Earthmoving and Road Construction Civil Contractors

In 1983, when Malavoca originally commenced operations, Mandurah was but a twinkle in the developer’s eye. Now, less than 25 years ‘down the track’, this highly desirable coastal town, just 80 kilometres from the CBD, is the destination of choice for increasing numbers of commuters anxious to take full advantage of improved road connections including the Perth to Mandurah rail link.

With easy access to the ocean, Mandurah boasts some of the most innovative and exciting canal developments in Australia. Port Bouvard, Mariner’s Cove and Port Mandurah exemplify everything that is best about creative use of land, and the sensitive integration of urban development and leisure facilities within the context of waterside living. Mandurah’s futuristic vision has rapidly transformed into the reality we see today, and this in no small measure due to the expertise of Malavoca which has been largely responsible for most of the earthwork and canal development in the area. The company’s work has been rewarded with numerous awards for excellence.

While the overall scope of Malavoca’s operations throughout Western Australia is extensive – and includes urban and rural land development, road building, airport runways and mining site earthworks - it is marine/canal-building expertise that has really set the company apart from the pack. Since the 1990s, the construction team has been working non-stop on Mandurah projects with one crew (and quite often two) on a vast range of project stages including the completion of the Port Bouvard Canal Projects.

Marine and Canal Civil Engineering Works

There are special challenges involved in any canal project, but these are greatly increased with the proximity of the sea. For example, excavation for the Port Bouvard development was carried out some four metres below Peel Estuary level. The canal building process follows a number of distinct steps, each of which has to be carefully and systematically engineered:

1. Formation of coffer-dam. An earthwork barrier (‘bund’) is created to separate the proposed canal system from open water so that excavations can proceed in dry conditions.

2. The dewatering process: heavy duty pumps work 24/7 to keep the estuary at bay.

3. A series of EPA approved settlement ponds enable the pumped, turbid water to be managed well away from the canal structure. At the end of the project the resulting sludge is removed and cleaned. The pits are then filled with fresh, dry backfill. In some cases, the porous nature of limestone requires additional, innovative engineering solutions. One of the key strengths that Malavoca brings to the table is sheer practical experience, together with the ability to respond quickly and effectively to all emerging challenges.

4. Pumping lowers the level to a metre lower than the canal floor.

5. Once a dry floor is obtained, the limestone walls can be erected on sure foundations.

6. In order to satisfy Department of Planning and Infrastructure requirements, the quality process ensures that canal floors are even, with no high points. As the walls are erected there is a process of back-filling and earth compaction. A fibreglass membrane ensures that all soil remains in place behind the revetments. The bunding is removed and water is pumped into the newly-formed canal network. Once the work is complete, building may be commenced some 2.5 metres above water level.

Land Development

With the Perth to Bunbury Highway taking shape, there are already strong signals of further land development opportunities – especially in the Shire of Murray. The experience of the Northern suburbs in the 1990s demonstrated that the extended Mitchell Freeway was the focal point for fresh development, and there is every suggestion that demand for housing within striking range of Perth will spawn a whole series of new developments.A number of Malavoca’s land development projects have been closely associated with leisure facilities including golf courses. These have included Joondalup, Secret harbour, Altone Park and ‘The Cut’ at Port Bouvard.

Roads and Airports

Malavoca can point to many high profile road building contracts over the years including the Madura Pass Eyre Highway, West Coast Highway (Servetus Street), Kwinana Freeway (South Street/ Farrington Road) and a section of the Albany Highway. In addition to founding Directors’ early experience with the massive Hong Kong airport runway project, Malavoca was responsible for the highly awarded Thevenard Island airstrip project (left image) for WAPET. This was a demanding contract which required sensitive treatment since Thevenard is a C Class Reserve and the environmental considerations needed to be closely met.

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