensland under the Queensland Government’s $26.9 billion roads and transport program, a pipeline of projects supporting an average of 23,600 jobs over the four-year plan.

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