Council makes splash at Queensland Water Awards
Date published: 12 November 2019
Townsville City Council’s CBD Utilities Upgrade has been named a winner at the 2019 Australian Water Association’s (AWA) Queensland Water Awards.
The team behind the upgrade, including BMD Constructions, GHD, GNM Group and KB Pipelines, was presented with the Infrastructure Project Innovation Award for its work installing about 20km of water, storm water, footpath, kerb and channel and sewerage pipework across the Townsville CBD.
Infrastructure Services Committee Chair Councillor Mark Molachino said it was a great win for Council.
“These were essential works to upgrade mains that were, in some areas, about 60 years old. The upgrade has helped future-proof Townsville, allowing for population growth as the city expands,” Cr Molachino said.
“To see Council and its contractors recognised with a state award for their hard work is fantastic.”
BMD Constructions invited KB Pipelines Manager Ricky Kim to attend the AWA Queensland Water Awards in Brisbane.
Scott Power, BMD Group Executive Director – Operations, said BMD was proud to be managing contractor on this award-winning project for the North Queensland region.
“As a proud local in Townsville for 25 years, it was important for us to give back to the community across the delivery of this project. As a result of this philosophy, a local industry spend of 95% was achieved and close to 300 locals were engaged on the project,” Mr Power said.
“BMD is also committed to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement, and we are proud to continue our reconciliation journey through the launch of our second Reconciliation Action Plan, Innovate, earlier this year. We found a great partner in KB Pipelines to deliver this project to the highest quality and safety standards, and it’s great to see our commitment recognised through this award win.”
Governance and Finance Committee Chair Cr Verena Coombe said it was brilliant to see a local Indigenous company recognised for its hard work.
“More than 95 per cent of the work was given to locals, and KB Pipelines was brought on board for its expertise with unique jobs like this,” Cr Coombe said.
“Council is always looking for ways to support local Indigenous businesses, including through encouraging Indigenous businesses to tender for Council contracts.
“Congratulations to KB Pipelines and the team for their win.”
More than 300 jobs were supported by the CBD Utilities Upgrade.
The AWA Queensland Water Awards were held at Hilton Brisbane on 13 September.
