01/12/2025

December 01, 2025

The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

🚨 Safety Updates

Two serious incidents occurred when mobile plant contacted overhead powerlines. In 2024, a worker received an electric shock after a telehandler moving a skip bin hit lines. In 2025, a vehicle-loading crane struck 110 kV lines, causing major electrical damage but no injuries. Both incidents remain under investigation.

 

✒ Headlines & Industry

Queensland Labor conference delegates backed a motion urging the Commonwealth to end CFMEU administration and restore democratic control, triggering a factional walkout by the Right. Supporters warned the intervention set a dangerous precedent. The non-binding motion passed amid ongoing inquiries into corruption allegations within the union’s Queensland branch.

Google plans a “connectivity hub” on Christmas Island linking multiple subsea cables, promising major digital upgrades for the remote territory. Locals welcome improved connectivity but warn of logistical, power and water challenges. The project may spur renewable energy investment and carries strategic significance. Cable construction begins in 2026.

🏗️ Projects

ACT

Syzygy revamps two-tower Canberra project after planning rejection. Building heights adjusted to meet limits, unit layouts reconfigured for sunlight and liveability, and balconies replace winter gardens. Public spaces, landscaping, and pedestrian cover upgraded. Five basement levels provide 226 parking spaces, while ground-floor commercial and service areas are reworked for functionality and accessibility.

NSW

Senator Anthony Chisholm discussed $140 million in federal funding for new and upgraded heavy-vehicle rest areas nationwide, aimed at improving truckie safety on long-distance routes. He highlighted key NSW sites funded and stressed the importance of fatigue management. He also noted Parliament was finalising long-delayed environmental reforms.

CDC Data Centres has secured NSW Government approval for its $3.1 billion Marsden Park campus, set to become the Southern Hemisphere’s largest data centre. Spanning 20 hectares with six buildings and 504 MW capacity, it will support AI and high-performance computing, boost jobs, and strengthen Australia’s digital infrastructure.

Origin Energy has launched tenders for contractors and turbines for its 1.5 GW Yanco Delta wind project in NSW, set to become Australia’s largest wind farm. Located in the south-west REZ, it will feature over 200 turbines. Rising costs and transmission delays pose challenges, while Origin plans to develop, secure offtake, and potentially sell the asset

Plans for a major residential development above Sydney’s new Waterloo Metro Station propose two towers of 24 and 21 storeys with 314 apartments—including 39 affordable units—over a four-storey mixed-use podium. The project features retail, offices, landscaped pedestrian links, and public spaces, aiming to boost housing supply and activate the metro precinct.

The Cambridge Avenue Upgrade at Glenfield will deliver major construction works, including road widening to six lanes, new bridges over rail and the Hume Motorway, new ramps, utility relocations, and drainage improvements. The project will enhance traffic flow, safety, and freight access while supporting growth in housing, jobs, and regional connectivity.

QLD

Greenvale Energy Ltd has entered into a farm-in agreement and future joint venture with SRL Hot Rocks Pty Ltd to develop the Millungera Basin geothermal project in north-west Queensland, Australia.

The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments fast-track 22 Bruce Highway upgrades worth $500 million, as part of the $9 billion Targeted Safety Program. Projects include 93 km of pavement strengthening and 13 km of wide-centreline treatments, improving skid resistance, vehicle stability, and separation to cut head-on crashes, enhancing safety and reliability along Queensland’s key freight route.

The Logan and Gold Coast Faster Rail Project will expand rail capacity, remove level crossings, and upgrade stations between Brisbane and Beenleigh. AJJV (Jacobs and Arcadis) will oversee design and construction compliance. The project improves safety, reliability, and commuter experience, supporting South East Queensland’s growth and the 2032 Olympic Games.

SA

Adelaide’s $900 million City East redevelopment will deliver four towers up to 39 storeys, more than 700 homes—including 200 affordable units—a hotel, retail space, and new public realms. Backed by Council, the State Government and community housing providers, the project aims to boost CBD living and transform the eastern precinct.

VIC

Victoria approved the work plan for VHM’s major Goschen rare earths and mineral sands project, supporting the state’s critical minerals strategy. The project must meet strict environmental, dust, rehabilitation and community-reporting requirements. The government says developing critical minerals will drive the energy transition and could create up to 7,000 regional jobs.

Construction of the Marinus Link 1500MW interconnector is set to start next year, following Tasmanian EPA approvals for the Heybridge shore crossing and converter station. The project will connect Tasmania to Victoria via Bass Strait, creating jobs, economic stimulus, and lower power prices while advancing intergenerational energy infrastructure.

 

WA

Tenders are open for major construction works at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, WA, including upgrades to the Neurological Intervention and Imaging Service (NIISWA) and installation of a third CT scanner. Projects aim to improve patient access, support growing diagnostic demand, and complement ongoing ICU and emergency department redevelopment.

Designs for Osborne Park Hospital’s expansion have been revealed, advancing WA’s New Women and Babies Hospital project. Built by Webuild, the $1.8 billion development will deliver maternity, gynaecology, neonatology, and mental health facilities with single-bed rooms, natural light, and landscaped courtyards. Construction begins early 2026, opening in 2029.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Strategic investments in technology, sustainability, and safety are driving ANZ construction growth beyond 2025. Infrastructure, housing, and commercial projects benefit from BIM, digital twins, robotics, modular methods, and smart materials. Public-private partnerships and workforce upskilling further support resilient, efficient, and sustainable construction, positioning the industry for long-term expansion across Australia and New Zealand.

The concrete construction workforce faces skill gaps as technology transforms the industry. Modern training integrates digital tools, robotics, sustainability, and data literacy alongside traditional craft skills. Strategies include simulation, augmented reality, gamification, and professional certification, ensuring workers are competent, adaptable, and prepared for high-tech construction, supporting safety, efficiency, and future-ready projects.

At Trimble’s Dimensions 2025 conference, the company outlined its AI strategy for construction software, centred on the new Agent Studio platform. The agentic AI layer enables cross-product workflows, automates tasks in SketchUp, Tekla, ProjectSight and Trimble Connect, and supports 360° site capture and financial management, unifying operations across its ecosystem.

Gravis Robotics raised $23M to expand its autonomous earthmoving technology across the UK, US, and EU. Using AI, cameras, and sensors, its systems boost site productivity, assist operators, and enable automated excavation. The funding will support global rollout, team growth, and partnerships with OEMs, contractors, and plant hire providers.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

RMIT researchers have developed lower‑carbon concrete using biochar made from spent coffee grounds, replacing sand by up to 15%. Life-cycle analysis shows CO₂ reductions of 15–26%, improved strength, and lower fossil fuel use. The innovation supports circular economy goals, with real-world trials, industry collaboration, and potential adoption in infrastructure projects.

Decarbonising building systems in large-scale projects is critical, as buildings generate nearly 40% of energy-related emissions. Strategies include low-carbon mechanical systems, heat pumps, advanced insulation, energy recovery, AI-driven controls, grid integration, and lifecycle-focused design. Comprehensive commissioning, operator training, and smart technologies ensure operational efficiency, cost savings, and regulatory compliance.

🌏 Around the World

Three construction executives in Hong Kong were arrested for manslaughter after a fire engulfed seven high-rise towers in Tai Po, killing 65, injuring 76, and leaving hundreds missing. The blaze spread via bamboo scaffolding during refurbishment, prompting the government to plan a switch to steel scaffolding to improve fire safety.

 

📖 Miscellaneous

Planning experts defended their scathing assessment of Hobart’s Macquarie Point stadium, warning its economic case has worsened and Tasmania risks a “compound interest trap”. They argue the stadium isn’t essential infrastructure and benefits few while costing many. Two independents will likely determine the project’s fate in next week’s upper-house vote.

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Alex

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