INDUSTRY CHOICE AWARD FINALISTS 2020

This award recognises a project that demonstrates exceptional focus on the customer and community benefits.

Sponsored by

+ NOMINEES:

AURECON, KEOLIS DOWNER, TRANSPORT FOR NSW, WSP JOINT VENTURE

Newcastle Transport, an integrated transport service for Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, is focused on delivering public transport across multiple modes of travel. Keolis Downer has been awarded a 10-year contract through which they are responsible for designing and operating Newcastle Transport bus, ferry and light rail services. In early 2018, the new bus and ferry network was launched, introducing more than one thousand extra services each week, with buses covering more ground across increased operating hours. This provided improved frequency, better connections between modes and a new on-demand service.

Newcastle light rail was launched in 2019, creating a multi-modal transport network for the city. The 2.7 kilometre light rail line connects Newcastle Interchange with Newcastle Beach. It is the first in Australasia to be entirely ‘catenary-free’ – meaning that it has no overhead wires. The high frequency, turn-up-and-go services during peak times can transport 1,200 people per hour, with key improvements to the frequency of refurbished ferries, new light rail, and bus services on key corridors. In the first month of operation alone, patronage numbers on the network were almost double the forecasts.

The Aurecon and WSP Joint Venture was supported by Transport for New South Wales and Downer EDI to deliver the light rail system, which forms a key part of the NSW Government’s Revitalising Newcastle program. The joint venture was responsible for delivering comprehensive design, engineering and project management. Revitalising Newcastle aims to transform the city - attract more people, create job opportunities, build public spaces, and deliver enhanced -integrated transport services. The judges shortlisted the project because of the integrated transport solution not seen anywhere else in Australia. The judges noted the extent to which the project has redefined the mobility network in Newcastle through its implementation of an innovative, integrated and multimodal system of travel, which reduced car-dependency while also catalysing urban renewal in Newcastle.

OPAL NETWORK CONTACTLESS TRANSPORT PAYMENTS (CTP)

+ NOMINEES:

TRANSPORT FOR NSW

Contactless Transport Payments (CTP) is an Australian first in public transport ticketing, giving customers a seamless ticketing experience across all modes on the NSW Opal network. CTP enables customers to tap on and off the Opal network with credit/debit cards, smartphones and wearable devices linked to American Express, Mastercard or Visa card.

Integrating CTP into the existing Opal ticketing system increases choice and convenience for customers, as well as increasing efficiencies for TfNSW. CTP customers receive the same fare and travel benefits of an Adult Opal card and can pay as they go, removing the need to pre-pay. Fare payments have been greatly simplified, adding convenience for customers and operators. For Sydney visitors, contactless is an attractive alternative to pay – enhancing the appeal of public transport. The judges shortlisted the Opal Network Contactless Transport Payments because of the substantial uptake of the technology across different modes within the public transport network and the high level of customer satisfaction. The judges noted the access the service provides for ongoing customers and tourists to the transport network through phones, smart watches and other devices.

RIVERINE RECOVERY PROJECT

+ NOMINEES:

COMMONWEALTH DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT,

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DEPARTMENT FOR ENVIRONMENT AND WATER

The Riverine Recovery Project was the largest single investment in the Murray River wetlands in South Australia, which sought to recover up to 15 gigalitres of environmental water for the river.

Through comprehensive ecological surveys, analysis, design, planning and construction of environmental regulators and other infrastructure, the project delivered environmental benefits to over 30 wetlands, and hundreds of kilometres of creeks and floodplains. The project significantly improved the ecological health of the wetlands through the re-introduction of variable wetting and drying cycles, while maximising water available to the environment by reducing evaporative losses. As part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, the project also enabled the return of valuable environmental water savings to the Commonwealth for environmental purposes within the southern-connected Murray-Darling Basin. The judges shortlisted the Riverine Recovery Project for Industry Choice in recognition of the positive outcomes for local environments, a number Indigenous stakeholders and communities, and business, which all rely on the Murray River.

+ NOMINEES:

CPB CONTRACTORS, JOHN HOLLAND, SAMSUNG C&T, WESTCONNEX TRANSURBAN

The WestConnex M4 East project was a landmark project for the NSW and Federal Governments, its delivery partners, and for Sydney, as it was the first tunnelled section of Australia’s largest road transport undertaking. The project provided employment and training for the more than 15,000 people inducted onto the project. The scope of work for the project included four interchanges, eight ramps, two ventilation facilities, a motorway control centre, support facilities including eight substations, extensive utility relocations and a total of 6.5 kilometres of motorway. At the peak of construction, there were 21 road headers in the ground and over 2,000 people working across 10 sites, all in the densely populated inner-western suburbs of Sydney. The motorway integrates state-of-the-art technologies including wayfinding, traffic monitoring and communication technology and incorporated innovative approaches to traffic movement and design. The judges shortlisted WestConnex M4 East for the ongoing tangible benefits the project has provided to users and surrounding communities. The judges noted the community- focused, design process and the substantial time savings for commuters.

GREAT NORTHERN HIGHWAY – MUCHEA TO WUBIN STAGE TWO

+ NOMINEES:

GNH INTEGRATED PROJECT TEAM: ARUP, JACOBS, MAIN ROADS WA

The Great Northern Highway – Muchea to Wubin Stage Two involved the upgrade of 79 kilometres of highway across a 218 kilometre section north of Perth. Arup and Jacobs in a Joint Venture, with Main Roads Western Australia as the client, formed an Integrated Project Team to oversee the design and delivery of the the project. The $375 million project was funded by the Federal and WA Governments, and comprised seven construct-only procurement packages. The procurement strategy for the program was to create packages of work that suited mid-tier contractors, providing a pipeline of work and opportunities for them to work on the Main Roads network. The project was shortlisted in recognition of its outcomes in improving road safety, increasing freight efficiency, and being delivered on-budget. The Panel also acknowledged the broader benefits of the project, providing training and skills development for local communities and engaging with local Aboriginal workforces and businesses.