Munna Point bridge repair earns Council top gong

Council has won a top gong for its Munna Point Bridge repair project at this year’s Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia, Queensland (IPWEAQ) Excellence Awards.

Council opted to remediate the bridge rather than rebuild it, which was initially seen as the only option to cure widespread concrete cancer.

The decision saved ratepayers between $4 million and $5 million in full reconstruction costs. What’s more, it has prolonged the bridge’s life by 50 years.

The award was for design and construction of a public works project between $2 million and $5 million. Council shared the accolade with its project partners Tod Consulting plus Marine and Civil Maintenance.

Council’s Acting CEO Martin Drydale said the decision to investigate alternatives to rebuilding the bridge had paid off.

“It’s been a real win for sustainability. Staff, in partnership with our contractors, were able to remove the concrete cancer for less than the cost of rebuilding the bridge. Noosa Parade is probably the busiest road in the Shire, and we were able to carry out the works with minimal disruption to motorists,” Mr Drydale said.

Council Project Manager, Adam Britton, said Council’s good working relationship with the contractors, combined with the organisations’ collective experience, ensured the project was a success.

Council was among 15 award recipients announced at a gala dinner and awards ceremony held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The awards recognise innovation as well as excellence and sustainability in the delivery of projects that benefit Queensland communities.

The judging panel includes experienced public works professionals.

IPWEAQ is the peak body representing those working in Queensland’s public works sector. Anyone actively engaged in the delivery of public works and services in Queensland is eligible to join.

IPWEAQ Chief Executive Officer Leigh Cunningham said the 2016 awards had attracted a record number of nominations from councils both large and small across Queensland. 

Mayor Tony Wellington said: “This is just another example of Noosa Council’s willingness to embrace innovation. We were faced with the very costly and extremely disruptive task of rebuilding the entire bridge. But staff chose to think outside the square, investigating some radical alternatives. The reward is not only this professional recognition, but a very significant cost saving for ratepayers. I congratulate our infrastructure team for their efforts.”

11 November 2016