05/11/2025

November 05, 2025

THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

🚨 Safety Updates

JBS Australia Pty Ltd has been convicted and fined $330 000 in the District Court of NSW as a result of a prosecution by SafeWork NSW. The proceedings arose following a workplace incident on 14 July 2022, when a worker was injured after being struck by a forklift.

Wrigley Metal Roofing Co Pty Ltd has been fined $225 000 in the District Court of NSW as a result of a prosecution by SafeWork NSW. The proceedings arose following a workplace incident on 25 July 2022 where a worker fell nearly 3.8 metres from the roof of a residential dwelling. 

âś’ Headlines & Industry

Despite being touted as Australia’s largest urban renewal project, Fishermans Bend remains stalled. Construction progress is slow, with limited housing and infrastructure delivered since 2016. Industry leaders cite the delayed tram link and shifting government priorities as key barriers, calling it a major planning failure that risks stifling Melbourne’s growth potential.

The East Lake Railway Precinct in Canberra is set for renewal, with $2.8 million in Commonwealth funding supporting planning for up to 5,000 new dwellings. Backed by the ACT Government and uPPP, the project includes housing, commercial spaces, and a new railway station, with first land releases expected by 2027.

French engineering group Systra has completed the acquisition of Australia-based multidisciplinary engineering company BG&E for an undisclosed sum. The company employs more than 800 people and has offices in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Middle East, and the United Kingdom. This strategic transaction marks a significant step in the development of SYSTRA in Australia and New Zealand and launches a new international offering dedicated to complex buildings.

🏗️ Projects

QLD

The Gateway Connect Joint Venture, including CPB Contractors, BMD, and Georgiou, has been awarded the $950 million Gateway to Bruce Upgrade. The project will expand motorway lanes, improve key connections, upgrade interchanges, and enhance safety, active transport, and environmental outcomes, creating long-term benefits for Queensland communities and motorists.

SA

The ACA South Australia branch continues its strong advocacy on fair contract terms, funding national research into consultancy engagement conditions. Partnering with the AIA, it commissioned expert reviews comparing government consultancy contracts against Unfair Contracts legislation, promoting fairer practices and ongoing dialogue with government through the DCCIF on contract and engagement matters.

TAS

Tenders have opened for the Triabunna stage of the $125 million Tasman Highway upgrades, part of the Great Eastern Drive Tourism Support package. The project includes widening and realigning 1.3 kilometres of highway north of Triabunna, with construction starting in early 2026 to boost safety, tourism, and regional connectivity.

Hydro Tasmania CEO Rachel Watson says the $5 billion Marinus Link interconnector is essential to protect Tasmania from droughts and ensure energy security. The 750 MW link will support hydro and renewable energy during dry periods, addressing climate-driven water shortages and stabilising the state’s electricity supply amid extreme weather and declining dam levels.

VIC

The Allan government has set aside $736 million for further blowouts on the North East Link road project in Melbourne, which has already more than doubled in cost to $26 billion since it was first unveiled almost a decade ago. 

Winslow has been awarded the construction contract for the $175 million Watson Street Interchange Upgrade in Wallan. The project will improve safety and reduce congestion with new freeway ramps, traffic signals, and connections to the Hume Freeway, supporting 1,100 jobs and enhancing access for 30,000 daily journeys by late 2027.

Victorian Minister for Water, Gayle Tierney, has announced $24 million in Integrated Water Management Grants for projects that unlock the benefits of recycled water and stormwater for community and the environment.

AusNet has committed $55 million to support regional communities located along the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project in Victoria. This pledge was shared with landowners along the proposed route

WA

Genus Group secured $135 million in new contracts with Fortescue and Western Power, reinforcing its role in Australia’s energy transition. Projects include 220kV transmission lines, 30 km of overhead distribution, fast chargers, and underground power works. The deals highlight Genus’ expertise, reliability, and long-standing client partnerships in complex energy projects.

🧰 Construction Au Other

Master Builders Australia’s submission to Safe Work Australia’s Best Practice Review of model WHS laws highlights the construction industry’s economic importance and commitment to safety. It calls for nationally consistent, practical regulations, industry-specific approaches, and reduced red tape, while emphasising education, collaboration, and balanced policy to strengthen workplace health and safety outcomes.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Digital technologies are transforming workplace safety by removing workers from hazardous environments through AI, robotics, and smart monitoring systems. However, the International Labour Organization warns these innovations introduce new risks—such as ergonomic strain, algorithmic oversight, and gender disparities—requiring proactive, participatory risk management to ensure technology complements, not replaces, human safety judgment.

Australian start-up Infravision raised $91 million Series B led by GIC to accelerate global deployment of its TX System, combining drones, intelligent ground equipment, and stringing hardware. Designed for safer, faster, and cost-effective power line construction, the technology supports high-voltage transmission projects and emergency grid responses worldwide.

Despite forecasts projecting the global construction market to surpass $20 trillion by 2029 (up from $16.45 trillion in 2025), the industry has historically lagged in digitization. Vertical AI is transforming construction by enhancing efficiency, safety, and compliance. Tailored to jobsite realities, it automates reporting, forecasts delays, and prioritizes tasks, addressing labor shortages and regulatory pressures. Unlike general AI, it integrates with workflows, enabling faster, safer, and smarter project delivery while boosting productivity and reducing rework globally.

Engineers on Sydney Metro West adapted a Lining Erector Machine (LEM) to line service tunnels faster and safer. Inspired by TBM technology, the LEM installs a full tunnel ring in 60 minutes, avoiding multiple pours and formwork, delivering high-quality, water-tight precast tunnels and significantly improving worker safety.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

A global study warns construction’s carbon footprint could double by 2050, threatening climate targets. Currently responsible for one-third of CO₂ emissions, cement, bricks, and metals dominate. Researchers call for a “materials revolution,” shifting to low-carbon, circular, and biobased materials, with innovation, regulation, and international support key to sustainable construction.

🌏 Around the World

Four major contractors—L&T, Afcons, Cemindia, and Hindustan Construction—have submitted bids to build a 10.14 km breakwater for India’s $7.4 bn Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra. The port, on reclaimed land with nine container terminals and 18 berths, aims for 23.5 million containers annually by 2035, supporting India’s port expansion ambitions.

Saudi AI firm Humain and Asia-Pacific data centre operator AirTrunk, backed by Blackstone, will invest $3 bn in a hyperscale data centre campus, marking AirTrunk’s Middle East debut. The project aims to support AI and cloud growth, develop local expertise, and advance Saudi Arabia’s ambition as a digital, AI-driven economy.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

Power and Water Corporation celebrated multiple wins at the 2025 Northern Territory Water Awards, including Mathilda Lipscombe as Young Water Professional of the Year. Recognised for innovation, sustainability, and community partnerships, the utility highlights leadership in water services, regional infrastructure, and Aboriginal business engagement, reinforcing its commitment to a resilient, sustainable Northern Territory.

The 2025 Jobs and Skills Report highlights persistent construction skill shortages, driven by training gaps and high turnover. Workforce instability raises recruitment, training, and productivity costs, while inclusive workplaces can alleviate shortages. Employers retain staff through higher wages, flexible arrangements, and upskilling, with stability critical for maintaining project continuity in construction.

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) champions gender equity, inclusion, and opportunity across Australia’s construction sector. Celebrating 30 years, NAWIC supports over 16,000 members with mentoring, professional development, and advocacy. CEO Cathryn Greville was named 2025 Construction Sector Gender Equity Champion, highlighting ongoing efforts to create fair, inclusive workplaces.

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