17 July 2009 – Queensland's TrackStar Alliance was one of three finalists in the Sustainability in the Built Environment category at the Queensland Sustainable Industries Awards.

The alliance comprising QR, Aurecon, Thiess, United Group Infrastructure and AECOM was recognised for its environmental performance in delivering rail infrastructure projects for QR.

TrackStar's submission featured energy saving solar cells, natural lighting and ventilation, and rainwater harvesting at the new Varsity Lakes Station on Queensland’s Gold Coast, as well as an innovative cut-and-cover tunnel design, which has a landscaped roof to harmonise the structure with its natural environment.

Track alignments were also straightened so trains use less energy and box culverts were used in sensitive ecological areas to create crossings for local wildlife.

Aurecon’s Richard Pidgeon is TrackStar's Environmental Manager, attended the fourth annual awards dinner on behalf of the alliance. Richard had earlier accepted a framed finalist certificate from Climate Change and Sustainability Minister Kate Jones.

"Being shortlisted as a finalist for these awards was a great achievement for TrackStar,” said Richard. “The industry recognises the efforts in committing to sustainability by all team members from each of the parent companies, including Aurecon".

"The calibre and core values of the fellow finalists were inspiring and it was great to be recognised in the same league as these business leaders in sustainability."

TrackStar was established in June 2006 as a program alliance and is currently delivering nine rail projects totalling more than $700 million as part of the Queensland Government's South East Queensland Infrastructure Plan and Program (SEQIPP).

Since its inception TrackStar has received a number of awards including:

• X-tra Mile Award 2009 – Permanent Way Institution (Queensland Section)
• Alliance Team of Excellence Award 2008 – Alliancing Association of Australasia (AAA)
• Alliance Manager of the Year Award 2008 – Alliancing Association of Australasia (AAA)
• Project Safety Excellence Award 2008 – Queensland Major Contractors Association (QMCA)
• Honourable Mention Excellence in Major Project/Capital Alliances 2008 – Alliance Contracting Excellence (ACE) Awards.