Specialist engineering firm launches in central Australia
29 March 2010
A new engineering consultancy in Central Australia, which has its roots as a non-government organisation designing practical solutions in remote Indigenous communities, is going global.
CAT Projects has been born out of the Centre for Appropriate Technology (CAT), which has been working across remote Australia for three decades to develop suitable technologies and services for Indigenous communities; some of which are unique world over.
Jim Bray, the Chairman of CAT said he is very excited to see their core values, along with the intellectual property and knowledge built up over 28 years, now being shared on a large scale commercial basis.
“We have been asked more and more to work on unique solutions throughout remote Australia and overseas because of our experience in remote regions and the creation of a professional engineering consultancy seemed like a natural progression.”
Some of these projects have included the $3million Desert Knowledge Australia Solar Centre in Alice Springs that demonstrates over 21 different solar technologies, and the Bushlight India Project which is delivering sustainable and renewable energy services to remote Indian villages.
“We have also been able to create substantial savings for clients by applying localised expertise when we designed and installed a 305kW solar generator at the Crowne Plaza Hotel and currently, as we manage the construction of the $14.1million Aquatic and Leisure Centre; both Alice Springs projects”, says Jim Bray.
CAT Projects expertise includes:
• Energy – renewable energy and energy efficiency
• Water – supply and quality
• Telecommunications
• Public Infrastructure – culture centres, multiuse community facilities and housing
“CAT will still be working in its role to help secure sustainable livelihoods for Indigenous people, while CAT Projects will take on large scale and complex engineering services”, says Bray.
CAT Projects Chairman Bruce Walker, says CAT Projects has international capability and capacity.
“As an engineering consultancy CAT Projects operates with the intellectual rigour and credibility demanded of it; however it is its origins that bring a whole new level of expertise, innovation and performance.”
Lyndon Frearson, the General Manager of CAT Projects said, “Our solutions and services are designed to enhance the sustainability of remote communities across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.”
“Understanding the technical and economic drivers of these regions is key to achieving a successful outcome and our extensive background in this area and our holistic approach and values are benefits we look forward to offering our clients.”
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