80,000 Trees Planted at Gateway Motorway Extension

Issue Date:  12 December 1996
Issued By:  Thiess Contractors Pty Limited

Thiess Contractors is currently planting 80,000 native trees, shrubs and grasses along the Gateway Motorway Extension from Rochedale to Drewvale.

The massive tree planting is part of Thiess' Environmental Management Implementation Program (EMIP) designed to reduce the impact of the project on the surrounding area.

The Gateway Motorway Extension borders Karawatha Forest and Scrubby Creek and stringent environmental design has successfully minimised impact on these two important areas.

Thiess Project Manager, Terry Bulmer said Thiess obtained specialist advice for development of the EMIP from Ison Environmental Planners. The EMIP covers key environmental elements including water quality, dust control, noise pollution, waste minimisation and erosion prevention.

"We have ensured that the environmental elements of this project are being responsibly addressed," said Mr Bulmer.

"All employees and subcontractors on the project are made aware of their responsibility to protect the environment at the time of site induction and regular audits are carried out to measure performance. Every month water quality and dust levels are measured against established guidelines".

"Recent media reports have associated us with other companies allegedly involved in illegal waste disposal practices. Thiess is in no way associated with these companies or the reported events. The responsible approach to environmental management adopted by Thiess meets the rapidly changing requirements for today's construction industry".

Mr Bulmer said he was confident that the team of consultants, employees and subcontractors working on the Gateway project would produce a new standard in major road construction which would be a showcase for the future.

The Motorway is expected to be open to the public by mid 1997, providing an opportunity for motorists to bypass the City from Ipswich to the Sunshine Coast.

Released by Thiess Contractors Pty Ltd
ACN: 010 221 486

For further information contact:
Barbara Ferry-Smith
Thiess Communications Manager
Ph: (07) 3275 8578
Fax: (07) 3275 8634