Infrastructure Partnerships Australia (IPA) - the nation's peak infrastructure body - acknowledged the project at a major infrastructure industry event held in Sydney recently.
"The Defence Headquarters project showcases the ability of the private sector to expertly plan, manage and deliver complex and sensitive projects, in partnership with the Department of Defence," IPA Chairman Mark Birrell said.
"The successful outcome of the project supports the findings of the recent Mortimer Review of Defence procurement - which recommended a far greater role for the private sector, including the use of PPPs, on appropriate Defence projects.
"The Defence Joint Operations Command Project required an unprecedented level of coordination and sensitivity - involving State and Federal Governments, Australian Federal Police, a range of federal security bodies such as ASIO, SAS, all areas of the defence force, the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) and the Operator.
"The beneficial outcomes from this major project justifies its status as the most notable project of the past year.
"Without question it is a nation-leading infrastructure achievement.
"The facilities management functions of this project will be undertaken by the private sector over the long term, allowing Defence to focus on the management and safety of ADF deployments across the globe without having to worry about maintenance and ancillary services."
The winners for the Project of the Year award included:
• Department of Defence;
• Leighton Contractors;
• Spotless Services;
• Royal Bank of Scotland (includes ABN Amro); and
• Industry Funds Management.