A sensitive approach to the mating habits of frogs and possums helped J&C Reid Earthmoving (JCR) win Victoria's premier award for excellence in earthmoving.
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| Rex Hunt resents the award. |
JCR won the Civil Construction Federation's 'Case Earth Award' for its successful installation of a high voltage power cable to Mt Hotham through rugged high country including parts of the Alpine National Park.
JCR was contracted by TXU and Enetech to install 34km of cable from Springs Saddle to Maryís Slide with some of the construction being completed using a helicopter.
The company was one of several involved with the $9 million project between November and May this year.
Business principal Jason Reid said he was honoured to be presented the award at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Melbourne in August.
"We took every care to ensure maximum protection for the environment," Mr Reid said.
"The project also had to be completed within time and budget allocation."
ìWe consulted widely with stakeholders including political parties, government departments and water authorities.î
"This process involved producing video documentation of machinery impact on vegetation and regrowth, discussion to allay concerns and implementation of measures to address these concerns."
"These measures included restricting the easement to three metres, which made the placement of cable drums a logistical challenge."
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"We investigated using helicopters to overcome the problem. As the drums weighed five tonnes each a special helicopter had to be found and the operation took place on the morning of Boxing Day last year."
 Mr Reid said another sensitive issue was to avoid disturbing the mating seasons of the endangered green spotted tree frog and pygmy possum. Construction was halted during the mating seasons.
Mr Reid said the company had worked hard to maintain effective communications with stakeholders.
Steering committee meetings were held monthly with management from statutory bodies such as DNRE, Parks Victoria and Catchment Management Authority.
Works committee meetings took place on Monday mornings and were attended by site supervisors from Enetech, TXU, Parks Victoria and DNRE.
These meetings were in addition to 'toolbox' meetings, held on a daily basis, where OH&S and environmental issues were discussed with people from JCR, Parks Victoria.
"We forged a close working relationship with all parties, which ensured the efficient and environmentally sensitive installation of the cable," Mr Reid said.
"All parties have expressed their appreciation and thanks."
Importantly, the project was completed on time and within budget.
"Weather in the high country can be changeable, but work was only held up for a few days due to weather," Mr Reid said.
"Once the installation was midway along the route an on-site camp was established to house and feed employees. Not time was lost for injuries."
The company is now in the running for a national award.
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