A recent awards night has highlighted the success of many engineering, logistics and other built environment firms, praising the hard work of thousands during billions of dollars worth of infrastructure projects.

Some of the highest officials from the biggest companies in the country attended industry association Consult Australia’s annual Awards for Excellence gala event over the weekend.

A large proportion of the awards went to firms and projects in Queensland and Western Australia – showing the flow-on effect of golden times in mining and resources on other large-scale industries.

One of the most prominent new members of the Australian engineering landscape was named Future Leader, with Arup Senior Project Manager Dr Ryan Falconer beating out 18 others for the hotly-contended prize.

Dr Falconer is responsible for leading projects for clients including LandCorp, the Public Transport Authority (PTA) WA, Department of Transport WA, Department of Planning WA and BHP Billiton, and is sought-after for international projects as well.

Five of the prizes were given to a Queensland single project – the Ipswich Motorway Upgrade: Dinmore to Goodna (D2G) Project was awarded in the Collaboration, Development of People and Client Focus, and Technological Innovation categories.

The near $2 billion D2G was delivered by the Origin Alliance, a group comprising Consult Australia members SMEC Australia and Parsons Brinckerhoff, together with Abigroup Contractors, Fulton Hogan, Seymour Whyte and the QLD Department of Transport and Main Roads.

Parsons Brinckerhoff Regional Director for Queensland, Gerard Ryan said; “what we all achieved on the D2G Project by working together collaboratively and effectively is something that we can all be extremely proud of.”

“It was certainly a project that none of us will ever forget.”

“These Awards have again demonstrated excellence across the sector following what has been a difficult year for our industry, characterised by uncertainty in a relatively scarce pipeline of work” said Consult Australia’s CEO, Megan Motto.

“With more substantive investment in infrastructure, supported by best practice procurement and increased collaboration between business and government, we will be well positioned to build on our strengths, boost productivity and keep growing domestically those businesses and skills critical for future jobs and economic growth.”