Deepening rivers and creating land: Dan’s Engineering Career at Port of Brisbane
At PBPL, our people say there are countless opportunities to work on game-changing projects - and Dan Burley has grabbed every chance that’s come his way. His resume includes working on a riverside park and cafe, managing the construction of a multi-million dollar cruise terminal, and developing new sites through a land reclamation project. Yet, twelve years since he joined us as a graduate, our Head of Infrastructure says he’s only just scratched the surface.
CONCEPT TO CONSTRUCTION: THE PROJECT LIFE CYCLE
Dan has held a number of titles at the Port; Student Engineer, Project Engineer, Project Manager, Head of Infrastructure and, as of 2022 Head of Land Development. Over the years, his day-to-day has involved a mix of site and office-based responsibilities. One major highlight includes his time as Senior Project Manager for the Brisbane International Cruise Terminal (BICT).
“To see it in real life, and then look back on the renders… it makes you realise how much you’ve achieved. Today, I’m budgeting for projects that won’t be completed until 30 years down the track. I strategise the whole process - from approval, design, tender, and construction. It feels good to have an impact on the whole life-cycle of a project.”
In his most recent project, Dan’s been expanding Brisbane’s borders into the sea - inch by inch.
INNOVATION: RECYCLING SILT INTO NEW LAND
Dan is currently working on a land reclamation project to expand the boundaries of the Port. The purpose is twofold; to create new land to expand the Port, and to expand the channels for larger ships docking at Brisbane.
The one-and-a-half kilometre shores of the Port and a rock wall out to sea is divided into paddocks waiting to be raised. Dan and his team dredge material from the river and use it to fill paddocks, lifting the seabed until it becomes dry land. Once this land is stable, they work to bring in roads and services, including power, data, sewer and water, and eventually build new Port facilities.
“There’s a lot that goes into it, in terms of achieving the required ground capacity and reducing the impact on the natural environment. We ensure we do it right to safeguard the future water and land.”
The BICT and land reclamation project are just some of the major projects Dan has worked on during his time at PBPL. He’s also had a hand in developing a park and cafe, the Port’s Head Office, a number of wharves, and roads - just to name a few. The diversity of projects and broad range of disciplines, he reflects, are what attracted him to the role and the organisation in the first place.
THEN AND NOW: CHOOSING PBPL EVERY DAY
Dan’s story with PBPL began in 2006, during his second year studying a civil and structural engineering degree. He landed a university scholarship from us and spent his university holidays working on-site, gaining valuable insight into the industry.
“It was great to have that real-world experience while I was studying. The scholarship was arranged so I had to put the years I studied back into the Port once I graduated. I remember thinking, “Oh man, I’ll have to stay there for three years.” Now, twelve years have passed, and I’m still around and still value the opportunities that come up here!”
Dan says he’s still excited when he considers the future of the Port - and his place in it. We’re proud to hear him advocate for us.
“I have no hesitation in telling people that the Port is a great place to work. We do the right thing, both for our people and our customers. I’m proud of the respect we’re afforded in the industry - I wouldn’t want to work for an organisation that didn’t have our level of integrity.”
Here’s to your incredible achievements with us at PBPL, Dan - and to many more!
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