Mickleham Road Upgrade – Stage 1
From implementing goats for weed control to an Australian first use of low-carbon concrete, discover how BMD and VIDA Roads delivered stage one of the Mickleham Road Upgrade with real environmental and social benefits.
Sustainability in action
Australian first use of low-carbon concrete
Technology and Innovation Award winner at the Victorian chapter of the Concrete Institute of Australia Awards.
Delivered through the collaborative efforts of Arup, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg Materials, VIDA Roads and BMD, Mickleham Road Upgrade – Stage 1 is the first project in Australia to use locally produced calcined clay from repurposed waste clay, replacing 30% of conventional cement.
Calcined clays are created by heating specific clays to temperatures between 600°C and 900°C, transforming their chemical composition into a reactive material that enhances concrete's binding properties.
This innovation has proven to reduce the emissions of traditional concrete by up to 25%.
Social procurement
The project partnered with Indigenous Civil Group (ICG) for plant supply and B.A Road Services, an Aboriginal-owned business, for a $11.3 million asphalt contract. BMD also provided electric vehicles through Bunji Hire, an Indigenous-owned business.
Created employment opportunities through Indigenous-owned firm Dreampath, with one worker winning Female Indigenous Trainee of the Year and another nominated for Indigenous Trainee of the Year.
Awarded landscaping contracts to Brite Nursery, employing more than 30 people with disability.
Engaged YMCA ReBuild for landscaping works, employing young people recently released from incarceration.
Partnered with local high school, Aitken College, for a seed propagation program where students collected, grew and replanted native seeds onsite, restoring 50 River Red Gums at Candy Basin and donating additional seedlings for community planting projects.
Supported smaller Aboriginal and social enterprises by providing exposure to tender and bid processes to build future capability.
Hear from BMD Project Construction Manager Todd and VIDA Roads Senior Project Manager Natalie
Civil Contractors Federation Victoria People and Training Awards
- Sustainability Excellence finalist
- Social Procurement Excellence finalist