ATS SA tunnelling community meet and technical update
May 7 @ 5:30 pm - 7:00 pm ACST
Overview
Join us for a dynamic Meet & Greet and technical presentation as we bring together the South Australian tunnelling and underground engineering community. With the recent establishment of the ATS SA Chapter, this event offers an opportunity for current and prospective members to connect with committee representatives, learn about the chapter’s vision, and explore how ATS supports the growth and professionalism of the tunnelling industry across the state. The session will also feature an insightful technical presentation on the tunnelling works underway as part of the Eyre Peninsula Desalination Project. Attendees will gain a behind the scenes look at the project’s challenges, innovations, and engineering approaches shaping this significant piece of regional infrastructure. Designed to inform, connect, and inspire, this event is the perfect chance to engage with colleagues, expand your network, and deepen your understanding of the exciting tunnelling activities happening in South Australia.
Program
- 5.30 pm ACST: Welcome and Introductions
- 5.35 pm ACST: Australian Tunnelling Society background and new SA Committee members
- 5.50 pm ACST: Presentation on Eyre Peninsula Desalination Project Tunnelling Activities
- 6.20 pm ACST: Questions
- 6.25 pm ACST: ATS 2026 Program of Events, Activities, Industry Support, etc
- 6.30 pm ACST: Close of formal presentations
- 7.00 pm ACST: Event close
Learning outcomes
By the end of this event, participants will be able to:
- understand the role of the ATS SA Chapter and how it supports the tunnelling and underground engineering community
- gain insights into the tunnelling activities associated with the Eyre Peninsula Desalination Project, including key challenges and technical approaches
- recognise opportunities for industry engagement through local chapter initiatives, networks, and future activities
- strengthen professional connections by meeting SA committee members and fellow tunnelling professionals.
About the speakers
Alvaro is an experienced Project Manager with McConnell Dowell, with over 25 years experience and a demonstrated track record successfully delivering major multi-disciplined projects in diverse sectors including infrastructure (bridges, tunnels, rail), defence (embassies, military facilities), energy (marine infrastructure, pumped-storage hydroelectricity), both in Australia and internationally. Some projects in South Australia include the O-Bahn tunnel, Oaklands rail station, Regency road to Pym street, and the Heysen tunnel upgrades.
Alvaro is the Project Manager for the Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant – Marine Works in Port Lincoln SA.
Brent Whiting, a seasoned Project Manager with McConnell Dowell, has over 25 years’ experience in the construction industry spanning the sectors of: water and wastewater (dams & transfer schemes); town development; mine rehabilitation; quarrying; and transport infrastructure (roads, tunnels & bridges). Brent’s flagship tunnelling projects include the Hobson Bay Tunnel, Waterview Connection Tunnels, the Army Bay Outfall Direct Pipe® project, and the Watercare Warkworth to Snells Transfer Pipeline project.
Brent is currently Construction Manager Tunnels on the Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant – marine works in Port Lincoln SA, where the team are constructing a 3mtr dia pipejack tunnel for the sliplined intake and outfall pipelines.
Charles Sweeney is an experienced Design Manager at McConnell Dowell Constructors, bringing more than 20 years of expertise in the mining and civil construction sectors, with a strong focus on underground works. His background spans geotechnical and tunnel design across major tunnelling projects, including the Army Bay WWTP Outfall Project, the Central Interceptor Wastewater Tunnel Project, and more recently the award-winning Warkworth to Snells Transfer Pipeline. Charles currently serves as Engineering Manager for the Eyre Peninsula Desalination Plant – Marine Works.