The Western Australian civil construction industry gathered on Friday night for the industry’s ‘night of nights’, the Civil Contractors Federation WA’s 2020 Earth Awards Gala Dinner, an annual celebration of excellence in infrastructure project delivery.
CCF WA CEO Andy Graham said that after considerable uncertainty earlier in the year about whether the event could go ahead, it was a great pleasure to welcome nearly 400 people to the Gala Dinner.
“The Earth Awards have been a highlight on our industry’s calendar since 1993 and we’re happy that we didn’t have to break that run this year,” Mr Graham said.
“We were honoured that Transport and Planning Minister, the Hon Rita Saffioti MLA, joined us on the night.
“And it was especially appropriate as Minister Saffioti was closely involved in planning, procurement and delivery of two category winners – the Great Northern Highway Upgrade - Maggie Creek to Wyndham and the Subiaco Oval Demolition and Renewal – and two other category winners were State Government projects.”
The Earth Award for Excellence in Civil Construction – Project Value $30 million - $75 million went to WBHO Infrastructure and Main Roads WA for the Great Northern Highway Upgrade - Maggie Creek to Wyndham. The project involved the investigation, design and construction of 27 km of highway, including widening, reconstruction, and overlay; replacement and extension of culverts; construction of floodways and off-road drainage; reconstruction and realignment of the steep section known as Maggie’s Jump-Up; and construction of a passing lane at Maggie’s Jump-Up. The design and construction of the project required exceptional engineering and construction expertise. Both Main Roads and WBHO-I recognised that upon completion, regardless of its performance against traditional KPIs such as quality, safety, and schedule, this project would ultimately be measured against the success of its Aboriginal engagement outcomes.
The Earth Award for projects valued between $10 million - $30 million went to RJV Civil Infrastructure for the Subiaco Oval Demolition and Renewal project for Development WA. The demolition of Subiaco Oval was the largest such project ever undertaken in an urban setting in the State’s history. It was also one of the most high-risk, requiring significant asbestos removal, innovation solutions for a technically challenging location near residential areas, and sensitive treatment of a range of important heritage elements. The close constraints of nearby housing and busy thoroughfares required an innovative demolition approach. The solution was to demolish the stadium infrastructure from the inside out. All up, about 97% of salvaged materials were recycled.
The $5 million - $10 million Earth Award was won by Rob Carr for the Quindalup Infill Sewerage Project, part of Water Corporation’s Infill Sewerage Program. Rob Carr’s project team worked closely with Water Corporation and the lead designers to provide advice on design solutions and constructability, which enhanced project outcomes through reduced community impacts and client cost savings. Significant time and resources were invested in minimising impacts of the works on the environment and the conservation of significant or endangered fauna that inhabited the area. The success of Rob Carr’s efforts was reflected in the overwhelmingly positive feedback from residents to Water Corporation regarding the courtesy of the workers and quality of restoration.
The $2 million - $5 million category winner was MMM (WA) for the Hill60 Bank Remediation. Urgent major remediation and stabilisation works were required to the Swan River escarpment behind the Hill60 Apartment Buildings in Rivervale. A section of dual-purpose path next to the apartments had been heavily undermined. MMM had to ensure that the works had minimal impact to the Swan River and its spiritual and environmental values. Due to the extremely limited laydown area – just 120 square metres – MMM had to ensure materials hauled into the stockpile were relocated and placed immediately along the embankment. Scheduling of deliveries was imperative and played a crucial role in the success of the project.
The Earth Award for projects valued up to $2 million was won by Ellett Contracting - Cranbrook Grain Receival Site Expansion Project Subcontract Works. This project was a major expansion to an existing CBH grain receival site in Cranbrook, 320km south of Perth. The project was run over a tight time frame as it needed to be completed outside of harvest season to prevent delays to CBH’s operations. Delivering the project over the winter months created many challenges, including planning and preparing concrete pours around rain. The most technically complex aspect of the project was counteracting the high water table and associated drainage issues. This affected the earthworks and the installation of the elevator pits.
On the recommendation of the judges, a special Highly Commended award was presented to Altona Plumbing and Civil - HMAS Stirling Redevelopment Stage 3A – HY1. Altona’s scope of works comprised a major upgrade of the water, fire, and wastewater infrastructure on Garden Island, delivered in 16 stages and involving the installation of more than 65km of HDPE pipe, two complete fire systems, and the replacement and/or refurbishment of 14 wastewater pumping stations. The success of the project was pivotal upon delicate planning, effective risk aversion strategies, precise execution, and the careful management of stakeholders, in order to overcome a series of unique and intricate construction constraints and latent conditions.
Pictured: Michael Brunton (centre) from RJV accepts the Earth Award for Excellence in Civil Construction – Project Value $10 - 30 Million from CCF WA President David Della Bona (left) and Hon Rita Saffioti MLA (right). For more photos of the night and high-res images email ccfwa@ccfwa.com.au.
