The NSW Government has announced a first-for-the-state stretch target of having 50 per cent women contracted to deliver the new bank Street Park in Pyrmont.
The new 1.1-hectare waterfront park on Bank Street will surround the southern pylon of the iconic Anzac Bridge and is the first project in NSW to proactively target a goal of 50 per cent women in construction, greatly exceeding the 12 per cent average.
The Women in Construction pilot project aims to address the underrepresentation of women in the NSW construction industry, challenge perceptions and support a long-term increase in women’s participation across the sector – an imbalance that limits diversity, reduces the available talent pool, and makes it harder to meet the state’s infrastructure needs.
Infrastructure NSW is working closely with head contractor BESIX Watpac to achieve a minimum target of 40 per cent and a stretch target of 50 per cent women working on the project.
The public park will be the first green space delivered in the revitalisation of Blackwattle Bay, an exciting urban renewal opportunity that will transform over ten hectares of industrial land into a sustainable a world-class harbourfront destination.
The new waterfront park will be a key connecting piece along the soon-to-be 15-kilometre continuous harbourfront walk from Woolloomooloo to Rozelle Bay and is positioned on the doorstep of the new Sydney Fish Market.
NSW Minister for Lands and Property, Steve Kamper, said that this new waterfront park at Blackwattle Bay is the first piece of green space in the renewal of Blackwattle Bay, which has been locked off to the community for decades.
“This project is also a shining example of our commitment to increasing women’s participation in the construction sector,” Kamper said.
“The team set to build this stunning new waterfront park has a target of 50 per cent women including women in leadership, a fantastic initiative to help expand our construction workforce.
“We are prioritising the delivery of public space, so the community reaps the benefits ahead of the renewal of the old Sydney Fish Market site.
“I look forward to seeing the local community, recreational boaters and tourists from interstate and overseas use this new harbourside park alongside the stunning Sydney Harbour.”
NSW Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison, said that this contract is a step in the right direction towards boosting gender diversity in the building and construction sector.
“We want to see big changes in gender equality in the construction industry and we want to see it happen as quickly as possible,” Harrison said.
“Through procurement, the NSW Government can increase women’s participation in construction, which is an essential step for building a workforce that reflects our diverse community.
“We know there is more work to be done, but projects like this will encourage industry to think outside the box to ensure more women are entering and thriving in the construction industry and see it as a long-term career.”
BESIX Watpac Chief Executive Officer, Mark Baker, said that having collaborated extensively with NSW Government on many key community-shaping projects, BESIX Watpac is delighted to be working with Infrastructure NSW to deliver the transformative Bank Street Park development, converting it into a vibrant active waterfront precinct for the community to enjoy.
“BESIX Watpac’s signature collaborative approach, deep technical expertise and strong local networks will be instrumental in managing the project’s complexities and objectives – including stakeholder interfaces, adaptive re-use, existing assets, First Nations cultural elements and heritage integration – while working closely with Infrastructure NSW to deliver industry-leading female participation and social legacy.”
