Sponsored by Cranes and Lifting magazine, The Crane Industry Council of Australia (CICA) 2026 Lift of the Year Awards were as hotly contested as ever with numerous submissions for each category, but there can only be one winner.
Project of the year winner – ALEVRO, Pluto Train 2 Project
The Pluto Train 2 heavy haul project stands out as one of the largest and most technically demanding undertakings of its kind in Australia. The sheer scale and complexity of transporting and lifting modules weighing up to 4550 tonnes required meticulous planning, advanced engineering and flawless execution.
From the mobilisation of specialised equipment across the globe to the intricate co-ordination of heavy lifts, every step was a testament to the ALEVRO team’s expertise, dedication and technical diligence.
ALEVRO successfully completed the scope of work, managing all movement, transport, and placement of the modules onto foundations, while providing exceptional quality service, engineering, and execution.
Lift of the year more than 20t winner – Premier Cranes and Rigging, 40t Generator Installation
Premier Cranes and Rigging’s team was tasked to lift a two-storey-high 94 tonne generator system at a data centre. The lift faced many constraints from the site condition, Premier’s team had to retrofit the generator into the middle of a fully operational plant, surrounded by buildings and live equipment, clearances were extremely tight, at one point the crane’s counterweight swung past the adjacent pipework with only a 15 millimetre gap.
Premier Cranes and Rigging’s team demonstrated professionalism in engineering planning and efficiency in plant selection and operation for the lifting task. Every step of the lift was well planned and well executed, the high complexity in site constraint, crane positioning, and crane selection, are the winning points for this lift.
Lift of the year less than 20t winner – Brisbane City Cranes, Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Church Calamvale Large Dome Lift
Brisbane City Cranes was tasked to lift the 15-tonne dome onto the roof of the newly constructed Virgin Mary Coptic Orthodox Church. The large dome structure had to be constructed and assembled on the ground prior to the lift to reduce working at heights issues to a minimum.
Brisbane City Cranes investigated multiple solutions to achieve the desired outcomes. The lift was carried out successfully, safely, and according to plan. The Brisbane City Cranes team showcased exceptional knowledge and expertise in the planning and execution of this complex lifting operation, ensuring its ultimate success and demonstrating a commitment to excellence and safety.
Innovation award winner – John Holland, Gamuda Australia & Edwards Heavy Lift, Super T Girder Access Platform
The Girder Access Platform (GAP) is an innovation that has revolutionised the M1 Motorway Extension project. By providing a safe and efficient method for accessing lift points on super T girders, the GAP has significantly enhanced safety and efficiency.
The platform eliminates the need for elevated work platforms, reduces manual handling risks, and minimises traffic disruptions. With a 75 per cent increase in girder installation rates, the GAP has proven to be a game-changer in the construction industry.
The positive feedback from riggers highlights its ease of use and the confidence it instils. The GAP is a testament to innovation and excellence in engineering.