Month: May 2026

Six major Queensland infrastructure projects – Kangaroo Point Bridge, Bruce Highway Upgrade, Brisbane Metro, Pacific Motorway M1, Cross River Rail and the Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline- have been named finalists in the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s (ISC) 2026 Awards.

These finalists highlight the Queensland Government’s strong commitment to delivering infrastructure that supports a growing population, strengthens regional economies and creates jobs, in partnership with a highly capable and innovative industry. The projects demonstrate how collaboration between government and industry is improving connectivity, reducing congestion and enhancing resilience, while delivering best value for money.

They also showcase how sustainability-led delivery is driving measurable benefits, with ISC-certified projects typically achieving around 10% avoided costs through more efficient use of energy, materials, waste and emissions reductions*.

ISC Chief Executive Officer Toby Kent congratulated the project teams and acknowledged the critical role of industry partners:

‘These projects highlight not only the Queensland Government’s strong infrastructure agenda, but also the exceptional capability of industry delivering complex projects,’ Mr Kent said. ‘From contractors and designers to operators and suppliers, industry is playing a vital role in driving better sustainability outcomes, improving productivity and delivering long-term value for communities.’

The ISC’s Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme provides a consistent framework to measure and incentivise performance across projects with several Queensland finalists recognised for excellence in economic, environmental, social and governance outcomes.

By embedding sustainability and whole-of-life thinking, government and industry are working together to deliver infrastructure that supports jobs, strengthens supply chains and builds more resilient communities.

‘These nominations reflect the collective effort of government and a highly-skilled industry workforce working together to deliver better outcomes for Queenslanders,’ Mr Kent said.

The winners of the Infrastructure Sustainability Awards will be announced at the ISC Infrastructure Sustainability Council Gala Dinner & Awards in Brisbane on 3 June 2026.

About the Infrastructure Sustainability Council 

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council is Australia’s peak body advancing sustainability across infrastructure planning, delivery and operations. ISC works with governments, infrastructure owners and industry to provide independent rating tools, assurance, data and capability-building that deliver better environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes.

* Infrastructure Sustainability Council (2025), Infrastructure Sustainability Council Strategy 2030: Powered by purpose

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Media enquiries

Annie Manson
Policy & Advocacy Manager
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
+61 422 131 741
annie.manson@iscouncil.org
www.iscouncil.org

 

Queensland Project Finalists – Infrastructure Sustainability Awards

Project	Award Category	Delivery Partners
Kangaroo Point Bridge	Outstanding Achievement – IS Rating Scheme	Brisbane City Council, Connect Brisbane led by BESIX Watpac and WSP
Bruce Highway Upgrade: Caboolture-Bribie Island Road to Steve Irwin Way Project (Contract 2) (C2SIW-C2)	Sustainability Leadership- Excellence in Economic Outcomes	Fulton Hogan, the Department of Transport and Main Roads
Brisbane Metro – Inner City Infrastructure Works	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Economic Outcomes	Brisbane City Council, Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd and Arup Australia
Fitzroy to Gladstone Pipeline	Sustainability Outcomes – Excellence in Economic Outcomes Sustainability Outcomes – Excellence in Economic Outcomes	Gladstone Area Water Board and McConnell BMD Joint Venture
Pacific Motorway M1 Varsity Lakes to Tugun Upgrade	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Environmental Outcomes	Department of Transport and Main Roads, AECOM, GHD Joint Venture, Seymour Whyte
Cross River Rail – RIS (Rail Integration System)	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Governance Outcomes	Cross River Rail Delivery Authority, UNITY Alliance

Major NSW infrastructure projects including the Western Harbour Tunnel, Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport and the Sydney Metro and have been named finalists in the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s (ISC) 2026 Awards.

The NSW finalists reflect the scale, ambition and capability of the state’s infrastructure pipeline, as well as the strong collaboration between government and industry to deliver projects that support growing communities, improve connectivity and drive productivity. Importantly, these projects demonstrate how embedding sustainability at the core of planning and delivery is contributing to better economic, environmental and social outcomes for New South Wales.

The projects demonstrate how sustainability-led delivery is translating into measurable value, with ISC-certified projects achieving material efficiencies typically delivering avoided costs of around 10% of total capital expenditure through reductions in energy use, materials, waste and emissions*.

ISC Chief Executive Officer Toby Kent congratulated all nominated project teams on their achievement, highlighting NSW’s leadership in integrating sustainability into major infrastructure delivery.

‘Congratulations to all the NSW project teams recognised as finalists this year,’ Mr Kent said. ‘Projects such as the Sydney Metro, Western Harbour Tunnel and Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport demonstrate the depth of expertise across the sector and a shared commitment between industry and the NSW Government to delivering high-quality, future-focused infrastructure.

‘Through the application of the ISC Rating Scheme, we are seeing more efficient use of resources, lower lifecycle costs, and improved coordination across complex programs of work – helping to deliver more resilience, low-carbon infrastructure that meets the needs of current and future communities.’

The ISC’s Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme provides a consistent and transparent framework to measure, benchmark, improve and incentivise sustainability performance across infrastructure assets and programs. NSW projects have been recognised across several award categories including Outstanding Achievement, as well as leadership in environmental, social and governance outcomes.

By embedding sustainability considerations into project planning, design and delivery, NSW government agencies are working in partnership with contractors, designers and operators to drive innovation and continuous improvement. These approaches are supporting the NSW Government’s ambitions to enhance productivity, reduce emissions, build climate resilience and deliver better whole-of-life outcomes for NSW communities.

‘These nominations reflect not only excellence at the project level, but also the strength of collaboration between government, agencies and industry in lifting standards across the sector.’ Mr Kent said.’The NSW infrastructure sector continues to demonstrate strong leadership, innovation and a clear focus on delivering long-term public value.’

The winners of the Infrastructure Sustainability Awards will be announced at the ISC Infrastructure Sustainability Council Gala Dinner & Awards in Brisbane on 3 June 2026.

About the Infrastructure Sustainability Council

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council is Australia’s peak body advancing sustainability across infrastructure planning, delivery and operations. ISC works with governments, infrastructure owners and industry to provide independent rating tools, assurance, data and capability-building that deliver better environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes.

* Infrastructure Sustainability Council (2025), Infrastructure Sustainability Council Strategy 2030: Powered by purpose

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Media enquiries

Annie Manson
Policy & Advocacy Manager
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
+61 422 131 741
annie.manson@iscouncil.org
www.iscouncil.org

 

NSW Project Finalists – Infrastructure Sustainability Awards

Project	Award Category	Delivery Partners
Western Harbour Tunnel Stage 2	Outstanding Achievement – IS Rating Scheme	ACCIONA
Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Environmental Outcomes	Jemena & Zinfra
Western Sydney International – Landside Civil and Buildings Package	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Governance Outcomes	AeroWest Joint Venture (Seymour Whyte and Western Sydney Airport Corporation BMD)
Webuild / Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Stations, Systems, Trains, Operations and Maintenance (SSTOM) Project	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Social Outcomes	Webuild (as part of Parklife Metro D&C)
Canterbury Hospital Child and Family Waiting Room Upgrade / BAC & SWM3 – Sydney Metro City and Southwest	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Social Outcomes	John Holland and Laing O’Rourke Joint Venture

Major Victorian infrastructure projects including the Metro Tunnel Project, North-East Link and the Suburban Rail Loop East and have been named finalists in the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s (ISC) 2026 Awards.

The Victorian finalists reflect the strength of the state’s infrastructure program and the capability of industry partners delivering complex projects that support growing communities, improve transport connections and contribute to long-term economic and environmental outcomes. They also demonstrate how sustainability-led delivery is translating into measurable value, with ISC-certified projects achieving material efficiencies typically delivering avoided costs of around 10% of total CAPEX through reductions in energy use, materials, waste and emissions*.

ISC Chief Executive Officer Toby Kent congratulated all nominated project teams on their achievement, noting the consistently high standard of work being delivered across Victoria.

‘Congratulations to all the Victorian project teams recognised as finalists this year,’ Mr Kent said. ‘Projects such as the Metro Tunnel, the Suburban Rail Loop East and North-East Link highlight the depth of expertise across the sector and commitment of the industry and Victorian government to delivering high-quality outcomes for the community. Associated with improved sustainability performance and use of the IS Ratings system, we see more efficient use of resources, reduced lifecycle costs and better coordination across projects.’

The ISC’s Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme provides a consistent and transparent framework to measure and incentivise performance across major infrastructure projects. Several Victorian projects have been recognised across multiple award categories including ‘Outstanding Achievement’, as well as leadership in economic, environmental, social and governance outcomes.

By embedding sustainability considerations into project planning and delivery, government agencies have worked closely with construction partners, designers and operators to support better outcomes and continuous improvement. These approaches are driving improved productivity, reducing risk and delivering stronger whole-of-life value for projects and Victoria’s communities.

‘These nominations recognise not only individual projects, but the collective effort of government, agencies and industry working together,’ Mr Kent said. ‘Victoria’s infrastructure sector continues to demonstrate professionalism, innovation and a clear. focus on delivering lasting public value including lowering total project costs, improving productivity and delivering better long-term outcomes for communities.’

The winners of the Infrastructure Sustainability Awards will be announced at the ISC Infrastructure Sustainability Council Gala Dinner & Awards in Brisbane on 3 June 2026.

About the Infrastructure Sustainability Council

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council is Australia’s peak body advancing sustainability across infrastructure planning, delivery and operations. ISC works with governments, infrastructure owners and industry to provide independent rating tools, assurance, data and capability-building that deliver better environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes.

* Infrastructure Sustainability Council (2025), Infrastructure Sustainability Council Strategy 2030: Powered by purpose

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Media enquiries

Annie Manson
Policy & Advocacy Manager
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
+61 422 131 741
annie.manson@iscouncil.org
www.iscouncil.org

 

Victorian Project Finalists – Infrastructure Sustainability Awards

Project	Award Category	Delivery Partners
North East Link Project – M80 Ring Road Completion	Outstanding Achievement – IS Rating Scheme Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Social Outcomes Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Environmental Outcomes	M80 Ring Road Alliance (ACCIONA, MACA, AECOM)
Metro Tunnel Project – Tunnels and Stations Private Public Partnership Package	Outstanding Achievement – IS Rating Scheme	Cross Yarra Partnership Design and Construction Joint Venture (John Holland Pty Ltd, Lendlease Melbourne Metro Pty Ltd, Bouyges Construction Australia Pty Ltd)
North-East Link Project – Primary Package	Outstanding Achievement – IS Rating Scheme Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Economic Outcomes	Spark North-East Link
Prosthetic Habitats: A World-First Research -Infrastructure Platform for Regenerative Biodiversity Design	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Environmental Outcomes	Inland Rail (McConnell Dowell and Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC)) in collaboration with the University of Melbourne
Suburban Rail Loop East – Suburban Connect – Tunnels South	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Governance Outcomes	Suburban Connect (CPB Contractors, ACCIONA, Ghella)
Metro Trains Melbourne – Leveraging Governance for Innovation and Continuous Environmental Improvement in Rail Operations	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Governance Outcomes	Metro Trains Melbourne

Major New Zealand infrastructure projects – including City Rail Link, Watercare’s Central Interceptor and Te Ara Tupua – have been named finalists in the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s (ISC) 2026 Awards.

The New Zealand finalists reflect the scale and ambition of the country’s infrastructure program and the capability of industry partners delivering complex projects that support growing communities, improve connectivity and contribute to long-term economic, environmental and social outcomes. They also demonstrate how sustainability-led delivery is creating measurable value, with ISC-certified projects achieving material efficiencies – typically delivering avoided costs of around 10% of total CAPEX through reductions in energy use, materials, waste and emissions*.

ISC Chief Executive Officer Toby Kent congratulated all nominated project teams on their achievement, noting the consistently high standard of work being delivered across New Zealand.

‘Congratulations to all the New Zealand project teams recognised as finalists this year,’ Mr Kent said. ‘Projects such as Te Ara Tupua, Watercare’s Central Interceptor and City Rail Link highlight the depth of expertise across the sector and the strong partnership between industry and government to delivering high-quality, future-focused infrastructure for New Zealand communities.

‘Through the application of the IS Ratings Scheme, we see more efficient use of resources, reduced lifecycle costs and better coordination across projects – supporting more resilient, better-performing infrastructure and improved long-term value.’

The ISC’s Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme provides a consistent and transparent framework to measure and incentivise performance across major infrastructure projects. Several New Zealand projects have been recognised across multiple award categories including ‘Outstanding Achievement’, as well as leadership in environmental, social and governance outcomes.

By embedding sustainability considerations into project planning and delivery, government agencies are working closely with construction partners, designers and operators to support innovation and continuous improvement. These approaches are driving improved productivity and strengthened resilience and support better asset performance and whole-of-life value for infrastructure and communities across New Zealand.

‘These nominations reflect not only excellence at the project level, but also the strength of collaboration between government, agencies and industry in lifting standards across the sector,’ Mr Kent said. ‘New Zealand’s infrastructure sector continues to demonstrate strong leadership, innovation and a clear focus on delivering long-term public value.’

The winners of the Infrastructure Sustainability Awards will be announced at the ISC Infrastructure Sustainability Council Gala Dinner & Awards in Brisbane on 3 June 2026.

About the Infrastructure Sustainability Council

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council is Australia’s peak body advancing sustainability across infrastructure planning, delivery and operations. ISC works with governments, infrastructure owners and industry to provide independent rating tools, assurance, data and capability-building that deliver better environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes.

* Infrastructure Sustainability Council (2025), Infrastructure Sustainability Council Strategy 2030: Powered by purpose

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Media enquiries

Annie Manson
Policy & Advocacy Manager
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
+61 422 131 741
annie.manson@iscouncil.org
www.iscouncil.org

 

New Zealand Project Finalists – Infrastructure Sustainability Awards

Project	Award Category	Delivery Partners
City Rail Link: Stations and Tunnels	Outstanding Achievement – IS Rating Scheme Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Environmental Outcomes Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Social Outcomes	City Rail Link Ltd / Link Alliance
Watercare’s Central Interceptor	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Environmental Outcomes Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Social Outcomes	Ghella Abergeldie Joint Venture, for Watercare Services Ltd
Te Ara Tupua	Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Environmental Outcomes Sustainability Leadership – Excellence in Governance Outcomes	Te Ara Tupua Alliance – Joint Venture with NZTA (Waka Kotahi), Tonkin + Taylor, Downer NZ and HEB Construction

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) has welcomed Infrastructure Victoria’s report Warning signs: climate change risks to Victoria’s infrastructure, describing it as a welcome contribution to understanding and responding to climate risk across critical infrastructure systems.  

The report finds that more than $57 billion of Victorian infrastructure is exposed to climate hazards by 2030, increasing to over $70 billion by 2070 as extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.  

ISC Chief Executive Toby Kent said the report provides a timely reminder of the growing importance of resilience in infrastructure and investment.  

‘Infrastructure Victoria has highlighted the scale of climate risk facing our infrastructure networks, but also the opportunity to take a more proactive and coordinated approach,’ Mr Kent said.  

‘With the right tools – such as the ISC’s IS Rating Scheme and its climate adaptation credits – we can better anticipate these risks and build resilience into projects from the outset.’ 

The report identifies that key infrastructure sectors – including roads, rail, energy and health – face increasing exposure to hazards such as floods, bushfires and extreme heat, with risks varying across regions and asset types.  

The ISC noted that while the findings reinforce the importance of acting early and consistently, particularly given evidence that adaptation can reduce long-term costs and service disruption.  

 ‘This is about embedding resilience as a standard part of infrastructure delivery,’ Mr Kent said. ‘By integrating climate considerations early, we can support better performing assets and more reliable services for communities.’ 

 The ISC emphasised that the IS Rating Scheme, including its dedicated climate risk adaptation credits, provides a structured and verifiable pathway to respond to the risks outlined in the report.  

 

The IS Rating Scheme enables infrastructure owners and project teams to  

• Identify and assess climate risks early, using recognised approaches aligned with hazard, exposure and vulnerability analysis 

• Apply climate adaptation credits to guide design, mitigation and resilience strategies 

• Enhance asset durability and service continuity under changing climate conditions 

• Prioritise cost-effective adaptation measures, reducing lifecycle costs 

• Provide consistent, transparent reporting on sustainability and resilience outcomes.  

 

‘The value of the IS Rating Scheme is that it translates high-level risk insights into tangible actions at the project level,’ Mr Kent said.  

‘It helps ensure resilience is not just considered – but demonstrated – in project outcomes.’ 

The ISC highlighted that strengthening resilience is central to its purpose of enabling infrastructure that delivers enduring environmental, economic and social value.  

‘Our purpose is about supporting infrastructure that performs over the long term,’ Mr Kent said. ‘Resilience is fundamental to that – ensuring assets can continue to operate and support communities in a changing climate.’ 

The ISC also welcomes Infrastructure Victoria’s focus on the upcoming 2026 Climate Adaptation Action Plans as a key opportunity to continue strengthening infrastructure resilience: 

‘There is already strong momentum across government and industry,’ Mr Kent said. ‘This report helps prioritise where effort can be focused and how existing approaches can be scaled more consistently.’ 

The ISC highlights that collaboration across government, industry and advisory bodies will be essential to embedding resilience at scale:  

‘Climate risk is one of the many factors shaping infrastructure decisions,’ Mr Kent said. ‘By taking a considered and structured approach – supported by tools like the IS Rating Scheme – we can manage these risks effectively while continuing to deliver infrastructure that supports economic growth and community wellbeing.’ 

‘We look forward to working with Infrastructure Victoria, the broader Victorian government and industry stakeholders on the development of plans and systems to manage climate risk and infrastructure.’ 

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Media enquiries 

Annie Manson 
Policy & Advocacy Manager
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
+61 422 131 741 

annie.manson@iscouncil.org  

 

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) is proudly supporting Australian Made Week by highlighting the vital role local suppliers play in delivering sustainable, resilient infrastructure across Australia.  

At the centre of this effort is the ISC’s ISupply Directory – a dedicated platform connecting infrastructure professionals with suppliers of sustainable products, services and materials. The directory is helping project teams more easily identify and engage Australian-based suppliers who meet growing expectations around sustainability, transparency and ethical sourcing. 

Toby Kent, CEO at the ISC, said Australian Made Week provides a timely opportunity to recognise the value of local supply chains in infrastructure delivery.  

 ‘Australian suppliers are essential to building infrastructure that is not only fit for purpose but also environmentally and socially responsible. Through our ISupply Directory we are making it easier for project teams to prioritise sustainable, Australian-based businesses,’ Mr Kent said.   

‘Recent global supply chain disruptions – from geopolitical tensions to shipping, delays and material shortages – have reinforced the importance of reliable, local supply. Investing in Australian innovation and manufacturing strengthens reliance while supporting better sustainability outcomes.  

 ‘By sourcing locally, industry can reduce emissions associated with transport, strengthen supply chain resilience and support Australian jobs and innovation.’ 

The ISupply Directory features a growing network of verified suppliers offering products and services aligned with the ISC’s sustainability criteria – from low-carbon materials and circular economy solutions to advisory and environmental services. The platform supports infrastructure asset owners, contractors and designers in aligning procurement decisions with sustainability targets under the ISC’s widely recognised Infrastructure Sustainability Rating Scheme.  

Australian Made Week celebrates the importance of buying and using Australian products, supporting local industries and reinforcing economic resilience. The ISC’s commitment to promoting Australian suppliers through ISupply strongly aligns with these objectives, particularly as demand grows for infrastructure that delivers long-term environmental and community benefits.  

The ISC encourages asset owners and delivery partners to use ISupply as part of their procurement processes to:  

• Identify Australian made and sustainable sourced products 

• Engage suppliers committed to environmental and social sustainability 

• Strengthen local supply chains and industry capability 

• Support low-carbon and circular economy outcomes.  

As infrastructure investment continues across Australia, the ISC sees strong potential to amplify the role of local suppliers in delivering products that meet both economic and sustainability goals.  

 ‘Australian Made Week’ is a reminder that choosing local is not only good for the economy – it’s also a practical step towards achieving better sustainability outcomes for infrastructure,’ Mr Kent added.  

 About the Infrastructure Sustainability Council 

The Infrastructure Sustainability Council is Australia’s peak body advancing sustainability across infrastructure planning, delivery and operations. The ISC works with governments, Infrastructure owners and industry to provide independent rating tools, assurance, data and capability-building that deliver better environmental, social, economic and governance outcomes. 

Media enquiries 

Annie Manson
Policy & Advocacy Manager 
Infrastructure Sustainability Council
+61 422 131 741 

annie.manson@iscouncil.org