_{THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES}

🚨 Safety Updates

Australia hit with huge ‘wake-up call’ today

A major mental health crisis is affecting Australian tradies, with 84% facing ongoing challenges. Long hours, stress, and a “tough it out” culture contribute heavily. In response, Mitre 10 launched the 4:01 Club, promoting physical activity and open conversations to break stigma and support tradies’ mental and physical wellbeing.

Tick off your safety bucket list this October

An incident simulation, four mock trials and three webinars are among the events being promoted by SafeWork SA as part of this year’s campaign as well as our annual competition encouraging businesses to showcase their own safety activities. The 2025 theme – safety: every job, every day.

✒ Headlines & Industry

Lendlease’s Singapore investments will double to $25b: Lombardo

Lendlease aims to double its $12 billion Singapore asset base in five years, despite facing a battle over a $2 billion industrial fund. CEO Tony Lombardo says the company plans new developments in Singapore’s recovering retail and office sectors, continuing its presence since its first project there in 1973.

Key policies for the energy transition

The government must accelerate fossil fuel phaseout with carbon taxes, bans on new coal/gas projects, and gas connection restrictions. Mandatory energy audits, improved building standards, and electrification incentives are vital. Funding public transport, renewables, workforce training, and support for affected workers ensures a just transition toward net-zero emissions.

Master Builders calls for urgent, coordinated action to mobilise the housing workforce

Master Builders Australia urges governments to adopt BuildSkills Australia’s 2025 Housing Workforce Capacity Study recommendations, calling for urgent action on apprenticeships, women’s participation, migration, productivity, and training reforms. Addressing these workforce challenges is essential to meet the National Housing Accord’s 1.2 million homes target by 2029.

Australians say tradies deserve more recognition

Australians believe that tradies deserve more recognition and support than they currently receive, according to new research commissioned by Kennards Hire ahead of National Tradie Day 2025. The survey found 93% of respondents feel tradies don’t get the recognition they deserve, while 96% say they should be regarded as essential workers alongside nurses and teachers.

Australia emissions targets ‘too timid’; robots and construction labour clean fuels; data centres and jobs

Construction is evolving fast: Monash researchers introduce robots to tackle labor shortages and boost productivity, easing physical strain on workers. Coupled with the federal $1.1 billion investment in low-carbon fuels for construction machinery, the industry is poised for a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient future.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

Work underway on new $6.3m Ballina SES HQ

Ballina Shire Council has begun construction on a new SES Unit and Emergency Operations. The $6.3 million project will feature modern facilities, a six-bay vehicle shed, and enhanced emergency response capabilities. It's jointly funded by the NSW Government and Council, with completion due in late 2026.

Milton Ulladulla bypass corridor connections confirmed

The Australian and NSW Governments are getting on with planning for the Milton Ulladulla Bypass, today confirming key connection points between the Princes Highway and the new $940 million route.

Lightsource bp kicks off construction on CIS contract-winning solar-plus-storage plant in Australia

Lightsource bp is building a 49MW/562MWh battery storage system alongside its 585MW Goulburn River solar farm in NSW. The DC-coupled hybrid improves efficiency and shares equipment. Supported by government schemes, it offers 10-hour long-duration storage to firm solar power and aid coal plant retirements. Operations start in 2026, solar in 2027.

NSW unveils major planning reforms to accelerate housing delivery

The NSW Government has introduced the Environmental Planning and Assessment Amendment (Planning System Reforms) Bill 2025 , the most significant overhaul of the state’s planning system in nearly five decades. 

QLD

Two Residential Towers & Sky Restaurant – North Quay, Brisbane City

A development application has been lodged for two high-rise residential towers at 309 North Quay, Brisbane. Designed by Blight Rayner and Plus Studio, the 56- and 51-storey towers will feature 1,122 apartments, retail space, hotel units, a sky restaurant, and extensive communal amenities, enhancing Brisbane’s western gateway with vibrant public spaces.

Builder Appointed for Freshwater Village – Brays Road, Griffin

The Freshwater Villige development in Griffin has taken the next step forward, with Wattle Run announcing the appointment of Tomkins Commercial and Industrial Builders, who will take charge and move the approved development into reality.

Port of Brisbane advances sustainable growth for Queensland

Port of Brisbane’s 2024/25 report highlights strong growth with record container volumes and infrastructure investments exceeding US$212 million. Key projects include new sustainable facilities, channel enhancement, and environmental land rehabilitation, underscoring its commitment to responsible development, resilience, and supporting Queensland’s trade and construction sectors through innovation and sustainability.

SA

DHL breaks ground on new SA hub

A new sustainable transport and warehousing hub is under construction in Adelaide's Edinburgh Park precinct. DHL Supply Chain Australia has initiated the project, which is set to be completed by the third quarter of 2026.

VIC

VHM secures federal approval for Goschen project

VHM’s Goschen rare earths project in NW Victoria secured federal EPBC approval, enabling final design and construction plans. The project will produce rare earths and heavy minerals. VHM signed a non-binding LOI with Mitsui for 40% of mineral supply. Development targets 2026 start.

WA

Billion-dollar job-creating infrastructure project gets underway

A $1 billion infrastructure project in Perth’s south-east has begun, extending Tonkin Highway and upgrading Thomas Road. Set for completion in 2028, it will improve safety, ease congestion, and support over 4,400 jobs. The project includes new interchanges, shared paths, and complements the upcoming METRONET Byford Rail Extension.

Western Australia transmission plan to unlock 2.6 GW of renewable energy

The government of Western Australia has released its South West Interconnected System Transmission Plan, in which phase one will unlock 2.6 GW of new renewable energy generation capacity.

🧰 Construction Au Other

Hino 300 hybrid electric delivers 20% fuel savings

Hino’s 300 Series Hybrid Electric trucks combine a diesel engine with an electric motor for up to 21% fuel savings and lower emissions without needing charging. Ideal for urban fleets, they reduce maintenance costs and enhance comfort. Australian fleets like Charles Sturt Council already benefit from this practical hybrid solution.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Tech Stack of the Future: Integrating Robotics, IoT, and 3D Printing On-Site

The construction industry has long relied on conventional building techniques, achieving structural wonders from Mesoamerican pyramids to cities’ towering skyscrapers.

New partnership to develop autonomous tech for construction equipment

Japan-based deep-tech startup TIER IV, as well as Komatsu and Earthbrain have partnered to develop technologies for automating construction equipment.

Transforming Concrete: State of the Concrete Industry

Concrete construction is evolving with smart sensors, AI-driven mix optimization, and robotics improving quality, efficiency, and sustainability. Innovations like 3D printing, digital project management, and low-carbon materials reduce labor, waste, and emissions. These technologies enable faster, greener, and safer projects, transforming the future of concrete jobsites.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

Clean power, fuels and carbon storage key to 70% cut

Australia’s new target to cut emissions by up to 70% by 2035 will drive large-scale construction in clean power, industry decarbonisation, and low-carbon fuel infrastructure. Key focus areas include renewable energy projects, electrification upgrades, and carbon storage facilities.

Water, water everywhere: Low-carbon concrete’s water dilemma and what can be done about it

Water scarcity is hitting construction hard. New low-carbon concrete mixes often need more water, risking durability and waste. Innovations like nano-modified concrete at Kendrick Elementary (TX) cut water use 32%, reduce cement, and boost strength—proving sustainable, water-wise construction is possible and vital for the future of building.

Creating transparent solar windows that generate electricity

A new cholesteric liquid crystal-based solar concentrator offers high transparency and efficiency, paving the way for energy-generating architectural windows.

🌏 Around the World

Construction fintech backs ISG subcontractors for class action

A construction fintech, ProjectPay, is leading a class action against the UK government for ISG subcontractors unpaid after ISG’s 2024 collapse. They allege insolvency laws and payment protections failed, leaving subcontractors unpaid despite government safeguards. ISG administrators deny misuse. ProjectPay seeks stronger legal protections for subcontractors in future projects.

Potain MCT 385 hits new heights on world’s tallest bridge

A Potain MCT 385 topless tower crane played a vital role in constructing China’s Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge, the world’s tallest, lifting loads up to 20 tonnes. Operating in extreme terrain, it accelerated construction and demonstrated Potain’s technological innovation in supporting ambitious infrastructure projects.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

NAWIC unveils new strategy as it celebrates 30 years of change

As the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) marks 30 years of advocacy and action, a new organisational strategy sets the course for an equitable industry.

Rail sector signs up to fast-track gender equity

Australia and New Zealand’s rail sectors have taken a collective step to tackle long-standing gender imbalances.Forty organisations have signed a new Rail Gender Equity Charter at its launch in Sydney this week.

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