The Australian Constructors Association and Engineers Australia have announced four outstanding finalists for the construction industry’s most coveted award, the 2024 Australian Construction Achievement Award (ACAA). 

Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies said ACAA recognises Australia’s best construction project and the companies behind it. 

“There is just one award up for grabs and a diverse range of projects are competing for it in 2024,” said Mr Davies. 

“This year’s finalists span from roads to rail, water infrastructure to airports. Each project has been delivered in ways that contribute to a more progressive and sustainable construction industry.

“We’re seeing construction excellence at its best, but we’re also seeing a real commitment to improving skills and worker wellbeing, as well as approaches to environmentally responsible outcomes.” 

Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO said the 2024 contenders are at the forefront in leveraging teamwork and technology to ensure inclusivity and sustainability in urban and rural development. 

“The finalists for the Australian Construction Achievement Award showcase exceptional innovation, collaboration, and expertise, highlighting the role engineering plays in building connected communities,” said Ms Madew. 

Now in its 27th year, this premier construction industry Award has again been partnered by some of the major businesses connected with the industry including Caterpillar, Cbus, Gallagher, InEight and InfraBuild.

Finalists will be honoured, and the winner announced, at a black-tie award dinner at The Doltone House in Sydney on Thursday 8 August in conjunction with the Foundations and Frontiers forum (FF24). 

The ACAA Finalists for 2024 are: 

Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale Project (E2G) Cairns, Queensland 
By John Holland Group, Seymour Whyte and AECOM 

The Cairns Southern Access Corridor, Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale Project (E2G), part of Queensland's extensive Bruce Highway Upgrade, is a significant infrastructure initiative. Spanning 10.5km, this project aims to duplicate and expand the highway to four lanes, integrate a shared path/cycleway, and reposition a section of the North Coast rail line, enhancing safety, capacity and flood resilience. 

Central Station Metro Sydney, New South Wales
By Laing O'Rourke 

Laing O’Rourke is proud to have delivered the $955 million Sydney Metro upgrades to transform Australia’s busiest railway station. The scope included the new Central Walk underground pedestrian concourse, upgrades to the Northern Concourse with a new landmark roof canopy, significant accessibility upgrades with the installation of 14 new lifts and 42 new escalators, and new underground Sydney Metro platforms. 

Rookwood Weir Project Gogango, Central Queensland 
By Sunwater, GHD, ACCIONA & McCosker Contracting 

Rookwood Weir, a mass concrete structure situated on the Fitzroy River in Central Queensland, stands at 16.2m in height and stretches across 350m in length. The project encompasses several key components including a stilling basin designed to dissipate energy from water discharge and environmentally considerate elements to support local wildlife. The construction also includes permanent access roads within the site to ensure ongoing maintenance and operation ease. The project is complemented by associated infrastructure, which highlight the modern engineering and operational capabilities embedded within this significant hydraulic structure. 

Western Sydney International Airport Bulk Earthworks Badgerys Creek, New South Wales 
By CPB Contractors and ACCIONA 

The Western Sydney International Airport Bulk Earthworks (WSABE) Project entails comprehensive land preparation, including excavation, grading, and compaction to establish a stable foundation for the airport infrastructure. The project spanned the excavation, movement, and placement of an almost 27 million square metre of material over the course of five years, setting the stage for construction of the Western Sydney International Airport. 

Further details about the finalists and the ACAA are available on the awards website.

Image: Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage 3: Edmonton to Gordonvale Project (E2G)