Australian and Queensland construction firsts earn Kangaroo Point Bridge ‘Excellent’ sustainability certification

Delivered in partnership between Brisbane City Council and Brisbane headquartered builder, BESIX Watpac, the project’s sustainability achievements reflect the strong alignment between both organisations in delivering significant environmental and social contributions for Brisbane.

From major reductions in construction and operational emissions to innovative material use, heritage integration and strong social outcomes, this certification recognises the team’s sharp focus on embedding sustainability throughout design and construction.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said: “With almost 10,000 trips a day and more than four million in just over a year, Brisbane has clearly embraced the Kangaroo Point Bridge.

“We’re committed to keeping Brisbane moving and our partnership with BESIX Watpac and the Federal Government delivered this vital link for our growing city.

“But it’s more than concrete and steel – it’s become a destination, with locals and visitors stopping for the views, riverside dining and one of the best vantage points of our city skyline.”

Mark Baker, BESIX Watpac Chief Executive Officer, said working with partners and local subcontractors helped implement groundbreaking construction innovations and strong social outcomes that contributed to securing the “Excellent” sustainability certification.

“We’re continually integrating smarter ways to build, and using drones for water sampling – a first for an Australian civil construction project – is an innovation we’re proud to see contributing to this certification.”

“We also delivered a Queensland first with the installation of the world’s largest lifting capacity tower crane on a single temporary support pier – a concept designed and tested using digital construction tools. This allowed us to lift massive steel components transported down the Brisbane River, improving efficiency and reducing carbon emissions by taking trucks off the road.”

Baker added that upskilling the construction workforce is critical to achieving long-term sustainability outcomes in the construction industry.

“On this project, more than 60 early career construction workers gained invaluable experience on a major infrastructure project, helping build the capability needed for the significant pipeline of work ahead for Brisbane and Queensland.”

Since opening in December 2024, Kangaroo Point Bridge has become a defining feature of Brisbane’s active transport network. More than 4 million trips across the bridge have been recorded since its opening.

The 460-metre-long structure with a main span of 183m makes it among the world’s longest asymmetric cable stayed pedestrian bridges, and its 95m mast stands as Brisbane’s tallest.

Council and BESIX Watpac acknowledge the significant contributions of project partners WSP, Blight Rayner, Aspect Studios, Rizzani de Eccher, Beenleigh Steel Fabrications and Fitzgerald Constructions, whose expertise helped deliver the project’s sustainability outcomes.

Key sustainability initiatives

The project achieved its Excellent Design Rating in September 2024 and its As-Built Rating in February 2025. This was supported by significant sustainability outcomes, including:

Australian firsts

• Using drones for water quality monitoring, making this the first civil construction project in Australia to adopt the method.
• Installing Computer Vision Stereo Gauges for real time flood monitoring – a first for an Australia cross-river structure. 

Queensland first

• Use of the M2480D heavy-lifting luffing tower crane, the world’s largest lifting capacity tower crane, installed on a single temporary support pier in the Brisbane River. This enabled major elements to be fabricated off site and transport down the river.

Emissions reductions

• 13% reduction in construction emissions, enabled by various initiatives such as renewable energy powering the site offices and procurement of local steel. 
• 74% reduction in operational emissions, supported by Brisbane City Council’s requirement for commercial tenants to use 100% GreenPower.

Renewable energy integration

• Integration of solar panels within the Kangaroo Point landing canopy to enhance renewable energy generation.

Heritage and Social Impact

• First Nations outcomes through collaboration with Turrbal representatives and archaeologists throughout works, as well as developing culturally informed interpretive signage.
• More than 1,800 jobs were created and 64 apprentices, 14 graduates, and 33 First Nations team members were involved across construction and delivery roles.