INNOVATION EXCELLENCE AWARD FINALISTS 2020

This award recognises innovation in a major infrastructure project or infrastructure service. Outstanding use of technology, intelligent engineering systems optimisation, modernisation or disruption form the basis of this award.

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HAUGHTON RIVER FLOODPLAIN UPGRADE PROJECT DESIGN

+ NOMINEES: ARUP, HDR

Located 50 kilometres south of Townsville, the Haughton River Floodplain is one of the most complex floodplains in Queensland, with regular flood events spreading for up to 13.5km along the Bruce Highway. The project, which is currently under construction, will replace a series of sub-standard crossings with five bridges and two cane rail overpasses to effectively remove the flood vulnerability of the Bruce Highway across the Haughton River Floodplain in regional Queensland. The project has employed world-first commercial adaptation of new technology for hydraulic assessment and modelling, and Queensland-first design innovations including the use of tubular steel piles and adapting the use of pre-stressed concrete piles to meet updated standards for earthquake load cases. These approaches reduced cost and improved delivery efficiency, saving over 2,000 linear metres of bridges. The judges shortlisted the Haughton River project for its engineering excellence, consideration of long-term sustainability and investment for the future. The judges highlighted the multifaceted challenges in overcoming these problems, especially the projects hydrology and the design considerations given for future environmental challenges.

OPEN DATA & CAR PARK APIS

+ NOMINEES:

TRANSPORT FOR NSW

In November 2019, the Open Data and Innovation team at Transport for NSW launched a real-time car park occupancy trial at four Opal Park and Ride car parks across Sydney, enabling data to be collected and released on the Open Data Hub for use by third party app developers. As a result, NSW commuters can access real-time information about the number of parking spaces available at each of the locations, as well as predictive occupancy patterns based on historical data, via the AnyTrip app and website.

Partnering Opal Park and Ride with real time data has allowed public transport customers to efficiently plan their journeys, and the app helps them make informed decisions about electing various transport modes, such as walking, cycling, or catching public transport. Opal Park & Ride protects parking spaces for genuine public transport customers by giving them up to 18 hours free parking each day when they tap on and off with their Opal card. The judges shortlisted the project in recognition of Transport for NSW’s commitment to open data and enabling third-party innovation. This was the first of a number of data feeds for publicly-owned parking assets to be made available, unlocking benefits for thousands of commuters, improving transport network efficiency and encouraging multi-modal journeys that can reduce the number of private cars on the road during peak periods.

SUPPLIER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT FOR SUCCESS PROGRAM

+ NOMINEES:

SYDNEY WATER

The infrastructure delivery arm of Sydney Water overhauled how it partners with suppliers by implementing and continually improving Supplier Relationship Management for Success from 2014-2020. This partnering framework is comprised of three best-practice features which include an embedded procurement team, regionalised structure with a panel of approved suppliers and a reward-based system that awards work based on performance. The underpinning governance structure features tracking of six Key Performance Indicators, which are published monthly and reviewed at regular meetings attended by all contractors. The model enables competition, early contractor involvement and rewards contractors for self-reporting any project issues. Under the model, supplier performance has improved by six per cent across all KPIs leading to a 15 per cent increase in cost efficiency, 10 per cent decrease in headcount, improved supplier satisfaction rates and contributed to a 30 per cent increase in the capital target. The judges shortlisted the program for its streamlined procurement process, and innovative approach to enhancing collaboration while maintaining value-formoney outcomes. The program utilised key lessons from previous packages and implemented a more transparent performance measurement system.

LOWER SOUTH CREEK TREATMENT PROGRAM

+ NOMINEES:

SYDNEY WATER, UGL, WSP JOINT VENTURE

The Lower South Creek Treatment Program is a $500-million wastewater program comprising three staggered plant-renewal projects in Riverstone, Quakers Hill and St Marys, which will support an additional 500,000 people in Sydney’s North-West region by 2040. The program pilots a purchasing strategy and collaborative partnering model, which sees Joint Venture partner, UGL and WSP, collaboratively manage risk, share rewards and innovate using market-leading technology. Effective government partnering has translated into better commercial, environmental and community outcomes. Approximately $8 million in savings have been achieved on the completed Riverstone project, with the treatment capacity of that plant increasing three-fold. Fourteen per cent, or $53 million in savings is forecast for the combined program, alongside a 56 per cent reduction in carbon emissions and reduced asset lifecycle costs. The judges shortlisted the Lower South Creek Treatment program because of innovative approach to managing risks and rewards with delivery partners. The judges noted the co-location of teams and shared goals allowed decisions to be made and issues to be resolved faster than through traditional procurement models.

+ NOMINEES:

CROSS RIVER RAIL DELIVERY AUTHORITY

Cross River Rail is Queensland’s largest infrastructure initiative, which includes construction of a new, 10.2 kilometre rail line from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, 5.9 kilometres of twin rail tunnels under the Brisbane River, four new underground stations, upgrades to eight over-ground stations and the construction of three new stations on the Gold Coast Line.

The Cross River Rail Experience Centre leverages a 3D Digital model of the project – one of the most advanced digital project models used for a rail construction initiative. The Centre aims to make visitors’ experiences more personal, immersive and interactive, using a virtual reality station, mixed reality theatre, interactive video wall and ‘maker space’ to enable a fuller experience of the project, its development, and the cultural heritage of project sites. The Centre has provided useful for community engagement and school groups, as well as engineers, planners and designers. Professionals can use the mixed reality theatre to explore options for the stations, tunnels and city precincts being developed, and to better understand issues related to cultural heritage, building heights, sight lines and density options. The judges shortlisted the Cross River Rail Experience Centre for its innovative approach to providing immersive vistor experiences. The judges noted the centre’s virtual setting facilitated feedback from disability groups and allowed visitors to gain an understanding of the Indigenous history of the sites on which the projects run. Additionally, the utility of the Centre for a range of audiences will enhance project outcomes over time.