Indigenous programs

Main Roads is a committed partner in the Queensland Government's program to address the many disadvantages affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People and communities.

The Main Roads policies and programs implemented in this area include:

  • Constructive mob: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander constructive skills training program
  • The provision of capacity building, training and employment opportunities in remote and rural areas through:
  • An innovative Alliance model to engage Indigenous people as a partner on construction projects. This model enables Indigenous organisations to engage in contracts to provide services to road projects and the engagement of Indigenous people in specific skills training and employment
  • A remote communities services unit based in the Cairns Office, to provide mentoring and training for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Traineeships for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates
  • The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education to employment scheme 
  • Indigenous Cultural Heritage Policy and Guidelines: 
    This also has an associated three-tier training program across all staff for Indigenous cultural heritage and cross-cultural awareness, and an induction course on cultural heritage for construction site workers
  • The Main Roads Director-General is the Government Champion for the Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) communities of Injinoo, Umagico and New Mapoon.
  • Partnering and cooperating with other Queensland government agencies, through input to the many interdepartmental committees addressing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander issues

The benefits of the above schemes have been twofold: the people have achieved personal success, and communities have enhanced their sustainability.

Main Roads' Indigenous cultural heritage programs continue to be adopted across government and industry and the opportunity exists for further positive cooperation in this important area.

Our alliances within Indigenous communities have been recognised nationally and internationally for contributing to the quality of life and well-being of Indigenous communities.

Last updated: 26 June 2009