Locally made, world-first technology

USING world-first innovation, the two age-defying bridges at Cowies Creek in North Geelong’s Seagull Paddock are making news nationally.

Geopolymer – a new product created in collaboration by local Geelong companies and Deakin University – has been used to create the bridges which will be maintenance-free for at least 100 years.

Online government news services have recognised the local project and the innovative product which is not only long-lasting, but also uses up to 80 per cent less greenhouse gases in production than concrete.

The concept for the bridges came out of a ‘procurement for innovation’ process, inviting companies to come up with a solution to an unmet need – in this case the costly maintenance and waste problem associated with traditional bridges.

Usually made of timber, steel or concrete – traditional bridges cost the city about $500,000 to inspect, repair, maintain and replace each year.

The geopolymer for the Cowies Creek bridges is the creation of North Geelong’s Austeng, a boutique engineering company, Rocla Civilmart which is a leading Australian supplier of concrete solutions with a facility at Corio, and Deakin.

Council’s innovative solutions portfolio chair Cr Peter Murrihy said through the “clever and creative” procurement process, the city had come up with the two new icons for Geelong that represented its passion for innovation and sustainability.

“These world-first bridges showcase our global reputation as a UNESCO Creative City of Design and support the community’s vision for Geelong to be known as a clever and creative city-region,” Cr Murrihy said.

“Congratulations to all involved in the process on a brilliant result that will benefit, quite literally, many generations to come.”

Austeng managing director Ross George said Austeng was proud to be part of the innovative process that created the age-defying bridges.

“We applaud the city for its vision,” Mr George said.

“This project gave us a unique opportunity to collaborate and develop a novel approach to one of the city’s existing challenges.

“Our long-term aspirations are for Geelong to be the geopolymer centre of excellence, capitalising on its exciting environmental advantages and ultimately, creating local jobs and generating more opportunities for growth.”