The New South Wales government aims to achieve a groundbreaking milestone by ensuring that 50 per cent of the contractors for the construction of a waterfront park are women.
The new 1.1-hectare Bank Street Park in Pyrmont is the first project in New South Wales to proactively target a goal of 50 per cent of women in construction, up from the 12 per cent average.
Infrastructure NSW is working with head contractor BESIX Watpac to achieve a minimum target of 40 per cent and a minimum stretch target of 50 per cent of women working on the project.
Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said: “This project is also a shining example of our commitment to increasing women’s participation in the construction sector. 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.”
The new waterfront park will connect the soon-to-be 15-kilometre continuous harbourfront walk from Woolloomooloo to Rozelle Bay. The Women in Construction pilot program aims to address the under-representation of women in the construction industry and support a long-term increase in women’s participation across the sector.
Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison said: “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.”
