2011 NECA Queensland Excellence Awards

The Awards were announced at a prestigious luncheon held on Friday 2 September 2011 at Royal on the Park Hotel, Brisbane.  The capacity crowd was made up of representatives from the electrical industry, government, suppliers and the wider community.  NECA congratulates all the winners and certificate of commendation recipients.

Winners in each award category from Queensland are automatically entered into the 2011 National Excellence Awards.  The National Excellence Awards dinner to announce the national winners is held in November each year, alternating between Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. In 2011, the event will be held in Melbourne.

These Awards provide a rare opportunity for members to showcase their best projects to their peers, to industry and government and to the wider community. They are the ultimate platform for the best in electrical and communications projects in Australia, highlighting the winners’ technical innovation, safety record and management expertise in bringing home the job on-time and on-budget, and above the client’s expectations.

 

* $10 from each ticket to be donated to NECA's charity of choice Mates in Construction.

 

EXCELLENCE AWARDS WINNERS FOR 2011 

DOMESTIC RESIDENCE CATEGORY 

Automated Networks and Design for the Lim Residence 

The Lim residence is a stunning example of what can be achieved with a complete integrated automated system.

 

Automated Networks and Design were appointed to design, program and install this comprehensive system that gives the owner active global access and control of his property from anywhere that has internet connection.

 

All the residence’s technologies were integrated into the one system including access, blinds, lighting, audio-visual systems, CCTV, security systems and remote access maintenance & operation.  This means power and hot water can be switched off when away, and he can monitor and allow access to tradespeople, then set the alarm once they have left the property.

 

The owner is delighted by the excellent result achieved by Automated Networks and Design.

 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY

Stowe Australia Pty Ltd for the Metricon Stadium Solar 'Halo' roof project

  As an “Australian First, the Metricon Solar ‘Halo’ Roof project by Stowe Australia was truly unique.

 

Most outstanding was the fact that it is Australia’s largest generating BIPV system with seamless integration into the building fabric roof, covering approximately 2,500 square metres, and suspended 30 metres above the stadium’s 25,000 spectators.

 

System design was a critical factor as Stowe had the guarantee its performance.  This was an engineering feat involving 580 BIPV modules with 290 combinations of orientation and inclination.

 

The installation will off-set energy consumption by 20% per year.  It will generate approximately 276 megawatt hours of electricity per year or enough to power 250 homes.  

 

Metricon Stadium is now one of Queensland’s healthiest buildings, providing the state with an excellent example of energy efficient sustainability.

 

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY CATEGORY

Q Electrical Services

Q Electrical Services is committed to the Workplace Health and Safety of their employees, other workers and the general public and have actively implemented both “Industry Recognised” and their own codes of practice to assist them achieve their goal of zero accidents, injuries and illnesses. 

 

Regular toolbox and management meetings are used to identify areas that require attention, and implement new training systems. All work sites have online access to the company’s OH&S management systems to ensure procedures are maintained.

 

Since increasing their safety commitment 5 years ago, Lost Time Injuries have been reduced by over 85%.  The measurable benefit is being able to reduce costs whilst increasing productivity and happiness within the workplace.

 

Q Electricals clients have recognised and acknowledged this commitment to safety through numerous site safety awards.

 

 

INDUSTRIAL - SMALL PROJECTS CATEGORY

Applied Electro Systems for the Graincorp storage shed project

 

Applied Electro Systems won the contract to re-build and upgrade the GrainCorp Storage Shed in Boggabill, just outside Goondiwindi.

 

The scope required removal of storm damaged electricals, supply of temporary power and reinstating the installation to meet current standards. The project then grew to become a complete electrical upgrade to the entire 1968 facility to meet latest Australian standards. This included all mains, power, lighting and underground and overhead conveyor systems.   The biggest difficulty was the immovable finish date due to the expected “first harvest”. This required critical co-ordination and scheduling to keep local farmers informed as the project neared completion, so they knew when they could begin harvesting.

 

The feedback from GrainCorp has been very positive and Applied Electro Systems are currently working with them on new projects.

 

INDUSTRIAL - LARGE PROJECTS CATEGORY

Stowe Australia Pty Ltd for Sunstate Cement Ltd - wharf receival project

Sunstate Cement contracted Stowe Australia for all the electrical works at their GP wharf facility. This consisted of 3 x mobile hoppers, transfer towers and complex conveyor system. The scope required all electrical, cabling and instrumentation works, plus mains, general power and lighting and emergency systems throughout the wharf area.

 

A major challenge was that the Sunstate infrastructure spread across the new government owned “Port Of Brisbane” facility.  When “non client” ships arrived at the Port Of Brisbane wharf, maritime restrictions were enforced for 2-3 days, meaning Stowe had reschedule works until the ship left.

 

A “Project Quality Plan” was implemented to ensure the project was successfully delivered to Sunstate’s requirements. This was 1 of 5 capital expansion projects and Stowe Australia continue to remain Sunstate Cement’s preferred electrical contractor.

 

VOICE / DATA CATEGORY

Stowe Australia for NSSCF Forest Lake State High School project

Stowe Australia won the contract for the National Secondary School Computer Fund Programme. This was part of the Rudd Governments promise to provide a computer to all Secondary School Students.

 

The project initially involved 5 state high schools and commenced with Stowe doing a detailed audit of their existing infrastructure. 

 

From that Stowe developed a complete structured cabling design, as well as routing, local area switching, and wireless network infrastructure.  As each school had different classroom layouts, Stowe needed to design individual wireless deployment for each classroom block. 

 

Installation challenges included dealing with asbestos where the access points and data cabling needed to be installed, and working within operational school environments.

 

As a result of their outstanding performance, Stowe Australia has been awarded an additional 100 schools, with more to follow.

 

COMMERCIAL - SMALL PROJECT CATEGORY

Blue Star Atlantic for the Mansergh Shaw Building refurbishment, University of St Lucia

 

The “Mansergh Shaw” building project required the complete refurbishment of a number of areas throughout the building, including the existing engineering workshop area, the auditorium, and construction of a new level.

 

Blue Star Atlantic was contracted for the electrical works, which also included constructing and integrating 2 new data centres into the existing fibre- optic network.

 

The main objective was to provide sufficient space and technical infrastructure to meet existing and future needs of the University’s Engineering Departments as well as provide a high profile, high standard teaching environment for the University.

 

Throughout the project the constant challenge was ensuring the new installation would seamlessly integrate into the existing. This was achieved and the project was completed ahead of schedule. An outstanding result by Blue Star Atlantic.

 

A Highly Commended Award was presented to Blue Star Pacific for the Wyndum Fitout - Bundall Corporate Centre Tower project

 

COMMERCIAL - MEDIUM PROJECT CATEGORY

Blue Star Pacific for Springfield Central Primary and Springfield Central High schools project

 

Blue Star Pacific were awarded the electrical, telecoms and data fit out of the new Springfield Central High School in Brisbane’s fast growing western corridor.

 

The project was very comprehensive in specification but limited to a very tight six months deadline.  No extensions were to be allowed due to pupils being enrolled for the school’s first term due to start in January.

 

The Blue Star Pacific team installed all main switchboards, sub-main cabling to distribution boards, mechanical services, general and emergency lighting, all telecoms distribution cabling and fibre optics, Molex cat 6E cabling and MATV systems.

 

All was then tested and commissioned along with the production of operation and maintenance manuals.

 

The professionalism on display from the Blue Star Pacific team was impressive and kept variations and costs in tight control while maximising quality of workmanship.

 

COMMERCIAL - LARGE PROJECT CATEGORY

Fredon (Qld) Pty Ltd for Edumund Rice Performing Arts Centre project

 

Fredon Qld were appointed for the supply, installation, co-ordination and commissioning, of  all Electrical, Communications, Access Control, Audio Visual, and Stage Management Systems  for the new Edmund Rice  Performing Arts Centre.

 

The project was quite challenging in that most areas were unavailable for installation works until completely constructed and many were at high level.

 

Of particular challenge was the installation of the Audio Visual services within the open roof gantry. Special consideration was required for the services to be unobtrusive.   Fredon overcome these challenges through the in-house design and engineering of “custom bracketry support systems” to sit adjacent the overhead suspended gantry and support the cabling infrastructure.

 

The completed project has exceeded expectations and Fredon Qld has since been contracted by the client for additional work.

 

Fredon (Qld) Pty Ltd also received a Highly Commeded Award for their Waterfront Pier Precinct project

 

EcoSmart Electricians Sustainability Plus Recognition Award

The 2011 EcoSmart Electricians Sustainability Plus Recognition Award winner the BLE Group believes that as a good corporate citizen it is their responsibility to enhance environmental awareness by motivating and educating their employees and customers, whilst integrating sustainability into the business operations.  The BLE Group demonstrated a high level of Standards in the Environmental and Resource Management sector integrating business practices on effective protection of the environment, prudent use of natural resources whilst realising a high and stable level of economic growth.

The company fosters a philosophy of environmental responsibility into all aspects of their products and services

 –      By Spreading the Word

–      Through its Company Operations

–      And through its Company Commitments

 

A key driver when scoping any new system is to ensure there is only a positive impact on the environment.  This has become the mantra of the business.   Key environmental drivers include:

• No noise
• Pollution free
• And No waste

 

Monitoring data output from systems and regularly ‘tuning’ buildings for peak performance is a premium service offered by the BLE Group.  Employees are offered a range of programs that focus on energy efficiency up skilling to help them be better equipped and trained to take advantage of emerging business opportunities.

 

Sustainable processes in everything they do, that’s why the BLE Group has been chosen as the inaugural EcoSmart Electricians Sustainability Plus Recognition Award winner for 2011.

 

Past Winners

Follow this link to view the 2010 NECA Queensland Winners

Follow this link to view the 2009 NECA Queensland Winners

Follow this link to view the 2008 NECA Queensland Winners

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