_{THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES}

🚨 Safety Updates

Shocking statistics in the workplace

SafeWork SA has received a total of 59 notifications of dangerous workplace incidents involving overhead or underground powerlines, over the last three financial years.  Over 40 of those notifications involved powerlines being struck by plant and equipment such as trucks, cranes, or excavators.

Lung Foundation Australia continues silicosis fight this National Safe Work Month

Lung Foundation Australia is raising awareness this National Safe Work Month about the dangers of silica dust exposure in tunnelling, construction, mining, and quarrying. CEO Paige Preston urges workers to reduce exposure, have conversations with their GP, and take preventative steps to protect lung health, since silicosis has no cure. Workers are encouraged to seek advice early and call Lung Foundation Australia’s free hotline.

Control risks to ensure safety: every job, every day
Week 3 of National Safe Work Month focuses on controlling risks. Key activities include learning the hierarchy of controls, addressing mental health risks, updating risk registers, and planning SafeTea events. Employers must consult workers when implementing controls, tailoring measures to specific workplace risks for both daily tasks and emergencies.

✒ Headlines & Industry

Marinus Link reports “modest reduction” to $5 billion undersea cable bill

Marinus Link Stage 1 construction costs have been slightly reduced by $29.6 million, lowering total expenses by about $40 million to nearly $5 billion. Despite minor insurance cost increases, the project remains on track, supported by concessional finance and crucial for Tasmania’s renewable energy transition.

Expressions of interest open for Gabba Entertainment Precinct

The Queensland Government has commenced procurement for the Gabba Entertainment Precinct, a transformative 9-hectare mixed-use redevelopment in Woolloongabba featuring a 17,000-seat indoor arena and residential, retail, and public spaces.

🏗️ Projects

ACT

Kingston Arts Precinct shifts agencies as project moves to 'delivery phase'

Infrastructure Canberra will take over the task of building a new arts centre next to the heritage Kingston Powerhouse, a long-awaited project to bring arts organisations together at the key inner-south site.

UNSW Canberra’s city campus project is underway. Here’s what it will offer

Construction has begun on UNSW Canberra’s new city campus in Parkes, featuring two six-storey buildings, underground parking, shops, and grounds. Scheduled for completion in early 2028, the $X million project aims to accommodate 6,000 students and boost Canberra’s education and innovation precinct. Canberra firm Construction Control leads construction.

NSW

NSW builders sound alarm over major blowout

NSW construction times remain severely delayed, with houses taking over a year and apartments nearly three. Despite improved supply chains, builders face mounting red tape, inconsistent regulations, and increased inspections. These inefficiencies are slowing project delivery, raising costs, and threatening the state’s goal of 377,000 new homes by 2029.

Concrete pour completed for foundations of first of 69 turbines at biggest wind project in NSW

Squadron Energy completed the first concrete pour for Uungala wind farm’s 69 foundations near Wellington, NSW. After 15 months of preparation, 68 more pours will follow. Construction will create 262 jobs and inject $41 million into the regional economy. The 414MW project will power over 220,000 homes.

Green light for future Epping Town Centre

City of Parramatta Council approved construction plans for Epping Town Centre, including widening Rawson Street, building a new town square at Rawson Street car park, creating vibrant laneways, and constructing a pedestrian bridge over Beecroft Road. The project enhances pedestrian safety, traffic flow, and public spaces, supporting future growth.

QLD

Macquarie backed storage develop seeks local and federal approvals for new Queensland big battery project

Eku Energy, backed by Macquarie, seeks local and federal approvals for a 300MW, 1,200MWh battery near Lake Monduran, Queensland. Construction is planned for 18–24 months starting after approval, employing up to 150 workers. The project includes a 132kV connection to Gin Gin substation, with environmental impact assessments underway.

GPG seeks green tick for Queensland solar and battery project

Global Power Generation Australia seeks federal approval for a 290 MW solar farm and 180 MW/360 MWh battery storage near Brooweena, Queensland. The hybrid project aims to power 167,000 homes, reduce emissions, and connect via a 275 kV line. Construction may start later this year, pending approvals.

SA

Improving safety and freight movements on the Barrier Highway

Major upgrades on the Barrier Highway will improve key junctions at Whyte Yarcowie and Yunta, reconstructing, widening, and sealing roads for better heavy vehicle access. Works include culvert upgrades, new and improved rest areas, and flood prevention. Construction is underway, with completion expected by mid-2026, supporting 60 full-time-equivalent jobs.

VIC

Have Your Say On More Homes In The Right Places
The Victorian Government is seeking community input on building more homes in 23 well-connected train and tram zones. This consultation aims to guide future housing development near public transport, jobs, and services. Feedback will shape draft planning controls, supporting 300,000 new homes by 2051 across Melbourne’s key suburban and inner-city areas.

Gurner’s $300m Geelong project to launch as building costs ease

Construction costs have stabilised after years of volatility, allowing major developers like Gurner Group to confidently resume high-density projects. Tim Gurner confirmed $3 billion in 2025 contracts are back on budget. In Geelong, several large-scale developments—including a $300m Cunningham Pier project—signal renewed momentum for apartment and mixed-use construction.

Developer charges for water infrastructure under review

The Essential Services Commission (ESC) has released a draft framework to make water infrastructure developer charges in Victoria more transparent and consistent. The framework aims to balance fair cost-sharing between developers and existing customers, provide clearer cost signals, and improve communication. Open for consultation until November 11, 2025, the framework seeks to support sustainable, predictable growth and stronger alignment among water businesses, developers, and councils.

🧰 Construction Au Other

Downer launches new safety consulting service

Downer’s Rail and Transit Systems, experts in rollingstock design, build, and maintenance across Australia, launched Safe+, a safety consulting service. With a strong safety culture and decades of experience managing over 2000 railcars, Safe+ helps rail operators and industries elevate safety standards through proven strategies and training.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Getting cost certainty from BIM takes good governance

Building Information Modelling (BIM) can deliver reliable cost certainty only with strong governance and clear data standards from the start. Properly managed BIM enables real-time cost tracking, better tendering, and streamlined construction, reducing risk and improving decisions. Independent oversight ensures consistent, transparent models aligned with owner goals, enhancing value across a project’s lifecycle.

The tech startup turning concrete into a carbon sink

Cement is everywhere, and with current urbanisation rates, the sturdy construction material isn't going anywhere. But this comes at a huge environmental cost, as cement amounts to nearly eight percent of annual global greenhouse gas emissions. Can it be otherwise? Rotterdam-based tech startup Paebbl surely thinks so.

ALICE Technologies Launches AI-Powered Insights Agent for Construction Scheduling

AI-driven robots may not be taking over construction sites anytime soon, but the technology is percolating into the administrative side of the industry. Alice Technologies debuted a new AI construction schedule tool called Insights Agent Monday. 

This startup thinks slime mold can help us design better cities

Slime mold, a brainless organism existing for 600 million years, inspires Mireta’s algorithm to optimize city infrastructure. Mimicking slime mold’s efficient, resilient networks, the startup aims to improve transit, reduce congestion, and adapt urban systems amid climate change and population growth using nature-inspired, decentralized solutions.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

Bridging Biodiversity: Earthtrade Expands to England

By commercial partners earthtrade Brisbane-based biodiversity offset specialists Earthtrade have officially expanded operations to England, bringing nearly two decades of experience in environmental market solutions to support the rollout of the UK’s new Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) legislation.

🌏 Around the World

Ghana to Launch Africa’s First Fully Integrated Green SEZ, the $1.5 Billion Gomoa Central Special Economic Zone (GCSEZ)

The $1.5 billion Gomoa Central Special Economic Zone in Ghana, spanning 21,000 acres, will create 60,000 jobs. Launching October 21, 2025, it features a 24-hour business district, eco-industrial hub, renewable energy crypto mining, and digital currency trade, driving sustainable growth and Africa’s economic transformation.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

Engineers Australia’s new priorities for the profession

Engineers Australia’s Board approved nine member-led priorities in August 2025, focusing on sustainability, workforce skills, and innovation. Developed through extensive member consultation, these priorities aim to guide strategic decisions, advocacy, and professional development, ensuring the profession’s growth and influence in areas like climate resilience, AI, industry standards, and career development.

The turnover trap: Why construction firms are stuck in a cycle of hiring

Construction firms face high worker turnover, causing delays, morale drops, and extra costs—often double annual salaries. To break the cycle, hire quality workers through thorough recruitment and internships, while reducing costs by optimizing project scope, managing machinery use, minimizing waste, enforcing safety, and overseeing contracts.

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