- Gooday Construction Newsletter
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- 02/08/2025
02/08/2025
🏗 🚧 🌏 🛠🚀 🦺 ♻ 🤖 🧱 🏛 🧰
THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES
🚨 Safety Updates
This safety alert highlights the danger involved when using mobile cranes, including vehicle loading cranes, to remove trees. In April 2025, a twin steer bogie-drive prime mover overturned when a large vehicle loading crane (VLC) mounted on the vehicle was being used to lower a tree to the ground. In June 2025, an 80-tonne maximum rated capacity hydraulic all terrain mobile crane was spun around and fell over so that the boom became lodged in the fork of a gum tree.
âś’ Headlines & Industry
Inland Rail is transforming Australia’s freight network, with works underway in Euroa and major upgrades completed across Victoria. Acting COO Ed Walker will speak at Converge 2025 on managing large-scale infrastructure through towns. With innovation, local partnerships, and sustainability, Inland Rail promises lasting economic, environmental, and regional benefits nationwide.
ABS data released today shows total building approvals fell by 8.2 per cent in July 2025. Master Builders Australia said the monthly drop is a reminder of how fragile the recovery in home building remains. Despite the decline, approvals are still 6.6 per cent higher than a year ago, pointing to underlying momentum in the market.
The rail industry has expressed disappointment at the Queensland Government’s cancellation of Gold Coast Light Rail Stage Four, which will limit regional development and pass on congestion challenges to the next generation of local residents.
🏗️ Projects
NSW
Farmers across New South Wales will receive a significant boost in support, with the Australian and New South Wales Governments committing $43.2 million to strengthen drought resilience and climate adaptation. The funding, delivered through Phase 2 of the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP), is designed to help farming businesses prepare for the inevitable challenges of drought and build long-term sustainability.
QLD
The Gold Coast tram extension from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the airport has been scrapped. Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie confirmed the project is off the table, announcing the government will not proceed with light rail Stage 4.
The Queensland Government has earmarked $14.7 million in funding towards Townsville’s Weston and Woolcock Street Signalised Intersection project under its Residential Activation Fund. The funding will support construction of the critical infrastructure project, which the Government says will unlock 1,600 new homes in Cosgrove Estate.
The Queensland government scraps plans for a wind farm proposed to deliver enough energy for 500,000 homes, citing community "anxiety".
VIC
Victoria has approved another major wind project, with the 400-megawatt Mt Fyans Wind Farm set to supply power to almost 250,000 homes in the state’s south-west.. The facility will comprise 81 turbines near Mortlake and generate more than 100 construction jobs, alongside 10 permanent operational roles.
Victoria has made planning reforms to support more housing, but delivery is now key. To meet future housing targets, the government must coordinate infrastructure investment, introduce value capture through a development licence fee, and lead land assembly to enable higher-density, quality housing precincts with public space and services.
WA
Collie’s transition from coal continues, with approval for a 66 MW solar farm and 200 MW battery by Hesperia near the WA town. Set for 2028, it’s the third big battery in the area, supporting the state's move away from coal and boosting renewable energy in the South West grid.
Western Australia has opened two new Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tenders designed to add 1.6 gigawatts (GW) of renewable generation and 2.4 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of storage to the state’s grid, unlocking an estimated $4 billion in private capital.
🧰 Construction Au Other
The Brandt Group of Companies is now the official John Deere Construction and Forestry dealer for South Australia, Tasmania and key markets in Victoria. Brandt CEO and owner Shaun Semple said the states were dynamic markets with significant investment in infrastructure and commercial development.
An introduction of nationally consistent CPD requirements for licensed electrical workers would improve knowledge of all relevant rules and regulations and increase correct implementation of fundamental safety procedures like lock out/tag out and inspection and testing.
Portugal-headquartered TagEnergy has acquired German-owned early-stage developer ACE Power, adding approximately 6 GW of battery, wind and solar projects to its already significant portfolio in Australia's clean energy sector.
🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology
Trimble announced the availability of its B2W Estimate software application for contractors in Australia and New Zealand on the opening day of its inaugural Trimble Dimensions Australia User Conference, which took place August 27-28 in Brisbane.
AI is transforming construction in Malaysia, enhancing site safety, productivity, and project management. Companies like Gamuda and Sunway are pioneering its use, while experts say AI can predict risks, optimise resources, and support economic growth. With 30–40% adoption already, that figure is expected to double within a decade.
🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment
AGL has acquired the Yadnarie solar and energy storage project in South Australia, using RayGen's mirror-based tech to generate and store power. The system stores solar heat in water, providing clean, on-demand energy. The project supports Yadnarie's goal of running on 100% renewables by 2027.
Brazilian scientists have pioneered an innovative method of integrating abundant brown algae from the genus Sargassum into the production of lightweight ceramic clay materials aimed at civil construction.
🌏 Around the World
Meridian and Nova have secured NZ$300M in financing for the first phase of the 200 MW Te Rahui solar farm near TaupĹŤ, New Zealand. The project, owned 50/50 by the companies, has awarded key contracts to Beon Energy.
Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has completed its previously communicated divestment of its ownership in China-based SDLG (Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co) to a fund predominantly owned by the Lingong Group (LGG) for SEK 8 billion (6 billion RMB).
After more than one year of multiple offers and protracted negotiations, engineer-contractor Wood Group agreed Aug. 29 to a $292-million acquisition from Dubai-based Sidara (formerly known as Dar Group), that the Scotland-based firm said will help solve its “near-term liquidity challenges."
đź“– Miscellaneous
As urban populations grow, cities are turning to data-driven tools like digital twins and AI to optimise infrastructure, improve safety, and boost sustainability. Real-time IoT insights and modular construction are driving smarter, more adaptive urban development globally.
👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource
ACCIONA EnergĂa confirmed the appointment of Gavin Reymond as its new Managing Director in Australia. Reymond began his new role on 1 September 2025 and will report directly to the company’s global CEO, Arantza Ezpeleta.
With a $4 trillion gap threatening U.S. infrastructure, experts urge a shift from red tape to results. Streamlined permitting, early public input, standard contracts, and smarter financing—especially with private equity—are key. It's time to swap inertia for innovation and start building smarter, faster, and stronger.
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