Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands in South Australia is a large remote and sparsely populated area, with a road network that is critical for the wellbeing of the local communities.

To improve the resiliency and condition of the roads, Downer undertook significant road rehabilitation and upgrades of 30kms of road between Kaltjiti (Fregon) and Umuwa. A total of 310,000m² of pavement was upgraded, incorporating 65,000 tonnes of material across a 10-metre-wide formation. Bituminous surfacing works covered 240,000m² with ancillary works including minor realignments, guideposts, signage, and line marking to 3.5m lane widths. The upgrades built up the road surface and improved its ability to withstand flooding, while improving safety.  

With safer more resilient roads that are less prone to flooding, the local communities enjoy better connectivity, more reliable delivery of goods and services, access to training and employment, improved emergency services access, and reduced wear and tear on vehicles.  

A key feature of the project was Downer’s exemplary project and logistics management, which included a 30-person temporary camp in the remote Umuwa region, fully sufficient with fuel, water and catering. The project exceeded its commitment to Indigenous engagement, achieving 33% local labour participation, with that alone a huge achievement.