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Gawler East Water Tank Upgrade with Futurecrete® Ultra Low Carbon Concrete 

As part of SA Water’s major upgrade of the Gawler East water network, Adbri is supplying Futurecrete® Ultra lower carbon concrete for the construction of a new 3 million litre water tank. The tank replaces a century old structure and will more than double storage capacity to support the region’s growing community. 

Futurecrete® Ultra was selected to help SA Water reduce embodied carbon in this essential asset while still meeting the structural and durability requirements of a large concrete tank. The mix provides lower carbon outcomes alongside the high performance needed for continuous, large scale pours. 

Since construction began, several key milestones have been completed, including the placement of 375m³ of concrete for the base slab and initial shell stages. These works required a coordinated effort between site crews, two concrete boom pumps and Adbri’s technical support team to maintain quality and consistency across each pour. 

One of the project challenges was achieving reliable early age strength and workability while lowering the environmental impact of the build. Futurecrete® Ultra delivered the required performance and helped reduce embodied carbon at the same time. Adbri’s technical team worked closely with the contractor to ensure each load was optimised for placement and finish. 

The use of Futurecrete® Ultra on the Gawler East tank demonstrates how low carbon concrete can be incorporated into essential water infrastructure without compromising durability, timelines or operational outcomes. As the project progresses toward the construction of the tank walls and roof, Futurecrete® Ultra continues to support SA Water’s sustainability goals and the delivery of long lasting infrastructure for the Gawler community. 

Customer: McMahon Services, Tandem Building Group 
Project: Adelaide Football Club Redevelopment, Thebarton 
Total Volume: 4,500m³ 
 

Meeting the Sustainability Challenge 

McMahon Services partnered with Adbri Concrete for the Adelaide Football Club’s major redevelopment project at Thebarton, a project defined by its strong focus on sustainability and performance outcomes. 

A key condition for the redevelopment is compliance with Green Star requirements, including the use of low carbon concrete achieving a minimum 60% reduction in embodied carbon, verified through an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). 

Adbri’s Solution 

Adbri Concrete worked closely with McMahon Services to deliver a tailored solution: 

• Bespoke EPDs were developed specifically for this project to meet the carbon performance criteria. 

• Adbri’s GWP (Global Warming Potential) figures were benchmarked against AusLCI baseline data for conventional GP cement concrete across various strength grades. 

• These comparisons confirmed a minimum 60% carbon reduction, meeting the project’s sustainability requirements. 

Outcome 

Following initial pours, the site team has been pleased with the level of service and importantly the performance and workability of Futurecrete mixes that have been supplied with EvoCem, Adbri’s low carbon cement.  

“We had no issues with mix compliance on the day, and the behaviour of the Futurecrete® mixes was no different to the regular mixes we’re accustomed to – which had been a concern during the tender phase. It performed exactly as we needed it to.” 
McMahon Project Manager  

4,500 m³ of low carbon concrete will be supplied to complete the project, helping McMahon Services and the Adelaide Football Club take a significant step toward a more sustainable future for the site – and for South Australian sport. 

The shift to lower-carbon construction is creating new opportunities to rethink how projects are designed and delivered. By engaging concrete specialists early, projects can tap into the right expertise at the design stage to achieve better outcomes.

Our first Technical Bulletin highlights how early engagement can:

• Unlock technical expertise from our highly experienced laboratory and engineering teams
• Support bespoke, performance-based mix designs tailored to project needs
• Provide lower-carbon products including Fututecrete® and EvoCem™ backed by independently verified EPDs

By bringing contractors and suppliers into the conversation early, we can work together to deliver stronger performance and sustainability solutions.

Read more, full bulletin available below:

1. When did you start with Adbri and what attracted you to join us? 

I started with Hy-Tec, part of the Adbri family, in 2013 in a customer service role. Growing up locally, I was excited to join such a large company and be part of an industry that’s dynamic, hands-on, and constantly evolving. It felt like the right opportunity to build a career and challenge myself – especially coming from a small town. 

2. What is your role and qualifications? 

I’m currently a Concrete Account Manager for Northern NSW. My background is built on years of customer service, construction knowledge, and relationship management. Over time, I’ve developed a strong understanding of concrete applications, site logistics, and customer needs, which helps me deliver to projects of all sizes. 

3. What does a typical day look like? 

Every day is different, which is what I love most. I start by checking in with customers, coordinating deliveries, and solving any site challenges. A large part of my role is preparing quotations, pricing upcoming work, connecting with potential customers, and following up leads. I really enjoy getting out on site and visiting customers – many of whom feel like family. 

4. What do you love most about your job? 

The people. I’ve built strong relationships with my customers, and my Northern NSW team is like a big, blended family. We support each other, have a laugh, and get the job done. That mix of connection and teamwork makes every day enjoyable. 

5. What are you most looking forward to achieving or experiencing in your career? 

I’d love to continue mentoring others and perhaps step into a sales/people leadership role. The future is about pushing boundaries, helping more women into the industry, and driving innovation in how we sell and service concrete. 

6. What aspect of your role are people often surprised/fascinated to hear more about? 

People are always surprised by how much problem-solving and coordination is involved. It’s not just about taking orders – it’s about reading the site, understanding concrete mixes, predicting challenges, and being a trusted go-to for customers. 

When did you start at Adbri, what is your current role and what attracted you to apply for the role?

I started at Adbri at the start of 2025 and currently work as a concrete truck driver for Adbri/Hy-Tec at Rosehill, Sydney. When I relocated to Sydney from Perth, I was looking for a company that offered steady work and good opportunities for growth. Adbri stood out as a place where hard work is valued, and I liked the idea of being part of a team that builds things that last.

What does a typical day at Adbri look like for you?

A typical day for me is up before dawn, hopefully getting to see a beautiful sunrise on the way to work.  I complete my truck inspection, then it’s straight into deliveries: load up, drive to site, pour the concrete, clean the truck, and get ready to do it all again tomorrow.

What do you like most about working at Adbri?

The team that I work with for sure. 

I work with a great bunch of guys who are always willing to lend a hand or offer advice. It makes a tough job much easier when you’ve got a supportive team around you.

What are you most looking forward to achieving or experiencing in your career?

I’d love to become a batcher or a mentor for new drivers, especially women entering the industry. Sharing my experiences and helping others succeed would be a great way to give back.

What advice would you give to someone applying for a role with Adbri?

Do your research, be prepared to work hard, put in the hours and show that you’re a team player. Adbri values people who are reliable, committed, and eager to learn.

What career advice would you share with other women looking to get into the industry or driver role?

Definitely give it a go – everything seems daunting at first. Coming from a small town in Ireland, I never imagined I’d be driving a concrete truck around Sydney, such a big and busy city. But I’ve proven to myself and others that I’m just as capable as anyone else. Focus on doing your job well, and let your hard work and dedication speak for themselves.

At Hy-Tec, we’re proud to be partnering with Phlat Constructions on the delivery of a new multi-storey medical and lifestyle centre in Pimpama, which is an important project that will bring expanded healthcare services to the region. Since May, our Hy-Tec plant at Yatala has supplied over 1,200 cubic metres of concrete to the site, with the total volume expected to reach between 2,000 and 2,500 cubic metres by completion. 

From the outset, the project presented a unique logistical challenge: the concrete agitators can only access the site via a single-lane road that serves as both the entry and exit point. With concrete agitators needing constant movement, precise coordination was critical to maintain pour schedules.  

To address this, the Hy-Tec team developed a detailed delivery strategy in collaboration with Phlat Constructions. Together, truck movements were coordinated around peak traffic, streamlined on-site communication, and made a key decision on the strategic placement of the pump -positioned to reach the slab efficiently while still allowing trucks to pass without delay. 

This proactive planning and close collaboration have kept the project running smoothly, eliminating unnecessary downtime and ensuring progress stays on track. It’s a strong example of teamwork, problem-solving, and smart planning in action – delivering results that will benefit the community for years to come. 

The Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project is a major infrastructure initiative designed to improve public transport connectivity across the Gold Coast region. The project required significant quantities of concrete for essential components such as thrust blocks, footpaths, driveways, a decorative wall, stations, and stabilised stands.   

Since the commencement of Stage 3 in July 2022, Hy-Tec, an Adbri company, has delivered about 24,000m3 of concrete with strength classes ranging from 32 to 80 MPa. To meet the Stage 3 supply schedule, Hy-Tec’s Gold Coast team worked around the clock, delivering concrete six days and five nights each week.  

A standout design feature of Stage 3 is the unique 900 metre long, 2.4 metre high decorative retaining wall, which features an exposed aggregate finish to enhance the visual appeal.  What set this apart from traditional methods was the decision to pour over 900m³ of concrete for the wall in-situ, rather than using pre-cast elements, adding complexity to the construction process.  

 The challenge was twofold, achieving an even distribution of the aggregates for a flawless aesthetic finish, while maintaining the structural integrity of the wall. Working collaboratively with Stage 3 contractor, John Holland, Hy-Tec’s technical team developed a custom concrete mix and rigorously tested every load to ensure consistency. The professionalism and expertise of Hy-Tec’s drivers was crucial, as they handled the specialised mix with precision and care.   

This collaboration brought together innovative thinking, technical expertise, and a shared commitment to excellence – helping deliver Stage 3 with strong urban appeal for the Gold Coast community.   

Customer: John Holland 
Project: Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3  
Total Volume: 24,000m³ 

With more than 240,000 tonnes of specialised quarry and concrete products supplied, Adbri is proud to have played a key role in the delivery of the new Western Sydney Airport – one of Australia’s largest and most significant aviation infrastructure projects. 

Across multiple packages, our teams have brought technical expertise, innovative thinking, and a strong focus on collaboration to help deliver critical elements of the development. From runways and taxiways to terminal aprons and access roads, Adbri has supported the construction of strong, sustainable foundations that will serve future generations. 

Terminal and Aprons Work 
Client: Western Sydney Airport Co 
Product Supplied: Cement-Treated Base (CTB) 

Adbri’s technical team collaborated extensively with stakeholders to design a material that met the project’s rigorous specifications. Pre-blended CTB material was produced at our Austen Quarry blending plant, ensuring consistent quality from the outset. On-site, the process involved the precise addition of cement and water using a modern mobile pugmill, allowing for seamless integration into the dynamic construction environment. 

Navigating existing services and coordinating with multiple project teams required exceptional communication and adaptability. Adbri’s innovative approach enabled us to minimize waste, synchronize production with supply, and ensure smooth delivery – showcasing our technical capability in complex project environments. 

Runway and Taxiways 
Client: Western Sydney Airport Co 
Product Supplied: P209 and P304 Quarry Products 
Volume Supplied: 182,841 tonnes 
Supply Timeline: January 2023 – November 2023 
 
Adbri supported the construction of runway shoulders, ends, taxiways, and access roads for this critical package. We tailored a material blend that met stringent design requirements while aligning with project timelines and budgets. 

Despite a nationwide trucking shortage, our proactive planning and strong delivery network ensured consistent supply and helped maintain construction momentum. This package highlighted our ability to deliver large volumes efficiently without compromising on quality. 

Cargo Area 
Client: Western Sydney Airport Co 
Product Supplied: P209 and P304 Quarry Products 
Volume Supplied: Estimated 65,000 tonnes 
Supply Timeline: October 2024 – February 2025 

Following the success of earlier packages, Adbri was engaged to supply premium quarry materials for the development of the Cargo Area. These products form the foundation of the apron and taxiway pavements, supporting long-term performance and durability. 

Landside Works 
Client: Western Sydney Airport Co 
Product Supplied: Concrete (various mixes) 

Our concrete team provided early input during the planning phases of the landside works, ensuring the right mix designs and supply approach for a wide range of applications – from drainage and footpaths to bridge piling and deck construction. This proactive involvement enabled efficient delivery and reliable performance throughout the build. 

M12 Central Package 
Client: Transport for NSW 
Product Supplied: Concrete (various mixes) 

Adbri was also involved in supplying concrete for the M12 Central Package, a key connection point supporting broader infrastructure around the airport precinct. Our early engagement and deep material knowledge contributed to a reliable, high-performance outcome across the project’s structural and civil elements. 

Adbri’s contribution to the Western Sydney Airport project demonstrates our ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure solutions with precision, innovation, and reliability. 

As the project nears completion, we’re proud to have played a key role in supporting Australia’s future growth – supplying sustainable, high-performance materials that will serve the next generation of communities and travellers. 

Our second field trial of our innovative EvoCem™ Type GL cement as part of the M12 Motorway project with Transport for NSW (TfNSW), CPB and Georgiou has been completed. 

The trial compared concrete made with EvoCem™ against GP cement, assessing placeability, finishability, and compliance with TfNSW’s R83 pavement concrete specification. 

Trials are a key step in continuing to demonstrate the performance of EvoCem™ for use in major infrastructure projects – delivering lower carbon, proven alternatives that supports more sustainable construction. 

We’re proud to be working with TfNSW and our project partners to help reinvent the way our world is built.  

Adbri has pioneered the use of EvoCem™ Type GL cement in Australia.  To demonstrate the suitability of concrete manufactured with EvoCem™ lower carbon cement in roading authority projects, we’ve partnered with CPB and Georgiou to conduct field trials.  

These field trials tested the placeability and finishability of this mix when compared to a conventional Type GP cement mix.    
   
We’re proud to be working with leading contractors and Transport for NSW to be building a more sustainable future for the construction industry.