Collaboration for Project Excellence – Working with Government
Mt Lindesay Highway – Stoney Creek Camp Rd to Chambers Flat Rd project
The Mount Lindesay Highway is a vital north-south corridor in South-East Queensland, connecting Brisbane to the NSW border and serving local commuters, tourists, and freight traffic. The Stoney Camp Road to Chambers Flat Road (SC2CF) package included upgrading a 4km section extending to a four-lane configuration to optimise road safety and relieve congestion. The collaboration undertaken by Department of Transport and Main Roads and SMEC acting as the contract administrator, transcended construction; symbolising success achieve together. The HullSEEJV collaboration, driven by a shared vision, was conceived as more than a project; it embodied a united momentum towards shared success.
Molonglo 3 East Preliminary Design
SMEC played a pivotal role in the strategic design of Molonglo 3 East (M3E), one of Canberra’s major upcoming urban expansion areas. By delivering integrated planning and infrastructure solutions, SMEC helped lay the foundation for a resilient, connected, and environmentally sustainable community.
The project was a collaborative effort between the ACT Environment, Planning, and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD), various government agencies, and SMEC, demonstrating how integrated approaches can drive innovative and sustainable urban outcomes.
Sophie Quinn, SMEC Project Director, noted, “By prioritising environmental sustainability, community well-being, and economic efficiency, M3E sets a strong precedent for future government-industry partnerships.”
Superior Sustainability
Sydney Metro – Crows Nest Station
Crows Nest Station, part of Sydney Metro’s City & Southwest project, demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability through its innovative design and construction practices, aligning with industry-leading environmental standards. As we plan for medium and high-density urban environments that meet future population demands, suburbs like Crows Nest are at the forefront due to their proximity to central business areas. The project strategy was to drive leading sustainability outcomes across key environmental, social and economic design and delivery parameters. This was highlighted from the project’s outset through the adoption of a set of comprehensive and ambitious sustainability objectives which focussed on delivering an enduring and sustainable legacy for Sydney. The challenge was to incorporate sustainability and environmentally resilient features into infrastructure. SMEC was engaged as the lead consultant for the Crows Nest Design Consortium (CNDC), with partners including Woods Bagot, Robert Bird Group, Norman Disney Young (NDY), and Oculus. SMEC also led the sustainability design, guiding our partners to achieve the necessary ratings. With sustainability at the core, the station was developed to meet present needs while supporting long-term urban impact.
Porronggitj Karrong – Place of the Brolga
Since the project’s inception in 2018, SMEC has been engaged to conduct detailed ecological assessments, ongoing ecological monitoring, statutory planning, environmental approvals documents and management plans. With Wadawurrung and Barwon Water, SMEC are currently facilitating the application of Traditional Custodian land management practices and development of a Healthy Country Plan. Ultimately, the site is envisioned to serve as a recreational area for the local community and as a refuge for species, including the iconic Brolga.
Innovation for Excellence
TasRail Formation Renewals
SMEC played a pivotal role in consultancy and design of track formation across nine critical sites within the TasRail network, part of the Tranche Three of Tasmania Freight Rail Revitalisation Program (TFRRP). These sites had long suffered recurring failures, necessitating speed restrictions and disrupting operations. Appointed as the Design Consultant, SMEC delivered innovative solutions to address infrastructure challenges and improve TasRail’s service delivery and reliability.
By implementing Grace Coring’s advanced sampling technology, the TasRail Formation Renewals Project team overcame persistent track challenges across nine critical sites. This innovative approach allowed essential geotechnical data collection with minimal disruption to rail operations, ensuring enhanced durability and efficiency for Tasmania’s freight rail network.
Planning for a Digital Future
Unlocking and fostering digital delivery
SMEC’s holistic approach ensures digital literacy at all levels of the organisation, focusing on embedding innovation within their culture. Their initiatives, linked to large infrastructure projects, emphasize scalable digital practices and collaboration, enhancing the digital future across the business.
Future Leader
Ben Potter
Ben Potter, an Experienced Engineering Geologist whose leadership and innovative contributions have advanced SMEC’s geotechnical capabilities. By integrating cutting-edge technologies like LiDAR and endoscopy, he has improved geological assessments on complex projects. Ben’s passion for learning, knowledge-sharing, and inspiring future engineers underscores his commitment to excellence in the geotechnical field. Ben’s contributions exemplify his ability to integrate technical expertise with strategic leadership, along with a strong dedication to driving change, positioning him as an emerging leader with the potential to shape the future of both SMEC and the geotechnical industry. Ben Potter, Engineering Geologist: “Being part of transformative projects and contributing to SMEC’s culture of innovation motivates me every day. I’m grateful for the opportunities at SMEC to push boundaries in geotechnical engineering.”
Brizz Martinez
Brizz Martinez, SMEC’s BIM Coordinator, is dedicated to advancing digital engineering on projects like North-East Link while championing inclusivity. As Chair of Young Engineers Australia WA, she has strengthened community engagement for young engineers. Her roles in EPN and Women@SJ reflect her commitment to fostering a supportive and collaborative industry. Through these initiatives, Brizz demonstrates the qualities of a future leader—her approach is grounded in practical support, accessibility, and developing a connected and inclusive professional community. Her dedication to promoting growth and collaboration sets her apart as a role model and a positive influence within SMEC and the broader engineering industry. “Building inclusive networks within SMEC and supporting young engineers through professional connections motivates me to keep pushing forward,” Brizz said.
