Chapter 2 The Proposed Works

Purpose

2.1                   The proposed extension of the CSIRO Minerals Laboratory at Waterford, WA is intended to:

n  provide accommodation for an additional 30 staff;[1]

n  provide improved amenities for staff, students, collaborators and visitors;[2]

n  replace existing sub-standard seminar and canteen facilities;

n  redress current inadequacies in respect of storage and technical support amenities;

n  improve efficiency and communication among staff students and collaborators; and

n  create safe, consolidated and accessible accommodation for research instruments.[3]

2.2                   The enlarged Minerals Laboratory, together with developments proposed by CUT, would be part of a proposed new 40-hectare Western Australian Technology Precinct (WATP).[4]  It is anticipated that the proposed works would be

 …the first step toward the creation of a world-leading “Minerals Research and Education Centre” at Waterford, built upon existing close collaboration between CSIRO, Universities, Cooperative Research Centres and Industry.[5]

Need

2.3                   The proposed work has been necessitated chiefly by the continued increase in staff numbers at the Waterford facility.  CSIRO attributes this increase to:

n  the great success of hydrometallurgical research;

n  increasing engagement with the Australian minerals industry and continued CSIRO investment;

n  the growing demand for, and prominence of, minerals research in WA;

n  the recent renewal of the Parker Centre for a further seven years; and

n  future anticipated growth in staff numbers to meet the hydrometallurgical research needs of the minerals industry.[6]

Options Considered

2.4                   CSIRO considered three options for delivering its project objectives.  The preferred option is to remain at Waterford and expand existing facilities to

n  accommodate the Division’s growth; and

n  facilitate collaboration with research and education peers.[7]

2.5                   The option to close the Waterford site and relocate to an alternative CSIRO site in Perth was rejected because:

n  there would be considerable expense associated with the establishment of new wet chemistry laboratories, which are extant at Waterford; and

n  operational benefits gained from collaboration with other CSIRO divisions were not deemed to be as valuable as the opportunities for collaboration with mineral processing peers at Waterford.[8]

2.6                   The option to take no action and retain existing facilities was also rejected, as it would:

n   not meet accommodation needs for increasing staff numbers;

n   not address inadequacies in the current level of amenity for staff; and

n   hinder planned growth in minerals and chemistry research.[9]

Scope

2.7                   The CSIRO proposal involves the construction of extensions and alterations to the existing Minerals Research Facility at Waterford, Perth, WA, and associated site works.[10]  Specifically, the project entails:

n  development of a new single-storey wing on the southern side of the Koch Building;

n  a three-floor extension to the eastern side of the Koch Building;[11]

n  an extension to the western end of the Becher Building;[12]

n  reconfiguration of and alterations to the interior of the existing buildings;[13]

n  associated landscaping and site works;[14] and

n  extension and upgrade of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and fire services as required.[15]

2.8                   The proposed works would comprise the development of some 3,200 square metres of extensions and 550 square metres of alterations to existing facilities.[16]

 Project Delivery

2.9                   CSIRO intends that the project would be delivered under a lump sum contract following a tendering process conducted among prospective building contractors.  Subject to parliamentary approval, it is anticipated that construction would commence in early 2006 with completion in 2007.  The CSIRO submitted that project delivery would be staged to minimise disruption to divisional operations.[17]

Cost

2.10               The total estimated cost of the proposed works is $12 million.  This figure includes escalation, contingencies, professional fees and authorities’ charges.  It does not include GST, staff relocation, furniture, fittings and equipment.[18]