Smarter Engineering for a Sustainable Future

Deboke Engineering delivered sustainable, high-performance infrastructure at Rouse Hill Bus Depot, enhancing efficiency and resilience.

Deboke Engineering Consultants

The Rouse Hill Bus Depot is more than just a transport hub—it’s a benchmark in sustainable infrastructure, designed to enhance operational efficiency while minimising environmental impact.

A key player in this transformation was Deboke Engineering Consultants, a Sydney-based multidisciplinary firm specialising in civil, structural, stormwater, and remedial engineering.

Led by Directors Andrew Arida, Charbel Felfleh, and Joseph Dagher, Deboke’s expertise was instrumental in ensuring that the depot’s engineering solutions met sustainability targets while enhancing long-term durability and efficiency.

“The Rouse Hill Bus Depot was designed with sustainability at its core, integrating advanced stormwater management and rainwater harvesting for bus washing,” explains Arida and Dagher. “The project also incorporated Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles, ensuring that stormwater quality and reuse were prioritised to minimise environmental impact and enhance operational efficiency.”

From the outset, Deboke’s role was critical in designing systems that balanced sustainability with the depot’s high-traffic demands. Given the site’s large-scale hardstand areas and continuous vehicular movement,
the team implemented a range of stormwater treatment and erosion control strategies.

A collaboration with Ocean Protect resulted in a custom-engineered stormwater filtration system that captures and treats pollutants such as Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Total Nitrogen (TN), Total Phosphorus (TP), and Gross Pollutants (GP) before releasing water into public infrastructure and natural waterways.

“Given the nature of the site, it was critical to address contaminants entering the stormwater system,” explains Arida and Dagher. “This system ensures that clean water exits the site, aligning with WSUD strategies to enhance environmental sustainability.”

Rouse Hill Bus Depot constructed by DSD
Rouse Hill Bus Depot modelling by Deboke Engineering Consultants. Site Elevations
Aerial of Rouse Hill Bus Depot by DSD. Showing front carpark elevation top down.
Bus washing station at Rouse Hill Bus Depot. Rainwater is collected and reused for bus washing facilities.
Rouse Hill Bus Depot rain water collection tanks for bus washing facilities.

In addition to water management, Deboke Engineering Consultants focused on using low-maintenance, highly durable materials to reduce the environmental impact across the depot’s lifecycle. “Additionally, sustainable construction methods, such as prefabrication where feasible, helped minimise waste and construction time,” says Felfleh.

This combination of smart material choices, efficient engineering solutions, and sustainability-driven construction methodologies positioned the depot as an example of environmentally responsible transport infrastructure.

A key focus of the project was minimising carbon emissions and ensuring the depot’s long-term resilience. Deboke achieved this through a rainwater tank reuse system, reducing reliance on external water sources.

“Coupled with the rainwater tank reuse system, this creates a highly efficient mechanism for controlling water quality in new developments, while simultaneously reducing operational costs and environmental impact,” Arida and Dagher notes.

Beyond the depot’s immediate needs, Deboke also integrated future-proofing measures to ensure that the site could adapt to changing transport technologies and evolving sustainability standards. This included designing the stormwater and civil infrastructure to accommodate future electrification of the bus fleet, which will further reduce emissions over time.

The Rouse Hill Bus Depot is just one of many complex engineering projects Deboke Engineering Consultants is currently undertaking. Their portfolio reflects a deep commitment to sustainability, innovation, and problem-solving, with ongoing projects including:

  • Mixed-Use & Hotel Development (Katoomba, NSW) – A DA-approved project featuring seven residential apartments, a hotel, and a restaurant, where Deboke is delivering civil, stormwater, and structural design solutions.
  • NDIS Facility Development – A large-scale DA-approved project comprising 55 standalone dwellings, a community hall, and extensive recreational amenities, where Deboke is managing civil, stormwater, and preliminary structural design.
  • Master-Planned Super Lot Subdivision (Lidcombe, NSW) – Civil, stormwater, and flood management for a large-scale residential subdivision, set to accommodate approximately 3,500 residents upon completion.

With a strong reputation for delivering complex infrastructure solutions, Deboke Engineering Consultants continues to push the boundaries of sustainable engineering. Their expertise in stormwater management, structural innovation, and sustainable construction makes them a valuable partner in future-proofing Australia’s transport and infrastructure landscape.

“Sustainability is no longer just an option—it’s a necessity,” says Felfleh. “At Deboke, we are committed to engineering solutions that not only meet today’s standards but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.”

For more information contact Deboke Engineering Consultants, 17 William Street, Ryde NSW 2112, phone 02 9188 0688, website www.deboke.net.au

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Kerslake and Associates leveraged decades of expertise, to translate scientific needs into infrastructure requirements

Kerslake and Associates

Kerslake & Associates have played a pivotal role in the development of the University of Queensland’s (UQ) Plant Futures Facility. Spearheaded by Director, Rob Kerslake, an internationally recognised specialist in research laboratories, glasshouses, and controlled environment facilities, the firm brings over three decades of expertise to this ambitious project.

Kerslake’s extensive experience, gained primarily through his work with the CSIRO in Brisbane, has positioned him as a vital contributor to the UQ project. His unique ability to translate scientific needs into infrastructure requirements was key to the successful development of the Plant Futures Facility. “My detailed knowledge of plant physiology and environmental requirements relating to plant growth within glasshouse and artificial environments, particularly in the tropics and sub-tropics, was crucial for this project,” said Rob.

“I provide a unique service to both the scientific community and infrastructure consultants. I can translate scientific needs into infrastructure requirements using an understanding of the different cultures of science and construction, thereby providing an interface between the scientific community and consultant teams for infrastructure development.”


There were a significant number of teams conducting research into a wide variety of crops that required a large range of experimental environmental conditions. The temperatures varied from a low of 8°C to 45°C in artificially lit cabinets and walk-in rooms and naturally lit rooftop greenhouses. “The facility will provide University of Queensland researchers with a world-class facility now and well into the future,” said Rob.

Kerslake has also lent his expertise to the design of Level 3 Quarantine insect laboratories and glasshouses in Brisbane and Melbourne, demonstrating his ability to handle complex and high-stakes projects. His role as the controlled environment and glasshouse specialist consultant for the UQ Plant Futures Facility underscores his significance in the field.

With Kerslake & Associates’ involvement, the UQ Plant Futures Facility is set to become a benchmark in research infrastructure, offering unparalleled support for scientific advancements in plant growth and physiology.

For more information contact Kerslake & Associates, mobile (Rob) 0418 722 904, email rob@kerslake.com.au

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Daly’s Constructions provides expert design, civil works, cable installation, jointing, and terminating services for energy infrastructure projects.

Daly’s Constructions

Watt It Takes: From Design to Delivery

Daly’s Constructions, a family-owned and operated business with a 52-year legacy in the energy infrastructure industry. Daly’s expertise proved invaluable in navigating the complexities of the Pakenham Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP).

“We provide specialist design, civil works, cable installation, jointing and terminating services to the energy infrastructure industry across Australia and New Zealand, specialising in major sub-transmission and transmission design and construct underground projects,” said Alex Anderson, Operations Manager at Daly’s Constructions.

The Pakenham LXRP demanded meticulous planning and execution to ensure minimal disruption to existing infrastructure and services. Daly’s Constructions rose to the occasion, contributing a team of 20 skilled professionals from their overall workforce of 100.

Their specific tasks included the crucial relocation of electrical assets. “We relocated high voltage and low voltage AusNet Services electrical assets to enable the LXRP and corresponding rail works to proceed,” Alex said.

Further demonstrating their comprehensive capabilities, Daly’s Constructions also undertook an upgrade of the rail corridor’s high-voltage underground cables. This involved not only replacing outdated infrastructure but ensuring its seamless integration with the broader LXRP network. “Multiple crews had to be coordinated across various work fronts in close cooperation with NWPA and AusNet Services,” Alex said, emphasising the collaborative nature of the undertaking.

While Daly’s Constructions didn’t deploy any entirely new products on this project, their success lay in their adept application of existing technologies and their commitment to safety and quality. Their long-standing reputation is built upon a strong value system prioritising these element.

“Our company has a strong value system based on principles that include commitment to safety, quality of service, integrity in our relationships and client satisfaction,” Alex said. This commitment has translated into a record of consistent, high-quality workmanship.


The Pakenham LXRP is just one example of Daly’s Constructions’ broad portfolio of significant projects across Australia and New Zealand. Their expertise is currently contributing to a wide range of initiatives, reflecting their leading position in the industry.

“We’re currently working on the North East Link (NEL), Suburban Rail Loop (SRL), West Gate Tunnel Project (WGTP), other LXRP projects, the Melton Renewable Energy Hub, and design and construction of sub-transmission supplies to power new Data Centres,” Alex said, highlighting the scope and diversity of their involvement in shaping critical infrastructure across the country.

Daly’s Constructions’ contribution to the Pakenham LXRP showcases their ability to successfully manage complex, large-scale projects. Their expertise in underground electrical infrastructure, combined with their unwavering commitment to safety, quality, and client satisfaction, solidifies their reputation as a reliable and capable partner for future major infrastructure projects.

For more information contact Daly’s Constructions, 20-26 Cyanamid Street, Laverton North VIC 3026, phone 03 9360 9485, email cable@daly.net.au, website www.dalysconstructions.com.au

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Maintek Roofing installed essential roofing, acoustic walls, and cladding for UQ’s Plant Futures Facility, ensuring innovation and quality

Maintek Roofing

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Known for their innovation and customer satisfaction, Maintek Roofing were contracted to provide and install critical roofing components in the University of Queensland Plant Futures Facility.

Maintek’s scope of work included installing acoustic walls and ceilings, roof sheeting, and stainless cappings that met the stringent requirements of a high-tech research environment. To ensure maximum efficiency and aesthetic results for the project’s façade, Maintek utilised a dual product system, combining Vulcan Acoustic Insulation and Aluminum Perforated Cladding.

Aluminium Perforated Cladding is designed to maximise airflow and enhance natural lighting while providing protection from harsh weather conditions. “These architectural products not only serve as a striking façade but also function as paneling and screening for both internal and external applications,” said Ryan Rahurahu, Project Manager.

Vulcan Acoustic Insulation is a high-density, rigid insulation made from mineral rock fibre stonewool. “It’s a non-combustible material suitable for both external and internal applications, known for its water-shedding characteristics. “This insulation is particularly effective in ventilated rainscreen façades and other thermal and acoustic wall, roof, floor, and ceiling applications.” Ryan said.

The complexity and importance of this project demanded the best, and Maintek Roofing delivered. Our role in ensuring the facility’s roofing meets the highest standards of durability, insulation, and acoustics has been a significant achievement for our team,” said Ryan.

Maintek’s other notable projects include Brisbane Metro Bus Depot, Palm Beach Aquatic Centre, and Collingwood State School. Maintek’s portfolio includes government projects, airport installations, and architectural commercial ventures, all of which speak to their capability and reliability.

For more information contact Maintek Roofing Pty Ltd, 75 Waterway Drive, Coomera QLD 4209, phone 07 5580 4697, email ryan@maintekroofing.com.au, website www.maintekroofing.com.au

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KUSCH designed and certified UQ’s Plant Futures Facility, ensuring structural integrity for cool rooms, glasshouses, and façades

KUSCH Engineered

KUSCH provided the structural design and certification for the cool room panels, glasshouse frames, and the architectural masonry façade at the University of Queensland’s new Plant Futures Facility. Their design ensured these components could endure seismic loads, the weight of suspended services, and live loads from construction and maintenance personnel.

The cool rooms were designed to serve as trafficable platforms, supporting both construction and operational activities. The installation of mechanical and lighting services above and below the panel ceilings of the coolrooms created complex buildability challenges. KUSCH’s structural modelling enabled the panel ceilings to be rated for both personnel and equipment loads. This simplification of the installation process ensured safe and efficient access for maintenance in these congested areas.

Detailed modelling and analysis of the panel system allowed KUSCH to eliminate additional seismic bracing typically installed with laboratory cool rooms. “By bracing FCUs to the cool room panels rather than the overhead structure, we resolved personnel access issues, reduced material and labour costs, and mitigated differential movement problems,” said Jarrod.


“One of the significant challenges of the project was the construction of the glasshouses on the roof of the 6-storey building. The builders faced difficulties in determining a safe and economical method for this task,” said Business Manager, Jarrod Vanderree.

KUSCH developed a methodology which saw the construction of the glasshouse frames at ground level, followed by lifting the completed frames onto the roof using the onsite tower crane. “This not only improved safety but also proved to be cost-effective. KUSCH’s detailed structural analysis and certification ensured the success of this lift operation,” explained Jarrod.

Additionally, KUSCH managed the structural design and certification of the architectural masonry façade. This included accommodating gravity, wind, and seismic loads, as well as building movement and brick expansion and contraction. Their detailed analysis and design certification addressed these complex factors, ensuring the durability and stability of the multi-storey masonry façade.

For more information contact KUSCH Engineering, 333 Ann Street, Brisbane QLD 4000, phone 1300 10 22 30, email design@kusch.com.au, website www.kusch.com.au

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