2023 National Infrastructure Awards Booklet by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia

NATIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE AWARDS 2023

Chair’s Message

I am delighted to welcome you to the 2023 Annual Infrastructure Oration and National Infrastructure Awards. We come together this year to celebrate the outstanding achievements our sector has delivered in the last 12 months. Last year Dr Alan Finkel AO delivered a thought-provoking address on Australia’s path towards a net zero future and the importance of the decarbonisation of our sector. This year I am honoured Anna Collyer has accepted my invitation to present as our Orator at the 16th National Infrastructure Awards. As Chair of the Energy Security Board and the Australian Energy Market Commission, Anna will build on the themes presented by Dr Alan Finkel AO last year and address the scale and significance of Australia’s energy transition. Anna is a leading energy expert with more than two decades of public and private sector experience in energy, and has worked extensively on industry reform with energy ministers. In 2022, she became one of Australia’s inaugural ambassadors for the global Energy Equality Initiative, supporting the urgent task of improving female representation in the energy sector.

The 2023 Annual Infrastructure Oration and National Infrastructure Awards also provides the opportunity to recognise outstanding professional achievement and celebrate project excellence across ten categories:

Advisory Excellence

Financial Excellence

Contractor Excellence

Government Partnerships Excellence

· Operator and Service Provider Excellence

Innovation Excellence

Future Infrastructure Leader of the Year Award

· Women’s Achievement in Infrastructure Award

Industry Choice Award, and

Project of the Year.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Judging Panel Chaired by An Nguyen, Executive Director and Head of Partnerships Victoria, Infrastructure Delivery Group at the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance for their work in determining the finalists and winners out of the hundreds of high calibre nominations we received this year. An was expertly supported by Sonya Campbell, Deputy Secretary, Commercial and Procurement at the NSW Treasury, Jim Betts, Secretary, Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts and Neil Scales OBE, Director-General at the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Additionally, I would like to acknowledge our Platinum Sponsor, MUFG, and our Gold Sponsor, Transurban, and each of the award category sponsors. The 2023 Annual Infrastructure Oration and National Infrastructure Awards would not be possible without your contributions and ongoing support of Infrastructure Partnerships Australia.

Finally, I would like to thank the team at Infrastructure Partnerships Australia for their work in delivering the 2023 Annual Infrastructure Oration & National Infrastructure Awards. It takes the whole team a considerable amount of effort to pull together this prestigious event – so congratulations.

Yours sincerely,

Advisory Excellence Award

Finalists 2023

Recognises excellence in advisory services on a major infrastructure project, policy or reform in a qualifying professional services or public sector discipline including (but not limited to) engineering, design, legal and policy advice.

Sponsored by

ECU City Campus

Nominees:

PwC Australia

The Edith Cowan University (ECU) City Campus project is delivering the University’s new campus, comprising 11 stories across two sites either side of the Karak Walk and adjacent to Yagan Square, between the Perth CBD and Northbridge. The new campus facilities include five Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts theatres, a digital smart lab, a moot court, a motion capture film studio, spatial sound lab, design studios and galleries, film and television production studios, and radio and television broadcast studios. The project forms part of the Perth City Deal, which includes funding commitments from the Federal and Western Australian Governments and the City of Perth.

The Judging Panel commended the advisory services provided in end-to-end execution of the project – which began with the development and submission of the City Deal application and securing $395 million of funding (including cash and land) to commence the project and will continue through to the practical competition of the campus. In particular, the Panel praised the quality of advice delivered in a challenging environment, including the preparation and execution of an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) procurement model, the seamless transition from ECI into a fixed-price main works contract project phases, and the advisory services provided during project scope variations.

Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance – Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Charging Network Plan

Nominees: Arup

Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance comprising: City of Cockburn, Town of East Fremantle, City of Fremantle, City of Kwinana, City of Melville, City of Rockingham

The Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Charging Network Plan, developed by Arup and the Perth South West Metropolitan Alliance, outlines a strategy to support the rollout of public and private Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers, covering charging types, infrastructure, grid impacts and relevant policies. The Plan covers the six Western Australian local government areas that form the Alliance and aims to achieve their collective goal of converting 100 per cent of car and van fleets to zero emission vehicles by 2030, and net zero emissions by 2050. The Plan includes establishing member council roles in the deployment and management of EV infrastructure and developing an assessment framework that could test the feasibility of proposed EV charging infrastructure within council areas.

The Judging Panel applauded Arup’s innovative approach to EV charging infrastructure distribution as well as the approach to establishing an equitable EV charging network, which identifies locations for EV charging infrastructure with consideration of social and environmental benefits. The Panel also recognised the Plan’s potential to be used as a blueprint for other EV charging infrastructure plans in WA and across Australia.

Western

Harbour Tunnel and Sydney Harbour Tunnel Asset Manager Transaction

Nominees:

The NSW Government:

· NSW Treasury

· Transport for NSW

And their Advisors:

· Ashurst

Infrastructure Advisory Group

The Western Harbour Tunnel and Sydney Harbour Tunnel Asset Manager Transaction comprised an innovative procurement model in which the Asset Manager for both tunnels was procured prior to the tender of a Design and Construct contract for the Western Harbour Tunnel project. The model allows the Asset Manager, responsible for operations, maintenance and lifecycle replacement and renewal, to contribute its expertise prior to the procurement of the Design and Construct contractor to ensure the delivery of an asset designed for whole of life operations.

The Judging Panel recognised the whole-of-life project outcomes with a focus on reducing costs and allowing flexibility to incorporate future recommendations to enhance operations and maintenance. In addition, the Panel acknowledged the approach which altered the point of competitive tension for both the Design and Construct and the Asset Management services contracts with the intention of optimising both components.

Zero Emission Buses Project Final Business Case

Nominees:

WSP Australia for their advice to Transport for NSW

The Zero Emission Buses Project Final Business Case was developed for the NSW Government’s bus fleet’s transition to zero emissions vehicles as part of its commitment to net zero carbon emissions by 2050. The project included the delivery of a Final Business Case (FBC), investment logic mapping, benefits mapping and benefit realisation management plans, a cost report, and economic appraisals. The transition to zero emissions buses will be completed in Greater Sydney by 2035, Outer Metropolitan regions by 2040, and in Regional NSW by 2047.

The Judging Panel commended the advisors for their role in establishing the business case for the largest transition to zero emissions buses in Australia to date, as well as their projected contribution to reducing NSW’s public transportrelated emissions by 78 per cent. The Panel recognised the complexities of undertaking an FBC for a decarbonisation project in the transport sector that spans multiple decades. Also of note was the target-consistent approach adopted to valuing carbon in the economic appraisals of projects, departing from traditional carbon evaluation methods, and embedding this approach in State guidance for future projects.

Financial Excellence Award

Finalists 2023

Recognises exceptional advice and/or innovation in the financing, structuring or transaction of a major infrastructure project.

Sponsored by

Frankston Hospital Redevelopment

Nominees:

Aware Super Capella Capital

Lendlease Infrastructure Investments

The $1.1 billion Frankston Hospital Redevelopment will see the construction of a new 12-storey acute services building, six-storey clinical services building and podium, 130 additional beds and 15 new operating theatres at the site of the existing Frankston Hospital. The project will be delivered by the Exemplar Health Consortium comprising Capella Capital, Lendlease, Honeywell and Compass who are responsible for the design, construction, finance, and facilities management of the project over a 25-year term.

The Judging Panel applauded the project’s financing structure, which effectively priced short-term pandemic risks while providing optimal medium and longterm debt security through a multi-tranche debt facility. Nearly 50 per cent of the project’s debt has a 20-year tenure appropriately reducing refinancing risk without incurring a cost premium relative to a shorter-term solution. Additionally, the project was financed as a ‘Green Loan’, a significant achievement for a brownfield hospital redevelopment.

Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations & Maintenance PPP for the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Project

Nominees:

Sydney Metro and its advisors: EY

· MinterEllison

· NSW Treasury

The Parklife Consortium (Plenary Group, Webuild, RATP Développement, Siemens Mobility, Siemens Project Ventures and Siemens Mobility Austria) and their advisors: Ashurst

Plenary Group

The Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport – Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) contract will see the Parklife Metro Consortium - comprising Plenary, Webuild, RATP Développement, Siemens Mobility, Siemens Project Ventures and Siemens Mobility Austria – deliver 12 new metro trains, six new stations, core rail systems and a stabling and maintenance facility over a 15-year term.

The Judging Panel commended the financial advisors for delivering closure on the highest value PPP in NSW’s history. Despite this scale and market complexities at the time of the agreement, the contract was awarded two months ahead of schedule. The financial advice provided to the project enabled the State to create a flexible finance structure which delivered bankable risk allocation while ensuring a competitive and fully financed solution. Utilising a series of bespoke solutions, the state was able to include a framework for extending the PPP to future stages of Sydney Metro.

Sydney Airport Transaction

Nominees:

Sydney Aviation Alliance (comprising of IFM Investors, Global Infrastructure Partners, AustralianSuper, UniSuper, Australian Retirement Trust) and their advisors:

· Goldman Sachs

Hebert Smith Freehills

· Macquarie Bank

The Sydney Airport transaction saw the acquisition and take-private of Sydney Airport by the Sydney Aviation Alliance (SAA), a consortium comprising IFM Investors, Global Infrastructure Partners, Australian Retirement Trust and AustralianSuper. The transaction is the largest Australian-listed infrastructure transaction ever and the largest cash acquisition in the history of the Australian listed market. SAA acquired the airport for an equity valuation of A$23.6 billion and an enterprise valuation of A$32.2 billion.

The Judging Panel has recognised the sale not only for its record-breaking scale but also for the effectiveness of the transaction’s structure and execution during a period of high volatility in both the aviation sector and capital markets. Additionally, the Panel commends the consortium partners, and their advisors, for successfully managing complex regulatory approval processes in this landmark public-to-private transaction.

VicRoads Modernisation Project

Nominees: KPMG

MinterEllison

Morgan Stanley

For their advice to the Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance

The VicRoads Modernisation Project is a 40-year, $7.9 billion Joint Venture between the Victorian Government and a consortium comprised of Aware Super, Australian Retirement Trust, and Macquarie Asset Management for the commercialisation of the VicRoads motor vehicle registry and licensing business. The consortium is responsible for the modernisation and operation of the Victorian registration and licensing, whilst Government retains ownership of the asset. The Joint Venture is the world’s first modernisation and commercialisation of a motor vehicle registry and business licensing.

The Judging Panel commended the financial advisers to the Victorian Government in successfully navigating the execution of a world-first transaction. By implementing transparent feedback mechanisms into the negotiation process, the State and consortium partners were able to balance funding and innovation requirements with the certainty demands of a long-term concession for a public asset. In doing so, the Joint Venture serves as a ready-made asset recycling model that can be replicated across other Australian jurisdictions.

Contractor Excellence Award Finalists

2023

Recognises exceptional work completed by a contractor including the achievement of innovative, sustainable, safety, or quality objectives.

Sponsored by

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Stage 2 Redevelopment

Nominees:

BESIX Watpac

The $210 million Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital Stage 2 Redevelopment saw the development of a new seven-level clinical services building, housing new or expanded clinical departments including pharmacy, ambulatory care, rehabilitation, medical imaging, cardiorespiratory, mortuary, coronary, intensive care and emergency medicine. The project also delivered the first robotic pharmacy in a NSW public hospital, with the facility doubling the capacity of the previous pharmacy and improving the efficiency of medication dispensing, stocktake and wastage management.

The Judging Panel praised BESIX Watpac for its proactive approach to staging, with the splitting of the main clinical services building into two stages enabling the building’s bottom three levels to be handed over four months ahead of schedule at no additional cost to the client. Staging benefits were also realised following scope changes to include a helipad in the project’s design. The necessary program modifications were absorbed into the construction program without impacting the project’s completion date. BESIX Watpac’s management of adverse site conditions in a live operating environment were also praised by the Panel, with the contractor carrying out complex hazardous material remediation in close proximity to patients.

M80 Ring Road Upgrade Sydney Road to Edgars Road

Nominees:

CPB Contractors

The Judging Panel recognised this project for the successful delivery of a challenging project to a high quality, a year ahead of schedule and 24 per cent under budget. To achieve these time and budget improvements, CPB Contractors collaborated effectively with Major Road Projects Victoria resulting in minimising of the closure of Edgars Road to two-weeks as opposed to a six-week rolling closure, extending the existing active transport bridge instead of constructing a replacement and utilising autonomous technology for line-marking surveys and traffic cone retrieval. The project was also the first Australian project to incorporate recycled materials in each layer of pavement.

Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment

Nominees:

John Holland Group

The Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment, located in Moore Park near Sydney’s CBD, comprised the delivery of a redeveloped 42,500 seat stadium. Included in the new stadium’s scope was an increase in universal access seating from 14 to 747 seats, 350 food and beverage stations, 1,240 toilets, including an increase in the number of female toilets from 113 to 670, and a 360-degree open concourse for viewing.

The Judging Panel recognised this project for its unique design which required complex engineering and construction solutions, including the design and construction of a technically bespoke roof made up of unique pieces of steel and utilised 40 per cent less steel than comparable stadia roofs. In addition, the project saw more than four million hours worked during the peak of the pandemic by utilising comprehensive health and safety protocols, setting a path for the rest of the construction industry to follow.

Sydney Modern Project

Nominees:

Richard Crookes

Constructions

The Judging Panel recognised this project for the engineering and construction work undertaken to execute the unique design, including 108 curved glass panels, the 250-metre-long curled earth wall, and the compression of local Sydney sand that echoes the topography of the site. In addition, the project was delivered on time and on budget despite a complex construction environment including a 20-metre rise in elevation and rainfall complications.

Government Partnerships Excellence Award

Finalists 2023

Recognises excellence in the delivery of infrastructure or a service through a genuine partnership between government and the private sector, using this partnership to overcome challenges or exploit opportunities.

Sponsored by

Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach Level Crossing Removal Project

Nominees:

Southern Program Alliance (ACCIONA, Coleman Rail, Level Crossing Removal Project, WSP, Metro Trains Melbourne)

The Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach Level Crossing Removal Project included the removal of five level crossings in Melbourne’s South East. The project had a total cost of $744 million and included lowering the rail line into three trenches, each up to seven metres deep, for a one-kilometre road-over-rail option. In addition, the project included the construction of three new stations at Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach, the extension of an 11-kilometre shared path from Frankston to Edithvale, and the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the rail corridor. There are approximately 210 train services operating on the Frankston Line every weekday, which prior to the works were affected by boom gates restricting travel for 40 per cent of the morning peak.

The Judging Panel recognised the Southern Program Alliance for the integrated and collaborative approach to project delivery. The Panel noted the alliance structure provided the flexibility to add Chelsea into the project providing significant savings to the taxpayer and reducing disruption to the Frankston line. The Panel further welcomed the facilitation of ongoing knowledge sharing and expertise across the alliances during the delivery of projects to ensure continuous improvements and to underpin efficiencies.

M80 Ring Road Upgrade

Sydney Road to Edgars Road

Nominees:

CPB Contractors

Major Road Projects Victoria

The M80 Ring Road upgrade in Victoria saw the successful upgrade of one of Australia’s busiest freeways, carrying over 165,000 vehicles a day. The $518 million project included construction of new lanes in each direction between Sydney Road and Edgars Road, new and extended on- and off-ramps, extending the existing cable-stay pedestrian and cycling bridge, and the implementation of a new smart freeway management system and ramp metering technology. The project was delivered through a Design and Construct contract, where Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) and CPB Contractors engaged in an ‘AllianceLike’ environment, collaborating throughout the tender and development process.

The Judging Panel recognised the significant impact that the collaborative approach had on the delivery of the project, where MRPV and CPB Contractors were able to efficiently communicate objectives and constraints from the project’s outset through to construction completion. The Panel commended the positive impact that this approach had on achieving project delivery ahead of time and below budget.

Royal Children’s Hospital Level 5 fit-out and ED Expansion

Nominees:

Children’s Health Partnership (CHP) represented by Amber Infrastructure Group Victorian Department of Health Victorian Health Building Authority (VHBA)

The Royal Children’s Hospital Melbourne is one of the longest running and most successful operational Public Private Partnerships in Victoria. An expansion of operations is currently being undertaken at the hospital with stage one – a new 30-bed inpatient ward - recently completed and stage two – an emergency department expansion – currently underway. Through collaboration between the Victorian Government and the operating partnership, the expansion was able to occur without impacting the operations of the hospital and minimising the impact of construction works on patients. The expansion is expected to increase the capacity of the hospital to 120,000 patients per year.

The Judging Panel shortlisted the project, commending the continued provision of services in one of the State’s leading paediatric hospitals during significant expansion works – indicative of effective collaboration between Government and industry in a PPP framework.

VicRoads Modernisation Project

Nominees:

The Victorian Government:

The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning and their advisors:

- KPMG

- MinterEllison

- Morgan Stanley and the consortium comprising of:

- Australian Retirement Trust

- Aware Super

- Macquarie Asset Management and their advisors:

- King & Wood Mallesons

- Macquarie Capital

The Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance

The VicRoads Modernisation Project is a 40-year, $7.9 billion Joint Venture between the Victorian Government and a consortium comprised of Aware Super, Australian Retirement Trust, and Macquarie Asset Management for the commercialisation of the VicRoads motor vehicle registry and licensing business. The consortium is responsible for the modernisation and operation of the Victorian registration and licensing. The State retains a material ownership position in VicRoads. It was the largest, most complex and novel digital infrastructure transaction in FY2022.

The Judging Panel commended the scale and complexity of the successful transaction and applauded its pioneering nature as a world-first agreement for the modernisation and commercialisation of a motor registry and licensing business. The Panel particularly welcomed the flexibility of the structure to future innovations, noting the opportunity for taxpayers to share in upside from emerging products and service. The decision to invest the windfall of the transaction into establishing Victorian Future Fund – to stabilise the State’s debt and strengthen the Government’s budget position in the face of growing interest rates and inflation pressure – was a unique aspect of the agreement that the Panel commended.

Operator & Service Provider Excellence Award

Finalists 2023

Recognises excellence in the delivery of services or management of operations of a major infrastructure asset.

Sponsored by

Integrated Work Programs for Extreme Events

Nominees:

Sydney Water

In response to a series of extreme weather events in New South Wales between 2018 and 2022 – including drought, major bushfires and flooding – Sydney Water implemented the Integrated Work Programs for Extreme Events program to successfully manage water quality and supply during the period. The collaborative industry approach between Sydney Water and its operational partners included integrated incident management teams, a process engineering network across all teams, and integrated operations teams between businesses to manage risks to water reserves. A Risk Framework was developed across Sydney’s water supply, informing a systemic view of risk and Operating Plans were implemented across the value chain, allowing optimised operations, shutdowns, and capital works across the system to manage water supply, quality, and costs effectively.

The Judging Panel applauded the approach to sustainable incident management, as well as the approach of combining various risk methodologies into a common risk assessment process. In addition, the Panel recognised the partnership’s introduction of short- and medium-term operating plans to ensure the efficient delivery of a water strategy focused on achieving optimal customer outcomes in the face of climate change challenges.

Metro North West Line

Nominees:

Metro Trains Sydney (comprising of MTR, John Holland Group and UGL Rail) NRT Group

Sydney Metro

The Sydney Metro Program comprises four separate lines, including the City & Southwest, West, Western Sydney Airport and North West Metro Lines, with the North West Line the only line currently in operation. The line opened in mid-2019 under the operation of Metro Trains Sydney and uses Automatic Train Operation systems, making it Australia’s first fully accessible driverless railway at a Grade of Automation Level Four. As of November 2022, the North West Line had undertaken 50 million commuter trips since commencing operations. The trains are required to run at 98 per cent on-time reliability. The North West Line platforms were designed to be at level access and include screen doors to protect people and objects from the edge of the line and allowing trains to arrive and depart more quickly and safely.

The Judging Panel praised the continued exemplary service levels delivered on Australia’s first single deck, automated metro line – noting that the deployment of a continent first technology, under a franchised delivery model, had proven the case for both in an Australian context. In addition, the Panel commended the success of the project throughout ongoing operations including having strong customer satisfaction levels, safety outcomes, and services level consistency.

NSW Drone Bridge inspections

Nominees:

Transport for NSW

The Transport for NSW Drone Bridge Inspection Program utilises drones for preventative maintenance inspections of bridges on New South Wales’ road network. The use of drones significantly reduces the overall inspection time, which in some cases could take up to seven months to complete. Transport for NSW is responsible for managing over 6,000 bridges across the State, with the drones enabling access to hard-to reach areas, capture bridge structures upclose in 4K high-resolution images and render three dimensional maps of their surroundings.

The Judging Panel noted the innovative use of drones and Artificial Intelligence to monitor infrastructure assets, enhancing safety and ensuring that bridge assets are optimally maintained – while simultaneously reducing costs and disruptions. In addition, the Panel commended the successful operations of drones in managing natural disasters and emergency response initiatives, including supporting post-flood inspections from the recent NSW state of emergency.

TRILITY Operations

Nominees: TRILITY Group

TRILITY is an Australian and New Zealand company which delivers water, wastewater, and environmental services for urban and regional communities. Throughout 2022, TRILITY’s teams across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia quickly mobilised to respond to a series of severe floods which occurred from February to October in Southeast Queensland and parts of New South Wales, before spreading into Victoria and South Australia throughout late-2022. TRILITY’s operators worked continuously under extreme conditions to ensure the maintenance of water and wastewater services to communities.

The Judging Panel shortlisted the project, commending TRILITY’s response to severe and dangerous events to ensure the continued delivery of water to communities. In addition, the Panel recognised the impact on TRILITY’s workers who were battling flood damage in their own communities and homes.

Innovation Excellence Award

Finalists 2023

Recognises innovation in a major infrastructure project or service. This may be through the use of technology, intelligent engineering, innovative business models, system optimisation, modernisation, or disruption.

Sponsored by

ecologiQ

Nominees:

Flagstaff Consulting Group

Infrastructure Advisory Group

Major Road Projects Victoria

Major Transport Infrastructure Authority

ecologiQ is a Victorian Government initiative aimed at increasing waste recycling from transport projects and supporting the role of the infrastructure sector in the State’s circular economy. Implemented through Victoria’s Big Build program, the policy requires all tenderers on major transport infrastructure projects in Victoria to outline how they will reduce waste and maximise the use of reused and recycled materials. The process is embedded within the current tender process for all major transport projects. This policy is the first of its kind and designed to address the challenges that the changing recycling market faces with infrastructure delivery. The policy, originally developed by Major Road Projects Victoria, has been adopted by other Victorian Government departments and has had a 70 per cent increase in the utilisation of recycled materials since implementation.

The Judging Panel shortlisted the policy due to its significance as a national standard benchmark, and the impact that it has had across multiple departments. The Panel further noted the development of replicable tools and best practice processes that are being used in other jurisdictions across Australia and globally.

Innovative Shotcrete lining developed for the WestConnex M4-M8 Link Tunnels

Nominees:

ACCIONA, Bouygues and Samsung Joint Venture

Jacobs Aurecon Joint Venture

The extensions to the M4 and M8 in Sydney (previously named the WestConnex M4-M5 Link Tunnel) is approximately 7.5 kilometres long with four lanes in each direction, connecting the M4 tunnel at Haberfield and the M8 tunnel at St Peters. The project utilised a high-performance shotcrete developed through a year-long Research and Design project. The final outcome produced a mix that reduced the total volume of shotcrete by 15 per cent, while still meeting all structural and durability requirements. The shotcrete lining has been developed with a 100-year design life, representing significant durability and structural integrity. The project saw a reduction of more than 35,000 tonnes of embodied carbon and 830 tonnes of reinforced steel.

The Judging Panel shortlisted the project for its collaborative approach to achieving an innovative solution through extensive modelling and practical testing. The Panel noted this innovation has led to significant cost and carbon saving on the project and it represents a new industry standard for tunnelling projects.

Suburban Rail Loop East Digital Environment Effects Statement

Nominees:

Suburban Rail Loop Authority

The Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) is a proposed 90-kilometre rail loop of the Melbourne Metropolitan Area. SRL East, the first stage of the SRL Loop, is a fully tunnelled 26-kilometre metro corridor between Cheltenham and Box Hill. In 2021, the SRL East Environmental Effects Statement (EES) was released by the Suburban Rail Loop Authority as Victoria’s first fully digital EES, using a webbased platform. The digital EES describes the existing environment, identifies potential benefits and impacts during construction and operation, and proposes ways to avoid, manage, minimise, or offset significant effects. The digital EES platform utilises digital design tools, visualisation, spatial data and animations to display project information. The digital EES will remain online for the life of the project as a reference document.

The Judging Panel shortlisted the project for the innovative approach to the representation of an EES and the ability to present that in an accessible format to the public. The Panel also commended the potential for the digital EES to serve as an example for improved transparency and increased stakeholder engagement in consultation processes, and commended the SRLA for improving the accessibility of the development process.

Trialling smart infrastructure to facilitate automated truck adoption

Nominees:

Transurban

Transurban, coordinating with the Victorian Department of Transport, is trialling smart infrastructure to facilitate automated truck adoption. The trial is a national-first for the implementation of an autonomous vehicle on an Australian motorway in live traffic conditions, and a world-first for the implementation of an autonomous vehicle that is receiving live data from road network infrastructure. Transurban’s trial of a connected and automated (CAV) truck examined how existing infrastructure from CityLink’s road network infrastructure can provide information to improve vehicle performance. The CAV truck travelled approximately 40 kilometres along the M1 between Port Melbourne and Chadstone utilising CCTV along the route to plan its journey up to one kilometre ahead of its location. Insights from the trial will impact the implementation of autonomous freight networks across Australia, as well as demonstrate the potential for smart infrastructure to accelerate this implementation.

The Judging Panel applauded the trial for the deployment of smart infrastructure and the potential for the initiative to accelerate the introduction of safe, automated vehicles in the Australian context. Furthermore, the Judging Panel commended the use of existing roadside cameras and sensors to capture information on traffic conditions and interfacing this data with the automated truck, giving the vehicle time to adjust its speed and course.

Western Harbour Tunnel and Sydney Harbour Tunnel Asset Manager Transaction

Nominees:

Transport for NSW and their advisors:

· Ashurst

Infrastructure Advisory Group

SNC-Lavalin Atkins

Ventia

The Western Harbour Tunnel and Sydney Harbour Tunnel Asset Manager Transaction comprised an innovative procurement model in which the Asset Manager for both tunnels was procured prior to the tender of a Design and Construct contract for the Western Harbour Tunnel project. The contract allows the entity responsible for operations, maintenance and lifecycle replacement and renewal to contribute its expertise prior to the procurement of the Design and Construct contractor to ensure the delivery of an asset designed for whole-of-life operations.

The Panel shortlisted the transaction for its consideration of the whole-of-life project outcomes with a focus on reducing costs and allowing flexibility. In addition, the Panel noted that, as the first procurement model of its type, the Western Harbour Tunnel and Sydney Harbour Tunnel Asset Manager Transaction is replicable across industry for similar projects.

Industry Choice Award

Finalists 2023

Voted on by Infrastructure Partnerships Australia’s membership and the attendees of the 2023 Awards Dinner, the award recognises a project that demonstrates exceptional customer outcome and/or community benefits. The judging panel will determine the shortlist.

Sponsored by

Digital SRL East Environment Effects Statement (EES)

Nominees:

Suburban Rail Loop Authority

The Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) is a 90-kilometre rail loop of the Melbourne Metropolitan Area. SRL East, one of the first stages of the SRL alongside the SRL Airport stage, is a fully tunnelled 26-kilometre metro corridor between Cheltenham in the South and Box Hill. In 2021, the SRL East Environmental Effects Statement (EES) was released by the Suburban Rail Loop Authority as Victoria’s first fully digital EES, using a web-based platform. The digital EES describes the existing environment, identified potential benefits and impacts during construction and operation, and proposed ways to avoid, manage, minimise, or offset significant effects. The digital EES platform utilised digital design tools, visualisation, spatial data and animations to display project information. The digital EES will remain online for the life of the project as a reference document.

The Judging Panel shortlisted the project for its innovative approach to community engagement, offering an easy-to-navigate platform for interested stakeholders. The digital EES aims to provide a more transparent and accessible platform for stakeholders, supported by community engagement sessions and materials available on the project in public libraries. A more accessible EES format enables greater participation in the development process from a wider range of stakeholders within the community, leading to more comprehensive and equitable planning decisions, and greater sense of social licence.

Edithvale, Chelsea and Bonbeach Level Crossing Removal Project

Nominees:

Southern Program Alliance (ACCIONA, Coleman Rail, Level Crossing Removal Project, WSP, Metro Trains Melbourne)

The Judging Panel highlighted the exemplary delivery of the project in a challenging environment, commending the Alliance’s technological innovation and approach to working in a live, physically constrained and heavily-used rail corridor. The Judging Panel acknowledged the project’s successful approach to community engagement, and the wider impact that this has had on other communities involved in the wider Level Crossing Removal Program.

Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment

Nominees:

Aurecon

Cultural Capital

Infrastructure NSW

John Holland Group

Venues NSW

The Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment, located in Moore Park, near Sydney’s CBD, comprised the delivery of a redeveloped stadium. Included in the new stadium’s scope was an increase in universal access seating from 14 to 747 seats, 350 food and beverage stations, 1,240 toilets, including an increase in the number of female toilets from 113 to 670, and a 360-degree open concourse for viewing.

Key to the revitalised public domain is a program of Indigenous artwork following the theme of ‘Ritual and Spectacle’. Amongst the program of works, the Indigenous artwork used as the stadium’s seating design is the first of its kind in stadiums across Australia, and the largest single Indigenous artwork in the Southern Hemisphere.

The Judging Panel shortlisted the Stadium for its contribution to sporting and community outcomes in New South Wales, providing revitalised green spaces and supporting NSW’s COVID-19 economic recovery. The Judging Panel also highlighted the capability of the project team to safely deliver the stadium ahead of schedule and on budget, as well as the commitment to genuine local content through the $500 million worth of contracts awarded to NSW-based businesses.

Sydney Modern Project

Nominees:

Art Gallery of New South Wales

Arup

Infrastructure NSW

Richard Crookes Constructions

The $344 million Sydney Modern Project was a significant expansion to the existing Art Gallery of NSW. The project began construction in November 2019, and opened to the public in December 2022. The project saw the development of a new building almost doubling the exhibition space of the existing Art Gallery of NSW, and the construction of multiple outdoor spaces enhancing the Sydney landscape. The project made creative use of a pre-existing decommissioned WWII naval oil tank, redeveloping it into a 2,200 square metre gallery for a globally unique cultural experience. The project is the first public art museum in the nation to achieve the highest environmental rating, through measures including adaptive reuse of materials, rainwater reuse, energy demand minimising design, and on-site solar facilities. The Sydney Modern Project significantly expands the capacity for First Nations art, relocating the Yiribana Gallery into a larger facility in the new building.

The Judging Panel shortlisted the Sydney Modern Project for its artistic and cultural contribution to Sydney, as well as the successful collaboration of contractors and Government partners to deliver the project. The panel noted the efficient delivery of the project in the restricted time frame given the challenges posed by COVID-19 and the complex delivery conditions.

Future Infrastructure Leader of the Year Award

2023

The Future Infrastructure Leader of the Year Award recognises a person under the age of 35, who has made an outstanding contribution to the infrastructure sector.

The award recognises an individual who significantly contributed to a project, transaction, policy reform or advice during 2022. The Judging Panel gave particular regard to an individual who surpassed expectations and displayed the attributes of a future leader of the sector.

Sponsored

Steve Adamthwaite & Anna Nguyen Winners of the 2021 & 2022 Future Infrastructure Leader Award

Women’s Achievement in Infrastructure Award 2023

The Women’s Achievement in Infrastructure Award recognises the success of a female who has made a significant contribution to the infrastructure sector. In particular acknowledging their contribution to a project, transaction, policy reform or advice during 2022 or recognising their consistent, valuable demonstration of leadership.

The winner of the Women’s Achievement in Infrastructure Award is a significant contributor to the sector represents the impactful, unique, and critical role women play in advancing Australian infrastructure.

Sponsored by

Matina Papathanasiou Winner of the 2021 Women’s Achievement in Infrastructure Award

Rowenna Walker Winner of the 2022 Women’s Achievement in Infrastructure Award

Project of the Year Award

Finalists 2023

The coveted Project of the Year Award recognises a major, transformational infrastructure project, transaction or policy reform that has been exceptional across all phases of delivery.

Sponsored by

Campbelltown Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2 – Clinical Services Building

Nominees:

Campbelltown Arts Centre

CPB Contractors

Health Infrastructure NSW

South Western Sydney Local Health District

Turner & Townsend

In 2022, a 12-storey clinical services building was delivered as the flagship component of the $632 million Campbelltown Hospital Redevelopment Stage 2. Delivery of the building saw construction of new digital operating theatres and procedure rooms, and a dental and oral health department. The project also expanded the hospital’s ICU, oncology, maternity, children’s health, surgical, and mental health services.

The Judging Panel applauded the project’s on time and on budget delivery despite a pandemic-disrupted construction period. Collaboration between CPB Contractors and Health Infrastructure NSW to use the project as a pilot site for on-site Rapid Antigen Testing limited the project’s disruption during delivery. Additionally, the Judging Panel commended the project’s commissioning phase which saw 67 hospital departments and services transitioned into the new building without disruption to patient services.

M80 Ring Road Upgrade Sydney Road to Edgars Road

Nominees:

CPB Contractors

Major Road Projects Victoria

The project incorporated recycled materials as a significant component of the road’s composition, with recycled materials comprising more than 66 per cent of the road’s composition. This included the use of Reconophalt asphalt, which incorporated the equivalent of 22 million glass bottles, 35.5 million plastic bags and 800,000 toner cartridges into each pavement layer, diverted from landfill. Additionally, more than 400,000 tonnes of material exported from the project was recycled or was diverted to reuse facilities instead of landfill.

The Judging Panel shortlisted the project, commending its delivery one-year ahead of schedule and 24 per cent below budget, as well as the exceptional elements of sustainability and innovation in the project. The Panel praised the use of recycled materials, noting that their usage contributed to a substantive reduction of the project’s carbon emissions.

Sydney Football Stadium Redevelopment

Nominees:

Aurecon

Cultural Capital

Infrastructure NSW

John Holland Group

Venues NSW

The Judging Panel commended the project for the delivery of a major project within a constrained site. Despite being adjacent to the Sydney Cricket Ground, NRL Rugby League Central Building and main roads, the project’s delivery team were able to successfully execute the project’s complex design on time and on budget. The Judging Panel also commended the project’s socially conscious design that enhances fan experience, promoted sustainable construction, and showcases Indigenous artwork.

Sydney Airport transaction

Nominees:

Allens

Australian Retirement Trust

AustralianSuper

Global Infrastructure Partners

Goldman Sachs

Herbert Smith Freehills

IFM Investors

Macquarie Bank

Sydney Airport

UBS

Unisuper

The Sydney Airport transaction comprised the acquisition and take-private of Sydney Airport by the Sydney Aviation Alliance (SAA), a consortium comprising IFM Investors, Global Infrastructure Partners, Australian Retirement Trust and AustralianSuper. The transaction is the largest Australian-listed infrastructure transaction to date and the largest Australian-listed cash acquisition. Sydney Airport’s Board unanimously recommended the transaction at a cash offer price of A$8.75 per stapled security, and SAA acquired the airport at an equity valuation of A$23.6 billion, with the enterprise valuation being A$32 billion.

The Judging Panel commended the transaction as a landmark public to private deal of a significant operating infrastructure asset and business. In recognising its unparalleled scale and complexity, the Judging Panel commended the transaction’s structuring, debt financing, and regulatory approval processes, particularly during a period of volatility in the aviation and capital transaction markets.

VicRoads Modernisation Project

Nominees:

Australian Retirement Trust

Aware Super

KPMG

Macquarie Asset Management

Macquarie Capital

MinterEllison

Morgan Stanley

The Victorian Department of Transport and Planning

The Victorian Department of Treasury and Finance

The Victorian Government

The VicRoads Modernisation Project is a 40-year, $7.9 billion Joint Venture between the Victorian Government and a consortium comprised of Aware Super, Australian Retirement Trust, and Macquarie Asset Management for the commercialisation of the VicRoads motor vehicle registry and licensing business. The consortium is responsible for the modernisation and operation of the Victorian registration and licensing, whilst Government retains ownership of the asset. The Joint Venture is the world’s first transaction for the modernisation and commercialisation of a registry and business licensing.

It was clear to the Judging Panel in considering this Joint Venture’s shortlisting in both the Financial Excellence and Government Partnerships Excellence Award categories that this agreement was a clear candidate for Project of the Year. Not only is this an excellent example of a world-first transaction with an innovative financial structure, but the Judging Panel recognised the extremely successful outcome for Victorian taxpayers, alongside customers who will enjoy access to a substantially modernised customer service system for licensing and registration.

Our Sponsors

Infrastructure Partnerships Australia would like to thank all of the award sponsors

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsor

Project Of The Year Award Sponsor

Financial Excellence Award Sponsor

Advisory Excellence Award Sponsor

Government Partnerships Excellence Award Sponsor

Contractor Excellence Award Sponsor

Innovation Excellence Award Sponsor

Operator & Service Provider Excellence Award Sponsor

Industry Choice Award Sponsor

Future Infrastructure Leader Award Sponsor

Women’s Achievement In Infrastructure Award Sponsor

Past Winners

2022 Project of the Year

Bruce Highway, Haughton River Floodplain Upgrade project

Arup Group, Australian Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, BMD Constructions, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads

2021 Project of the Year

New Parallel Runway

SkyWay Joint Venture (comprising of CPB Contractors and BMD Constructions)

2020 Project of the Year

Sydney Metro Northwest

AECOM, Clayton Utz, CPB Contractors, Dragados, EY, Jacobs, John Holland, Sydney Metro, Turner & Townsend, Webuild, Northwest Rapid Transit: CPB Contractors, John Holland Group, MTR Corporation, Plenary Group, UGL Rail Services

2019 Project of the Year

The WestConnex Transaction

NSW Treasury and Transport for NSW (Roads and Maritime Services) and their advisors; Allens, Ashurst, BIS Oxford Economics, Clayton Utz, GHD, Goldman Sachs, Newgate Australia, Turner & Townsend, and PwC. Sydney Transport Partners (Transurban, AustralianSuper, Canadian Pension Plan Investment Board, and Tawreed Investments) and their advisors; Advisian, Aquasia, Clifford Chance, EY, E3 Advisory, Greenwoods & Herbert Smith Freehills, King & Wood Mallesons, KPMG, Macquarie Capital, Morgan Stanley, UBS, and WSP

2018 Project of the Year

Ravenhall Prison Project

RPS Advisory Services, Clayton Utz, AECOM, EY, the Victorian Department of Justice & Regulation and the GEO Consortium comprising: Capella Capital, GEO Group Australia, John Holland and Honeywell

2017 Project of the Year

International Convention Centre Sydney Darling Harbour Live Consortium comprising: AEG Ogden, Capella Capital, First State Super, Hostplus, Lendlease and Spotless, Advisian, Clayton Utz, Herbert Smith Freehills, KPMG, NSW Government

2016 Project of the Year

Barangaroo Reserve

Advisian, Aurecon, Barangaroo Delivery Authority, Lendlease, WSP

2015 Project of the Year

Legacy Way

Brisbane City Council, EY, National Australia Bank, Transcity Joint Venture consisting of Acciona, BMD Constructions, Ghella

2014 Project of the Year

Regional Rail Link

Regional Rail Link Authority, Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities, AECOM, Alstom, Aurecon, Balfour Beatty, Coleman Rail, Downer EDI, GHD, Hyder, John Holland, Lendlease, Leighton Contractors, Metro Trains Melbourne, Parsons Brinckerhoff, RPS, Sinclair Knight Merz, Thiess, UGL, V/Line