Providing complex infrastructure solutions with vision
In recent years, the infrastructure industry in Australia has been booming, and current trends have shifted in government funded projects allocating work to primarily larger companies. Projects like these often require specialized skills that are just too complex for even large organizations to carry out. Focusing on smaller, specialist contracts within much larger projects are where Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure has capitalised on its strengths within the industry.
Founded by Michael Boyle in 1994, Abergeldie does complex engineering projects throughout Eastern Australia with its mission being to deliver the complex infrastructure needed to build better communities. This focal point has guided the company’s development, starting with a single office in Sydney and expanding throughout eastern Australia. Abergeldie’s operations began in Sydney working on small, complex civil infrastructure projects such as bridges, dams, and marine works and the number and scale of projects kept growing. Headquartered in Regents Park, Australia, Abergeldie employs nearly 200 people and presently has offices in Townsville, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney and Canberra and Auckland.
As Vice President, NSW, Civil Contractors Federation of Australia since 2009 and a member of the CCF Board since 2008, Boyle’s civil engineering career started in 1985 with major contractors Dillighams, White Industries, Thiess and Costain. Boyle worked on mining, marine and large infrastructure projects in Australia as well as in England and Scotland. His roles included field engineer, site engineer, project engineer, and project manager.
Boyle spent 15 years with some of the major civil contractors in Eastern Australia. He created Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure because the major contractors in Australia targeted larger projects. “I decided to take on the smaller but still significant and multifaceted projects. Says Boyle. He felt that there was an opportunity for taking on more complex work that called for “a more adaptable approach to project planning and management.” Boyle’s attention to engineering detail has given him the ability to access and deliver specialist expertise and become a recognized industry leader.
Completed projects include the Dendrobium Mine ventilation shaft which posed a significant challenge being located within the environmentally sensitive Sydney Water Catchment area. Abergeldie fulfilled the specific environmental site requirements by employing comprehensive environmental control and monitoring systems.
The ventilation shaft was constructed using blind boring and remote lining methods. Abergeldie designed and constructed a 4.25m finished diameter lined shaft 186m deep.
Another milestone for Abergeldie has been repair work to Queensland Sugar Limited’s five kilometre long jetty and bulk sugar loader at Lucinda, 150 km north of Townsville. The sugar loader was damaged in 2011 by Cyclone Yasi, a project valued at $33 million. Nearly all of the work was carried out at heights, over water, up to 5 km out to sea as well as under water, demolishing and repairing unstable, damaged structures, services and equipment. “We’re very proud of the result” says Boyle “it’s a significant project for us in Queensland working in the barrier reef with various constraints. We had impeccable safety performance and completed the project within the six month deadline, just in time for the sugar harvest to be loaded.”
Abergeldie’s innovative work is reflected in the diversity of projects they take on. “We focus on the more complex projects. We’ve got a team of people pretty adaptable to work their way through whatever project is at hand. We have very good systems and procedures in place.” When it comes to serving their various clients, a high regard for safety, quality and environment as well as solid financial and project management remains in the forefront of their business operations.
Current projects include the OHL-Abergeldie Schofields Road Upgrade Joint Venture to upgrade a 2.1 km stretch of Schofields Road between its intersections with Windsor Road at Rouse Hill and Tallawong Road at Schofields in western Sydney, replacing the existing two lane road with a four lane dual carriageway. Related works include realigning Tallawong Road and The Ponds Boulevard at their intersections with the new dual carriageway and to accommodate future construction of the North West Rail Link. There will be an installation of new traffic signals at the intersections of the new road and three cross streets and replacing an existing creek crossing with a two new 35.2m long, twin span bridges.
Abergeldie undertakes the construction of a diverse range of complex infrastructure for communities using a combination of their loyal and multi-skilled work force coupled with their known and trusted subcontractors.
“A core of good people is Abergeldie’s greatest competitive advantage,” says Boyle. Their emphasis on staff training and on-the-job mentoring of new staff goes well beyond the industry norm “Having a high-calibre team, you can meet and exceed your clients’ expectations and we do.” Exceeding client expectations also wins them respect among peers and recognition with industry awards.
Recently, Abergeldie took two awards for their work at the Civil Contractors Federation NSW Earth Awards which took place in Sydney. With three projects submitted for an award, The V8 Supercars Year 4 Set Up in Homebush, the Access Bridge at Burrinjuck Dam for State Water and the Ventilation Shaft at the Ulan mine for Xstrata, the three projects showcased the diverse capabilities of Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure. On August 23 2013, Abergeldie was also a recipient at the CCF QLD Earth Awards winning both categories submitted for their work on the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal and Redbank Creek Crossing Bridge. The winners from the state branch awards head to Melbourne in October to be considered for national recognition in their categories.
Abergeldie also contributes to the development of sustainable communities by partnering with charitable organisations and supporting local business that aim to strengthen and diversify the regional economies.
Abergeldie’s success is attributed towards quality outcomes and their commitment to building better communities.