Council excels at engineering excellence awards

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has been recognised for engineering excellence by the Queensland Branch of the 2021 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEAQ). TRC Infrastructure Committee Chair Cr Carol Taylor said it was a night to remember for Council, as it received the top honour in five categories. “To walk away with one award is quite an achievement, but to pick up the top prize in five separate categories is outstanding and a reflection of the great work our team does,” she said. “The annual IPWEAQ Awards program recognises the work that engineering professionals provide for the good of their communities. It recognises private and public organisations and individuals who demonstrate best practice, innovation and positive community impact in public works projects across Queensland. “Being judged by our peers and winning these awards is yet another significant milestone for Council in 2021.” At the awards night, Nick Delany was awarded the Emerging Professional of the Year, Nathan Whittaker was crowned Team Member of the Year. Council’s Principal Depot at Charlton received first place in the Projects over $20 million Category and the Kleinton Waste Management Facility also took home top spot in the Environment and Sustainability category and the $10 million to $20 million project category. “The $67 million Depot Project accommodates more than 500 staff and stood out from the other entries as the facility runs entirely on solar power, solar panels are on the rooftop of the central operations building and main workshop,” Cr Taylor said “The Judges were impressed with some of the work on the Kleinton Waste Management Facility including the use of a fauna spotter, asbestos spotter and waste handling contractor during construction.” During the conference, Intern Engineer Lucinda Sterling competed in the Futures Challenge Award, following a great presentation of her USQ Thesis, she was crowned the winner. “We’re incredibly fortunate to have such great people who help deliver infrastructure to every corner of our Region and it’s quite deserving to see our staff being recognised both individually and as part of a wider project team,” Cr Taylor said. “Without the dedication and hard work of our staff, we simply wouldn’t be able to service our Region to such a high-standard.” For more information about the 2021 IPWEAQ Excellence Awards, please visit https://www.ipweaq.com/awards