“The structure is set to become a powerful symbol for Christchurch,” said Transport Minister Simon Bridges in a press statement today. “It will leave a lasting impression on locals and travellers alike and it is exciting to see it in place.

“What is even more exciting is just how close the Russley Road Upgrade is to completion. This milestone will allow the project to complete the remainder of the interchange below the structure. By mid-August traffic will be able to travel under the new interchange and by early 2018 the whole project will be complete – months ahead of schedule.”

The arches and a major interchange are being constructed by a McConnell Dowell Downer Joint Venture at the intersection of Russley Road and Memorial Avenue, near Christchurch Airport.

Watch a short video of the arch cap being lowered into place. 

Stage 1, the installation of a new ring around the island was completed in 2016, and McConnell Dowell has been selected to construct Stage 2. This involves the design and construction for the upgrade of 10 existing water intakes, construction of 12km of replacement trunk main from the intakes to the new ring main, and minor upgrades to the access roads to eight of the 10 intakes. Intake works involve the construction of new intake structures, sedimentation tanks, sand filters and bolted steel water storage tanks.

McConnell Dowell has operated on numerous Pacific Islands since 1989, including Fiji, Vanuatu, Samoa and American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands, the Cook Islands and the Marshall Islands. Our track record in the Cook Islands includes the 2012 upgrade of the Avatiu Wharf in Rarotonga, and a solar power project in the outer Cook Islands in 2015.

Works will commence on site in Rarotonga in February 2018 following a six month design period. Construction is programmed to be completed in 18 months.

The hotly contested awards, which recognise excellence in the construction or management of assets, are a major feature of the New Zealand industry calendar. Waterview was up against the McKays to Peka Peka Expressway near Wellington and the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild (SCIRT), which we were also a founding member of.

In the judges’ citation, the Waterview Connection Project was described as “arguably the most complex infrastructure project undertaken in New Zealand”. The Alliance, working for the NZ Transport Agency, delivered not only two of New Zealand’s longest road tunnels at 2.4km each, but also a complex motorway to motorway interchange, 5km of pedestrian/cycleway paths, skate parks, BMX track, sports fields and an environmental upgrade of a nearby creek.

The judges said the project was “an outstanding example of what can be achieved when a diverse group of Constructors, Designers and the Client work together collaboratively to achieve a single goal, being the delivery of exceptional facilities for the public.”

The Well-Connected Alliance comprised seven organisations (McConnell Dowell, Fletcher Construction, WSP, Beca, Tonkin & Taylor, Obayashi and NZ Transport Agency) plus two sub-alliances, from four countries. The judges were impressed with the focus and investment given to gelling this diverse cultural group from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Spain into a single harmonious team.

They also noted “a proactive risk management approach” and were also impressed with a number of other challenges faced and solved by the Well-Connected Alliance, including:

• Selection of the right Tunnel Boring Machine which at the end of 4.8km of tunnelling achieved the initial assessed performance criteria with no major issues,
• The spoil disposal system that included 6km of conveyors and a sound proof muck building for loading out to the Wiri disposal site,
• The complexity of the three tiered Great North Road interchange bridges,
• Formation of a sub-alliance with Wilsons to make the 24,000 precast concrete segments for the tunnel plus the many concrete bridge girders,
• Formation of a sub-alliance with SICE to bring leading international experience in tunnel systems to the project,
• Turning a nervous local community, concerned about the project impact on their daily lives, into a supportive community through a whole team approach to community communication and involvement,
• Achieving an outstanding health and safety outcome on this project which had significant risks and over 11 million man-hours of work.

The Waterview Connection Project also won the Over $25m Category at the CCNZ Auckland Branch Awards earlier in 2017.

L-R: CCNZ President Brian Warren, Former MD of McConnell Dowell Roger McRae, Graham Darlow, Sumi Eratne, Glen Kirk, Peter Spies and Hirepool GM of Sales and Marketing Gary Richardson

To mark the beginning of these works which includes scope to reopen the 87-kilometre freight train line from Maryborough to Ararat, Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester and Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan inspected equipment and met some of the MMJV team at Maryborough on 31 July.

The Maryborough to Ararat track is expected to reopen in January 2018, returning freight trains to the line for the first time in more than a decade.

Preliminary works along the line are already underway including vegetation removal and site investigations.

Works are also set to begin in Dunolly, ultimately delivering major upgrades to the Mildura freight rail line.

Crews will upgrade and convert the track from Dunolly to Yelta, and Ouyen to Murrayville from broad gauge to standard gauge, the works will increase train axle loadings from 19 tonnes to 21 tonnes between Dunolly and Yelta to allow freight trains to carry larger loads.

Jim Miller, the responsible Operations Manager at McConnell Dowell said “This is a an important project for the State and for regional businesses relying on freight. For McConnell Dowell it is an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in delivering long line renewal.”

More information about the project can be found at vline.com.au/murraybasinrail

The Modbury Hospital Redevelopment Project, was part of the State Government of South Australia’s Transforming Health initiative, it has delivered improved hospital infrastructure and consolidated health services for residents in Adelaide’s northeastern suburbs.

The Built Environs project team delivered this fast-tracked, multi-staged project within a live hospital environment.

The prestigious award recognised the achievement on the fit out of level 3 ward refurbishment which includes:

• Approximately 2000m2 fitout;
• The repurposing and upgrading of existing ward accommodation commencing with stage 2 for Level 3 East, followed by Stage 3 – Level 3 West to expand the hospital’s existing rehabilitation services from 20 to 52 beds;
• Incorporating a new Day Treatment Gymnasium, which allows for larger group training / treatment and the ability of instructors to set-up multiple exercises in one location to challenge people at various levels of recovery; and
• The construction of new kitchen and laundry areas for patients to increase their confidence with general lifestyle tasks.

The awards are judged by building industry experts according to very strict criteria, with a special emphasis on the quality of the processes that have been followed as well as the quality of the finished product

The Modbury Hospital’s Specialist Ambulatory and Rehabilitation Centre (SpARC) received a Commendation for in the Excellence in the Commercial / Industrial Building $10m to $20m.

The Specialist Ambulatory and Rehabilitation Centre is a purpose-built rehabilitation centre that includes a gym, hydrotherapy pool, and therapy spaces. The building spanning over a 3000-m²  area has a covered link way that connects the existing main hospital building to the new rehabilitation building.

Ensuring the Modbury Hospital and its associated health services remained operational throughout the project’s duration was a key driver to our customer, SA Health.

Following completion of the project Mario Viskic, Manager of the Redevelopment Unit for SA Health said “ Built Environs had a very clear understanding of the health environment and the team were a pleasure to collaborate and work with.  Their communication was very concise and effective”.

In reflecting on the project Built Environs Managing Director Daryl Young said “It is truly pleasing to see the Built Environs Team led by Tony Jachmann exhibiting such maturity when delivering this project.”

The willingness of the entire project team to listen, negotiate, discuss, innovate, compromise and approach all issues with a spirit of understanding and cooperation and a best-for-project mindset was crucial to the success of the project.

The runway overlay is the latest project to be delivered by McConnell Dowell’s locally-based team, which has operated on the island since 1989.

Our team of engineers, supervisors, plant operators and lab technician is resourced to self-perform civil and infrastructure works including road resurfacing, rehabilitation and repair, bridges, runway repairs, and marine works including dredging, wharves and seawalls. We have also recently undertaken a programme of building refurbishment works at the US Army Reserve barracks.

The underpass, which was constructed by the McConnell Dowell Downer joint venture as part of the Russley Rd Upgrade, runs under the newly constructed Harewood Roundabout. It was intentionally designed by AECOM and Jasmax to be a visually striking architectural feature with a very functional purpose – to encourage use of the underpass by pedestrians and cyclists, and discourage undesirable activities such as vandalism and loitering. 

The design approach is based on the premise that people generally respond positively to environments that are well designed and demonstrate a respect for the comfort, safety and experience of the user.

The judges’ comments reflected the success of the design’s execution. “Underpasses are usually thought of as spaces you don’t want to visit, but not this one. This underpass is truly one of a kind and shows you what a difference design and colour can make to what could be the most mundane of practical spaces. Simply impressive inside and out.”

The glossy white, multi-faceted, concrete panels feature a relief that evokes the Southern Alps.

The Joint Venture had the 3D CAD model laser cut as a positive replica in polystyrene, which was then then cast by local supplier Cancast as a negative mould in concrete. Concrete additives helped to achieve an extremely smooth and accurate finish.

The coloured inter-panel sections that contrasted with the texture and form of the precast panels were cast in-situ using vertical rough sawn timber boards for boxing, to achieve a textured effect.

The four inter-panel sections are painted in the colours of the sky from west to east: West Coast sunset, stormy West Coast sky, the Nor’west arch and the broad blue Canterbury sky.

““With faceted shapes inspired by the mountains and a wonderful play of shadow, light and colour, this underpass is nearly more art installation than underpass,” the judges said.

Prior to his public sector career, Chris also held key leadership roles in the private sector, including as Director and Principal of management consultancy firm Evans & Peck, as Director – Project Development and Director – Land Transport for Baulderstone Hornibrook and as General Manager Engineering Construction for Mowlem Group.

Starting his career as a Quantity Surveyor, Chris’ varied working life has included roles in the UK, Africa, Australia and South East Asia.

Chris is well known and highly respected for his deep understanding of the infrastructure industry across both public and private sectors, a passion of efficient and effective delivery of infrastructure, highly developed commercial acumen and the pragmatism to ensure delivery of outcomes in complex and rapidly changing operating environments.

McConnell Dowell Corporation Chairman, Kobus Verster said of the appointment: “Chris’ high standards of governance, integrity and leadership will bring significant capability to the McConnell Dowell Corporation Board as the Company moves into the next phases of its strategic plan and positions for growth in strengthening infrastructure markets across Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the Middle East.”

“The Reset phase of the transformational strategy has seen the Group focus on customer relationships, simplify the structure and operating model of the organisation and establish a new leadership team. We have also given the needed attention to enhance our technical and operational capabilities, improve Group wide collaboration to leverage our in-house skills and dramatically improve project and business governance,” Mr Cummins said.

The completion of the Reset phase marked by the announcement of certain project impairments and recapitalisation of the McConnell Dowell balance sheet, enables the Group to move forward with the next phase of the strategy without the burden of legacy and historical issues.

Parent Company Aveng continue to be fully supportive of the overall strategy and are in lockstep with the established plan and goals for the years ahead.

Year in Review

FY17 was a year of considerable change throughout the organisation.

All change introduced has sought to maximise the value the McConnell Dowell Group can bring by being a reliable, consistent and high-performing business and making a positive contribution to the development of infrastructure in all countries in which we operate.

To further support our strategic endeavours and enhance Board value, the McConnell Dowell Board has been strengthened by the appointment of Chris Lock as a Non-Executive Director. Chris brings extensive experience as a highly capable and extremely well-respected leader within the Australian engineering and construction sector.

FY17 Financial Results

As mentioned above, the 2017 financial year results (ending 30 June 2017) include certain project impairments and the recapitalisation of the McConnell Dowell balance sheet. This along with the confirmed and committed support of our business plan by our financial institutions (banks and bond providers) represents continued progress and key milestones along our strategic road map.
The financial measures taken have significantly reduced our overall business risk profile. This allows us to balance the value of commercial settlements with the associated costs, business disruptions, customer relationships and the impact on the entire Group’s reputation.

The 2017 financial year results reflect the following:

 *   A reduction in underlying performance due to impact from the continuing work on loss making historic projects;
 *   The resolution of the long outstanding arbitration process in relation to the QCLNG Export Pipeline Project, physical work on which was completed in 2013;
 *   Various project impairments which now removes risk and uncertainty from the Balance Sheet;
 *   An active project portfolio performing in line with expectations and plan;
 *   A high volume of tendering activity across all Business Units and improved new work rolling success rate; and
 *   Restructure of overheads to enable business scalability, improved business efficiency and effectiveness and to be commensurate with the revenue, earnings and future business growth profile.

Stronger Balance Sheet

Strengthening the balance sheet was a significant focus for the organisation in the 2017 financial year. To guarantee adequate financial strength and flexibility to support the strategic growth plans, it was necessary to recapitalise the McConnell Dowell Group. This demonstrated absolute confidence in the Group and its strategic plan and will ensure all Business Units are able to take full advantage of all new work opportunities and growth initiatives.

With banks and financiers fully supportive of the project impairments and the capital restructure, the business can now fully realise and deliver upon the remaining phases of the strategic growth plan.

Outlook - FY18 & Beyond

Supported by a strong and healthy Order Book, together with increased project delivery capacity McConnell Dowell proceed with the subsequent phases of the transformational strategic road map with much confidence.

As of today, FY18 Revenue expectation is fully secured which provides a high degree of predictability and certainty regarding performance and earnings for the coming financial year. With all projects awarded over the past couple of years performing well, McConnell Dowell can expect to deliver its business plan.

The outlook for new work opportunities for execution in FY18 and beyond is promising, with high demand growth across the infrastructure markets in Australia, South-East Asia and New Zealand.

“We have the right strategy, capability, people and growth options to deliver our promise in FY18 and drive future success across the entire Group. I continue to be excited by the opportunities before us and remain fully committed to our customers’ needs and continuing to deliver expected performance and value. We are poised for a strong FY18,” Mr Cummins said.

Additional updates on McConnell Dowell's strategic journey are summarised in the below slides along with an update on major projects currently in execution.

Formed over 200 years ago, ICE is the world's oldest professional engineering association, and their annual awards recognise outstanding civil engineering achievements and contribution to the profession and the Institution. The Brunel Medal is awarded to recognise excellence in civil engineering.

In presenting the Medal ICE President Professor Tim Broyd said,

"The project has redefined the possibilities in ferry terminal design, proudly engages the community in its unique engineering response, and reunites the Brisbane community like never before with its most defining natural asset - the Brisbane River."

The accompanying picture was taken in the world-renowned ICE Building at One Great George Street London. The building is home to the world's largest dedicated civil engineering collection containing over 130,000 books and articles dating back to 1836.

Pictured in the Great Hall after accepting the award L-R: Arne Nilsen (Aurecon), Brendan Gaffney (Cox Rayner),

Todd Cook (McConnell Dowell)

In his keynote address, McConnell Dowell Operations Manager Jim Miller showcased the Webb Dock project, this year’s recipient of the prestigious Australian Construction Achievement Award. To complete the formalities,  Engineers Australia announced their individual Excellence Awards for 2017 including Victorian Professional Engineer of the Year and Victorian Young Engineer of the Year award winners. Congratulations to all the recipients. 

With the Victorian State Government’s ambitious infrastructure development plan now in action, the Victorian engineering and construction fraternity continues to set the standards for excellence and innovation in design and delivery.

In making their announcement to the Australian Stock Exchange, Genex Managing Director Michael Addison said:

“The McConnell Dowell / Downer JV is a very strong partner to deliver the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project. As a combined force, the JV has a complementary skill set and a strong track record of delivering hydro projects around the world, a strong balance sheet and proven project delivery capabilities, factors likely to materially contribute to the bankability and successful implementation of the project.”

The JV will now work with Genex in an early contractor involvement (ECI) process to complete final design optimisation for the Hydro project. Leading hydro and electrical consultants Norconsult and GHD Australia are technical advisers to the joint venture.  The ECI process will include a competitive tender process to secure the electro-mechanical equipment package, with invitations to be extended to a number of tier 1 hydro turbine suppliers in November 2017.

Pictured signing off the ECI agreement are, from left, Ed Tenaglia - Downer ECM Pre-contracts Construction; Arran McGhie – Genex Power COO and Harry Hartman, Queensland State Manager for McConnell Dowell.

We have provided full support to the company involved and our thoughts remain with their team and with the family of the deceased.

There is a full investigation into the incident underway by the authorities, who have confirmed to us that our project sites are not involved.  We stand ready to provide any assistance should it be requested.

The safety and well-being of our workforce and the public remains our primary focus and objective on all our projects.

The hotly contested awards, which recognise excellence in the construction or management of assets, are a major feature of the New Zealand industry calendar. Waterview was up against the McKays to Peka Peka Expressway near Wellington and the Stronger Christchurch Infrastructure Rebuild (SCIRT), which we were also a founding member of.

In the judges’ citation, the Waterview Connection Project was described as “arguably the most complex infrastructure project undertaken in New Zealand”. The Alliance, working for the NZ Transport Agency, delivered not only two of New Zealand’s longest road tunnels at 2.4km each, but also a complex motorway to motorway interchange, 5km of pedestrian/cycleway paths, skate parks, BMX track, sports fields and an environmental upgrade of a nearby creek.

The judges said the project was “an outstanding example of what can be achieved when a diverse group of Constructors, Designers and the Client work together collaboratively to achieve a single goal, being the delivery of exceptional facilities for the public.”

The Well-Connected Alliance comprised seven organisations (McConnell Dowell, Fletcher Construction, WSP, Beca, Tonkin & Taylor, Obayashi and NZ Transport Agency) plus two sub-alliances, from four countries. The judges were impressed with the focus and investment given to gelling this diverse cultural group from New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Spain into a single harmonious team.

They also noted “a proactive risk management approach” and were also impressed with a number of other challenges faced and solved by the Well-Connected Alliance, including:

• Selection of the right Tunnel Boring Machine which at the end of 4.8km of tunnelling achieved the initial assessed performance criteria with no major issues,
• The spoil disposal system that included 6km of conveyors and a sound proof muck building for loading out to the Wiri disposal site,
• The complexity of the three tiered Great North Road interchange bridges,
• Formation of a sub-alliance with Wilsons to make the 24,000 precast concrete segments for the tunnel plus the many concrete bridge girders,
• Formation of a sub-alliance with SICE to bring leading international experience in tunnel systems to the project,
• Turning a nervous local community, concerned about the project impact on their daily lives, into a supportive community through a whole team approach to community communication and involvement,
• Achieving an outstanding health and safety outcome on this project which had significant risks and over 11 million man-hours of work.

The Waterview Connection Project also won the Over $25m Category at the CCNZ Auckland Branch Awards earlier in 2017.

L-R: CCNZ President Brian Warren, Former MD of McConnell Dowell Roger McRae, Graham Darlow, Sumi Eratne, Glen Kirk, Peter Spies and Hirepool GM of Sales and Marketing Gary Richardson

To mark the beginning of these works which includes scope to reopen the 87-kilometre freight train line from Maryborough to Ararat, Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester and Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan inspected equipment and met some of the MMJV team at Maryborough on 31 July.

The Maryborough to Ararat track is expected to reopen in January 2018, returning freight trains to the line for the first time in more than a decade.

Preliminary works along the line are already underway including vegetation removal and site investigations.

Works are also set to begin in Dunolly, ultimately delivering major upgrades to the Mildura freight rail line.

Crews will upgrade and convert the track from Dunolly to Yelta, and Ouyen to Murrayville from broad gauge to standard gauge, the works will increase train axle loadings from 19 tonnes to 21 tonnes between Dunolly and Yelta to allow freight trains to carry larger loads.

Jim Miller, the responsible Operations Manager at McConnell Dowell said “This is a an important project for the State and for regional businesses relying on freight. For McConnell Dowell it is an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in delivering long line renewal.”

More information about the project can be found at vline.com.au/murraybasinrail

Melbourne is Australia’s fastest growing city and the proposed RDP will ensure that the future demand for air travel to and from Melbourne is met for decades to come. 

Our focus in the coming months will be to support Melbourne Airport and its design team to progress the approval process for the RDP, and finalise the design work on the proposed new east-west runway, extension of the existing east-west runway, and associated taxiways and aprons. 

 The new pipelines will convey untreated wastewater to the Christchurch Treatment Plant in Bromley for treatment and discharge out to sea through the Christchurch Ocean Outfall, which was constructed by McConnell Dowell eight years ago.

McConnell Dowell brings considerable experience to the project, including the construction of several marine outfall pipelines and expertise developed on the SCIRT earthquake rebuild programme.

Installation of the two (5km and 1.8km long) weighted HDPE marine pipelines will involve prefabrication of pipe strings onshore before joining and bottom-pulling the pipelines out to the required location. A backhoe dredger and divers will then be employed to excavate the trench, lower the pipeline and backfill.

Work on site will commence in February 2018 and the project is scheduled for completion by Christmas 2018.

To mark the beginning of these works which includes scope to reopen the 87-kilometre freight train line from Maryborough to Ararat, Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester and Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan inspected equipment and met some of the MMJV team at Maryborough on 31 July.

The Maryborough to Ararat track is expected to reopen in January 2018, returning freight trains to the line for the first time in more than a decade.

Preliminary works along the line are already underway including vegetation removal and site investigations.

Works are also set to begin in Dunolly, ultimately delivering major upgrades to the Mildura freight rail line.

Crews will upgrade and convert the track from Dunolly to Yelta, and Ouyen to Murrayville from broad gauge to standard gauge, the works will increase train axle loadings from 19 tonnes to 21 tonnes between Dunolly and Yelta to allow freight trains to carry larger loads.

Jim Miller, the responsible Operations Manager at McConnell Dowell said “This is a an important project for the State and for regional businesses relying on freight. For McConnell Dowell it is an opportunity to demonstrate our expertise in delivering long line renewal.”

More information about the project can be found at vline.com.au/murraybasinrail

“This further extends our long standing relationship with DPA,” says Operations Manager Stuart Pilat. “We are excited to be involved in delivering this critical piece of Infrastructure for the people of American Samoa.”

McConnell Dowell has a long-standing local presence in American Samoa and is well-respected for its good quality work which has been delivered over 29 years on a wide range of coastal, marine and infrastructure projects including seawalls, harbour upgrades, roads and road bridges, and airport runway surfacing.

McConnell Dowell’s locally-based team in American Samoa will start work on the 12 month job in the first quarter of 2018.