Tasmania’s top civil contractors have been recognised at the 2026 Earth Awards gala in Hobart, with winning projects spanning from Flinders Island to Bridgewater.
The awards covered 12 categories, with the standout project being the New Bridgewater Bridge, delivered by McConnell Dowell for the Tasmanian government and the largest transport infrastructure project in the state’s history.
The bridge was delivered on time and within budget in a complex marine environment, combining modularised construction and multiple work fronts.
More than 160,000 tonnes of concrete were poured during the project, with a purpose-built precast facility employing 150 workers.
Other winners included Batchelor Construction Group for the Lady Barron Boating Facility on Flinders Island and the South Arm Pipeline, Fulton Hogan for the Launceston Airport Upgrade and BridgePro Engineering for the Port Latta Dolphin Fender Replacement.
CCF Tasmania chief executive Andrew Winch said every nominated project had provided a massive boost to the community.
“We don’t just judge these projects on how amazing they look when they’re finished,” he said.
“It comes down to safety, innovation, training and how well the job was run.”
“A bridge carrying more than 20,000 vehicles a day is on the same list as a boating facility on Flinders Island, which shows just how vital our sector is to the community,” Winch said.
McConnell Dowell’s Peter Fraser said the legacy of the Bridgewater Bridge project went beyond the structure itself.
“When you ask people about it, what they remember is the people and the camaraderie and how it was delivered,” he said.
Fraser said many workers who moved to Tasmania for the project had since chosen to stay permanently.
Seven State Awards were also handed out recognising the people and businesses behind the work.
Jai Wynwood from BridgePro Engineering took out the Ashley Cooper Civil Trainee/Apprentice of the Year, while Helen Zichy-Woinarski from Hazell Bros won Equipment Operator of the Year.
Other state winners included Luka Ulbrich from Cato Group as Owner Operator of the Year, Linnell Cartage and Contracting as Small Civil Contractor of the Year, Hazell Bros for Commitment to Training, BridgePro Engineering for the Digital Technology Award and BlackCap Construction for Safety at Roadworks.
Winch said the industry would need more people coming through, with a $40 billion infrastructure pipeline ahead for Tasmania.
“I hope these awards, the work we are doing with the Tasmanian Government through the High Vis Army and other initiatives will encourage even more people to look at a really rewarding career in the civil sector,” he said.
Each Earth Award winner will represent Tasmania at the National Earth Awards in November.
