Decmil enters alliance with native title group

Construction and contracting group Decmil Australia has joined forces with the Goolarabooloo Jabirr Jabirr native title claim group in Broome to pursue work opportunities in the Kimberley, including at the proposed James Price Point gas development.

The five-year agreement will target government, private and resource project opportunities and key performance indicators include measures benefiting indigenous education, training, business development and employment.

The claim group has established Nyimarr Limited as its commercial entity focused on creating sustainable business opportunities.

Decmil managing director Ray Sputore said the alliance would result in long-term benefits for regional communities and would bolster the company’s growth strategy.

“The signing of the strategic alliance agreement is a result of two years’ close collaboration between the parties to develop a business model which supports the creation of employment options, training and long-term aspirations of traditional owners,” Mr Sputore said.

“Nyimarr has staged plans to develop wholly owned indigenous industries over the next five to 10 years.

“Housing, training facilities and related services will be areas we can work together and Decmil will provide the experience to deliver.”

Nyimarr chairman Wayne Barker said the decision to enter a joint venture with Decmil was made after being satisfied of the synergies between the two entities.

“The traditional owners have worked hard to establish this pathway for success and we wanted to develop a model that shows the creation of sustainable indigenous economies is possible,” Mr Barker said.

“Decmil has the project delivery track record but also understands the social aspects and cultural dimensions.”

Mr Barker, a Nyimarr director, representing Traditional Owners for James Price Point was nominated to manage the interests of his people and their lands during the proposed Browse (James Price Point) LNG development.

Mr Barker said he believes the benefits arising out of the Browse development will result in the creation of sustainable Indigenous industries. 

“In partnership with Decmil Australia the Nyimarr Board has identified a series of projects aimed at offering our people financial independence and opportunities which will last long after the resources boom. We want to empower regional communities by creating training and employment options,” Mr Barker said.

“Through training, mentoring and hard work, the Nyimarr Decmil Strategic Alliance has the potential to be a model for other remote communities and we feel Decmil Australia is the right partner to help us deliver on the promises to our people,” Mr Barker said.

At close of trade today Decmil’s stock was up 2.7 per cent, to $2.24.