Workshop Build Delivered Under Cyclone-Season Pressure

When a client approached GWA to deliver a new industrial workshop in the Pilbara, the timing was far from ideal—it would need to be built through the heart of cyclone season.

For most contractors, that’s a reason to slow down. For the client, it was non-negotiable: the workshop was critical to their operational plan for the upcoming year.

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Context

• Location: Pilbara, WA
• Scope: Design-support and construction of an industrial workshop, associated civil works and services
• Timing: Cyclone season, with limited weather windows
• Drivers:
  • Support expanding operations
  • Create a safe, compliant facility for maintenance teams
  • Align with broader site infrastructure upgrades

The Challenge

The project faced several key constraints:

• Weather risk: Cyclone threats, heavy rain, and high winds
• Logistics: Remote access, long lead times for steel and materials
• Program pressure: A fixed required completion date tied to operational ramp-up
• Coordination: Integrating civil, structural, electrical and services in a tight window

Failure to meet the date would have pushed other critical works back and cost the client time and money.

GWA’s Approach

GWA approached the project with the same mindset we bring to shutdowns and off-grid energy projects: plan hard, execute cleanly.

1. Front-loaded planning

• Early engagement with the client’s engineering team to clarify scope and priorities
• Identification of cyclone-critical activities and sequencing
• Protection and staging plans developed for materials and partially-complete works

2. Integrated disciplines

GWA coordinated:

• Civil and earthworks
• Foundations and concrete
• Structural steel erection
• Cladding and roofing
• Electrical and lighting
• Ancillary services as required

This reduced handover friction and avoided “scope gaps” that often emerge between multiple contractors.

3. Weather-aware programming

• Tasks were prioritised so that weather-sensitive work was completed in the most stable windows.
• Temporary works and contingency plans were put in place to protect the partially completed structure.
• Clear go/no-go criteria were established for high-wind conditions.

Delivery

Despite challenging conditions, our crew:

• Mobilised on time with the right equipment and supervision
• Completed civil and footing works to support the accelerated steel program
• Erected structural steel and cladding safely and efficiently
• Installed lighting and services to meet the client’s standards
• Managed inspections and QA in line with site and regulatory requirements

Regular communication with the client’s team ensured there were no surprises and any emerging risks were addressed quickly.

Outcome & Benefits

• On-time completion ahead of the client’s critical date
• Safe delivery, with zero serious incidents or lost-time injuries
• A workshop ready for operations, supporting maintenance and asset reliability
• Reduced program risk for the client’s broader infrastructure schedule

The client gained a high-quality facility—delivered in one of the most challenging seasonal windows in the region.

Why It Matters

For clients operating in northern WA, cyclone season doesn’t mean business stops. It means projects need to be planned and delivered differently.

GWA’s combination of:

• Construction and civil capability
• Electrical and services integration
• Local experience
• Indigenous-led leadership and workforce

allows us to deliver critical infrastructure when it matters most.

Talk to GWA about construction projects built for harsh conditions.