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How a Couple Built a Statewide Lifting Force Starting with Just One Crane

How Scott and Cathy Goode built Sarina Crane Hire from one crane into a statewide lifting and haulage force across Queensland.

30-Second Takeaway From a single 12-tonne Franna in 2007, Scott and Cathy Goode have grown Sarina Crane Hire into one of Queensland’s most capable regional lifting and haulage providers. With a fleet of 36 cranes, in-house heavy haulage, and a deeply embedded safety culture, the business has become a true one-stop lifting solution across mining, ports, sugar, and rail. From One Franna to a Statewide Operation When Scott and Cathy Goode founded Sarina Crane Hire in 2007, they weren’t just setting out to hire cranes. Starting with a single 12-tonne Franna, the goal was to build a business that delivered complete lifting solutions, backed by strong safety systems, skilled people, and accountability on every job. Eighteen years later, that vision has evolved into a fleet of 36 cranes, supported by heavy haulage and access equipment services, operating across a vast stretch of Queensland. “We’re more of a one-stop shop,” Scott said. “One phone call we turn up, do your job, supply everything. One contact, one bill.” A Business Model Built on Accountability That integrated model has become a key differentiator. “If we’re doing the lift and the shift, and something doesn’t turn up because of an oversight on our part, I don’t charge the client. They like that. It’s about delivering on what we promise,” Scott said. By combining cranes, haulage, and logistics under one roof, Sarina Crane Hire removes complexity for clients while taking full responsibility for delivery. Built on Relationships and Industry Experience Scott’s background spans rail, mining, and sugar, giving him hands-on exposure to both technical lifting and frontline customer service. “I built a lot of relationships on the ground in those early years,” he said. “In the first five to ten years, I worked incredibly hard to build the name. Now the work comes to us – we don’t need to hunt for it.” The company services what Scott calls “the triangle” from Bowen in the north, west to Emerald, and south to Gladstone supporting ports, sugar mills, mining operations, and rail infrastructure. Infrastructure to Support Growth Sarina Crane Hire’s main hub is located in Sarina, featuring a fully equipped maintenance workshop. “We do all our own servicing and ten-year rebuilds in-house,” Scott said. The workshop is overseen by Ethan Goode, Scott’s son and workshop supervisor. “He’s a dual tradesman and has been with us ten years. We’ve got contract fitters and engineers come in when needed, but most of it we handle ourselves.” Additional facilities include: A 130-acre yard at Coppabella, servicing Bowen Basin operations A Mackay yard, recently expanded into a full operation following a competitor’s exit A Diverse, Loyal Fleet Sarina Crane Hire operates a broad, purpose-built fleet, including: Liebherr slew cranes (120, 130, 150, 200, 220 & 250 tonnes) Two 250-tonne units, including an LTR 1220 and a 250-tonne Kobelco lattice boom crawler Franna pick-and-carry cranes (20–40 tonnes) Grove rough terrain cranes Tadano truck-mounted crane Kato city crane Heavy haulage is supported by: 13 prime movers (predominantly Mack, with one Kenworth) Step decks, blade trailers, ten-row low loaders A strong mix of Drake trailers and JP Trailers from Australian manufacturer John Pace “You don’t need to deal with multiple contractors – we take care of everything,” Scott said. “It’s one less hassle for the customer.” Training, Safety, and People First Safety has been central to the business since day one. Scott’s early involvement as a Health and Safety Representative during major legislative change shaped how the company operates today. “The old Act told you what you could and couldn’t lift; the new one was about risk assessment,” he said. “I was in the pilot programs, so when I started my business, I was fully aware of my obligations.” Every task follows the same framework: Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) Job Safety Analysis (JSA) completed before every lift or movement “The process is the same across all parts of the business,” Scott said. “That way, if people swap between divisions, the safety rules don’t change.” Growing Skills from the Ground Up Scott’s approach to training focuses on attitude first. “I’ll take someone with a strong work ethic, even if they don’t have formal skills, and teach them what they need to know,” he said. New starters begin in the yard, learning equipment care before progressing through dogman tickets and further qualifications. Many supervisors have been with the business for 10–15 years. “I’ve got a core team of 30 people I can always rely on,” Scott said. Keeping Crews Grounded and Supported Work-life balance is a deliberate priority. “If we can get them home every night, we will,” Scott said. “We won’t send them away for more than three or four nights at a time.” Family inclusion is reinforced through annual staff events where project highlights are shared with partners and children. “It makes them feel part of it – and we like to have a bit of fun with it too.” Community at the Core Based in a regional town, Sarina Crane Hire actively supports local sporting clubs, fundraisers, and community organisations. “There’s probably not a sporting club, organisation or fundraiser we don’t sponsor,” Scott said. Community ties also shape recruitment, with employee referrals forming the first step in hiring. Focused on the Future After nearly two decades, Scott remains hands-on and pragmatic. “Don’t worry about what people think just keep working towards your goals,” he said. “Look after your own backyard first, and you’ll be fine.” With a loyal workforce, a diversified fleet, and a reputation for accountability, Sarina Crane Hire continues to lift Queensland’s industries one job at a time. About Sarina Crane Hire Sarina Crane Hire is a Queensland-based crane hire and heavy haulage provider founded in 2007 by Scott and Cathy Goode. The company delivers integrated lifting, transport, and access solutions across mining, ports, sugar, rail, and industrial sectors. Operating from multiple locations across regional Queensland, Sarina Crane Hire runs a modern fleet of mobile cranes, lattice boom crawlers, pick-and-carry cranes, and heavy haulage equipment. The business is recognised for its strong safety culture, in-house maintenance capability, and commitment to delivering complete, accountable solutions for complex projects. Website: https://www.sarinacranehire.com.au Frequently Asked Questions What makes Sarina Crane Hire different from traditional crane hire companies? The company offers fully integrated lifting and haulage services, providing clients with a single contractor, single point of contact, and end-to-end accountability. Which industries does Sarina Crane Hire support? Key sectors include mining, sugar, ports, rail, and industrial infrastructure across regional Queensland. How large is the Sarina Crane Hire fleet? The fleet includes 36 cranes ranging from 13 tonnes to 250 tonnes, supported by extensive heavy haulage assets. Is maintenance handled internally? Yes. Sarina Crane Hire performs servicing and ten-year crane rebuilds in-house at its Sarina facility. How does the company approach safety? Every task is governed by SWMS and JSA processes, with consistent safety systems applied across all divisions of the business.

how-a-couple-built-a-statewide-lifting-force-starting-with-just-one-crane

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