Sutherland Shire Council shore up another win in engineering excellence

MEDIA RELEASE - Sutherland Shire Council shore up another win in engineering excellence

Sutherland Shire Council has once again been recognised for excellence in engineering, at the prestigious 2023 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) NSW & ACT Excellence Awards in Sydney.

Council took out the award for New or Improved Techniques in recognition of its rapid response to recent, severe beach erosion that threatened public assets along Bate Bay beaches.

Sutherland Shire Mayor, Councillor Carmelo Pesce, says winning the award is a testament to the exceptional skill and commitment of Council staff and Councils specialist contractors.

“Sutherland Shire Council was up against numerous outstanding local government engineering projects across New South Wales and the ACT in our category, so to win this award is an absolute honour,” he said.

“Our Civil Operations, Asset Services, Public Safety & Lifeguards, Building Operations, Parks Operations and Communications & Engagement teams showed commitment and determination ensuring immediate emergency protection works were undertaken to provide seawall stabilisation, a rock revetment wall and erosion mitigation measures at North Cronulla beach following months of destructive ocean swells in 2022.

“Our teams worked together to supply and place over 7,000 tonne of sandstone boulders to protect critical public assets, including the lifeguard tower, the esplanade, and North Cronulla carpark, that were left suspended by unsupported sand dunes and exposed to the ocean elements.

“The emergency works took many months, at times through the evening and on weekends, and staff ensured our community remained informed throughout the entire project, even spending time on the ground to answer questions and address concerns.

“It’s not the first time we have been recognised by IPWEA NSW & ACT for excellence in engineering and I’m extremely proud we’ve again been recognised on this occasion for such a significant project.”

The annual IPWEA State Awards and Gala Dinner recognises the achievements of local government and individuals by showcasing outstanding public works projects from across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory that directly impact the lives of their communities and contributed to making their communities better places to live.