South Australia’s Torrens to Darlington (T2D) infrastructure corridor is one of the state’s most significant transport upgrades; it’s also the setting for a standout example of high-performance project delivery and positive community impact.
Karta Indigenous Services, an Indigenous majority-owned civil contractor, is playing a key role in the Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project, while providing critical opportunities for its Indigenous community.
The T2D project will complete the final 10.5-kilometre section of the North–South Corridor, South Australia’s most significant road project.
Karta Indigenous Services is responsible for works at the Gillman site and the pre-cast laydown area.
The company’s workforce is 80 per cent Indigenous, with many team members entering the civil construction industry for the first time.
Through structured training, mentoring and on-the-ground experience, Karta Indigenous Services is equipping its crew with Tier-One capabilities, while setting a new benchmark for workforce development in the sector.
“For a lot of our young crew, this is their first job in civil. We’re giving them the tools, the training and the support to succeed, not just on this project, but in life,” says Edwin Davey, Director of Karta Indigenous Services.
Davey, who brings 25 years of experience across civil, mining and infrastructure, is proudly Larrakia, the traditional owners of the Darwin region in the Northern Territory, and Kokatha from the northern region of South Australia.
His leadership is grounded in a commitment to capability and community – values that are reflected in Karta’s approach to training and employment.
A united environment
Karta Indigenous Services’ training program is supported by Buttrose Earthmovers, a family-owned and operated South Australian earthmoving and civil construction company, well-respected in the industry.
Through this partnership, the Karta Indigenous Services’ team has received Tier-One level training across a range of disciplines, including earthworks, plant operation, environmental compliance and safety systems.
“Support from Buttrose has helped us build a workforce that’s not only capable but confident,” Davey says.
“We’ve got young people operating machinery, managing sites and contributing to complex infrastructure outcomes.”
Karta Indigenous Services’ supervisors and senior staff, many of whom are Indigenous themselves, play a critical role in mentoring the next generation. Davey says the results are evident in the field.
The team has delivered high-quality outcomes on the T2D project, with strong performance in safety, scheduling and environmental compliance. But Davey says the deeper impact is in the confidence and pride felt by its workforce.
“I’ve seen young men and women come in unsure of themselves,” he says. “Within months, they’re leading crews and mentoring others. That’s the kind of transformation we’re here for.”
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Environmental sustainability is another area where Karta Indigenous Services is making a measurable contribution.
In collaboration with ResourceCo, a leader in the recovery and re-manufacturing of primary resources, the company has incorporated more than 30,000 tonnes of recycled material into the T2D project.
This includes recycled aggregates used in base layers, hardstands and access roads. Using recycled materials ultimately reduces waste and lowers emissions across the project, without compromising on quality.
“ResourceCo’s support has allowed us to deliver circular outcomes that align with South Australia’s sustainability goals,” Davey says.
He reiterates how the environmental focus complements Karta Indigenous Services’ broader social mission.
By integrating recycled materials and promoting circular economy principles, the company is demonstrating that infrastructure delivery can be both responsible and inclusive.
The next generation
From apprenticeships to leadership development, Karta Indigenous Services is cultivating a new generation of Indigenous professionals who are shaping the future of infrastructure in Australia.
With support from Buttrose and ResourceCo, and alignment with the broader project team, Karta Indigenous Services has demonstrated that inclusive procurement and partnership can yield positive results.
“This isn’t just a good news story, it’s a blueprint,” Davey reflects.
“When you bring together capability, culture, and collaboration, you get outcomes that benefit everyone.”
Once finished, the Torrens to Darlington (T2D) project will provide a non-stop, traffic-light-free motorway stretching from Gawler in the north to Old Noarlunga in the south, removing 21 sets of traffic lights and significantly improving travel times and road safety.
The design includes two three-lane tunnels, a central open motorway section, and improved connections for cyclists, pedestrians, and public transport.
Jointly funded by the Federal and South Australian governments at an estimated cost of $15.4 billion, the project is expected to begin major tunnelling works in 2026, with completion anticipated by 2031.
Ultimately, the T2D will enhance freight efficiency, reduce congestion, and strengthen connectivity across Adelaide’s metropolitan transport network.
As the Torrens to Darlington corridor continues to evolve, Karta Indigenous Services’ contribution stands as an example for what’s possible in infrastructure delivery.
The company is already exploring new opportunities across South Australia and beyond, with a focus on expanding its workforce and deepening its community impact.
“We’re just getting started,” says Davey.
“Our goal is to bring as many people with us as we can on our journey.”
This article was originally published in the November edition of our magazine. To read the magazine, click here.
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