News
Issue No. 15 - February/March 2004
Business leader, Malcolm Kinnaird AO is the 2003 South Australian of the Year
SA Great’s premier award, the South Australian of the Year title recognises “an individual who has made a significant contribution to South Australia and who has advanced South Australia‘s reputation as a State of enviable talent and potential”. It’s fair to say that someone who plays a major part in realising the State’s century—old transport dream measures up to that.
The Chief Executive of SA Great, Judy Potter, called Malcolm an “outstanding winner” during the presentation ceremony at the Proclamation Day luncheon at Glenelg on 28 December. Presenting the award was the Governor of South Australia, Her Excellency Marjorie Jackson—Nelson.
“As an engineer, and founder of Kinhill he has been a driving force behind many major developments in the State. He has incredible enthusiasm and a strong passion for South Australia and continues to play an active role in developing business in the State," Judy said. “We are delighted to give our State‘s finest the recognition they deserve."
Malcolm is Chairman of Adelaide Brighton Ltd and Asia Pacific Transport, the consortium of businesses that has constructed the Adelaide—Darwin Rail Link. He is also a consultant to engineering firm, KBR.
His involvement in the project spanned more than the four years of contract negotiation and planning, as he worked with successive governments to marshal support.
He found the contract negotiation phase—which was “a very demanding task quite separate from the engineering task”—very challenging. The achievement of managing the consortium’s $800 million risk to build the railway on time and within budget was also very satisfying.
“I have got a good deal of satisfaction from this challenge at times—and I am sure I will continue to do so.”
Unlike most jobs, the Rail Link challenge doesn’t end with completion. The consortium has business to develop, starting with buildup of freight flow northwards and, l...
