80+ Years of Engineering
Regional Queensland
with Purpose and Innovation

At GBA, we deliver accountable, high-quality engineering solutions that connect communities, support regional industries and create lasting value across Queensland’s most remote and regional environments. 

We bring decades of engineering expertise with a deep commitment to remote Queensland.

It’s how we solve complex challenges, navigate the unique
demands of remote Queensland and deliver practical,
lasting solutions that strengthen communities today and tomorrow.

At GBA, we build trust, human connections
and a better future for the regions we all call home. 

Who We Are at GBA

GBA Consulting Engineers is a civil engineering consultancy with a mission to drive real progress in remote communities. Our expertise spans:

  • Engineering design and project management
  • Surveying and environmental consulting
  • Building certification and infrastructure planning

We ensure that every project we undertake serves the people and places that make rural Australia unique.

Our Legacy: A History Built on Trust and Commitment

GBA Consulting Engineers began in 1945 as CH Wilson and Partners. From the beginning, the firm’s commitment, through Clem Wilson’s eyes was to “provide better services and amenities in the western towns and better services to country residents.”

In 1968, George Bourne took ownership and expanded the practice to support councils with critical infrastructure across regional and remote Queensland. Renamed George Bourne & Associates, the business steadily advanced to meet the needs of growing communities.

While the name and scale of the business have changed, that core purpose remains. GBA is now a four-office regional network, with locations in Barcaldine, Emerald (opened 2015), Rockhampton (2021), Toowoomba (2024) and a site office in Winton (2025). 

For over 80 years, it has been led by people who share Clem’s vision of “Engineering the Outback,” delivering practical, fit-for-purpose solutions and honouring a legacy of accountability, connection and enduring service.

GBA Legacy Timeline: Our Key Moments & Milestones

The GBA timeline is a story of local knowledge, mentorship and tireless commitment, where engineering met community to spark long-lasting regional transformation.

1945
Establishment
GBA Consulting Engineers was first established in 1945 by Mr Clem and Nick Wilson under the name of CH Wilson and Partners.
1945
1968
George Bourne takes over
The Wilson family left Barcaldine and sold their shares in the firm to George Bourne.
1968
1968
Change Business Name
George later changed the business name to George Bourne & Associates, and has since evolved to GBA Consulting Engineers.
1968
Early 1970s
Partnership with George Bourne grows
Kevin and George Bourne develop a strong professional bond, redefining remote consulting through aerial inspections, local workforce training and shire collaboration.
Early 1970s
1974
GBA supports shires through drought
During drought, GBA works with councils like Diamantina to secure road funding, keeping people employed and maintaining critical outback infrastructure.
1974
1979 –1980
GBA opens new Barcaldine office
The business expands with a purpose-built office on Elm Street, symbolising its growth, permanence and increasing role in Western Queensland development.
1979 –1980
1981
George Bourne passes away suddenly
After George’s passing, Kevin Kerr, who had been with the firm since 1969 became the senior partner. Kevin and George’s son Simon rescue the firm, preserving its name and continuing its mission across the outback.
1981
1982
Kevin and Simon form GBA partnership
Simon returns from Townsville and officially partners with Kevin, carrying forward the GBA legacy of engineering excellence and regional contribution.
1982
1984
Drummond Range road sealed
The long-planned sealing of the Drummond Range road is completed, a key milestone reflecting GBA’s dedication to regional connectivity.
1984
Late 1990s
GBA supports outback community renewal
GBA assists towns like Ilfracombe with pools, recreation centres and water upgrades, showing how engineering enhances both quality of life and local pride.
Late 1990s
2006
GBA grows
With a growing team and 14 council clients, GBA cements its reputation as a trusted, adaptable and community-focused consulting partner.
2006
2015
Emerald Opens
GBA Consulting Engineers opened a second office in Emerald to provide services to the Central Highlands region.
2015
2020
Third Office
A third office was opened in Rockhampton to provide services to the Capricornia region.
2020
2024 - 2025
Toowoomba and Winton Location
GBA Consulting Engineers opened a fourth office in Toowoomba and a site office in Winton.
2024 - 2025

Our Vision

At GBA, our vision is clear: To provide high quality Engineering Consultancy Services to regional Queensland. We see a future where regional communities thrive, supported by practical, purposeful engineering solutions that quietly enable progress across industries, towns and natural landscapes.

Grounded in civil excellence and a deep respect for people and place, we deliver services that enhance liveability and sustainability, always mindful of the unique ecosystems that define our regions.

Our Proud Mission

At GBA, our mission is to improve the lives of people in regional and remote communities. We offer challenging, social and balanced career opportunities. We believe in shared success, where every project, every innovation and every milestone strengthen not just our business, but the communities we serve.

Through collaboration, excellence, integrity and a commitment to continuous progress, we enable regional development and opportunity.

The Core Values We Live and Work By

Our values guide the way we work, from how we solve complex challenges to how we support outback Queensland. They are the foundation of every decision we make.

COMMUNITY

This is where we live. This is why we work.

ACCOUNTABILITY

Honesty defines our work culture. We own up, we speak up.

RESPECT

We respect the cultures, heritage and diversity of our team and our communities.

EXCELLENCE

Our excellence is focused on efficient practical solutions.

SUSTAINABILITY

We are committed to a legacy of responsible growth, resilient communities and thriving natural environments.

Our commitment is to keep building a stronger, more connected Australia – one project at a time.

A Team That Leads with Purpose

GBA Consulting Engineers thrives on the expertise of our team.

We manage complex projects in remote and challenging environments. Led by experienced partners with diverse engineering backgrounds, we bring innovation, adaptability and excellence to every project we deliver.

1945

Company established

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Queensland serviced by GBA

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Dedicated employees

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Female staff

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Countries of birth across our team

Our People Make Us Who We Are...

GBA is an employee-owned firm, meaning our people have a real stake in our success. Our engineers, project managers and technical specialists work closely with you to deliver tailored, impactful solutions.

Darren Richardson

Partner

Jason Ricks

Partner

Stuart Bourne

Partner

Rick Rolfe

Partner

PJ Cullivan

Partner

What Sets GBA Apart?

At GBA Consulting Engineers, we understand the realities of regional and remote engineering, because we’ve been delivering it for nearly 80 years.

Our purpose is simple: to engineer a better future through sustainable solutions that strengthen communities and care for country.

Driving Civil Engineering Outcomes Across Regional and Remote Australia

We deliver tailored infrastructure solutions that strengthen regional and remote communities across Australia. Our approach prioritises durability, functionality and sustainability to overcome the unique challenges of remote and regional projects.

RFDS PATIENT TRANSFER FACILITY

Emerald, QLD

RECREATION PARK CLUBHOUSE, BARCALDINE

Barcaldine, QLD

DRONE SERVICES

Barcaldine, QLD

Recognised for Excellence, Driven by Impact

The outcomes we achieve reflect the dedication and expertise we bring to every project. At GBA, success isn’t just measured in achievements;
it’s measured in the impact we create.

Engineering Excellence: GBA News

Follow our journey as we shape infrastructure, empower communities and push regional and remote engineering forward.

Ready to Work with Engineers Who Understand Your Community?

With our proven expertise, GBA delivers projects that work – we design better outcomes for Queensland’s regional and remote communities.

Need support on your next project?
We provide the insight, experience and care to see it through, end to end.