EXCELLENCE
AWARDS 2017
CELEBRATING 15 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN PUBLIC WORKS
Awards presented at the Gala Awards Ceremony and Dinner 25 October 2017 The Ville Resort, Townsville
Overall winner project photo – Sarawak Avenue Bridge
President’s Foreword The 2017 IPWEAQ Excellence Awards acknowledged the achievements of twenty-one Queensland councils when winners were announced at the awards ceremony and gala dinner at the Ville Resort, Townsville on 25 October 2017. The awards, now in their fifteenth year, recognise councils and individuals who demonstrate best practice and innovation in the design and delivery of public works infrastructure and services across Queensland.
Thank you to our judges for giving your time to review the many high quality nominations received and carefully select winners in all categories. Thank you also to our sponsors for your generous support which helps ensure that an IPWEAQ Excellence Award continues to be highly sought after. I hope these nominations and winners inspire you to be a part of our 2018 awards. Details are available at: www.ipweaq. com/awards.
More than 350 guests from local councils, state government, consultancies and suppliers gathered to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of their public works colleagues. You can view and download the photos of what was a fantastic evening, including photo booth images at http:// www.ipweaq.com/state-conference-2017-photos-2. This commemorative book provides details of all nominated projects together with the winners of our people and project awards. Congratulations to the winners and those who received high commendations and thank you to all nominees for continuing to strive for the best possible outcomes for Queensland communities.
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IPWEAQ EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017
Seren McKenzie President
SPONSORS Gala Dinner and Overall Winner Award Sponsor
Woman in Engineering Award Sponsor
Engineer of the Year Award Sponsor
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JUDGES
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IPWEAQ EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017
Thank you to our 2017 Judges
PEOPLE AWARDS
Kev Bickhoff
Rob Daly
Murray Erbs
Angela Fry
Seren McKenzie
Ashleigh Tomkins
John Hawkes
Glenda Kirk
Craig Murrell
Ian Woodyard
PROJECT AWARDS
Sandra Burke
Martin Crow
WATER PROJECT AWARDS
Dave Cameron
Rob Fearon
Arron Hieatt
We received a record number of award nominations in 2017 and in many categories there were multiple people and projects worthy of recognition. The scores were very close and we congratulate all nominees and winners on the great work they’re doing on behalf of Queensland communities. IPWEAQ 2017 Project Judges
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PEOPLE AWARDS
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IPWEAQ EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017
ENGINEER OF THE YEAR SPONSORED BY 12D SOLUTIONS MIKE BRADY Toowoomba Regional Council
Mike Brady is the General Manager - Infrastructure Services Group for Toowoomba Regional Council. Mike has over 30 years of engineering, management, design and construction experience in government and the private sector. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering, a Masters of Local Government Management, and a Graduate Diploma of Local Government Engineering from the University of Technology, Sydney. In his current role, Mike is responsible for delivering the
Infrastructure Services Group’s operational and capital programs which requires his involvement in many areas of council’s business. Some of his recent achievements include delivery of Council’s Annual Capital Works Program; delivery of Council’s Flood Restoration Program and delivery of Council’s Outer Circulating Road, Link Road Project. Mike is an active member and supporter of IPWEAQ and encourages involvement of his council colleagues.
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WOMAN IN ENGINEERING SPONSORED BY GHD GLENDA KIRK Mareeba Shire Council
Glenda Kirk is the Director Infrastructure Services with Mareeba Shire Council. Since commencing with Council in early 2016, Glenda has project managed a number of large scale and complex engineering projects including the Mareeba Airport Upgrade and Mareeba Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade and the Mareeba Landfill Capping along with a number of smaller bridge and road projects. Glenda’s project management and leadership skills are of a very high standard
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IPWEAQ EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017
and she can lead a project from inception to delivery. She manages her projects with a minimum of fuss, good humour and dedication to detail and ensures project staff are fully informed and committed to achieving the best outcomes.
YOUNG ENGINEER AARON MEEHAN Western Downs Regional Council
Aaron Meehan was awarded Young Engineer for 2017 for his leadership, innovation and passion for continual improvement of Western Downs Regional Council’s (WDRC) Works Department in his role as Works Principal. In that role Aaron was responsible for over $1.2 billion of transport and fleet assets and an annual budget of $100 million. He has strong interpersonal and financial management skills and successfully led major departmental innovation, technology
implementation and reform with a staff of over 300 people. Aaron achieves a great relationship with his staff, colleagues, management team and portfolio Councillors through engagement and mutual trust. Aaron has since moved on to South Burnett Regional Council as the General Manager Infrastructure.
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WORKS SUPERVISOR JEFF HEIT Toowoomba Regional Council
Jeff Heit has worked for Toowoomba Regional Council for 33 years starting out as a machinery operator to Foreman Construction and now Coordinator of Construction and Maintenance for Central Branch. Jeff has worked on a variety of road construction and flood mitigation projects, taking the construction lead on multi-million-dollar projects. He
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IPWEAQ EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017
maintains a strong focus on safety, cost, maintaining design standards and environmental performance and strives to instil those values in his construction teams. Jeff’s extensive construction experience along with his strong technical and people skills are key to his successful project delivery and he engenders a positive attitude to all tasks.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD FRANK SCHEELE South Burnett Regional Council
Frank Scheele is a Senior Engineer with South Burnett Regional Council and has previously worked as a civil design engineer with Urban Utilities where he was involved in writing technical specifications for water supply and sewerage systems. He has also worked for Toowoomba Regional Council, Redland City Council and Brisbane City
Council. Frank’s contribution to the review of the Queensland Urban Drainage Manual (QUDM) has earnt him the 2017 President’s Award. Frank read and reviewed every version of the document at all stages and his comprehensive technical review and recommendations resulted in a number of major improvements to the manual.
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PROJECT AWARDS
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IPWEAQ EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2017
OVERALL WINNER SPONSORED BY PREMISE CITY OF GOLD COAST Sarawak Avenue Steel Footbridge Renewal
Sarawak Avenue Steel Footbridge over Currumbin Creek was originally constructed as a railway bridge in 1903. Over time the rail was decommissioned and the bridge repurposed to carry utilities, and eventually converted to a pedestrian footbridge in 1994. The 172m long bridge still retains original steel components and was the subject of extensive renewal works after severe structural defects and major deterioration was identified during condition assessments. The renewal project included planning, detailed design, procurement and construction activities, and achieved the following outcomes: • a new 3.0m widened precast concrete deck with cyclist friendly balustrades, • s trengthening and protective coatings to the cast iron substructure, • r ehabilitation of wrought iron girders and cross beams displayed as heritage features, •d iscrete LED lighting to balustrades for safety and aesthetic purposes.
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INNOVATION AND/OR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND/OR IMPROVED TECHNIQUES
WINNER SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre
Sunshine Coast Council’s $4.7m Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre represents a new standard in engineering, design, innovation and sustainability for public buildings. Offering spectacular views of the heritage-listed Glass House Mountains, the Centre sits within the 55-hectare Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. The Centre comprises an innovative Rainforest Education Centre
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featuring a combination of displays; experiences and exhibits; an elevated viewing platform and boardwalk; theatrette; research area; offices; retail space; café/restaurant; and public amenities. The project was conceived through extensive community consultation and collaboration, and delivered with the utmost respect to the site’s important history and environmental setting.
INNOVATION AND/OR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND/OR IMPROVED TECHNIQUES
HIGH COMMENDATION CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL Shields Street Heart
The “City Centre Alive” Shields Street Heart projects have revitalized the Cairns city centre, increasing activation and attracting more visitors and residents into the CBD. Promoting a walkable and pedestrian-friendly city, 56% more public space has been provided within the busy pedestrian spine which welcomes over 10,000 visitors each day. Contemporary lighting and public art celebrating Indigenous culture
integrate throughout the streetscape, alongside Australia’s first permanent outdoor in-ground video projection. A grant program also assisted businesses to upgrade their shopfronts, complementing the new aesthetically pleasing, shaded, tropical space by adding to the overall amenity and appeal of the area.
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INNOVATION AND/OR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND/OR IMPROVED TECHNIQUES
NOMINEES CENTRAL HIGHLANDS REGIONAL COUNCIL 2013 NDRRA Betterment Program Following the announcement of the $80 million betterment program following Tropical Cyclone Oswald, Central Highlands Regional Council was granted approval for the construction of 24 betterment sites with an approved value of $5.82M, and a final construction value of $4.687M. These projects ranged from the construction of concrete floodways to the replacement of a dilapidated timber bridge, all of which were selected and constructed so as to reduce the time of isolation to the rural community while improving the resilience of the rural road network through addressing sites that sustain recurring damage following rain events.
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CITY OF GOLD COAST BIM Technology helps deliver Traffic and Transport Infrastructure for the 2018 Commonwealth Games The Gold Coast is experiencing enormous growth and expansion as the City prepares itself to host the 2018 Commonwealth Games. With an estimated 690,000 guests expected to visit the City during the Games, the need to deliver critical transport enabling infrastructure on time has never been greater. In response to this, the Transport and Traffic Team have looked to emerging technologies, in particular Building Information Modelling (BIM) to fast track infrastructure projects in order for the City to be ‘Games Ready’.
CITY OF GOLD COAST City of Gold Coast Construction Services Mobile Device Project An improvement opportunity was identified within City of Gold Coast Construction Services. The introduction of mobility devices and use of electronic functions for Leading Hands, has resulted in a reduction in hardcopy documentation, ability for real time project information sharing on site, and in the office, and improved project cost tracking. Mobility devices were rolled out, gaining significant tangible benefits e.g. up-skilling of staff, system/process improvements, reduction in double handling, reduction in project costs, and positive environmental impacts. In addition, significant intangible benefits were realised e.g. improvement in culture, morale, confidence of staff, and more effective engagement and communications.
CITY OF GOLD COAST AND FULTON HOGAN Gold Coast 600 Street Circuit Rehabilitation Each year, the Gold Coast welcomes around 12 million visitors. The City of Gold Coast actively maintains public facilities and supports major events like the V8 Supercars motorsport festival to enhance the visitor experience. Routine inspections of the Surfers Paradise V8 Supercar street circuit revealed sections of pavement exhibiting distress from highshear racing conditions. This resulted in council engineers undertaking a research and development project with the ARRB Group to develop alternative asphalt mix designs. This collaborative approach has produced a new asphalt surfacing system capable of sustaining the extreme forces generated in this motor sport while prolonging pavement life.
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INNOVATION AND/OR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND/OR IMPROVED TECHNIQUES
NOMINEES FLINDERS SHIRE COUNCIL Flinders Shire Federal Safety Accreditation Flinders Shire Council obtained Federal Safety Accreditation in December 2016. As of December 2016, Flinders Shire Council is the first rural Council that has achieved this accreditation, and at that point of time, only two other City Councils have achieved this accreditation. “Necessity is the mother of invention�, well this project is not an invention, but the introduction of this new system is an innovation for Council workforce sustainability. This accreditation is laying path for Council steps towards the development of systems and Council capability to secure more projects for work force sustainability.
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HARRISON INFRASTRUCTURE GROUP (HIG) Lower Order Road Design Guidelines HIG was engaged by IPWEAQ to write the Lower Order Road Design Guidelines. These guidelines are intended to provide local authorities with a systematic, reliable design methodology that is uncomplicated to use. The guidelines provide mechanisms and a risk management approach for the application of minimum standards to lower order road assets (low traffic volume roads) controlled by Local and State Authorities which are compliant to current practice.
LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL
ROCKHAMPTON REGIONAL COUNCIL
Yeppoon Animal Management Facility
Nine Mile Road Floodway
The Yeppoon Animal Management Facility is an 18 dog kennel and 11 cat cage facility that has been designed and built with the upmost importance put on disease control, animal management and facility operation. The facility is designed around a central enclosed drainage and kennel system not seen in other pound facilities that prevents the transfer of disease and ensures an easily maintained site.
The Nine Mile Road floodway is approximately 2675m long by 3.80m wide and traverses the flood plain west of Rockhampton. It was built during the late 1940s or early 1950s. During river floods it is covered by about 1.2m of floodwater and can remain inundated for many weeks. When the flood recedes to a trafficable level (200-400mm) heavy vehicles from two adjacent sand extraction operations recommence using the road. Due to its age and increasing volume of heavy traffic the floodway was in poor condition and in need of replacing and widening. Council received grants to deliver a new concrete floodway with a width of 6.5m. Undertaking concrete pouring was traditionally a labour intensive operation with staff continually bending over and hand screening the concrete but by using the roller screed, the amount of bending and hand screening is significantly reduced and the risk of injury to staff is reduced. The roller screed also increases productivity of the crew, thereby increasing the length of the floodway reconstructed from 650m to 800m for the same budget.
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INNOVATION AND/OR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND/OR IMPROVED TECHNIQUES
NOMINEES TABLELANDS REGIONAL COUNCIL AND ITS PIPETECH Danbulla Road Culvert Rehabilitation Project Two corrugated steel pipe culverts located within the Danbulla National Park were identified for renewal as part of council’s 2016-17 Capital Works Program. Both culverts discharge into Tinaroo Falls Dam and had sustained significant corrosion compromising their structural integrity. Council required a cost effective and low maintenance solution to “Renew” the structural integrity of the existing culverts. ITS PipeTech were engaged by Council to renew the culverts utilising their Tunneline Structural Concrete rehabilitation system. This rehabilitation technology provided a 100 year design life, and allowed works to be completed with no traffic disruption and minimal environmental disturbance.
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TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL Illich Park Precinct Upgrade Townsville City Council undertook an upgrade of the existing poor functioning sporting park to improve drainage, flood storage, irrigation and sports field lighting of. The project allowed for a sophisticated irrigation system to be designed and constructed which extracts ground water from two bore pumps that irrigates six hectares of sporting fields and parkland. This outcome contributes to the city’s efforts to offset previously required town water supply for irrigation use and reduce operational expenditure relating to town water charges.
WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL Western Downs Regional Council Works Reorganisation Facing a massive downturn in revenue due to a decline in resource sector and other sources of funding, Western Downs Regional Council’s Works Department has undertaken a major business reorganisation. Through this major reform, the department completely stripped back all of its core business to improve its strategic direction, delivery performance and front-line services. Taking a collaborative approach across the organisation at all levels, the department is delivering critical changes and innovation across key elements of its business including people, process, systems, data, technology and governance. 
Presentation of Emeritus member to Ged Brennan
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS UNDER $2 MILLION
WINNER CITY OF GOLD COAST Surfers Paradise Orchid Avenue Urilift Public Amenity
Surfers Paradise, known for its iconic beach, comes to life at night with patronage at clubs and lounges located around Orchid/Cavill Avenues. Night-time public toilets access is limited therefore strategies were developed to address accessibility for night time public urination whilst having minimum impact on the precinct during the day. By embracing a more innovative approach in solving night time
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public urination for male/female patrons, the City of Gold Coast customized and adopted a retractable “pop-up� public amenity pioneered in the Netherlands. This amenity retracts during the day maintaining a visually pleasing streetscape, and ascends during peak evening hours.
DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS UNDER $2 MILLION
NOMINEES QUILPIE SHIRE COUNCIL AND BRANDON AND ASSOCIATES
TABLELANDS REGIONAL COUNCIL AND ITS PIPETECH
Bulloo Park Function Centre
Danbulla Road Culvert Rehabilitation Project
Quilpie Shire Council, located in South West Queensland, identified a need for a series of improvements to its signature public outdoor recreation facility at Bulloo Park in the town of Quilpie. A master plan was commissioned and as part of this study a need for a new function complex was highlighted, to replace and enhance an existing semi-dilapidated bar and canteen. Brandon & Associates were engaged by Council to complete concept and detailed design and documentation of the new facility, which was recently opened and has received universal praise for its design and practical, integrated layout.
Two corrugated steel pipe culverts located within the Danbulla National Park were identified for renewal as part of council’s 2016-17 Capital Works Program. Both culverts discharge into Tinaroo Falls Dam and had sustained significant corrosion compromising their structural integrity. Council required a cost effective and low maintenance solution to “Renew” the structural integrity of the existing culverts. ITS PipeTech were engaged by Council to renew the culverts utilising their Tunneline Structural Concrete rehabilitation system. This rehabilitation technology provided a 100 year design life, and allowed works to be completed with no traffic disruption and minimal environmental disturbance.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS UNDER $2 MILLION
NOMINEES WESTERN DOWNS REGIONAL COUNCIL Jacko Cavanagh Bridge The ‘Jacko Cavanagh Pedestrian Bridge’ spans the Myall Creek in Dalby connecting Anderson Park with the Dalby CBD. The bridge is an integral connection for residents and visitors to our business district. The existing six-span, 1.6m wide timber pedestrian bridge was identified for replacement as the structure was in poor condition. The project included widespread community and stakeholder engagement. The subsequent feedback was then analysed by the project team and the resulting project design delivered to Council for approval. As a result of the very effective community involvement the bridge continues to receive praise for its use and looks.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS $2 MILLION TO $5 MILLION
WINNER CITY OF GOLD COAST Sarawak Avenue Steel Footbridge Renewal
Sarawak Avenue Steel Footbridge was originally constructed as a railway bridge in 1903. Over time the rail was decommissioned and the bridge repurposed to a pedestrian footbridge. This 172m long structure still retains original steel components and was the subject of extensive renewal works after major deterioration was identified during condition assessments. The renewal project included planning, design
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and construction, and achieved the key following outcomes: new 3.0m wide concrete deck with cyclist friendly balustrades and integrated LED lighting; strengthening and protective coatings to the cast iron substructure; rehabilitation of wrought iron girders and cross beams displayed as heritage features.
DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS $2 MILLION TO $5 MILLION
NOMINEES BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL AND WAGNERS CFT MANUFACTURING Mt Coot-tha Precinct Revitalisation This project showcases the recently completed works upgrading and connecting the facilities, amenities and access on the northern side of Mt Coot-tha natural area. This extends from Eugenia Circuit and Simpson falls all the way to JC Slaughter Falls including the newly created Discovery Trail and represents a significant step forward by the Brisbane City Council towards the shred vision 2030. That vision is to embrace Mt Coot-tha as an iconic green landmark for the city of Brisbane, and only a stone’s throw from the city’s vibrant Centre.
CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL Walker Road Sporting and Recreation Precinct (Stage 2) The Walker Road Sport and Recreation Precinct has provided an important regional-level sporting hub in the fast-growing southern corridor of Cairns. Dramatically increasing opportunities for people to actively engage and participate in club sport, the master planned precinct has provided much-needed facilities for sporting activities in the suburbs of White Rock, Mount Sheridan, Bentley Park, Edmonton, Gordonvale, Goldsborough and the $1 billion new residential development of Mount Peter. In time, it will be the premier multi-sport facility in regional Queensland, accommodating a diverse range of sporting and recreational pursuits.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS $2 MILLION TO $5 MILLION
NOMINEES CENTRAL HIGHLANDS REGIONAL COUNCIL 2013 NDRRA Betterment Program Following the announcement of the $80 million betterment program following Tropical Cyclone Oswald, Central Highlands Regional Council was subsequently granted approval for the construction of 24 betterment sites with an approved value of $5.82M, and a final construction value of $4.687M. These projects ranged from the construction of concrete floodways to the replacement of a dilapidated timber bridge, all of which were selected and constructed so as to reduce the time of isolation to the rural community while improving the resilience of our rural road network through addressing sites in which sustain recurring damage following rain events.
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GYMPIE REGIONAL COUNCIL, TOD CONSULTING ENGINEERS, PLACE DESIGN GROUP Smithfield Street Gympie, Streetscape Upgrade The upgrade of Smithfield Street, Gympie is aimed at increasing pedestrian amenity and aesthetic quality, and to enhance opportunities to develop this area into an ‘Eat Street’ within the CBD creating a unique point of difference. TOD provided Engineering and Project Management services and headed a team consisting of Landscape Architects (Place) and Electrical Engineers (Webb). Collaboration between all parties during the design and construction phase, combined with GRC inhouse construction crews, along with coordination of the works with store holders, all resulted in works being completed four months ahead of schedule in July 2017.
IPSWICH CITY COUNCIL AND ROADTEK Hancock Bridge Rehabilitation A $2.2 million rehabilitation upgrade of Hancock Bridge, a significant transport link for the City of Ipswich was successfully delivered in partnership between Ipswich City Council (ICC) and RoadTek (the civil works branch of the Department of Transport and Main Roads). The rehabilitation works were undertaken to extend the life the bridge for another 40 years. The restoration and repairs were complex, specialised and included the replacement of bridge girder bearings and installation of new expansion joints. The project was delivered ahead of schedule, well under budget, and provided a great learning opportunity for Ipswich City Council and RoadTek.
ROCKHAMPTON REGIONAL COUNCIL Simpson Street Stormwater Drainage The Simpson Street Stormwater Drainage project is a large scale stormwater strategy to improve overland flow conditions for a number of North Rockhampton properties. Through the innovative use of alternative construction materials and components, the impact of stormwater inundation was reduced not only for residents, but also a critical North Rockhampton intersection, and the wider travelling community. Another important factor in the success of this project was the local influence: Council engaged with local stakeholders regarding impacts of the project, and also designed and constructed the project using Council personnel.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS $2 MILLION TO $5 MILLION
NOMINEES SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL
Beerwah Depot
Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre
In 2010, Sunshine Coast Council acquired a parcel of land at Roys Road, Beerwah, for the purpose of developing a new regional depot to service the needs of the growing southern region. The site was the former Beerwah Forestry Station which held significance for the area and posed unique challenges to development. Council has met the challenge. The depot is self-sufficient in the provision of water due to water harvesting, waste water is treated on site and low energy technology is utilised. The depot has been designed to match the aesthetics of the old forestry station whilst meeting council needs.
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Sunshine Coast Council’s $4.7m Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve Rainforest Discovery Centre represents a new standard in engineering, design, innovation and sustainability for public buildings. Offering spectacular views of the heritage-listed Glass House Mountains, the Centre sits within the 55-hectare Mary Cairncross Scenic Reserve. The Centre comprises an innovative Rainforest Education Centre featuring a combination of displays; experiences and exhibits; an elevated viewing platform and boardwalk; theatrette; research area; offices; retail space; café/restaurant; and public amenities. The project was conceived through extensive community consultation and collaboration, and delivered with the utmost respect to the site’s important history and environmental setting.
TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL
TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL
Ruthven Street Streetscape Upgrade
Illich Park Precinct Upgrade
The Ruthven Street Streetscape Upgrade has transformed the north Ruthven Street precinct. The project has revitalised the commercial area and provided a new northern entrance to the CBD. Considerable technical challenges were faced with construction taking place in a high-volume traffic zone with numerous service relocations and upgrades. The project included upgrading stormwater and water main systems, undergrounding the power supply, constructing paved footpaths, significant public safety improvements, provision of additional parking spaces, landscaping and public art. The project has succeeded in extending the look and feel of the CBD north to Chalk Drive.
Townsville City Council undertook an upgrade of the existing poor functioning sporting park to improve drainage, flood storage, irrigation and sports field lighting of. The project allowed for a sophisticated irrigation system to be designed and constructed which extracts ground water from two bore pumps that irrigates six hectares of sporting fields and parkland. This outcome contributes to the city’s efforts to offset previously required town water supply for irrigation use and reduce operational expenditure relating to town water charges.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS $2 MILLION TO $5 MILLION
NOMINEES TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL Peggy Banfield Park - Stage 1 The rapid growth of the Northern Beaches in Townsville has meant there is a shortfall in community infrastructure available for use to the local community. There are especially large gaps in the available sport and recreation facility infrastructure for organised sport but also for unstructured active community recreation. To accommodate these gaps, the Townsville City Council proposed to undertake a significant upgrade to Peggy Banfield Park. A parkland approx. 15ha and centrally located in the middle of Bushland beach. Stage 1 has been completed and the community is benefiting from the project outcomes. Stage 2 is currently on the way!
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS $5 MILLION TO $10 MILLION
WINNER CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL School of Arts Building Renewal
More than a century after its construction, Cairns’ oldest public building has been restored to its original beauty. The $8.69 million redevelopment of the heritage-listed School of Arts building took twelve months with the works showcasing
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a mix of heritage and contemporary design that continues the century-old story. Located in the historical heart of the Cairns CBD, the finished product is a tribute to the changing face of Cairns.
DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS $5 MILLION TO $10 MILLION
HIGH COMMENDATION RICHMOND SHIRE COUNCIL Richmond Shire Council’s new Administration Centre
The Richmond Shire Council’s new administration centre was recently completed. A ceremony was held on Thursday, 25 May 2017 to open the recently completed Richmond Shire Council offices. Around 80 attendees were at the event, Richmond Shire Mayor, Councillor John Wharton AM and
Deputy Mayor Councillor June Kuhl, welcomed the gathering of local residents, invited guests and visitors. The $5.5 million project replaces the 1959 building that Council was using for its base of operations and embraces the latest technology available.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS $5 MILLION TO $10 MILLION
NOMINEES GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL AND MCMURTRIE & ASSOCIATES Alf Larson/Lions Park This redevelopment is a $4.5M revitalisation of the existing parklands, formerly Lions Park, Miriam Vale. McMurtrie Consulting Engineers led the multidisciplinary design team, including architects, landscape architects and heritage specialists to undertake the planning, detailed design and superintendency. Significant work included the refurbishment of the heritage listed ANZAC Memorial, civil design in coordination with architects to protect the heritage amenity of the street facade and protected heritage trees, design of custom made $1M tree top play equipment and the upgrade and management of a new site-specific waste water treatment plant. This project has reinvigorated Miriam Vale.
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ROCKHAMPTON REGIONAL COUNCIL Pilbeam Drive Tropical Cyclone Marcia Damage Restoration Works in Mt Archer Rockhampton Pilbeam Drive is a public road providing access from Frenchville up to the top of Mount Archer and this road serves as the sole access for locals and tourists and to critical telecoms infrastructure, overhead power, and water supply. TC Marcia made landfall at its peak strength over Rockhampton Region on 20th February 2015 and 146 defects recorded on Pilbeam Drive varying from slips, scoured table drains, blocked culverts, pavement damage, debris build-up that require restoration works and those defects included a total of 26 landslips. Reconstruction work commenced in January 2016 and completed in March 2017.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS OVER $10 MILLION
WINNER CENTRAL HIGHLANDS REGIONAL COUNCIL Blackwater Aquatic Centre
Central Highlands Regional Council established a state-ofthe-art aquatic centre at the Sports Precinct in Blackwater after initial plans for renovating the old, existing pool complex were halted when it was found to be built over an old unmarked cemetery. Providing a meeting hub, this modern aquatic facility has multi-purpose uses all year round. Boasting
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a 25m heated, covered pool, 50m 10 lane pool, children’s splash pad, meeting rooms with two amenities blocks the new Aquatic Centre is a show-case of excellence. In a regional area affected by the mining downturn, Council has created a world-class facility that the community are very proud of.
DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS OVER $10 MILLION
HIGH COMMENDATION SUNSHINE COAST COUNCIL Evans Street Upgrade
The $20 million upgrade of Evans Street, a key transport corridor leading to the heart of the new Maroochydore City Centre, is the largest transport project ever to be delivered entirely by Sunshine Coast Council. It represents much more than a successful engineering outcome. It has transformed a congested, visually unappealing two-lane road, to an
efficient four-lane transport corridor, with landscaping and architectural features, three major signalised intersections and state of the art technology. The project is a landmark project for Council – it was technically challenging, and was completed successfully on budget and two months ahead of schedule.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS OVER $10 MILLION
NOMINEES CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL
Tobruk Memorial Pool Redevelopment
Munro Martin Parklands
The Tobruk Memorial Pool is a much-loved community facility in the heart of Cairns. Considered a functional war memorial, it was built in 1962 by returned serviceman commemorating the contribution of the Rats of Tobruk during World War II. Condition assessments showed that the aged facility was in need of a major overhaul. Retaining strong links to the past and honouring Australia’s military history underpinned the facility’s $23.7 million redevelopment. The facility is now a world-class aquatic centre featuring a FINA-accredited competition pool, two new heated pools, a FlowRider artificial surf machine and a toddler splash pool.
Located at a key entryway to the city, Munro Martin Parklands provides a dramatic botanic experience for residents and visitors as well as an outdoor performance space for local, regional and national shows. Development of the parklands has balanced the desire to present cultural events and activities periodically, while ensuring the park is inviting to passive users year round. Created in conjunction with the new Cairns Performing Arts Centre across Florence Street collectively called The Precinct - the parklands will operate as the “third stage” greatly enhancing the performing arts calendar for the region.
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS WITH BMD CONSTRUCTIONS, GHD AND WSP Bruce Highway Boundary Road Interchange Upgrade The $100.4 million Boundary Road Interchange Upgrade over the Bruce Highway at Narangba was delivered by the Department of Transport and Main Roads in partnership with designer WSP, construction contractor BMD Constructions and client’s representative GHD. The project delivered benefits including enhanced safety, reduced congestion and improved capacity for current and future traffic demand. This was achieved by providing a six-lane bridge, improved bridge clearance, road upgrade and realignment, dedicated pedestrian and cyclist pathways, additional street lighting and longer on and off-ramps. The project was scheduled for completion in August 2017, delivered ahead of schedule in line with community expectations.
LIVINGSTONE SHIRE COUNCIL Panorama Drive - Capricorn Coast Northern Strategic Link Road Panorama Drive – the Capricorn Coast’s Northern Strategic Link Road project was a $30M project jointly funded by Livingstone Shire Council and the Queensland Government, as part of the Royalty for Regions program. This project included a brownfield construction of a signalised four-way intersection and the greenfield construction of approximately 3.6kms major rural and urban collector road from Farnborough Road to Adelaide Park Road over the coastal range to the north of the Yeppoon township.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS OVER $10 MILLION
NOMINEES ROCKHAMPTON REGIONAL COUNCIL
TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL
The Rockhampton Riverbank Revitalisation Stage 1A, 1B and 1E
O’Mara Road Project
The Rockhampton Riverside Revitalisation Project was initiated after Cyclone Marcia passed over the City in February 2015. The Riverfront precinct was one of the hardest hit parts of Rockhampton. The primary aim of the overall project was to encourage and facilitate investment in the riverfront precinct through creation of an attractive pedestrian oriented “Esplanade” that is strongly linked to the CBD and the wider city, backed by high quality parkland and activity areas that will attract both residents and visitors.
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O’Mara Road Upgrade provides the improved transport link of a dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction over 2.8 km, south of the Warrego Highway. This upgrade is a vital component of the expanding Charlton Enterprise Hub by enabling expanding industrial development to have efficient access to major transport streams. The existing developments in the pipe manufacturing, resource materials supply and road transport service industries will be able to continue current operations and service future industrial expansion. It will allow safer interaction between heavy vehicles and general commuter traffic, through signalised intersections, turning and merging lanes and street lighting.
TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL Townsville Recreational Boating Park The Townsville Recreational Boating Park (TRBP) project is the result of 20 years lobbying by recreational boat owners and funding commitments from the Queensland and local government. A joint venture partnership steering committee was formed between TMR, Council and Port of Townsville. The goal of the project was to provide the Townsville recreational boating community with a major all-tide protected facility in order to meet the current and predicted shortfall to 2020. In 2009, TMR identified that Townsville needed a total of 33 launching lanes to meet the predicted requirements through to 2020. To meet the increased demand an additional 16 lanes were constructed at the TRBP with the scope including construction of four boat ramps, four floating walkways and a 30m & 50m long pontoon. The TRBP is the largest facility of its kind in Australia.
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ASSET MANAGEMENT
WINNER GLADSTONE REGIONAL COUNCIL CCTV Wastewater Data Management
The CCTV Wastewater Data Management Project involved developing an online Cloud Based Portal used to record Council’s CCTV information collected from their in-house sewer main assessment program, including over 10 years of historical data. The portal is a user-friendly platform for all staff and is used to view sewer mains that have had CCTV
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completed, the condition of the pipes, engineering reports and videos. It is a valuable tool that allows Council to more accurately develop annual relining and replacement programs as well as long-term capital and remedial plans for Council’s sewer main assets.
ASSET MANAGEMENT
NOMINEES TABLELANDS REGIONAL COUNCIL AND ITS PIPETECH Danbulla Road Culvert Rehabilitation Project Two corrugated steel pipe culverts located within the Danbulla National Park were identified for renewal as part of councils 2016-17 Capital Works Program. Both culverts discharge into Tinaroo Falls Dam and had sustained significant corrosion compromising their structural integrity. Council required a cost effective and low maintenance solution to “Renew� the structural integrity of the existing culverts. ITS PipeTech were engaged by Council to renew the culverts utilising their Tunneline Structural Concrete rehabilitation system. This rehabilitation technology provided a 100 year design life, and allowed works to be completed with no traffic disruption and minimal environmental disturbance.
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ROAD SAFETY
WINNER LOGAN CITY COUNCIL Flooded Road Smart Warning System (FRSWS)
The ‘Flooded Road Smart Warning System’ (FRSWS) is reliable, low cost and improves public safety, recycling e-waste and providing work opportunities to disadvantaged Queenslanders. It saves lives by reducing the risk of vehicles being driven into dangerous floodwaters and reduces the need for emergency services personnel to undertake
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dangerous swift water rescues and council staff to erect temporary warning signage under hazardous conditions. The system is powered by recycled batteries (solar recharged), and assembled using 3D printed brackets by people of disadvantaged backgrounds, a true Public Works project.
ROAD SAFETY
NOMINEES CITY OF GOLD COAST Seniors Safe Travel Guide The City of Gold Coast’s (the City) Seniors Safe Travel Guide is a 33-page publication aimed at addressing the overrepresentation of seniors in road crash statistics on Gold Coast roads, by providing information on how they can be safe users of the City’s transport system. The publication provides benefits and key information regarding walking, cycling, public transport and community transport use and encourages seniors to proactively consider their future travel needs. The publication provides hints and tips on safe driving for seniors, outlines key health information and directs readers to a self-assessment driving checklist. Over 12,000 copies of the publication have been distributed to stakeholders and residents within the City, with overwhelmingly positive feedback from the community.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT AND MAIN ROADS A Crash Testing Evaluation to Prevent Injuries and Fatalities by Mitigating Vehicle Windscreen Spearing Risk from Road Signs Fatal incidents have occurred in Queensland and New South Wales involving sight boards spearing through vehicle windscreens. These crashes occurred at rural T-intersections where the impacting vehicle was travelling at high speed on the continuing carriageway. A testing program was undertaken to test various end treatments to preventing sign spearing into the vehicle. A low-cost treatment was developed and can be applied to both new and existing signs. The testing program involved ten crashes at 100km/h with both four-wheel drives and light passenger vehicles. The research showed that windscreen penetration could be prevented by utilising cost effective treatments.
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ROAD SAFETY
NOMINEES TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL Anzac Avenue/Hursley Road Safety Improvements As part of Toowoomba Regional Council’s ongoing road safety commitment to reducing death and serious injury on roads within the region, Council’s Regional Road Safety Officer undertakes an annual assessment of the regions latest crash statistics as part of a Crash Reduction Study. The annual study provides desirable background information for planning and prioritising of low, medium and high cost road safety improvement projects. During 2013, the Anzac Avenue Roundabout at Hursley Street was flagged as having a high crash rate and with Federal Government Black Spot funding Council completed the Anzac Avenue/Hursley Road Safety Improvements.
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INNOVATION AND/ OR INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND/OR IMPROVED TECHNIQUES IN WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWERAGE AND DROUGHT MANAGEMENT
WINNER MAREEBA SHIRE COUNCIL Mareeba Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
Mareeba Shire Council completed a $16 million upgrade to Mareeba Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in July 2017. The WWTP is a dual basin Sequence Batch Reactor system with a capacity of 12,500 equivalent persons (EP) and capability for expansion to 16,500 EP. The upgraded Mareeba WWTP will cater for population growth over a 20-year horizon whilst providing significant environmental benefits. Through
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innovative planning, Council has upgraded the existing infrastructure to deliver a cost-effective wastewater treatment solution at half the cost of a new treatment plant. The project exemplifies Council’s commitment to the community, the environment and the local economy through good governance and leadership.
INNOVATION AND/ OR INTRODUCTION OF NEW AND/OR IMPROVED TECHNIQUES IN WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWERAGE AND DROUGHT MANAGEMENT
NOMINEES TOWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL Illich Park Precinct Upgrade Townsville City Council undertook an upgrade of the existing poor functioning sporting park to improve drainage, flood storage, irrigation and sports field lighting of. The project allowed for a sophisticated irrigation system to be designed and constructed which extracts ground water from two bore pumps that irrigates six hectares of sporting fields and parkland. This outcome contributes to the city’s efforts to offset previously required town water supply for irrigation use and reduce operational expenditure relating to town water charges.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWERAGE AND DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PROJECTS UNDER $2 MILLION
WINNER OUTBACK REGIONAL WATER ALLIANCE (ORWA) Regional Outback Water Quality Infrastructure Program
The Infrastructure program comprises of a range of complementary projects driven by a strategic approach to maintaining optimal water services to meet community needs. The following priority objectives were achieved in the past year: infrastructure works and cleaning on water reservoirs; jointly undertaking audits of all DWQMP; and inspection,
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condition assessment and cleaning of water mains across the region. The overarching objective of the infrastructure program (which is ongoing) is to achieve a consistent approach across the region. Works are still underway to achieve this aim and address learnings and issues identified in the various stages of the projects.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWERAGE AND DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PROJECTS $2 MILLION TO $5 MILLION
WINNER BUNDABERG REGIONAL COUNCIL Burnett River Discharge Facility for Rubyanna Wastewater Treatment Plant
Bundaberg Regional Council installed a modern river discharge facility in the Burnett River at Bundaberg. This facility is part of a larger project that involves the construction of a new wastewater treatment plant, which is the single largest project ever undertaken by Council. The river discharge facility has been nominated because
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of the innovative ways in which the project was designed, procured and constructed. The project also demonstrates the advantages in working collaboratively with contractors and designers to achieve best practice solutions.
DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWERAGE AND DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PROJECTS $2 MILLION TO $5 MILLION
NOMINEES CAIRNS REGIONAL COUNCIL Augmentation of Rising Main K Cairns Regional Council has successfully completed the construction of a new 1000mm diameter sewer rising main to replace an ageing high-risk sewer asset in close proximity to the Cairns CBD. The alignment traversed a heavily constrained corridor with close proximity to high risk assets including major fibre optic cables, heritage listed structures and the newly completed $32M Tobruk Pool. Detailed planning and construction activities incorporated strategies to mitigate risks associated with the constraints. Council adopted record breaking specialist construction techniques utilising trenchless drilling technology to ensure minimal disruption to existing services and guarantee successful delivery of the project.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWERAGE AND DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PROJECTS OVER $5 MILLION
WINNER WIDE BAY BURNETT REGIONAL ORGANISATION OF COUNCILS Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organization of Councils Joint Sewer Rehabilitation Program The Wide Bay Burnett Regional Organization of Councils joint sewer relining program aimed to balance the tensions across all councils by developing a regional understanding of network needs. This allowed the development of a relining program and joint procurement process that met individual community and council needs while increasing critical mass and taking advantage of economies of scale. The program standardised contractual arrangements for sewer relining to provide council participants with greater certainty and degrees of freedom in dealing with contractors. The program cost just over $6 million with 10% savings delivered to councils and an additional $2.4 million was saved due to a council using relining technology instead of replacing sewerage assets.
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DESIGN AND/OR CONSTRUCTION OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWERAGE AND DROUGHT MANAGEMENT PROJECTS OVER $5 MILLION
NOMINEES MAREEBA SHIRE COUNCIL Mareeba Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Mareeba Shire Council completed a $16 million upgrade to Mareeba Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in July 2017. The WWTP is a dual basin Sequence Batch Reactor system with a capacity of 12,500 equivalent persons (EP) and capability for expansion to 16,500 EP. The upgraded Mareeba WWTP will cater for population growth over a 20-year horizon whilst providing significant environmental benefits. Through innovative planning, Council has upgraded the existing infrastructure to deliver a cost-effective wastewater treatment solution at half the cost of a new treatment plant. The project exemplifies Council’s commitment to the community, the environment and the local economy through good governance and leadership.
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BENEFITS OF NOMINATING FOR AN IPWEAQ AWARD: N ominees and winners featured in the IPWEAQ Commemorative Awards Book with winning project on cover W inners featured on the IPWEAQ website www.ipweaq.com/2017-award-winners O verall winner’s project image used in the excellence award banner for following year G ala awards ceremony and dinner attended by more than 350 invited guests/dignitaries P hotos of award winners available for publicity purposes www.ipweaq.com/2017-award-winners M edia releases issued by IPWEAQ with publicity for people and project nominees and winners O pportunity to present nominated projects at branch conferences
IPWEAQ EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2018 The Excellence Awards recognise best practice and innovation in public works projects and the people that deliver them.
Award nominations due 5.00pm Friday 27 July 2018. Submit your nomination at www.ipweaq.com/awards Gala Awards Ceremony and Dinner The Marriott, Surfers Paradise Thursday, 11 October 2018 Sponsorship opportunities available. Contact info@ipweaq.com or 3632 6803
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