Our Background
Austunnel was established in 2008 to deliver specialised tunnelling services for major Australian infrastructure projects. Since its inception, the company has grown into a leading provider of plant, equipment, and underground expertise, guiding tunnelling and mining projects from initial concept through to successful completion.
Central to Austunnel’s offerings is the engineering support we provide, which strengthens the solutions delivered in collaboration with our product partners. Our robust organic growth is complemented by strategic alliances with industry-leading manufacturers, such as BEBEK Technologies, Marti Technik and NLT Digital. These partnerships enhance our capacity to deliver a comprehensive suite of solutions tailored to our clients’ needs.
At Austunnel, we embrace a “Bias for Action” philosophy, empowering our team to proactively identify innovative ways to support our clients and unlock new business opportunities for mutual benefit. We are committed to continuously refining and enhancing our operations to deliver exceptional service. Our focus is on anticipating challenges and addressing them before they arise, ensuring seamless project outcomes.
History
Founded in Brisbane in 2008, Austunnel began its journey by providing tunnel boring machine (TBM) technical support for the North South Bypass Tunnel (CLEM7). This project, aimed at reducing traffic congestion in Brisbane, was a significant addition to the city’s infrastructure and served as Austunnel’s initial proving ground.
In 2010, Austunnel expanded its operations by securing contracts for the Airport Link tunnel in Brisbane. The work involved refurbishing gantries for a 12.5-meter Earth Pressure Balance (EPB) TBM. Austunnel’s team provided maintenance personnel for TBM and smoke duct gantry assembly, arch formwork assembly, cross-passage excavation plant maintenance, and mechanical/electrical fit-out tasks.
From 2011 to 2015, Austunnel played a crucial role in the Legacy Way Tunnel project in Brisbane, supporting the Transcity joint venture (Acciona, Ghella, BMD). The scope of work included TBM assembly/disassembly, cross-passage excavation plant maintenance, electrical installation works, conveyor assembly and maintenance, back-end works, and TBM production operations.
As Brisbane’s tunnelling projects neared completion, Austunnel opened a new facility in Lane Cove, Sydney, in 2014 to meet the demands of Sydney’s ongoing tunnelling workload. Since then, Austunnel has been involved in major New South Wales projects, including the Sydney Metro Northwest Tunnels, Sydney Metro Skytrain, WestConnex M4 East, New M5 tunnels, Sydney Metro City and Southwest, and Snowy Hydro 2.0. While managing projects in New South Wales and Queensland, Austunnel also expanded into Victoria with a support office in Melbourne.
With the opening of the Sydney office, between 2014 and present, Austunnel became heavily involved in various large tunnelling projects in New South Wales including the construction of Sydney Metro North West Tunnels, Sydney Metro Skytrain (pictured), WestConnex M4 East and New M5 tunnels, Sydney Metro City and South West and later Snowy Hydro 2.0. While works were ongoing across multiple projects in New South Wales and Queensland, Austunnel expanded into Victoria by founding a support office in Melbourne.
The Melbourne office was established in 2017 to oversee Victorian projects, with Austunnel securing contracts for the Metro Tunnel Melbourne and the West Gate Tunnel early on and more recently work on both the Hobsons Bay sewer upgrade and North East Link Tunnel.
Today, Austunnel supports Australia’s Tier 1 tunnel and mining contractors from its headquarters in Melbourne. The company’s growing range of services—including TBM operations, maintenance, and electrical/mechanical works—ensures it can handle key project milestones. In late 2021, Austunnel rebranded to align with its position as a leading tunnel and mining services business in Australia.
Charity
Austunnel is committed to supporting a variety of charities, causes, and organisations as part of our commitment to giving back to the communities we serve. We believe strongly in the value of community engagement and actively encourage our team members to get involved through internal challenges, fundraising initiatives, and participation in events hosted by our clients. By contributing to the regions where we operate, we strive to improve the lives of those less fortunate and foster a positive impact beyond our projects.
Most recently, we’ve supported:
