Category Archives: Infrastructure

The contract was to assist the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council in delivering flood recovery works under the Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) Flood Recovery Program. These works formed an important part of restoring and improving essential transport infrastructure following flood impacts across the region.

The scope of works includes the grading of approximately 17 kilometres of road, resealing damaged road shoulders, and undertaking a range of additional minor repairs to restore safe and reliable access for the community.

This project has also generated meaningful local employment, engaging approximately 20 local workers and supporting skills development within the Mapoon community.

We are proud to have the opportunity to work alongside the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Council and the wider Mapoon community to deliver these important recovery works and improve the safety, resilience, and accessibility of their road network.

Working in collaboration with Cook Shire Council, an upgrade to the Eastern Approach of the Wenlock River Causeway in Far North Queensland has been successfully delivered.

Each wet season, the Wenlock River Causeway’s Eastern Approach becomes inundated and heavily damaged, restricting safe access for freight and local traffic to the Lockhart River community for extended periods. Fully loaded freight and material haulage vehicles have historically experienced bogging and mechanical failures due to steep gradients, unsuitable ground conditions, and underground springs—often requiring recovery support from Weipa, resulting in significant delays and disruption.

To address these long-standing challenges, the project delivered approximately 220m x 8m of reinforced concrete pavement along the Eastern Approach of Portland Roads Road.

Scope of Works included:

• Earthworks to reduce slope incline
• Replacement of unsuitable subgrade
• Installation of subsoil and wick drains
• Concrete pavement construction
• Concrete and rock drainage lines
• Batter benching
• Road signage installation

The upgraded approach significantly improves all-weather accessibility, providing safer and more reliable access for the Lockhart River community and freight operators, particularly during the wet season when the route is most vulnerable.

As a key access point for both commercial and recreational users, the Cullen Point barge ramp plays an essential role in maintaining coastal connectivity for the Mapoon Aboriginal Shire Local Government Area. Given its importance and exposure to increasingly severe weather conditions, a targeted upgrade was delivered to improve resilience, safety, and long-term functionality.

The works involved constructing a substantial rock wall adjacent to the existing ramp, providing enhanced protection against wave action and storm events.

Construction included night works, supported by dedicated crocodile spotters to ensure safe operations within the tidal environment. The project also created employment opportunities for around 20 local Indigenous workers during construction.

These improvements have enhanced structural stability and delivered a safer, more reliable launching environment for vessel operations in all conditions.

Beyond the physical works, the upgrade delivers important community benefits. The facility is now better positioned to support emergency evacuations during extreme weather events and improve the reliability of essential supply chains, including food and fuel delivery throughout the wet season.

We were also proud to give back to the local community through the donation of a Quintrex 420 Renegade fishing boat to the 2025 Barra Basha and Paanja Dance Festival, supporting cultural celebration and community engagement.

Overall, the Cullen Point upgrade strengthens a critical piece of regional infrastructure, enhancing everyday access, local employment outcomes, cultural support, and emergency preparedness for the Mapoon community.

Originally scoped as a reseal following the 2022 flood damage, the project scope changed significantly once the asphalt was removed and the full extent of the underlying conditions was exposed.

It was then identified that both the pavement structure and subgrade had failed, requiring a complete redesign of the pavement profile and associated subgrade remediation.

Carruthers Contracting has further assisted in the Surat Basin energy market with the construction of Helicopter Pads at the Windibri and Kenya locations for QGC. The challenges of sourcing suitable materials to meet specifications were reflected in Carruthers’ procurement systems to achieve desired outcomes in remote locations in the region. Other factors impacting the delivery were allowance for helicopter specifications; and its application. In addition to this, existing site infrastructure and peripheral items were also considered for safe delivery of this infrastructure.

Completion of carpark upgrade featuring 131 parking spaces for improved vehicle movement, pedestrian safety and drainage upgrades to reduce the likelihood of flooding – all whilst preserving native vegetation. Required for the change, disciplines included: layout, kerb and channel, footpath realignment, pavement & asphalting placement and landscaping.