McConnell Dowell is pleased to announce the award of a contract by Port Authority of New South Wales for improvements to the Overseas Passenger Terminal, located in the iconic Circular Quay area of Sydney Harbour.

Built in 1960, the OPT is located in one of Australia’s busiest waterways. Over time, natural processes and vessel activity have caused scouring, accretion and movement of materials on the seabed around the terminal’s wharf. Port Authority’s Berthing Infrastructure Project will see improvement works to protect and support the wharf alongside the OPT to ensure it continues providing a safe berth for ships.
 
McConnell Dowell’s scope of works includes underwater sheetpile wall installation and caisson repairs to prevent ongoing movement of sediment around the wharf; clearing accumulated seabed material from the terminal’s berthing area; and scour protection design and installation to protect the seawall from future erosion. 

McConnell Dowell’s leadership in marine design and construction, coupled with the company’s proven environmental management credentials, were crucial in securing this project.

The award of the project follows the recent release of McConnell Dowell’s first Reconciliation Action Plan and the company is pleased to be supported on the project by MGM Building Maintenance Pty Ltd (MGM), a proud indigenous business led by Anthony Mundine and Gosh Daher.

McConnell Dowell and MGM will use the project to showcase Australia’s first Indigenous Construction Hoarding, which will be adorned with the indigenous artwork of both companies.

The highly visible and colourful hoarding will clearly delineate the works from public spaces, while also promoting our indigenous culture and providing opportunities for indigenous youth, who will be employed by MGM to install it.