Unitywater has expanded its collaborative delivery partnership with the inclusion of infrastructure contractor Abergeldie, strengthening capacity to deliver the utility’s $2 billion capital investment program across South East Queensland.
The addition of Abergeldie broadens the existing partnership, which already includes Downer, Dormway and Elevate – a joint venture between Aurecon and AECOM – and is aimed at accelerating the delivery of essential water and wastewater infrastructure in one of Australia’s fastest-growing regions.
Unitywater Chief Executive Officer Anna Jackson said the expansion responds to increasing infrastructure demands driven by rapid population growth and upcoming major events.
The addition of Abergeldie broadens the existing partnership, which already includes Downer, Dormway and Elevate, a joint venture between Aurecon and AECOM
“As our service region experiences unprecedented population growth and with the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, South East Queensland is entering the largest period of sustained infrastructure delivery in its history,” Ms Jackson said.
“With highly visible projects ramping up to deliver housing, public infrastructure and transport, there is a strong demand for skilled engineering and construction resources, so the expansion of our collaborative delivery partnership improves our ability to deliver our $2 billion capital investment program safely and on time, while improving confidence for our customers and stakeholders,” she said.
Ms Jackson said the partnership model supports more efficient project delivery by aligning asset owners, designers and contractors to improve outcomes.
“Ultimately, our infrastructure exists to serve our customers and the collaborative delivery partnership model brings together the infrastructure owner, designers and contractors to streamline the project delivery process to deliver better cost, time and quality outcomes.”
Executive Manager Infrastructure Solutions Mike Basterfield said Abergeldie will begin working with Unitywater and its delivery partners this month, initially supporting wastewater treatment plant upgrades at Kawana and Coolum.
“Abergeldie’s experience will complement Downer’s program of work across Unitywater’s portfolio of wastewater treatment plants and southern distribution networks, Dormway’s work on the northern distribution networks and Elevate’s front end engineering and design services,” Mr Basterfield said.
He added that since the partnership commenced in May 2024, 147 infrastructure projects have been initiated, reflecting the flexibility and collaborative culture of the model.
Unitywater manages more than $4.3 billion in water, wastewater and recycled water assets, servicing over 900,000 residents across Moreton Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Noosa. Population forecasts indicate the region will continue to see significant growth through to 2046.
