A utility project manager has been named the best in the world by the international Project Management Association.
Steve Gibson of Queensland Urban Utilities was awarded the International Project Management Achievement Award at the IPMA World Conference held in Panama on September 29.
The unprecedented accolade was for his outstanding work upgrading the sewerage network at Woolloongabba in Brisbane.
The five year $82 million project is Queensland Urban Utilities’ biggest on record, and was delivered not only ahead of schedule but $3.7 million under budget.
Mr Gibson said he was incredibly proud to put Brisbane on the world map.
“The awards were announced in reverse order, so when I didn’t get the silver, I knew I had the gold,” he said.
“I was shocked and elated to be named number one in the world, especially as I was up against people who led massive global projects worth billions of dollars.
“It’s been such an amazing journey – from state to national to Asia Pacific titles, and now finally international glory. I can’t describe how chuffed I am.
“I’ve been working in project management for more than a decade and this is far and away my number one career highlight.”
Mr Gibson was the first Australian to make the top three in the world in the 29 year history of the awards, let alone win it.
“This title is the pinnacle of recognition in the industry on the world stage and is a big credit to everyone involved with the ‘Gabba’ project,” he said.
“The project saw more than 5km of large trunk sewer mains installed, and will ensure the sewerage network caters for expected population growth.”
