DRC RECEIVES HIGHLY COMMENDED AT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AWARDS
Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) has received a highly commended at the 2025 Local Government Excellence Awards in the Innovative Leadership section for the 3D printed amenities block at Lions Park West.
DRC CEO Murray Wood said he was excited to receive the commendation.
“Our staff are committed to delivering essential services to our community, with a strong focus on how we can do our work more efficiently, effectively and safely. This project really highlights that commitment for our community,” Mr Wood said
The 3D printed amenities are the first of its kind in Australia, and set a national precedent for innovation in construction, sustainability and regional infrastructure development.
Partnering with Contour 3D, Council replaced the aging Lions Park West amenities facility using an on-site 3D printing process that reduced construction waste, improved thermal efficiency, and used 40 per cent recycled materials. The project’s success has further inspired other projects including NSW first 3D-printed social housing pilot.
Council’s new Animal Shelter was a finalist in the Asset and Infrastructure Category, while the Public Private Partnership (PPP) with Squadron Energy to build an Advanced Wastewater Treatment Plant (AWTP) was a finalist in the Special Project Initiative - Between 50K-150K Population.
“The recognition we received for these projects shows the breadth of the work that we do for our regional community, from drought security and legacy infrastructure, innovative thinking and construction to the development of a state-of-the art purpose-built facility that enhances animal welfare, staff safety and operational efficiency,” Mr Wood said.
The PPP will see Council build the AWTP and supply Squadron Energy with recycled water for the purpose of concrete batching and dust suppression for the construction of their wind farms in the Central West Renewable Energy Zone. The plant will utilise water effluent generated by the Dubbo Sewer Treatment Plant as feedstock and reduce reliance on potable river water.
In creating the partnership DRC and Squadron Energy have ensured local water security while also providing an asset that will assist with the development of renewable energy projects without the use of valuable potable water.
The Animal Shelter project was initiated to address critical infrastructure shortcomings, including outdated facilities, rising maintenance costs and non-compliance with evolving animal welfare regulations. The project was developed through close collaboration with operation staff, local contractors and industry experts ensuring an innovative cost effective and scalable, with many learnings through a partnership with Taronga Western Plains Zoo.
Last Edited: 10 Jun 2025