Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has been recognised for engineering excellence at Queensland Branch of the 2020 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEAQ).
Council received a 2020 Excellence Award in the Projects $1 million – $2 million category for the Emu Creek Hall Road Bridge, and a Highly Commended in the category of Projects $5 million – $10 million for the Empire Theatre Refurbishment Stage 1 and 2.
TRC Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Carol Taylor said the annual IPWEAQ awards program recognises the work that engineering professionals provide for the good of their communities.
“The awards recognise private and public organisations and individuals who demonstrate best practice, innovation and positive community impact in public works projects across Queensland,” Cr Taylor said.
“Being judged by our peers and winning these awards is yet another significant milestone for Council in 2020.
Cr Taylor said we are so proud of our engineers and their professional excellence.
“We are fortunate to have such great people who help deliver infrastructure to every corner of our region,” Cr Taylor said.
“Our Region is the stronger for the quality workmanship of our staff on projects such as the Emu Creek Hall Road Bridge project
“Without the dedication and hard work of these Council staff, the delivery of this project would not have been as efficient, or to the high standard.
“The $1.1 million Emu Creek Hall Road Bridge upgrade project has improved safety, provided better access for heavy vehicles and a more flood resilient structure.
“Council constructed a new Emu Creek Hall Road Bridge to replace the original aged timber bridge to maintain connectivity between rural communities north of Crows Nest.
“The bridge, which officially reopened in December 2019, provides an essential link between the New England Highway and Pierce’s Creek Road.
“Before construction, Emu Creek Hall Road bridge was a three-span timber and concrete composite bridge, narrow and in poor structural condition.
“IPWEAQ recognised the project for its innovation with Council developing in-house capacity for the delivery of the project and developing the fit-for-purpose alternative design for the low traffic volume, and lower speed environment.
“The new bridge also utilised fibre cement sheeting as permanent formwork for the underside of the slab and included the use of crushed and recycled components concrete from the original bridge.
“Stakeholder Engagement was a key focus for the project, and regular media releases, local newsletters and personal contact used to share information about the project.
“The new Emu Creek Hall Road bridge provides a more flood resilient structure. The ability to remove silt and debris quickly after floodwater recedes, enabling the speedy reopening of the bridge after flood peaks.
“With the more reliable link that the new Emu Creek Hall Road Bridge provides, the community now enjoys safer and better connectivity and access to services.”
The Emu Creek Hall Road Bridge replacement has been made possible through a significant funding contribution under the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.”
The Bridges Renewal Program provides funding to upgrade and replace bridges to enhance access for local communities and facilitate higher productivity vehicle access.
