Melbourne Water wins at the 2023 National Water Awards
Melbourne Water has been recognised for its commitment to safety, winning a prestigious award at the annual National Water Awards.
Committed to enhancing life and liveability for the greater Melbourne region, at the Ozwater’23 Gala Dinner and Australian Water Awards, staged in Sydney, Melbourne Water won the highly sought after Water Industry Safety Excellence Award for its Epsom Main Sewer Relining project.
The project qualified for the National Water Awards having won its respective category at the Victorian Water Awards, last November.
In addition to this, Melbourne Water also had two other projects nominated for awards, including the R&D Excellence Award for its Real Greenhouse Gas Emission Measurement and Reporting for Real Reductions as We Move Toward Net Zero initiative, and the Infrastructure Project Innovation Award for its Shakespeare Grove Main Drain Outlet Renewal work.
Water Industry Safety Excellence Award
While relining sections of the critical but ageing Epsom Main Sewer in Flemington, Melbourne Water teamed up with John Holland, Interflow and Weltech to use a technology called ‘Cured in Place Pipe’ to divert sewerage flows and seal out sewer gases.
Led by Melbourne Water Project Manager Alice Aubert, this innovative approach ensured the safety of the relining workers who were up to 28 metres below ground, and made sure flows could be quickly and safely returned under heavy rainfall.
R&D Excellence Award
The Real Greenhouse Gas Emission Measurement and Reporting for Real Reductions as We Move Toward Net Zero initiative, managed by Peter Wardrop and Narelle Fellows, is ground-breaking research that offers global opportunities to support meaningful reductions in greenhouse emissions.
Committed to achieving net zero by 2030, Melbourne Water worked with the University of Queensland, the University of Melbourne and Ektimo on the project to improve greenhouse gas emission measurement and reporting.
Infrastructure Project Innovation Award
In March 2022, Melbourne Water replaced the Shakespeare Grove Main Drain Outlet at the southern end of St Kilda Beach to reduce the risk of flooding and make it safe for the public.
The Melbourne Water, Stantec and John Holland-KBR joint venture, headed by Melbourne Water Senior Project Manager Alice Aubert, updated the main drain outlet and incorporated a stylish viewing platform for the community to enjoy.
Melbourne Water Managing Director Dr. Nerina Di Lorenzo highlighted the water utility’s commitment to innovation and collaboration on its path to net zero by 2030.
“These awards showcase the wide range of innovative projects that Melbourne Water and our partners undertake to ensure we’re protecting our natural resources and servicing our community today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
“I’m immensely proud that our teams have been recognised for the important work that we do on a daily basis, whether this is across research, design or implementation of exciting new projects for the community of Greater Melbourne.
“I congratulate everyone who worked on the Epsom Main Sewer Relining project and look forward to our continued investment and innovation for the benefit of the environment and our communities.”
The Australian Water Awards celebrate and recognise Australian Water Association members’ contribution to the water sector and their local communities.
Each State and Territory water award winner qualified for the National Water Awards, with these announced at OzWater – the country’s most important annual water conference and exhibition – in Sydney on Thursday, 11 May, 2023.
Media Contact:
Tony Mee [email protected]