17/09/2025

September 17, 2025

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THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

🚨 Safety Updates

Marr Contracting is the first company globally to implement The Buddie System, a wireless safety alert device for crane crews, on two Sydney projects. Designed to reduce accidents from miscommunication, the system allows instant alerts from dogmen to crane operators. Following a successful trial, Marr plans a broader rollout.

 

✒ Headlines & Industry

WA's civil construction industry says it's confident it can meet demand stemming from the federal government's $12 billion investment in a defence hub south of Perth, in the midst of housing and skilled worker shortages.

The ACCC has approved four Concrete Institute of Australia members to acquire BGC Cementitious after a 100-day review. Despite initial concerns, the ACCC found the deal—now including Adbri—unlikely to reduce competition in Perth’s ready-mix concrete or cement markets, citing sufficient remaining competitors and ongoing incentives for suppliers to compete.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

Sydney Airport has announced its biggest terminal expansion since the 2000 Olympics, with plans for up to 14 new gates and a merged T2-T3 terminal. The 2045 Master Plan aims to handle 72 million passengers annually, boost efficiency, double airfreight, and support over 560,000 jobs across Australia’s aviation sector.

Camden Council has welcomed the recent NSW and Australian Governments’ announcement of the $65 million South West Roads Planning Program, which identifies seven major road corridors for upgrades in Greater Macarthur and South West Sydney, including Camden Valley Way and Jersey Road.

The Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) project has secured planning approval from the New South Wales Government 

The State Government said it is fast tracking the state’s first REZ that upgrades existing grid infrastructure such as distribution poles and wires. This approach will reduce the impact on communities and the environment.  

QLD

Three critical infrastructure projects, set to be fast-tracked through the $2 billion Residential Activation Fund (RAF), are expected to unlock a further 1,400 homes along Bundaberg’s coastline.

Updated designs have been released for level crossing removals that form part of the $5.75 billion Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail project in Queensland.

TAS

Designs have been unveiled for a $150 million revitalisation of the Cadbury Chocolate Factory site in Claremont, Hobart, which would see the factory’s waterfront parklands transformed into a “chocolate experience.

VIC

The Victorian government pushes back its timeline for new offshore wind farms in the state's east in a blow to developers looking to move their projects to the next stage.

Victoria premier uses trip to China to announce approval for a one gigawatt hour battery project proposed by Chinese giant Trina that had attracted local opposition.

WA

Western Australia’s Pilbara region could serve as a blueprint for the nation’s industrial decarbonisation with modelling showing a coordinated approach to the construction of energy infrastructure could save billions in costs and significantly reduce the land required.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

UNSW spin-out company Lab360 Solar has been awarded funding from ARENA to bring its drone-based PV inspection technology to market.

Lancaster, California is pioneering AI-driven building permit approvals through a partnership with Labrynth. The AI screens applications, flags issues, and guides best practices to reduce delays. Mayor Parris sees this as transforming regulation into economic growth. Labrynth will expand its Red Tape City Index to 500 U.S. cities next month.

France-based Temelion, an AI platform that optimises pre-construction workflows, has closed a €3.2 million seed round to accelerate its go-to-market and strengthen its position among French engineering consultancies.

The Jaibot drilling robot, launched by Hilti in 2019, is helping address Colorado’s construction labor shortage. Used at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, it drills precise holes for installations, boosting efficiency by 5-10 times. With a nationwide shortage of 400,000 workers, the robot reduces tedious tasks, improves productivity, and aims to attract younger workers by making construction safer and more tech-driven.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

Fine recycled concrete aggregates, when treated with a crystallizing agent, outperform standard sand in mortar, offering a sustainable construction solution.

Australia’s construction industry generates 29% of national waste, costing $384/m² in discarded materials. The AWO Report urges circular design and contract reforms. Meanwhile, a CEFC report highlights a $36B opportunity in low-carbon fuels. National efforts also include climate transition planning, EPBC law reforms, and international legal accountability for emissions.

The Victorian government is trialling Victoria’s first advanced grey water recycling system in Geelong to help make the most of every drop of water. Minister for Water Gayle Tierney visited Gordon TAFE’s to launch the Victorian Advanced Grey Water Recycling System Trial – a $220,000 research project trialling advanced water saving technology.

In Spain and other countries, the construction sector is undergoing a transformation. Traditional materials such as brick and concrete are starting to be replaced by lighter and more environmentally friendly alternatives. Among them, blocks made from coffee, wood, and even modular systems that are assembled like Lego pieces stand out.

🌏 Around the World

Google today confirmed it is the mystery hyperscaler behind one of Europe's largest datacenter campuses as it cut the ribbon on a facility situated on the outskirts of the M25 in Hertfordshire. The ad giant has also struck a deal with Shell Energy Europe to act as its 24/7 carbon-free energy manager in Blighty, a move it claims will help its UK operations run at 95 percent carbon-free by 2026.

The California state government is defying the Trump administration by supporting the region’s high-speed rail project with $1bn (£730M) funding a year up to 2045.

North Korea’s Ryugyong Hotel, Pyongyang’s tallest building, remains empty decades after construction began in 1987. Tour guide Simon Cockerell is one of the few to have entered the eerie 330-metre tower. Built entirely of concrete, its unusual shape reflects material limitations and political symbolism. Its future remains uncertain.

Civils contractor Charles Brand used specialist heat-conducting concrete, PowerCrete, supplied by Heidelberg Materials, to support the landfall connection for the Inch Cape offshore windfarm in Scotland. This concrete helps dissipate heat from underground power cables, preventing capacity loss due to rising temperatures. Coordinating timed pours around tidal conditions, Charles Brand praised Heidelberg’s seamless delivery and technical support. Inch Cape, located 15km off Angus, will be one of Scotland’s largest windfarms, with up to 72 turbines powering the national grid via an East Lothian substation.

📖 Miscellaneous

NSW’s government is introducing AI to speed up housing approvals, aiming to tackle Australia’s housing crisis. While promising, concerns arise about over-reliance on AI and loss of expert judgment. The Robodebt scandal serves as a warning. Responsible innovation, transparency, and clear goals are essential to avoid repeating past mistakes.

As many as 1.5 million Australians could live in areas which are subject to coastal flooding risks by 2050, according to a new report.

This week marks the 25 th anniversary of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games – an event remembered as “the green games” for its environmental legacy. In preparation for this global spectacle, a team of built environment professionals came together to deliver an ambitious and lasting urban masterplan .

The Australian government’s updated Freight Strategy prioritises resilience, decarbonisation, and data. A new Action Plan includes a Freight Resilience Plan, investment framework, and zero-emission vehicle research. Despite rail carrying most freight, road is growing faster. Industry leaders urge greater rail use for a more sustainable, productive national freight network.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

ACCIONA Energía announced today the appointment of Gavin Reymond as Managing Director of ACCIONA Energía in Australia. He is commencing his new role today, 1 September 2025, reporting directly to the company’s CEO Arantza Ezpeleta.

Queensland’s most innovative engineers and engineering projects have been named at the 2025 Engineers Australia Excellence Awards – People and Projects at The Westin Brisbane overnight. “The Engineers Australia Excellence Awards honour the outstanding achievements of engineers here in Queensland.

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