The Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA) has once again shone a spotlight on the outstanding achievements of the state’s construction and infrastructure sector at the QMCA Innovation and Excellence Awards, which are awarded for excellence in the previous calendar year. The highly anticipated gala event brought together over 500 industry leaders from contracting, engineering, consulting, and government, including Deputy Premier the Hon Jarrod Bleijie MP, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, and Minister for Industrial Relations to celebrate the individuals, teams, and projects shaping Queensland’s future.
The awards highlighted the remarkable contributions of industry professionals and organisations in categories that showcased excellence in innovation, collaboration, sustainability, design, and project delivery.
Celebrating Excellence in Construction and Infrastructure
Among the most prestigious honours was the Dale Gilbert Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Tim Phelps for his outstanding contributions to the industry over his distinguished career. Tim’s leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact on Queensland’s infrastructure landscape.
In project recognition, McConnell Dowell took home the Coates Project of the Year Under $100M Award for their outstanding work on the Archer River Crossing project, while Fulton Hogan was awarded the Cbus Super Project of the Year Over $100M Award for their work on the Bruce Highway Upgrade – Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way (Contract 2). CPB Contractors received highly commended recognition for their delivery of the Bruce Highway Upgrade – Cooroy to Curra Section D2 (Gympie Bypass).
Recognising the Best and Brightest
The awards also celebrated the industry’s emerging and established professionals. Prue Townsend-Webb of CPB Contractors was named 4020 Consult Emerging Professional of the Year, recognising her significant contributions early in her career. Matthew Hemsworth of CMC was honoured with the IPS James Sheldon Construction Professional of the Year Award for his expertise, leadership, and commitment to excellence in construction.
Innovation, Sustainability, and Design Excellence Shine
Innovation and sustainability took centre stage, with Fulton Hogan receiving the AUSEV Sustainability and Community Award for their transformative From Street to Site: A New Transitional Employment Program for the Construction Industry. The Bruce Highway Upgrade – Cooroy to Curra, Section D (Gympie Bypass) Bridge Structure Design Innovation by GHD earned the Design Excellence Award, showcasing cutting-edge engineering and design.
The Technology and Innovation Award was jointly awarded to Acciona for the Brisbane Metro – Adelaide Street Tunnel and Aptella for Blindsight, recognising their advancements in technological solutions that drive efficiency and safety across the industry.
Collaboration at its Finest
A true testament to teamwork, the Ian Harrington Collaboration Award was presented to Georgiou Group, Golding Contractors, and Toowoomba Regional Council for their exceptional partnership in delivering the Toowoomba Regional Council 2022 Flood Recovery Program. Their collaborative approach set new benchmarks in efficiency and resilience.
A Celebration of Industry Leadership
QMCA CEO Andrew Chapman praised all finalists and winners, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to shaping Queensland’s infrastructure landscape.
“Our industry is built on the dedication, ingenuity, and expertise of the people and organisations recognised today. Their work is driving innovation, sustainability, and excellence in major projects across Queensland. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists – your achievements inspire the industry to continue striving for greatness,” said Mr. Chapman.
The QMCA Innovation and Excellence Awards 2024 reaffirm the industry’s dedication to building a better Queensland through collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.
Full List of Winners
- Dale Gilbert Lifetime Achievement Award – Tim Phelps
- Coates Project of the Year Under $100M Award – Archer River Crossing – McConnell Dowell
- 4020 Consult Emerging Professional of the Year Award – Prue Townsend-Webb – CPB Contractors
- IPS James Sheldon Construction Professional of the Year Award – Matthew Hemsworth – CMC
- AUSEV Sustainability and Community Award – From Street to Site: A New Transitional Employment Program for the Construction Industry – Fulton Hogan
- Design Excellence Award – Bruce Highway Upgrade – Cooroy to Curra, Section D (Gympie Bypass) Bridge Structure Design Innovation – GHD
- Technology and Innovation Award – Joint Winners
- Brisbane Metro – Adelaide Street Tunnel – Acciona
- Blindsight – Aptella
- Cbus Super Project of the Year Over $100M Award – Bruce Highway Upgrade – Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way (Contract 2) – Fulton Hogan
- Cbus Super Project of the Year Over $100M Award Highly Commended – Bruce Highway Upgrade – Cooroy to Curra Section D2 (Gympie Bypass) – CPB Contractors
- Ian Harrington Collaboration Award – Toowoomba Regional Council 2022 Flood Recovery Program Collaboration – Georgiou Group, Golding Contractors and Toowoomba Regional Council
Image Gallery
Check out a selection of the best images from the day below. All images are available for download HERE on Dropbox.
