19/12/2025

December 19, 2025

The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

Together with

In 2026, a revised AS3700 is due for release and is proposed to require the use of reinforcement positioners in reinforced masonry construction to accurately locate and restrain horizontal and vertical reinforcement during construction. BlockAid Rebar Positioners ensure compliance with both the current AS3700:2018 and the future AS3700:2026. Proven as a Deemed to Satisfy Solution under NCC 2022, BlockAid Reinforcement Positioners are the only proven device that accurately secures both horizontal and vertical reinforcement. This eliminates tying, delivers up to 20% labour savings, and improves construction quality. BlockAid also reduces risk and provides clear, verifiable compliance for engineers, certifiers, councils, contractors, developers, and owners.

Architects, engineers, councils, builders, and developers should specify BlockAid to streamline installation, prepare for new AS3700 requirements, remove non-compliant practices, and ensure reinforcement is placed correctly every time. A typical specification for BlockAid Rebar Positioners is available to download here.

🚨 Safety Updates

As the holidays approach, workplace stress, isolation, or financial pressure can affect employees’ wellbeing. Employers can make a real difference by checking in, planning proactively, staying connected, and modeling healthy habits. Supporting mental health strengthens culture, productivity, and safety, creating a positive, engaged, and resilient workforce into the new year.

Incidents with lifting precast concrete elements across Australia, including clutch and sheave block failures, pose serious or fatal risks. Five risk control measures have been developed to minimise load-drop hazards when exclusion zones aren’t possible. Adoption is expected to become standard practice and inform updates to the Tilt-up and Precast Construction Code.

✒ Headlines & Industry

The Queensland auditor-general is warning of a higher risk of delays and cost escalations for infrastructure projects ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games due to shortages in key trade occupations.A new report points to engineering, project management, and trade roles, with a shortfall of 50,000 workers in the next financial year.

New Queensland laws shift approval of large battery energy storage systems (BESS) from local councils to the state government for projects over 50MW. While welcomed by some rural residents seeking qualified oversight, industry groups warn the changes risk investment, delay projects by up to two years, and could affect job creation.

Laing O’Rourke and Aecom lead the Unite32 consortium to deliver A$7.1 bn Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic venues, including a 63,000-seat stadium, National Aquatic Centre, and Athletes’ Village. The project spans Queensland from Gold Coast to Cairns, alongside major transport upgrades, supporting long-term city infrastructure and post-Games legacy.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

Edward River Council has awarded two contracts for Hardinge Street reconstruction. Deni Civil received $500,000 for water main relocation, and Quarrell Civil Construction was awarded $1.4 million for civil works including demolition, drainage, kerbs, and footpaths. Works begin late February 2026, ensuring safe access and compliance throughout the Cobb Highway upgrade.

Thiess Group entities have secured contracts at Larvotto’s Hillgrove gold-antimony project in NSW. PYBAR will deliver 20 km of underground development, including declines, lateral drives, ground support, and haulage, while MACA Interquip handles EPCM for processing plant upgrades, refurbishment, and engineering, supporting safe, efficient, and timely mine redevelopment.

QLD

Site works have begun on critical infrastructure in Maroochydore City Centre to unlock over 1,800 new homes, backed by $82.9 million from Queensland’s Residential Activation Fund. The project, including road, stormwater, power, and communications upgrades, will support the 2032 Olympic Athlete Village and future residential precinct, fast-tracking housing supply by six years.

The Queensland Government has allocated over $12 million to Southern Queensland councils for water infrastructure upgrades. Projects include Toowoomba SCADA and telemetry modernisation, Texas Sewage Treatment Plant effluent irrigation improvements, and Jandowae dam spillway reconstruction, enhancing water security, operational resilience, wastewater reuse, and long-term regional service reliability.

Two major projects will inject over $500 million into The Spit, Gold Coast, as part of a $2 billion redevelopment. Carter’s Basin will gain a marine precinct with 100+ marina berths, short-stay accommodation, and retail, while Village East Resort adds beachfront hotel, villas, dining, and public realm upgrades, boosting tourism and community access.

SA

South Australia has a record 27,600 construction businesses, contributing over 15% of the state economy, but faces a major workforce shortfall. Around 93,000 people are employed, yet an additional 10,000 skilled workers—particularly trades—are needed by 2028 to meet strong housing demand and major infrastructure projects.

TAS

Marinus Link has awarded $994 million contracts to TasVic Greenlink (DT Infrastructure and Samsung C&T) for Stage 1, delivering 750 MW via HVDC cables, converter stations, and network works across Tasmania and Victoria. Construction begins in 2026, completing by 2030, with Stage 2 to add another 750 MW between 2031–2033.

 

VIC

New Energy Safety Roadmap To Keep Victorians Safe | PremierVictoria’s Government has released the Energy Safety Roadmap to strengthen safety standards as renewable energy, solar, batteries, and electric vehicle technologies become widespread. It focuses on safer products, improved recalls, consumer education, workforce training, and modernised regulations, ensuring energy workers and consumers are protected during the state’s energy system transformation.

Cedar Woods Properties has purchased an 18.6ha site on Plantation Rd, Corio, for $34.9 million to develop Somerley, a 400-home masterplanned community. Launching February 2026, the estate will feature diverse single-storey, three- and four-bedroom homes, a central park, and leverage local amenities, targeting families, first-home buyers, and investors seeking long-term value.

Hepburn Shire Council has completed its submission opposing the Western Renewables Link Project, citing impacts on agriculture, tourism, heritage, biodiversity, and landscapes. The Council urges a fully underground solution to reduce harm. Community engagement continues as the panel prepares its recommendation, with a Ministerial decision expected mid-late 2026.

Spanish energy company Acciona, in joint venture with Genus, has won the contract to build Victoria’s Western Renewables Link (WRL), a 190 km, 500 kV transmission line connecting Bulgana to Sydenham. Early works are expected in late 2026, pending approvals, amid community concerns and the project’s contentious status alongside VNI West.

WA

Western Australia’s Water Corporation committed a record $1.59 billion in FY25 for water and wastewater projects, a 39 % increase from FY24. Key investments include the Alkimos desalination plant, Ord Irrigation upgrades, and Perth water main renewals. Local and First Nations businesses, plus WA-made products, benefit from significant contracts.

A development assessment panel has unanimously approved Centuria's plan to build a shopping centre in Alkimos, as part of a deal with the state government.

🧰 Construction Au Other

This article explains how the West Gate Tunnel Project safely managed 1.5 million cubic metres of excavated soil, including low PFAS levels, protecting workers and the community. It details testing, regulatory compliance, and disposal at Hi-Quality’s Sunbury Eco-Hub—offering transparency and insight into risk management and environmental safeguards on major infrastructure projects.

Photographs from Newcastle show severely misaligned vertical reinforcement in a three-storey masonry building, compromising structural integrity, durability, and AS3700:2018 compliance. Incorrect rebar placement increases corrosion risk, rework, and insurance issues. BlockAid Rebar Positioners ensure central, secure reinforcement during core filling, delivering compliant, durable, long-lasting reinforced masonry walls.  

Hercules Machinery Group (HMG) launches three new construction machines: the 5.2 t HMG 100T compact track loader, 15 t HMG 150W wheeled excavator, and 18.6 t H1800-2C wheel loader—the largest in its range. All feature high-performance engines, versatile attachments, and operator-focused cabins, targeting civil construction, roadworks, and agricultural applications.

The construction industry in 2026 is being reshaped by sustainability, advanced materials, and digital innovation. Key trends include low-carbon and self-healing concretes, modular and prefabricated construction, adaptive reuse and retrofitting, living buildings with biophilic design, AI-driven project management, drones and AR/VR for visualization, autonomous and electric machinery, and integrated BIM systems. Together, these trends boost efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance occupant well-being, marking a systemic transformation where technology, materials, and sustainable practices converge.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Roger Martin Group in France has taken delivery of the first Volvo L120 Electric wheel loader, marking a major step toward zero-emission construction. The machine offers diesel-like productivity with no tailpipe emissions, reduced noise, and improved operator comfort, supporting the company’s sustainability goals and long-term decarbonisation strategy.

Top construction tech in 2025 revolved around AI, data centers, robotics, 3D printing, and alternative materials like mass timber. While AI adoption lagged on jobsites, builders increasingly explored practical applications for safety, workflow optimization, and autonomous operations. Investment in data centers surged, fueling demand for contractors, and humanoid robots, prefab automation, and AI-trained construction robots signaled the sector’s move toward high-tech, efficient, and sustainable building practices.

Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have 3D-printed a bone-inspired concrete bridge that’s 33 ft long, uses 60% less material, and absorbs up to 142% more CO₂ than standard concrete. Hollow, porous structures mimic human bone, exposing more surface area for CO₂ uptake while maintaining strength. Diatomaceous earth in the mix enhances carbonation, and modular 3D-printed segments allow assembly, disassembly, and reuse. Exhibited in Venice, the design will soon be built full-scale in France, offering a low-emission, efficient model for future bridges, slabs, and facades.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

At VicWater 2025, Aurecon’s Jodie Bricout reframed the circular economy for water utilities as regenerating nature, extending asset life, and designing out waste. Opportunities include scaling recycled water, biochar, biogas, and reducing virgin materials. Collaboration, risk-sharing, R&D, and Indigenous knowledge are key to moving from pilots to system-wide adoption.

A study shows lime sludge and metakaolin can replace part of Portland cement, producing stronger, more durable concrete while reducing energy use and repurposing industrial waste. The best mix achieved 50 MPa compressive strength, improved durability, and better workability, offering a practical, sustainable solution for construction materials and circular economy practices.

An Omani startup EnviBrick is reshaping sustainable construction by showcasing a home‑grown innovation at Green Build Oman 2025 that uses eco‑friendly building materials to reduce environmental impact and support greener construction practices in the sector. The green buildings market is projected to grow from $35.8 billion in 2024 to about $66.8 billion by 2029

🌏 Around the World

WSP is set to become the largest US engineering and design consultant by acquiring TRC Companies for $3.3 B. The deal expands WSP’s capabilities in power, energy, and infrastructure, enabling end-to-end services for complex projects including grid modernization and electrification, strengthening its US and global market leadership.

📖 Miscellaneous

The Net Zero Economy Authority, in partnership with RenewMap, has launched the Net Zero Investment Map—an interactive platform tracking over 800 Australian renewable energy and research projects, showing investment, jobs, and power generation. The map charts the transition from coal to renewables, providing a central resource for communities, industry, and investors.

Australia’s rail construction and maintenance pipeline is set to remain strong, with activity peaking at $17.3 billion in 2025‑26 and continuing above current levels until 2027–28. The Australasian Railway Association (ARA) reports that New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland will account for 94% of projects over the next five years. Investment includes passenger and freight projects, maintenance, and upgrades, while a clear, long-term pipeline is needed to retain skilled workers and optimize project delivery.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

NCVER data shows new construction apprentice starts fell 26.7% in June 2025, while completions rose 36.3%. Master Builders Australia warns the shrinking apprentice pipeline worsens skills shortages, urging extended incentives, more VET programs, and skilled migration pathways to boost commencements, retention, and fill Australia’s 100,000-worker construction gap.

Thanks for reading,

If you have any comments or feedback, just respond to this email!

Alex

PS: Thanks for reading to date, we will be taking a break between 19th December 2025 - 5th January 2026

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