Barpa awarded first significant Parliamentary Triangle construction project in two decades
June 1, 2023
Indigenous company Barpa Construction Services has secured the contract to build the John Gorton Campus Car Park in Canberra.
The car park will be constructed on culturally significant Ngunnawal Country, and marks the first large-scale construction in the Parliamentary Triangle in almost 20 years.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher announced the Department of Finance had selected Barpa to design and construct the $80.8 million facility, the largest project in Barpa’s history.
The John Gorton Campus Car Park in the Canberra suburb of Parkes is an enabling project to the development of the National Security Office Precinct Project.
Barpa, a majority Indigenous-owned business, is a joint venture between the Federation of Victorian Traditional Owner Corporations and national construction business Icon.
Barpa Chairperson and Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Graham Atkinson said “We’re delighted to be working with the Australian Government to deliver this important project on a prime location in the national capital that has deep significance for the Ngunnawal people.
“We acknowledge the heavy responsibilities attached to any development within the Parliamentary Zone. In our vision for the design and construction of the John Gorton Campus Car Park, we are committed to aligning with the traditions and heritage established over the past century whilst positioning Canberra to meet the growing needs and aspirations of residents and visitors.
“We look forward to drawing on our extensive local knowledge and understanding of the area to deliver this important community project for the Department of Finance. From day one, we will be focused on driving local engagement with the project and will be prioritising direct engagement and ongoing participation with Traditional Owners and the local Indigenous community and encouraging involvement and partnerships with Canberra-based workers and businesses.”
The multi-level facility provides space for up to 1100 vehicles, accommodates electric vehicle charging stations and incorporates a childcare centre. The new facility will replace nearby displaced car parking and support worker and visitor amenity, including for nearby cultural institutions such as the National Gallery of Australia, the National Portrait Gallery and the future Ngurra Cultural Precinct.
