- G'day Construction Newsletter
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- 09/12/2025
09/12/2025
The Daily Dirt Aus
By Gāday Constructionā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦.ā¦ā¦
THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES
šØ Safety Updates
Queenslandās resources safety regulator has issued a proactive alert urging mine operators to prevent falling plant, tools and equipment incidents. RSHQ recommends clear drop-zone controls, tool tethering, risk assessments, maintenance checks and strong change-management. With over 300 incidents since 2023, the guidance aims to improve safety and operational resilience statewide.
šļø Projects
NSW
Warrumbungle Shire Council is intensifying advocacy as CWOREZ activity grows, raising concerns over cumulative traffic, road upgrades, water management and construction impacts. With many projects entering post-approval, staff face rising workload pressures. Council urges coordinated planning, clearer communication and firm infrastructure commitments to protect communities amid unprecedented renewable energy development.
AGL has begun building the 500 MW, 2,000 MWh Tomago battery in NSWās Hunter region. The $800 million project will boost grid stability, support renewables and create up to 200 construction jobs. Expected online in late 2027, it forms a key milestone in AGLās plan to deliver 12 GW of new energy capacity.
Construction of the $700 million Singleton Bypass has reached its one-year milestone, with six bridges underway and over 500,000mĀ³ of earthworks completed. The project, supported by more than 1,300 workers, aims to remove congestion, improve safety and cut travel times when it opens in late 2026.
New South Wales has launched a road recategorisation program using an online self-assessment tool to help councils reclassify roads based on current function. The framework aims to improve funding fairness, reduce administrative delays and prioritise infrastructure that supports housing, freight and resilience, strengthening regional road maintenance and delivery.
QLD
A new development application has been lodged for the redevelopment of the existing Residential Aged Care facility, located at 50 Brisbane Street, Bulimba. Designed by OāNeill Architecture, the proposal seeks to deliver a modern 4-storey RAC facility containing 123 aged-care rooms, replacing the ageing existing building.
SA
Vena Energy has begun building a 204 MW/408 MWh battery at its Tailem Bend energy precinct in South Australia, expanding on existing solar and storage assets. The project, due in 2027, will boost grid stability and support construction activity as one of the stateās largest BESS installations, strengthening Australiaās renewable infrastructure pipeline.
VIC
Gippsland Water has completed a $12.9 million expansion of its Dutson Downs organics facility, boosting capacity to convert food and garden waste into high-quality compost. The upgrade supports agricultural productivity, creates jobs and strengthens regional sustainability, enhancing the construction and waste-processing infrastructure across Victoria.
WA
Construction has begun on the final stage of the Eastern Harbour Revetment Upgrade at the Port of Port Hedland, WA. MGN Civil has secured the $8.6 million contract to install new rock armour, renewing degraded revetment sections and boosting cyclone resilience, with works expected to be completed within 12 months.
Western Australia is primed to cash in on land-strapped Singaporeās massive demand for data storage, according to Premier Roger Cook, who says the stateās proximity to Asia and a bevy of undersea cable connections could transform the west coast into a data processing powerhouse
š§° Construction Au Other
Engineering firm Agilitus has secured a multi-million-dollar three-year agreement with Rio Tinto, covering fixed plant mechanical, structural and marine engineering. The partnership builds on five years of project delivery and strengthens collaboration across complex mining infrastructure, supporting cost efficiency, risk reduction and high-quality engineering outcomes.
The transaction significantly bolsters Architectus' presence in WA, growing what is already one of the largest practices in the country.
Doosan Bobcat is negotiating a US$2.3 billion acquisition of Wacker Neuson, a major player in light and compact construction machinery. The deal would expand Doosan Bobcatās European reach, strengthen competition against global rivals and boost its electric and low-emission equipment portfolio, positioning the company as a more global construction powerhouse.
š Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology
Inspur showcased its modular construction capabilities in Brisbane, highlighting offshore manufacturing, compliance pathways and AI-enabled delivery. Builders and engineers examined practical steps for modular installationācrane lifts, services integration and staged inspections. Strong industry interest points to growing demand for scalable, fast-build solutions, particularly for housing, student accommodation and community projects.
ALEC is strengthening its role as a construction innovation hub, showcasing AI tools and productivity technologies that boost efficiency on major projects. With the GCC market set to reach US$2.7 trillion, ALEC is nurturing startups, validating solutions and expanding collaboration across contractors and subcontractors to accelerate safer, faster and more sustainable building.
š± Sustainability ā& Environment
Australia could unlock a $26 billion economic boost by doubling resource circularity, but experts warn the country loses value by exporting raw minerals for offshore processing. Building domestic refining, tracking materials digitally and designing for reuse are key. Strong frameworks and onshore processing are essential to close loops and strengthen resilience.
Heidelberg Materials has launched evoZero, the worldās first carbon-captured cement, following years of development at its Brevik CCS plant. Delivered to flagship European projects, the product significantly cuts emissions and supports sustainable construction. The company is expanding CCS capacity with a new facility in Wales, further advancing low-carbon building materials.
š Miscellaneous
The draft 2026 Integrated System Plan signals a quicker energy transition but highlights rising transmission construction costs. With delays and budget pressures affecting major grid projects, planners are weighing large batteries and virtual transmission as lower-cost alternatives. For contractors, future work will hinge on balancing new network builds with expanding storage infrastructure.
Australiaās Cheaper Home Batteries Program is subsidising oversized systems, driving rapid uptake but major cost blowouts. Many installations exceed typical household needs, doubling battery sizes and inflating expenses. With 146,000 units installed and costs already high, experts warn the $2.3 billion budget may be exhausted early unless eligibility and discounts are tightened.
š·āāļø Tradies and Resource
Distinguished Professor Fang Chen has been named the 2026 ITS Australia Woman of the Year for her pioneering work in AI-driven transport innovation. Her research has transformed rail performance, disruption forecasting and transport-energy integration, delivering major safety and efficiency gains. She will be honoured at the 16th ITS Australia Awards in February 2026.
The State Government will support another 4000 training places in a push to develop WAās workforce, both through TAFE and private providers.
The ACA marks 40 years with renewed advocacy, stronger member engagement, practical AI support, and a focus on industrial relations, wellbeing and equity. Pulse Check insights guided representation in Canberra, while new leadership recognition honours the profession. Looking to 2026, the ACA will expand tools, research, engagement and its AI concierge.
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Alex
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