Purpose

The two main objectives of the proposed works are to:

• meet the additional accommodation requirements of DEWR which have been significantly affected by the implementation of the Workplace Relations Reforms (WRR), and expiration of and existing sub-lease arrangements; and
• maximise space efficiencies made possible by larger floor plates on offer at 29-31 Brindabella Business Park (BBP), DEWR will take advantage of the opportunity to collocate currently fragmented working groups.¹

Need

DEWR currently occupies 13 buildings across the ACT, located in Civic, Turner and BBP. These buildings range in condition and size, and total approximately 48,800 square metres.²

Recent Government policy reviews relating to WRR has led to staff increases of approximately 44 staff in the DEWR National Office by June 2007.³ Accommodation pressures are further accentuated by the expiration of an existing sub-lease of approximately 2,400 square metres at the Allan Woods Building (AWB), Civic, with no further sub-lease options available as part of the sub-lease agreement. Approximately 135 staff are currently accommodated at AWB.⁴

Scope

The scope of the proposed fit-out includes:

• main entry foyer and security guard reception point;
• secure lift foyers to each floor;
• security access control to all perimeter doors (swipe controls);
• mailroom services including isolatable integrated mobile personal storage systems;
• functional sized meeting rooms strategically located on each floor to maximise space efficiency;
• small/large meeting facilities;
• video conference and conference facilities;
• IT and general training rooms;
• large amenities room for large staff forums and semi-formal gatherings of staff;
• break-out areas strategically positioned to make best use of available space;
• carers, first aid and prayer rooms;
• kitchenettes and larger sit-down meal areas;
• storage, utilities and compactus areas;
• loose furniture;
• IT/communications, data and power cabling;
• lockers; and
• heating ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems.⁵

Project Delivery

Subject to parliamentary approval, DEWR, through its appointed project managers, Interiors Australia (IA), intend completing stage one (approximately 4,300 square metres) of the fit-out during December 2006, with the remainder of the tenancy being occupied during February 2007.⁶

DEWR anticipate being able to absorb the short term growth within its existing accommodation and not unnecessarily exhaust Commonwealth funds on additional leases that essentially will not be fully realised.⁷

DEWR considered the optimal solution available for managing this fit-out process was for DEWR to have a single point of contact for all issues, from project initiation to completion of the defects liability period, while providing a cost and risk effective solution.⁸

Cost

The estimated cost of the proposed works is $15.1 million. This figure includes:

• fit-out works;
• workstations;
• loose furniture;
• services;
• fees;
• contingencies; and
• escalation.⁹

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 1.1.9 Back

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 1.1.6 Back

ibid, paragraphs 1.1.6-1.1.7 Back

Appendix C, Submission No. 1, paragraph 2.8.2 Back

ibid, paragraph 2.23.1 Back

ibid, paragraph 1.6.2.2 Back

ibid, paragraph 1.5.2.4 Back

ibid, paragraph 2.21.3 Back