A significant bridge project that restored a key transport link is in the running for a coveted public works engineering award.
The Schreibers Road Bridge Rebuild is in contention for the Disaster Recovery Project of the Year accolade, which will be presented at the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Queensland and Northern Territory Excellence Awards.
The $6.3m rebuild, delivered by Noosa Council in partnership with NorthLane Consulting Engineers, reinstated the important connection in the Cooran area after it was damaged by wild weather in 2022.
The construction program included the use of heavy machinery, delivery of materials, demolition and concreting works.
The work was conducted at the western end of Schreibers Road, near the junction with Coles Creek Road, with a full road closure and a lengthy detour via Jampot Creek Road in place.
The project was funded by federal and state disaster recovery arrangements.
Noosa Council disaster reconstruction coordinator Julie Calvert and principal infrastructure planner Melissa Shepherd are also in the running for gongs at the awards night, which will be at the Sunshine Coast Convention Centre on October 1.
Ms Calvert has been named as a finalist for Emerging Leader of the Year, acknowledging her leadership potential, initiative and significant contributions to disaster recovery efforts across the shire.
“It’s a wonderful honour to be shortlisted,” she said.
“Leadership is about partnership and I cannot thank my team enough for the support, direction, mentoring and laughs along the way.”
Fellow council employee, Ms Shepherd has been nominated for Team Member of the Year, recognising her dedication, teamwork and commitment to delivering excellence in engineering and public works for the council and the local community.
“I’m honoured to receive this nomination and deeply grateful to my team for their collaboration, trust and support. Working alongside such dedicated people is incredibly rewarding, and I share this recognition with them,” she said.
“It’s a privilege to contribute to the important work we do for Council and our community.”
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Council CEO Larry Sengstock congratulated the nominees on their achievements.
“These nominations are a testament to the professionalism, expertise and commitment of our people, as well as the high-quality infrastructure outcomes being delivered for our community,” he said.
“We’re incredibly proud to see Melissa, Julie and the Schreibers Road Bridge project recognised among the state’s best in engineering and public works.”
Noosa Council has enjoyed success at the IPWEA Awards in recent years, with the Tablelands Road Bridge replacement, Beckmans Road Intersection Upgrade, Noosa Biosphere Trail 5 Upgrade, Doggy Beach sand nourishment project and Black Mountain Road reconstruction taking honours.
Sunshine Coast News has asked the council how long the road was closed for and how long the rebuild took.
