The award comes after an extensive early contractor involvement process between Jemena and McConnell Dowell, during which time Jemena secured the necessary approvals and land access to allow the project to move forward. With this award secured, McConnell Dowell will expeditiously commence site activities over the coming weeks with the first gas expected to run through the pipeline in late 2018.

McConnell Dowell CEO Scott Cummins said the company has industry leading experience in the delivery of cross country pipeline projects.

“This project will build on the successful relationship between McConnell Dowell and Jemena and is a testament of the customer’s confidence in our experience and ability to construct this critical infrastructure link.”

Jim Frith, Managing Director Australia said “The award of this contract for the Northern Gas Pipeline project is the result of substantial collaboration between our two companies that ensured the project design is fit-for-purpose whilst significantly reducing costs.”

At a signing ceremony held in Melbourne today, Jemena’s Managing Director Paul Adams said the company is confident McConnell Dowell is well placed to construct and deliver the NGP.

“McConnell Dowell has been one of Jemena’s key partners throughout the NGP Project, having worked closely with us throughout the initial tender, and throughout 2016. They have a fantastic mix of skills and experience which will be key to this project’s success.”

Mr Adams said the NGP’s resequencing in early March meant Jemena had re-evaluated or put on hold a number of key contracts until such time as land access and other approvals were finalised.

“With land access arrangements agreed with Traditional Owners and other landholders, we now have the certainty we need to appoint McConnell Dowell to construct the Territory portion of the NGP.” 

“Partnering with McConnell Dowell allows us to build a cost-effective pipeline, relatively quickly to support a strong gas industry for the Northern Territory by delivering gas to the market at a competitive price,” said Mr Adams.

McConnell Dowell has committed to maximising local and Indigenous participation during construction of the project.

If you are an individual seeking employment opportunities on the Northern Gas Pipeline Project, please visit Jemena’s Jobs and Training website: www.ngpjobsandtraining.com.au  where all local employment opportunities will be advertised.

McConnell Dowell will continue to use the Northern Territory ICN Gateway and our established local business networks to identify suppliers and subcontractors, with proven competence, who are commercially competitive, to participate in the construction of the pipeline.

If you are a company seeking contracts on the Northern Gas Pipeline Project, please ensure you are registered on ICN Gateway with your full company profile. If you have previously registered your interest for this project with us, you are not required to submit another EOI. Expressions of interest for contract opportunities on the NGP are available at: www.northerngaspipeline.icn.org.au.

img - Jemena Managing Director, Paul Adams with McConnell Dowell CEO, Scott Cummins at the signing ceremony

An Alliance of McConnell Dowell, Arup and Mott MacDonald has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract to remove the level crossing on Kororoit Creek Road in Williamstown North and duplicate part of the Altona Loop as part of the Western Program Alliance.

On news of the award, McConnell Dowell’s Australian managing director Jim Frith said

“We are very pleased to be working with our project partners, the Level Crossing Removal Authority and MTM to remove this level crossing and enhance safety and reduce congestion for residents and commuters.”

“We will work closely with stakeholders and the local community to ensure the work is done with minimal disruption, and to ensure the new and improved infrastructure delivers improved travel outcomes and public amenity.”

Site work is due to begin on the Kororoit Creek Road project in the coming months.

As stated in the Minister’s announcement, if the Alliance meets strict performance measures in delivery of this project, it will retain the contract to then remove the level crossing at Abbotts Road in Dandenong South – where work will also start this year – followed by Aviation Road in Laverton, Ferguson Street in Williamstown, and Cherry and Werribee Streets in Werribee.

The Victorian Minister for Public Transport Jacinta Allan made the announcement today. Click here to read the Minister’s media release.

Between now and June 2017 McConnell Dowell will be working with and alongside KiwiRail to remove existing rails and bearers, replace sub formation including drainage, restore rail lines and resurface the road.

Tight time restrictions intended to minimise interruptions to road traffic and rail services, mean that each upgrade will be completed within 48 hours.

“KiwiRail was seeking a provider who could commit to quality and timely delivery, under stringent safety protocols and procedures,” says Managing Director Roger McRae. “We are pleased to be working with them again on this important asset maintenance work.”

McConnell Dowell has appointed Fraser Wyllie to lead their New Zealand and Pacific Islands operations and build on the strong foundations laid by his predecessor Roger McRae.  

Fraser has more than 30 years’ experience, most recently as Executive General Manager Projects at Downer, and a strong track record of overseeing both quality project execution and sustained commercial growth. Fraser has a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Auckland and a Master of Business Administration from Massey University.  

McConnell Dowell Group Chief Executive Scott Cummins welcomed Fraser as a valuable addition to the team.

“I look forward to working directly with Fraser, whose leadership and people skills have been reflected in his successful track record.” he said.

“McConnell Dowell was founded in New Zealand in 1961, and remains an extremely important market for us. I’m confident Fraser will make a strong contribution in terms of successful project delivery, profitability and sustainable growth.”

McConnell Dowell is currently undertaking numerous infrastructure projects in New Zealand and the Pacific Islands including works on roads, waste water treatment facilities, rail, tunnels and rebuilding Christchurch’s earthquake-hit infrastructure. 

Scott also recognised the outstanding service of outgoing Managing Director Roger McRae, who has decided to step down after more than 16 years in the job and 30 years with McConnell Dowell.

“We would like to thank Roger for all he’s done, and we look forward to maintaining an ongoing working relationship with him as he moves into the next phase of his career,” he said.

Fraser is expected to commence in the role in the first week of August 2017.

Media enquiries

Contact Megan Elkhouri, Marketing and Communications Officer, McConnell Dowell Group on +61 3 9816 2420 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..