Introduction

Queensland Alumina Limited (QAL) is the world’s largest alumina refinery, producing some 3.95 million tonnes of the world’s best smelter grade alumina per year.
The refinery covers 80 hectares of a 400-hectare site on the south-east outskirts of the city of Gladstone.

Asplundh was contracted to clear vegetation for a new 6km, 33kV power line for a new Residue Disposal Project.
It was mutually agreed from both a price perspective and efficiency viewpoint that machine clearing was the best option. The work was to be conducted in an area that was environmentally sensitive with some very rare saltwater vegetation and habitat trees that had to be preserved. Beside the easement and within the fall zone there existed a pipeline which was an integral part of the QAL process.

Snapshot

The client’s EMP was very detailed and some 168 pages in length. Asplundh’s work plans, OH&S and environmental plans were stringently assessed by QAL prior to approval and our being awarded the contract. Workers undertook a vigorous medical and induction process and the works and the worksite were constantly monitored by QAL environmental and OH&S staff over the term of the project.

A specialised 16 tonne Komatsu Excavator fitted with a fixed flail groomer head and a rubber tired 500 HP tractor fitted with a fixed flail mulcher were used in conjunction with appropriately skilled tree workers and ground laborers. Timber was mulched on site with the mulch evenly distributed across the cleared area.

Results

The works was completed within the scheduled time and without environmental damage or safety incident. Asplundh has since been contracted by QAL for further tree works on their Gladstone property.

Dave Taylor Project manager for QAL had this to say on completion of the project. "Asplundh had a good knowledge of their business in pre award discussions and assisted QAL with the job execution and planning. The work was completed with NO safety issues, injuries or incidents.The work was well coordinated, with an appropriately skilled workforce and plant selected for the task. Asplundh workforce and supervision performed their roles efficiently and the work was completed on schedule. Asplundh demonstrated they know their business and I would recommend them for future work of this nature."

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