SYSTRA publishes its ESG Performance Report 2024

Based out of our Sydney office, Maud returns having previously worked for SYSTRA from 2009 through to 2019 which included a relocation from Paris to Sydney in 2014.

“We are thrilled to welcome Maud back to our business,” says Rob Scarbro, Director – Systems, SYSTRA. He adds, “Maud will play a crucial role in helping us strengthen our position as the Systems Integrator of choice across the Australian and New Zealand markets.

“She will offer our existing clients outstanding technical expertise where she specialises in rail operations planning, with a particular emphasis on operational modelling. She will also play a key role in helping us win work and grow our team.”

At a time when significant upgrades to our rail network are set to be rolled out as well as major investment in High-Speed Rail, Maud’s expertise in complex rail systems including the integration of ETCS and CBTC will be crucial to helping our clients navigate what will be a unique period of change.

“There is so much opportunity ahead for the ANZ market with the rail system in both regions undergoing significant change,” says Maud.

She adds, “Operational Planning will be important to the success of these projects in that we will be working closely with our Integration team to ensure the systems and technologies achieve their desired objectives. I’m excited to be back, working closely with our clients across the full lifecycle of projects to ensure interoperable networks are achieved.”

Within the Operational Modelling space, Maud believes that with these exciting projects in the pipeline, there is a lot of room for us to push the boundaries of innovation, using data and technology to achieve safety and productivity benefits across the industry.

She says, “I’m looking forward to being at the forefront of that change, upholding our core values of bold leadership, excellence and connected teams to make this period of change one of great benefit to our clients and the community.”  

To find out more about Maud’s experience and expertise, please click here.

Hiral, a Systems Engineering Consultant based in Brisbane, recognises the opportunity as a stepping stone towards further leadership aspirations.

“I recently completed the Trellis 8-week program for women which offered tools and strategies of navigating in male-dominated industries, strengthening my career aspiration to take on leadership positions,” says Hiral.

She adds, “When the leaders within the business recommended I apply for this program, I saw it as an important growth milestone to achieve something that I’ve set out to do. I am honoured to be recognised internally and even more so by the selection committee at the ARA.

Gautam, an Operational Technology Engineer in our Perth office believes being part of the Future Leaders Program will help him round out his technical skills.

He says, “Having recently worked on a major project in Perth that changed a lot as time went on, this course will help provide me with a deeper level of understanding for the bigger picture at stake within these projects. The course will help me understand more about how and why decisions are made which will inevitably lead me to providing better solutions for our clients and the community.”

Dave Cahilap, Director – Learning and Talent Development adds, “Having two of our emerging leaders represent our business through the Future Leaders Program is a terrific testament to both Hiral and Gautam. It will provide them opportunity to expand their network and develop new skills that will help them achieve their goals. Having both represent our business also demonstrates our value to clients as the signature team for rail.”

Consisting of three intensive workshops and online webinars, the ARA Future Leaders Program 2025 is as an exclusive leadership program, equipping young emerging leaders with the concepts, tools, networks and self-awareness needed for a successful leadership journey.

It is specifically tailored for the rail industry and supports a hand-picked group of emerging leaders to:

• Build a cross-industry network;
• Develop the capabilities required of successful leaders; and
• Raise their profile through an executive sponsorship program.

Follow Hiral and Gautam on LinkedIn to keep up to date with their journey.

Explore how asset management enhances lifecycle management by optimising efficiency, sustainability, and resilience through innovative strategies and advanced technologies.

Asset Management focus

Lifecycle management in complex projects involves comprehensive planning and execution from inception to decommissioning. With a vast majority of lifecycle costs incurred during the operational and maintenance phases, there is an imperative to plan programs from the start to maximise efficiencies. With modern technological advancements, heightened sustainability requirements, and resilience concerns, innovative strategies are essential. This article explores how having an asset management focus enhances lifecycle outcomes.

People and lifecycle

Despite the advent of advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), SYSTRA recognises that people remain a critical navigation component of the lifecycle management process. Ultimately there is a human factors element that creates, steers and monitors that set the boundary conditions.

With clients looking for innovation in maintenance, leaders are required to give a clear vision and strategy for managing the project lifecycle, including setting goals, aligning resources, and fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. Especially in complex program environments, non-linear aspects require awareness and leadership that enable an adaptive collaborative culture where all stakeholders – including users, employees, suppliers, and customers – work together towards common goals and optimised contribution of the asset to achieving business performance outcomes.

Artificial Intelligence in Project and Asset Management

AI offers transformative potential for asset optimisation. It enables analysis of big data to enhance and adjust processes and enrich network connections. By leveraging AI, organisations can achieve significant improvements in efficiency, reliability and cost-effectiveness, and better align to achieving organisational outcomes. In conjunction with traditional asset performance monitoring techniques, predictive analytics and maintenance can be greatly enhanced to reduce costs over the long support timeframe. Intelligent proactive maintenance reduces the risk of unexpected failures by enabling targeted maintenance just-in-time that helps to maximise availably.

In large programs of high value, a ‘Digital Twin’ can be created and used to run multiple accelerated scenarios to analyse system behaviours and ultimately provide system optimisation. Alongside real-time analysis, schedule optimisation and provision of predictive insights allow for more-informed decision-making and resource allocation. These capabilities lead to more efficient, effective, and intelligent proactive maintenance, reducing costs and enhancing asset reliability.

An example of AI simplifying regular operational task is using AI-driven drones and robots for autonomous inspections of infrastructure, including providing real time data on Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) risks. These technologies can be used to perform detailed inspections in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, identifying potential issues with great accuracy and maximised safety.

An example of large-scale AI when combined with logistics is Autonomic Logistics. AI-driven systems can be used to manage supply chain operations autonomously by optimising inventory levels, forecasting demand, and schedule deliveries without the need for manual intervention.  This then frees human endeavours to conduct more productive work.

Simplifying the difficult and making it Business as Usual

• Easing Lifecycle Constraints Through Carbon Reduction Strategies

Sustainability is a critical consideration in modern project management. Reducing carbon emissions is not only environmentally responsible but increasingly mandated by regulations and community expectations. Employing strategies to limit or reduce carbon production during the asset lifecycle will have multiple additional benefits including improved public perception of the project and enhancing company environmental credentials. Throughout the lifecycle management of the asset, adopting sustainable procurement practices to minimise the environmental impact of materials and services must be managed to achieve carbon emission goals.

Dependant on the type and scale of program and facilities, deciding on energy sources and efficiency of equipment at the start of a program can significantly reduce future issues in program reporting when considering the carbon footprint of a project. Incorporating renewable energy sources are an easy and discernible method of reducing carbon emissions.  Planning and using solar panels on infrastructure or other green energies alongside other options like efficient facilities having LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and advanced insulation materials, all contribute.

• Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018

The Security of Critical Infrastructure Act 2018 (SOCI Act) has been enacted to ensure the protection and resilience of critical infrastructure. It requires operators of critical infrastructure to adopt robust security practices. Adopting the SOCI Act requirements into lifecycle management at the outset enables a smooth roadmap throughout the lifecycle.

Investments in the use of automated compliance monitoring tools and utilisation of testing against Digital Twins are ways projects can ensure ongoing adherence to SOCI Act requirements without incurring extensive human resource outlays. These tools can continuously scan for vulnerabilities, monitor network activity, and provide real-time alerts for potential cybersecurity risks and breaches.

Challenges and Future Directions

While these innovative approaches offer significant benefits, they also present challenges that need to be addressed. The use of highly connective and data driven solutions like AI, IoT, and digital platforms, brings about the need for assurance of data security and privacy. Robust cybersecurity measures and clear data governance policies are essential to protect sensitive information.

Interoperability and scalability allowing for different systems and technologies is critical for seamless integration and maximising potential for growth options. Standards and protocols need to be established to facilitate interoperability and data exchange. The adoption of advanced technologies requires investment in training and development to equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage these technologies effectively. Organisations must stay informed with evolving regulations and standards to ensure compliance to avoid potential legal and financial penalties. There is also the need to understand the limitation of these tools, and be knowledgeable where human professional judgement is still required.

Conclusion

Innovative lifecycle management is founded in leadership and the culture that enables a holistic approach. There are large benefits to be gained in the use of innovative technologies such as AI but we must be mindful of the constraints and boundaries like security and carbon reduction requirements. By embracing these innovative strategies, organisations can enhance project performance, sustainability, and security. As technology continues to evolve, these approaches will become increasingly important in managing the complexities of modern projects, paving the way for a more sustainable, efficient, and secure future.

Case Studies

Smart Cities and Sustainable Urban Development

Smart cities provide a practical example of integrating these innovative strategies into lifecycle management. By leveraging IoT, AI, and renewable energy, cities can optimise resource use, reduce emissions, and enhance the quality of life for residents.  Barcelona and Singapore provide good examples:

• Barcelona: The city has implemented a comprehensive smart city strategy that includes smart grids, intelligent lighting systems, and renewable energy sources. These initiatives have led to significant energy savings, reduced carbon emissions, and improved urban mobility.
• Singapore: Singapore’s Smart Nation initiative focuses on leveraging digital technologies to create a sustainable and liveable city. The use of AI in traffic management, energy-efficient buildings, and advanced waste management systems are key components of this strategy.

Railway Projects

The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) is designed to support the digital transformation of railways, enhancing safety, efficiency, and passenger experience. Capabilities include real-time updates on train positions and speeds, as well as provide real-time data on track conditions, train performance, and passenger flow, allowing for predictive maintenance and efficient resource allocation. The integration of FRMCS and AI in railway projects can be seen in initiatives like the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS) and the UK’s Digital Railway program.

• ERTMS: This initiative aims to create a standardised, interoperable railway system across Europe. By incorporating FRMCS, ERTMS enhances communication, safety, and efficiency, paving the way for a more connected and reliable railway network.
• UK Digital Railway: The UK’s Digital Railway program focuses on using digital technologies, including FRMCS and AI, to improve the capacity and reliability of the railway network. This includes real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and intelligent traffic management.

This article was first published in ICCPM’s Connect Magazine Issue 53 – August 2024.

Pumped Hydro Energy Storage is a vital technology driving Australia’s energy transition, offering a proven and reliable solution for storing excess energy and delivering power on demand.

Currently, 5-7 per cent of total electricity generation comes from Hydropower in Australia (ARENA). With significant opportunity to expand, AEMO predicts that by 2040, Australia will need up to 15 gigawatts (GW) of large-scale energy storage to power our communities and critical infrastructure. Australia’s potential to become a global leader in Pumped Hydro Energy Storage has been backed by government and industry with up to 22,000 sites capable of storing 67,000GWh identified (Arena, ‘An atlas of pumped hydro energy storage’).

There are currently three schemes connected to Australia’s energy grid – Wivenhoe Dam, Tumut 3 and Shoalhaven, collectively adding 1.6 GW capacity – though a new golden age for the technology has begun. New projects including Kidston Pumped Hydro (QLD) – the first Pumped Hydro Energy Storage System in 37 years – Borumba Pumped Hydro Energy Project (QLD), Snowy 2.0 (NSW) and Tarraleah (Tas) are currently in the pipeline and will see the number of connected schemes grow along with the total percentage of electricity generated.

The growth of Pumped Hydro Energy Storage and its importance to the global energy transition is not isolated to Australia either. According to the International Hydropower Association’s 2024 World Hydropower Outlook, total installed pumped hydro energy storage capacity grew by 6.5GW to 179GW. By 2030, this is set to grow to 240GW.

What is Pumped Hydro Energy Storage and how does it work?

Pumped Hydro Energy Storage is a simple idea yet complex in development. It works by using gravity and water to store and generate electricity. To do so, the process involves two reservoirs at different elevations, each serving specific purposes:

1. During periods of low electricity demand or excess renewable generation, water is pumped from the lower reservoir to the upper reservoir, storing potential energy.
2. When electricity is needed, water is released from the upper reservoir through turbines, generating power as it flows back to the lower reservoir.

This cycle can be repeated indefinitely, making pumped hydro a clean, flexible and long-lasting storage solution and an important part of the energy transition.

The detailed video created by the Queensland Government and Queensland Hydro provides a visual representation of what Pumped Hydro Energy Storage is and how it works.

The Role of Pumped Hydro in Australia’s Energy Transition

Pumped Hydro Energy Storage projects date back over 100 years globally with Australia’s own history emerging in the late 1940’s with the Snowy Hydro. The importance of the Snowy Hydro laid the foundations for Pumped Hydro Energy Storage in Australia with Tumut 3 located within the scheme reaching completion in 1973. The overall scheme consists of eight power stations, 16 major dams, 80 kilometres of aqueducts and 145 kilometres of interconnected tunnels. This equates to a generation capacity of 4,100 megawatts (MW) and produces on average, 4,500 gigawatt-hours of renewable electricity each year.

Long seen as an alternative technology, it’s only now that it is finding an increased role in the national energy market. With fossil fuels being slowly phased out of the energy system, Pumped Hydro Energy Storage offers competitive advantages over other alternatives and provides many benefits that will enable and enhance Australia’s energy transition. These include:

• Grid Stability and Reliability

As intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are increasingly integrated into power grids, maintaining stability becomes challenging. Pumped hydro provides stability to the grid through its ability to balance supply and demand, maintain grid frequency and prevent surges and blackouts. This is particularly important when renewable energy generation is reduced.

• Large-Scale, Long-Duration Storage

Pumped hydro can store massive amounts of energy for extended periods. This capability is crucial for managing seasonal variations in renewable energy production and demand. Pumped Hydro exists as the only renewable, large-scale storage technology. In Queensland, two planned projects at Borumba and Pioneer-Burdekin will have the potential to store up 7 gigawatts of electricity. This would be enough to power the whole of Queensland for an entire day before needing to be recharged (Department of Energy and Climate).

• It is Renewable

Pumped Hydro uses natural resources to store and generate power and by this very fact offers one of its most significant benefits. With the added overlay of a global energy transition and net zero agreements, Pumped Hydro compliments wind and solar technologies and through its ability to offer large-scale storage makes those projects increasingly viable.

• Low operational costs

Despite a high CAPEX price tag, particularly during the construction phases, Pumped Hydro Energy Storage facilities have long operational lifespans (50-100 years) and low maintenance costs, making them a cost-effective solution in the long-term. In addition, the cost of stored energy is relatively low when compared with generation. A review done by the Australian National University in 2021 found Pumped Hydro storage costs around $18/MWh compared to the cost of solar and wind energy, which is estimated to be between $27 and $56/MWh by 2030 for solar and $40 and $59/MWh for onshore wind (CSIRO).

Pumped Hydro vs. Battery Energy Storage: Complementary Roles in Australia’s Energy Future

Pumped hydro and regular energy storage batteries are complementary technologies, each offering benefits to Australia’s energy transition.

One of the main benefits of Pumped Hydro is that it can power thousands, if not millions of homes. It excels at large-scale, long-duration storage and offers long operational lifespans.

In comparison, battery storage systems, particularly lithium-ion batteries, offer advantages at the other end of the market where rapid response times are required after events such as storms. Batteries can be deployed faster, are cheaper to build, leave a smaller geographical footprint, and can be easily scaled to meet specific needs.

For the sake of comparison, as revealed in ‘An atlas of pumped hydro energy storage’ (2017), Snowy 2.0 could store up to 360GWh whereas the Tesla Battery in South Australia has a capacity of 0.13GWh and only has a life expectancy of up to 15 years. 

Both technologies have their role to play in Australia’s energy transition and both are required if we are to achieve ambitious net zero targets. The choice between pumped hydro and regular battery storage often depends on specific project requirements, geographical constraints, and the intended role within the broader energy system.

Lower Churchill Dam, Canada

A look at Pumped Hydro Energy Storage Projects

Kidston Pumped Hydro

The Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project is an innovative renewable energy initiative in Far North Queensland that has repurposed an abandoned gold mine into a 250 MW facility. As the flagship project of the Kidston Clean Energy Hub, it will be the first of its kind in Australia to integrate solar, wind, and pumped hydro storage. Once completed in 2024, the project will provide 2,000 MWh of energy storage with rapid response capabilities. SYSTRA is playing a key role in the project’s engineering and design, leveraging its expertise in sustainable infrastructure solutions to help deliver this groundbreaking renewable energy hub.

Click here to learn more about this project.

Borumba Pumped Hydro

The Borumba Pumped Hydro Project aims to harness the power of pumped storage technology to support Queensland’s energy transition. With a planned capacity of up to 2,000 MW and 24 hours of storage, the project will be one of the largest pumped hydro facilities in the world. SYSTRA has been appointed by Queensland Hydro to provide underground technical services and management services for the project, drawing on its extensive experience in tunnels and underground infrastructure.

Click here to learn more about this project.

Kidston Pumped Hydro

Borumba Pumped Hydro Project

Challenges and Future Outlook for Pumped Hydro Energy in Australia

Australia’s potential to become a globally recognised leader for Pumped Hydro Energy Storage has been endorsed by government and industry.

New technologies and innovations in design, including the repurposing of existing infrastructure are helping to advance the viability of projects. This is helped by the fact the energy transition is a matter of climate and human urgency and backed by net zero targets around the world.

Despite its benefits and the enormous potential within Australia, the technology faces challenges. These include:

Environmental impacts:

Due to the sheer scale of these projects, there are environmental concerns that must be carefully managed both in development and across its lifetime. Pumped Hydro projects typically undergo lengthy Environmental Impact Assessments to navigate complexities such as:

• Inundation of land, often in forested areas
• Damming of natural water courses with the resulting changes to the natural hydrology
• Effects on aquatic life, threats and disturbances to habitats
• Water quality and management
• Climate change – The evaporation and use of water in particular
• Energy loses

Despite being a renewable form of energy storage, Pumped Hydro will still impact the environment around it.

High development cost:

Pumped Hydro projects are significant infrastructure developments. In 2018, AEMO predicted the average cost of building a new Pumped Hydro Energy Storage facility is around $2 million per MW, offering a guide to today’s estimates. The Borumba Pumped Hydro facility for context will cost around AUD 14 billion.

Long development timelines:

Research suggests the average lead time for a project is around 12 years (ARENA). The long lead time from concept to energy generation is due to the complexity of the project, the lengthy stakeholder engagement process and the need to carefully plan around it i.e. how to connect into renewable energy sources as well as the national grid. Long lead times can also expose the project to cost blow outs and delays which are not uncommon.

Remote locations:

Sites identified as having potential for Pumped hydro developments are often located in remote locations. As a result, transmission lines are then required to scale long distances inviting further complexity, greater cost and may also require further infrastructure development. Onsite staff may also be required to relocate, creating mobility challenges, though this can create opportunities for regional development and growth in the local economy.

Renewable energy Zones

Pumped Hydro Energy Storage projects are often located near or within renewable energy zones. Because they are often part of much wider programs, the planning process can be long and at times challenging because you are planning for more than just the Pumped Hydro project.

Conclusion

Pumped Hydro Energy Storage will play an increasingly important role in Australia’s renewable energy transition. Its ability to provide large-scale and long-duration storage at a relatively low cost makes it a vital component in creating a stable, reliable, and clean energy future. As technology advances and policy support grows, Pumped Hydro Energy Storage technology well positioned to capture its full potential, helping Australia to become a global leader for the renewable energy source.

SYSTRA, a global leader in engineering and consultancy, are delighted to have been selected by Queensland Hydro to provide underground technical services and management services in support of the construction of the exploratory tunnels for the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project. 

This milestone project is part of Queensland’s ambitious plan to bolster renewable energy infrastructure, providing significant benefits for the region and beyond.

Located near Imbil, northwest of the Sunshine Coast, it involves the development of pumped hydro energy storage at Lake Borumba. Once operational, the Borumba Pumped Hydro Project will be capable of dispatching 2,000 MW and storing up to 24 hours of energy with the capacity to supply electricity for up to 2.3 million Queensland homes. 

The scope of the Exploratory Tunnelling and Drilling Works (ET&D) Contractor, over which the Underground Technical Services and Management (Underground TSM) services are focused, is the design and construction of two access tunnels, with site-based works scheduled to commence in the first half of 2025 subject to regulatory approvals. 

The appointment leverages SYSTRA’s considerable experience providing technical and construction management services in the delivery of complex underground infrastructure projects in Australia, with the extensive underground construction design and supervision experience of the SYSTRA Group on hydro power projects globally.

Tim Brown, Executive Director, SYSTRA, commented, “We’re excited to be partnering with Queensland Hydro on what will be a cornerstone in Queensland’s clean energy future. Providing sustainable and reliable energy storage, the Borumba Project is a vital part of Queensland’s energy transition. Our team are really looking forward to working collaboratively with Queensland Hydro, the exploratory tunnels contractor and other project stakeholders to ensure the project gets into the ground in the right way.”

Queensland Hydro’s Executive General Manager of Delivery, Geoff Scott, said the partnership with SYSTRA would provide critical independent quality assurance to the proposed Borumba Project’s underground drilling and tunnelling program.

“The underground drilling program is the largest package in our Borumba Project exploratory works phase, and ensuring we have world-class technical expertise is key in delivering safe and reliable works,” Mr Scott said.

“SYSTRA has extensive experience in providing the level of quality assurance we require and will be instrumental in guiding us and our subcontractor base.”

The contract marks a significant achievement for SYSTRA, underscoring a deep commitment to delivering innovative engineering solutions that support Australia’s transition to renewable energy.

***ENDS***

About SYSTRA 

SYSTRA is one of the world’s leading engineering and consultancy groups. For more than 65 years, the Group has been committed to helping cities and territories to contribute to their development by creating, improving, and modernising key infrastructures.  

The ANZ team is an integral part of part of the SYSTRA global network, with 7 offices across ANZ.  For the 400 strong team located in Australia and New Zealand, we utilise our connected teams to bring best-in-class expertise to our local clients. We work with a partnership mindset, working closely with our clients to co-create the infrastructure solutions of tomorrow.

When a project is complex, high risk and requires deep technical skills and pedigree, SYSTRA ANZ is the signature team. For more information, visit systra.com/australia.  

With a 15-strong SYSTRA contingent from Australia, India, Italy, France and Spain in attendance, the event brought together the industries entire stakeholder network including engineering and construction professionals, suppliers, manufacturers, and government representatives.

Tim Brown, Executive Director – Tunnels, SYSTRA ANZ says, “The World Tunnelling Congress was an unbelievable event. It was a great opportunity for everyone in the industry to come together to celebrate such a significant milestone for the ITA-AITES over a week and share the latest insights and thought-leadership. The sheer size and scale of the event ensured an incredibly thought-provoking experience that shone a light on how significant this industry is to the future of our communities.”

In summarising his experience, Tim recounts 4 key lessons. These include:  

• Tunnelling for a better future, indeed:
  There was no better place to support the theme of this year’s event than Shenzhen. A city that has grown remarkably in only 20 years. Since late 2004 when the first line of their metro system opened, they have developed another 19 lines to support a population that has grown significantly in that same period. It demonstrates that anything is possible when the industry aligns towards common goals. It also showed how important tunnelling will continue to be in our major urban centres in Australia where populations are growing and the need to improve mobility and clean energy solutions are paramount.
  
• Access to remote locations:
  As a form of renewable energy supply, the pumped hydro space is going to become increasingly important in the energy transition. Typically located in remote or isolated locations, regionally based teams are going to be of upmost importance. Translating our considerable construction management experience in the transport tunnelling sector to providing delivery management services across areas such as development drill and blast works will require both local knowledge and an ability to provide experienced boots on the ground. Combining our track record in civil projects with our underground mining pedigree ensures that we are well positioned to form great partnerships with new clients whilst leveraging our teams experience to excel in an area that is a hybrid between conventional mining techniques and civil design requirements. As a proud mining engineer, it’s an area I am excited to get more involved in.
  
• There is more than one way to do things:
  Many of the problems faced in other regions are similar to the ones we have here. After listening to global experts share their thoughts and experiences, it is clear that there are often many solutions that are possible especially when you think outside the box. This makes the next point even more important.
  
• International Collaboration is so important to achieving success:
  Australia is not alone when it comes to facing infrastructure challenges, many other regions share similar pain points to us. There is a global pool of knowledge that will enable our local industry to solve the complex problems and challenges that lie ahead.

In bringing these lessons together, Tim acknowledges SYSTRA’s connected teams value and its ability to overcome and address each of these points.

He finishes, “SYSTRA’s global group that includes SYSTRA Bamser, SYSTRA SWS and SYSTRA Subterra have collaborated to solve some of the most complex infrastructure problems across all types of underground projects including transport, power, and water. With over 600 team members deeply specialised in tunnelling and underground structures we are a team who can provide our clients with unique and innovative solutions utilising our local expertise and global knowledge.”

It is a day that provides us all a chance to remember, reflect and acknowledge those who have served for our country and in particular the contributions of those in our team who are returned service personnel. We are privileged to have so many within our team who have sacrificed so much.

We are also incredibly honored to collaborate directly with clients in the defense industry, where our collective efforts serve to enhance communities across Australia and New Zealand.

For Trevor Garnett, Director – Program Service Delivery in our Security and Technology Solutions team, ANZAC Day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by his family in both World Wars.

“For me, ANZAC Day is a chance to remember and acknowledge those who have served to protect our freedoms and way of life. To celebrate their courage, endurance, mateship and sacrifice.

“In particular, I remember the service of my Dad in the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) during WWII where he served as a pilot with Bomber Command and Special Operations Command.

“He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross military medal. During times of service, he flew four engine bombers on various missions and conducted supply drops and agent insertion. It took an enormous amount of courage and would often see his aircraft coming home with Flak damage. I can only imagine what must have gone through the crews’ minds during such flight’s night after night. ANZAC Day provides an opportunity to reflect and give thanks.”

Our Commitment to Supporting Veterans and their Families

SYSTRA ANZ is proud to be a Pledge Partner of Soldier On Australia. Soldier On is a not-for-profit organisation delivering holistic support services that enable current and former Australian Defence Force personnel, and their families, to lead meaningful civilian lives. Only last month, the SYSTRA ANZ raised over $9,000 as part of Soldier On’s March On initiative with all funds going directly to the services helping to prevent veteran suicide.

You can help us support March On by clicking here.

In addition to our support for Soldier On, all of our ADF reservist employees have access to leave to undertake service.