Unitywater has been recognised for its approach to community and infrastructure engagement, winning the 2025 UDIA Queensland Excellence Award for Community Engagement for its Aura and Harmony
Infrastructure Program.
The award acknowledges Unitywater’s proactive, transparent and values-led approach to engaging with local communities, environmental groups and First Nations partners throughout the planning and delivery
of the landmark water and wastewater infrastructure program.
Delivered in partnership with principal contractor McConnell Dowell, the Aura and Harmony Program is designed to support sustainable growth in the Sunshine Coast region.
The project commenced in April 2023 and is delivering 27.6 kilometres of water and wastewater pipelines, two large water reservoirs, and an advanced wastewater pump station. Once complete, it will provide essential services for more than 71,000 future residents – 50,000 in Aura by 2050 and 21,000 in Harmony by 2036.
Unitywater executive manager strategic engagement, Joshua Zugajev, said the award reflected the organisation’s commitment to putting people and partnerships at the heart of infrastructure delivery.
“This award is a testament to the power of genuine collaboration and engagement, having a no-surprises approach and being a good neighbour,” Mr Zugajev said.
“Through the Aura and Harmony Infrastructure Program, Unitywater has shown that when we listen, respect and work alongside our communities, we can deliver infrastructure in ways that support both people and the environment.”
The project’s success was built on early and meaningful engagement – well before construction began.
Unitywater worked closely with residents, local councils, environmental advocates such as Save Protect Connect, and the Kabi Kabi peoples, ensuring local values and cultural heritage were respected.
Innovative initiatives included recycling felled trees into coarse woody debris for ecosystem rehabilitation, personalised traffic management for affected residents, and an inclusive engagement program with the
Compass Institute to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to experience the construction environment first hand.
“Winning this award reinforces Unitywater’s leadership in community-focused infrastructure delivery,” Mr Zugajev said.
“Our engagement approach has built trust and established a legacy of inclusion and respect that will endure well beyond project completion.”
