Noosa Council’s biggest and most challenging construction project has taken the top prize at one of Queensland’s and the Northern Territory’s most prestigious awards for engineering.
The Black Mountain Road landslide reconstruction was named the winner for projects over $10 million at the 2025 Institute of Public Works Engineering Australasia (IPWEA) Queensland and Northern Territory (QNT) Excellence Awards, announced in Brisbane this week.
The project was one of 13 nominated for the award by local councils across Queensland, including Brisbane and Gold Coast City Councils.
Mayor Frank Wilkie said the award recognised a highly complex engineering achievement that delivered an exceptional outcome for the Noosa Hinterland community.
“I also extend my gratitude to NorthLane Consulting Engineers who undertook this project and are named alongside Council as recipients of this award,” Cr Wilkie said.
The $40 million project was jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with a $400,000 contribution from Council.
The reconstruction spanned 130 metres in length and had a depth the size of a five-storey building, following the largest landslide in Sunshine Coast history, triggered by the February 2022 floods. It was fully reopened to traffic in July this year.
“This award highlights the project team’s highly collaborative approach, which focused on innovative design, adaptable construction methodology and commitment to safety, environment and community,” Noosa Council Director of Infrastructure Shaun Walsh said.
“While the project was an outstanding engineering feat, it was also a vital milestone for hundreds of residents in the Noosa Shire.
“They endured construction noise, traffic and detours to access their homes and dealt with the disappointment of delays caused by persistent wet weather. Their patience and cooperation is acknowledged and greatly appreciated.”
This is second consecutive year Noosa Council has claimed major honours at the IPWEA-QNT awards, after the Noosa Spit Doggy Beach sand nourishment project won the 2024 Coastal Engineering Award.
