The worldwide COVID-19 Pandemic has taken everyone by surprise. Like everyone else we have had to adapt to, and rise to the new set of challenges we were presented with.
Here are some of the ways we adapted to navigate through this time:
- The Directors met regularly both face to face and over video link as appropriate to chart our way forward;
- We made use of our existing VPN infrastructure which allowed the majority of staff to continue working from a home base;
- Safety initiatives were introduced such as:
- appropriate distancing of work spaces in offices,
- introducing signage in offices to encourage physical distancing and strong hygiene practices,
- daily cleaning of common areas, and
- placing of hand sanitiser in all offices;
- Our staff were agile to adapt and conducted meetings via video link to allow project continuity;
- The Corporate team were busy keeping abreast of State and Commonwealth Government initiatives that were introduced to help businesses;
- Manage the new rules regarding intrastate boundaries for staff that needed to travel to project sites to carry out their field work;
- Field staff on construction sites had to adapt quickly to new contractor safety requirements; and
- Provide regular updates to our staff regarding COVID-19 and our initiatives implemented.
During the height of Coronavirus restrictions, many Government Departments still continued to operate, however, their staff were working from a home base. Meetings were able to be held via electronic means and the staff were very helpful during the whole process, providing outcomes that would translate into construction phase or the project progressing.
With the recent easing of Coronavirus restrictions the majority of our staff who were working from a home base, have now returned to working back in the office. We have also started to see signs of confidence return to the market. There has been a pick-up of work with additional Government activity in the planning space.
Our surveying department has also been kept busy one of the notable projects outlined below:
William Bay Nature Reserve
Since November 2019, Harley Dykstra has been proud to provide engineering survey expertise to local contractor Nigel Palmer Earthmoving’s work on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions William Bay Nature reserve facility upgrades.
This uniquely challenging project involves construction of new roads, day facilities and lookouts within the A class reserve’s unique biosphere containing such iconic Denmark attractions as Green’s Pool, Elephant Rocks and Waterfall Beach. Works are expected to be completed prior to the summer tourist influx and expected to greatly increase both the useability and accessibility of these attractions while protecting the unique and pristine environment of the area.
