Claire Donohue’s work ensures that construction teams can install critical infrastructure with minimal environmental and cultural heritage impact. With a team working across Australia, Claire navigates the intricate landscape of state legislation. "I started with UGL just over two years ago as an access and stakeholder manager,” says Claire. “My role is to oversee environmental assessments and permitting for telecommunications installations on behalf of carriers. It's a niche field that requires detailed technical expertise.”
“Our team is built with a variety of roles across different disciplines, encompassing both senior and junior positions. As our telco projects grow, we’re welcoming new team members, from experts who have been in the industry for decades, to those transitioning from different industries like childcare and mining. It’s exciting to bring fresh perspectives into the fold."
Claire also plays a role in leading UGL’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) as a member of UGL’s procurement working group.
"One of the commitments in our RAP that I’m most proud to help drive is increasing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment."
Claire and her team are currently tackling one of UGL’s biggest telecommunications projects: Telstra InfraCo’s Intercity Fibre Network project. UGL’s scope spans over 3,600km of fibre optic network across key regions in Australia. The construction of a new intercity fibre network across Australia will help meet the increasing demand for digital services, improving outdated infrastructure to prevent congestion and ensure faster, more reliable data transmission, and support the country's digital future.
"Securing cultural heritage permits in the Northern Territory is challenging due to limited archaeologists and significant artefacts,” Claire says. “To overcome this, we forged a partnership with the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA), granting us digital access to their data. This streamlines permitting while easing resource constraints. UGL is collaborating with clients, authorities, and traditional owners from project inception to completion, ensuring industry-best practices in cultural heritage and consultation aligned with project goals."
Claire finds this collaboration deeply fulfilling. "Working on innovative solutions that respect cultural heritage while keeping projects on track is incredibly rewarding."
Away from work, Claire and her family love adventure. "We relocated to Townsville, Queensland, for outdoor activities like caravanning, camping, fishing, diving, and hiking.”
For Claire, UGL’s culture stands out. "The people, shared values, and mutual respect creates a great work environment. UGL is about good people doing good business, which aligns with my values."
