Local business spotlight: Hicks Civil and Mining

Not only will the Project create thousands of jobs in the construction phase and sustain hundreds of jobs during operations, but it will also provide significant opportunities for Western Australian businesses.

The expansion of the Pluto LNG facility located on the Burrup Peninsula, near Karratha, Western Australia is set to process approximately five million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of Scarborough gas through Pluto Train 2, providing an efficient way to develop the offshore Scarborough resources. Currently under construction, Pluto Train 2 has provided many opportunities for local businesses in Karratha.

We recognise the critical role local content plays in maximising the benefits of the project to the community. Through the Scarborough Energy Project, we have engaged more than 250 businesses in WA, including more than 60 businesses in Karratha to work on the Pluto Train 2 Project. To date, more than 30 contracts have been awarded to Indigenous businesses by Woodside Energy’s construction contractor Bechtel or their subcontractors.

One of the standout stories is Hicks Civil and Mining, a 100 per cent family-owned Pilbara Aboriginal business established in 2010. The company provides equipment and labour hire services in the Pilbara region.

Hicks Civil and Mining was selected to deliver aggregate haulage works for the Pluto Train 2 batch plant, operated by local Karratha business Mobile Concreting Solutions – as part of Bechtel’s project delivery program. This is a significant achievement, demonstrating how local businesses can benefit from large-scale projects in the region.

Owner, Peter Hicks, is a Ngarluma man born and raised in the Pilbara, bringing more than 40 years of experience into his business. The company has gone from strength-to-strength over the last decade and is now executing major earthworks and civils contracts for the resources industry. 

It is truly rewarding when businesses can come together and work harmoniously to bring about mutually beneficial outcomes. We celebrated this award with our teams, knowing this is just the beginning of something great.” - Peter Hicks, Hicks Civil and Mining.

With support from Woodside Energy, Bechtel, and Mobile Concreting Solutions, Hicks Civil and Mining created a new a haulage service with their business with the purchase of a new triple road train to deliver their aggregate haulage works for Pluto Train 2. The company to this day continues to be run by the four founding family members with a key focus on staged growth to create long-term success.

Bechtel’s Site Manager for Pluto Train 2, Terry Klowss said: “This partnership exemplifies the project’s ongoing commitment to maximising opportunities for local and regional First Nations people and businesses on the Pluto Train 2 Project. We are proud of the lasting positive legacy and contributions this project is making in providing avenues for local businesses to profit.”

Woodside Energy’s Pluto Train 2 Project Manager, Tom Feutrill expressed his support in bringing Hicks Civil and Mining onto the project.

“It’s great to have Hicks Civil and Mining performing this important scope for the Project with the new triple road train. Woodside Energy is proud to be able to partner with Bechtel and Mobile Concreting Solutions in supporting First Nations businesses and helping them expand their capabilities.”

Peter Hicks thanked Woodside Energy, Bechtel, and Mobile Concreting Solutions for enabling the development of a successful new haulage arm for their business.

“It is truly rewarding when businesses can come together and work harmoniously to bring about mutually beneficial outcomes. We celebrated this award with our teams, knowing this is just the beginning of something great,” said Peter.

Supporting local businesses, creating jobs and investing in the community are important for both the region and the resources industry.

Find out more about the Scarborough Energy Project here.