Rivermakers

Project Overview

The Rivermakers Estate is an industrial subdivision project involving the development of Stages 4 and 5. Over time, the project evolved, requiring significant adjustments to sewer, stormwater, and the SARA (State Government Planning) application, which was particularly challenging as it involved discharging into the Brisbane River-State Government land.

The project included:

Earthworks and Civil Stages: Addressing substantial civil works requirements.
Masterplan Coordination: The project aligns with the overall neighbourhood plan, including the construction of a footpath along the riverfront, requiring extensive coordination with stakeholders.
Trunk Sewer Relocation: To facilitate development, the trunk sewer was relocated to the edge of the site, necessitating careful planning, especially with neighbouring retaining walls.

Challenges Faced

Our involvement extended to Project Management for Rivermakers, including work on Building 11 (B11), attached to the heritage precinct. This element was part of a heritage-listed development, a significant feature of Brisbane’s landscape.

The project required navigating a rare mix of environmental sensitivity, heritage constraints, and multi agency approvals.

Complex Regulatory Pathways: Sewer, stormwater, and SARA approvals were repeatedly revised due to discharging into the Brisbane River, triggering State Government involvement.
Environmentally Sensitive Works: Mangrove clearing and revetment wall removal demanded extensive environmental assessments and approvals, including negotiations with community and environmental groups.
Revetment Wall Reinstatement: A 12 month approval process was required for two days of onsite work, highlighting the project’s regulatory intensity.
Heritage Integration: Stormwater solutions had to protect the heritage listed Building 11 precinct while meeting modern infrastructure needs.
Infrastructure Constraints: Relocating the trunk sewer in a constrained area required careful planning around neighbouring retaining walls and existing infrastructure.
High Stakeholder Load: BMI, BMD Urban, Urban Utilities, BCC, SARA, and adjacent landowners all had critical interests in the project.

Our Approach

Planning, Approvals & Strategy

Mapped out approval pathways for mangrove clearing, river works, and SARA requirements.
Coordinated closely with State Government, BCC, Urban Utilities, and heritage teams to align expectations early.
Developed detailed civil, stormwater, and sewer concepts responsive to both heritage and environmental constraints.

Detailed Design & Stakeholder Integration

Delivered refined designs for stormwater, sewer, trunk infrastructure, and civil staging.
Facilitated ongoing workshops between BMI, BMD Urban, utilities, and government agencies to resolve issues in real time.
Managed heritage interfaces around Building 11, ensuring designs complemented the precinct while meeting compliance.

Delivery Oversight & Quality Assurance

Provided site supervision for critical works: revetment wall removal/reconstruction, trunk sewer relocation, and stormwater installation.
Monitored contractor performance and ensured compliance with environmental and heritage conditions.
Managed contract administration, sequencing, and risk mitigation to keep works progressing.

Results Delivered

Despite the complexity, the project achieved strong community, environmental, and commercial outcomes.

Infrastructure & Development Outcomes

27 fully serviced industrial lots delivered, supporting long term economic and industrial growth.
Major infrastructure upgrades completed, including trunk sewer relocation, stormwater networks, and civil staging.
Sensitive riverbank works successfully delivered, including full removal and reinstatement of the revetment wall.

Compliance, Environmental & Heritage Success

All environmental approvals achieved for mangrove clearing and river works with zero non compliance.
Integrated stormwater solution developed that protects and enhances the heritage listed Building 11 precinct.
Full alignment with State and Local Government requirements, including SARA, BCC, and Urban Utilities.

Stakeholder, Client & Community Benefits

Strong positive feedback received from BMI and Brisbane City Council engineering teams.
Neighbourhood masterplan elements supported, including future riverfront pedestrian connections.

"Communication has been clear, timely, and easy throughout the project. The team has been professional and proactive in addressing questions and requirements, with project deliverables that were well structured and aligned with expectations. Collaboration was smooth, and we appreciated the organised approach to managing each stage of the work."

Nathan Belling

IHB One Pty Ltd

"2 Develop Urban identified significant cost savings through efficient engineering design (specifically infrastructure optimisation) and management of complex site ground conditions for our Chambers Green development. Their technical expertise and comprehensive project management proved invaluable throughout the project."

Scott Wacker

QM Properties

Rivermakers

PROJECT DETAILS

Project Overview

Challenges Faced

Our Approach

Results Delivered

Client ReviewS

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