5/5/02
Mr Geoff Cawkell of Transfield Construction has won the Professional Excellence in Building Award for 2002.
Mr Cawkell was presented with the award by Housing and Works Minister Tom Stephens at a special presentation dinner last night.
It is the highest award offered by the Australian Institute of Building, and Mr Cawkell now enters the field with other State winners for the national award to be announced in September.
Mr Stephens said Mr Cawkell won the award for his work as project manager with Esperance's Grain Terminal Upgrade for Co-Operative Bulk Handling Limited.
He said Mr Cawkell demonstrated outstanding building practice, particularly in his commitment to the continued training of personnel as an essential tool of successful project management.
"His training initiatives ensured that the entire workforce on the Esperance terminal upgrade underwent on-site training," Mr Stephens said.
"This and Mr Cawkell's experience and expertise resulted in the smooth and safe upgrade to increase grain storage capacity by 60,000 tonnes and double ship loading capacity to 2,500 tonnes."
Mr Stephens said the professional excellence in building awards were to promote excellence in the organisation and management within the building industry by recognising the achievements of individual building professionals.
The intention of the annual awards also encouraged the sharing of knowledge and experience at all levels.
Mr Stephens told those attending the award ceremony that the State Government had clear priorities in the areas of sustainability, built environment and industry reform.
He said building professionals would play an important role in delivering those priorities to the community.
"The Department of Housing and Works is developing the building industry component of the 'State Sustainability Strategy', including the issues of green and energy efficient design, environmental impact of building materials and operation, and management of construction site waste," he said.
'With assistance from the Building and Construction Advisory Council, the department is also preparing built environment policy statements."
Industry reforms being addressed included code of practice, security of payment, and review of consumer protection boards.
Minister's Office - 9213 6500
