MEDIA RELEASE
2 September 2009
Abigroup-Apache telecommunications joint venture formally
launched by Tasmanian Premier
An exciting new joint venture formed to deliver Tasmania’s
telecommunications infrastructure was formally launched By Premier
Bartlett today (September 2nd).
The joint venture, between the telecommunications division of Abigroup
Contractors and Apache Services, is already underway and at today’s
opening event Premier Bartlett inspected the work being carried out to
install fibre optic cable between Bellerive to Howrah for Aurora Energy
Telecommunications.
David Jurd, Abigroup’s Managing Director, said, “Abigroup is a strong and
diverse national contractor and we’re excited to be delivering projects in
this state with Tasmanian based Apache. This project and other works to
come will create jobs and opportunities locally.
“The skills and experience gained on such works will ensure Tasmania has
the workforce required to deliver quality projects under the National
Broadband Network when it commences. Abigroup-Apache is on the
ground, fully equipped and ready for all types of projects.”
The project inspected by Premier Bartlett today involves creating a 5km
conduit path and hauling the optical fibre from the new Aurora Energy
telecommunications joint pit in Bellerive the Howrah Telstra Exchange and
then extending it to the South Arm Highway.
The path will be established by conventional trenching and by using
Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD), a low impact method which involves
navigating a drill rod underground for extended distances without
disruption to property and infrastructure.
This method, along with working over the weekend, is being used to avoid
disruption to Clarence High School. It is also being used to avoid any
environmental damage to a reserve between Corinth St and Oceania
Drive.
Abigroup Contractors is a diverse national contractor with experience in
delivering works in telecommunications, building, roads, rail, water,
mining services, tunnels and bridges. Abigroup is part of Bilfinger Berger
Australia which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bilfinger Berger AG, one
of the world’s top ten multi-service construction companies.
Apache Services (Tasmania) Pty Ltd’s core strength is laying pipes and
cables by Horizontal Direct Drilling (HDD) as well as conventional
trenching methods and furnishing all the ancillary works required to
deliver turnkey projects on time and on budget. It utilises a fully
Integrated Management System (IMS) as well as meeting all the
stringent safety requirements of its clients.
Further information:
Peter Scott
Media Relations Manager
Abigroup Limited
Ph: 9499 0756
Mobile: 0404 469 823
Photo Captions
1.
Abigroup’s Managing Director David Jurd, pictured left, meets Tasmanian
Premier David Bartlett at the formal launch of the Abigroup-Apache Joint
Venture
2.
Abigroup-Apache Joint Venture Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD)
Supervisor James Burch shows Tasmanian Premier David Bartlett how to use
a Ditch Witch 27 x 20 All Terrain HDD rig
NEWS 
