Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has received the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia Queensland Northern Territory (IPWEA-QNT) Excellence Award in Environment and Sustainability for its outstanding delivery of the 2022 Flood Recovery Program.
The program was recognised for its strong environmental planning, sustainable practices and lasting community impact at the recent award function in Brisbane. This highlights positive ecological outcomes, proactive risk management, support for the local economy and a focus on collaboration and legacy building.
TRC Construction and Maintenance (Infrastructure Services) portfolio spokesperson, Cr Carol Taylor, said the award marks a proud milestone for the Region.
"This recognition reflects our team's commitment to recovery works that are environmentally sustainable, contribute to the local economy and build lasting benefits through collaboration and shared knowledge," Cr Taylor said.
Key environmental and sustainability achievements of the 2022 Flood Program included:
- More than 50 designed culverts within fishway zones to support aquatic life,
• Environmental specialists embedded across Council and contractor teams,
• Implementation of Environmental Management Plans, incorporating cultural heritage protection, erosion control measures and effective waste management strategies,
• Management of known risks including Fire Ants, PFAS and the endangered Tusked Frog,
• Sustainability strategies for gravel and water supply and rehabilitation of old gravel quarries and/or pits,
• Redesigning several projects to improve environmental outcomes,
• $159 million spent locally boosting regional employment, capability and capacity,
• Strong community engagement throughout delivery, and
• Increasing asset resilience on select projects under special Queensland Reconstruction Authority Betterment funding.
"Winning this award for the 2022 Flood Recovery Program reinforces that our commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable practices, community engagement and long-term planning sets a benchmark for excellence across the state," Cr Taylor said.
Council acknowledges the financial support of the Queensland and Australian Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), which made the 2022 Flood Recovery possible.
