The most innovative and collaborative construction projects and professionals in Queensland were today recognised at the annual Queensland Major Contractors Innovation and Excellence Awards.
Over 350 guests packed into Brisbane Convention and Exhibition centre to celebrate the achievements of finalists across 7 categories, each being recognised for their innovative approach to delivering outstanding major infrastructure projects or showing individual leadership.
Brisbane Airport’s New Parallel Runway, Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway Upgrade, Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, Logan Enhancement Project and Binna Burra Post Fire Remediation works all picked up major awards.
In two new awards, construction professionals were recognised for their individual contribution to the industry, with Jessica Manteit named Young/Emerging Professional of the Year and Brad Thompson awarded the Project Manager or Construction Professional of the Year.
QMCA Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Chapman, paid tribute to the finalists and winners “Our awards are about showcasing and celebrating the excellence on display in our industry as we support the delivery of world-class infrastructure.”
“Across seven categories, we have recognised the achievements of organisations and individuals who have demonstrated success and have delivered significant innovations that have improved efficiency, safety and skills while building the infrastructure the state needs to grow and prosper.”
“Congratulations to every finalist, but particularly to our winners BMD Constructions and CPB Skyway Joint Venture, Fulton Hogan Seymour Whyte Joint Venture, Brady Marine and Civil, CPB Contractors, SMEC, Brad Thompson and Jessica Manteit who have shown true innovation and excellence and deserve recognition for their achievements,” said Mr Chapman.
The most innovative and collaborative construction projects and professionals in Queensland were today recognised at the annual Queensland Major Contractors Innovation and Excellence Awards.
Over 350 guests packed into Brisbane Convention and Exhibition centre to celebrate the achievements of finalists across 7 categories, each being recognised for their innovative approach to delivering outstanding major infrastructure projects or showing individual leadership.
Brisbane Airport’s New Parallel Runway, Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway Upgrade, Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, Logan Enhancement Project and Binna Burra Post Fire Remediation works all picked up major awards.
In two new awards, construction professionals were recognised for their individual contribution to the industry, with Jessica Manteit named Young/Emerging Professional of the Year Award and Brad Thompson awarded the Project Manager or Construction Professional of the year Award.
QMCA Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Chapman, paid tribute to the finalists and winners “Our awards are about showcasing and celebrating the excellence on display in our industry as we support the delivery of world-class infrastructure.”
“Across seven categories, we have recognised the achievements of organisations and individuals who have demonstrated success and have delivered significant innovations that have improved efficiency, safety and skills while building the infrastructure the state needs to grow and prosper.”
“Congratulations
to every finalist, but particularly to our winners BMD Constructions, Fulton
Hogan Seymour Whyte Joint Venture, Brady Marine and Civil, CPB Contractors,
SMEC, Brad Thompson and Jessica Manteit who have shown true innovation and
excellence and deserve recognition for their achievements.” said Mr Chapman.
THE WINNERS
Seven awards were presented on the day:
| Award Category | Entry Name | Company |
| Cbus Superfund Project of the Year above $100 million Award | Brisbane Airport’s New Parallel Runway (NPR) | Skyway Joint Venture, BMD Group and CPB Contractors |
| Design & Innovation Award | Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT) | Brady Marine & Civil |
| Ian Harrington Award | Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway Project | Fulton Hogan Seymour Whyte Joint Venture |
| Project Manager or Construction Professional Award | Brad Thompson | |
| Sustainability Award | Logan Enhancement Project | CPB Contractors |
| Young/Emerging Professional of the Year Award | Jessica Manteit | |
| Coates Hire Project of the Year below $100 million Award | Design of Post Fire Remediation Works – Binna Burra | SMEC |
Award Information and Judges Notes
Cbus Superfund Project of the Year over $100m+ – Skyway Joint Venture, BMD Group and CPB Contractors, Brisbane Airport’s New Parallel Runway (NPR)
As a judging panel, we have nothing but the highest of praise for each entry into the Cbus Superfund Project of the Year over $100m and would like to commend all entrants for the exceptionally high standard of project planning, delivery and execution. It is safe to say that the standard of work in Queensland for major projects could not be higher, and all nominees should be proud of their significant achievements and contribution to the sector.
However, there can be only one winner, and we are delighted to award the Cbus Superfund Project of the Year over $100m to the Skyway Joint Venture, BMD Group and CPB Contractors for the Brisbane Airport’s New Parallel Runway.
The judges were impressed with every aspect of the project, from the collaborative nature of the project charter to the use of technology to ensure success. Working in a live airport environment, managing challenging environmental conditions, and the small matter of removing 5,000,000m3 of excess sand is enough to give even the most experienced project team nightmares, and that’s before you deliver 3.3km of runway, 12 km of taxiways and 21km of air side roads, plus aprons, lighting and landscaping.
This could not have been achieved without meticulous attention to detail and preparation evidenced by the project team as they delivered Brisbane’s New Parallel Runway on time and to budget.
Coates Hire Project of the Year Under $100m – SMEC, Binna Burra Post Fire Remediation Works
Overall the judges felt all projects were excellent examples of civil construction. They were markedly different in project type, location, challenges and degree of innovation used.
Of the three nominations the Binna Burra Post Fire Remediation Works project was adjudged to be the winner.
The Binna Burra remediation works project was considered by the judges to demonstrate a high level of construction excellence where the scope of works was under a continual change. There was a large focus on changing ground conditions, weather, stakeholder priorities and the footprint of the project was very confined.
The Binna Burra project also demonstrated a high level of innovation in design and design management. The adaption of existing technologies to address a changing environment and small footprint set this project above the others.
Design & Innovation Award – Brady Marine & Civil, Brisbane International Cruise Terminal
The judges were impressed that Brady Marine had taken a concept from a different application area, innovation from overseas and applied it here with local industry. They were clever in choice of diameter, (readily available & cost effective). Brady demonstrated that they worked through what exactly was needed in this specific environment and applied innovation to this particular project.
They demonstrated a generosity in sharing this innovation, in making it available to industry retrofitting opportunities under live operations. It has further been applied on subsequent projects
Sustainability Award – CPB Contractors, Logan Enhancement Project
The judges remarked that CPB had indeed demonstrated that they delivered a range of sustainability outcomes on the Logan Enhancement Project including:
- The manner in which the project through innovation selected a new form of sustainable asphalt delivering reduced cost with longer lifetime providing a new industry reference and benchmark for the industry.
- A comprehensive design for the protection of wildlife allows native animals to move between ecological domains away from live traffic. The comprehensiveness of the design was outstanding.
- The project actively engaged with local first people’s to not only provide employment but also to protect native lands around the work area. The ability to continue to grow the skills and talent of young people on these types of projects was highly commended.
The judges unanimously agreed the project was worthy of this award. In addition, the project received Queensland’s first Leading rating under the ISCA sustainability rating tool.
Ian Harrington Collaboration Award – Fulton Hogan- Seymour Whyte JV with SoilCyclers
The judges were impressed with three quality submissions but found the winning submission by SoilCyclers and the Fulton Hogan- Seymour Whyte JV was a compelling demonstration of collaboration achieving best for project and industry outcomes.
SoilCylcers entered into a sub-contract agreement with the joint venture partners (Fulton Hogan & Seymour Whyte), whereby both parties worked collaboratively in promoting a soil amelioration solution to reuse the majority of the site clearing as mulch. This solution was dependant on significant dialogue with TMR and the EPA plus the local council to modify the relevant specifications.
The judges were impressed with the willingness of both the Joint Venture partners and SoilCyclers to share their project success stories with joint presentations to industry, government agencies and universities.
SoilCyclers is a small family owned business and their focus is on developing and maintaining a positive working relationship with the Contractor has been very beneficial for the company. They demonstrated that positive collaboration with mutual trust and respect between parties to the contract provides not only positive economic, social and environmental outcomes but enhances job satisfaction for site workers.
Professional of the Year – Brad Thompson.
As Project Director for the Fulton Hogan – Seymour Whyte project joint venture Brad Thompson has overseen the construction of Australia’s first Diverging Diamond Interchange on the $900 million Bruce Highway Upgrade –Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway (CR2SM).
By leading and empowering a team around him Brad built a culture of ‘do your best, do what you say you are going to do, and look after your mates’. With a 400-strong workforce at its peak, Brad used his one-plan approach and accessible managerial style to ensure team cohesion. He oversaw the delivery of professional development courses for emerging leaders on the project’ and he led the roll-out of a number of holistic programs, including Mental Health Awareness Month. Recognising it’s not just about building a road, but a positive community and industry , Brad hosted over 60 site tours for 20 community, industry and educational organisations as well as running a very successful family day on the site.
Brad is dedicated to improving the mental health outcomes within the industry more broadly, and, he is passionate about road safety and featured in social media as a TMR Road Safety Week ambassador. Brad is also Fulton Hogan’s Mentor for new graduates.
Emerging Professional of the Year – Jessica Manteit
Jessica is a deserving winner of the QMCA Young/Emerging Professional Award. Jessica gave an excellent presentation on the project work she’s packed into her five years in the industry, which demonstrated considerable leadership in managing projects and people.
She showed a genuine awareness of her colleagues and of her role in generating strong morale and productivity during the uncertainty of the COVID period in 2020. She appears to have the makings of a strong leader, and is a genuine role model for aspiring professionals in the Construction industry.
The judges were particularly impressed with Jessica’s authenticity and her commitment to the community. She perfectly fit the judge’s expectations of what an emerging professional should be: smart, capable, practical, solutions-driven, accessible, empathetic and promising. We wish Jessica well in her career in this industry and we look forward to hearing about her future success.
