THE Southern Regional Water Pipeline Alliance (SRWPA) took out the ‘contractor excellence’ category at the prestigious national Infrastructure Partnerships Australia (IPA) awards this year.
The alliance – made up of KBR, McConnell Dowell and AbiGroup – is delivering three major projects as part of the State Government’s $9 billion South East Queensland water grid, scheduled for completion by December.
A spokesperson said the alliance’s “efficient and effective execution” of the projects led to the win.
“The delivery of a major program of works with a number of concurrent and parallel activities and tasks, ensured (the alliance) was well placed to win this national, coveted award,” she said.
Five SRWPA employees were finalists amid 774 entrants in
Aaron Lauina, now head excavator operator on NPI, won Apprentice of the Year while the alliance’s training co-ordinator, Steve Lawson, won the Outstanding Commitment to Training and Skill Development Award.
Under Mr Lawson’s stewardship, the SRWPA has had 55 trainees, with 12 completed and eight more due to finish in coming months. More than 460 employees have signed up for more than 110 courses providing full or part qualifications in civil construction.