Capability Statement
Prepared for Prepared for Robert Stacey (PTA)
May 2026
Introduction General
Thank you for the opportunity to present this brief capability statement which details a cross-section of our skills and experience, and showcases a selection of our recent projects.
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..
Our Approach (typically use 2nd or 3rd)
We approach every project with a focus on creativity and certainty - seeking the right blend of innovation and safe, proven approaches so we can exceed our customers' expectations.
We also understand that construction today is as much about community and sustainability as it is about concrete and steel. Our unwavering objective and commitment is to deliver what we promise to our customers, while protecting and enhancing our people, the community and the environment.
WA Intro (typically use 4th to 8th)
Since securing our first gas pipeline project in Western Australia in the early 1970s, we've gone on to deliver a steady stream of marine, civil, pipelines, rail and mechanical projects for Australia’s blue chip resource organisations and the WA state government.
During the most recent mining boom we delivered most of the new iron ore export wharves for FMG, BHP and Rio Tinto. We've also delivered hundreds of kilometres of gas pipelines and rail infrastructure throughout the state.
Closer to the CBD we've delivered rail grade separations, and all the mechanical and electrical packages for Perth's first desalination plant.
Rail Services
Supporting network operators and projects across Australia
Our rail services team is equipped with specialist plant including tampers, regulators, flash butt welders, and track and resleepering machines. They deliver renewals, upgrade and repairs for a range of rail network owners and operators across Australia.
Some of our current and recent rail services contracts include:
FMG Mainline Upgrade and Soloman Spur
For FMG's T155 Capacity Expansion Project, we constructed 300 km of new heavy haul rail track and 107 turnouts in remote Western Australia. The new track enabled FMG to increase iron ore export capacity to 155 million tonnes per annum.
Approximately half of our scope of work (150 km), was the partial duplication of the existing FMG mainline. We successfully delivered this adjacent to and interfacing with the busy live rail environment of the mainline. We also installed several new turnouts in the operational mainline under possession.
Fast Facts
- 300 km of standard gauge heavy haul track
- 840,000 tonnes of ballast
- 446,000 sleepers
- 107 No. turnouts
Tram Grade Separation Projects
Easing traffic congestion in Adelaide
As part of an Alliance with our customer, Department for Infrastructure and Transport, CPB Contractors, and designers Mott MacDonald, Arup and Aurecon, we are delivering the Tram Grade Separation Projects in Adelaide, South Australia.
Jointly funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, the projects involve the removal of multiple level crossings along the Glenelg tram line.
Fast Facts
- Removal of mutiple level crossings
- Intersection upgrades
- Part of the broader North-South Corridor T2D project
METRONET Midland Station
Enhancing Perth's metropolitan train network
The Midland Junction Alliance (MJA), an alliance comprising of ourselves, Georgiou Group, Arcadis and BG&E, is delivering the new METRONET Midland Station in Perth, Western Australia. METRONET is a multi-government agency created to oversee the expansion of Perth's metropolitan transport network.
The Midland Station project includes decommissioning and demolishing the existing 53 year old train station and the design and construction of a new station between Helena and Cale streets.
Fast Facts
- Demolition of existing 53 year old station
- Design & construction of new, three platform station
- 600 bay multi-storey carpark
- 12-stand bus interchange
- 1 km shared path
Inland Rail Victoria
Delivering part of Australia’s largest rail freight project
We delivered the first tranche of the Inland Rail project in Victoria - the Beveridge to Albury (B2A) package. The overall Inland Rail project will enable double-stacked freight trains to operate between Brisbane and Melbourne.
Our contract encompassed four 'rail enhancement' sites located in central and northern Victoria, as well as some corridor wide works. The enhancement site works included bridge replacements at Glenrowan, Wangaratta and Seymour; transformation of Wangaratta Station; and track lowering. Corridor wide scope included signalling works, track slews and overhead utilities.
Fast Facts
- Site investigations, detailed design
- Track enhancements at four sites - bridges, underpasses
- Corridor-wide track slews and signalling works
Murray Basin Rail Upgrade - Stage 2
In joint venture we constructed Stage 2 of the Murray Basin Rail Project. The Federal and State Government funded project opened up new rail transportation pathways from the north of Victoria to the ports in the south, improving freight logisitics and taking trucks off rural roads.
The project involved upgrading 87 km and standardising 400 km of rail track that services the Murray Basin region including restoring the track condition to its underlying track class and speed rating.
Fast Facts
- 500 km of rail regauged
- 30,000 tonnes of ballast placed
- 80,000 timber sleepers replaced
- 37 turnouts removed
- 21 active level corssings and 250 gravel crossings installed
- $16 million invested in regional economies
Wyndham Vale Train Stabling
Enhancing train reliability in Melbourne's West
As part of the Western Program Alliance we constructed the Wyndham Vale Train Stabling Facility in Melbourne’s West, connecting it to the mainline with zero impact to train operations.
The 3 km long site includes four tracks (roads) each capable of stabling two 6-carriage V/Line diesel Velocity trains. The facility allows for the trains to be refuelled and cleaned and also includes multiple buildings for staff amenities, security and network equipment.
Fast Facts
- 3,500 metres of track
- Complete driver rest facilities
- Designed for future expansion
Papakura to Pukekohe Electrication Upgrade
In joint venture we completed the detailed design and early works for the Papakura to Pukekohe Electrification Upgrade Project (or P2P), to electrify the track between the Papakura and Pukekohe Train stations in Auckland, New Zealand.
As a member of the eTRACS team, we constructed 19 km of new signal ducting, drainage works, level crossing, and track upgrades as part of the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) contract signed with KiwiRail in August 2020.
Fast Facts
- Constructed 19 km of combined services route
- Including over 21,000 tonnes of structural fill and 23,000 tonnes of ballast ready for 4.1 km of new track to be installed by KiwiRail
- Involved Auckland's largest network shutdown over seven days from Boxing Day 2021
- Zero LTIs
Safety
We never compromise on safety.
We foster our 'Home Without Harm' safety culture through robust processes, effective systems, and by recognising and rewarding safe behaviours.
Our Site Safety Managers are always on our project leadership teams, ensuring safety is prioritised in all site activities. Every team member has clear safety responsibilities, aimed at protecting themselves, their colleagues, and the community.
We're also leading our industry in the adoption of new safety technologies, like virtual reality plant simulators and AI-enabled blind spot elimination. Check out the case studies below for more information.
Underpinning it all are our Safety Golden Rules. Built on our long-term collective knowledge and learnings, they are specifically targeted at preventing fatalities and serious injuries.
Digital Engineering
We take a ‘Digital First’ approach to all our projects, equipping our teams with the latest digital tools and systems from the design stage forward.
This helps them identify and address potential issues at the earliest stages of project development, effectively eliminating issues at their genesis leading to lower costs and delays once we start on site.
On site, we use digital tools like drones for surveying, and GPS tracked plant to monitor and improve safety and efficiency.
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.
Contacts
