Martin O'Connell  |  Founder and Managing Director |  ECORR

Western Sydney Business Connection Committee

Lifelong Western Sydney resident, Martin is passionate about Western Sydney and its ambition to become a world-leading economy, believing that success will be achieved through effective collaboration between businesses and their leaders.

Martin’s professional journey began in civil engineering, eventually leading to his role as Managing Director and co-owner at AWJ Civil. Over two decades, he steered the company's evolution from a conventional earthmoving service to a leading, solution-focused civil contracting firm. His advocacy for a project-partner-oriented approach fortified the company's values and solidified collaborative procurement relationships, which underpinned the business over that period.

The opportunity to recycle construction waste as a resource led to the inception of ECORR. Today, ECORR stands as an award-winning leader in circular construction solutions, offering unique and innovative ways for material disposal, design, and application. ECORR has become partner of choice across an array of infrastructure and construction programs in Western Sydney, in projects such as Western Sydney Airport, Sydney Metro and Parramatta Light Rail.

Martin's passion extends to creatively tackling civil and environmental challenges, particularly in revitalizing legacy mine, quarry, and heavy industrial sites. Through adaptive and optimized solutions, he has contributed significantly as a partner and developer, leveraging these legacy resources for maximum benefit.

Unlocking the sustainable commercial success of such projects and business models has reinforced his belief in their efficacy—not merely as a response to growing environmental awareness but as a proactive, strategic approach to future-proofing businesses in a world of finite resources and evolving stakeholder expectations.

Having experienced the economic transition to a uniquely diverse economy over the past 30 years, Martin is passionate about playing a role in the future of the Western Sydney economy. He shares the ambition to ensure it becomes Australia's benchmark economy, driven by innovation, sustainability, and collaborative leadership.