Veolia claims that there are few companies have had as much of an influence on safety standards for high pressure water jetting.
Vacancies for election to the ASTT Council
In Accordance with item 7c of the Constitution, election to Council shall be as follows:
HDD insurance in the face of climate change
Horizontal directional drilling is seen as one of the higher risk areas in the infrastructure sector. Climate change is further increasing this risk as extreme weather events become more frequent.
Trenchless Pioneers – Jim Pound
In a bid to celebrate the achievements and growth of the trenchless industry, Trenchless Australasia will be running a new question and answer segment.
TRACTO hosts Australasian contingent at Bauma
In October, TRACTO Australia hosted a group of contractors and partners from Australia and New Zealand at one of the world’s largest construction events in Munich, Germany.
Maxibor advises on HSEQ on HDD projects
All industry operators want to deliver quality work for their clients. Maxibor’s Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) Manager Rebecca O’Meley understands the connection between holistic safety practices and quality assurance in HDD.
Wellington Water’s pipe duplication project with McConnell Dowell
Wellington Water and McConnell Dowell Constructors Ltd have partnered together in a key infrastructure project to strengthen the Hutt Valley’s wastewater network in preparation for future growth and to reduce the risk of wastewater entering the environment in the event of a major earthquake.
Has your company recently made a new appointment?
Trenchless Australasia is introducing a new regular column tracking new appointments in Australia and New Zealand’s trenchless industries.
Reconciliation from industry experts Interflow
Interflow has proved its values with the launch of its first reconciliation action plan (RAP) which was formalised at a ceremony held in the company’s head office in Girraween, Sydney. Read more
5ELEM, NordiTube expand globally
Leading Chinese manufacturer 5ELEM has become the main shareholder in NordiTube Technologies, strengthening a partnership whose presence will be felt globally in the trenchless industry.
New Chairman for AUSJET/ADCVA
Peter Jones has stepped down as Chairman of the Board for AUSJET/ADCVA and welcomed Lance McKay to the role.
As the business development manager at Cleanaway, McKay has garnered resect within the industry as a person with a strong knowledge foundation.
A member of the Board since 2018, he now takes the reins as things gear up towards AUSJET 2022 in October.
Jones congratulated McKay, and said that the new chairman has the knowledge and drive to move the association forward.
“Looking forward to the year ahead with Lance at the helm,” Jones said.
For almost 30 years the Australasian High Pressure Water Jetting Association (AUSJET)
and the Australasian Drain Cleaning and Vacuuming Association (ADCVA) have been dedicated to strengthening safety standards and influencing change in the water jetting, drain cleaning, vacuum loading and hydro excavation industries.
After a series of pandemic-related delays, the inaugural AUSJET22 event will bring together industry experts for live exhibitions, demonstrations throughout the event, education opportunities and networking events for attendees.
Subscribe to Trenchless Australasia for the latest project and industry news.
Hard-work and loyalty comes first at Ditch Witch CEA and Walker and Gray Earthworks
Dedicated to delivering expert advice to its customers, Ditch Witch CEA has helped businesses like Walker and Gray Earthworks establish themselves as reputable contractors throughout the trenchless industry.
Andris Krumins reflects on his career in the trenchless industry
In a bid to celebrate the achievements and growth of the trenchless industry and the ASTT, Trenchless Australasia will be running a new question and answer segment featuring an ASTT member. In this edition, the August Trenchless Pioneer is Andris Krumins, a retired civil engineer. This is his story.
In your own words, how would you explain what the trenchless industry is?
The trenchless industry is total underground services infrastructure construction, refurbishment, renewal and management by processes and procedures devoid of open ground excavations.
How did you become involved in the trenchless industry?
I was lucky to work with innovative engineers where I was promoted to manage many world first sewer relining projects.
What is a standout trenchless project or milestone you have been involved in?
There were many in my 46 plus years in the water industry, such as relining 1.2 metres of the Chermside Branch sewer (18-inch dia) with PVC in the late 1960’s, Australia’s first use of large diameter PE at New Farm for 2.7 miles and world first use of spiral PVC sewer lining at Isles Lane. When these projects were done, there were no contractors in this business and work was performed by day labour. With time this changed as the no-dig industry grew. We only provided site preparation by day labour and contractors provided the technology and work force – as in relining Brisbane’s Main Sewer with Insituform – a project of some miles of man entry sewers through the CBD to Eagle Farm with a depth op to 116 feet.
Early international contractors also appeared such as Monier with large projects as above and gunniting this sewer to Eagle Farm in the 1970’s in the man entry sizes of 48-inch dia to 72-inch dia. Trenchless technologies provide solutions to new and old infrastructure extending economic lives with miniscule footprints, limiting environmental impacts on people, traffic and the environment.
What is the best part of trenchless technology? And how has it evolved since you first became part of the industry?
Since utility industries evolved from service providers to businesses, these projects are now totally in the hands of no-dig companies with little, if any, involvement from the utilities apart from contractual and planning.
Which form of trenchless technology do you think has had the most transformation and why?
I think directional drilling has grown. We now provide underground services through any ground conditions, under rivers, roads, and seas, at any depth, all with minimum impacts and at low costs. We have moved from sewers on line and grade, to curved on grade – a departure from century old givens and this opens brownfield and greenfield to unthought of services solutions. The needs for maintenance holes in sewer works has now become unnecessary.
Where do you see the trenchless industry in the next 10-20 years?
The trenchless technology needs to highlight its ability boundaries and sell this capability to service providers and professional institutions while developing low whole of life costs by embracing electrification technology as used by the big tunnelling industry, and embrace this as a positive of the industry.
How has the industry progressed in being more diverse?
I remember many years ago, a contractor using strong Maori ladies mixing grout for relining sewers, but this has now extended beyond hard labour to professional and trade trained females who can hold their own with males in the industry. They lead businesses, financial management and planning of projects professionally together with site supervision at project delivery as team members. Our industry provides a real and exciting career opportunity for females.
This article appeared in the August edition of Trenchless Australasia
New execs for Interflow’s team
Tracy Black, Interflow’s new chief financial officer, just recently joined the company. With her strong history of developing people and businesses, Tracy also has a proven track record of improving processes and helping businesses meet their financial goals across a number of industries.
Tracy Keevers has also been announced as Interflow’s executive manager of their people and capability function.
Keevers has moved from her previous role as people experience manager, where she has already delivered on some of the company’s key initiatives in the development of its leaders. A strong history in HR has enabled Keevers to enhance people experience at interflow, and has equipped her with the skills to excel in her takeover of the company’s people strategy. The new role will cover workplace planning, payroll, diversity and inclusion, and the development of Interflow’s people.
Interflow has congratulated the two newest members of the executive team. Already known for its professional approach and delivery on challenging jobs in the industry, Interflow continues to meet the needs of projects, clients and staff.
Subscribe to Trenchless Australasia for the latest project and industry news.
New Federal Infrastructure Minister confirmed
King said she was ready to pull on the safety boots and get to work in a recent Twitter post.
“As the first female Federal Infrastructure Minister and as part of a diverse ministry, I can’t wait to get to work with my state and territory colleagues,” she said.
First elected to Federal Parliament in 2001 to represent the electorate of Ballarat, King has been re-elected as member at each subsequent Federal Election.
Civil Contractors Federation National (CCF) has welcomed the appointment of King as the Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
“CCF congratulates Ms. King on her appointment and looks forward to working with her and the Government in addressing ongoing infrastructure investment and policy reforms to further strengthen the sector’s ability to contribute to Australia’s economic growth,” said Chris Melham, Chief Executive Officer, CCF.
King has held senior roles in both Opposition and Government relating to the transport and infrastructure portfolio and therefore has extensive experience and understanding of the challenges, opportunities and solutions facing the civil infrastructure sector.
In addition, King was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the portfolios of Health and Ageing and Infrastructure and Transport in the Gillard Government following the 2010 election.
On 25 March 2013, King was elevated to the roles of Minister for Regional Services, Local Communities and Territories and Minister for Road Safety in the Gillard Government. She was subsequently promoted to Cabinet on 1 July 2013, as Minister for Regional Australia, Local Government and Territories in the Rudd Government.
On 18 October 2013, King was appointed to the role of Shadow Minister for Health in the Shadow Cabinet led by Bill Shorten. Following the 2019 election, she was appointed to the role of Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development in the Shadow Cabinet led by Anthony Albanese.
Yarra Valley Water partners with Jacobs, Ripple
In an effort to deliver more efficient water at better value, Melbourne’s largest water corporation will be forming two new engineering services partnerships with Jacobs and the Beca/Stantec joint venture, Ripple.
Coalition visits KOR facility
KOR Equipment Solutions recently received a visit from Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Minister for Employment Stuart Robert and Federal Member of Chisholm Gladys Liu at the facility in Mulgrave, Victoria.
Watercare appoints new director
The council identified a need for additional resources in stakeholder engagement and customer communications on the Watercare board.
This appointment has been approved by a panel represented by the mayor and independent Maori statutory board chair.
Councillor Chris Darby represented the committee on the interview panel and welcomed the new appointment.
“The interview panel was unanimous in supporting Julian’s appointment from a strong field of candidates,” said Darby.
“His skills and insights will be invaluable in strengthening Watercare’s customer focus as it embarks on a substantial capital works programme and embeds water efficiency into the organisation’s operating model.”
Smith is an independent director with 13 years’ governance experience, having retired asvchief customer officer for Meridian energy in late 2019.
At Meridian, Smith was responsible for $1.2 billion in revenue with a team of 400 staff beneath him.
For more information visit the Auckland Council website.
TasWater hires new CEO
TasWater has announced that George Theo will be replacing Mike Brewster as chief executive officer.
Melbourne Water appoints first female MD
Dr Di Lorenzo joined Melbourne Water in July 2019 as the executive general manager of service delivery and has played a critical role in reshaping the organisation.
Prior to her position at Melbourne Water, Di Lorenzo held the title of chief executive officer at City of Moreland.
She holds engineering qualifications, is vastly experienced in asset management, and has worked in the highly complex processing environment of the oil sector.
According to Melbourne Water’s chair, Prof. John Thwaits, Dr Di Lorenzo was an outstanding appointment with exceptional qualifications, and the board looks forward to working closely with her through the next phase of the utility’s history.
“In her time at Melbourne Water, the Board has been thoroughly impressed by Dr Di Lorenzo’s leadership, skills and ability to drive customer outcomes in a collaborative way,” Thwaites said.
“This historic appointment – the first female managing director in the organisation’s 130 history – builds on previous appointments of women to senior roles in the organisation.”
Di Lorenzo said she was proud to be appointed Melbourne Water’s next managing director
“I’m particularly excited about forging stronger relationships with our customers and delivery partners, especially Traditional Owners,” said Di Lorenzo.
“The sector is facing big challenges including long term water security, reducing our greenhouse gas emissions, improving the health of our rivers and catchments and making greater Melbourne an even better place to live.
“We can only meet these challenges by working hand in hand with our customers and the community.”
Di Lorenzo succeeds Michael Wandmaker, who had been the company’s MD since 2014 and will step down from the role on 30 November.
Thwaites thanks Wandmaker for his dedication and achievements over the last seven years.
For more information visit the Melbourne Water website.
Interflow celebrates 85 years
Throughout its history, Interflow has pioneered technologies and renewal methods that have been well received for their innovation.
The company was founded in 1936 by Harold ‘Bill’ Weaver, whose mission it was to support the growth of budding communities along the east coast of Australia.
Weaver and his original team at Interflow constructed water, sewerage and drainage systems for developing towns, earning him a reputation as a change maker.
His ability to identify gaps in the market and develop services to meet the needs of his customers allowed him to expand the company’s operations across the country.
Since the 30s, Interflow has been generation-led and family owned, with leadership handed down from father to son now over three generations
From proactive asset management to emergency repairs, the company is dedicated to developing bespoke solutions that satisfy its customers’ needs: robust, sustainable pipeline infrastructure that will service the growing requirements of the community for generations to come.
As early as the 1990s, interflow pioneered the use of trenchless technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs and minimise impact to the environment and community.
In 1991 – 30 years ago – the company signed its first 20-year exclusivity deal with partners in innovation Rib Loc.
Together, the companies provided hundreds of local councils and water authorities with industry-leading pipeline infrastructure services, restoring assets for an expected period of 50 years.
The companies continue to share a working relationship today.
Today, managing director and Bill Weaver’s grandson, Geoff Weaver, is responsible for the company’s operations, establishing an international foothold in New Zealand, and negotiating two twenty-year exclusive Australasian licenses for spirally wound rehabilitation products.
At 85 years, Interflow is Australia’s largest provider of Trenchless pipeline solutions, establishing itself as the preferred delivery partner within Australian markets.
Geoff Weaver said the company’s ongoing success has been guided by the core values laid out by his grandfather.
“My grandfather’s ethos was simple. He was committed to challenging the status quo and finding new and better ways to do things,” he said.
“Each generation of leadership has been responsible for refining these methods and developing new technologies to further improve the experience of our customers and communities.”
Interflow now employs over 600 people across Australasia, and the company continues to expand the range of services it provides.
“As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we look forward to the next 85 years of supporting our customers and uplifting communities with pipeline infrastructure solutions for generations to come,” Weaver added.
For more information visit the Interflow website.
North East Water appoints new managing director
Chairperson Cath Botta said the appointment follows a rigorous recruitment process.
“Jo has more than 20 years of experience in the water, local government and media sectors, with the last four years as an executive at Barwon Water in Geelong”, said Botta.
“The board identified her servicing of regional communities and her focus on customer engagement as major strengths in the interview process.
“We are confident that Jo has the experience to lead North East Water’s evolution and will help guide the corporation through unprecedented regional growth and the impacts of climate change.”
Murdoch replaces long-serving managing director Craig Deiner, who will step down on 1 December after 13 years at the helm and 30 years with North East Water.
“I am excited to be relocating to the beautiful north-east region to take up the leadership role at North East Water,” said Murdoch.
“It will be a great privilege to lead a skilled and talented team as it supports the health and prosperity of the region.”
The board thanked Deiner for his leadership and outstanding contribution to the utility and wished Murdoch all the best for her future term.
For more information visit the North East Water website.
ASTT offers courses at NDDU
Originally developed by the North American Society for Trenchless Technology (NASTT), the ASTT has licensed the training courses and adapted the material for Australasian audiences.
The courses are considered the global industry standard for trenchless technology education.
The training courses include:
- Sewer Laterals Good Practices
- Horizontal Direction Drilling (HDD) Good Practices
- New Installation Methods Good Practices
The Sewer Laterals Good Practices Course will be presented by Ben Norton, a Nuflow group trainer.
The course offers a clear understanding of the problems and relevant issues unique to the private lateral portion of the collection system network.
The HDD Good Practices Course will be hosted by Ben Crosby, ASTT Queensland councillor and managing director at Bamser.
The course presents the key elements of a successful HDD project from planning to job completion, as well as providing the opportunity to meet with a number of HDD specialists in the field.
The Trenchless Methodologies Introduction is presented by Justin Shepherd, ASTT Victorian Councillor and Group Technical Director at McConnell Dowell, and Blair Telfer, ASTT Vice President and New Zealand Councillor.
This course provides an introduction and overview of commonly used, as well as new, trenchless installation methods for the accurate installation of new utilities, services, casings, or other underground facilities.
Registration is $490 for ASTT members and $590 for non-members and members can earn CPD points.
Class sizes are capped so book now to avoid disappointment.
IA forecasts shortages for infrastructure boom
Infrastructure Australia (IA) has released its inaugural Infrastructure Market Capacity report, forecasting peak shortages across the infrastructure sector, with major activity expected to double in the next three years.
Infrastructure Victoria CEO steps down
“It is with mixed feelings that I confirm Infrastructure Victoria’s inaugural CEO, Michel Masson, will end his tenure with the organisation at the end of this month,” a spokesperson for the company stated.
Masson led the company from 2016 to present, during which time he established Infrastructure Victoria as an independent voice on a range of infrastructure issues.
Under Masson’s leadership, the company presented Victoria’s Infrastructure Strategy 2021-2051 to the Victorian Parliament in August this year.
This was the second statewide 30-year strategy completed under Masson’s stewardship to future proof Victoria’s infrastructure.
The Victorian Government issued a statement last Friday acknowledging the tenure of the inaugural CEO.
“During Mr Masson‘s time as chief executive officer, Infrastructure Victoria has outlined ways in which Victoria can make the most of existing infrastructure, while also ensuring new infrastructure delivers maximum value,” the statement read.
Treasurer Tim Pallas thanked Masson for his productive and strategic leadership over the last five years.
“Michel has done a fantastic job guiding Infrastructure Victoria in its crucial first years, helping to inform our state’s record infrastructure program,” Pallas said.
According to Infrastructure Victoria, under Masson’s guidance the building authority influenced more government policy and decision-making than ever before.
More than 90 per cent of the 137 recommendations from the company’s first 30-year strategy are now complete or in progress, constituting a strong impact record.
Infrastructure Victoria is now a recognised leader in deliberative engagement across a range of complex and challenging topics such as zero emissions vehicles, recycling infrastructure, port capacity, gas infrastructure and population-serving infrastructure for the Suburban Rail Loop.
Infrastructure Victoria acknowledges Masson’s enduring impact on team culture and thanks him for his dedication to the organisation.
“It has been an honour and privilege to lead Infrastructure Victoria in contributing to robust policy decisions and a better future for all Victorians,” said Masson.
“I am immensely proud of the talented and passionate team at Infrastructure Victoria who have continuously demonstrated the value of independent, transparent, evidence based advice.”
Deputy CEO Jonathan Spear will serve as Acting CEO while the organisation undertakes a formal search process.
Masson will continue as CEO until 4 November 2021.
For more information visit the Infrastructure Victoria website.
WaterNSW chair steps down
WaterNSW has advised that long-standing chair Anne McDonald has concluded her term with the company, following more than five years at the helm of the board.