NEWS

Trafalgar launches new fire proof spray range at Fire Expo

10 November 2008
Norfolk Group subsidiary and passive fire specialist, Trafalgar, has launched a new range of fire-rated spray products and systems from Australian fire protection systems company, LAF Group, at the 2008 National Fire Expo at Darling Harbour, Sydney.

The Expo also provided the opportunity for Trafalgar to publicly launch its new branding and marketing materials, positioning the company as a leading passive fire solutions provider across Australia and New Zealand.

Trafalgar has been appointed as the exclusive Australian and New Zealand distributors of the highly-regarded LAF Group range of fire resistant sprays and systems already used in high profile projects in Australia and Macau, and soon to be used in Dubai.

The systems exclusive to Trafalgar include the Vermiduct® and Vermitex® spray products designed for ducts, and steel and concrete work, and the extremely versatile Trimesh® three-dimensional structural system. These vermiculite based systems can provide up to four hours of fire protection.

The introduction of LAF spray systems broadens Trafalgar’s already strong passive fire protection range and vast approvals library, which includes:

• Retro and Cast In fire rated collars
• Fire wraps
• Intumescent Paints
• Mineral Fibre Batts (with up to four hour fire ratings)
• E-Core® fire rated door cores
• Fire resistant pillows
• Fire rated mortars and sealants
• Fire barriers including the Firefly 60 and Firefly Titan products; and
• Fire rated board products

With more than 350 delegates attending the three day Expo, including Fire Engineers, Fire Consultants, Architects, Council and Shire Planners, Project Managers, Building Surveyors, Specifiers and university students, Trafalgar had the opportunity to boost its profile with key decision-makers in the industry and update them on developments within Trafalgar.

For more information, please contact Trafalgar on 1800 888 714.

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Haden awarded $14 million Sydney CBD Mechanical Contract

• $14 million project as part of 32-storey office and retail tower development in Sydney CBD
• Project covers installation and commissioning of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems
• Bolsters Haden’s position as key provider of sustainable HVAC solutions

8 October 2008
Haden, a Norfolk Group Ltd (ASX:NFK) company within its Mechanical division, has been awarded a $14 million contract to provide heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems for a 32-storey office and retail tower in Sydney’s CBD.

The development at 420 George Street is owned by Fortius Funds Management and the Lend Lease managed Australian Prime Property Fund, developed by Lend Lease Retail and project managed, designed and constructed by Bovis Lend Lease. It includes two levels of basement car parking, four levels of retail and twenty-eight levels of commercial office space. It is being constructed on the site previously known as MidCity Centre.

Haden’s contract covers the HVAC component for the entire project, including the supply, delivery and commissioning of mechanical services to the commercial office, retail, car park and utilities/service areas.

The project is aiming to achieve a high standard of environmental rating, demonstrating a commitment to minimising environmental impacts and reducing greenhouse emissions in the ongoing operation of the building.

Haden has recently completed other HVAC works at highly-rated Green Star and NABERS Energy projects, including the new Australian Taxation Office building in Canberra and the Darling Park 3 office building in Sydney.

Commenting on the 420 George Street project, David Rafter, Chief Executive of Norfolk’s Mechanical division, said: “This project aligns perfectly with our strategy to offer our customers sustainable solutions, through initiatives like using chilled beams on the perimeter, swirl diffusers and low temperature air.

“Haden’s involvement in the 420 George Street project extends the company’s position as the leading provider of HVAC and refrigeration maintenance services in Australia,” said Mr Rafter.

The expected completion date for the project is 2010 and Haden’s role is effective immediately.

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Is the second golden age of rail upon us?

• Australia’s rail infrastructure industry is expected to receive a $20+ billion injection of funds in the next two decades
• Rail is coming to the forefront in mass transport and freight transport solutions for a number of reasons, including its environmental friendliness, the soaring price of road and aviation transport fuels, and the resources boom
• Rail has the ability to utilise existing infrastructure to improve capacity

19 September 2008
A specialist in Australia’s rail infrastructure industry forecasts over $20 billion worth of major project investment opportunities in the industry in the next two decades.

Rail Engineering Director for O’Donnell Griffin, Mr Francis Dwornik, said this roll-out of major infrastructure works would be required for two reasons:

1 – the requirement to upgrade public transport systems after decades of insufficient investment by government and private sector which prioritised road infrastructure instead.

2 - the boom in mineral exports that requires major rail infrastructure to haul the mined materials from the desert to the ports and world markets.

The $20 billion figure is based on information from leading forecasters and is likely to continue to strengthen from its already robust level, he said.

“The second golden age of rail may be upon us,” said Mr Dwornik. “But it is important to recognise that the infrastructure requirements for passenger and freight, whilst not looked at in isolation, carry very different demands.”

But the reasons why rail is coming to the forefront in mass transport and freight transport solutions are similar: “Rail’s carbon emission levels are low compared to road transport and aviation. This at a time when conventional fuel prices are also expected to continue to rise beyond current peak levels, further jeopardising the economics of road freight and aviation. Meanwhile, in the resources sector, it is essential for rail infrastructure to be improved for optimal mine-to-port delivery during the current resources boom, especially in Queensland and WA.”

Mr Dwornik acknowledged that all transport modes are being hit by overload and congestion, including rail – especially on urban metro passenger networks. The Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics estimates cost of congestion at $9 billion in 2005 and rising to $20 Billion in 2020. This cost is avoidable.

“But rail has the ability to utilise the existing infrastructure and upgrade it via signalling and electrical systems to significantly boost its capacity, along with being able to have substantial new infrastructure added in,” he said.

“In the case of planes and cars, there is a limit to how many more facilities can be added, and how many more carbon emissions can be tolerated, both environmentally and, as we move to a carbon economy, economically.”

In the past few years ODG has worked projects with an end value of $2 billion in Victoria, SA, NSW and WA, specialising in signalling and electrical contracts.

Since 2000, more than $9 billion has been invested in rail including tracks, rolling stock and signalling plant and equipment, he said.

Mr Dwornik said a number of large, multi-billion-dollar rail projects on the immediate horizon in Australia include some $9.5 billion opportunities in NSW, $2 billion in Victoria and $4.7 billion in Queensland, along with the substantial $1 billion South and North Improvement Alliances works involved in upgrading the Brisbane-Melbourne rail corridor, currently underway.

Mr Dwornik said the construction of new mines in Queensland would also drive rail expansions.

Significant investment will continue in the near term, he said.

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O’Donnell Griffin Creates Global Recruitment Drive, Boosts Domestic Intake

• O’Donnell Griffin launches global recruitment program in South Africa, UK, Asia and Europe
• Campaign driven by national skills shortage
• 50 new roles to be filled from overseas in next year
• Domestic intake in next year predicted to be 20-30 per cent

16 September 2008
The national skills shortage in the electrical and rail infrastructure industries has led to electrical engineering group O’Donnell Griffin launching a global recruitment drive to support its ongoing business growth.

O’Donnell Griffin (ODG), part of Norfolk Group Ltd (ASX:NFK), aims to fill approximately 50 skilled roles nationally from overseas within the next 12 months, while also creating domestic partnerships and initiatives to increase the training and recruiting of skilled Australian staff. Thirteen recruits have been brought into the company from overseas in the past year.

Mr David Lee, Chief Executive of Norfolk’s Electrical & Communications division, said the global initiative was necessary to drive the company’s expanding role in rail, mining, power, resources, water, and communications sectors.

“Staff have been recently recruited from France and the United Kingdom for ODG’s rail division, specialising in rail and systems design, construction, engineering and signalling,” Mr Lee said.

“Project managers have been recruited from the UK and we are currently in contact with recruitment agencies in Slavic states, including Russia, focussing on rail signalling design engineers.

“With the national infrastructure industry booming, O’Donnell Griffin continues to roll out major ongoing contracts and to sustain this business growth we require highly skilled technicians, designers, engineers and project managers.”

In the electrical industry sector, skills that have been targeted in the global drive include transmission design, instrumentation, project management and quantity surveyors, with recruits drawn from countries such as the Philippines, South Africa and the UK.

He said that domestic recruitment levels would also be boosted from between 20-30 per cent in the next 12 months depending on the number of projects won by the company.

Senior O’Donnell Griffin managers have been involved in the offshore recruitment drive. Along with visiting recruitment expos, they are also in contact with specialised recruitment agencies and will use social networks, viral marketing and referral systems.

“O’Donnell Griffin prides itself on its 100-years-plus record of maintaining a permanent workforce, a model we prefer over subcontracting. This doesn’t only deliver recurring service revenue but creates the loyal culture of the company which we believe to be a very attractive part of our global drive,” said Mr Lee.

The local skills shortage is a long-term effect of the privatisation of the rail and power industries, said Mr Lee: “When governments owned the rail industry, for example, they had substantial training and apprentice programs in place, with these juniors then graduating up into the broader rail industry.

“As soon as government-ownership ceased, these training systems stopped which the result that there’s been no feeder or top-up system in place at the apprentice level.”

Mr Lee emphasised that O’Donnell Griffin is responding to this issue locally: “We have a great commitment to training our own apprentices and are involved in a number of other programs, including graduate programs for bringing junior engineers on line, and partnering with relevant universities.”

ODG presently has six graduates enrolled in a rail graduate engineer program in Victoria, undertaking post-graduate studies in railway signalling at Central Queensland University, he said.

Recent overseas recruits at O’Donnell Griffin include Mr Rob Vaughan, now Commissioning Manager on the major South Improvement Alliance rail works, recruited from the UK; and Mr Armstrong Apollo, an Electrical Design Engineer, recruited from the Philippines. O’Donnell Griffin is a member of the SIA alliance team – ODG signalling contract works now underway for SIA exceed $100 million.

One of four Filipino engineers recruited by O’Donnell Griffin, Apollo says this global recruitment move by the company actually precipitated a business shift and expansions within the Transmission Division.

“Up to that point, the division had mostly been engaged in major structural projects, using civil and mechanical engineers, but with the four of us involved - two more civil engineers, myself as an electrical engineer and one electronic engineer - it was able to expand on the electrical component of contracts,” Apollo says.

Mr Lee said, “The size and breadth of O’Donnell Griffin and associated brands of the Norfolk Group gives people the opportunity to advance and move within the company so that international and domestic recruits can look forward to an energised career with a stable, expanding company,” .

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‘Very Fast Trains’ possible green solution to Australian mass transport challenges

• Australia will get a Very Fast Train (VFT) service or services in the future
• The most viable and high-priority route is the Melbourne-Sydney route
• Rail (VFT) has outstanding carbon emissions advantage over aviation and road transport, according to latest Australian figures
• VFTs are a proven commercial success in Europe and Japan, strongly impacting the domestic aviation markets, especially as air terminals move to capacity and beyond

11 September 2008
The latest generation Very Fast Trains (VFT) are the long-term solution to mass passenger transport issues such as carbon emissions, capacity problems and rocketing fuel prices, according to leading Australian rail expert Mr Francis Dwornik.

Mr Dwornik, Rail Engineering Director for O’Donnell Griffin, said the latest Australian Greenhouse Office carbon emissions figures for transport showed that mass transit in Australia is facing the prospect of deciding between more air travel and building new rail infrastructure in the face of global warming issues that will be exacerbated by further reliance on cars and aeroplanes.

Mr Dwornik, Rail Engineering Director for O’Donnell Griffin, said the latest Australian Greenhouse Office carbon emissions figures for transport showed that mass transit in Australia is facing the prospect of deciding between more air travel and building new rail infrastructure in the face of global warming issues that will be exacerbated by further reliance on cars and aeroplanes.

He said intra-city rail transport is the first to be addressed, in particular to combat issues related to overburdened rail systems in capital cities, as passenger numbers reach unprecedented levels.

“The next area that will need careful examination is inter-city travel: an area that is currently reliant on aircraft which are creating long-term environmental damage and are inefficient in terms of energy consumption,” Mr Dwornik said.

He said the current Australian figures show that road transport (passenger and freight) contributed 89.6 per cent in total estimated gas emissions from transport, as compared with just 2.2 per cent for Rail.. Aviation contributed only 6.7 per cent but carried only 39.5 million passengers nationally compared to rail’s 616.27 million passengers for the same period (2004).

Mr Dwornik, a long-term advocate for VFT in Australia, said one of the main objections to VFT in Australia had been that population levels could not justify the huge initial capital investment of establishing new VFT infrastructure.

“However, with 6.99 million domestic air passengers travelling between June 2007 and June 2008 between Melbourne and Sydney, as Australia’s most frequented short-haul route, the option is not only now viable but could even be considered environmentally essential,” he said.

For the month of June 2008, according to the latest passenger figures from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Melbourne-Sydney remained Australia’s busiest air route with 543,600 passengers, an increase of 2.7 per cent on June 2007.

“Given that Australia has the highest greenhouse gas emissions per capita in the world (based on the recent figures) and is the third highest polluter per capital emissions from transport, the national approach to transport must radically alter,” Mr Dwornik said.

“For two decades now, very fast rail has been safe, commercially successful and extremely popular in Europe, with even companies such as Air France under pressure to cut down short-haul and domestic flights as rail is favoured by travellers.

“A very fast rail between Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra, would rate very well in terms of travel times, passenger comfort and flexibility, increased baggage capacity and with the bonus of super low emissions.”

A very fast train running at 360 km/h on dedicated infrastructure would complete the journey between Melbourne CBD and Sydney CBD in 4-5 hours, about the same time as a door-to-door flight from the Melbourne CBD to the Sydney CBD.

Mr Dwornik estimated that to develop the rail corridors and build the infrastructure for a VFT could take up to 15-20 years before the first train left Central Station for Southern Cross Station.

By then, Australia’s population (now approaching 21.5 million, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics), is projected to reach 27.2 million and Sydney and Melbourne will be megacities with populations of around 5.3-5.5 million each and nobody knows what the state of the environment will be. (Source: ABS)

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Climate change poses threat to data centres

• Many Australian data centres are already operating at almost full capacity making them vulnerable to overload in a hot summer
• This situation threatens approximately 80 per cent of existing data centres in Australia
• The uptake of thin client computers is putting extra pressure on data centre capacity

22 August 2008
Many Australian data centres will be pushed to maintain operations this summer if there are consistently high temperatures, according to an industry expert.

“If mean temperatures are over 35 degrees for a week or more, then a lot of up to 80% of data centres across Australia face the prospect of shutting down due to unworkable heat loads,” said Mr Glen Lance, Business Development Manager for the Norfolk Data Centre Group, part of the Norfolk Group Ltd (ASX: NFK), which builds and maintains data centres.

With global warming pushing temperatures high across Australia, the likelihood of an extended period of hot weather has increased at the same time as the capacity to cool data centres has decreased with the advent of new high-density computer technology.

“Any data centre that is operating at a cooling capacity of 80-90 per cent already would probably ‘fall over’ at these temperature levels because they simply won’t have the extra capacity for cooling that’s required,” Mr Lance said.

He said the massive levels of power used by data centres was used for maintaining high-density computing and also its mechanical systems of heating ventilating and cooling (HVAC). There is a need to maintain constant operating temperatures.

“This means power capacity is also under the same threat as cooling systems – while the pressure on cooling systems is linked to high temperature, nonetheless in many centres at the moment all the different systems (power and mechanical) are under stress,” he said.

Mr Lance’s warning to Australian industry comes ahead of the Datacenter Dynamics Conference to be held in Sydney this Friday (29 August), where there will be a focus on the heat stresses being placed on data centres and how to combat them.

“As the need for data centres booms, driven by virtualisation and consolidation (creating the need to go to higher-density server systems) and high-density computing, business and government are relying increasingly on massive, centralised data backup services that are in need of upgraded HVAC systems,” Mr Lance said.

He said the Norfolk Data Centre Group was created specifically to deal with the estimated $10 billion that needed to be spent upgrading, rebuilding and creating new data centres across Australia in the next 3-5 years.

Data centres range enormously in size but all are “power-sucking” and heat-generating facilities. They can either be stand-alone or placed within existing buildings which house servers and storage devices that store critical business data. They are reliant on back-up power systems (generators and Uninterruptible Power Supplies, UPS, systems) – to protect data in the case of a power outage – strict environmental controls such as humidity and temperature constants, and rigorous security.

Research by the Norfolk Data Centre Group estimates that 80 per cent of Australian data centres built prior to 2003 face redundancy in the next three to five years with only five per cent of existing centres able to tolerate the enormous heat and energy loads generated by new and emerging data storage technologies.

“The issue facing the majority of existing data centres is that they don’t have enough ‘headroom’, or safety margin, in regard to the capacity of power and mechanical systems,” said Mr Lance.

“Basically, if you’re already running at 80-90 per cent power mechanical capacity and then you have soaring temperatures outside, you just don’t have the cooling capacity of air-conditioning or extra cooling towers to call on.”

Mr Lance said the IT industry’s take-up of thin clients computers - hailed as a ‘green’ IT breakthrough for companies – can increase the demand on data centres by requiring even more centralised storage centres.

“They might save power costs at the desktop and capital costs if they are able to be shared across different employees, but that also means that a company is even more reliant on reliable data centre security,” he said.

Another issue is the time involved in upgrading the data centre services of power and ventilating and air-conditioning (HVAC) facilities, he said: “Switchboards and generators all take time to procure and implement so a centre can’t be upgraded overnight – changes require scoping and and project management over a period of time.”

The Norfolk Data Centre Group is currently involved in working with data centre consultants and owners in boosting power and cooling capacity through the installation of extra electrical and mechanical systems. Some of these installations will take up to four months to complete.

“Data centre owners need to create extra capacity,” Mr Lance said.

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Norfolk awarded $14 million rail signalling project

• $14 million signalling project as part of the Wodonga Rail Bypass Project in Victoria
• Forms part of South Improvement Alliance (SIA), upgrading rail between Sydney and Melbourne
• Norfolk subsidiary O’Donnell Griffin to deliver the signalling component

21 August 2008
Norfolk Group Limited (ASX: NFK), a leading provider of integrated building and engineering services, today announced that the rail division of its wholly-owned subsidiary O’Donnell Griffin, has been awarded $14 million of project work as part of the Wodonga Rail Bypass Project in Victoria.

The Wodonga Rail Bypass is jointly funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments as part of the North East Rail Revitalisation project to improve rail services on Victoria’s north east rail corridor. The Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will deliver the project through the South Improvement Alliance (SIA) in conjunction with its upgrade program of the rail track between Sydney and Melbourne. The SIA comprises the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), JMJV (John Holland, MVM Rail JV) and O’Donnell Griffin.

The $14 million signalling project relates to the construction of a five kilometre deviation around the north of Wodonga, closely following the alignment of the Hume Highway, and is part of the overall standard gauge upgrade between Seymour in Victoria and Albury in NSW.

O’Donnell Griffin’s role in the project includes:

Replacement of the Albury South signal interlocking

New signalling and interlocking from kilometre points 297 to 304

Interfacing to the Junee control centre

New power supply arrangements

Signal junction for the remaining freight sidings at Wodonga

Commenting on the project, O’Donnell Griffin Chief Executive, David Lee said: “The completed bypass around the north of Wodonga will allow for increased line speeds through a reduction in the overall transit distance of the track, and deliver safety benefits with the elimination of 11 level crossings.

“The SIA – in which we continue to play a key role – is aimed at alleviating congestion, removing bottlenecks, and improving freight and passenger capacities between Sydney and Melbourne,” said Mr Lee.

The inclusion in the SIA program of the Wodonga Rail Bypass Project, extends O’Donnell Griffin’s position as a leading rail signalling, electrical engineering and contracting business, with operations in all Australian capitals and a number of key regional areas.

“O’Donnell Griffin Rail is a dedicated division of our business, with unrivalled expertise to support Australia’s growing number of rail infrastructure developments,” said Mr Lee.

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Haden secures BHP Billiton mining operations contract

• Haden wins major service contract at BHP Billiton’s mining operations in Mount Whaleback, Newman
• Contract in line with strategy to boost recurring revenue and exposure to growth markets
• First year of contract valued at over $2 million

24 July 2008
Haden, part of Norfolk Group Ltd (ASX: NFK) within its Mechanical division, has been awarded a services contract at BHP Billiton’s mining operations at Mount Whaleback in Newman, Western Australia.

The two year contract includes the heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration preventative maintenance and emergency services work for the mining operations, and mechanical services work for the process cooling facility, substations and administration offices.

The contract also covers HVAC preventative maintenance and emergency services work for 1,400 houses in the Newman Township owned by BHP Billiton.

The first year of the contract is valued at over $2 million, with the contract set to run until 2010.

David Rafter, Chief Executive of Norfolk’s Mechanical division said: “This contract aligns perfectly with our strategy to increase our recurring revenue and focus on strategic alignment to growth markets such as the booming resources sector.

“The contract has also expanded our geographical coverage with the opening of a new Haden branch in Newman that will allow us to capitalise on other projects and opportunities in the area,” he said.

This project also supports Haden’s strategy to develop long-term and strong relationships with customers.

“It is very exciting to continue our long standing relationship with BHP Billiton which has been in place now for over 10 years. Our strong relationship, the quality service of provided by our technicians, our focus on the lifecycle of the HVAC asset and our responsiveness to customers’ queries – these were all key drivers behind the contract win,” said Mr Rafter.

“At Newman, Haden will be implementing an innovative auditing and reporting system for client assets and occupational health and safety (OH&S); these will be based on our existing systems and tailored for the specific requirements of the site and equipment.”

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Service and safety key drivers in new national contract

• Haden to service major Australian oil company
• More than 700 sites across Australia

24 June 2008
Haden, a Norfolk Group Ltd (ASX: NFK) company within its Mechanical division, has been awarded a national contract with a major Australian oil company to service over 700 sites across Australia.

The one year contract, with a further four year extension, includes the HVAC and refrigeration preventative maintenance and emergency service work for the sites. The contract contributes to the ongoing success of Haden’s focus on recurring service revenue and there are further opportunities for growth with the awarding company.

“The contract demonstrates Haden’s ability to service a nationwide customer. Haden has established a strong relationship with this customer and has demonstrated its ability to provide a high level of service to them,” said David Rafter, Chief Executive of Norfolk’s Mechanical division.

Haden’s commitment to safety, including its outstanding safety record and robust processes were both key drivers in being awarded the contract. Technicians involved with servicing the company have received additional safety training to ensure that we meet the customer’s criteria.

The service work has begun in Victoria and the work extended across the country in June.

“We are delighted to be awarded this service contract and the opportunity to build a relationship with a major Australian oil company. The contract demonstrates Haden’s commitment to national key accounts and our recurring revenue strategy,” Mr Rafter concluded.

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Norfolk Awarded $21 Million Contract by Sydney Water Corp

• SCADA and Telemetry systems to be upgraded on Illawarra and Prospect (NSW) water systems
• SCADA and Telemetry to be upgraded on the Illawarra wastewater system
• In total 70 wastewater pumping stations and 66 water stations to be upgraded
• Contract worth $21 million and to run for 80 weeks

27 May 2008
Norfolk Group Limited (ASX: NFK), a leading provider of integrated building and engineering services, with a number one market position in the Australian electrical services and non-residential HVAC maintenance services market, today announced it had been awarded a $21 million contract to upgrade the SCADA and Telemetry Control (known as IICATS) on Sydney Water Corporation’s Illawarra and Prospect water and wastewater system.

Sydney Water Corporation (SWC) awarded the contract to Norfolk’s wholly-owned company O’Donnell Griffin, a leading Australian electrical engineering and contracting business that has operations in all Australian capitals and a number of key regional areas around the country.

O’Donnell Griffin has secured previous contracts from Sydney Water during the current upgrade activity. This is the biggest and final contract in the program.

The 80-week project will see O’Donnell Griffin carry out work at 70 wastewater pumping stations and 66 water pumping stations in the Illawarra and Prospect regions. The contract entails:

• Renewing equipment in the Illawarra Water and Wastewater System with Integrated Instrumentation, Control, Automation and Telemetry System (IICATS) technology that will deliver a single integrated system with all sites connected directly to the metropolitan IICATS system
• Replacing outdated technology with standard IICATS at Prospect Water Filtration Plant sites

“O’Donnell Griffin has the ability to manage large, complicated projects, and the awarding of this contract is recognition of our capability,” said Phil Tilden, O’Donnell Griffin’s New South Wales State Manager.

“We have worked with Sydney Water in the past, including on some of the other stages of the current upgrade activity, and we understand their needs and those of their customers. For example, while the project is underway water still needs to be fed to consumer taps and we have the capability to manage this,” said Mr Tilden.

Sydney Water operates IICATS, which presently monitors and controls over 1,450 facilities, including water sites, wastewater sites, overflow monitoring sites and pressure monitoring sites.

IICATS encompasses instrumentation, control equipment and site based Remote Terminal Units, which all communicate over a Wide Area Network with centralised Telemetry Computers and workstations to provide advanced operational monitoring and control of the remote Sydney Water assets.

The main Metropolitan IICATS system, comprising some 1300 sites, was delivered in a number of stages between 1995 and 2003 and provides a common set of design standards to simplify and optimise site design, operation and maintenance.

Illawarra IICATS was commissioned in 1994, connecting to approximately 150 water and wastewater assets, using a range of different technologies and standards to those subsequently deployed for the Metropolitan IICATS system. A number of these technologies are now approaching obsolescence.

The Prospect SCADA System was commissioned in 1993 to monitor and control the operation of 11 critical water facilities associated with the Prospect Reservoir and the Water Filtration Plant. The SCADA servers were decommissioned in 1996 and the local Program Logic Controllers (PLCs) were connected to IICATS in 1996 via two gateways. The local PLCs and gateways are now approaching obsolescence.

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Norfolk boosts net profit by 30% to record $20 million; exceeds prospectus forecast

• FY2008 pro-forma NPAT up 30% to $20 million, exceeds prospectus forecast
• Increased pro-forma EBIT by 27.5% to $34.3 million, with EBIT margin increasing to 4.5%
• 61% of gross profit through alliance contracts, maintenance and recurring service contracts
• Declared a maiden dividend of 5.7 cents per share
• Expanded offshore and successfully integrated recent domestic acquisitions
• Targeting 10% EBIT growth in FY2009

27 May 2008
Norfolk Group Limited (ASX: NFK), a leading provider of integrated building and engineering services, today announced a maiden annual net profit after tax (NPAT) of $20 million, or 15.4 cents per share, for the year ended 31 March 2008.

Commenting on Norfolk’s first full-year result since listing on the ASX in July 2007, Managing Director Glenn Wallace said the result exceeded the company’s prospectus earnings, which was underpinned by a focus on quality earnings and was demonstrated through continued margin expansion, despite increased interest costs.

The full-year net profit result rose 30% to $20 million from a year earlier, with earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) increasing 27.5% to $34.3 million. Norfolk expanded its EBIT margin to 4.5% from 3.4% in FY2007 as the company targeted stable earnings from higher-margin maintenance and service contracts.

“Our stated strategy is to focus on improving the overall profitability of the company through the targeting of quality revenue by each of our businesses. We have started to see the benefits of that strategy through the delivery of a very solid result,’’ Mr Wallace said.

The company declared a maiden dividend of 5.7 cents per share, in line with prospectus from the period of listing to 31 March 2008.

During the year, 50% of total group gross profit was derived from maintenance and recurring service contracts, with 11% of gross profit generated through alliance contracting.

Norfolk has a strong balance sheet with net debt of $54.5 million as at 31 March 2008, with sufficient head room for continued growth and a $110 million term debt facility that has more than two years to maturity. The group increased its net operating cash flow by 30% to $34 million from the previous year.

Acquisition & Expansion Highlights

During the 2008 financial year, Norfolk successfully completed a number of strategic, bolt-on acquisitions to expand the footprint of the company in Australia and internationally. Those acquisitions have been successfully integrated into the Norfolk business and include:

• Norfolk Mechanical India (formerly Trans American Airconditioning)
• Gold Coast Airconditioning Services (Queensland)
• The Plumbing Doctor (Canberra region)

Norfolk’s stated strategy to grow organically was also realised through the opening of operations in the following domestic and international regions:

• O’Donnell Griffin: Wagga Wagga, Karratha, Darwin
• Newpower Electrical: Blenheim (NZ)
• Diverse Data Communications: Melbourne, Perth
• Haden: Wagga Wagga, Dubbo
• Norfolk Mechanical India: New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Cochin, Kolkata (new branches since acquisition)

Further expansion during FY2008 included:

• Signing of a memorandum of understanding with an industry leader in property and corporate facility management services
• Expansion of the fire containment product range
• Awarding of new contracts in growth markets such as resources and rail

Division Highlights

Norfolk Electrical & Communications

Norfolk Electrical & Communications continued its focus on alliance contracts during the year which delivered 20% of its total gross profit. EBIT rose 21.1% to $19.5 million and EBIT margin rose to 5.0% from 3.8% in FY2007.

The highlights of Norfolk Electrical & Communications during the year included the formation of a specialised rail business and entering into resource contracts with BHP Billiton in Western Australia as well as with the operators at the Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal in Queensland.

Norfolk Mechanical

Norfolk Mechanical increased EBIT by 25% to $16.5 million from a year earlier, with the division’s EBIT margin rising to 6.3% from 5.1% in FY2007.

Gross profit from recurring revenue rose to 74% in FY2008 – up from 58% a year earlier, with highlights from the division including new contracts to service 40 department stores nationally and 35 sites for a leading Queensland bank. Installation highlights include the completion of the Australian Taxation Office which has a 4.5 star Australian Building Greenhouse Rating, the upgrade to the Cairns Airport and the installation of air conditioning for four new underground stations on the Epping to Chatswood rail line project.

Norfolk Fire & Property Services

Norfolk Fire & Property Services boosted EBIT by 20.0% to $5.4 million from a year earlier, with the EBIT margin rising to 5.1% from 3.9% in FY2007 as the division targeted strong growth prospects in the defence, education, commercial, industrial and correctional facilities industries.

The strategy for the division for the coming year will include leveraging existing customer relationships to market our services and to continue to expand our product offering in fire containment systems.

Outlook

The company is in a strong position to maintain its growth trajectory over the coming year, targeting EBIT growth in FY2009 of 10% and an EBIT margin of 4.5% or greater. Approximately $550 million of FY2009 revenue is underpinned by contracts, work orders and ongoing service commitments as at 31 March 2008.

“We will seek stable organic growth through the strategic expansion of our business across three divisions, plus maintain our focus on alliance contracting and increasing recurring revenue to achieve quality earnings and boost profitability,” Mr Wallace said.

“Further potential bolt-on acquisitions that complement Norfolk, either geographically or technologically, will be identified to boost growth following the recent acquisition of Centre Refrigeration and Air Conditioning in Alice Springs in April this year.”

Mr Wallace said he also expected further organic growth of the group’s Indian operations, and that a memorandum of understanding has recently been signed for a facilities management opportunity in the Middle East.

“We will continue to focus on aligning our business with growth sectors such as the booming resources industry, data centre upgrades and expansion, national rail and power infrastructure, and the increased focus on environmentally sustainable solutions,” Mr Wallace said.

“Norfolk aims to play a leading role in HVAC systems and the refurbishment of existing buildings as companies and governments place a greater focus on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

“The positive outlook for Norfolk is further enhanced by the diversity of earnings across the divisions of the company, our exposure to a number of growth sectors and Norfolk’s broad geographic footprint,” Mr Wallace concluded. 

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Haden Engineering acquires Northern Territory business

• Haden acquires the largest service based heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) company in Alice Springs
• Total investment of approximately $1 million to expand airconditioning business
• Acquisition expected to be earnings positive immediately
• Acquisition boosts national footprint and supports expansion strategy

6 May 2008
Haden Engineering, a Norfolk Group Ltd. (ASX: NFK) company within its Mechanical division, has acquired Centre Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Pty Ltd (CRAC), the largest service based HVAC & R company in Alice Springs.

The acquistion will increase revenue by approximately $2.8 million and is expected to be earnings positive immediately. The acquisition will be funded out of existing cash and banking facilities.

One of the core elements of Haden’s growth strategy is bolt-on acquisitions that complement Haden technologically and geographically. The addition of Centre Refrigeration & Air Conditioning adds to Haden’s national network of branches across Australia, positioning Haden as a major HVAC & R service provider in Australia. It boosts recurring revenue earnings and adds highly qualified and experienced personnel to team.

“The acquisition will enable us to increase our footprint into the Northern Territory, adding to our existing branch in Darwin, to take advantage of strong growth in the area being driven by the mining, tourism and government sectors” said David Rafter, Chief Executive of Norfolk’s Mechanical division.

CRAC is a diverse business that undertakes a variety of service and maintenance activities in HVAC and related services in the Alice Springs region. Its major customers include The Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Environment, Spotless (Department of Defence) and Smimmac.

The company has enjoyed a sound business relationship with Haden for over 10 years, subcontracting its services on a number of Haden’s national accounts. It has earned a reputation for strong management and leadership supported by competent technicians and staff. It is also recognised for being a quality provider, offering premium rate services and strong long term customer relationships.

CRAC’s current owner will become branch manager and the majority of the workforce will transfer over to Haden.

“We are delighted to be keeping the existing team in place and look forward to building on the excellent reputation that the business has earned” said Mr Rafter.

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Haden Wins National Award for Best Apprentice Program

Haden’s Apprentice Program judged best in the industry at the inaugural CoolWorld Industry awards UK Judges praise Haden’s comprehensive training, mentoring and staff support Program highlighted as setting a benchmark for youth training in the industry

28 April  2008
Haden Engineering, a Norfolk Group Ltd. (ASX: NFK) company within its Mechanical division, has won Best Apprentice Program at the 2008 CoolWorld Industry Awards held in Melbourne this week.

Haden’s commitment to ensuring that apprentice training is constantly monitored and reviewed to industry best practice was praised by the judges. “We are thrilled with winning this prestigious award. Investing in our workforce is a priority for us as we believe it results in a stable, experienced and highly skilled team and it starts with our apprentices,” explains David Rafter, Chief Executive of Norfolk’s Mechanical division.

Haden has 172 apprentices in a total Australian workforce of 1,078. Each apprentice is entered into an induction program with added support provided by a mentor. In a decentralised approach, local branch management determines the number of apprentices accepted each year, with the aim of achieving a good representation across Year 1 to Year 4 apprentices.

With over 35 branches throughout Australia, Haden draws on the HVAC&R skills and expertise of a highly specialised workforce and offers this as a great learning tool for its apprentices.

Haden’s team rotation program enables its apprentices to gain a wealth of technical skills and knowledge. It also ensures they continue to be supported by a trusted mentor while being exposed to a range of experienced employees willing to pass on their knowledge. Rotations occur every three to six months, depending on the size of the branch.

In their third year, apprentices have the opportunity to work autonomously, within the scope of competencies that they have achieved as third year apprentices, and are provided with their own vehicle. Through the TAFE system and other industry specific training, apprentices received extensive technical knowledge utilizing internal and external sources.

In presenting the award, the judges revealed how impressed they were with the comprehensive apprenticeship training, mentoring and staff support programs employed by Haden. CoolWorld judge Alan Obrart commented, “The program sets a benchmark for all that youth training should aim to achieve in our industry.”

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Norfolk Mechanical Launches Global Recruitment Plan to Support Growth Strategy

• Norfolk Mechanical launches global recruitment program in South Africa and UK
• Campaign launched to support ongoing business growth
• Goal is to fill approximately 100 roles within the next year

15 April 2008
Norfolk Group Limited’s (ASX: NFK) Mechanical division, Australia’s leading provider of design, installation and maintenance of HVAC and refrigeration systems, duct cleaning, plumbing and pipeline services has launched a global recruitment program to support the ongoing growth of the business.

Norfolk Mechanical aims to fill approximately 100 roles within the next 12 months, which represents a substantial increase in current staffing levels. “This is a significant injection of staff,” said David Rafter, Chief Executive of Norfolk’s Mechanical division. ”Our domestic recruitment will be more generalist in nature; however overseas we’ll be targeting specific skills such as mechanical trades and engineers. In Australia, the trades, in particular, have been aggressively tapped by the booming mining and energy sectors.”

The aim of the recruitment plan is to establish relationships with individuals for future opportunities as well as increase candidate pools. This latter tactic is frequently used by other large Australian corporations but is new to the industrial services sector, according to recruitment firm Cadden Crowe, which is working with Norfolk.

“We are putting these recruitment strategies in place to meet the commercial needs of our business and our customers, so that we have high quality people to sustain continued growth,” said Mr Rafter.

Internationally, Norfolk has identified a number of locations including South Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, Canada and the UK. “These areas potentially offer us candidates with deep expertise in the HVAC industry,” said Mr Rafter. Norfolk launched its new program at recruitment expos in the South Africa and UK in March and April 2008 and plans to expand this drive into other markets.

Haden, a Norfolk Mechanical division company and leading provider of HVAC and mechanical services in Australia, had a presence at the expos in South Africa and the UK through two of Haden’s most experienced managers: Keenan McGrath, Regional Manager of Haden in Melbourne, and Joe Sultana, Regional Manager of Haden, Sydney.

“Keenan and Joe’s in-depth knowledge of our sector made them obvious choices to identify and target potential talent. They worked with the HR team to communicate the Norfolk Mechanical experience to candidates,” said Mr Rafter.

As well as attending recruitment expos, Norfolk plans to use a variety of other tactics including social networks, viral marketing and referrals systems among electrical mechanical trades professionals, said Mr Rafter.

“We believe a key differentiator for us is that we maintain a permanent workforce, rather than subcontract, to support organic growth and our focus on recurring service revenue. Because we have several companies within the Norfolk Mechanical division, it gives people an opportunity for career development and progression through the entire division and not just one company,” said Mr Rafter.

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O’Donnell Griffin grows in generation-to-consumption power market

• Investment opportunities in power industry more than $24 billion in next decade

9 April 2008
The Australian power industry is going through a period of massive investment that requires companies to provide a complete solution, from the generation of power through to its efficient delivery into homes and businesses.

In response to this emerging need, O’Donnell Griffin (ODG) has launched a major initiative to offer a single solution to the issues of generation, transmission and distribution. The solution will will provide a “one stop stop” for electrical infrastructure investment.

The strategic move by ODG has been instigated by Mr David Lee, Norfolk’s Chief Executive Electrical and Communications Division. ODG is part of Norfolk, an ASX listed company.

Mr Lee said the power industry is undergoing a transformation not seen since the 1950s when Australia was transformed from an agricultural economy into a modern industrial economy.

“Around $20 billion has been earmarked to spend on power generation in Australia in the next decade, with a further $4 billion to be spent upgrading the transmission system and this investment needs to be harnessed in the most efficient manner possible,” he said.

As a result ODG, one of Australia’s leading electrical engineering groups, has restructured its operations to focus on the new investment opportunities.

The focus of ODG going forward will be the provision of in-house specialists in design, engineering, managing technical detail, construction and installation.

Mr Lee says these opportunities will increase markedly with the introduction of the cleaner power technologies required to meet the expected tough emission targets for 2020.

ODG is positioning itself strongly in all sectors of the power generation-to-consumption market, he said, partly in response to the effects of deregulation over the past decade that has seen service providers needing to adapt to the new market conditions.

“ODG has had to develop relationships with different stakeholders in generation, transmission and distribution, rather than with just one state-owned utility as was the case before power assets were sold off by some state governments as part of power reform,” he said.

This is particularly important given the current level of consolidation occurring in the industry.

“Overall the electrical industry is required to deal with different stakeholders and different drivers across the three sectors and the more the industry is able to deal with a single service provider the more efficient the outcomes will be,” he said.

Mr Lee said ODG’s cross-industry reputation continues to grow, based on its extensive in-house expertise and its completion of multiple roles on major projects.

“We’re doing power work across the country in all various aspects rail, mining and other industries as well as electrical infrastructure.”

A recent ODG appointment is power industry expert, Mr John Roles, who as National Manager Power Generation is focussed on developing new power generation opportunities for the company.

Mr Roles has a significant history in “total design-and-install power stations”, including involvement in Loy Yang A and B stations and more recently, Huntly Power Station in New Zealand, Pinjara co-generation facilities in Western Australia, and Condong and Broadwater co-generation facilities in NSW.

He is a strong advocate of co-generation and biomass-fuelled power plants as part of a multi-pronged sustainable solution to Australia’s surging power needs.

Mr Roles said the next generation investment opportunities in the industry will exceed $20 billion in the next ten years just to maintain the current level of supply.

“If you take into account the costs associated with environmental issues, the potential of carbon-taxing, and the search for reliable clean renewable energy sources, there could be another $20 billion invested on top of that.

“Even without carbon-taxing and environmental issues, about $2 billion a year needs to be spent nationally on designing, maintaining and operating power stations and its associated infrastructure,” he said.

ODG also continues to build on its decades of expertise in transmission and distribution, says its National Manager, Power Industry Solutions, Mr Andrew Cross.

Current industry ODG projects include $36.3 million contracts at the redevelopment of the coal terminal at northern Queensland’s Dalrymple Bay and a $1 million design contract for ETSA Utilities for Oxiana at Prominent Hill, he said.

“At Prominent Hill, ODG is working with the project team and other key stakeholders to work through complex native title issues and restricted land-use issues (the site is near Woomera),” he says.

“The company is involved in a $1 million contract value for tower and line design, developing a suite of towers for a highly variable terrain that includes sandhills and rocky ground, while also ensuring a reliable lifecycle in this environment of extreme elements. ODG will also be involved in ongoing consultation with the construction team.”

ODG is exploring opportunities around the world in the power market, said Mr Cross, with involvement in powerline upgrade proposals in Brunei.

In Australia there is also significant opportunity for ODG to provide services that boost the efficiency of supply via the upgrading of transmission powerlines across the national grid, he said.

 

O’Donnell Griffin Wins $23 Million of New Contracts at Dalrymple Bay

• ODG wins $17.4 million John Holland contract
• ODG wins $5.4 million Walz Construction contract
• Brings to $36.3 million the value of ODG contracts at Dalrymple Bay

7 April 2008
Leading electrical engineering group O’Donnell Griffin (ODG), part of Norfolk Group Ltd. (ASX: NFK), continues to expand its role in the $1.2 billion Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal redevelopment with the winning of two new contracts totalling almost $23 million at the site.

Current contractual works for ODG at Dalrymple Bay are now $36.3 million. The project, known as DBCT-7X, is based south of Mackay in northern Queensland.

The two new contracts are for $17.4 million of works for the John Holland Pty Ltd and a $5.4 million contract with Gladstone-based Walz Construction Pty Ltd.

These follow ODG’s initial $13.5 million contract at the site for lessee Babcock & Brown Industries (BBI) through site managers, Connell Hatch.

ODG Project Manager, Mr Steve Jago, said the initial works involved a complete high-voltage upgrade of the site in just over 12 months. The works are due to be completed by early 2008.

The $17.4 million contract with John Holland is for five kilometres of offshore conveyors, a new substation within the bay and a 400 metre extension to the existing berth. The $5.4 million contract with Walz Construction is for the onshore component of this extension, including the installation of transfer towers and an onshore conveyor system to deliver coal to the new offshore conveyor system.

“The installation is going to be very demanding because in some areas we are going to be running cables out 30 to 40 metres above the water,” said Mr Jago.

Both contracts are in planning and procurement stages with construction due to begin shortly.

The new contracts follow a distinguished track record for ODG at Dalrymple Bay, with works completed so far meeting stringent time and budget targets while keeping the coal terminal running at near-full capacity during the upgrade, said Mr Jago. This has required careful planning of shutdowns and changeovers, he said.

Mr Enrico Pecora, General Manager of ODG, said the company continues to forge highly co-operative and rewarding relationships with all parties involved in these projects, including BBI, Walz, Connell Hatch and John Holland.

The John Holland contract follows previous works for the company on the adjacent Hay Point Coal Terminal expansion.

“Continued success in the delivery of major mining projects across Australia solidifies ODG’s position as a premium provider of complete ‘mine to market’ electrical solutions,” said Mr Pecora.

This seventh extension (7X) to the Dalrymple Bay coal terminal is part of ODG’s contribution to expanding Queensland’s infrastructure to keep pace with the rapidly developing demands of China and Asia. The upgrade will increase coal-loading capacity by more than 20 per cent to about 85 million tonnes, with completion of the new 3.8 kilometre jetty due by the end of 2008.

The terminal facility handles and outloads onto bulk carriers thousands of tonnes of coal a day transported via electrified railway from the Bowen Basin. The upgrade addresses ongoing backlogs and bottlenecks in outloading the coal.

 

Staff Training A Key to Staff Retention at Haden

12 March 2008
The current talent shortage has affected the way companies recruit and retain staff. Employers are finding it difficult to keep up with the tight candidate market and candidates are finding themselves in a better position than ever to negotiate. Haden Engineering, a Norfolk Group company and one of Australia’s leading non-residential HVAC maintenance providers, is addressing this industry-wide issue by implementing strategies for staff development and initiatives to both retain and attract new talent.

Organic growth and investing in employees is a core company commitment at Haden. The company promotes its national foot print and its commitment to apprentices as a way to attract candidates to its business. Of its 800 employees, 183 are apprentices and trainees. Haden supports its apprentices throughout their training period and offers incentives to those who choose to become dual traders through flexible arrangements,with individiuals..

Haden also has additional internal training and educational programs for professionals, partnering with professional organisations such as Engineers Australia. This promotes the professional career development of Haden’s design engineers. Further to this, Haden supports the ongoing development of its senior people in the completion of their Masters in Business Administration and the National Certificate IV in Business for their front line managers. Employees have the opportunity to keep their professional qualifications up-to-date in order to adapt to new demands and challenges as well as underpinning the continuous development of Haden’s intellectual property. 

Haden’s recent restructure of the construction and service departments has helped Haden to answer customer demand while benefiting staff development by providing employees with new opportunities to take on more challenging roles and specialise in a particular field.

Haden’s training and development initiatives also extend overseas. This year, Haden plans to send skilled Australian chiller technicians to its sister companies in India. They will conduct classroom and on-the-job training in several locations including Mumbai, Pune and Bangalore.

Haden has also developed strategies to ensure that the core values of the company are understood by and align with all employees. Integral to this is the four day COSMIC value program. The COSMIC program consists of educating staff on: Customer commitment, Our People, Success, Management Experience, Integrity and Communication

Milan Stanojevic, Divisional HR Manager (Norfolk Mechanical) says that “It is essential that all employees in the business are involved in the process of communicating the company’s core values.

Each employee of Haden will be involved in the COSMIC program, linking people into the core values and emphasising our dedication to our people.” said Mr Stanojevic.

Haden also offers flexible working options, mature-aged workers scheme and a fly-in fly-out option if workers are working on a site away from their residence.

Employees and organisations face an ever-changing business landscape in the mechanical industry and Haden realises that for an organisation to be competitive it must ensure it puts in place effective and meaningful strategies to attract and retain their best people.

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O’Donnell Griffin completes electrical infrastructure for SSR project in Perth

21 February 2008
Leading rail infrastructure company O’Donnell Griffin (ODG), part of Norfolk’s Electrical and Communications Division, has completed the critical electrical infrastructure for Australia’s largest new rail line – Perth’s $1.56 billion Southern Suburbs Rail Project.

The project was officially opened in late December 2007 and extends the South-west Metropolitan Railway, another 69 kilometres, from Perth to Mandurah.

ODG’s role included the management, design, procurement and construction of the Traction Power, Signalling, Communications, Overhead Lines (Construct Only) and LV Power Systems.

Commissioned by the WA Minister for Transport, the Public Transport Authority and project managers New Metro Rail, the rapid transit regional railway links local communities via strategically spaced and purpose-designed transit stations.

As the principal sub-contractor, ODG completed contracts of a final estimated value of $102.96 million, including signalling communications traction power and overheads and management, procurement and installation works.

ODG’s major suppliers were Ansaldo Rail Signalling equipment, Siemens OHL and TP equipment, Olex Cable Supply, Nexans Cable Supply and Silcar Communications.

The works took place between the start of February 2006 and 23 December 2007, with more than 300 people employed by ODG on the project. More than 550,000 man-hours are estimated to have been used to complete the ODG component of the project.

“O’Donnell Griffin’s record on the project, fulfilling substantial and demanding requirements in a complex environment attests to the company’s growing strength and credentials in the rail sector,” said Mr David Lee, Chief Executive of Norfolk’s Electrical and Communications Division. ODG is part of the Norfolk Group, an ASX listed company.

The project’s completion follows ODG’s announcement last month that it has formed Australia’s first independent specialist rail division – O’Donnell Griffin Rail. The new dedicated rail division will be targeting major contracts as part of the $23 billion currently earmarked for national rail infrastructure development in the next 10-15 years.

SSR links to the existing rail network via the tunnel that connects from Narrows Bridge in the South via Esplanade and William street underground stations, via the Roe Street dive to the existing Northern suburb lines. The project required linking the new line to the underground system built in central Perth and necessitated the complete shutdown of the rail system for four days in November.

Mr David Howe, General Manager O’Donnell Griffin Rail, said “The most challenging part of ODG’s involvement in the project was the logistics of building a rail network in the middle of a freeway and transportation of 300 resources to different work fronts across 70 kilometres of construction site”.

“This task became even more difficult once the track had been laid as the only access to a majority of the rail was via a purpose-built Hi-rail plant.”

The project work-site for ODG was in excess of 70 km long by 40m (max) wide, Mr Howe said. Personnel had to work in between the lanes of Kwinana Freeway, Perth’s major freeway, making safety processes and management crucial.

Overhead and signalling modifications had to be carried out to the existing, operating rail system in the Perth Yards to integrate with the new Mandurah line. This meant dozens of isolations and major shut-downs over a 12-month period.

All up, 750,000 metres of cable was laid by ODG on the project, with 500,000 metres of overhead lines installed, with 2200 masts supporting the overhead line system. There are 160 new and 10 upgraded signals.

Two electrical 132kv to 25kv sub-stations substations were built as part of the project, said Mr Howe, one at Glen Iris and one at Parklands, with 25,000 volts running through overhead cables.

The completion of the SSR means that a journey from central Perth to Mandurah will take about 60 minutes, and 44 minutes to Rockingham. There will be an expected 30,000 passenger journeys each day.

Mr Howe said it was a credit to ODG’s project management that the large $100-million-plus contractual works were completed to the final scheduled date, and in an intensive multi-partnership environment.

“We would like to take the opportunity to congratulate those employees that were part of the SSRP team. Their efforts have lead to the successful completion of the project” said Mr Howe.

Aside from the SSRP, ODG’s recent projects include BHP’s Rapid Growth Project – Rail, Regional Fast Rail (Victoria) and the Southern Alliance rail and signalling upgrades from Sydney to Melbourne, with rail work in recent years contributing towards the sustained growth of the business.

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