Capability Statement
Prepared for Prepared for Yarra Valley Water
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..
H2030 Strategy
Centred on our engineering heritage and ‘Creative Construction’ value proposition, our Horizon 2030 strategy provides the framework and roadmap for our longer-term market positioning and investment.
The strategy responds to the major trends impacting the world and our industry, both today and into the future. These include climate change, water security, urbanisation, defence self-reliance, and energy transition.
It is enabled by a three-tiered capability platform, as shown in the diagram below...
Water & Wastewater Solutions
We understand what matters most to our water industry customers - uninterrupted supply, minimal disruption, safety, compliance, and positive community engagement.
We've been entrusted with the design and delivery of major metro desalination and water treatment plants, as well as the construction of dams and large-diameter pipeline and pump station networks.
We've delivered approximately $9 billion in new water assets over the last 15 years, including:
Aura and Harmony Infrastructure Program
Improving water and wastewater infrastructure
On behalf of Unitywater, we're delivering critical new water and wastewater infrastructure to support growth on Queensland's Sunshine Coast. The new pipelines, pump stations, and storage reservoirs will support the new Aura and Harmony communities in the Caloundra region.
For the Aura development (which will grow to 50,000 residents by 2050), we're delivering a new wastewater network that includes over 12 km of 900 mm diameter pipeline and one pump station. We're also delivering a new water supply network for this community, that includes over 12 km of 800 mm diameter pipeline connecting the Ewen Maddock Dam to a new 12 ML water reservoir.
Fast Facts
- Large diameter (up to 900 mm) water and wastewater pipelines
- 12 ML storage reservoirs
- Pump stations
- Open and trenchless pipeline construction techniques
SA Water Frameworks
Improving the reliability and capacity of South Australia's water supply
In joint venture with Diona (the Water North JV) we're one of three major framework partners delivering SA Water’s multi-billion dollar capital delivery program. The 'Frameworks' model fosters collaboration and innovation in the planning and delivery of water projects across metro and regional South Australia.
During the first four years (2020 - 24) our team delivered approximately 150 projects, including the design and construction of:
Fast Facts
- Collaborative delivery program
- Approximately 150 individual projects in first 4 years
- 60,000 m of water pipelines
- 2 earth bank storage projects
- 2 distribution pump stations
- 21 water tank remediation works (including concrete & structural remediation)
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
Warkworth to Snells Transfer Pipeline
Enhancing wastewater management for a sustainable future
Drawing on our industry-leading trenchless construction experience, we delivered the Warkworth to Snells Transfer Pipeline for Watercare, continuing our strong relationship with them.
The project was part of Watercare's North-East Wastewater Servicing Scheme, which conveyed wastewater from Warkworth to Snells Beach. The scheme will cater for future growth and enable Watercare to decommission the existing Warkworth Wastewater Treatment Plant, which discharges into the Mahurangi River.
Fast Facts
- 1.4 km long dual rising main
- 3.6 km long single gravity sewer
- 409 steel pipes, each 1219 mm in diameter and weighing 6.85 tonnes
- Water NZ Project of the Year 2025
Southern Regional Water Pipeline Alliance
Fast-tracked new water grid for Queensland
As the principal contractor within the Southern Regional Water Pipeline Alliance, we designed and delivered a new 200-megalitre-per-day water grid on a fast-track program to support the rapidly growing population of South East Queensland.
The project was delivered during the worst drought on record, with Brisbane's water storages at less than 15 percent capacity. This 'need for speed' necessitated concurrent progress in land access, design, approvals, and procurement.
Fast Facts
- 200 km of large diameter water pipe
- 2.2 km of tunnels
- 12 pump stations
- 7 large storage tanks
- 600 directly effected landowners
- Over 970 approvals secured
Barber Grove to Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant Pipe Duplication
Future proofing and improving water quality
We used the optimum mix of tunnelling and trenched construction techniques to deliver the Barber Grove to Seaview Wastewater Treatment Plant Pipe Duplication Project for Wellington Water, causing the least impact possible.
The project involved the installation of a new 1.2 km long, 1 m diameter pressurised wastewater pipeline. It services 90% of the residents in Hutt Valley, improving water quality and catering to the region’s growth.
Fast Facts
- 1.2 km long, 1 m dia. pressurised wastewater pipeline installed up 9 m deep
- 55% of the alignment installed using micro-tunnelling
- 4 No. shafts for access tunnel
Closing Text - General with contacts, no video
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.
Contact us through the link(s) below for advice or assistance with your project.