Downer and Bama help close the gap in far north Queensland

23/10/2018

Downer and leading Indigenous business, Bama Services, are working together to deliver major infrastructure for the Peninsula Development Road in Cape York.

The Downer-Bama partnership will improve the accessibility, safety and reliability of transport infrastructure for the local community. It will also develop the skills, capability and experience of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, leading to a greater sense of empowerment as well as employment opportunities.

General Manager of Infrastructure Projects at Downer, Jeff Bowser, said that working closely with Bama has created real jobs and upskilling opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Our partnership with Bama is a tangible demonstration of the sustainable positive outcomes achieved through strong relationships.

“We are proud to be taking an active role in creating long-term sustainable value, benefits and choice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through a practical approach,” said Mr Bowser.

General Manager of Bama Services, Ranjan Rajagopal, said the partnership with Downer is enabling the development of local Indigenous skills, capability and employment opportunities in the civil construction industry.

“The delivery of these major packages of work in close partnership with Downer has enabled Bama to take huge leaps forward.

“The commitment Downer has made is unprecedented, and sets a high watermark for what the private sector can do to help ‘close the gap’.

“The experience, professionalism and know-how Downer has nurtured and developed in Bama has enabled us to realise our potential and achieve our aspirations. Our staff have the opportunity to improve their skills through Downer’s in-house training, secondments, coaching and mentoring from experienced leaders,” Mr Rajagopal said.

The Downer-Bama partnership is in the final stages of delivering the 10 Mile Creek and Duck Holes Creek packages of work, which is expected to be complete by the end of the year.

Pictured is Dion Creek, Director of Bama Services (far left) and Ranjan Rajagopal (far right) with the Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion (middle), who recently visited the site and recognised the project as an example of leadership in Indigenous involvement in infrastructure projects.

(Source: http://www.nigelscullion.com/)