- Gooday Construction Newsletter
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- 26/08/2025
26/08/2025
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THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES
šØ Safety Updates
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ā Headlines & Industry
Australiaās aging rail network is increasingly disrupted by extreme weather, causing delays, economic losses, and supply issues. Fragmented governance and outdated infrastructure compound the problem. Experts urge a national strategy with better coordination, modern upgrades, and climate adaptation to build a resilient, reliable rail system capable of withstanding future challenges.
Engineers Australia recognises the intent behind the Albanese Governmentās decision to pause and streamline the National Construction Code (NCC) to accelerate the delivery of new homes, while stressing the importance of engaging the engineering profession to ensure reforms are effective.
Without clear policy, stable regulation, and transparent planning frameworks, Queensland risk stalling at the very moment we should be accelerating.
The construction sector is among the highest-risk industries for mental health crises in Australia. As regulatory changes focus more on comprehensive well-being and psychological resilience, micro-builders and trade professionals must adapt and offer mental health screenings as part of their safety protocols. Long hours, inconsistent scheduling and physically demanding work often affect a personās well-being, which may be part of the reason 12% of construction site workers abuse alcohol, while 11.6% turn to illegal drugs.
šļø Projects
NSW
Construction will begin next year on the eight-storey secondary school for 2000 students ā a key step in the areaās transition from industrial to mix-use.
With delivery of Australiaās first new city in 100 years underway, the first road signs pointing to Bradfield have also been installed. Bradfield City will deliver 20,000 jobs,10,000 homes, and significant economic benefits for the people of Western Sydney. At 114 hectares and with more than 30% green open space, Bradfield City will be a high quality urban environment with advanced industries at its heart.
A combined team effort has seen a āmammothā and faster than planned continuous pour of Australiaās largest cavern invert completed. The cavern is part of Sydney Metroās Hunter Street Station and measures 28 metres-wide and 20 metres-high, with the pour managed by Holcim Australia. The pour exceeded 3000 mĀ³ according to the company and that just three months earlier, a 2400mĀ³ concrete pour was considered ambitious.
QLD
The Queensland Renewable Energy Council is launching a strategy aimed at accelerating projects in the sector and positioning the Sunshine State as a global energy leader. The QREC points to more than 140 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy projects proposed in the stateās broader pipeline.
More than 10,300 new homes are set to be unlocked in the City of Moreton Bay with the construction of four critical infrastructure projects, including in the Waraba Priority Development Area, through the Queensland Governmentās $2 billion Residential Activation Fund.
A large mixed-use development, Toowong Central, is proposed in Toowong, featuring three towers with residential, retail, and short-term accommodation. Designed by Kerry Hill Architects, it includes up to 52 levels, heritage building integration, public plazas, and a mix of apartment sizes on a 13,845 sqm site with road widening.
VIC
Big Build Roads is delivering major road projects across Melbourne and regional Victoria to reduce congestion, improve safety, and connect communities. Delivered by VIDA Roads, these upgrades include widenings, bridges, and freeway improvementsāmany completed, underway, or planned. Explore projects via an interactive map.
City of Ballarat Council has awarded the detailed design tender for the reconstruction of the Gong Reservoir Dam Wall at Buninyong to engineering company, JJ Ryan Consulting. he contracted works will improve the dam wallās structural integrity to preserve the historic water facility while mitigating the risk of flooding to the community.
WA
Almost 6000 cubic metres of concrete have gone into the foundations of wind turbines in Western Australia, marking a significant milestone in renewable energy. The foundation of each of the seven wind turbines contains 800 cubic metres of concrete produced by WA contractor Westforce Construction. The 20 year-old company is known for scalable civil solutions across energy, infrastructure and resources.
The Federal Court upheld NOPSEMAās approval of Woodsideās Scarborough Environment Plan, rejecting a legal challenge over emissions. The $50 billion LNG project will create jobs, supply domestic gas, and export to Asia. The court ruled it wasnāt its role to assess NOPSEMAās judgment, only its legal validity under guidelines.
Merit Consulting Group has commenced civil construction work on a new large residential and commercial development in Perth. The 14-hectare precinct named Lefroy comprises of the former Beaconsfield Challenger TAFE site and adjacent Davis Park precinct. Merit Consulting Group will demolish the former TAFE site, which will deliver up to 155 new dwellings, including apartments and homesites ā sized up to 420m2 ā just 2.5km from Fremantle and South Beach.
The transformation of the Australian Hockey Centre has reached a major milestone, with the completion of the Expression of Interest stage and release of the Main Works Tender.Three construction companies - Georgiou Group, ADCO Constructions and Built - have progressed to the tender stage for the $163 million project.
š Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology
Holcim Romania has partnered with Schneider Electric to reduce breakdowns, extend equipment life and boost sustainability with AI-driven, predictive tech
The day we swapped the old hammer for a battery nail-gun, the rhythm of the job changed. Quicker, cleaner, less noise and nobody wanted to go back. Artificial intelligence has the same effect, only it hits your estimating, programmes, paperwork and cash flow. You do not need a department of technicians or a six-figure budget. As a builder or head contractor, you are already used to coordinating moving parts. Add the right digital power tool and the whole job runs straighter.
Construction tech has evolved from paper-based drawings to digitising decisions, with AI and generative design improving speed, risk management, and real-time data use. Challenges include scaling rapidly, digital literacy, and integrating open, interoperable tools. Leadership and vision, not geography, drive innovation, while sustainability and skilled labour shortages persist.
The construction and real estate sectors are rapidly evolving through urbanization, technology, and sustainability. Africa, led by Kenya, faces huge housing demand and growth opportunities. Innovations like 3D printing, smart cities, and financing solutions are key to building affordable, resilient communities, shaping a sustainable and inclusive urban future.
š± Sustainability ā& Environment
Equinor has exited the A$10B Novocastrian Offshore Wind Project near Newcastle, citing global renewable investment cuts. Partner Oceanex is too small to lead alone. Despite setbacks, the Australian Government supports offshore renewables, offering 10-year research licences across six zones to boost innovation, attract investment, and harness clean energy potential. The Australian Government is continuing to support the emerging offshore renewable industry, and on Friday released new guidance to help developers, researchers, scientists and other interested parties apply for research and demonstration licences in declared offshore zones.
Australiaās ban on three harmful PFAS āforever chemicalsā is a positive but slow step amid over 14,000 variants. Experts urge a broader, precautionary ban like the EUās plan to prevent widespread pollution and health risks. Without swift action, costly cleanups and environmental damage will continue to grow.
š Around the World
Japan opened the worldās second osmotic power plant in Fukuoka, generating 880,000 kWh annually by harnessing energy from mixing fresh and seawater. While promising for steady renewable energy, challenges remain in scaling due to energy losses. Advances and local resources could enable similar projects in Australia.
Here are 10 upcoming high-tech stadiums worldwide: Buffalo Billsā Highmark Stadium features the largest snow-melt system; Oxford Unitedās will be UKās first all-electric; Hangzhouās uses hybrid ventilation; Benficaās gains LED facade; and Manchester Unitedās stadium will use advanced prefabrication. Others include Chicago Bears, Montreal, Riyadh, and Jacksonville.
š·āāļø Tradies and Resource
Gamuda company DT Infrastructure has announced the appointment of Matthew Lennon as operations manager for Queensland.
The NSW Government has announced a funding injecting of $9.2 million across four years into initiatives aimed at increasing the number of building certifiers and speeding up the licensing of building tradespeople.
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Alex
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