The Western Australian government's Byford Rail Extension Project has recently marked a significant milestone surpassing Aboriginal procurement targets and offering a template for the for long-term engagement of Aboriginal-owned businesses on infrastructure projects.

Central to the initiative has been a partnership with HazRad, an Aboriginal-owned waste management company designed to bring about a sustainable approach to environmental benchmarks and the involvement of Aboriginal enterprises on Country.

This collaborative effort is not just about meeting the immediate needs of the project but also about fostering long-term growth and capabilities within the Indigenous business community.

Flavia Melo Tarmo, Metronet's Senior Sustainability Advisor, highlights the mutual benefits of this collaboration.

"Working with HazRad has allowed us to share knowledge and best practices in sustainability, helping both the project and HazRad to grow. This partnership is a prime example of how we can achieve more by working together," they said.

From HazRad's perspective, the challenge of meeting high sustainability standards has opened new avenues for skill development among its workforce.

David Reddie, HazRad's General Manager, notes, "The process has been challenging but rewarding. It has pushed us to expand our capabilities and adapt to new standards, which is invaluable for our future projects".

The Byford Rail Extension Project also reflects a broader commitment to Indigenous participation as outlined in the Metronet 'Gnarla Biddi Strategy'.

The project has consistently and significantly exceeded its targets for Indigenous business involvement, awarding contracts to 19 registered Aboriginal businesses, doubling its initial goals.

Moreover, the project's impact on Indigenous employment is noteworthy, with more than 70 Aboriginal individuals engaged across various capacities, including direct employment and traineeships. This effort not only contributes to the project's success but also to building a skilled Indigenous workforce within the community.

Western Australia's Byford Rail Extension Project serves as a compelling example of how infrastructure development can support both environmental objectives and meaningful social inclusion.

Aboriginal businesses being encouraged to register for future Metronet work by visiting Metronet's Construction Business Register.