Building a
connected and
sustainable
future
Year in Review 2022-23

Bringing deep design, engineering, procurement and project management know-how to complex community problems and projects, wherever in NSW our help is needed.

Case study
Rapid delivery of health housing exceeds expectations

64
housing units

20
sites in regional NSW

NSW Public Works used agile and flexible procurement, together with local contractors and offsite manufacturers, to quickly deliver quality housing for health workers as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Package. 

In the Hunter New England region, NSWPW delivered 44 accommodation units across 12 health sites within 18 months (from design to install). The architecturally designed modular units were built off-site—at the same time as the sites were prepared—then transported to the sites, providing an efficient construction method.

In the Riverina Western region, NSWPW will deliver 20 units across eight sites, focusing on cost-effective construction to maximise the available budget. 

The two approaches have exceeded client expectations by providing comfortable and well-equipped accommodations, attracting skilled staff and enabling longer stays.

Using advanced tools to enhance collaboration and project efficiency, supporting progress on the NSW State Infrastructure Strategy and its associated Infrastructure Digitisation Roadmap.

Case study
3D model transforms design process for Tomakin Sewage Treatment Plant

NSW Public Works (NSWPW) is managing the upgrade of the Tomakin Sewage Treatment Plant project in collaboration with Eurobodalla Shire Council. 

A key element of the project is the development of a comprehensive 3D model that encompasses the existing features of the site and the proposed underground infrastructures and underground utilities such as stormwater drainage, water, and electrical systems.

Implementing 3D engineering design helps identify site constraints, minimises variation orders, and increases the likelihood of completing projects within the allocated budget and schedule. NSWPW is now applying this digital methodology to similar projects, improving outcomes and efficiencies.

Building a better way of life for the regional and rural communities where we live and work.

Case study
“It’s magnificent”: Tweed community embraces Northern Rivers Rail Trail

24km
shared pathway

70,000+
users in first four months

The Tweed section of the Northern Rivers Rail Trail is a 24 km shared pathway from Murwillumbah to Crabbes Creek, offering a scenic route with 26 bridges and two tunnels. 

The project, funded by the NSW and Australian Governments, was successfully delivered by NSWPW in cooperation with Tweed Shire Council, Hazell Bros, and stakeholders. Collaboration was key to overcoming project challenges, including major flooding events, and engaging with local landholders.

The award-winning rail trail has been well received by the community. In the first four months after its opening on 1 March 2023, more than 70,000 people used the rail trail, far exceeding expectations.

Supporting clients to deliver on and stretch their sustainability ambitions and targets.

Case study
Schools benefit from renewable energy in pilot program

61
schools with solar and battery storage systems

50%
of schools' energy needs met

Solar arrays and battery storage systems have been installed on 61 NSW schools (over two tranches) through the Smart Energy Schools Pilot Project, supplying up to 50 percent of the schools’ energy needs. NSW Public Works leads the work as part of the Cooler Classrooms Program funded by School Infrastructure NSW.

In the next phase, the project will install the systems on 18 more and test two energy management devices to find the best technology to turn a selection of schools into virtual power plants (VPP). The VPP will allow the schools to use the solar for their energy needs, to charge the battery and to export and import energy to the grid. This enables schools to buy low and sell high, creating advantages for NSW schools and beyond. 

Harnessing the power of government contracts and construction projects to deliver industry diversity, and local contractor outcomes.

Case study
Reducing blood lead levels in Broken Hill children

134
houses completed during the 10-year program

Over the past decade, NSWPW and partners have successfully managed the Lead Abatement Program in Broken Hill, reducing blood lead levels in children under five. 

Broken Hill’s mining history spans over a century, with the adverse consequences being the deposition of lead in local soils and residential areas. Increased exposure to lead is linked to various health issues, particularly learning difficulties in young children.

Working with the NSW Environmental Protection Authority and the Broken Hill Environmental Lead Program, NSWPW’s involvement in the program includes replacing or capping contaminated soils, encapsulating lead-based paint in residential properties, and sealing internal ceiling joints to prevent lead-contaminated dust build-up.