Queensland Market & Demand for Height safety, specialist access and safety netting services

Since Kerrect was established in 1999, the vast majority of height safety, specialist access
and safety netting projects were centred around Sydney CBD. When we decided to expand
our reach, we paid close attention to proposed urban development plans and where our
services could best be utilized. In 2017, we moved into the South East Queensland area with
proximity to Gold Coast, Brisbane and Noosa, allowing us the ability to travel state-wide for
projects.

Brisbane is the largest Australian capital city based on land size and has seen the largest
population growth of any capital city in 2019-2020 by 1.9%. This trend has been no secret,
particularly with property developers and investors alike. Between 2016 and 2030 it has been
proposed that over $10 billion will be injected into the Brisbane region for new urban
development.

Many of the top 20 Brisbane development projects are proposed for some of the highest
density and highly frequented sections of the CBD. Commercial and residential towers are
planned for Turbot Street, Queens Street, Ann Street and Wickham Terrace, all ranging from
28 to 39 stories high. There are plans for a $2.1 billion upgrade of Eagle Street Pier, the ferry
terminal and promenade and a ten-stage project for the Albion Exchange including a full train
station upgrade and construction of retail and residential spaces to the tune of $750 million.
The $3.6 billion Queen’s Wharf development is the greatest example of the scale of
development proposed for the city’s CBD. The project spans over 12 hectares and includes
the construction of four luxury hotels, a casino and 2000 residential apartments. The entire
project runs adjacent to the Brisbane river and is flanked by two major motorways. Prior to
the commencement of construction, major demolition was required with the removal of
225,000m3 of material and all while protecting heritage listed buildings that surround the
site.

Shortly after Brisbane was announced as the host of the 2032 Olympic Games, the plans for
upgraded infrastructure were released which is set to contribute another $3 billion into South
East Queensland from new construction and refurbishment alone. Between Gold Coast and
the Sunshine Coast five existing stadiums will be completely rebuilt including The Gabba
and Ipswich stadium. New construction is proposed for five purpose build sporting arenas in
addition to upgrades to the remaining 18 existing venues.

All of these projects are just the tip of the iceberg for South East Queensland as existing
structures and the slew of heritage listed buildings require ongoing maintenance, façade
rectification and replacement. In such a densely populated and high traffic city with narrow
streets, traditional scaffolding, safety and access methods are inconvenient, expensive and
often inefficient. Kerrect have provided height safety, specialist access and safety netting
services to the Building and Construction, Industrial, Infrastructure, Mining and Commercial
sectors for the last 22 years. In this time, we have built a reputation on providing the most
cost effective, efficient and bespoke solutions based on our client’s timeframe and budget.
From our many years of experience working in Sydney’s CBD we are confident working in
dense urban environments. Our number one priority is to ensure the complete safety of all of
the workers and general public in the most efficient manner possible.

Case Study:

Between October 2020 – May 2021, Probuild Constructions consulted with Kerrect Height
Access to assist with the design and installation of a façade encapsulation netting system for
materials containment to provide overhead protection during glazing and cladding
installation. The project at 443 Queen Street, Brisbane was a high-rise construction site
spanning over 47 levels that faced a multitude of challenges. The site contained a tower crane
and hundreds of contracted workers per day in addition to being positioned in a central
location with river frontage. To achieve a timely installation without creating risk to others,
Kerrect and Probuild were required to work closely together. With the flexibility of our rope
access crew and rope access method we were able to work with the builders and construction
teams to coordinate our daily installation areas to minimise impact on their scheduled or
existing site trades. We were able to achieve full access to all required areas, including
designated safety zones below the work areas and coordination of trades and machinery was
successfully achieved.

The Vertical Netting System spanned 8 floors was Engineered to withstand high wind loads
and included bespoke support brackets fixed directly to the slab with mechanical anchors. A
stainless steel 8mm wire rope tensioned between the brackets at the Netting borders ensured a
secure system capable of preventing any debris from leaving the area and endangering people
and property below. Kerrect’s Industrial Rope Access team was comprised of five abseilers
and two spotters below who successfully installed and removed the Netting System within
the desired time and budget.

The entire netting system and supports were Engineered and Form 15 certified and the team achieved adequate safety and containment for materials on a site subject to the impacts of strong winds due to the building’s height and exposed position.

Sources:
The Urban Developer
Brisbane City Council
Official Olympic Planning Website