- G'day Construction Newsletter
- Posts
- 24/11/2025
24/11/2025
The Daily Dirt Aus
By Gāday Constructionā¦ā¦ā¦ā¦.ā¦ā¦
THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES
šØ Safety Updates
Welding fumes pose serious health risks, including cancer, prompting Safe Work Australia to slash the exposure limit from 5mg/mĀ³ to 1mg/mĀ³. Mine management must ensure controls such as on-gun extraction, local exhaust ventilation and PAPR respirators. Most welding processes can be effectively controlled, with occupational hygienists recommended to assess exposure.
ā Headlines & Industry
A scathing inquiry into Queenslandās CFMEU heard allegations of violence, misuse of $50m in fees, covert schemes, coercive control, and ties to an accused murderer. Administrator Mark Irving plans to expel former leaders, warning deregistration risks chaos. Evidence also raised concerns about police non-intervention during violent industrial disputes.
Brisbane Olympics could be jeopardised by CFMEU power inquiry hears
Australia is racing to expand its electricity transmission network to support renewable energy, facing rising costs, labour shortages, and delayed timelines. Projects like HumeLink have ballooned in price, with consumers ultimately funding upgrades. Alternatives such as distributed solar, batteries, and virtual power plants are increasingly considered to reduce reliance on costly, slow transmission builds.
Roads Australia will rebrand as Transport Australia in early 2026, reflecting a shift to an integrated, future-focused transport vision. The change signals commitment to connecting roads, rail, ports, and active transport, driving innovation, policy reform, and smart investment, with a new Board appointed to guide national transport planning and collaboration.
Australiaās interstate rail corridors will adopt a single digital signalling standard, ETCS, unifying fragmented networks and improving interoperability, safety, and productivity. The reform strengthens RISSBās role, harmonises rolling stock approvals, and streamlines regulations, creating a coordinated national rail system that reduces emissions, cuts costs, and boosts freight and passenger efficiency.
šļø Projects
NSW
The City of Newcastle has lodged a development application for the Newcastle Ocean Baths pavilion, marking the final project stage. Works include conserving the Art Deco faƧade, upgrading the promenade, expanding the cafƩ and community spaces, and installing inclusive changerooms. The project aims to preserve heritage while enhancing accessibility and public amenity.
The finish line for tunnelling on a huge Sydney railway project is in sight after two machines each weighing more than 1,000 tonnes smashed their way past the deepest part of Darling Harbour.
The $1.3 billion Garden Island Defence Precinct redevelopment in Sydney Harbour will modernise Captain Cook Graving Dock, increase working accommodation, consolidate bases, and enhance engineering services. Construction is expected to start September 2026 and complete by December 2036, procured via Defence Infrastructure Panel Major Construction, with EY as commercial advisor.
The NSW Government is planning the Bandon Road Corridor Upgrade in Vineyard, North West Sydney, delivering staged improvements. Works include dual carriageway widening, an underpass at the current level crossing, a new connecting road, intersection upgrades, bus stops, and a Vineyard Train Station car park. Funding totals $150 million.
NT
SunCable has submitted its 20GW Muckaty Solar Precinct in the Northern Territory for federal EPBC Act environmental assessment. Part of the AAPowerLink project, the precinct will combine large-scale PV and battery storage to support domestic energy and export to Singapore, with solar modules designed for 40 years and batteries 15 years.
QLD
A development application has been lodged for a residential tower with ground-floor retail, located at 37 and 39 Browning Street, South Brisbane. Designed by Gate House Architects, the proposal seeks sixty five (65) apartments supported by ground floor retail.
Construction has begun on the Sugar RoadāMooloolaba Road intersection upgrade on Queenslandās Sunshine Coast. The project includes road widening, dedicated turn lanes, signalised pedestrian crossings, realigned slip lanes, improved lighting, and new bike paths. The upgrade, salvaged and expanded by the Crisafulli Government, aims to reduce congestion and improve safety ahead of the 2032 Games.
TAS
Preliminary works for the Launceston Sewer Transformation Project are progressing, modernising ageing sewer networks and consolidating seven plants into an upgraded Ti Tree Bend facility. Part of TasWaterās $1.7 billion PSP5 plan, the decade-long project will improve wastewater treatment, protect waterways, support growth, and deliver long-term environmental and infrastructure benefits.
VIC
Bendigo Art Galleryās $45 million redevelopment begins this summer with Fairbrother Construction appointed as head contractor. The project will create 260 construction jobs, deliver new exhibition, learning and cultural spaces, and add $35 million annually to the local economy. The gallery closes 30 November, with exhibitions continuing at alternate venues.
Victoriaās Big Build ramps up over summer as the Metro Tunnel and West Gate Tunnel near opening. Major rail and road works, line closures, bus replacements and bridge maintenance will affect travel across Melbourne. The government urges Victorians to plan ahead as upgrades continue on transport networks, freeways and Suburban Rail Loop works.
TagEnergy will begin construction of a 150 MW/600 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS) at the 1,333 MW Golden Plains wind farm, Victoria. Consolidated Power Projects Australia will build the facility using 168 Tesla Megapacks. Operational by mid-2027, the BESS will enhance grid reliability, energy flexibility, and renewable integration across the state.
Victoria plans six Renewable Energy Zones (REZs) with capacities from 1.7 GW to 5.2 GW, plus a 2 GW Gippsland Shoreline REZ for offshore wind. Backed by a $540 million REZ Fund, VicGrid is progressing planning, transmission development, and public consultation to support large-scale renewable energy integration across the state.
WA
WAās $217 million Burswood redevelopment, Perth Park, will feature a 3.4km racetrack, multipurpose building, amphitheatre, and community facilities. The project, starting early 2026 and completing in 2027, involves major demolition and construction. Deputy Premier Saffioti accused Victoria Park council of misleading ratepayers about the parkās destruction, which the mayor strongly rejects.
A $55 million, six-storey Fremantle tower was approved, featuring 119 co-living apartments, 83 hotel rooms, and shared amenities including a pool, gym, cinema, and restaurant. Designed for flexible medium-term housing, it targets students and AUKUS staff. Despite community concerns over noise, safety, and parking, the project received heritage and council approval.
Two WA initiatives, jointly funded by the Albanese and Cook governments ($3.2M total), aim to boost regional water security. The $2.7M WaterSmart Wheatbelt project explores brackish groundwater for drought resilience, while a $486K trial improves remote Aboriginal community drinking water quality using low-tech solutions, supporting sustainability and local empowerment.
Construction is advancing at Lumsden Point, Port Hedland, expanding export and import capacity. Over 280 steel piles will form two new wharfs. Ertech will deliver earthworks, roads, and services. Imports start mid-2026. Funded by $565 million from federal and state governments, the project will create jobs and support minerals and renewable energy trade.
š§° Construction Au Other
SunCable says its proposed 20GW solar farm in the Northern Territory ā Australiaās largest ā could power an AI datacentre precinct and make the nation a leader in green industrial development. Critics question the projectās scale. It builds on SunCableās separate 12,000ha Powell Creek solar farm planned for the Australia-Asia Power Link.
Rapid data centre growth is worsening a global copper shortfall, with demand set to rise 24% by 2035. Greenfield mine investment lags, requiring new supply at double the previous decadeās rate. Western miners remain cautious, while Chinese firms expand influence, highlighting a $210 billion cost to meet emerging industrial, energy, and tech needs.
š Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology
Insights from a study on 3D-printed concrete columns with GFRP reinforcement reveal challenges and advancements in structural design and automated construction.
Australian researchers at the University of Sydney and start-up Dewpoint Innovations have developed a nano-engineered polymer coating that passively cools buildings and captures water from the air. The porous paint reflects 97% of sunlight, lowers surfaces by up to six degrees, and can harvest up to 390 ml/mĀ² of water daily.
South East Water has launched a digital Infrastructure Master Plan tool, giving planners, developers, and customers visibility of water, sewer, and recycled assets up to 30 years ahead. The platform streamlines approvals, reduces delays, and supports Melbourneās southeast growth with integrated, climate-resilient water planning and improved infrastructure investment.
Construction is leading global adoption of geospatial technology, using GNSS, RTK, reality capture, and BIM to boost efficiency, accuracy, and digital workflows. Innovations like Topconās Topnet Live and Pix4D partnerships enable precise positioning in complex environments. Construction serves as a model for governments and industries integrating geospatial tech into smart cities and infrastructure.
š± Sustainability ā& Environment
Australiaās plastic pipe sector exemplifies circular economy principles through durable, repairable, and recyclable systems across water, energy, agriculture, and construction. A new PIPA-UTS-Circular Australia study highlights material flows, stewardship, and recycled content use, while noting end-of-life recovery challenges. A webinar on 25 November will share insights and recommendations for circular infrastructure advancement.
š Around the World
Construction of Dubaiās DXV vertiport, the worldās first commercial facility for eVTOL aircraft, has topped out at 60% completion. Scheduled for Q1 2026, DXV will handle 42,000 movements annually and 170,000 passengers, featuring two landing areas, automated terminals, fast-charging, a multi-deck car park, and seamless metro connectivity.
š Miscellaneous
Footage of the infamous picket line clash between non-union workers and CFMEU members has been played at the inquiry.
Decades of extraction from the Great Artesian Basin are reducing spring flows on Arabana Country in South Australia. Traditional owners Joe Hull and Betty Larkins are seeking compensation from BHP, whose mining operations have lowered water pressure, threatening cultural sites, sacred springs, and local ecosystems, despite partial improvements and ongoing negotiations.
BHP is liable for the 2015 collapse of a dam in southeastern Brazil, Londonās High Court ruled on Friday, in a lawsuit the claimantsā lawyers previously valued at up to 36 billion pounds ($48 billion).
COP30 in Belem highlights that despite a decade since Paris, global emissions could still drive 2.8Ā°C warming. Key actions: accelerate decarbonisation of heavy industry using green technologies, and increase advanced-economy support for emerging markets. Achieving net zero requires urgent industrial reform, climate finance, and international collaboration to reduce cumulative emissions.
š·āāļø Tradies and Resource
Standards Australia has launched a new online training platform for the building, plumbing, and electrical trades, offering flexible, practical courses on Australian Standards. Developed with industry and academic experts, it aims to boost workplace safety, compliance, and productivity, providing certificates and digital credentials to support career growth and real-world application.
Thanks for reading,
If you have any comments or feedback, just respond to this email!
Alex
We monitor Australian construction 24/7āanalysing thousands of articles from over 600 sourcesāto deliver the latest industry news straight to you.
ā³ Stay up to date in minutes
Read the most important construction related news stories of the day ā Industry headlines, safety alerts, technology and innovations.
š Get latest project updates
Get the latest project updates near you, contract awards, and global trends.
ā No Noise news
Get the latest news in a simple format, with NO marketing emails, EVER.
š§ Get ahead
Stay a head with the latest information that will improve your knowledge, performance and increase your opportunities.
š° Love Gooday Construction? Tell your friends! Weāre growing and the more we grow the more quality news we can get to you!
Want to advertise in Gooday Construction? š°
If your company is interested in reaching an audience of Construction professionals and decision makers, you may want to advertise with us. Please reply to this email.