November 14, 2016
The Gordonbrook Water Treatment Plant and the new Kingaroy Wastewater Treatment Plant have both won awards at this year’s Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Queensland (IPWEAQ) Excellence Awards
The Kingaroy Wastewater Treatment Plant project received an Excellence Award for projects over $10 million.
It is the first plant in Australia to use new Nereda technology, which offers which offers more efficient sewage treatment.
The plant, designed and constructed by Aquatec Maxcon, also saves capital, operations and maintenance costs while reducing energy consumption and improving water quality, compared to the traditional treatment plant technology.
This project was made possible by a $10 million grant from the Queensland State Government.
In a surprise win, the Gordonbrook Water Treatment Plant project won the Innovation category, and was also a finalist in the Water and Wastewater projects under $10 million category.
This plant upgrade allows for a more cost effective raw water source for council and provides a secure water supply to customers.
This project also received $680,000 funding from the Queensland Government.
“These two infrastructure projects are a great asset for the community,” SBRC Water and Wastewater Manager Nerida Airs said.
“Both will ensure that Kingaroy has water and wastewater treatment plants capable of servicing the local community for at least the next 20 years.
“It’s an honour to receive these two awards and everyone involved in the projects should be very proud.”
Council’s Manager of Design and Technical Services, James D’Arcy was also honoured by the Association, taking home the President’s Award.
Mr D’Arcy has been a strong advocate for IPWEAQ for many years.
“It’s a credit to Council staff, their hard work and dedication which has resulted in these two plants being nominated and winning the Innovation and the Excellence Awards,” Mayor Keith Campbell said.
“We are also thrilled that one of our own, James D’Arcy, was honoured with the President’s Award, which again highlights the dedication of our staff.”
The awards, which have been running since 2002, recognise Councils and individuals who have demonstrated best practice and innovation in public works projects across Queensland.
A total of 15 awards were presented at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, where 400 of the state’s leading authorities on engineering gathered for the three day conference.
IPWEAQ Chief Executive Officer Leigh Cunningham said the 2016 Awards had attracted a record number of nominations, with 43 projects and 11 individuals submitted from Councils across Queensland.
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Photos From The Awards Night:
