Excellence in Australia’s built and natural environment industry was celebrated at Consult Australia’s 2013 Awards for Excellence this week.
The CEO of industry association, Consult Australia, Megan Motto said the business practices, initiatives, and projects entered into this year’s Awards demonstrate the world-class standard of those industries supporting Australia’s built and natural environment.
Queensland’s major infrastructure and property projects also took out top honours at the industry’s annual Awards celebrating excellence for consulting firms working in the built environment.
The Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Dinmore to Goodna (D2G) Project, Airport Link and 111 Eagle Street took out five of nine project-based award categories.
"In the last decade many larger firms have established bases in Queensland; which has occurred alongside the growth of smaller firms operating throughout Queensland cities and regional centres,” Motto said.
“It is critical that Queensland maintains what is a competitive advantage across Australia and internationally. Now is the time for fresh investment, that continues the momentum created by historic resources development and infrastructure spend, that supports productivity throughout the economy.”
Origin Alliance comprising Consult Australia members SMEC Australia and Parsons Brinckerhoff, (together with Abigroup Contractors, Fulton Hogan, Seymour Whyte and the QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads) received three Gold awards for the Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Dinmore to Goodna (D2G) Project, including Collaboration,
Development of People and Client Focus, and were also Highly Commended for Technological Innovation.
Recognised as one of the biggest events in the industry, the Awards attracted over 270 senior representatives from firms including: AECOM, Arup, GHD, Hyder Consulting, Norman Disney & Young, Parsons Brinckerhoff, SMEC Australia, and WorleyParsons.
"These Awards have again demonstrated excellence across the sector following what has been a difficult year for our industry, characterised by uncertainty in a relatively scarce pipeline of work," Motto said.
“With more substantive investment in infrastructure, supported by best practice procurement and increased collaboration between business and government, we will be well positioned to build on our strengths, boost productivity and keep growing domestically across those businesses, and skills critical for future jobs and economic growth.”
Another feature of the awards was recognition of Perth's built environment consulting industry as a leading force in the Australian industry, with Perth-born firm, BG&E and a young professional from Arup awarded Gold for excellence.
“The state has capitalised on the mining boom and has continued to attract leading professionals and firms who are working together to make a practical difference in WA, Australia and internationally," Motto said.
Arup Senior project manager, Dr Ryan Falconer was awarded Future Leader: nominated for dedication to his firm and the wider industry, and one of 18 exceptional nominees highlighting the strength of the industry across Australia.
Falconer is a member of the Perth leadership group and is responsible for projects with clients such asLandCorp, the Public Transport Authority (PTA) WA, Department of Transport WA, Department of Planning WA and BHP Billiton.
"Falconer contributes to the commercial success of Arup through his client relationship and project delivery skills. He also readily involves himself in non-core activities that support our business and the wider community,”according to Arup Australasia CEO and chair, Peter Bailey.
As well as the Awards Consult Australia appointed a new president and board this week.
Experienced infrastructure and property professional and Rider Levett Bucknall director, Matthew Harris has been appointed president of the industry association.
Motto said his appointment signifies a timely and strategic move by Consult Australia.
“At a time where infrastructure is so high on the agenda—not only for industry, but politicians and the Australian community alike—the appointment of Matt Harris will help guide Consult Australia as we work to improve the operating environment for members,”she said.
The new Board of Consult Australia is comprised of continuing directors: James Wright (Beca) and Joanne Metcalf (GHD), re-elected member: Ian Hopkins (NDY) and new members: Camille McGregor (Sinclair Knight Merz), Neill Stevens (NS Projects) and Kiri Parr (Arup).
Outgoing President Jamie Shelton of Northrop Engineers said that he has complete and unwavering faith in the new president's ability to provide guiding support to Consult Australia.
“There remains a lot of unfinished work to be done as Consult Australia strives to become the association of choice for all consultants who work in the built environment,” Shelton said.
