ROAD RAIL MARINE HERITAGE
Critical
Infrastructure
Assessed
with COnfidence
Highland Structural is a leading engineering and asset management consultancy specialising in the inspection, assessment and preservation of critical infrastructure throughout Australia.
Established with a strong focus on reliability, safety and clear communication, our team works closely with local councils, government agencies and private asset owners to support informed maintenance and investment decisions. Backed by broad experience across a range of asset types and operating environments, we understand the practical challenges of infrastructure management and are committed to helping our clients manage their assets with certainty.
1500+
STRUCTURES COMPLETED
AUSTRALIAN
OWNED & OPERATED
nATIONWIDE
SERVICE
FULLY
INSURED
WHO WE ARE
SMALL TEAM.
PREMIUM rESULTS.
Founded in 2023, Highland Structural was established to provide specialised, hands-on structural inspection and assessment services. Our mission is to give councils, government agencies and private asset owners clear, practical and dependable engineering advice, all while remaining small in size to ensure a personalised and responsive service.
Highland Structural is currently led by Director and Chartered Structural Engineer, Liam Cunneen, who brings 8+ years of experience completing more than 3,500 structural inspections across Australia. Over his career, Liam has worked with notable clients including the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), VicRoads, Transport for NSW (TfNSW), Metro Trains Melbourne (MTM), the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), the Department of Transport (DoT) and numerous local councils. His dedication to maintaining the highest standards in structural assessments has been central to Highland Structural’s reputation as a trusted and reliable provider.
WHAT WE DO
corE services.
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Level 1, 2, & 3 inspections of bridges, culverts, tunnels, gantries, retaining walls, noise walls and other civil infrastructure assets. Our inspections provide detailed condition assessments, identification of defects and clear recommendations to support maintenance planning, risk management and long-term asset performance
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Inspection and maintenance strategies, lifecycle cost analysis and practical asset management advice to support the long-term performance of infrastructure assets. We help asset owners understand asset condition, prioritise maintenance and renewal works, plan future investment and help them to manage their infrastructure portfolios with confidence
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Specialist inspection and assessment of heritage-listed infrastructure, including sandstone viaducts, historic timber bridges and 19th-century culverts. Our approach balances preservation requirements with modern safety and operational standards, providing clear guidance for maintenance, restoration and long-term management.
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Clear, defensible engineering reports for council governance, funding submissions and regulatory compliance. Straight from the engineer — no intermediary, no delays.
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Comprehensive structural and compliance assessments of civil assets, verifying performance against current Australian standards and client-specific criteria to support safe and informed decision-making
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Practical safety and risk management services, offering clear guidance to help clients identify hazards, implement effective controls and ensure every project is delivered safely and efficiently
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Practical engineering advice for new or existing projects, upgrades or complex structural assessment challenges. This also includes feasibility studies for proposed works, helping clients understand technical requirements, risks and cost implications before committing to projects
OUR TEAM
QUALIFIED. Certified.
Ready anywhere.
At Highland Structural, we have purposely built a team of engineers that share a genuine passion for working in the outdoors. Each member not only brings a wealth of technical expertise, but also share a strong enthusiasm for fieldwork, travel and hands-on problem solving – a combination we believe is unique to Highland Structural.
Wherever it may be, we have the right team and the right certifications to get the job done safely and to the highest standard.
ARRB Level 1 & 2 Inspection
TfNSW Culvert Inspector & Risk Assessor
Cert III - Rail Structures
IRATA Ropes Access
Working at Heights
High Risk Work - EWP Operation
Confined Space
Drone Operations
Rail Industry Worker (RIW)
First Aid & CPR
OUR PROJECTS
reliability delivered.
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As part of the works delivered for Sterling Infrastructure, Highland Structural conducted Level 2 inspections of 200+ bridges along ARTC’s North Coast Line in NSW. This project encompassed a diverse range of bridge types, including complex steel trusses, prestressed concrete girders, concrete arches and historic plate rivet girder bridges – with some structures being over 100 years old!
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Highland Structural completed Level 2 inspections of 2no. road overbridges, 1no. underbridge and 2no. heritage turntables for Transport Heritage NSW. Works were carried out within both the road network and rail corridor along the Picton–Mittagong loop line, with an Underbridge Unit used to inspect the underside of Wilson Drive Overbridge - a bridge that spans what once was the largest railway cutting in Australia.
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Highland Structural was contacted by Mirvac to assist in developing an inspection and maintenance strategy for the Brickmakers Drive Pedestrian Bridge in Liverpool, NSW. In this role, Highland Structural provided expert advice on asset longevity methods, inspection intervals, and recommended lifecycle maintenance
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Highland Structural completed the structural and compliance assessment of 182no. elevated structures for DEECA, comprising bridges, boardwalks, viewing platforms, pontoons, jetties, shelters, toilet blocks, dams and other miscellaneous structures. Inspections were completed over the course of 5 weeks, travelling to all corners of Victoria and requiring careful planning to manage logistics, access and reporting within a very tight deadline.
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Highland Structural completed detailed Level 2 inspections of 3no. rail bridges for Sterling Infrastructure within the Sydney Metropolitan area as part of ARTC’s nationwide routine inspections package. Inspections included bridges along Southern Cross Dr in Botany, Joseph St in Chullora and Argyle St in Moss Vale. Due to the high volume of traffic, inspections were completed at night, with the aid of traffic management and an Elevated Work Platform (EWP).
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Highland Structural, in collaboration with Engenera, completed the detailed Level 2 Inspections of 45no. bridge and viewing platform structures within the Bundaberg Shire district. Structures varied from small timber pedestrian bridges to large scale timber and concrete structures, some of which only accessible by kayak.
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Highland Structural conducted a comprehensive site survey of all assets on the historic Zig Zag Railway, preparing for the upcoming Level 2 inspections of its culvert, retaining wall, tunnel and viaduct structures. The Zig Zag Railway is a significant example of Australian engineering, highlighting the innovative design and construction methods of the 19th century. We are committed to preserving these heritage-listed structures, ensuring their legacy endures as an integral part of Australia’s engineering and cultural history.
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Highland Structural was engaged by FSC to complete a detailed Level 2 Inspection of the Mainline Road Bridge at Enfield Yard for Ports NSW. The project involved coordinating with Sydney Trains, Pacific National and ARTC, managing safeworking operations and conducting the inspection using a Hi-Rail EWP to access the bridge’s underside.
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Highland Structural worked alongside BG&E to deliver Level 3 Inspection and assessment services of 3no. bridges within the Wingecarribee Shire Council. Works were completed using a range of methods, including the use of underbridge units, kayaks, drones and high resolution cameras.
cONTACT US
Got a project in mind? Send us an enquiry and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible