Pound Road West – Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge Upgrade – Governance Outcomes

Our approach

Driven by our sustainability and minimise-impact-construction approach – the Project serves as a beacon of responsible and effective infrastructure development. By prioritising people, environmental stewardship and resource optimisation, learning and development, safety, and community engagement – the Project set a new standard for delivery excellence that transcends size and scope. Our value-added contributions to the contract, investment in people, innovative solutions, and sustainability initiatives showcase its worthiness as a CCF Earth Awards Winner and endorsement of the Project’s “Excellent” IS v1.2 Design and As-Built ratings.

Ingenuity and innovation

Top down-bottom up, SWC successfully integrated sustainability, proactive risk and opportunity management, and cohesive decision-making into this award-winning Project. This comprehensive and holistic approach drove industry leading and many Victorian-first innovations across three key areas including:

1. Design innovations
   The integration of sustainability in design has been optimized in the project by leveraging the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), workshops, brainstorming sustainable strategies, collaborative assessments, and identifying opportunities for innovation. This approach ensured that the project not only meets its functional requirements but also contributes to a more sustainable future. The feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential environmental impact of the proposed design and material were evaluated during design phase.
   • Incorporating the use of MST Bars in the post and panel retaining walls and SUP in place of steel reinforcement first.
   • Recycled Tyre derived bitumen binder (rCB)
2. As Built (construction) innovations
   In terms of as-built innovations, we continued to foster a culture of innovation through several initiatives:
   • Maintained and updated the Risk and Opportunity (R&O) Register to track and manage project risks and opportunities.
   • Encourage bottom-up innovation by actively seeking out and recognizing ”good ideas” from the team through the ”Good Idea Poster QR” initiative.
   • Continued with the Management Commitment Agreement (MCA), fostering a sense of ownership and accountability for project success.
   • Dedicated resources to social procurement efforts to drive softer initiatives and create positive social impact alongside project delivery.
   These efforts collectively contributed to a project environment where innovation was valued and encouraged at all levels, resulted in,
   • Exceeded Recycled First commitments by maximising circular Economy and materials recovery processes.
   • ‘Behind the Barriers’ an immersive school engagement initiative between NAWIC MRPV SWC aimed at increasing female participation in the construction industry (an Australian first)
   • ‘Constructionarium’ – all-female Big-Build (the first for Victoria)
   • Employment of an asylum seeker via Engineering Pathway Industry Cadetship (EPIC)
   • Subcontract of Women In Construction – a first all-female labouring company in Victoria
   • Engagement of ReBuild a YMCA young offenders’ program
   Despite its modest scale, the Project is technically complex and is distinguished by its innovations, exemplary safety management and value add community contributions. The Project’s many successes was achieved through the collaborative D&C contract model and our unwavering approach to people and the community, climate action, resource optimisation and CSR from day one. By valuing the contributions of the entire Project team, we were able to focus on stakeholder and community engagement, implement robust safety processes, minimise environmental impact and strengthen corporate social responsibility (CSR) through sustainability.

Just some of the key initiatives/outcomes,

I. Victorian first trial of recycled wearing course – Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)
As a result of the trial, the Victorian Government’s ecologiQ program has added rCB material to their suite of materials.

II. Glass fibre reinforced polymer bars – MST-Bar®
Noticing an absence of an Australian Standard for the design of concrete structures using GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer), we detailed 13-page technical paper to the Technical Reference Panel. The subsequent approval and use of MST-Bars® contributed to a more environmentally friendly construction process.

III. An MRPV – Seymour Whyte first; a shared completions dashboard.
The innovative shared dashboard, which provided completion status for both practical completion and closeout covered. The shared dashboard was so effective, that it has now been rolled out across several other MRPV projects.

IV. Circular Economy:
 Reuse of site won materials on the site, recycle and divert waste from landfill.
o 95.9% of 2792m3 of topsoil removed during demolition works was stored at a facility and transported back to site periodically for use.
o 100% of 96.6 tonnes of site generated mulch reused for landscaping.
o 100% of 49,080 m3 of fill material was used in land rehabilitation.
o 99.9% of 7955 tonnes of crushed rock & asphalt profiling removed during demolition works was reconditioned & reused for permanent access tracks below the bridge.
o 100% of 49,080 m3 of fill material was used in land rehabilitation.
o 93% General office waste recycled
o 92% Site waste was recycled
 Recycled used PPE and work uniform through UPPAREL for reuse/repurpose and diverted 500 items (80Kg) waste from landfill
 Recycled star pickets composed of 100% recycled polypropylene;
 100% recycled FOD rumble grids
 11600m of 100% recycled Megaflow aggregate pipes
 Recycled bollard- A sustainable social procurement for people with disabilities
 Recycled plastic used in place of Steel reinforcing Mesh
 Reducing cement content by at least 30% in non-structural concrete.
 A non-woven geotextile made from Australian Recycled Polymers, “Bidim’ green in pavements
 Footpath construction using eMesh concrete.

2. Stake holders Engagement
   By working inclusively with MRPV and the community, the team minimised disruptions wherever possible. Consequently, no complaints from the community received during construction.
   IAP2 public participation spectrum consultation process to map the unique perspectives and needs of each stakeholder and embedding this ‘map’ into all planning and decision-making.
   Through direct consultation, Individualised engagement and proactive measures, we successfully addressed concerns and maintained a positive relationship with this valued stakeholder.
3. Community and People (Development & Training)
   Behind the Barriers A NAWIC MRPV Seymour Whyte Initiative
   Local primary school students were invited on site to tour the works and learn more about the local environment with site engineers and members of the team.
   Rebuilding the lives of local young offenders
   The Project partnered with YMCA’s ReBuild program which provides disadvantaged young offenders with employable skills and training. All trees removed were donated to Rebuild.
   A Victorian First-Women in Construction ‘all female’ labour hire company –Providing them their first contract, uniforms, solar powered sheds, offering upskilling through roller operator / excavator tickets and site mentoring.
   33% women representation on the project vs. 12% representation in construction industry
   33% women in leadership vs 10% representation in the industry
   Indigenous Connections
   To coincide with NAIDOC Week, we commissioned Dandenong-born Terry Hayes (Connect) to paint two Indigenous artworks, who was initially hired as a cleaner.
   Alpha Indigenous – an inaugural milestone
   First Nations employment 4.64%
   5.95% First Nation business spend
   8.05% social spend
   more than 30,000 hours worked by apprentices, trainees and cadets, in a significant contribution towards the State Government Skills Guarantee
   more than 18,000 ATSI hours.
   Project outcomes were disseminated through various channels, including:
   o ecologiQ
   o Victoria’s Big Build Program
   o Major Road Interface Committee for Sustainability (MRICS)
   o Infrastructure Magazine (articles: ”Waste not, want not: MRPV’s new recycling partnership”, ”Sustainable glass bars for Pound Road West Upgrade”, “Recycled Tyre for Sustainable Roads: Alex Fraser Group)
   o Dandenong Star Journal (”Pound Road to open soon”)
   o LinkedIn, Facebook posts
   o Shared among Seymour Whyte Employees through Environment & Sustainability monthly knowledge sharing webinars
   o Emloyee internal communication- Viva Engage posts
   o Local Primary school students and community

1. Environment:
   • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Through innovative materials like rCB asphalt, GFRP bars, and recycled aggregates, the project actively reduced carbon emissions and resource depletion.
   • Waste Minimisation: The focus on circular economy principles led to significant waste diversion from landfills, promoting resource efficiency.
2. Local Community and businesses:
   • Improved Infrastructure: Residents and businesses benefit from enhanced connectivity, congestion, and safer roads.
   • Minimal Disruption: Proactive stakeholder engagement and thoughtful construction planning minimised community disruption.
   • Economic Boost: Over 98% of the contract value was reinvested locally, supporting business and jobs.
   • Development Opportunities: School visits and partnerships with programs provided valuable learning and development experiences for the community.
   • Social Inclusion: Initiatives promoted diversity and inclusion, providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in the construction industry.
3. Workforce:
   • Skills Development: trainees gained valuable on-the-job experience, contributing to the Victorian Government’s skills guarantee.
   • Diversity & Inclusion: The project championed female participation in construction and exceeded targets for Indigenous employment and business engagement.
   • Safe Working Environment: The project’s commitment to safety ensured the well-being of all workers.
   • Worker Well-being: The project prioritized the physical and mental health of its workforce, fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
4. Project Partners & Industry:
   • Seymour Whyte, SMEC, and MRPV: The project’s completion ahead of schedule (7.5 weeks early) and under budget, despite challenges, strengthens Project partners’ reputation and demonstrates their ability to deliver complex projects efficiently. Enhanced reputation for delivering innovative, sustainable, and community-focused infrastructure projects.
   • Construction Industry: The project showcased best practices in sustainable construction and stakeholder engagement, setting a benchmark for future projects.
   • Victorian Government: The successful trial of rCB asphalt led to its inclusion in the ecologiQ program, advancing sustainable infrastructure practices across the state.
5. Construction Industry and society:
   • Knowledge Sharing: The project’s documentation and advocacy for new standards related to sustainable materials will inspire and enable other companies to adopt similar practices, fostering industry-wide change. Through publications, webinars, and awards submissions, the project’s learnings and successes were shared, inspiring others in the industry.
   • Sustainable Infrastructure Model: The project demonstrated that even technically complex projects can prioritize environmental responsibility and community well-being.
   • Innovation & Progress: The successful trials of rCB and GFRP pave the way for wider adoption of sustainable materials and technologies in the industry, promoting innovation and progress towards a greener future.
   By prioritising sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, the project has left a positive legacy that benefits a wide range of stakeholders.

The Pound Road West Upgrade & Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge Upgrade project has left a lasting legacy that aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). By prioritizing sustainability, community engagement, and innovation, the project has made significant contributions to the following goals:

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Innovation: The project’s successful trials of recycled asphalt (Victorian First) and GFRP bars demonstrate a commitment to innovation in the construction industry. These new materials and technologies have the potential to transform future infrastructure projects, making them more sustainable and efficient.
Infrastructure Development: The project has upgraded critical infrastructure in the region, improving connectivity, safety, and accessibility. This contributes to the overall development and economic growth of the area.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Resilient Infrastructure: The upgraded infrastructure is designed to withstand future climate challenges, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the community.
Inclusive Cities: The project’s focus on community engagement and social impact initiatives has helped to create more inclusive and equitable urban environments.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Circular Economy: The project’s emphasis on recycling and reuse of materials promotes a circular economy, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Sustainable Materials: The use of recycled and sustainable materials demonstrates a commitment to responsible consumption and production practices.

SDG 13: Climate Action
Reduced Carbon Emissions: The project’s innovations in materials and construction methods have reduced carbon emissions (25% Emission Reduction -10,032KtCO2e) and 20.7% reduction in energy associated with infrastructure development.
Climate Resilience: The upgraded infrastructure contributes to climate resilience by improving the community’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

SDG 15: Life on Land
Biodiversity Conservation: By minimizing waste and promoting sustainable practices, the project helps to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Collaboration: The project’s success is a testament to the importance of collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, and communities.

The legacy of the Pound Road West Upgrade & Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge Upgrade project extends beyond the immediate benefits to the community. By demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable and innovative approaches, the project has helped to pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. The project’s impact will be felt for years to come, as it inspires future infrastructure development efforts and sets new standards for environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

By prioritising sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, the project has left a legacy that will benefit future generations.