Murdoch University Harry Butler Science Centre recognised as the OFSC’s 3,250th Scheme project
Construction is well underway on Murdoch University’s new Harry Butler Science Centre, with safety guiding every stage of delivery.
The project has been recognised as the 3,250th project delivered under the Australian Government Building and Construction Work Health and Safety Accreditation Scheme (the Scheme), marking a significant milestone for the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner (OFSC).
Located on Murdoch University’s South Street campus in Perth, the Harry Butler Science Centre will be a new research and teaching facility designed to support science education, research and community engagement. Designed by Woods Bagotand engineered by Aurecon, the purposebuilt facility will bring together researchers, educators, industry partners and the wider community, with a strong focus on inspiring school students to explore environmental science.
Positioned on a greenfield site adjacent to the Beeliar Wetlands on Whadjuk Noongar Country, the project requires careful planning and coordination to respect the surrounding environment and its cultural significance. The building is named after Harry Butler AO CBE, a renowned Australian conservationist and educator whose work helped Australians better understand the relationship between people, development and the natural environment.
Professor Simon McKirdy emphasised the importance of balancing development with environmental responsibility: “We must make sure we balance development with the need to protect the environment around us. Murdoch University is a bush campus, which is a positive in terms of development in education, but it also means ensuring true coexistence with the environment that surrounds us. Murdoch University would like to thank the Australian Government for the significant support they have provided in helping us create the Harry Butler Science Centre.”
SHAPE was initially engaged through an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process, working closely with Murdoch University and the consultant team to review the developing design and support planning for delivery. This phase focused on buildability, programme development, cost efficiencies and coordinating the early civil and services works needed to prepare the site for construction.
With the ECI phase complete, construction is now underway, with SHAPE’s Perth team bringing extensive experience in delivering newbuild projects within live education environments.
Across Western Australia, SHAPE has built a strong track record delivering projects on active campuses and within operational learning environments. These settings require detailed planning, close collaboration with university stakeholders and careful management of construction activities to ensure teaching, research and daytoday campus operations can continue safely alongside building works.
That experience aligns closely with the principles of the OFSC Scheme, which promotes strong safety systems and leadership across Commonwealthfunded projects.
Damian La Rosa, General Manager at SHAPE – WA, said the milestone highlights the importance of safety in every stage of project delivery.
“We’re proud to see the Harry Butler Science Centre recognised as the OFSC’s 3,250th Scheme project,”
“Delivering projects within live education environments requires thoughtful planning and a strong safety culture. Our team works closely with Murdoch University and our project partners to ensure construction can progress safely while the campus continues to operate.
“Safety is central to how we deliver every project, and recognition through the Scheme reflects the systems, planning and collaboration that go into creating safer outcomes for everyone on site.”
As construction progresses, the Harry Butler Science Centre will become a contemporary and sustainable science facility designed to support research, education and community engagement for years to come.
Rocio Bona, Murdoch University Campus Development Director, said the project reflects the University’s commitment to delivering highquality facilities that respect the surrounding environment and support future generations of learners: “The University is proud to be constructing the Harry Butler Science Centre and has been excited to provide a ‘red carpet’ experience for all stakeholders.”
The project is being delivered by SHAPE during the OFSC’s 20th anniversary year, which celebrates two decades of supporting safer construction across Commonwealthfunded projects.
To learn more about the scheme and its impact across the industry, visit the Office of the Federal Safety Commissioner website or LinkedIn.
