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!
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.
Major milestone achieved on the Mardie Salt and Potash Project in Western Australia, with the successful demobilisation of our 'Canti-Traveller' system.
Following the completion of the 2.43 km approach jetty constructed from the Traveller, our marine spread—comprising the MCD914 Jack-Up barge and supporting floating barges - efficiently removed all parts of the Traveller in under 10 days.
With an impressive largest lift of nearly 150 tonnes, our newly developed large module demobilisation method significantly accelerated the process.
This successful operation has enabled us to quickly advance to the next stage of marine construction, including incline conveyor setup, jetty head, berthing, and shiploader structures.
Congratulations to our team for delivering this milestone safely and efficiently! We look forward to continuing our work on this exciting project for BCI Minerals.
Check out the demobilisation below, and read more about the project here.
Click here for more information on the Canti-Traveller system.
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.
We recently poured the first calcined clay concrete on an Australian rail project.
Used as a substitute for cement in concrete, it lowers greenhouse gas emissions significantly.