Well done to our team on achieving practical completion on the Port of Melbourne Swanson Dock West Remediation Project Stage 1.
This milestone marks the successful delivery of critical infrastructure to extend the life of one of Melbourne’s busiest international container berths.
Key features of the project include:
- Installation of 212 structural steel piles, up to 46 metres long
- 1,800 tonnes of reinforcing steel
- Pouring of more than 6400 m³ of concrete
- Remediation of the existing sheet pile wall and marine piles
- Implementation of a new cathodic protection system.
This complex marine remediation project was delivered safely and efficiently in a live operational port environment — made possible by our collaborative partnership with Port of Melbourne and our sub-contractors.
A huge thank you to our dedicated project team, our sub-contractors, Port of Melbourne, and all stakeholders involved in making this a success.
Check out the timelapse video.
1 June 2025 marked a historic milestone with the official opening of the New Bridgewater Bridge, a transformative infrastructure project that will reshape connectivity in southern Tasmania.
The day began with a ceremonial ribbon cutting attended by dignitaries, including the Prime Minister, followed by a first official drive across the bridge. Despite the unmistakably chilly Bridgewater morning, spirits were high as the community came together to witness this landmark event.
The celebrations continued with a vibrant Community Day, held in the project’s custom-built precast shed. Thousands of locals took the opportunity to walk the new bridge, with shuttle buses ferrying attendees to and from the site throughout the day. The event was a fitting tribute to the role the local community has played in supporting this ambitious endeavour.
To cap off the day, the McConnell Dowell team came together for a well-earned celebration at the nearby Derwent Estate, reflecting on the years of planning, collaboration, and hard work that brought the bridge to life.
The New Bridgewater Bridge stands not only as a feat of engineering but as a testament to what can be achieved when innovation, teamwork and community spirit come together.
Well done team.
This month marks eight years since the formation of our Western Program Alliance (WPA) — a milestone that reflects not just time, but the scale, complexity and collaboration behind some of Victoria’s most transformative rail projects.
WPA is a key player in the Victorian Government’s bold commitment to remove 110 of the state’s most dangerous and congested level crossings by 2030.
With us in the alliance are: the Level Crossing Removal Project (our customer), Arup and Mott MacDonald (designers), MTM and V/Line (network operators).
Together we have delivered:
- 10 level crossing removals across live operational rail corridors
- Multiple integrated station precincts built for long-term community benefit
- Major rail duplications in Dandenong and Altona to boost capacity
- A state-of-the-art stabling yard supporting V/Line’s Velocity fleet
The collaborative contracting model has been fundamental to WPA’s success — enabling agile decision-making, design innovation, and delivery with minimal disruption to passengers and communities.
Eight years on, WPA continues to set the benchmark for high-trust, shared-risk alliances in infrastructure delivery.
We’re delighted to welcome David Middleton to McConnell Dowell as our new Group Technical Director – Water.
David brings with him 33 years of executive leadership across international engineering consulting and delivery in the water and power sectors. With a proven track record in strategic growth, governance, innovation, and digital transformation, David is a respected leader whose experience spans Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. Most recently, he has served on the Board of a number of water organisations.
This is a key appointment for the Group, noting the strategic importance of the water market and a growing number of opportunities that we are positioning for in this sector. David’s appointment strengthens our commitment to growing our water business and enhancing how we serve our valued water industry clients. His deep experience across the water sector — from both the client and service delivery sides — gives him a unique ability to shape solutions that are technically sound, sustainable, and commercially astute.
As Technical Director – Water, David will focus on expanding our presence and partnerships in the water sector, drawing on his extensive industry relationships and passion for building high-performing, inclusive teams. His collaborative leadership style and ability to engage across all levels — from Boardroom to site — will be invaluable in delivering innovative and impactful outcomes for our clients.
Welcome David to the McConnell Dowell team!
The first spiral case has been successfully installed at the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project in Queensland — marking a major milestone in the delivery of one of Australia’s most significant renewable energy projects.
This complex piece of infrastructure is a key part of the powerhouse, directing high-pressure water into the turbine — and its installation signals the project’s transition from civil construction to major mechanical works.
Getting to this point has required immense coordination, expertise, and determination. From completing deep underground excavation just over a year ago, to precision concrete works and heavy cranage, every step has been a massive team effort.
A huge thank you to our mechanical and FRP teams for their outstanding work — their leadership, technical skill and commitment have made this milestone possible.
This is more than just an engineering feat — it’s a testament to the people on the ground who are delivering Australia’s first pumped hydro project in over 40 years.
Next up: turbine installation, commissioning, and the drive toward first power.
Read more about the project here.
