27/11/2026

November 27, 2025

The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

🚨 Safety Updates

The NSW Resources Regulator has expanded its investigation into the fatal Endeavor mine blast, focusing on procedures, equipment, training and radio-frequency risks linked to ballistic disc explosives. Early detonation killed two workers and injured one, prompting a review of disc preparation, detonators, communications interference and alternative blockage-clearing methods.

 

National Asbestos Awareness Week urges Australians to “Think Twice About Asbestos,” highlighting risks in pre-1990 buildings and the need for licensed removalists. WorkSafe also reminds industry to use updated high-risk work licence forms for cranes, rigging, forklifts and more to avoid delays. WA businesses were recognised for strong safety performance.

✒ Headlines & Industry

Australia’s boost in defence spending to 2.4 per cent of GDP by 2034 will push out other projects competing for builders, workers and materials and pile further pressure on a construction sector already struggling to meet the country’s infrastructure demands, the country’s peak construction body says.

A new NGAA report warns Australia faces an infrastructure crisis, with 82,500 approved homes unable to be built due to missing essentials like sewerage, water and roads. Some estates already rely on daily tanker trucks or sewage pits. One-third of the national housing pipeline is stalled, putting the 1.2 million homes target at risk. Growth area councils say land and approvals are ready, but state and federal underfunding is blocking construction.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

FRV is seeking federal environmental approval for a redesigned hybrid solar-battery project in northern New South Wales. The plan includes 200 MW of solar and an expanded 2.2 GWh battery, spread over 426 hectares near the Queensland border. Construction is targeted for 2026, with operations beginning in 2029.

NT

Jemena plans to deliver Beetaloo Basin gas to the east coast using existing Northern Gas Pipeline infrastructure, aiming for 90 TJ/day by 2026. Stage two will boost capacity by 45% (130 TJ/day). A new 370 km pipeline may follow, but the focus is on quick, cost-effective delivery without large-scale new builds.

QLD

A development application for 68 Browning Street, South Brisbane proposes a nine-storey residential building with 27 three-bedroom apartments and a rooftop communal area. Designed by Plus Studio, the building integrates curved forms, planted façades, and heritage-sensitive setbacks. It includes 50 car spaces, 34 bike parks, deep landscaping, and rooftop recreation.

SA

Farmers’ objections have prompted ElectraNet to explore a new eastern route for its NTx South transmission line in South Australia, avoiding high-yield cropping areas. The project will link Adelaide to Whyalla, supporting renewable energy expansion and the state’s 100% net renewables target by 2027, while balancing community and technical considerations.

Engie has begun constructing a 200 MW/400 MWh Pelican Point battery next to its 489 MW gas generator in South Australia, replacing planned gas capacity with flexible storage. Using Sungrow tech, Elecnor and ElectraNet handle construction and grid connections. Commissioning is expected in late 2027, creating 250 construction jobs and supporting the state’s 100% renewable goal.

TAS

Tasmania advances water resilience with the Rural Water Use Strategy Implementation Plan 2025–27 and Progress 2025 Report. Building on the 2021 strategy, $60 million has funded infrastructure, monitoring, research, and data improvements. The plan prioritises risk-based accountability, modernised policy, expanded monitoring, and community engagement to ensure sustainable and equitable water management statewide.

VIC

Victoria is seeking community input on the Ruthven Street, Macleod level crossing removal. A rail bridge is proposed as the safest, least disruptive solution, improving traffic flow, reducing 30 minutes of peak-hour delays, and adding new landscaping and shared paths. Construction is set for 2027, with consultation open until 23 December.

Construction is underway on the Geelong-Portarlington Road and Wilsons Road intersection upgrade in Newcomb, Geelong. The $6.5 million project, jointly funded by the federal and Victorian governments, will improve traffic flow, safety, and pedestrian access.

WA

WA has opened tenders for a 50 MW/500 MWh vanadium flow battery in Kalgoorlie, set to be Australia’s largest long-duration system. The $150 m project aims to boost Goldfields grid reliability, support local vanadium production, and drive clean-energy manufacturing, with construction targeted before 2030 and a second EoI stage in 2026.

The $8.3 million Albany Pilot Station revitalisation aims to restore historic pilot cottages into a community and tourism hub. Designs by Southern Ports and H+H Architects include landscaping, playgrounds, bike facilities, and seating overlooking the water. Construction begins in 2026, with tenders open until 16 December, celebrating Albany’s maritime heritage and cultural history.

A new mixed-use , build-to-rent (BTR) development designed by Plus Studio for SKS Group has been granted development approval on the fringe of Perth’s CBD. Known as The Harvest, the Murray Street project is proposed within an inner-city commercial precinct between the CBD and Kings Park in West Perth.

An industry group led by farmer Alan Richardson and project developer Enzo Gullotti has become the third outfit looking to build a canola processing plant in WA.

🧰 Construction Au Other

Australia is developing a nationally harmonised rail prequalification scheme to reduce duplication and streamline approvals across states. Based on Transport for NSW’s TAO system, it will set a baseline for technical capability, safety, and assurance, allowing organisations to gain recognition nationwide, improving efficiency, safety, and reducing industry costs.

 

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Although we've heard a lot about how 3D-printing concrete homes speeds up the construction process, you still have to wait up to 28 days for the concrete to sufficiently cure. A new printable substitute, however, is ready to go in just three days.

In 2025, construction is being transformed by technology. Key trends include advanced BIM for real-time collaboration, AR/VR visualisation, large-scale 3D printing with sustainable materials, drones for surveying and safety, robotics and automation on-site, AI-driven project management, wearable tech for worker monitoring, and smart, sustainable building practices, creating efficient, resilient, and eco-conscious projects.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

Rio Tinto and Viva Energy successfully trialled renewable diesel in the Pilbara, cutting Scope 1 emissions by 27,000 tonnes using a 20% blend. The drop-in fuel requires no machinery changes and offers a practical pathway to decarbonise heavy industry while electrification and hydrogen technologies continue to develop.

Flinders University researchers found that Delithiated β-spodumene (DβS), a lithium-refining by-product, can be transformed into a high-performance geopolymer concrete ingredient. The material improves strength and durability while diverting mine waste from landfill, reducing contamination risks, and supporting circular economy goals for the mining and construction sectors.

Victoria’s updated climate strategy guides water-sector construction and utility upgrades over the next five years. It prioritises climate-resilient infrastructure, energy-efficient treatment plants, electrification of operations, and adaptation planning for catchments. Investments in resilient public assets, workforce skills, and integrated planning ensure long-term reliability of water supply amid rising temperatures and extreme weather.

🌏 Around the World

OptionX Group is expanding internationally, introducing its Australian-designed trenchless technology to New Zealand, the Middle East, and North America. Led by Karl Dewstow, the team promotes the AdaptX laser-guided boring system, combining precision, speed, and efficiency, alongside training and support, to ensure global adoption of smarter, cleaner trenchless solutions.

The Philippines is building the $15 billion New Manila International Airport on 2,500 hectares in Manila Bay to handle 100 million passengers annually. Land is being reclaimed and compacted, but risks include soil liquefaction, flooding, typhoons, and sea-level rise. Construction begins in 2026, amid environmental, displacement, and engineering concerns.

China has signed a $1.4 billion deal with Zambia and Tanzania to rehabilitate the 1,860 km Tazara railway, built in the 1970s. The project will modernize tracks, stations, bridges, and tunnels, boosting freight from 100,000 tonnes to 2.4 million tonnes annually. It marks China’s first visit to Zambia in 28 years and reflects renewed confidence in Zambia’s mining sector.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

The Design Institute of Australia (DIA) has appointed former National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) curator of contemporary design and architecture Simone LeAmon as its next chief executive officer, marking what the organisation describes as a “bold new moment” for the peak body.

The conservative campaign group’s former national director and a 2024 LNP election candidate are among new Crisafulli government board appointments this week.

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Alex

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