05/01/2026

January 05, 2026

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.

✒ Headlines & Industry

Australia’s Senate has passed legislation allowing government appointment of an administrator to oversee the CFMEU for up to five years. Backed by the Opposition, the law faces strong criticism from unions and the Greens, while business groups welcome tighter oversight and increased accountability.

Queensland faces an annual shortfall of about 18,000 construction workers ahead of the 2032 Olympics, risking delays and higher costs on major infrastructure projects. Shortages are most acute in trades, engineering, and project management, putting stadiums, roads, and other developments under pressure despite government assurances of sufficient workforce availability.

Sydney’s Parramatta light rail line fell short of expectations in its first year, carrying an average of 12,000 daily passengers—just over half the 22,000 forecast—despite costing A$2.875 billion and taking five years to build. The 12 km line opened in December 2024 after testing delays and has seen several vehicle collisions. Phase 2, a 10 km extension adding 14 stops to Sydney Olympic Park, is under construction and expected to boost ridership. Low housing and destinations along Phase 1 are cited for the weak initial usage.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

The green light for the project comes as the Housing Delivery Authority faces scrutiny for using an unauthorised AI tool to assess major residential proposals.

A $1 billion NSW government deal will deliver the first stage of Bradfield City near Western Sydney Airport, including 1,400 homes, affordable housing and mixed-use development. The project will fast-track construction of housing, infrastructure, education and commercial facilities to anchor Australia’s first new city in a century.

The 2025–26 Black Spot Program will fund 284 road safety upgrades across Australia, including 84 in NSW and 20 in South Australia. Annual funding rises from $110 million to $150 million, targeting dangerous roads to reduce crashes by 30%. Community and council nominations help prioritize high-risk sites, with regional projects a key focus.

NT

The NT Government will build the Katherine Skills and Training Centre at CDU’s Rural Campus, a 130‑bed open‑security facility (expandable to 198). Opening in 2026, it will provide prisoners with accredited training, rural industry skills, and supervised work, supporting rehabilitation, local jobs, and community projects while maintaining strict security and eligibility criteria.

QLD

A development application has been lodged for residential-led mixed-use, located at 55 Boundary Street, South Brisbane. The proposal, known as Boundary House, has been submitted by Pellicano Group and designed by MAS, within Brisbane’s Kurilpa Sustainable Growth Precinct.

A revised development application proposes a 10-storey modular residential building at 29–43 Raffles Street, Mount Gravatt East, increasing dwellings from 75 to 112. Designed by Shelta Co, it includes rooftop communal amenities, basement parking, and aims to accelerate delivery while supporting higher-density living near services and transport.

SA

South Australia has a record 27,600 construction businesses, contributing over 15% of the state economy, but faces a shortfall of 10,000 workers by 2028. Skilled trades are in high demand for housing and infrastructure projects, prompting apprenticeship programs and overseas recruitment to fill workforce gaps and support industry growth.

Aula Energy secured $900 million to build the 256 MW Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm near Georgetown, South Australia, starting early 2026. Featuring 42 turbines and a 275 kV line, it will power 195,000 homes by 2028, create 200 construction jobs, and deliver long-term community benefits, supporting Australia’s clean energy transition.

VIC

Victoria plans five “value capture” measures to help fund the $34.5 billion Suburban Rail Loop East, including developer contributions and car park levies. Property and development groups warn these charges could slow housing construction, raising concerns about potential impacts on local development and residential growth near the project.

The State Electricity Commission will invest $650 million to complete Delburn Wind Farm in Gippsland, creating 300+ local jobs. Construction starts in 2026, with 33 turbines generating 205 MW—enough for 130,000 homes. This marks the SEC’s return to Gippsland, boosting Victoria’s renewable energy, lowering power costs, and expanding the SEC’s clean energy portfolio.

The Mortlake Energy Hub in Victoria will integrate a 450 MW solar farm with a 600 MW/2400 MWh battery, powering 200,000 homes. Gamuda Australia will manage design, approvals, procurement, and construction. The project enhances grid reliability, creates 200 regional jobs, and supports Victoria’s clean energy transition and economic growth.

WA

Monadelphous Group has secured a $250 million construction contract with Rio Tinto for work at the Brockman Syncline 1 iron ore project in Western Australia’s Pilbara. The scope includes engineering, earthworks and plant construction, reinforcing Monadelphous’ strong relationship with Rio Tinto.

The Western Australian government has allocated $52.5 million to advance the Westport program and replace Kwinana Bulk Terminal. Funding targets land acquisition, planning, environmental safeguards, and utility relocations. The investment aims to de-risk construction, support trade growth, enhance freight capacity, and promote economic diversification and long-term employment in the region.

🧰 Construction Au Other

Symal Group will acquire 80% of South Australia’s Davison Earthmovers for $23.2 million, gaining $7 million EBITDA and $11 million in assets. The founder retains 20%, with future buyout options. The move strengthens Symal’s civil construction presence, supporting growth amid $27.3 billion infrastructure projects and the state’s renewable energy goals.

BlockAid Rebar Positioners ensure accurate, standards-compliant reinforcement placement in masonry walls, meeting AS3700 requirements. By making compliance visible and verifiable, they enable confident certification, reduce rework and liability, protect long-term asset performance, and ensure full insurability—giving builders, certifiers, engineers, and owners confidence from construction through to asset life. 

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

3D concrete printing is scaling up for commercial construction in the U.S., led by Alquist 3D. Partnering with Hugg & Hall and FMGI, Alquist will print over a dozen Walmart stores and other retail buildings, marking the largest commercial deployment of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) in U.S. history. Benefits include faster builds, lower costs (up to 15% savings), reduced waste (55% less), and consistent quality. Alquist also provides large-scale printers, software, and training, aiming to expand 3DCP nationwide for commercial projects.

Researchers at the University of Melbourne and Green360 have developed Eco-Clay, a low-carbon cement alternative made from kaolin processing waste. It can replace nearly half of standard Portland cement in concrete, reducing carbon emissions while maintaining durability. This innovation tackles both environmental and cost challenges in construction, offering a more sustainable, circular-economy solution for the global building industry.

Bouygues Construction has partnered with Innodura to develop and test construction robots, including inspection and drilling systems. The collaboration aims to improve safety, reduce physical strain, and attract workers by deploying AI-enabled robotics, supported by a new lab for real-world testing and faster innovation.

Construction and engineering have been slow to adopt AI, but momentum is accelerating. With modern ERP systems enabling scalable deployment, AI is improving project delivery, profitability and efficiency. Research shows most firms plan increased AI investment in 2026, marking a major industry inflection point.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

Queensland’s construction and demolition waste recovery rose to 85% in 2024–25, up 1.7% year on year, driving overall improvements in waste recovery. Concrete recycling dominated the stream, with 1.4 million tonnes recovered, reinforcing construction’s leading role in resource recovery performance.

Researchers at North China Electric Power University have developed a novel layered material that removes PFAS “forever chemicals” from water in seconds. Using a layered double hydroxide structure with nitrate ions, it rapidly traps contaminants with high capacity, stability, and reusability, offering a faster, scalable solution for water treatment.

🌏 Around the World

Saudi Arabia’s 2034 World Cup stadium program is facing delays as the Public Investment Fund seeks to cut construction costs. Architecture firms have been asked to redesign 11 proposed stadiums, with revised plans required before works begin, pushing back anticipated construction start dates.

2025 saw several major construction projects hit big setbacks. Highlights include Bangkok’s Purple Line tunnel collapse, Manchester United scrapping its canopy stadium design, Saudi Arabia’s NEOM giga projects slowing, Snowy 2.0 hydro delays in Australia, a drone strike damaging Chernobyl, London’s Chinese Embassy project stalled, Hinkley Point C nuclear overruns, Stuttgart 21 rail issues, California High-Speed Rail freezes, and further UK HS2 delays. These incidents underscore the scale, complexity, and risk in global mega-construction projects.

Contracts have been awarded for Naples Metro Line 10, a new fully automated underground line linking Naples-Afragola with northern districts. EAV is delivering the project with regional and city partners. Webuild leads civil works, CAF leads systems and rolling stock, with initial funding of €1.2bn.

📖 Miscellaneous

Sydney Metro’s Crows Nest Station has been awarded Best Rail/Transit Project at the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Global Best Projects competition. The award showcases the collaborative efforts of both Sydney Metro and the Crows Nest Design Consortium (CNDC) in delivering a station that aims to serve generations to come.

Major disasters drive massive reconstruction demand, destroying millions of buildings and requiring vast quantities of materials. Shortages, price spikes and debris mismanagement delay recovery and cause environmental harm. Experts urge sustainable material sourcing, debris recycling and “build back better” approaches to create safer, more resilient communities after disasters.

The episode reviews key construction issues from 2025 and looks ahead to 2026, covering skills reform, safety oversight, late payment policy, and technology. It explores AI, modern construction methods, and industry readiness, with insights from Seddon Property Services and Henry Boot Construction leaders.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

Seymour Whyte has announced a planned leadership transition effective 1 January 2026. Long-serving CEO John Kirkwood will retire from executive duties and become Board Chair, while COO Steve Lambert will assume the CEO role, ensuring continuity, stability and sustainable growth as the company continues delivering major infrastructure projects across Australia.

Thanks for reading,

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

Alex

We monitor Australian construction 24/7—analysing thousands of articles from over 600 sources—to deliver the latest industry news straight to you.

⏳ Stay up to date in minutes

Read the most important construction related news stories of the day – Industry headlines, safety alerts, technology and innovations.

🏗 Get latest project updates

Get the latest project updates near you, contract awards, and global trends.

❌ No Noise news

Get the latest news in a simple format, with NO marketing emails, EVER.

 🧠 Get ahead

Stay a head with the latest information that will improve your knowledge, performance and increase your opportunities.

💰 Love Gooday Construction? Tell your friends! We’re growing and the more we grow the more quality news we can get to you!

Want to advertise in Gooday Construction? 📰

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.