BGC transforms Bennett Street

B U I L D I N G S U C C E S SWinter 2004BGC transformsBennett StreetThis issue:2 BGC transforms Bennett Street3 Len’s brick plant4 WorkSafe Gold Certificate4 New contract award -Koolyanobbing Mine Site5 Blokpave deemed ‘Most Outstanding’at Expo5 DAD National wins South WestSmall Business Award twoconsecutive years6 Construction starts on 2004metropolitan Telethon home7 Olive trees survive the bulldozer7 HIA Kitchen and Bathroom Awards8 J-Corp appoints new headof designBGC BULLETIN is producedfor employees and friends ofBGC (AUSTRALIA) Pty LtdABN 62 005 736 005

Foreword by John DunkleyJohn Dunkley, CEO BGC ContractingOne of the things thatattracted me to join BGC inDecember last year was it’sdirect relationship with it’swork force and it’s ability towork without third party(union) involvement.BGC Contracting, since it’sinception in 1973 as the GeneralBulldozing Company, has been,and continues to be, primarilyinvolved in contract mining andconstruction work associatedwith the resource sector.As CEO of the business, Ihave been involved within thissector in both construction andmining since 1965, commencingwith the construction of thefirst Hamersley iron ore mine atTom Price.One of the things thatattracted me to join BGC inDecember last year was it’s directrelationship with it’s work forceand it’s ability to work withoutthird party (union) involvement.This position, in terms ofmainstream contractors in ourindustry is unique to BGC.Most resource projects are basedon the export of raw materials,ie iron ore and liquefied naturalgas, with little secondaryprocessing such as steel makingor down stream processing ofnatural gas and petroleumliquids. The projects have beenmainly delivered under projectlabour agreements involving theAWU, AMWU and CEPU.Whilst the CFMEU waspreviously excluded from theseagreements there have beenproject delays due to industrialstoppages, even though theagreements strictly prohibit theseimpediments. Where BGC hasbeen involved, BGC employeeshave continued to work evenwhen site stoppages have beenordered by the unions.Over the years manyresource projects, particularlythose involving value addingdownstream processing, have notproceeded because of citedreasons which include, delays inthe approval process, land accessissues, debate between the Stateand Federal Governments overinfrastructure funding, taxtreatment for major projects,cost of construction labour, theappreciating Australian dollarand uncertainty of the deliverydate due to the poor industrialrelations record of the unionsinvolved.Many clients areendeavouring to make projectseconomically viable by importingthe majority of their processingplants from overseas and thusavoiding the high cost ofAustralian labour. Whilst this isnot ideal, most would contendthat it is better to have a projectbased on imported goods thanno project at all. However thereare still the political issues, thedollar exchange rate,construction labour costs andcertainty of delivery.Certainty of delivery hasnow become a bigger issue sincethe ACTU has now brokered adeal with the unions whichrequires the CFMEU toparticipate in future resourceprojects. The track record of theCFMEU speaks for itself! This isof great concern to our industry– a view shared by many of ourAustralian and internationalclients.Whilst the political issuesand dollar exchange rates arebeyond the control of BGC, itoffers a well paid workforce thattakes pride in its workmanshipand is as productive as possible.Thus BGC can assist in reducingthe capital cost of projects andoffer certainty of delivery. BGCwill not be a party to projectlabour agreements with theCFMEU and will continue itspath of a direct relationship withits workforce.BGC Contracting relies on aviable resource industry and acommitted workforce to ensureit’s future.BGC transforms Bennett StreetLocated in East Perth and constructed back in 1968, 6 Bennett Street was a derelict former WesternUnderwriters office building, and had been vacant for at least five years.Today you’ll find 6 Bennett Street completely transformed into a highly desirable office building. In addition,next door at 8 Bennett Street you’ll discover a brand new 7,000sqm building, the first seen on the Adelaide Terracepart of the CBD since construction was completed on the Durack Centre in 1987. All of this after just 14 months ofconstruction work!Both buildings have surprisingly good river views from virtually all levels.The floor plate of 1,604 sqm at 8 Bennett Street is a huge attraction, providing a large rectangular efficientshape with natural light on all 4 sides.The standard of finish in the bathrooms and kitchens is amongst the highest in Perth, including Perth’s premiumoffice towers such as QV.1.The fitout of the kitchens in the new building is outstanding, with dishwashers, ovens and cook tops allprovided.The buildings also offer unrivalled carparking facilities, with availability at levels that most CBD or West Perthoffices can only dream of. There are 286 carbays available for tenants, under-cover short term and public parking,and all with excellent security.BGC have appointed Andrew Denny of CB Richard Ellis to handle the leasing of the buildings.Mr Denny said, “In a depressed office leasing market the buildings are attracting an unprecedented level ofinterest. We are likely to have competing offers to lease for some of the areas.We have had a long association with BGC, and have worked on the leasing of the BGC Centre, 28 TheEsplanade for the last 16 years, as well as other office and industrial leasing work, and valuations.”Bennett Street – stunning interiors and views2

Len’s brick plantThe following article is reproduced with permission fromThe West Australian.Len Buckeridge reckons he has the answer to Perth’s brick shortagesitting in a Kewdale warehouse.There, in thousands of parts sprawled across about 6000 sqm of floorspace, is a high-tech plant which the BGC chief shipped from EastGermany last year in more than 400 sea containers.Mr Buckeridge claims that when assembled, the plant would be themost modern and efficient in Australia – using half the gas of some ofPerth’s older brick plants and producing significantly fewer emissions.While some rival manufacturers had dismissed Mr. Buckeridge’s brickmanufacturing plans as a bluff designed to reduce the cost of bricks forBGC – one of Australia’s biggest home builders – Mr Buckeridge yesterdaygranted The West Australian exclusive access to his new plant.He also claims it will produce bricks much cheaper than the prevailingPerth prices, which have been inflated by the housing boom and caused atleast one brick maker, Austral, to import bricks from the Eastern Statesand Malaysia to meet demand.But Mr. Buckeridge blames environmental red tape for the fact that hisbrick factory, which he estimates will be worth about $75 million oncompletion, is gathering dust in the Kewdale warehouse.While he is yet to lodge a formal application for his brick plant, hisbeef is that the Department of Environmental Protection will demand afull public environmental review process and thus expose BGC to rent-acrowdobjections.“They (the DEP) should just issue a standard works approval,” saidMr Buckeridge. “The DEP is just the dregs of marginally qualified zealotswho do everything in their power to delay things as long as they can.”Armadale was one potential site being considered by BGC, thoughLen uncovers his brick plantthat has already sparked protests from environmental lobbyist PaddyCullen, who has formed a group called Brickworks Get Out Now.The brick plant is important for Mr Buckeridge because bricks are theonly building products not already manufactured by his private BGCGroup, which generates annual revenues of about $1.2 billion. “It means Iwon’t be dependent on anyone else for anything,” he said.Mr Buckeridge said Planning and Infrastructure Minister AlannahMacTiernan had shown a willingness to get the brick plant establishedbecause she appreciated the gravity of the brick shortage in WA.Ms MacTiernan said yesterday that while she was happy to work withMr Buckeridge, a well-known Liberal Party benefactor, to find anappropriate site for his new brick plant, BGC would not be able to avoidenvironmental scrutiny.Ms MacTiernan said the environmental approval process was verysite-specific. “What might be acceptable on a sand plain might not besensible in a catchment area,” she said.B U I L D I N G S U C C E S S 3

BGC in Moora for the long termFrom left to right: Tim Abrahams, Mick Corbett, John Dunkley, Minister Hon. John Kobelke,Greg Haylen and Nina LyhneWorkSafe Gold CertificateOn Thursday 18th March 2004 The Honourable John C. Kobelke,Minister for Consumer and Employment Protection; Indigenous Affairs;Minister Assisting the Minister for Public Sector Management, presentedBGC Contracting’s Chief Executive Officer, John Dunkley, with aWorksafe Plan Gold Certificate. The Certificate recognising BGCContracting’s commitment to occupational safety and health.WorkSafe Plan certificates of achievement are presented at three levels.Silver Certificates for organisations meeting minimum standards. GoldCertificates are for organisations demonstrating good progress toward abest practice approach to safety and health management, and PlatinumCertificates are for those organisations that achieve highest standards.To obtain a WorkSafe Plan Certificate of Achievement, anorganisation must also show that their rates of work-related injury anddisease are reducing or being kept at low levels.The Certificate of Achievement remains valid for 3 years subject toannual written confirmation that the organisation continues to meetinjury/disease rate criteria, in accordance with the WorkSafe Plan process.The presentation of a WorkSafe Plan Certificate of Achievement doesnot mean that organisations are relieved of their responsibilities underoccupational safety and health laws. A Platinum or Gold Certificateacknowledges the organisation is demonstrating the commitment andmanagement practices that occupational safety and health laws promote.A Silver Certificate acknowledges substantial progress in the developmentof these practices.Congratulations to Mick Corbett, Corporate Services Manager, TheSafety, Quality & Environment team and all employees of BGCContracting. Achievement of the Certificate resulted from thecommitment of everyone to a safe working environment.The Buckeridge Group ofCompanies has expanded it’sMoora operations and in doingso has relocated to the TootraStreet light industrial area. In theshort time that the company hasbeen in Moora it has seensignificant growth resulting inthe requirement for more spaceto accommodate it’s transportand concrete operations.Manager Joe Fitzpatrick said thecompany has made a substantialinvestment in the town and theyare there for the long haul.In keeping with companypolicy wherever possible, localcontractors and suppliers wereused for the April 1st relocation,exactly five years after thecompany first established itselfin Moora.The assistance and cooperationgiven by themanagement and staff from theShire of Moora, wasinstrumental in ensuring that themove to the new industrial areawent smoothly, and mostNew Moora officeimportantly met the time frameavailable.Ron Howe, in his position asfleet controller, ensures thatclients’ needs are met withregard to grain and fertilisermovements.The concrete batching planthas been completely reassembledon the new site, and isnow fully operational with plantsupervisor Michael Lewislooking after clients’requirements.Mr Fitzpatrick said the newsite is a stepping stone to BGC’sfuture expansion in the district.“The company is expandingat a rapid rate due to a strongand reliable client base and thededication of the 13 staff, allwho live in the town andcontribute to the community invarious ways,” he said.Article and photo ‘CourtesyCentral Midland and CoastalAdvocate’New contract award - Koolyanobbing Mine SiteSpecialised minesite built road trainIn April this year BGC Contracting commenced haulage of iron ore at Koolyanobbing and already they havereached their first milestone by delivering 50,000 tonnes. The Koolyanobbing Site contract will last for 5 years andis located approximately 50kms north east of Southern Cross, Western Australia in an environmentally sensitivearea. This means particular care is needed to protect the Mallee Fowl and Tetratheca Paynterae plants.The contract covers the loading, hauling and tipping of iron ore from the northern tenements (Mt Jackson,80kms and Windarling, 100kms) to the Koolyanobbing processing plant. Also included in the contract is roadmaintenance, management of water supply pumps and distribution locations. Initially a Greenfields operation,new infrastructure and haulage terminals needed to be developed. Total contract volume is estimated to be 14million tonnes.Up to 8 specialised minesite built roadtrains will haul product over a 24 hour double shift period to meetschedule requirements. Payload of each load will be in the vicinity of 185 tonnes and satellite tracking is used tomonitor the locations of the haulage units.4

Yet anotherBlokpave award!Perceptions Telethon Home raises the benchmarkConstruction starts on 2004 metropolitan Telethon homeConstruction has commenced on the 2004 Perceptions Telethon home at Brighton Beachside Estate, Jindalee,north of Perth.A modern, contemporary styled home with an ‘earthy’ feel, this eye-catching design in it’s much sought aftercoastal location, is set to raise the benchmark on what is Telethon’s biggest fundraiser.Designer Steve Radalj and the Perceptions design team have embraced the challenge of creating this functionalyet striking home anticipated to raise more than half a million dollars for the special children of Western Australia.“This is Perception’s sixth Telethon home, and each year we seek to set a new standard in both design andfunctionality. It is a welcome challenge for us, and I know I speak on behalf of all company employees when I saythat it is also an extremely rewarding one,” he said.The home has a stunning sand rendered facade with a random patterned stone feature and cedar lined portico.Comprised of four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, the design features several ‘spotlight’ areas includingrecessed display areas, and an internal rockery and ornamental garden.Several vantage points overlook the garden area and below ground pool, including the balcony leading from theupstairs activity room, the main bedroom and the timber lined alfresco day lounge.All bedrooms are of generous proportions, with no space spared in the interests of luxury, and bathrooms andkitchen are equipped with only the finest fixtures and fittings.J-Corp Executive General Manager Paul Arndt says that without the assistance of suppliers, the home could notbe possible.“Our major partner in this project, the developers of Brighton Beachside Estate at Jindalee, has provided aprime block of land situated just 30 minutes north of Perth. It is the fourth time we have had coastal land to buildon, and this block is particularly exciting as the interest in Jindalee has been enormous.“Other partners who have made a significant contribution include Midland Brick, BGC Building Supplies,CASF for their contribution of Corian benchtops, Ford and Doonan Air Conditioning and Exclusive Pools.“For their assistance we give our heartfelt thanks and look forward to a result that we can feel not only proudof, but one which we know adds an enormous contribution to the enrichment of needy children’s lives in WesternAustralia,” he said.Greg Haylen (left) receives his Fellowship Certificate from the WA Division Director of EngineersAustralia, Rupert GraystoneCongratulationsto Greg HeylenGreg Heylen became aFellow of the Institution ofEngineers Australia. Theinvitation to become a Fellow isrecognition of the contributionhe has made to the profession, aswell as his experience on the job.He joins a group of Fellows inWA that comprise some 6% ofthe total membership. He alsojoins John Dunkley as the onlyother Fellow in BGC. Well doneGreg!Blokpave has also beenpresented with an award for theHIA (WA) Greensmart Productof the Year at the annualGreenSmart awards held inApril.The award was presented forBGC Blokstone recycledretaining wall blocks, which wasconsidered to be the productwhich best embodiedGreenSmart principals and hasalso has a practical use in theresidential construction industry.These blocks are made fromwaste recycled from buildingsites, which would normally endup as landfill.According to BillSwerlowycz, Technical Manager,the production and sales teamshave both played integral partsin the success of the product.“The production teamdeveloped the appropriate designmix and manufacturingparameters, and the sales teamhas actively promoted theproduct to key developers for usein a large number of estates,where the use of retaining wallsare a fundamental feature,” hesaid.“The production of theseblocks allows not only for asubstantial reduction in materialsentering landfill sites, butcontributes to the sustainabilityof building materials used inresidential home building,” headded.For more informationon BGC Blokstone, call1300 360 344.Bill Swerlowycz receiving the Greensmart award6

HIA Kitchen and Bathroom AwardsThe HIA Kitchen and Bathroom Awards were recently announced withaccolades bestowed on the following companies in the correspondingcategories:National Homes:WINNER of the Display Home Kitchen project $150,000 – $250, 000The Providence at Southern River.FINALIST – Display Home Kitchen project $150,000 – $250, 000The Matrix at Stirling.FINALIST – Display Home Kitchen of the YearThe Providence at Southern River.Perceptions:WINNER – New Kitchen Project - The Moresby, Iluka.WINNER – Display Home Bathroom Project – The Moresby, Iluka.FINALIST – Display Home Bathroom Project – The Princeton, Stirling.FINALIST – Display Home Kitchen Project – The Avignon, Canningvale.FINALIST – Display Home Bathroom Project – The Watervale, Atwell.Impressions:FINALIST – New Kitchen Project up to $10,000Pisces, Clarkson.FINALIST – Display Home Kitchen Project $100,001 – $150,000The Belvista, High Wycombe.New Brisbane officeThe continued success ofBGC Contracting’s Queenslandbranch has recently lead to theestablishment of a Brisbaneoffice. The new Brisbane Officecontains all BGC’s civiloperations Management,Estimating, SQE, BusinessDevelopment and Administrativesupport staff and will enablesignificant benefits to operationalefficiencies. Similar support forthe Mining operations willremain in the establishedMackay Office.The tremendous effortexpended by Gordon Edwin, inestablishing the Brisbane officewithin the time frame, has beengreatly appreciated by all thestaff now working in our newoffices.The BGC Brisbane officeconsists of 2 levels of a 3 levelbuilding and is situated withinthe heart of Fortitude Valley.The location affords easyaccess to Clients and Consultantsin CBD or surrounding areaswhilst also allowing easy accessto Brisbane Airport and PublicTransport.John Dunkley, Greg Heylen,Trevor Cook, Jack Heron andGarry Rochow gave the thumbsup to the new offices duringtheir respective visits toBGC’s new Fortitude Valley offices.Queensland recently.Relocations of staff fromMackay has gone well and bothnew staff and long term staff aresettling in to their respectiveroles in their new environment.As Peter Beattie (Premier ofQueensland) regularly states“Queensland beautiful one day,perfect the next”.Projects have continued tobe won in Queensland, since thelast bulletin article, consisting ofCivil works at German Creek,Hail Creek, Targoola, Gove(NT), and plant hire at BlairAthol with Mining also beingvery busy at Hail Creek.Prospective futureopportunities in Queensland,NSW and Northern Territory areconstantly being discovered andthe estimating department canexpect an extremely busyschedule in the foreseeablefuture.Lucky olive trees – now lining the fence at BGC’s Hazelmere complexOlive trees survive the bulldozerAround 25 olive trees recently received a reprieve from the bulldozer,thanks to the consideration of Len Buckeridge.Around a year ago, Len discovered that the olive trees in Canning Valewere to be bulldozed to make way for subdivisional development.“The trees were at least 30 years old and the timing could not havebeen worse as they were bearing fruit and it was the middle of summer,”said Ric Lewis, BGC Hazlemere Depot Manager.“Len was not to be daunted however, and after receiving permissionfrom the developer, he organised a group to relocate the trees fromCanning Vale to the BGC complex in Hazelmere. Over a period of severalweekends, the trees were excavated from their existing location, wrappedup in wet hessians, loaded onto trucks and transported to Hazelmerewhere they were replanted along the fence line on Bushmead Road,” hesaid.The group’s careful nurturing paid off.All but two of the trees survived. And, as a good indication that thetrees are thriving in their new location, a good crop of olives was recentlyharvested with the first of many jars of olives pickled by Frank Italiano’sMum, being delivered back to Len.Professional Development Programfor graduate engineersOn Wednesday the 10th March 2004, BGC Contracting and theInstitute of Engineers gathered together for a morning tea and to sign offthe Professional Development Program established between the twoparties for the civil engineer graduates.This program has been set up principally for the young engineers nowparticipating. Young engineers from other parts of the business arewelcome to participate. As part of their development, each Graduate willhave to include experience in: Estimating, Construction (on site) – Civil,Quality Assurance, Safety, Environmental and Project Management duties.It is expected that this will be achieved over 3 years. At the end of theprogram, all graduates will be eligible to apply for corporate membershipof the Institute of Engineers, Australia.Many of the senior managers in the Civil department as well as theCEO of BGC Contracting attended the Morning Tea. These gentlemen willassist the graduates in their development in the roles of managers andmentors.B U I L D I N G S U C C E S S 7

J-Corp appoints new head of designArchitects Institute of Australia(RAIA) in conjunction withBruce Arnold architects.In 1994, Ross won therefurbishment project for theSydney Boulevard Hotel, wherehe project managed and designedall public areas and bedrooms.Other award winningprojects that he has beeninvolved with include Manhattanapartments and the Auroraapartments on Goderich Street,which won an award forbuilding excellence issued by theHousing Industries Associationof Australia and aCommendation award by theRAIA (WA Chapter) for theNational Centre for CSIRO atTechnology Park in Bentley,whilst with CCJ Architects.As Head of Design, Ross willbe responsible for the designdirections of Perceptions andImpressions, along with theirRoss Sta. Mariasubsidiary companies.He feels that his role asJ-Corp has announced a new design facilitator for the groupGroup Design Manager, with the will involve utilising the talentsappointment of Ross Sta. Maria. of each of his team members,Ross obtained his degree in and identifying new trends andApplied Architectural Science in directions for the companies they1980. Inspired by the then Head represent.of the Curtin University InteriorRoss feels that his goal is toDesign Department, Duncanlead the design team to createPhillips, Ross began his career in ‘exceptional housing designs thatArchitectural and Interior Design will pave the way for Australianwith Lees International, where housing in the future’.he specialised in retail design.“The current team of young,Ross commenced histalented designers is welcomingprofessional career with thethe challenge to create affordableInteriors Group for Puddy Lee excellence in house designs, thatarchitects, now the Spowersrange from first homes to luxuryGroup and won jobs such as The homes,” said Ross.Malaysian Airlines building“Amongst several newrefurbishment on William Street display homes targeted for nextand the refurbishment of theyear that the group is currentlyPerth International airport.working on, are the ‘DreamThe ‘Bay 57’ airport bar won a Home’ in Olive Ridge, Sinagracommendation award in theand The Telethon Home inInteriors category by the Royal Jindalee, Brighton.BGC residential’s IN magazinereceives mixed reviewsBGC Residential’s second edition of IN magazine was delivered toWestern Australian homes in the Sunday Times on Easter Sunday, receivingrave reviews from advertisers and the general public, but criticism frombuilding company competitors.According to BGC Residential Managing Director Julian Ambrose,claims from the Alcock Group that the magazine is ‘misleading anddeceptive’ and ‘leads readers to assume that it is a Sunday Times feature’were amusing.“First and foremost I must point out that we have adhered to theAustralian Association of National Advertisers Code of Ethics in theproduction of this document.”“We consider Mr Alcock’s complaint coincidental given that it has beenour view for some time that his own advertising appears to be deceptive andmisleading. For example, recent advertisements in The West Australiandepict a list of so called ‘features’ that his brand offers that no other builderdoes. This gives the purchaser the impression that other builders load theprice whereas his brand does not. Furthermore his advertisement suggeststhat a dollar value be attributed to his unproven claim to be WA’s mostawarded builder.”“The In Magazine is clearly labelled as a BGC Feature. We believe thatMr Alcock’s complaint is frivolous, mischievous and motivated by hispersonal gain,” he added.According to Stratawise spokesperson Ted Hughes, the companyreceived more than 80 calls in the days immediately following the release ofthe magazine from investors motivated by the story which appeared.Advertisers are singing the praises of the publication also, with confirmedsales from their ads.Brett Raponi, Business Development Manager with Dorf Clark claimsthat they have been delighted with the result from their ads which haveappeared in both editions of the magazine.“I have been at a retail outlet and seen customers walking in with ourads torn out of the magazine, wanting to buy the product. That’s about asresponsive as it gets, so we know that the ads are working!”The next edition of IN magazine is currently in production.Congratulationsto Rino MarsalaRino Marsala celebratedtwenty years of service to BGC inMay. As BGC Residential’s Headof Research and Design, Rinoleads a team of talented designerswho have consistently shown theiraward winning aptitude throughthe creation of outstanding homesin the BGC range.Rino started his career withLes Friday and National Homesas a draftsman in 1984 and hasmade his way up through theRino Marsalaranks to hold the principal designposition today.Congratulations Rino, andthanks for your contribution tothe BGC Group.For your contribution to the next BGC Bulletin or for a copy of the new BGC corporatebrochure please contact Pat Kierath on 08 9261 18408B U I L D I N GS U C C E S S