The Western Program Alliance (WPA) is a project team with a particularly specialised skillset – it is very good at removing level crossings!
The WPA comprises of McConnell Dowell, Arup and Mott Macdonald, Metro Trains Melbourne, VLine and the Level Crossing Removal Project. In amongst all their work is a strong vein of environmental action, from sourcing sustainable materials, to exploring more Earth-friendly alternatives, to setting up recycling and other ethical waste management systems.
WPA acknowledges that when it comes to environmental initiatives, its people are its strength. It has recently partnered with us to plant 15 trees for each hard-working staff member identified as a Sustainability Warrior.
We love the idea of planting trees as staff rewards. We’re proud to have planted 135 trees for WPA and would like to join in applauding the efforts of the staff acknowledged below.
WPA recognizes the hard work of Mouhamed. Mo’s exemplary work leading the charge as Senior Project Engineer for the RE wall package of works on the Diggers Rest Project has ensured that this project will be known for the ultimate solution for RE walls in AUS.
Some examples of Mo’s progressive and innovative thinking include:
As can be seen Mo has made a very significant impact for the project, environment and community alike and is a very worthy winner of the Fifteen Trees Award. No less than 50 trees will be planted in his honour.
We hope his ‘warrior ways’ will pave the way for others to come forward with sustainable solutions and innovative thinking.
Geronimo’s work as Senior Project Engineer for structures on the Mount Derrimut Road project, has helped that project to become a finalist in the Australasian Rail Awards ‘Excellence in Sustainability’ category.
Some examples of his adept and innovative thinking include implementing innovative CIGCURE technology (Potential KPI 1.2) to reduce in-situ concrete curing times (from 7 days to 3 days) for piers and headstocks.
Additionally, for the Diggers Rest Project, Geronimo’s breadth of experience has been invaluable in aiding the sustainability team to incorporate/trial Geopolymer concrete into precast barriers and strip footings for this project. Production of concrete contributes approximately 7% to carbon emissions worldwide. Successful implementation of cement free concrete will significantly reduce carbon emissions and would be a big game changer within the industry.
With regard to the examples of Geronimo’s innovative thinking and dedication to sustainability, he is a very worthy winner of the Fifteen Trees award, and the sustainability team thank his warrior ways. We hope that this inspires others to get on the sustainability bandwagon helping to contribute to intergenerational equity and fighting the good fight against the impacts of climate change.
Presently, Sanmay has his dance card full as Environmental Advisor spread across the Mt Derrimut Road, Waurn Ponds Duplication and Diggers Rest Projects. But Sanmay always has time for sustainability.
Some examples of his fine work include:
As can be seen Sanmay is a very worthy winner of the Fifteen Trees award, and the sustainability team thank his warrior ways. We hope that this inspires others to get on the sustainability bandwagon helping to contribute to intergenerational equity, and fighting the good fight against the impacts of climate change.
WPA would like to recognise the hard work of the sustainability warrior Amir Mehdizadeh.
Some examples of Amir’s fine work include:
WPA would like to recognise the hard work of the sustainability warrior Ross Hardwick.
Some examples of Ross’s fine work include:
WPA would like to recognise the hard work of the sustainability warrior Christian Borchert.
Some examples of Christian’s fine work include:
The trees were planted by volunteers from the Koala Clancy Foundation at Lara, VIC. Some of the tree species planted for WPA Sustainability Warriors, included River-red gum, Yellow gum, Manna gum, Sweet Bursaria, Wirilda and Lightwood. All trees were sourced from local indigenous nursery at Western Plains Flora.
The Koala Clancy Foundation is working with landowners and councils to provide habitat corridors for their local wild koala populations. During the course of this planting season (April – September) they hope to plant thousands of native trees.
Thank you so much for your support this tree planting season. Thanks to supporters like you we can continue with our community tree planting projects to provide habitat trees for our local wild koala populations.
Janine Duffy | President | Koala Clancy Foundation
At the Koala Clancy Foundation, koalas are their top priority but to properly care for one specie, they have to care for the entire ecosystem. When they plant trees for koalas, they are also providing habitat for local bird species such as these 4 threatened woodland species; Speckled Warbler (top L), Diamond Firetail (top R), Brown Treecreeper bottom L) and Jacky Winter (bottom R).
If you would like to know more about sponsoring community tree planting projects and how we can assist you in becoming a more sustainable business, please contact Colleen at <[email protected]>.
Writer: Colleen B. Filippa
With a background in Environmental Science, Colleen is the Founding Director of Fifteen Trees. In 2009, after 20 years in primary, secondary and tertiary education institutions, Colleen left the classroom to start the company. Fifteen Trees is a social enterprise assisting individuals and companies to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting community groups such as Landcare, schools and environmental networks.
Restoring Australian ecosystems. Supporting communities with their revegetation projects for a greener and healthier planet.
Fifteen Trees acknowledges Indigenous Australians as the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work, live and play.
We recognise that Indigenous Australians have cared for and lived in harmony with this land for millennia, and their knowledge and wisdom of the land endures.
We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and stand in solidarity as Indigenous Australians seek a fairer and more sustainable future for the land and its people.