The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

_{THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES}

🚨 Safety Updates

Two workers burnt in separate refuelling incidents

NT WorkSafe has issued a safety alert to highlight the risk of fires and serious burn injuries during refuelling of petrol-powered equipment. Last month, two Territory workers were seriously burnt in separate incidents while refuelling petrol powered pressure cleaners. Two Territory workers suffered severe burns in separate refuelling incidents involving petrol-powered pressure cleaners. Both refuelled immediately after running the machines dry, using 20-litre jerry cans that spilled petrol onto hot engines, igniting fires. Workers used water hoses, worsening flames. Safe cooling, smaller containers, and Class B extinguishers are essential.

Minns Labor Government issues over 700 non-compliance notices in major statewide blitz to protect workers

The Minns Labor Government has renewed its efforts to protect workers with SafeWork NSW conducting its largest statewide compliance blitz since becoming a standalone regulator. This significant operation resulted in 736 non-compliance notices being issued to 261 employers across New South Wales.

✒ Headlines & Industry

‘Historic’ motion over worker violence

CFMEU NSW delegates have unanimously approved a landmark motion calling on state and federal governments to introduce pre-qualification checks on builders and contractors on government projects over fears of “violence and intimidation” against union officials.

Drop in much-needed sector to hit new house supply

Australia faces a looming tradie shortage as apprentice numbers plunge 8.3% nationwide and 18.6% in construction. Queensland, amid rapid population growth and Olympic infrastructure demands, is hardest hit. Cost pressures deter young and mature apprentices, threatening housing supply and critical services. ARU is expanding efforts to rebuild the workforce.

Key agency gives green light to Sydney-Newcastle high-speed rail by 2037

The business case for a high-speed rail link between Sydney and Newcastle, via the Central Coast, has been given approval by the federal government's independent assessment body. Infrastructure Australia has released its assessment report, revealing the track would span 194 kilometres, mostly in tunnels, and take in four stops.

Mayors join global initiative on responsible data infrastructure

The mayors of Melbourne and Phoenix have gathered together with ten other mayors to begin an initiative to harness the opportunities and address the environmental impact of data centres and AI infrastructure in cities. 

Commission of Inquiry into CFMEU Sets Dates for Public Hearings in Brisbane

The CFMEU Commission of Inquiry has scheduled public hearings in Brisbane to investigate alleged corruption and misconduct within the union. The first block runs 18–20 November 2025 at the Magistrates Court, followed by 2–4 December 2025 at the Harry Gibbs Commonwealth Law Courts. Hearings will be live-streamed online.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

Constuction begins on 50 built-to-rent units for East Lismore

Construction has begun on 50 new build-to-rent units in East Lismore to boost affordable housing and ease rental pressure. Delivered by Landcom and built by FKG, the project includes 20% affordable homes and diverse apartment types, with completion expected in late 2026. The NSW Government will retain ownership.

Proposed Cherrybrook precinct to deliver 9,350 new homes

The NSW Government has proposed a major rezoning in Cherrybrook to deliver 9,350 new homes, a town centre, and community facilities near transport hubs. The plan includes up to 10% affordable housing, preserves Blue Gum High Forest, boosts tree canopy by 14%, and creates 210 jobs over 36 years.

Wagga sets framework to guide airport’s future

Wagga Wagga City Council has endorsed a report to establish an Airport Special Purpose Committee, strengthening governance and strategic planning for the regional airport ahead of its June 2026 lease expiry. The committee will include councillors, the mayor, and up to five external experts to guide the airport’s future growth and operations.

HPC to Develop Business Case for Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct

HPC Hamburg Port Consulting has been appointed to develop a business case for the Port of Newcastle Clean Energy Precinct. The 220-hectare redevelopment will support green ammonia production, storage, and export, guiding infrastructure planning, attracting investment, and positioning the port as a key low-carbon industrial and export hub.

AGL seeks federal green tick for third big battery in Hunter region

AGL is seeking federal approval for its Beresfield Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in the Hunter Valley, New South Wales, near Newcastle. The 170 MW / 340 MWh project will be its third big battery in the region, complementing existing Liddell and Tomago battery projects and supporting the renewable transition.

NT

Kulaluk flood mitigation works

Flood mitigation works are underway at Kulaluk town camp, upgrading stormwater drainage to reduce flooding and biting insect issues. Jointly funded by the Australian and NT Governments, the project includes a new underground drainage system and upgraded access road, designed for 1-in-100-year storm events, with completion expected by March 2026.

QLD

$180 Million Hotel, Restaurants & Retail Street – North Lakes Drive, North Lakes

A $180 million tourism and dining precinct is under development at North Lakes Drive, North Lakes, in the City of Moreton Bay. Comiskey Group, with Bureau Proberts, will deliver a 130-room 5-star hotel, high-end restaurants, boutique retail, and event spaces, creating 883 jobs and injecting $538 million into the local economy.

Feedback opens for draft Gold Coast water plan

Public consultation is open on Queensland’s draft Gold Coast Water Plan, covering the Gold Coast, Pimpama, Springbrook, Tamborine Mountain, and surrounding areas. The plan updates water entitlements, formalises underground water management, and supports population growth, environment protection, tourism, and agriculture. Feedback is open until 30 November.

TAS

Tasmania flags $5.1 billion in infrastructure funding in Budget

Tasmania’s 2025‑26 Budget allocates $5.1 billion for infrastructure, including $1.6 billion for roads and bridges, $275.7 million for the Northern Access Road to Port Hobart, and $200 million for Arthur Highway upgrades. Projects aim to improve freight, safety, and connectivity, supporting local jobs and economic growth.

VIC

Tradie-starved Victorian regions hope workers will return as Big Build winds down

As Melbourne's mega builds start to wind down, there's hope skilled tradespeople will return to regional areas to fill a construction jobs gap. Hundreds of regional tradies were lured to the city by higher government wages to work on the West Gate and Metro Tunnel projects.

Contract signed to deliver Melton Line Upgrade

A $650 million contract has been awarded to John Holland, KBR, Metro Trains Melbourne and V/Line to deliver the Melton Line Upgrade. The project includes platform extensions, a new Cobblebank stabling yard and capacity for nine-car VLocity trains from 2027, boosting passenger capacity by 50% and supporting future electrification.

Final Designs Unveiled For Boronia Station Upgrade

Final designs for the Boronia Station Upgrade have been unveiled, featuring a new canopy inspired by Dandenong Ranges flora, expanded concourse, landscaped plaza, and improved accessibility. The upgrade enhances safety with better lighting, CCTV, and visibility, while early works, including traffic signal upgrades, begin soon ahead of completion next year.

WA

Christmas strike threatened at Woodside gas project

Unions have flagged potential strikes at Western Australia’s biggest construction project as early as Christmas, even as the lead contractor offers to lift pay by 8 per cent in a year and deliver bonuses of $10,000. 

🧰 Construction Au Other

NBCC Inks MoU With Goldfield Commercials To build Projects In Australia

State-owned NBCC Ltd has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Australian firm Goldfield Commercials to collaborate on construction projects in Australia. Project-specific agreements will be executed separately under mutually agreed terms, marking NBCC’s expansion into the Australian construction market and strengthening bilateral infrastructure partnerships.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Polymer paint-like coating cools buildings, captures water from air

University of Sydney researchers and Dewpoint Innovations have developed a nano-engineered polymer coating that passively cools buildings and captures water from air without energy. Reflecting 97% of sunlight, it keeps surfaces six degrees cooler and can harvest up to 390 mL of water per m² daily, offering sustainable cooling and water solutions.

Caterpillar sets out to hit over 2,000 autonomous mining trucks by 2030

Caterpillar aims to triple its autonomous mining truck fleet from 690 in 2024 to over 2,000 by 2030, expanding Command for Hauling solutions across large mines, quarries, and mixed fleets globally. Growth will focus on untapped markets, customer-driven retrofits, and AI-enhanced autonomy, including projects in Brazil, Canada, Australia, and the U.S.

Astro the robotic dog trialled on Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Project

Astro, a robotic dog developed by Telstra Enterprise, muru-D, and Ericom, was trialled underground on Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Project with John Holland. Equipped with IoT sensors, 5G connectivity, and cloud integration, it gathers real-time environmental data, enhancing worker safety in confined spaces and high-risk construction areas.

Graphene-enhanced cement gaining ground

Graphene-enhanced cement (GEC) is emerging as a low-carbon, high-performance construction material, offering faster curing, increased strength, reduced water permeation, and lower cement usage. Trials in the UK, Canada, and Sri Lanka show CO₂ reductions of 15–25%, with ongoing collaborations advancing commercial adoption despite production and cost challenges.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

From forever chemicals to PFAS-free water: 20 years of change

A global study maps 20 years of PFAS research in drinking water, highlighting persistent contamination, evolving detection methods, and treatment challenges. Despite growing awareness, responses remain fragmented. The study calls for coordinated, system-level approaches, integrating monitoring, multistage treatment, and harmonised governance to achieve safer, PFAS-free water worldwide.

New Cold Asphalt Mix Matches Hot Asphalt Strength with Lower Energy Demand

This study presents a cold asphalt mix that rivals traditional hot mixes, utilizing magnetic induction for faster curing and enhanced mechanical performance.

📖 Miscellaneous

Industry-led projects driving heavy vehicle safety with $4.2 million investment

The Albanese Government and NHVR are investing $4.2 million in 12 industry-led projects under Round 10 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. These projects, including AI-driven traffic signal technology, aim to boost road safety, reduce heavy vehicle crashes, and support innovation across Australia’s growing transport and logistics sector.

Brutal truth: Construction shake-up needed to end housing crisis

Ray White chief economist Nerida Conisbee warns Australia lacks the capacity to meet housing targets, despite the Federal Government’s goal of 1.2 million homes over five years. With completions at 190,000 annually versus the 225,000–240,000 needed, decades of underbuilding have left a widening deficit that continues to grow.

This Perth bridge has been named among the nation’s best. So how will it fare in ‘the Oscars of engineering’?

Engineers Australia chief engineer Katherine Richards praised Perth’s Boorloo Bridge for overcoming extraordinary wind challenges while integrating Indigenous design elements. Built by WSP, Civmec, and Seymour Whyte for $187 million, the bridge enhances sustainability and best-practice construction, winning WA Project of the Year and competing nationally for engineering excellence.

Google’s Crab-Infested AI Fortress: Inside the Secret Military Data Center on Christmas Island

Google plans an AI data center on remote Christmas Island, Australia, under a 2025 cloud deal with the Defence Department. The facility will support naval surveillance, processing AI-driven intelligence for Indo-Pacific operations. The project offers local jobs and infrastructure but raises environmental, ethical, and geopolitical considerations amid rising regional tensions.

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