How's this for Creative Construction in action...a person-ridden kibble that delivers concrete safely down a very deep and dark hole!
The Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project in Far North Queensland, delivered by McConnell Dowell and John Holland for Genex Power, is a landmark renewable energy development. A key challenge was lining two 280-metre-deep, 4-metre-diameter intake shafts with no bottom access for works or emergency response. Conventional solutions such as concrete piping or craned kibbles carried significant risks, including working at height, suspended loads, and high-pressure hazards.
To overcome these challenges, the project team, in close collaboration with consulting engineers and Workplace Health & Safety Queensland, developed a world-first person-ridden concrete delivery kibble. This bespoke innovation combines worker transport and concrete delivery in a single craned unit, eliminating thousands of high-risk man-hours and removing the need for extensive temporary works. Virtual reality modelling, Safety in Design workshops, and rigorous proof testing ensured both safety and efficiency were at the heart of the design.
Since its introduction in early 2025, the person-ridden kibble has delivered concrete safely and efficiently, with no reported incidents. By eliminating high-risk activities and simplifying shaft lining operations, the solution has set a new benchmark for safety-led engineering in complex construction environments, reinforcing McConnell Dowell’s reputation for delivering creative solutions on challenging projects.
The innovation is a finalist in the 2025 Australian Workplace Health and Safety Awards. Check out our video submission below.
