Budj Bim Cultural Landscape

The Landscape in south-west Victoria includes evidence of the Gunditjmara’s permanent settlement, as well as a sophisticated system of channels, fish traps and weirs used for farming eels.

In 2019, the Budj Bim Cultural Landscape was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, recognising the significance of the site.

Tonkin’s client was Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation who were successful in securing funding to upgrade the infrastructure at five of the culturally significant sites. Tonkin was engaged to provide civil and structural designs for the infrastructure upgrades across the five sites.

Working closely and collaboratively with the client, Accuraco Project Management and Cooper Scaife Architects, Tonkin set out to design the necessary infrastructure to support visitors whilst having the least possible impact on the natural environment and cultural heritage features.

The infrastructure upgrades included approximately 700 meters of raised boardwalks, an aquaculture centre, viewing platforms, cantilevered lookout, carparking, pedestrian bridge and visitor amenities.

Extensive collaborative planning and consultation was required to develop engineering solutions that were profoundly respectful of the site and Traditional Owners. By employing a collaborative approach regarding cultural and environmental heritage, the project team developed a best-practice approach to working on this culturally significant site. 

Working closely with the client, project manager, architect and environmental heritage consultant, Tonkin optimised site investigation processes, infrastructure design and construction techniques to deliver bespoke engineering solutions that met the needs of all stakeholders and delivered best-for-project outcomes. 

This project was spread over a vast area and involved a variety of infrastructure. The variety of infrastructure – from boardwalks and buildings, to carparks and culverts – meant a range of technical experts needed to work together ensure the design and construction of the new infrastructure across the site was well integrated. 

The location of the project, on a remote, culturally and environmentally significant site, also meant that close collaboration and adaptability was required – particularly between the design and construction teams – in order to deliver designs that were constructable under the remote and culturally sensitive conditions. 

In addition to Tonkin’s collaboration with external partners, the project also called for extensive in-house collaboration among Tonkin’s multidisciplinary team. The project was led from Tonkin’s Mount Gambier office, with support from technical specialists in our Adelaide and Brisbane offices. A cross-discipline approach was taken, with our team of structural engineers, civil engineers, a bridge specialist, and structural and civil drafters working together to develop integrated and best-for-project outcomes.

This project demonstrates that by working collaboratively, exceptional outcomes can be delivered on culturally significant and complex projects with input from many stakeholders.