Capability Statement
Prepared for SA Water
May 2026
Introduction - Recruitment
Thank you for considering McConnell Dowell. This short capability statement explains a bit more about the benefits of working with us and showcases our capabilities and some of the interesting projects we deliver.
About Us (typically use first)
For over 65 years customers have been coming to McConnell Dowell with complex projects that require innovative solutions. That's why we're known as the Creative Construction company.
From remote resources and energy projects to city-shaping infrastructure, we've built thousands of quality assets and facilities.
Engineering-led, our expertise has grown steadily to span building, civil, electrical, fabrication, marine, mechanical, pipelines, rail, tunnel and underground construction..
Fitzroy to Gladstone pipeline
Improving long-term water security
We're delivering the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline (FGP) project for the Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) and the Queensland Government. The project, which will have the capacity to transport 30 gigalitres per annum, will enable long-term water security for urban and industrial customers in the region.
The FGP, which comprises an approximately 117 km long, 1 m diameter pipeline, a water treatment plant, reservoirs, and pumping stations, will also support the emerging hydrogen industry in the Gladstone region of Queensland. We have teamed up with BMD Constructions in a joint venture (the MBJV) to deliver the Project.
Fast Facts
- 117 km long, 1 m diameter pipeline
- New water treatment plant
- Reservoirs and pumping stations
- 21 trenchless crossings
- $10 million First Nations spend
Snells Algies Wastewater Pipe & Outfall
Improving wastewater infrastructure while minimising disruption
Proposing a trenchless solution to minimise disruption, Watercare Services awarded us the Snells Algies wastewater pipe and outfall construction project. It resulted in new world record - a 2021 metre long Direct Pipe® drive delivered using a micro tunnel boring machine.
The project was the first phase of a three-phased scheme to improve water quality in the Mahurangi Harbour and cater for population growth in the Warkworth and Mahurangi East communities north of Auckland.
Fast Facts
- 2021 m world record Direct Pipe® drive by MTBM
- 4.3 km of 630 mm diameter HDPE pressure/gravity main installed in open trench
- 2 km of 1.2 m diameter steel pipe installed using the Direct Pipe® system
- 230 m outfall pipeline
- 530 m of 710 mm diameter HDPE pipe using horizontal directional drilling (HDD)
- 1220 mm OD steel pipe for the Direct Pipe®, 32 mm wall thickness
Army Bay Ocean Outfall
Record Breaking Direct Pipe Drive
Using state-of-the-art Direct Pipe® tunnelling technology for the first time in New Zealand helped us mitigate the significant risks we faced on Watercare's Army Bay Ocean Outfall project.
They engaged us to design and construct a new wastewater outfall, upgrade an existing pump station, and build a new ultraviolet disinfection facility to increase the outfall capacity of their Army Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant at Shakespear Regional Park.
Fast Facts
- 3 km of gravity system replacement pipeline
- 1.9 km of trenchless pipeline using the Direct Pipe® system
- 1,100 mm OD HDPE liner pipe (installed within 1200mm OD steel casing)
- 900 mm OD HDPE outfall pipeline
- new UV treatment plant, including electrical controls and standby generator
- 1929 m world record for the longest Direct Pipe® drive.
Ports of Auckland Outfall Upgrade
Improving Auckland's stormwater network and overall infrastructure resilience
Westland Milk Products Ocean Outfall
Delivering an ocean outfall to improve the water quality of Hokitika River
We completed the first-ever ocean outfall on the rugged west coast of New Zealand’s South Island, successfully dealing with extreme weather, avoiding dolphins and penguins, and managing the challenging marine environment. This landmark project has significantly improved water quality in the Hokitika River.
Westland Cooperative Dairy Company Ltd appointed us to design and construct the 844 m long ocean outfall pipeline to stop the discharge of treated wastewater from their facility into the River.
Fast Facts
- 844 m outfall
- 1,219 mm OD 20 mm thick steel carrier pipe
- 844 m Direct Pipe® MTBM drive
- 23 m below the seabed - max depth during tunnelling
- Mass flow excavation used
- Re-use of TBM and pontoon from the Army Bay and Snells Algies projects
Low impact marine construction
On the Granite Island Causeway Project in South Australia our team used the 'hand over hand' construction method to minimise environmental impacts and ensure delivery on time.
The 'hand over hand' method employs three concurrent work fronts:
- Front one installing the permanent piles
- Front two installing the grouted HDPE sleeves and the precast headstocks
- Front three installing the precast longitudinal girders and decks.
As the structure advances out into the water it acts as a construction platform for the work crews to build the next stage. Each work front takes a similar duration, ensuring maximum certainty in productivity and schedule.
Analysis was conducted on various construction approaches during the tender phase, including the use of jack-up barges or a temporary bridge structure to facilitate construction. However, the 'hand over hand' method was the only one capable of achieving completion by the target date.
The other benefit of the method is its minimal footprint. Minimising the impact on the sensitive marine environment was a key consideration during the tender and design phases of the project.
The adoption of the method, along with the use of precast prestressed deck units which pushed the span out as far as possible, minimised the number of pile driving operations further reducing the impact on the marine environment.
The design and construction methodology was fit-for-purpose and extremely efficient. It resulted in on time and on budget completion and had a low impact on Victor Harbor's rich marine ecology.
Closing Text - General, with video, no contacts
Summary
Thank you for taking an interest in McConnell Dowell's skills, capabilities and approach. Additional information is available on our website, including additional project case studies.
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