Qld bridge earns 'Excellent' sustainability score

Kangaroo Point Bridge in Queensland has achieved an ‘Excellent’ certification under the Infrastructure Sustainability Council’s (ISC) Design and As-Built Rating Scheme.

Delivered in partnership between Brisbane City Council and Brisbane headquartered builder BESIX Watpac, the project’s sustainability achievements reflect the strong alignment between both organisations in delivering significant environmental and social contributions for Brisbane.

From major reductions in construction and operational emissions to innovative material use, heritage integration and strong social outcomes, this certification recognises the team’s sharp focus on embedding sustainability throughout design and construction.

“With almost 10,000 trips a day and more than four million in just over a year, Brisbane has clearly embraced the Kangaroo Point Bridge,” said Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner.

“We’re committed to keeping Brisbane moving and our partnership with BESIX Watpac and the federal government delivered this vital link for our growing city.

“But it’s more than concrete and steel — it’s become a destination, with locals and visitors stopping for the views, riverside dining and one of the best vantage points of our city skyline.”

Mark Baker, BESIX Watpac Chief Executive Officer, said working with partners and local subcontractors helped implement the construction innovations and strong social outcomes that contributed to securing the ‘Excellent’ sustainability certification.

“We’re continually integrating smarter ways to build, and using drones for water sampling — a first for an Australian civil construction project — is an innovation we’re proud to see contributing to this certification,” Baker said.

“We also delivered a Queensland first with the installation of the world’s largest lifting capacity tower crane on a single temporary support pier — a concept designed and tested using digital construction tools. This allowed us to lift massive steel components transported down the Brisbane River, improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions by taking trucks off the road.”

Baker added that upskilling the construction workforce is critical to achieving long-term sustainability outcomes in the construction industry.

“On this project, more than 60 early career construction workers gained invaluable experience on a major infrastructure project, helping build the capability needed for the significant pipeline of work ahead for Brisbane and Queensland.”

Since opening in December 2024, Kangaroo Point Bridge has become a defining feature of Brisbane’s active transport network. More than four million trips across the bridge have been recorded since its opening.

The 460-metre-long structure with a main span of 183 m makes it among the longest asymmetric cable stayed pedestrian bridges, and its 95 m mast stands as Brisbane’s tallest.

Key sustainability initiatives included:

• using drones for water quality monitoring;
• installing computer vision stereo gauges for real-time flood monitoring;
• use of the M2480D heavy-lifting luffing tower crane installed on a single temporary support pier in the Brisbane River, which enabled major elements to be fabricated off-site and transported down the river;
• 13% emissions reduction in construction emissions, enabled by various initiatives such as renewable energy powering the site offices and procurement of local steel;
• 74% emissions reduction in operational emissions, supported by Brisbane City Council’s requirement for commercial tenants to use 100% GreenPower;
• integration of solar panels within the Kangaroo Point landing canopy to enhance renewable energy generation;
• First Nations outcomes through collaboration with Turrbal representatives and archaeologists throughout works, as well as developing culturally informed interpretive signage;
• creation of more than 1800 jobs, with 64 apprentices, 14 graduates and 33 First Nations team members involved across construction and delivery roles.
   

The Kangaroo Point Bridge was partially funded by the Australian Government as part of the SEQ City Deal.

Images supplied by BESIX Watpac.