Road, rail, water infrastructure and airport projects from New South Wales and Queensland have made it to the shortlist for the prestigious 2024 Australian Construction Achievement Award.
Presented by the Australian Constructors Association and Engineers Australia, the Australian Construction Achievement Award (ACAA) brings together the best construction projects, delivered by the nation’s very best construction companies.
The 2024 ACAA finalists include Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale Project (E2G), Cairns, Queensland; Central Station Metro, Sydney, New South Wales; Rookwood Weir Project, Gogango, Central Queensland; and Western Sydney International Airport Bulk Earthworks, Badgerys Creek, New South Wales.
“There is just one award up for grabs and a diverse range of projects are competing for it in 2024,” says Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies.
“This year’s finalists span from roads to rail, water infrastructure to airports. Each project has been delivered in ways that contribute to a more progressive and sustainable construction industry.
“We’re seeing construction excellence at its best, but we’re also seeing a real commitment to improving skills and worker wellbeing, as well as approaches to environmentally responsible outcomes.”
Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO believes the 2024 contenders sit at the coalface in leveraging teamwork and technology to ensure inclusivity and sustainability in urban and rural development.
“The finalists for the Australian Construction Achievement Award showcase exceptional innovation, collaboration, and expertise, highlighting the role engineering plays in building connected communities,” she says.
The winner of the 2024 Australian Construction Achievement Award will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 8 August at Doltone House, in conjunction with the Foundations and Frontiers forum (FF24).
Shortlisted projects for the 2024 Australian Construction Achievement Award
Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale Project (E2G), Cairns, Queensland | John Holland Group, Seymour Whyte and AECOM
The Cairns Southern Access Corridor, Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale Project (E2G), part of Queensland's extensive Bruce Highway Upgrade, is a significant infrastructure initiative. Spanning 10.5km, this project aims to duplicate and expand the highway to four lanes, integrate a shared path/cycleway, and reposition a section of the North Coast rail line, enhancing safety, capacity, and flood resilience.
Central Station Metro, Sydney, New South Wales | Laing O'Rourke
Delivered by Laing O’Rourke, the $955 million Sydney Metro project to transform Australia’s busiest railway station included the new Central Walk underground pedestrian concourse, upgrades to the Northern Concourse with a new landmark roof canopy, significant accessibility upgrades with the installation of 14 new lifts and 42 new escalators, and new underground Sydney Metro platforms.
Rookwood Weir Project, Gogango, Central Queensland | Sunwater, GHD, ACCIONA and McCosker Contracting
Rookwood Weir, a mass concrete structure situated on the Fitzroy River in Central Queensland, stands at 16.2m in height and stretches across 350m in length. The project encompasses several key components including a stilling basin designed to dissipate energy from water discharge and environmentally considerate elements to support local wildlife. The construction also includes permanent access roads within the site to ensure ongoing maintenance and operation ease. The project is complemented by associated infrastructure, which highlights the modern engineering and operational capabilities embedded within this significant hydraulic structure.
Western Sydney International Airport Bulk Earthworks, Badgerys Creek, New South Wales | CPB Contractors and ACCIONA
The Western Sydney International Airport Bulk Earthworks (WSABE) Project entails comprehensive land preparation, including excavation, grading, and compaction to establish a stable foundation for the airport infrastructure. The project spanned the excavation, movement, and placement of almost 27 million square metres of material over the course of five years, setting the stage for construction of the Western Sydney International Airport.
Image: 2023 ACAA winner – M80 Ring Road Upgrade Sydney Road to Edgars Road; CPB Contractors and Major Road Projects Victoria (Source: ACAA)
