Proterra Group – Regional Projects Training Conference

David Bell, Regional Projects Manager, Proterra Group

We recently held a one and a half day training conference in Roma for our Regional Projects Team. The training enabled our various regional teams from Goondiwindi, Quilpie, Cunnamulla and Western Downs to meet up in a central location to gain and share knowledge, experiences and interact socially away from the work front. Attendees comprised of our Director’s, Engineers, Project Managers, Contract Administrators, Civil Inspectors and Supervisors.

My Regional Projects team is one of four Divisions of Proterra Group, the others being Engineering, Asset Management and Waste Management. The Regional Projects Division is responsible for the delivery of DRFA Flood Recovery projects in regional and outback areas of Queensland, in addition to other civil infrastructure projects as they arise. This see’s these teams working closely and integrally, alongside Local Government Authorities in these areas, from the initial event declaration phase, damage identification and pick up, QRA submission, Project Management & delivery, all the way through to completion. The training days were an initiative of the company Directors, Jim and Ricey to facilitate cross sharing of ideas and knowledge to all the staff in this part of the business as one of the five company values is “growing our people”, which we are proud to facilitate to our staff as much as we can. The days were facilitated by Jim and me, with the training covering a variety of subjects and interactive segments such as damage pick up and assessment, understanding the DRFA - QRA funding structure process, safety focus, Temporary Traffic Management, First Aid Training, and a final interactive group workshop on where to improve our current systems and processes. Of which we took a number of learnings away for incorporation into the business. Another of our core values is “being open book” and this was evident of the conversation and interactions between all in the group. Feedback from the

attendee’s was that enjoyed the interaction and took away both new ideas and a better understanding of the roles they play in this important sector. All are very passionate that they contribute to restoring community assets in the regionals that they live and work in and enjoy the work that they do.

I feel the time invested was of good value and will enhance our staff’s existing vast depth of experience in this area, and it will most likely become a regular annual event. The training will enable Proterra to further the value of service to our current and future clients.

David Bell holds an Associate Diploma in Civil Engineering through the University of Southern Queensland, and has over 35 years experience within the Road Construction and Maintenance industry.

David began his career as a Construction Technician with the Department of Main Roads in North Queensland. After 12 years with the Department, he expanded his road industry knowledge as a Maintenance Superintendent in local government with Cairns City Council. Following that, 12 years industry experience in Asphalt & Bitumen Spray sealing Industry, having worked for Pioneer North Queensland, and then moving to South East Queensland at Allens Asphalt, post this was 8 years as the Regional Manager for the South Queensland area for Stabilised Pavements of Australia Pty Ltd.

His current role epitomises the encompassing knowledge and experiences gained throughout his career so far, as is currently employed by Proterra Group in Toowoomba as Regional Projects Manager responsible for managing DRFA and civil projects throughout the regional areas of Queensland and New South Wales.