Month: November 2024

The North Western Program Alliance (NWPA) is one of five Alliances delivering the Victorian Government’s landmark Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP).

NWPA’s Recycled First Competition is a transformative sustainability initiative aimed at overcoming barriers to the use of recycled materials in infrastructure projects. It has been running since 2021 when LXRP challenged NWPA to develop an ongoing industry changing “beacon-project” to support and accelerate best practice sustainability.
The competition invited emerging recycled material suppliers to vie for funding, and Alliance support, to further develop their recycled product in a way that is economically sustainable and competitive in the construction market.

The NWPA ’Project Beacon’ solution was developed with competition partners Ecologiq, Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), the state Urban Design Advisory Panel and Darebin City Council to:
• Engage with existing and prospective suppliers of recycled products
• Understand the challenges associated with using recycled materials in infrastructure projects
• Support investment to remove barriers to market to ease these challenges across LXRP and wider Victoria Infrastructure Delivery Authority (VIDA) projects
• Use the Keon Parade Project as a ’beacon’ to the industry to highlight NWPA and LXRP’s culture shift, from ’too hard’ to ’why not’?

When designing the approach to the project and its scope, the team identified two key goals:
• Overcome Barriers to Emerging Recycled Products – Throughout the industry suppliers are awarded start up or R&D funding to create their product, however they usually fail to fully commercialise products before seed funding runs out. This creates an almost insurmountable challenge of not being able to identify and solve barriers within construction timelines.
• Act as a Beacon to the industry – Signalling that recycled products are readily adoptable and provide a tangible and inspiring example of sustainability in action that people can look, see and touch.

NWPA chose to undertake a competition format to engage with, and challenge, emerging recycled materials suppliers to propose innovative solutions for use within urban realm projects. The initiative had three distinct phases:
Phase 1 – Competition
Suppliers were invited to submit proposals outlining their recycled materials solutions and the barriers they face. In total, 15 submissions were received. These were evaluated by a judging panel consisting of representatives from all the competition partners, against 22 judging and submission criteria spanning quadruple bottom line categories.

Phase 2 – Collaboration
Five successful suppliers and products were identified. They went on to work with NWPA’s key stakeholders to focus on overcoming a range of identified barriers including:
• Green premium costs and local manufacturing challenges
• Life cycle assessments and type approval issues
• Improving the connections between suppliers and buyers
• Addressing risk perceptions and overcoming change inertia
• Managing procurement and supply chain.

Phase 3 – Legacy
Working with successful suppliers on knowledge capture and lessons learned, the team promoted the competition process across LXRP and the industry while creating ongoing momentum to overcome barriers and incorporate recycled products to create a business-as-usual approach.
As part of engagement, 40 in-depth stakeholder interviews were undertaken with 135 stakeholders involved throughout the three-year process.

Project Beacon – Recycled First Competition enhanced the local recycled business economy, boosted the circular economy and achieved a range of sustainable outcomes. With Keon Parade LXRP only reaching practical completion in July 2024, its success is already paying dividends across several sectors, including growing the customer base for recycled product manufacturers.

Quantifiable Outcomes
• Successful additional $800,000 investment in the circular economy, resulting in the creation of a ‘Recycled First Precinct’ at Keon Parade LXRP.
• Approval of five new recycled products for ongoing use across the entire MTM network.
• Developing strategic partnerships to implement:
o Recycled Plastic Viaduct Screen (designed for Melton LXRP) – 100t carbon emissions saved compared to a BAU aluminum screen, with an equivalent 120,000 plastic bottles diverted once installed in 2025.
o Recycled Plastic Concrete Void Formers – 1200 recycled plastic void cones used resulting in a 38% reduction in concrete used in the bike parking slab. More than 7kg of recycled plastic per sqm of construction diverted from landfill.
o Geopolymer Bench Seats – 90% carbon emissions reduction compared to standard station concrete seats.
o Recycled Plastic Aggregate in concrete pavements – More than 5000m2 of recycled plastic aggregate concrete with 50,000 plastic bottles diverted from landfill.
o Salvaged and Recycled Timber – Furniture grade timber was milled into seating and logs were salvaged for landscaping, reusing 40% of project timber at its highest and best use.

Investment and Commercial Viability
The $800,000 investment finalised product designs, trialed implementations and gained type approvals. Specialist SMEs provided their time, addressing and solving barriers to enable recycled products and materials to be applied within the construction design, removing perceived ‘Green Premiums’ to create supply chain opportunities.
Through our upfront investments as with the reusable moulds, suppliers are now suggesting recycled products as a viable alternative to virgin materials. With the support of NWPA’s Design and Engineering teams to overcome initial barriers and optimise installation, recycled products are becoming cost competitive or cheaper than traditional products, as shown with the recycled plastic viaduct screens achieving cost parity with aluminium.

Local Business Economy and circular economy
With the Recycled First policy targeting a circular economy within Victoria, the competition outcomes significantly enhanced the local business economy. Examples include:
• New partnerships in the supply chain opened procurement opportunities to implement void formers, strategic recycled timber, recycled plastic aggregates in concrete mixes, and geopolymer. Additionally, an entirely new product stream was developed in the design and procurement of recycled plastic viaduct screens.
• Investment into the production and approvals stages has lessened assessment timeframes with new clients.
• All strategic recycled suppliers selected for Keon Parade are located within 50 km of the project site, enhancing local spend and jobs.
• Victoria’s circular economy relies on infrastructure as a bulk purchaser of recycled products. Thus, facilitating these products boosts the scale of the entire circular economic cycle.
• Supplier Robovoid estimate that with the increased interest and forecast pipeline of work, they could employ an additional 20 people within 2-3 years.

Industry culture shift
• A change in perceptions of green premium thanks to the success of the competition bringing products and materials to market as cost competitive.
• New demonstrated and adoptable pathway for other projects to overcome these unique challenges. Collaboration is key to forming a deep understanding of the challenges faced by the supply-chain and in proposing new products to contractors.
• Recycled First, along with initiatives like the ISC’s iSupply program, create important new opportunities for sustainable procurement and product adoption in the infrastructure sector which deliver economic benefits for communities, companies and industries.

Sharing outcomes
The competition was designed as a showcase project to motivate and inspire the industry. Since completion in August 2024, NWPA has undertaken a significant number of industry engagements to share outcomes, with more to come, including:
• EcologiQ Lunch and Learn – ‘Driving sustainable outcomes through innovation’

• MTIA ‘Community of Practice’ – ‘Lessons for emerging career professionals from the Recycled First Competition’
• ARA Rail Sustainability Leaders’ Summit 2024 – Site Walk at Keon Parade – showcasing recycled products in the field
• Center for Regenerative Design & Collaboration (CRDC Global) launch in Melbourne – panel on strategic partnership between Keon Parade and Resin8
• 2024 International Public Works Conference – critical partnerships with Councils for achieving recycled first and circular economy outcomes.

Project Beacon – Recycled First Competition set a collective mindset to effectively bring the competition finalists’ products to fruition while ensuring they were incorporated into NWPA’s long term design and the procurement strategy. The multiple beneficiaries include:

Direct Beneficiaries:
Recycled suppliers and emerging technologies
The successful suppliers were supported by $800,000 in development and implementation investment for R&D, design and the type approvals process, ensuring products were suitable for application.
ROBOVOID has seen increased interest, with their enquiries doubling since working on Keon Parade.
Curvecrete has received increased orders for their seating products and are in discussion for large-scale partnerships using their robotic mould technology.
RESIN8 reports that inclusion of their products at Keon Parade has resulted in improved confidence within the construction industry for further utilisation of this product in upcoming projects.
“Since the successful application of ROBOVOID at Keon Parade, ROBOVOID has been included in the design / specified on other infrastructure projects in Victoria, including in road, rail and water sectors. There is increasing interest from interstate and international clients on the back of the publicity received from the Keon Parade project.”
Scott Olding, Director, Robovoid

Indirect Beneficiaries:
The Government’s ‘Recycling Victoria – A New Economy Report’ identified that transitioning to a circular economy could potentially boost Victoria’s economy by up to $6.7 billion by improving material efficiency and recycling, helping create more than 3,900 new jobs and by helping businesses grow in new ways and create new sectors in the Victorian economy. As such, indirect beneficiaries include:

Local communities and businesses
Communities benefit from the circular economy through savings as the use of recycled products become increasingly cost-effective, driving re-use and conserving natural resources. Initiatives like the Recycled First Competition drive innovation within the supply chain, support local jobs, reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Sustainability Professionals and Organisations
The competition provides a roadmap for sustainability professionals and organisations to adopt a similar approach in the engagement, investment and application of new and emerging sustainable projects. The work already undertaken, and the lessons learned, saves on upfront costs and addresses barriers to implementation.

Government bodies and project owners
Project Beacon provides a commercial and governance model which government and other project proponents can use to support their circular economy goals and implementation within the supply chain.

The competition challenged both suppliers and projects looking to use new and emerging recycled products and materials. While the competition has implemented products on the Keon Parade Project, the NWPA team has also embedded the successful products into their next two projects, with plans to continue to work with suppliers to become business-as-usual inclusions in the procurement process.

Local Industry Advancement
Facilitating [initiatives] like this supports knowledge sharing between other states and jurisdictions, and showcases the quality finish that recycled materials can provide. It helps build demand for the Victorian supplier chain and supports new partnerships and opportunities for their businesses.
Polly Gourlay-Phillip, Acting Implementation Manager, Ecologiq
The application of recycled products has accelerated market opportunities for local industries, as is the case with ROBOVOID in Tottenham, Victoria and RESIN8 in West Footscray, Victoria. The expansion of these products supports further economic opportunities and job creation in the circular economy.

Roadmap for Others
The competition provides a framework for other industries to use to engage with suppliers and develop their own process to enable the procurement and application of recycled products and materials. NWPA is currently developing clear documentation such as an Infrastructure Tree Reuse Guide and a Recycled Plastic Viaduct Screens Engineering Report to ensure a written legacy of the project is shared widely.
The ISC WhitePaper “Challenges and Opportunities in the Procurement of Sustainable Products and Services in Infrastructure” outlines five proposed procurement solutions. NWPA has provided the industry with an exemplar case study of how all five solutions can be delivered on a project, through education, alignment, incentivisation, early inclusion and knowledge sharing.

Breaking Down Barriers
The competition format addressed and solved a number of market and adoption barriers, identified by the ISC, including:
• Cost-based, short-term decision-making – The competition demonstrated opportunities can be realised through effective supplier engagement, confirmed investment and a strategic pathway to market.
• Lack of awareness – The competition mechanism brought recycled products suppliers and the construction industry together, with outcomes shared across a range of industries.
• Risk management – The agreed process was carefully managed with the support of all stakeholders.
• Budget constraints – Investment supported development hours which enabled product acceptance, type approvals and application into design.
• Logistical complexities – The governance approach directly considered and addressed challenges in sourcing, transporting, and implementing sustainable products.
• Lack of visibility – The competition and subsequent application of products at Keon Parade promoted the range of products in situ, providing showcase opportunities for suppliers.

This Project advanced the following SDGs:
SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
New and emerging recycled products create new industry and job opportunities, contributing to economic growth. In turn, the construction industry can promote sustainable outcomes, demonstrating economic gains and benefits.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Promotes sustainable infrastructure by encouraging recycled materials in construction. It uses the competition model to drive collaboration between stakeholders and overcome barriers to develop and use recycled material solutions.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Accelerates sustainability practices by focusing on the use of recycled materials, transforming the approach of how these products were considered and used in public infrastructure. The process can be applied across other industries to incorporate recycled materials in urban infrastructure.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Promotes responsible production, aiming to reduce waste generation through recycling and reuse.

SDG 15: Life on Land
The reuse of site salvaged timber, through the partnership with CERES Fair Wood, contributes to the sustainable management of forests.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Collaboration with suppliers to achieve sustainable goals, share knowledge and skills and create positive outcomes for infrastructure projects.

Western Plains Correctional Centre is a new maximum-security male prison with 1,248 beds, dedicated to sustainability and safety while emphasising rehabilitation and reintegration for people in custody. It is the first new-build custodial facility in Australia to receive an Infrastructure Sustainability (IS) Certification for exceptional sustainability outcomes, including innovations in sustainable suppliers, water benchmark exceedance, as well as installation of a large solar farm. This submission focuses specifically on water outcomes, contributing over 20 out of 45 points in the IS rating.

The project team achieved an IS v2.0 ‘Silver’ Design and As Built Certification, aiming to establish a leading correctional facility for Victoria. Led by the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS), the team chose to pursue IS rating certification to assess sustainable outcomes. In a demonstration of sustainability leadership, the project was an early adopter of the IS v2.0 Design and As Built Rating, setting an ambitious target of ‘Silver’ for a new asset class and new proponent under the new IS v2.0 framework.

The project set and achieved a number of objectives to significantly reduce potable water demand
• 40% reduction in operational potable water demand
• 20% water supply for operations from rainwater harvesting
• 30% water supply for construction
• ISC Wat-1 Level 3 (30% whole of life WoL water demand reduction)

Through a comprehensive approach, the project exceeded expectations by achieving a remarkable WoL water demand reduction of 46% from the base case, verified in the IS rating.

An advanced technical solution was developed to provide an annual supply of 28 ML of harvested and treated rainwater for 100% of non-potable water supply within the facility (1,400 ML over the asset’s useful life.)

The solution integrates stormwater drainage, gross pollutant traps (GPTS), retention basins, a tank farm, water treatment systems and advanced water management system.

The stormwater drainage system collects runoff from roofs, the car park and within the facility perimeter. GPTs filter debris and pollutants before water enters the SE retention basin. Overland flows from outside the facility perimeter follow natural drainage lines to reduce sediment. The SE retention basin has a capacity of 33,503 m³, sized for local rainfall and non-potable water demands (28ML annually).

Rainwater collected in the SE Retention Basin is pumped to the tank farm, which contains tanks for untreated rainwater, fire water and treated water, and is serviced by a dedicated rainwater treatment train. This facility processes harvested rainwater to meet reuse standards within the facility.

The benefits were extended by early implementation of the SE retention basin during construction allowed early access to stormwater collection and reuse for approximately 56% (33.5 ML) of construction water needs.

The treated rainwater is distributed for non-potable uses including toilets, urinals, laundries and landscape irrigation, managed by an advanced water management system that allows real-time monitoring of water retention, treatment. The project manages excess stormwater, via a specialised paddock sprinkler system to disperse excess water and allowing access to excess water by accessed neighbouring properties.

In support of the overarching project targets listed above, the project identified the following objectives for the Green Infrastructure Plan on the project:
• Element 1 WSUD Stormwater Treatment: Treat site runoff water to CSIRO best practice guidelines
• Element 2 Rainwater harvesting: Reduce water demand by 20%

Both the WSUD Stormwater Treatment and rainwater harvesting systems have been installed and tested, with defects rectified during the 12-month defects and liability period post-construction.

The Ecoceptor and Stormceptor systems have been installed and successfully commissioned, feeding the SE water retention basin for effective harvesting and infiltration.

Water quality testing confirms compliance with CSIRO guidelines, with final tests conducted on 12 May 2023 validating preparedness for handover to the Department of Justice and Community Safety and facilitating water accessibility for neighbouring farmers.

The volume of stormwater harvesting capacity has far exceeded the target of 20%, by being designed, specified and installed to meet over 40% of the operational water demand.

The outcomes are as follows:

Outcome 1: Water Demand Reduction
• 46% of operational water demand is met through efficient water fixtures and rainwater harvesting
• This equates to 28 ML supply of harvested rainwater annually and 1,400 ML over the useful life of the asset.
• Irrigation only to external landscaping. Internal landscaping relies on rainfall only.

Outcome 2: Improved stormwater management
• 100% stormwater capture and treatment prior to legal point of discharge (SE Retention Basin)
• Overland flows directed to the SE retention basin via natural drainage lines with natural sediment controls implemented
• Can support 1 in 100 year rainfall events
• Excess collected stormwater is dispersed via specialised paddock sprinkler system onsite to avoid damage from overtopping SE retention basin

Outcome 3: Improved resilience
• Provides facility with water security during droughts or other major disruptions to water supply
• Reduces impact of the facilities water demand on the local community water supply, improving community water resilience
• Water supply could potentially be used in fire emergencies to improve resilience for both the prison and local community
• Excess harvested water available to neighbouring properties further improving community water resilience

Outcome 4: Construction Non-Potable Water Supply
• 56% of construction water harvested from the SE retention basin, according to water monitoring data
• This equates to 33.5 ML supply of harvested water during the construction period.

Outcome 5: Improved Water Chiller Water Demand
• Improved thermal performance of the buildings design reduced the cooling demand on the central chillers
• Highly efficient chiller selection

IS Rating Verified Outcomes
• Con-2 – Level 1 (0.8 points)
• Res-2 – Level 2 (1.75 points)
• Gre-1 – Level 3 (3.5 points)
• Env-1 – Level 1 (0.47 points)
• Wat-1 – Level 3 (4.2 points)
• Wat-2 – Level 2 (2.1 points)
• Inn-1 – 1 point for exceeding the benchmark in Wa1-1

The highly successful water outcomes of the project have been shared internally through DJCS, Corrections Victoria, John Holland and NDY as a case study for stormwater management and rainwater harvesting for non-potable water use in operations and construction.

The DJCS Climate Action, Planning and Environment (CAPE) team have presented to the Facility Operations (Corrections Victoria) regarding the ISC process applied to the project and the key outcomes. The team have also captured project lessons and outcomes in the CRPP Project Closure Report and Lessons Learnt Activities, to be made available for future projects.

John Holland has utilised the insights gained from delivering the Western Plains Correctional Centre to support the development of sustainability strategies for similar projects, including the Queensland Train Manufacturing Project. Specifically, benchmarking fuel and water usage during construction has been instrumental in identifying opportunities for water reduction and establishing benchmark targets.

NDY have shared the project success internally to inspire sustainability and engineering solutions for future projects. The ISAP for the project has shared insights into measuring sustainability initiative outcomes in multiple IS credits to build up a successful IS rating submission in the IS Design and As Built Technical Working Group. The lesson emphasised that well designed and implemented initiatives can have many benefits including green infrastructure, resilience, reducing environmental impacts, using non-potable water sources and improving operational water efficiency.

The rainwater harvesting initiative has provided significant benefits to various stakeholders, including Corrections Victoria, local communities, the environment and Barwon Water. Overall, the initiative contributes to regional water security, operational resilience, technology demonstration and environmental sustainability, benefiting adjacent properties, groundwater reservoirs and potentially emergency firefighting efforts, all while supporting a strategic water management approach in response to growing water demand in the region.

For Corrections Victoria, the initiative is expected to result in reduced operating costs and increased resilience for the prison, with valuable lessons applicable to other prisons for evaluating the feasibility of implementing similar scale green infrastructure for rainwater harvesting.

Properties adjacent to the facility may request access to excess water resources which will reduce their overall water demand and contribute to enhanced community water resilience during times of drought or water supply disruptions.

From an environmental perspective, the initiative has achieved no stormwater runoff to the environment without capture and treatment prior to infiltration and discharge offsite. The water is infiltrated through the basin and a dedicated paddock sprinkler infiltration system which facilitates groundwater recharge.

For context, Barwon Water, the local water corporation is facing increasing strain due to population growth. Adding a prison population of over1200 people in custody into the area has potential to cause further strain on the regions’ water supply. The prison’s stormwater management and rainwater harvesting strategy aligns to Barwon Waters’ Water Adaptation Strategy for securing future water supplies through technological solutions aimed at water security, fit for purpose water and water for environmental and cultural values. As an example Barwon Water’s Water Adaptation Strategy identifies that it needs to find or save 53ML of water every year to meet community needs under a worst case scenario. The prison was forecast to add another 67ML of water demand into the region annually, so the rainwater harvesting contributing 27ML to the prison operations annually makes a significant contribution to the water resilience of the region serviced by Barwon Water.

The overall effort to reduce the prisons’ water demand from Barwon Water, share excess treated stormwater with neighbours and community stakeholders, which in turn reduces their water demand from Barwon Water, assists with reducing water extraction from Victorian Rivers. This supports Barwon Water to leave water in the riverine systems for environmental flows and cultural values.

The rainwater harvesting initiative directly contributes to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 6, particularly Target 6.4, which aims to substantially increase water-use efficiency across all sectors while ensuring sustainable withdrawals and supply of freshwater to address water scarcity.

By implementing a comprehensive rainwater harvesting system, we have significantly improved water-use efficiency within the prison by achieving a 46% reduction in operational water demand. This reduction not only alleviates pressure on local freshwater resources but also supports sustainable withdrawals through effective water management techniques. The initiative employs strategic stormwater drainage and treatment systems, ensuring that captured rainwater is used efficiently for non-potable applications, promoting the responsible use of available water resources.

Furthermore, the project aligns with sustainable practices by facilitating groundwater recharge and maintaining riverine environmental flows, which is essential for ecosystem health. With the potential benefits extending to neighbouring communities, access to treated excess rainwater can alleviate water scarcity, particularly during periods of drought or supply disruptions.

The project showcases the feasibility and benefits of sustainable water management practices. The initiative serves as a model for other sectors and facilities to adopt similar strategies, thereby contributing to the broader goal of reducing the number of people suffering from water scarcity.

In summary, this initiative exemplifies how innovative water management solutions can enhance water-use efficiency, promote sustainable freshwater supplies and ultimately reduce the number of individuals affected by water scarcity in the region.

The Unanderra and Towradgi Station Upgrade Projects were delivered by Degnan and Transport for NSW’s under the Transport Access Program (TAP) which aims to improve public transport accessibility for individuals with disabilities, parents and carers, and travellers with luggage. Located in the Illawarra region, the upgrades included new accessible lifts, footbridges, enhanced parking, and improved station amenities to promote equitable access.

Both projects achieved significant sustainability outcomes, earning ISC v1.2 Leading ratings—Towradgi with a score of 82.66 and Unanderra with 84.06. These results were driven by innovative technologies and materials, including two verified Australian-First Innovations.

Container-Top Re-Deployable Solar PV

The Makinex containerised solar PV system was a key feature at Unanderra, providing on-site renewable energy generation and storage. This flexible, transportable system integrated with the local power grid while adhering to restrictions on exporting energy to the Sydney Trains network. Mounted on shipping containers, the system offered a quick, cost-effective solution for deploying renewable energy on construction sites. Its innovative design supports sustainable energy use, reducing reliance on grid power and simplifying approvals.
Australian-First Foamed Concrete

In collaboration with the University of Wollongong’s Sustainable Building Research Centre, the Towradgi project introduced a novel foamed concrete cladding panel. This material, made with recycled glass and carbon fibre mesh, offers a low-carbon alternative to traditional concrete, reducing embodied carbon by up to 61%. The lightweight design also cut transport-related emissions, underscoring the benefits of academic-industry partnerships in advancing sustainable construction.

Energy Efficiency and Emission Reductions

Towradgi’s design prioritised long-term energy efficiency, implementing high-efficiency LED lights and solar-powered light poles to reduce grid reliance. Construction methodologies were optimized to minimize diesel use, contributing to a 39% reduction in lifetime energy consumption and an 81% decrease in energy-related carbon emissions through the use of green power.
Ecological Enhancements

Both projects significantly improved ecological value by replacing exotic vegetation with native species and creating greener spaces. Unanderra Station achieved an 846% increase in ecological value, reaching Level 3 in the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s Eco-1 credit, while Towradgi saw a 22% improvement, also reaching Level 3. These upgrades transformed urban areas into ecologically vibrant spaces, demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement.

Through these innovative approaches, the Unanderra and Towradgi Station Upgrades delivered enhanced accessibility, environmental sustainability, and community benefits.

Container-Top Re-Deployable Solar PV

The implementation of the Makinex system enabled the project to generate its own renewable energy while retaining the flexibility to switch to the Sydney Trains network when required. This dual capability made the system highly adaptable, offering a practical, all-in-one solution without the need for project-specific equipment. Additionally, the system’s design allowed for rapid installation to site elements common to most infrastructure projects.

Once operational, the Makinex system met an average of 47% of the site’s daily energy needs. The success of this outcome was shared with the wider industry through several knowledge-sharing workshops. These workshops were organised by Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) and aimed at disseminating information to similar projects, highlighting the potential for renewable energy integration within the constraints of the Sydney Trains network. This also aligned with TfNSW’s innovation objectives, which emphasise the need for sustainable energy solutions in rail infrastructure projects.

The outcomes of the Makinex system, alongside innovations such as foamed concrete, were further presented at multiple Risks and Opportunities, Constructability, and Knowledge Sharing (ROCKS) workshops. These workshops, involving TfNSW and the broader industry, provided a platform for sharing the achievements and insights gained from the deployment of these innovations, facilitating the advancement of renewable energy adoption in infrastructure projects.

Australian-First Innovation: Foamed Concrete

The foamed concrete innovation achieved its primary outcome of successfully testing a novel research mix design with the potential to reduce embodied carbon in concrete cladding. Developed as part of a PhD research project at the University of Wollongong, this mix achieved sufficient strength at half the thickness and with significantly lower density compared to traditional concrete. The mix also incorporated circular economy principles, using recycled crushed glass as an aggregate.

As part of the collaboration with the UOW SBRC a Knowledge Sharing Workshop between the UOW SBRC, TfNSW and Degnan was facilitated – connecting educational institutions, government and industry.

The outcomes of this trial were also widely shared through various communication channels, including LinkedIn announcements, TfNSW sustainability bulletins, and presentations to industry groups. These platforms helped raise awareness about the innovation and its importance in promoting sustainable practices in the construction industry. The successful results underscored the value of trialling new materials and products to advance industry sustainability, positioning the foamed concrete as a critical development in reducing the environmental impact of infrastructure projects.

Operational Energy

The project’s operational energy outcomes centred on reducing energy usage and associated costs across two Station upgrades. By lowering the local grid energy demand, the project assists in mitigating the need for costly infrastructure upgrades, providing significant value to taxpayers in addition to energy costs. The introduction of solar-powered lights, which eliminated the need for cables, conduits, concrete, quarry materials, and associated fuel and labour, contributed further to cost savings and sustainability.

Additionally, the operational energy utilises green power, greatly reducing the carbon intensity of the operations. These outcomes not only lowered operating costs for Sydney Trains but also enhanced the environmental performance of the stations. By using renewable energy sources, the project aligned with broader sustainability goals, with lessons learned shared across similar infrastructure projects to encourage the adoption of green energy solutions.

Ecological Enhancement

The Unanderra Station Upgrade achieved an impressive 846% increase in ecological value, creating native green spaces and improving local biodiversity. This outcome was particularly significant for enhancing the local environment while providing social and aesthetic benefits for the community.

In Towradgi Station, the adjacent Weber Park was transformed into an Aboriginal interpretation area, complete with a new meeting place and native plantings that revitalised local biodiversity. These ecological improvements were shared as part of the project’s broader environmental impact initiatives, demonstrating how infrastructure projects can enhance ecological value and foster community engagement. These efforts highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability and cultural considerations into public infrastructure projects.

By integrating these diverse innovations across renewable energy, sustainable materials, operational efficiency, and ecological enhancement, the project demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing industry sustainability. The outcomes were widely shared through workshops, bulletins, and industry platforms, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement.

Energy and GHG Reductions
The reduction in operational energy demand provided broad benefits, starting with climate action. By contributing to decarbonisation efforts, the initiative helps mitigate climate change, benefiting the global community by reducing global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The energy cost savings also benefits taxpayers and local communities, as they allow for more efficient use of public funds, freeing up resources for further infrastructure improvements.

The Makinex system brought specific advantages to Degnan and TfNSW by reducing the costs associated with relocating renewable energy systems. This prototype has since been developed into a commercially available system, encouraging greater uptake of renewable energy in construction projects. This adoption supports the broader goal of decarbonising the construction industry, with proven success at the Unanderra project, offering a scalable solution for integrating renewable energy into future infrastructure developments.

The foamed concrete innovation significantly benefited the University of Wollongong (UOW) researchers, offering them the opportunity to test their innovative concrete mix in a real-world setting. This testing allowed the researchers to investigate any scaling issues that might arise when moving from laboratory-scale production to commercial application. The valuable feedback gathered from the project will help the research team refine the design of the foamed concrete and further its development as a low-carbon alternative in construction.

Ecological Enhancement
The Unanderra and Towradgi Station Upgrades provided tangible benefits to the local community by significantly enhancing the ecological value of the area. Residents and commuters now enjoy a greener, more sustainable environment, with increased native biodiversity and improved green spaces. These improvements contribute to a healthier, more pleasant urban setting, fostering a stronger connection between the community and their natural surroundings.

The initiative also supports local wildlife by creating habitats for native species, promoting ecological balance, and enhancing the area’s environmental quality. By fostering a more biodiverse and vibrant ecosystem, the projects have improved the quality of life for both human and animal residents of the area, leaving behind a legacy of environmental stewardship and community well-being.

The Unanderra and Towradgi projects, utilizing Makinex’s containerised solar PV system, energy-efficient design, foamed concrete developed by the Sustainable Building Research Centre (SBRC), and ecological improvements, made substantial progress toward several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). These efforts leave a legacy of sustainability, environmental responsibility, and collaboration between industry and academia.

UN SDG Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
The projects advanced Goal 9 by pushing the construction industry to adopt low-carbon, emissions-reducing technologies. The Makinex system, which provides redeployable on-site renewable energy, and the innovative foamed concrete both challenged traditional methods by offering sustainable alternatives that meet the modern infrastructure needs.

Collaboration with academic institutions like SBRC was essential for the success of these innovations. The foamed concrete, developed as part of a PhD project, was tested in real-world conditions, bridging the gap between research and industry. This partnership allowed product refinements based on field feedback, ensuring that future infrastructure projects will benefit from improved, sustainable solutions.

By integrating industry challenges with academic research, the projects encouraged continuous improvement and innovation. This legacy of fostering collaboration and driving the development of emissions-reducing materials will benefit future infrastructure projects in Australia and beyond.

UN SDG Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The Unanderra and Towradgi projects significantly contributed to Goal 12, which promotes sustainable consumption and production patterns. The Makinex system reduced reliance on carbon-intensive grid power by generating renewable energy on-site, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrating practical applications of renewable energy in construction. This innovation’s adaptability and scalability allow it to be applied to future construction projects.

Foamed concrete also played a vital role in lowering the projects’ carbon footprint. By using recycled glass and carbon fibre reinforcement instead of traditional steel, the foamed concrete mix reduced embodied carbon. Additionally, its lightweight properties helped reduce transport-related emissions, further supporting responsible consumption and production. These innovations demonstrate how material design and logistical efficiency can combine to promote lower-carbon construction.

The projects also achieved significant operational energy savings. By reducing energy demand and optimising energy use through technology and design, such as solar lighting and LED systems, they minimised local grid energy consumption. An impressive 81% of operational energy-related carbon emissions were eliminated using green power.

UN SDG Goal 15: Life on Land
The ecological enhancements at Unanderra and Towradgi Stations directly contributed to Goal 15, focused on protecting and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Through careful planning and the replacement of non-native vegetation with native species, these projects transformed low-value urban areas into ecologically vibrant green spaces.

At Unanderra Station, the Green Star Ecological Value Calculator confirmed an 846% increase in ecological value. The creation of green spaces provided habitats for local wildlife, including birds and pollinators like bees. Towradgi Station also improved its ecological value by increasing green spaces and planting native species, which boosted biodiversity.

These improvements created long-lasting green spaces that will continue to support local wildlife, enhance environmental quality, and benefit the well-being of the community. By incorporating sustainable landscaping into infrastructure projects, these efforts show how construction can coexist with ecological preservation, leaving a positive legacy for future generations.

Legacy of Sustainability
The Unanderra and Towradgi projects showcase sustainable infrastructure development by employing on-site renewable energy, low-carbon materials, and ecological restoration. These achievements ensure the projects contributed to global sustainability while meeting local needs, leaving a lasting positive legacy for future generations.

The Unanderra and Towradgi Station Upgrade Projects, delivered by Degnan and Transport for NSW under the Transport Access Program (TAP), aimed to improve public transport accessibility for people with disabilities, parents and carers, and travellers with luggage. These upgrades, located in the Illawarra region, included the installation of accessible lifts, footbridges, enhanced parking, and upgraded station amenities. Both projects were designed to ensure equitable access for all and achieved notable sustainability outcomes, earning ISC v1.2 Leading ratings—Towradgi with a score of 82.66 and Unanderra with 84.06.

1. Aboriginal Co-design and Cultural Integration

At Towradgi, collaboration with Dharawal Elders and Knowledge Holders resulted in a design that honoured the cultural significance of the land. The story of the sperm whale, the totem animal of the Saltwater Wodi Wodi people, was reflected in the station’s design through luminescent motifs etched into meeting places in Webers Cres Park. The station platform walls were moulded to resemble the ocean, acknowledging the importance of the coastal landscape to the Dharawal people.
At Unanderra, Coomaditchie artists and the Illawarra Aboriginal Land Council shared stories of the landscape, particularly the escarpment and its creeks. The ”Two River Story” was incorporated into the hard landscaping, and the station’s lift shafts were designed to evoke the Illawarra Escarpment’s waterfalls. The design embraced a biophilic approach, maximising natural light, airflow, and green spaces to enhance the travel experience. The angular canopies and curved pavements mirrored the natural forms of the Illawarra, fostering a deeper connection between commuters and the surrounding environment

2. Community Support and Engagement

During the Unanderra project, we actively supported the local community by contributing weekly food donations to the Unanderra Community Centre, helping stock their food pantry for local families. We also participated in their holiday hamper initiative, donating hams and gifts for children, with contributions from both on-site workers and subcontractors. In addition, we sponsored the centre’s tutoring program, which was at risk due to the cessation of grants following the COVID-19 pandemic. This sponsorship ensured that children continued receiving essential educational support throughout the project’s duration.

3. Heritage Preservation

At Unanderra Station, heritage interpretation initiatives were included to highlight two significant historical features: the Station Master’s Residence and the Thornley Type-45 Lever Frame. Built in 1887, the residence served as both a railway building and a home for station masters, who played a key role in the local economy by facilitating the transportation of goods from Unanderra’s industries. The Thornley Lever Frame, used to operate rail points during the suburb’s industrial boom, was crucial in supporting safe rail movements. These heritage elements ensure that the station’s historical significance is preserved and shared with future generations.

4. Mural at Towradgi

At Towradgi Station, we collaborated with a local school to design a mural depicting Australian wildlife. Painted by a local artist, the mural enhanced the station’s visual appeal while fostering community pride. The project brought together students and residents, leaving an artistic legacy that reflects the region’s natural beauty.

1. Co-design with Aboriginal Elders and Knowledge Holders

At Towradgi Station, collaboration with Dharawal Elders and Knowledge Holders resulted in a design that honoured the cultural significance of the land. Stories of balance in nature and the sperm whale, the totem of the Saltwater Wodi Wodi people, were integrated into the station design through etched luminescent motifs and ocean-inspired mouldings on platform walls. This transformation of the station into both a transit hub and a cultural landmark instilled a sense of pride among the local community, celebrating their heritage. Similarly, at Unanderra Station, engagement with Coomaditchie and the Illawarra Aboriginal Land Council led to designs inspired by the local landscape, with the lift shafts reflecting the Illawarra Escarpment. The “Two River Story,” a significant cultural narrative, was incorporated into hard landscaping, adding an additional layer of meaning to the station design.

These outcomes were shared with the community through extensive consultations and public displays. The local Aboriginal stories, imagery, and symbolism were communicated to residents and visitors, ensuring that these important cultural narratives were recognised and appreciated by a broader audience. The use of culturally significant designs transformed the stations into spaces that not only serve the practical needs of commuters but also foster greater community pride and connection to heritage.

2. Community Support Initiatives at Unanderra

The Unanderra Community Centre benefited from the project through ongoing support aimed at addressing food insecurity. Weekly donations helped stock the centre’s food pantry, ensuring local families had access to fresh food. During the holidays, the project contributed to the centre’s Christmas hamper initiative, providing hams sourced from local businesses and gifts for children. Subcontractors and employees also participated, making it a true community-driven effort.

In addition to food donations, the project supported the centre’s tutoring programme, which had faced potential cancellation due to funding cuts after the COVID-19 pandemic. Sponsoring this initiative ensured that local children continued receiving essential educational support, significantly impacting their learning and development.

These efforts were shared with the local community through newsletters and direct communication with the families and individuals who benefited from these initiatives. By providing support to the community, the project demonstrated its commitment to local well-being and fostering a positive relationship between infrastructure development and social support.

3. Heritage Interpretation at Unanderra

At Unanderra Station, the project included a significant heritage interpretation initiative. Educational signage was installed to honour two key historical elements: the Station Master’s Residence and the Thornley Type-45 Lever Frame. Built in 1887, the Station Master’s Residence served as both a railway building and a family home, symbolising the essential role that Station Masters played in the local economy, particularly during the suburb’s industrial growth. The Thornley Type-45 Lever Frame was crucial during Unanderra’s industrial boom, used to manually operate rail points on goods sidings and facilitating safe transport during the steel production era.

These heritage outcomes were shared with the public through permanent signage at station entrances. The signs provide historical context, allowing commuters and visitors to appreciate the station’s role in Unanderra’s industrial history. By preserving and interpreting these historical elements, the project has ensured that the rich heritage of the area remains visible and accessible for future generations.

4. Mural Project at Towradgi

At Towradgi Station, the project collaborated with a local school to design a mural, showcasing Australian flora and fauna. This initiative gave students an opportunity to contribute creatively to their community while learning about the local environment. The mural, prominently displayed at the station entrance, serves as a welcoming visual element, enhancing the overall experience for station users.

The mural’s creation was a collaborative process that fostered a sense of pride and ownership among the students, who saw their contributions transform the station into a more vibrant and community-centred space. The involvement of local youth in such a visible public project strengthened the station’s role as a community hub and helped improve the atmosphere of the space. The mural’s unveiling was shared with the public through community events and social media, ensuring that the project’s artistic and social impact reached a wide audience.

1. Co-design with Aboriginal Corporation and Artist Involvement

At Towradgi Station, the Dharawal community, particularly Elders and Knowledge Holders, were key beneficiaries, as their cultural stories, symbols, and totems were represented in the station’s design. This provided a platform for their heritage to be honoured and preserved in a public space. Additionally, commuters and visitors benefitted from the culturally enriched environment, offering them a deeper connection to the local heritage. At Unanderra Station, the Coomaditchie and the Illawarra Aboriginal Land Council benefitted from having their cultural stories integrated into the station’s design, allowing their heritage to be celebrated. The broader local community, including residents and travellers, gained from public spaces that respected and reflected both the cultural and natural significance of the region.

2. Community Support Initiatives at Unanderra

The Unanderra Community Centre’s initiatives provided direct benefits to local families facing food insecurity, helping them access essential supplies through the centre’s food pantry. Additionally, the Christmas hamper initiative offered holiday cheer and support, ensuring families had a festive experience despite financial hardships. Children in the community were also significant beneficiaries, as the continuation of the centre’s tutoring programme ensured they received ongoing educational support, particularly important in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and related funding cuts.

3. Heritage Interpretation at Unanderra Station

The heritage interpretation at Unanderra Station provided significant value to residents and visitors, allowing them to learn about the area’s rich railway history through educational signage. This initiative not only enriched their understanding of the station’s historical significance but also fostered a greater appreciation for the local heritage, creating a deeper connection between the community and its past.

4. Collaborative Mural Project at Towradgi

The mural project at Towradgi Station benefited local school students, who had the opportunity to collaborate on a meaningful and lasting public artwork. This experience gave them a sense of achievement and community pride by contributing to a project that enhanced their surroundings. Additionally, station users and the surrounding community benefited from a more vibrant and aesthetically pleasing environment that highlighted local wildlife, improving their daily experience and sense of connection to the local environment.

The project has created a legacy through its alignment with several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), each supporting a different aspect of sustainable development.

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

The most significant legacy of this project is its contribution to SDG 11, which aims to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The co-design process at Towradgi and Unanderra Stations with Dharawal Elders, Knowledge Holders, and the Coomaditchie community resulted in public spaces that celebrate and preserve Aboriginal cultural heritage. By incorporating local stories, totems, and artwork into the station designs, the project created environments that are not just transit hubs but also cultural landmarks. These culturally enriched spaces serve as lasting symbols of the local Indigenous communities, fostering community pride and ensuring that Aboriginal cultural heritage is preserved and integrated into the urban landscape. The outcome is a series of inclusive public spaces that reflect the diversity of the community, creating resilient, culturally connected urban areas ensuring the continuation of local stories for future generations.

2. SDG 4: Quality Education

The project also contributed to SDG 4, which focuses on ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education. By sponsoring the Unanderra Community Centre’s tutoring programme, especially during a critical time when grants were no longer available due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the project ensured that local children continued to receive vital educational support. This contribution established a legacy of educational equity, ensuring that students, particularly from disadvantaged backgrounds, had access to the resources and tutoring they needed to succeed. The continuation of this programme has strengthened the community’s emphasis on education, promoting lifelong learning and leaving a positive, lasting impact on local youth. It underscores the project’s broader commitment to supporting community well-being beyond infrastructure development and an enduring legacy.

3. SDG 2: Zero Hunger

The project’s support for food security aligns with SDG 2, which seeks to end hunger and ensure access to nutritious food for all. Through weekly donations from employees, sub-contractors and TfNSW to the Unanderra Community Centre’s food pantry and contributions to the Christmas hamper initiative, the project provided direct assistance to local families facing food insecurity. These efforts helped to address immediate nutritional needs and created a sustainable model for ongoing community support. The initiative not only alleviated hunger but also built community resilience by ensuring that vulnerable families had reliable access to essential food supplies during difficult times. This contribution has left a lasting impact, enhancing the well-being and food security of the local community.

Overall, the project’s alignment with these SDGs has created a sustainable, culturally inclusive, and socially supportive legacy. It has fostered cultural preservation, supported educational equity, and addressed food insecurity, ensuring that the benefits of the project extend well beyond its physical infrastructure and have a lasting, positive impact on the community.

The Preston LXRP, part of Victoria’s landmark Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP), was a complex project to remove four level crossings, construct 2km of elevated viaducts, two new premium stations and a revitilised public corridor in Melbourne’s inner north.

WHAT WE DID: Getting Sustainability Governance Right
NWPA comprises LXRP (client), and John Holland (principal contractor), Kellogg Brown & Root (designer), and Metro Trains Melbourne (network operator). This Alliance model embeds LXRP as a partner, enabling effective collaboration, to continually raise industry standards for sustainable infrastructure.
Early project engagement and collaboration allowed NWPA to embed sustainability initiatives and processes in the development stages, rather than in the delivery phase, when the Project’s design and footprint is largely set. NWPA effectively influenced and shaped outcomes, which delivered not only a built-to-standard project, but sustainable precincts that have improved quality of life outcomes for the Preston community.

HOW WE DID IT: Governance principles for quadruple bottom line outcomes
NWPA achieved a holistically sustainable project using the governance principles of:

• early engagement,
• optioneering and multi-criteria analysis and
• partnerships and collaborations.

Early engagement for People outcomes through seeking advice, preferences and solutions:
• The Project established the Preston Open Space Advisory Panel (POSAP) during tender to engage and empower community-nominated representatives. This drove understanding and collaboration between the design and delivery team and the community. Three areas of open space were identified for the POSAP to provide their advice and preferences, which gave a sense of ownership and ensured areas of the design were inclusive and featured community-led solutions.
• NWPA directly engaged with the local Wurundjeri Elders during tender to ensure local Indigenous culture was authentically and meaningfully represented. Face-to-face workshops with local Elders allowed the Project team to walk together, learning their stories and seeking feedback on design concepts.

Optioneering and multi-criteria analysis for Planet outcomes through assessing potential engineering solutions to ensure they holistically achieve the best outcome for all:
• The Project’s innovative Single-Line Running (SLR) strategy resulted from this comprehensive process. Through careful planning, this innovation kept trains running in both directions on one track, while viaduct construction occurred on the other.
• Implemented for the first time in Victoria, the SLR strategy allowed the build of 2km of viaducts while minimising interruption to train services and commuters. This innovation overcame project constraints, minimised disruption and provided a cost-effective and clever solution that delivered multiple sustainability outcomes.

Partnerships and collaboration for Economic outcomes through early engagement with subcontractors enabled the Project to optimise industry capabilities and discover innovations:
• The successful implementation of Radiant Heat Curing (RHC) resulted from early collaboration during
tender, to develop, test and gain approval. NWPA partnered with subcontractor Civil Infrastructure Group (CIG) to develop a method of accelerating concrete curing times, allowing a rapid cast ‘in situ’ program.
NWPA has continued to leverage and further enhance its governance framework supporting the creation of sustainable infrastructure projects at Pakenham and Keon Parade. This sets a new standard for sustainable infrastructure helping other projects to build upon its success.

The Preston LXRP has achieved important outcomes for people, the planet and the economy.

Environmental achievements
Energy:
The Project reduced carbon emissions by 47% through delivery and operational initiatives.
• The Single Line Running solution reduced the cost and total hours of replacement buses for disrupted train services by 64%, with reduced bussing hours representing a carbon reduction of 494t.
• To minimise future operations emissions, project optioneering ensured the station roof was designed to maximise size and orientation for solar. The Project installed a 60kW solar array, the largest system on an LXRP station at the time, resulting in emissions savings of around 3600t of carbon over its lifetime.
• The Project also worked with Metro Trains Melbourne to reduce the number of hours feature lighting is on at night. This negotiation reduces lighting carbon emissions by 20.9%, and has been rolled out on further LXRP projects.
Materials:
The Project reduced materials embodied emissions by 24% through elimination and substitution initiatives embedded early, leading to:

• Avoidance of high cement content that would usually be needed for high-speed curing, through the Radiant Heat Curing approach, representing a 45% reduction in curing times.
• Reduction in retaining wall heights reduced concrete emissions by 42t.
• Substitution of 4kms of paths with carbon neutral EMesh and Holcim Ecopact (saving 49t carbon), adopted as a preferred solution on all LXRP projects.
  Climate Resilient New Open Spaces:
  100% of designed tree species were reviewed against University of Melbourne resilience data, with 2 species substitutions implemented to ensure long term survival in the face of a changing climate. This resulted in 60,000m2 of climate resilient landscaped spaces, increasing ecological value by 105%.

Economic achievements
The Project contributed to the local economy through:
• Creation of a modern multimodal transport hub that has improved road, public and active transport adjacent to Preston Market, a key hub for local traders.
• Creating local jobs and upskilling workers with 487 jobs, including 133 apprenticeships, created to support the construction and rail industry.
• The project engaged 22 social enterprises and 25 indigenous businesses, with a total spend of $1.28million and $28million respectively, leveraging the Project to create more jobs for disadvantaged Victorians.

Social achievements
• The Project achieved exemplar community outcomes including:
• Unlocking 60,000m2 of new public open space, creating a modern multimodal transport hub. Through advice from the Public Open Space Advisory Panel, the final outcomes feature an amphitheatre, play and exercise equipment, yarning circle, barbecue area and 2.6 km of bicycle and pedestrian pathways, connecting the local community and commuters with transport, retail and recreational facilities.
• Strong cohesion of Indigenous design elements across the Project’s architecture, integrated artwork, landscaping, and wayfinding. The theme for the Project’s ‘Oakover Green’ space was the result of workshops with Wurundjeri Traditional Owners. The story of Baliyang the bat, creator of women, is depicted, creating a space for the Indigenous female voice. A yarning circle as well as native plantings and landscaping from Aboriginal-owned contractor Wamarra, interprets, enhances, and promotes cultural learning and knowledge sharing for the community.

Sharing Outcomes:
Industry recognition is an excellent method to share and inspire outcomes across the industry. The Project has been recognised through the following awards:
• Winner – Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) Excellence in Governance Outcomes 2023 for the sustainability governance framework.
• Winner – Infrastructure Project Excellence Award at the 2023 Australasian Rail Association (ARA) Industry Awards for SRL and RHC initiatives.
• Winner – 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards – Award for Public Architecture for social and heritage outcomes.
• Winner – 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards – Award for Urban Design for social and environmental outcomes.
NWPA shares expertise and learnings from all projects to support the broader LXRP program and adoption of sustainable initiatives and innovations across wider industries through:
• Sharing case studies and lessons at relevant industry conferences including the ISC NZ Conference, ARA National Rail Sustainability Conference, AustRoads Seminar and ARA AustRail Conference.
• Sharing knowledge with Infrastructure Victoria and Infrastructure Australia to inform their policy recommendations.
• Hosting tours to local and international delegates including Ecologiq, Mass Transit Railway (MTR) from Hong Kong and the Winston Churchill Fellowship recipient from New Zealand.
• Publishing the annual NWPA Sustainability Report.
• Partnering with subcontractor CIG to patent and share the RHC technology.

The Project leaves a lasting legacy, directly benefiting Preston residents, business owners and community stakeholders and indirectly benefiting the wider construction industry.

Community
• Enhanced safety and accessibility to Preston and Bell stations on one of Melbourne’s busiest public transport routes to and from the CBD, supporting more than 200 trains a day – This was achieved whilst minimising impact to the road and public transport network and avoided some property acquisitions through the innovative SLR construction strategy. With over 80,000 customers per week, Preston Market visitors can now experience a premium station and green space directly adjacent.
• Open spaces and interconnected cycling and pedestrian paths – NWPA consulted with critical stakeholders to deliver the right public amenities and design. We engaged the Preston Open Space Advisory Panel to understand the local community’s wishes and needs. The Panel helped shape the Project at three locations, ensuring our design met expectations and benefits the wider community.
• Sharing Wurundjeri culture – supports reconciliation and sharing of cultural knowledge through authentic engagement and collaboration with Traditional Owners to represent local Indigenous culture in the new community spaces. This also directly benefits the Project team in building their understanding and respect of Aboriginal culture that they carry with them to future projects.

Diverse suppliers
• The Project significantly contributed to equity, diversity and inclusion in rail and construction. Through this Project, NWPA and its subcontractors created 487 jobs, including 133 apprenticeships. The Project has worked collaboratively with our Indigenous and Social Enterprise businesses to ensure their sustainable growth into the construction industry.

Industry
• Power of the program – NWPA uses its long-term relationships with suppliers to support sustainability solutions such as the Radiant Heat Curing (RHC) innovation. We optimise the use of subcontractor forums to inspire strategic procurement and work with suppliers to promote their solutions through innovation showcases and conferences. Through this CIG has now patented their RHC innovation which is now in use across the industry.
• Single Line Running (SLR) innovation – This was the first time this innovative and complex strategy was used on the LXRP program, setting a precedent for its use on future projects. A version of this strategy has been adopted at Keon Parade LXRP.
• NWPA has advocated and shared lessons for embedding sustainability in development with infrastructure clients in Victoria and nationally. Since providing outcomes-based evidence for Preston LXRP we have observed industry enhancements in sustainability tender requirements.

The Project set a benchmark for rail infrastructure projects by creating sustainable and bold public places. The innovations have been endorsed for future use, creating a lasting legacy impact on infrastructure projects beyond Preston.

Innovation and Knowledge Sharing
• Key innovations such as Single Line Running, Radiant Heat Curing and low carbon concrete pavement have been adopted within the construction industry in Victoria.
• The award-winning sustainability governance framework has been shared with other sustainability professionals across industries and provides a roadmap which will help project accelerate their sustainability initiatives. The 2022 NWPA Annual Report spotlights Preston’s ‘Power of the Program’ approach, available for the whole industry.

Successful Community Engagement
• Strong community engagement and collaboration with the local community through Council, the Preston Open Space Advisory Panel (POSAP), Indigenous stakeholders, businesses, and community interest groups, saw the design of a transport hub and precinct of connected public amenities that met community needs and reflected the area’s characteristics.

Urban design
The Project’s new urban precinct enhanced sustainability in the wider community through:
• Fostering a culture of collaboration to realise engagement strategies that develop community led solutions for the new ‘Oakover Green’ space.
• Enhancing human interaction and experiences with nature, which builds affinity and appreciation for the environment.
• Bringing Indigenous culture and knowledge to the forefront of design, which supports reconciliation and encourages the perception of urban spaces embedded in a wider cultural context.
• Encourages and enables active transport, specifically cycling and walking, which reduces transport emissions and helps create community resilience through better health outcomes.

Governance
• NWPA’s approach to continuous improvement ensures we are at the forefront of sustainable innovations, embedding sustainability in projects, such as Preston, as early as possible.
• In 2021, the role of Strategic Procurement Manager was created, to focus on the sourcing of sustainable materials and innovative subcontractors, and to support diversity by engaging social enterprises and Indigenous-owned businesses.
• In 2023, NWPA promoted its Sustainability Manager to Director Transformation and Sustainability, to ensure sustainability is represented at all key strategic decision-making gates and drive our team to continually strive for transformational change towards sustainability.

Sustainable Development Goals:
The initiatives highlighted in this submission address nine UN SDGs and are measured, tracked, and publicly reported to drive improvement for each project.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Wellbeing through the reduction of road injuries by removing four level crossings and increasing shared user paths by 105%.
• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy through a 17% increase in renewable energy through 90kW solar system at Bell and Preston stations, and 47% overall energy reduction.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth through our social enterprise engagement (total spend $1.28m) and diverse employment, creating local jobs and engaging local businesses.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure through sustainable governance and innovative engineering solutions such as SLR and RHC.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities through the creation of equitable, inclusive public spaces and facilities while also supporting Aboriginal-owned businesses (total spend $28 million) and social enterprises
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities through resilient, inclusive and sustainable urban design which created 60,000m2 of sustainable public spaces and improved urban mobility.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption through 22% materials embodied carbon reduction, sustainable procurement practices and annual reporting.
• SDG 13: Climate Action through 100% tree species designed for climate resilience.
• SDG 15: Life on Land through 105% enhancement of ecological value.

The Project leveraged complex engineering challenges to improve the quality of life for the surrounding communities, embedding sustainability early into project development to realise exceptional sustainability outcomes. This approach can be adapted to any greenfield development, brownfield development, and urban renewal projects.

Our approach

Driven by our sustainability and minimise-impact-construction approach – the Project serves as a beacon of responsible and effective infrastructure development. By prioritising people, environmental stewardship and resource optimisation, learning and development, safety, and community engagement – the Project set a new standard for delivery excellence that transcends size and scope. Our value-added contributions to the contract, investment in people, innovative solutions, and sustainability initiatives showcase its worthiness as a CCF Earth Awards Winner and endorsement of the Project’s “Excellent” IS v1.2 Design and As-Built ratings.

Ingenuity and innovation

Top down-bottom up, SWC successfully integrated sustainability, proactive risk and opportunity management, and cohesive decision-making into this award-winning Project. This comprehensive and holistic approach drove industry leading and many Victorian-first innovations across three key areas including:

1. Design innovations
   The integration of sustainability in design has been optimized in the project by leveraging the Early Contractor Involvement (ECI), workshops, brainstorming sustainable strategies, collaborative assessments, and identifying opportunities for innovation. This approach ensured that the project not only meets its functional requirements but also contributes to a more sustainable future. The feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and potential environmental impact of the proposed design and material were evaluated during design phase.
   • Incorporating the use of MST Bars in the post and panel retaining walls and SUP in place of steel reinforcement first.
   • Recycled Tyre derived bitumen binder (rCB)
2. As Built (construction) innovations
   In terms of as-built innovations, we continued to foster a culture of innovation through several initiatives:
   • Maintained and updated the Risk and Opportunity (R&O) Register to track and manage project risks and opportunities.
   • Encourage bottom-up innovation by actively seeking out and recognizing ”good ideas” from the team through the ”Good Idea Poster QR” initiative.
   • Continued with the Management Commitment Agreement (MCA), fostering a sense of ownership and accountability for project success.
   • Dedicated resources to social procurement efforts to drive softer initiatives and create positive social impact alongside project delivery.
   These efforts collectively contributed to a project environment where innovation was valued and encouraged at all levels, resulted in,
   • Exceeded Recycled First commitments by maximising circular Economy and materials recovery processes.
   • ‘Behind the Barriers’ an immersive school engagement initiative between NAWIC MRPV SWC aimed at increasing female participation in the construction industry (an Australian first)
   • ‘Constructionarium’ – all-female Big-Build (the first for Victoria)
   • Employment of an asylum seeker via Engineering Pathway Industry Cadetship (EPIC)
   • Subcontract of Women In Construction – a first all-female labouring company in Victoria
   • Engagement of ReBuild a YMCA young offenders’ program
   Despite its modest scale, the Project is technically complex and is distinguished by its innovations, exemplary safety management and value add community contributions. The Project’s many successes was achieved through the collaborative D&C contract model and our unwavering approach to people and the community, climate action, resource optimisation and CSR from day one. By valuing the contributions of the entire Project team, we were able to focus on stakeholder and community engagement, implement robust safety processes, minimise environmental impact and strengthen corporate social responsibility (CSR) through sustainability.

Just some of the key initiatives/outcomes,

I. Victorian first trial of recycled wearing course – Recovered Carbon Black (rCB)
As a result of the trial, the Victorian Government’s ecologiQ program has added rCB material to their suite of materials.

II. Glass fibre reinforced polymer bars – MST-Bar®
Noticing an absence of an Australian Standard for the design of concrete structures using GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer), we detailed 13-page technical paper to the Technical Reference Panel. The subsequent approval and use of MST-Bars® contributed to a more environmentally friendly construction process.

III. An MRPV – Seymour Whyte first; a shared completions dashboard.
The innovative shared dashboard, which provided completion status for both practical completion and closeout covered. The shared dashboard was so effective, that it has now been rolled out across several other MRPV projects.

IV. Circular Economy:
 Reuse of site won materials on the site, recycle and divert waste from landfill.
o 95.9% of 2792m3 of topsoil removed during demolition works was stored at a facility and transported back to site periodically for use.
o 100% of 96.6 tonnes of site generated mulch reused for landscaping.
o 100% of 49,080 m3 of fill material was used in land rehabilitation.
o 99.9% of 7955 tonnes of crushed rock & asphalt profiling removed during demolition works was reconditioned & reused for permanent access tracks below the bridge.
o 100% of 49,080 m3 of fill material was used in land rehabilitation.
o 93% General office waste recycled
o 92% Site waste was recycled
 Recycled used PPE and work uniform through UPPAREL for reuse/repurpose and diverted 500 items (80Kg) waste from landfill
 Recycled star pickets composed of 100% recycled polypropylene;
 100% recycled FOD rumble grids
 11600m of 100% recycled Megaflow aggregate pipes
 Recycled bollard- A sustainable social procurement for people with disabilities
 Recycled plastic used in place of Steel reinforcing Mesh
 Reducing cement content by at least 30% in non-structural concrete.
 A non-woven geotextile made from Australian Recycled Polymers, “Bidim’ green in pavements
 Footpath construction using eMesh concrete.

2. Stake holders Engagement
   By working inclusively with MRPV and the community, the team minimised disruptions wherever possible. Consequently, no complaints from the community received during construction.
   IAP2 public participation spectrum consultation process to map the unique perspectives and needs of each stakeholder and embedding this ‘map’ into all planning and decision-making.
   Through direct consultation, Individualised engagement and proactive measures, we successfully addressed concerns and maintained a positive relationship with this valued stakeholder.
3. Community and People (Development & Training)
   Behind the Barriers A NAWIC MRPV Seymour Whyte Initiative
   Local primary school students were invited on site to tour the works and learn more about the local environment with site engineers and members of the team.
   Rebuilding the lives of local young offenders
   The Project partnered with YMCA’s ReBuild program which provides disadvantaged young offenders with employable skills and training. All trees removed were donated to Rebuild.
   A Victorian First-Women in Construction ‘all female’ labour hire company –Providing them their first contract, uniforms, solar powered sheds, offering upskilling through roller operator / excavator tickets and site mentoring.
   33% women representation on the project vs. 12% representation in construction industry
   33% women in leadership vs 10% representation in the industry
   Indigenous Connections
   To coincide with NAIDOC Week, we commissioned Dandenong-born Terry Hayes (Connect) to paint two Indigenous artworks, who was initially hired as a cleaner.
   Alpha Indigenous – an inaugural milestone
   First Nations employment 4.64%
   5.95% First Nation business spend
   8.05% social spend
   more than 30,000 hours worked by apprentices, trainees and cadets, in a significant contribution towards the State Government Skills Guarantee
   more than 18,000 ATSI hours.
   Project outcomes were disseminated through various channels, including:
   o ecologiQ
   o Victoria’s Big Build Program
   o Major Road Interface Committee for Sustainability (MRICS)
   o Infrastructure Magazine (articles: ”Waste not, want not: MRPV’s new recycling partnership”, ”Sustainable glass bars for Pound Road West Upgrade”, “Recycled Tyre for Sustainable Roads: Alex Fraser Group)
   o Dandenong Star Journal (”Pound Road to open soon”)
   o LinkedIn, Facebook posts
   o Shared among Seymour Whyte Employees through Environment & Sustainability monthly knowledge sharing webinars
   o Emloyee internal communication- Viva Engage posts
   o Local Primary school students and community

1. Environment:
   • Reduced Carbon Footprint: Through innovative materials like rCB asphalt, GFRP bars, and recycled aggregates, the project actively reduced carbon emissions and resource depletion.
   • Waste Minimisation: The focus on circular economy principles led to significant waste diversion from landfills, promoting resource efficiency.
2. Local Community and businesses:
   • Improved Infrastructure: Residents and businesses benefit from enhanced connectivity, congestion, and safer roads.
   • Minimal Disruption: Proactive stakeholder engagement and thoughtful construction planning minimised community disruption.
   • Economic Boost: Over 98% of the contract value was reinvested locally, supporting business and jobs.
   • Development Opportunities: School visits and partnerships with programs provided valuable learning and development experiences for the community.
   • Social Inclusion: Initiatives promoted diversity and inclusion, providing opportunities for underrepresented groups in the construction industry.
3. Workforce:
   • Skills Development: trainees gained valuable on-the-job experience, contributing to the Victorian Government’s skills guarantee.
   • Diversity & Inclusion: The project championed female participation in construction and exceeded targets for Indigenous employment and business engagement.
   • Safe Working Environment: The project’s commitment to safety ensured the well-being of all workers.
   • Worker Well-being: The project prioritized the physical and mental health of its workforce, fostering a positive and supportive work environment.
4. Project Partners & Industry:
   • Seymour Whyte, SMEC, and MRPV: The project’s completion ahead of schedule (7.5 weeks early) and under budget, despite challenges, strengthens Project partners’ reputation and demonstrates their ability to deliver complex projects efficiently. Enhanced reputation for delivering innovative, sustainable, and community-focused infrastructure projects.
   • Construction Industry: The project showcased best practices in sustainable construction and stakeholder engagement, setting a benchmark for future projects.
   • Victorian Government: The successful trial of rCB asphalt led to its inclusion in the ecologiQ program, advancing sustainable infrastructure practices across the state.
5. Construction Industry and society:
   • Knowledge Sharing: The project’s documentation and advocacy for new standards related to sustainable materials will inspire and enable other companies to adopt similar practices, fostering industry-wide change. Through publications, webinars, and awards submissions, the project’s learnings and successes were shared, inspiring others in the industry.
   • Sustainable Infrastructure Model: The project demonstrated that even technically complex projects can prioritize environmental responsibility and community well-being.
   • Innovation & Progress: The successful trials of rCB and GFRP pave the way for wider adoption of sustainable materials and technologies in the industry, promoting innovation and progress towards a greener future.
   By prioritising sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, the project has left a positive legacy that benefits a wide range of stakeholders.

The Pound Road West Upgrade & Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge Upgrade project has left a lasting legacy that aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). By prioritizing sustainability, community engagement, and innovation, the project has made significant contributions to the following goals:

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Innovation: The project’s successful trials of recycled asphalt (Victorian First) and GFRP bars demonstrate a commitment to innovation in the construction industry. These new materials and technologies have the potential to transform future infrastructure projects, making them more sustainable and efficient.
Infrastructure Development: The project has upgraded critical infrastructure in the region, improving connectivity, safety, and accessibility. This contributes to the overall development and economic growth of the area.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
Resilient Infrastructure: The upgraded infrastructure is designed to withstand future climate challenges, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the community.
Inclusive Cities: The project’s focus on community engagement and social impact initiatives has helped to create more inclusive and equitable urban environments.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Circular Economy: The project’s emphasis on recycling and reuse of materials promotes a circular economy, reducing waste and conserving resources.
Sustainable Materials: The use of recycled and sustainable materials demonstrates a commitment to responsible consumption and production practices.

SDG 13: Climate Action
Reduced Carbon Emissions: The project’s innovations in materials and construction methods have reduced carbon emissions (25% Emission Reduction -10,032KtCO2e) and 20.7% reduction in energy associated with infrastructure development.
Climate Resilience: The upgraded infrastructure contributes to climate resilience by improving the community’s ability to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

SDG 15: Life on Land
Biodiversity Conservation: By minimizing waste and promoting sustainable practices, the project helps to protect biodiversity and ecosystems.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Collaboration: The project’s success is a testament to the importance of collaboration between government agencies, industry partners, and communities.

The legacy of the Pound Road West Upgrade & Frankston-Dandenong Road Bridge Upgrade project extends beyond the immediate benefits to the community. By demonstrating the feasibility of sustainable and innovative approaches, the project has helped to pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. The project’s impact will be felt for years to come, as it inspires future infrastructure development efforts and sets new standards for environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

By prioritising sustainability, innovation, and community engagement, the project has left a legacy that will benefit future generations.