ABOUT BOB FITZGERALD
Bob Fitzgerald commenced in the Construction Industry in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia in 1969 as a Scaffolder’s labourer. In less than 12 months (in the days of Tube & Fitting) Bob attended classes 3 times per week after work and succeeded in obtaining his Advanced Scaffolders Qualification. In Brisbane, in 1970, in the days when you could walk the steel and ride the hook, Bob was on a particular Project and was so intrigued by the activities of the Cranes and Riggers he witnessed and approached the said Company seeking an opportunity to try his hand at this interesting occupation. Prior to 1971, in Queensland, there were nil qualifications for Riggers and/or Dogmen. By the end of 1971 (once qualifications were introduced), Bob was one of the first 4 Riggers to obtain an Advanced Riggers Qualification in Queensland. Bob learnt his craft quickly, became a good Top Hand who was always sought by Supervision and Management from different Projects. In 1972, on a Project in NSW, the resident Crane Operator was expectantly called back to Brisbane and Bob was requested by the Supervisor to operate the Crane, (friction drive in those days). Bob took to the task with the same enthusiasm and confidence he displayed Rigging. By the end of 1972, Bob had obtained his Open Crane Operators Certificate. By 1973, Bob’s reputation was preceding him and was offered a position as Crane Operator / Rigger with a Sydney based Company, Marr Contracting, more commonly known as “The Men from Marr’s”. Bob quickly learnt different aspects of the Industry such as Tower Cranes, Heavy Lifting, Machinery Installation / Removal, Gin Poles, Flying Foxes etc. In 1975 Bob and a work colleague formed a company (which is still operating to this day) in South East Queensland known as M & B Rigging Pty Ltd. Initially started erecting Structural Steel, then into Heavy Machinery Installation/Removal to High Rise Construction, Tower Cranes, Hoists, Precast Concrete and eventually into the Mining and Oil & Gas Industries, contracting to major Companies such as Leighton, Thiess, Superweld Olympic, John Holland, Civil & Civic (Lend Lease) to name a few.
BOB FITZGERALD
Managing Director
Bob relocated to Townsville in 1993 following an amicable agreement with his Co-Director of M & B Rigging, and formed another Company – Structural & Mechanical Rigging Service. It wasn’t long before Bob was up and running again and undertaking and successfully completing major Projects in the Resource Sector such as Ensham Coal Preparation Plant, Dalrymple Bay Coal Terminal Stages 6 & 7X, Oakey North Longwall Chock Recovery Project, Saraji Coal Preparation Plant Upgrade, Devil Creek Development Project (WA Gas Plant). Due to Industry downturn and other influences, Bob made the decision to downsize in 2001 and S & M Rigging Service was closed down. Bob commenced with John Holland SMP as Crane & Heavy Lift Manager until 20011 when he then registered Bob Fitz Enterprises Pty Ltd and now consults to the Heavy Construction Industries both Australia wide and internationally.
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
In the year 2000 on the Thiess Operated Oakey North Underground Coal Mine in the Bowen Basin, Queensland, 145 Long Wall Chocks were buried following a ground collapse. Transformed BE1730 Dragline to lifting crane (WORLD FIRST). Oakey North Coal Long Wall Chock Recovery Project 2000.
SIGNIFICANT INDUSTRY ACHIEVEMENTS
- Roof Raise Commander (Darwin LNG Plant) responsible for the successful air raise of at the time the largest span (92 meter) Domed LNG Tank Roof in the WORLD. Roof weight 1,100 tonne
- In the year 2000 on the Thiess Operated Oakey North Underground Coal Mine in the Bowen Basin, Queensland, 145 Long Wall Chocks were buried 80M underground following a ground collapse. Thiess removed 15M cubic tonnes of material. Bob’s solution was to transform a BE1730 Dragline into a lifting crane (WORLD FIRST), stationed on the bench and recover the chocks. The entire task was completed safely in under 2 weeks. Chock Replacement Costs $36 Million. Chock Availability 12 months
- Appointed Member of Workplace Health & Safety Committee to assist with the development of Code of Practice in Steel Construction Part 1 – High Rise for the Australian Institute of Steel Construction & the Department of Workplace Health & Safety
- Attained Department of Workplace Health and Safety accreditation as Certified Testing Officer for Cranes, Riggers, Doggers, Scaffolders, Elevated Work Platforms, Forklift, Vehicle Loading Cranes
