Description:
The project upgraded 11km of the Bruce Highway between Caboolture and Steve Irwin Way to reduce congestion and improve flood immunity. The $662.5m project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland governments on an 80:20 (federal:state) basis. The project was delivered under two separate construction contracts. Contract 2, valued at $130 million, was undertaken by Fulton Hogan Construction.
Contract 2 involved upgrading the Bruce Highway from four to six lanes between Pumicestone Road and Steve Irwin Way in Elimbah, as well as the construction of six new bridges, upgraded interchange ramps, and the installation of new Intelligent Transport Systems to improve safety and manage traffic flow. The initial IS Design Rating was delivered by Jacobs SMEC Design Joint Venture in 2019-2020 achieving an interim score of 75.42. Fulton Hogan delivered the As Built Rating for Contract 2 achieving a score of 87.43.
Rating Highlights
| Category | Credit | Achievements/ Description |
| Legacy | Leg-1 | The project successfully piloted the v2.1 Leg-1 credit which was verified to level 3 in ABR1. The project delivered several legacy initiatives that provided meaningful value to the local community, including:
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| Ecology | Eco-1/2 | The Project delivered a 26.6% enhancement in ecological value by removing exotic vegetation and implementing extensive native planting through the landscaping package. This also included targeted offset and compensatory planting for koala habitat trees and the critically endangered Zieria exsul.
Additionally, habitat connectivity was enhanced by 86.7% through the removal of barriers and the improvement of fauna passage at three creek locations. |
| Heritage | Her-1/2 | Several initiatives were implemented that communicate and promote local heritage values. In 2021, Kabi Kabi Elder and renowned artist, Melissa Bond, was engaged to create a bespoke artwork representing the long-told Kabi Kabi story of Carbul the carpet python. The artwork was printed onto a select number of hard hats that would be distributed through a monthly project team awards project. The Carbul Dreaming Hard Hat fostered a deeper and prolonged cultural understanding amongst the project team. |
| Waste | Was-2 | The Project achieved exceptionally high rates of landfill diversion including 100% of spoil, 99.46% of inert and non-hazardous waste, and 64% of office waste. These outcomes were enabled by a strong focus on the segregation of waste streams, ranging from construction materials including steel, concrete, and profiling’s through to office waste including organics, coffee cups, and paper/cardboard. |
Verified Innovations
| Innovation Name | Verification Date | Description |
| Onsite compost system | 29/05/2025 | The Project implemented an onsite composting system in conjunction with a herb garden at the site office. Food waste generated onsite was separated into containers and processed in the composting system. This initiative diverted organic waste from landfill by transforming it into nutrient-rich compost used to nourish the herb garden. The garden, which provided a variety of fresh herbs for staff to enjoy, also became a small biodiversity hub, attracting native bees and supporting local pollinators. |
| Steel Splicing | 29/05/2025 | Fulton Hogan, in collaboration with ABFI Steel Group, adopted an innovative approach to recycling steel pile liner offcuts. Steel pile liners are traditionally installed and trimmed to the desired length onsite, with offcuts discarded as scrap. Recognising the significant recycling potential of steel, the team worked with ABFI Steel Group to develop a solution that allowed offcuts from initial southbound bridge construction to be returned to the supplier for splicing together, creating new pile liners for the northbound bridges. The initiative reduced construction waste whilst also avoiding the need for virgin materials and the subsequent emissions associated with the supply chain. |
| Biochar Sandbags | 29/05/2025 | The Project adopted innovative applications substituting biochar in erosion and sediment control devices to improve soil and water quality. Biochar is a byproduct that is derived from thermally treated organic forest residues and waste timber. It is enriched in carbon and has capabilities in improving soil properties and enhancing soil carbon sequestration. It further provides water improvement capabilities in increasing water-holding capacity and pH. In collaboration with the supplier, Vital Chemical, the Vital Biochar product was used in hessian sandbags to replace coir logs or sandbags (ordinarily filled with virgin material) as an erosion and sediment control device. |
Acknowledgments – Suppliers
The project team acknowledges Vital Chemical and ABFI Steel Group for their commitment to challenging business-as-usual approaches and for partnering with Fulton Hogan to deliver material innovations that supported sustainability outcomes.
Testimonial
"Our investment here will transform what has been one of the most flood-prone and congested sections of the highway into a wider, safer and more flood resilient carriageway."
- The Hon. Catherine King MP, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
"This is a fantastic milestone for a project that will deliver benefits to residents and communities in North Brisbane and the North Coast areas for generations."
- The Hon. Mark Ryan MP, State Member for Morayfield, Former Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and Minister for Corrective Services
“The incredible generosity of Fulton Hogan to provide and donate all the equipment and materials to make this happen, along with resealing and line-marking of the Seniors Club car park has made a huge contribution to the betterment of our local community.”
– John Buckby, President, Toorbul Community and District Association
“Fulton Hogan have shown a genuine interest in the establishment of this community space, designed not only to inspire and educate the community about healthy food but also to meet and connect. Never has this partnership felt like a company requirement of “ticking the social engagement box.” Having Fulton Hogan partner with us from the beginning of the project not only helped financially, it proved to us our plans for a welcoming community space promoting healthy food was something others also believed in.”
– David Fraser, Chairperson, Beachmere Community Garden Group
