- Gooday Construction Newsletter
- Posts
- 29/09/2025
29/09/2025
THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES
🚨 Safety Updates
A freestanding modular scaffold collapsed due to strong winds, injuring two members of the public. Investigations continue. Key safety concerns include poor planning, inadequate ties, and environmental factors. Proper training, inspections, risk assessments, and adherence to scaffold plans and standards are essential to prevent similar incidents and ensure public and worker safety.
✒ Headlines & Industry
The Federal Government has set a 2035 emissions reduction target of 62–70% below 2005 levels. The plan focuses on clean electricity, electrification, clean fuels, emerging technologies, and carbon removal. Backed by major investments, the strategy aims to create jobs, drive economic growth, and meet international climate commitments.
The Australia-Asia PowerLink, a massive 12,000-hectare solar project in the Northern Territory, enjoys 89% support for its construction, but only 54% accept exporting its energy overseas, according to a Charles Darwin University study. Concerns focus on fairness and local benefits, suggesting more community engagement is needed.
NSW has passed the Environmental Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, which raises the “material harm” dollar trigger for mandatory pollution incident reporting under the POEO Act from $10,000 to $50,000.
The building industry faces a trust crisis as 90% of Australians fear builders may cut corners to save costs or speed up delivery. Only about half trust the quality of new homes. Construction insolvencies remain high, increasing consumer worries. Over 50% believe protections for buyers are insufficient, highlighting the urgent need to restore confidence and ensure reliable housing supply.
Bechtel’s Darren Mort highlights that clear scope definition, strong collaboration, and smart delivery models drove Western Sydney International Airport’s early, on-budget completion. He stresses fit-for-purpose contracts, aligned incentives, and local supply chain engagement as keys to megaproject success, emphasizing sustainability and efficient infrastructure delivery worldwide.
🏗️ Projects
ACT
The design for a new 2,000-seat lyric theatre in Canberra has been unveiled, featuring adjustable orchestra pits and accessible seating on all levels. Inspired by natural landmarks and First Nations culture, the venue aims to attract major productions. Main construction is set to begin early next year.
NSW
The Federal Government has approved the Valley of the Winds Wind Farm near Coolah, Warrumbungle Shire, adding 943 MW of clean energy capacity. The project includes 131 turbines and a 320 MW battery, supports local jobs, and coexists with agriculture, reflecting community feedback and regional benefits.
The New South Wales (NSW) government has committed AU$28 million (US$18.3 million) to establish a new Renewables Manufacturing Hub in Blacktown, Western Sydney, Australia.
Penrith City Council and NSW Public Works are inviting tenders to design a new indoor multi-sports arena, featuring 10 courts, squash courts, a rink, gym, and more. Funded by the NSW Government, the project aims to boost local sports infrastructure, with construction set to start mid-2027.
More than 1000 pieces of feedback were received by Transport for NSW in relation to the Yass Road, Bungendore Road and Ellerton Drive intersection in Queanbeyan East, with most supporting the need for an upgrade.
NT
The Manton Dam recommissioning project's cost rose by $55 million to $189 million, with the NT Government attributing the increase to previously undisclosed operational costs. Despite the budget blowout, works are nearing completion. The project aims to boost Darwin's water security by 7,300 megalitres annually and support future growth.
The Department of Logistics and Infrastructure will upgrade Gorrie Dry River Road, 15km from the Victoria Highway. Works include earthworks, drainage, bitumen sealing, and safety improvements. Completion is expected by December 2025. Road users are advised to follow all traffic management and signage during construction for safety.
QLD
A landmark $180-million five-star hotel and dining destination is to rise north of Brisbane with the City of Moreton Bay awarding the development tender to homegrown developer and hospitality clan the Comiskeys.
Port of Brisbane is advancing an environmental restoration project at Whyte Island, restoring saltmarsh, mangrove, and forest habitats vital for migratory shorebirds. Since 2024, over 6,200 native plants have been planted, invasive species removed, bat boxes installed, and fencing erected. The project covers 7+ hectares and involves collaboration with local groups and First Nations contractors.
VIC
Sydney is leading a national count of cranes – a proxy for construction activity – while Melbourne continues to lag, according to the RLB Crane Index.Of the 845 cranes operating nationwide, 370 are located in Sydney, followed by just 199 in Melbourne, with two fast-growing Queensland cities rising to 140 in total – 73 in Brisbane and 67 on the Gold Coast.
Construction has officially commenced on a striking new 11-storey hotel tower at Novotel Geelong, marking the single largest hotel development in the city’s history and underscoring the strength of Geelong’s visitor economy.
A boutique apartment project has been greenlit for development opposite Australia’s longest-running continuous food market in southeast Melbourne, Prahran . Designed by local practice Cera Stribley for Melbourne-based developer Leeka.
WA
A major residential development in Perth’s northern suburbs has copped a fine from the federal government after endangered black cockatoo habitat within the site was cut down, in breach of its environmental approval plan.
A 20-year masterplan vision has been unveiled for Perth Markets in the city’s south, developed by local architecture practices With Studio and Place Fabric. A media release from Perth Markets notes that the plan is “designed to meet the evolving needs of the fresh produce and horticultural supply chain,” prioritising “modernisation, greater operational efficiency and enhanced access across the precinct.”
On the far south-eastern edge of Western Australia, a group of partners is planning to build something massive: the Western Green Energy Hub (WGEH). Picture a huge clean-energy estate on the world’s largest single exposure of limestone bedrock, called the Nullarbor.
🧰 Construction Au Other
BESIX Watpac is the first builder accredited as a Maritime Technically Assured Organisation by Transport for NSW, recognizing its expertise in complex maritime projects. The company has delivered multiple ferry wharf upgrades, focusing on accessibility and quality, strengthening partnerships and positioning itself for future NSW transport infrastructure projects.
Conquip Engineering Group has announced the acquisition of shoring and excavation support equipment hire firm, Pro Mech.
MELBOURNE: Environmental Clean Technologies Limited (ECT.AX) said on Thursday it has agreed to acquire a company holding the exclusive rights to a groundbreaking technology from Rice University that destroys hazardous “forever chemicals” in soil.
🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology
A new 3D-printed home build in Victoria's west is due to be completed in October, with the construction team hoping the technology could be another solution to the housing crisis.
Let’s be honest most small construction company owners think AI is something only the “big boys” can afford. You picture expensive software, robots on site, or complicated coding that belongs in Silicon Valley, not on a muddy job site in Croydon.
Just-in-time logistics offers an alternative method for inventory management, underpinned by the belief that reducing waste and expenses starts with delivery planning.
A report from the Sustainable Markets Initiative shows AI is cutting building emissions by 20–30% annually. The AI smart buildings market will grow to $359bn by 2034. Success stories include Dollar Tree saving $1m in energy and a university reducing emissions by 68%. AI enhances design and efficiency but needs ethical use and industry standards.
Drone technology is revolutionizing construction by enabling faster, safer site surveys, real-time progress tracking, and improved safety inspections. It cuts costs, boosts efficiency, and enhances communication with precise data and visuals. Expected to grow significantly, drones are becoming essential for smarter, more connected construction projects.
🌱 Sustainability & Environment
A new SETA smart window integrates transparency control, thermal regulation, self-cleaning, defogging, and display functions. Using a flexible hydrogel-nanowire structure, it shifts opacity with low energy use, enhances insulation, and repels water efficiently. This innovation could significantly reduce building energy loss and transform future architectural, automotive, and electronic applications.
Brabham Estate won the UDIA WA Award for Excellence in Sustainability for blending environmental care, affordability, and liveability. Highlights include a 4.2-hectare Constructed Wetlands System, smart home tech, energy-efficient lighting, and green initiatives, positioning Brabham as a leader in sustainable urban development in WA.
Perth Airport’s $80M Terminal Two Apron Expansion earned the first-ever IS Council Essential Design Rating for an airport project. It boosts aircraft parking by 45%, cuts embodied carbon by 15%, saves 57,000kL water, and uses solar power and smart tech for energy efficiency, setting a new benchmark for sustainable aviation infrastructure in Australia.
With demand growing for aggregates and industrial byproducts in low-carbon cement production, a number of pioneering projects are reshaping how demolition
🌏 Around the World
A team of Bouygues, Stantec and Mott Macdonald will modernise Australia’s Davis Research Station in east Antarctica. The $250m renovation will modernise the 1957 facility with a main powerhouse, vehicle workshop, trade workshop, water system replacement and the removal of old infrastructure.
Skanska USA has launched Skanska Advanced Technology (SAT), a new division focused on data centre and semiconductor facility construction. Led by Anita Nelson and Katie Coulson, SAT’s 285-strong team will offer advanced modelling and manufacturing services, targeting fast-growing markets driven by AI and edge computing.
📖 Miscellaneous
Rent-a-GPU outfit Lambda says its latest Nvidia GB300 NVL72 system is not only powered entirely by hydrogen fuel cells but doesn't consume a single ounce of water.
Most Australian states still rely heavily on fossil fuels, especially coal and gas. Tasmania leads in renewables with 77% hydro, while South Australia gets over 60% from wind. Queensland, NSW, and Victoria depend on coal. The ACT claims 100% renewables via offsets, and WA and NT lag in clean energy.
👷♀️ Tradies and Resource
The NSW Government’s Fresh Start program has reached 500 apprentices, trainees, and cadets working in local councils, including 60% in regional areas. Recruits gain accredited qualifications while working across roles like civil construction, surveying, land management, and more. Another 292 recruits are set to join councils in 2026.
National Precast launched new online micro-credentials to fill Australia’s precast concrete training gap. Funded by Queensland, the courses target workers and professionals, covering core skills from basics to technical areas. Completing all modules earns a nationally recognised certificate, boosting workforce skills and formalising precast training.
In March 2025, new construction apprentice starts fell 2.6%, with 7,550 withdrawals exceeding the 7,482 completions for the second straight quarter. Apprentices in training dropped 4.6% year-on-year to 115,970. Master Builders Australia calls for urgent reforms to boost incentives, support, and streamline training amid a shrinking workforce threatening housing and infrastructure targets.
Thanks for reading,
If you have any comments or feedback, just respond to this email!
Alex
We monitor Australian construction 24/7—analysing thousands of articles from over 600 sources—to deliver the latest industry news straight to you.
⏳ Stay up to date in minutes
Read the most important construction related news stories of the day – Industry headlines, safety alerts, technology and innovations.
🏗 Get latest project updates
Get the latest project updates near you, contract awards, and global trends.
❌ No Noise news
Get the latest news in a simple format, with NO marketing emails, EVER.
🧠 Get ahead
Stay a head with the latest information that will improve your knowledge, performance and increase your opportunities.
💰 Love Gooday Construction? Tell your friends and get a chance to win $20 amazon voucher ! We’re growing and the more we grow the more quality news we can get to you!
Want to advertise in Gooday Construction? 📰
If your company is interested in reaching an audience of Construction professionals and decision makers, you may want to advertise with us. Please reply to this email.