01/10/2025

October 01, 2025

THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

🚨 Safety Updates

Safe Work Australia released resources to support the new Code of Practice for managing respirable crystalline silica risks. These include templates, a checklist, and case studies to help employers assess high-risk processes, control exposure, and manage respiratory protection. Additional fact sheets and infographics are available on their website.

 

✒ Headlines & Industry

In 1987, Katherine James exposed police corruption in Queensland, leading to major reforms. Now, a new inquiry targets union corruption in the construction industry, with whistleblowers protected behind screens. It aims to reveal violence, bribery, and inefficiency linked to the CFMEU, hoping to achieve accountability and transparency across the sector.

German-Australian studio LAVA will lead the concept masterplan for Expo 2030 Riyadh, set between King Salman International Airport and Riyadh City. The design, inspired by nature and technology, aims to enhance airflow, efficiency, and walkability, creating a lasting mixed-use precinct and a model for future sustainable cities.

Engineers Australia welcomes new data showing a 10.3 per cent lift in domestic students enrolling in an undergraduate engineering degree in 2024, compared to 2023. This was the highest increase among 13 major fields of education covered by Australian government data.

🏗️ Projects

ACT

DFAT is investing $94 million in a new six-storey, 19,800 sqm office at 19 National Circuit, Barton, to house 1,500 staff and consolidate its Canberra workforce. The $201 million, 6-star NABERS and Greenstar-rated building, developed by Cromwell, aims to improve efficiency, security, and reduce costs by replacing multiple sites. Completion is expected by mid-2027.

NSW

The Mount Ousley Road shared path bridge has received the go ahead and will now move into the detailed design stage. The shared path and bridge will now be delivered as part of the Mount Ousley interchange project.

The skyrocketing cost of the Metro West underground train line between the CBD and Parramatta is detailed in leaked government documents.

Penrith City Council has appointed Georgiou Group to begin early works on the Dunheved Road Upgrade. This six to nine-month phase includes design finalisation, site investigations, and utility planning. Funded by the Australian Government, the upgrade aims to double road capacity, with main construction expected to start in mid-2026.

Newly established energy solutions company wins connection contract for small new solar project in south-west NSW. Australian renewable energy services company Intium says it has been awarded the contract to build, own, operate, and maintain the connection infrastructure for the 32-megawatt (MW) Mulwala solar project in southern New South Wales (NSW).

NT

A hotel proposal granted planning approval a few months ago at Darwin Convention Centre, situated nearby an Indigenous sacred site, is facing new-found scrutiny from Traditional Owners, after developers were recently granted a new power to proceed construction of the project

QLD

The Australian Government’s Black Spots Program funded safety upgrades on Rodboro Street, Rockhampton, including a new 1.5m footpath, splitter islands, and improved signage. These measures aim to reduce crashes, improve pedestrian safety, and encourage safer driving. The $1.27 million project was delivered on time with local council collaboration.

SA

Work has started on accommodation for 1,600 workers supporting BHP’s Olympic Dam smelter maintenance and expansion in South Australia. The project includes new and refurbished rooms, creating local jobs. The state backs BHP’s $billion copper investment, aiming to boost industrial growth fueled by rising global copper demand.

VIC

The Allan Labor Government has opened the next round of its $210 million Safe Local Roads and Streets Program, offering grants up to $2 million to all 79 Victorian councils. Aimed at reducing road trauma, the initiative supports critical safety upgrades, with $25 million in funding available this year.

WA

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Warrikal, Western Australia’s largest Indigenous-owned contractor, has secured a three-year maintenance contract with Hancock Iron Ore to support Roy Hill operations. The deal strengthens their partnership and solidifies Warrikal’s position as a key Pilbara contractor, following past work with Hancock, Fortescue, BHP, and Rio Tinto.

A $60 million flyover at Menang Drive and Chester Pass will complete the Albany Ring Road in southern Western Australia. Construction starts later this year, improving safety and freight efficiency. The project has boosted local jobs and businesses, with $6 million spent on Aboriginal suppliers and 10.5% of work done by Aboriginal workers.

A Metronet contractor has been awarded contracts for the $165 million East Perth primary school, including early and forward works onsite.

🧰 Construction Au Other

The ACCC has approved Adbri’s acquisition of SA Premix, finding no substantial competition concerns in greater Adelaide’s RMX and aggregates market. Despite increased market share, effective competition remains. SA Premix’s director expressed pride in preserving the family business’s legacy under Adbri’s ownership, with no branding changes planned.

Procurement and the productivity gap Think ‘modern methods of construction’ and the mind leaps to technology, like digital twins, robotics and other shiny symbols of an industry searching for productivity gains. 

A Grossman Group study reveals 1 in 4 change efforts fail, often due to poor communication and lack of visible leadership. AI-driven change is toughest. Success hinges on pacing change, strong leadership, and clear communication—both internally and externally. In construction, tailoring communication to stakeholders and customers is crucial.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Developers of a speedy, "spider-like" robot named Charlotte believe it could be building homes on Earth within years, and eventually further lunar exploration.

AI is transforming construction by enhancing workforce skills and efficiency through human-AI collaboration. With proper training, AI boosts productivity, improves quality, and attracts new talent. Emphasizing a balanced partnership, the industry is building a future-ready, innovative, and engaged workforce.

n our previous articles, we explored different types of AI and their common uses. One of the more interesting — and important — issues is how much you should trust AI and the information it provides. 

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

Fortescue is embracing the mantle of being an early mover in renewable energy adoption. The Tier 1 mining company is embracing decarbonisation through its Real Zero by 2030 strategy. The company is also pioneering hydrogen-fuelled haul trucks in partnership with original equipment manufacturer Liebherr, while the ammonia-powered Fortescue Green Pioneer is looking to stamp out GHG emissions from shipping.

Benjamin White, Beca’s new Energy Market Director, highlights Australia’s renewable future depends on strong coordination among government, investors, and communities. With deep sector experience, he champions transmission infrastructure, investment certainty, and partnerships, emphasizing a collaborative, long-term approach to accelerate the clean energy transition and unlock national prosperity.

From 1 January 2025, emissions reporting became mandatory for the construction industry. To help contractors, subcontractors and suppliers meet these new requirements, the Australian Constructors Association has released a suite of three practical guides designed specifically for construction.

🌏 Around the World

Saudi Arabia is in the midst of a historic infrastructure revolution, a cornerstone of its visionary journey toward Vision 2030. The Kingdom’s bold ambition is to build not just new cities and economic hubs, but to create truly future-ready, intelligent urban environments that will stand as global benchmarks.

The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) has joined a number of US national construction bodies throwing their weight behind a bipartisan bill that would give visas to migrant workers in sectors, like construction, that are facing acute skills shortages.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

National Precast highlights a training gap in precast concrete, crucial for modern construction. To address this, they launched free online micro-credentials in Queensland, offering practical skills and certificates. Partnering with MSA, they’re also developing nationally recognised precast units for VET qualifications, creating formal career pathways and industry standards.

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Alex

We monitor Australian construction 24/7—analysing thousands of articles from over 600 sources—to deliver the latest industry news straight to you.

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