Improved monitoring for ACT construction projects

The ACT Government has strengthened its monitoring processes for the construction of capital works following a review of oversighting procedures, the Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Jon Stanhope, announced recently.

The government commissioned the review to identify areas for improvement following the collapse of the Barton Highway Bridge during a concrete pour in August 2010. The review found the ACT’s delivery processes were sound, however there was scope for improvement in the monitoring of some temporary works, in particular for critical activities.

Stanhope said all recommendations from the review would be adopted and a number had already been implemented, adding: “Measures will be put in place to strengthen the monitoring and verification of the design and construction of false-work, such as false-work for bridge construction. These changes will further strengthen the ACT’s rigorous project delivery processes which have successfully delivered billions of dollars worth of capital works in recent years. The government is determined to do what it can to prevent similar accidents in the future.”

Among the recommendations adopted are additional audits of quality assurance compliance and more stringent checks and reviews of design and verification procedures.

A broader investigation into the cause of the bridge collapse is being prepared by WorkSafe ACT. The findings of the review will be published online at www.tams.act.gov.au/.