The biggest current construction project in Sutherland Shire, the building of the Replacement Research Reactor at Lucas Heights, is about to deliver millions of dollars to the local region. Up to 150 workers will work on the site at its peak period of construction, which is expected to be within the next 12 months or so.
In addition, off-site employment will lead to further job opportunities. More than half the total project cost will be spent in Australia.
The $300 million project dwarfs other recent high profile construction projects in the area such as construction of the Woronora Bridge, which was completed in February 2001 for $47 million.
Work started in early April 2002, and around 40,000 cubic metres of sandstone have already been moved by workers using heavy machinery. Numerous subcontractors are set to move-in for the more intensive construction stage.
Project Manager, Greg Whitbourn said that a number of staff from the project partners have moved to nearby suburbs to work on the project, which is due for completion in 2005. The project designer and constructor is the Argentinian company INVAP, which has engaged Australian alliance partners John Holland Construction and Engineering Pty Ltd and Evans Deakin Industries Limited.
"As well as bringing new employment, the construction phase will stimulate the local economy. A number of the workers on the project have been chosen for their scientific capability and we expect many of them to stay when the project is commissioned," he said. "The Replacement Research Reactor represents a key part of Australias scientific infrastructure, which will assist in keeping Australia at the forefront of advanced technology, and attract researchers from universities and educational institutions from around the world."
The sandstone from bulk excavations has been moved to a site east of the construction area and will be sown with grass to create an additional firebreak. There are a number of potential uses for the resulting artificial plateau.