The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

_{THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES}

🚨 Safety Updates

Safe Work Australia is inviting feedback on potential options to improve dispute resolution under the model work health and safety (WHS) laws.

Safe Work Australia is seeking feedback on improving WHS dispute resolution, noting some disputes remain unresolved under current laws. A consultation paper explores specialist tribunal and alternative dispute options, drawing on approaches in Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales. Submissions close 11:59 pm (AEST), 17 April 2026.

✒ Headlines & Industry

New state investment vehicle launches with $34 billion renewables push

NSW has launched a new Investment Delivery Authority to fast-track $34.4 billion in renewable projects, targeting wind, solar, and storage developments. With 15+ major projects in the pipeline, the initiative aims to generate power for 5.5 million homes, create regional jobs, and accelerate the state’s transition toward a 50% emissions reduction by 2030.

Construction powers SME expansion across Australia

Australia’s small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector extended its growth streak through the final quarter of 2025, with the latest MYOB SME Performance Indicator confirming another period of expansion and the strongest half-year result since 2023.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

Sydney Is Getting A Brand New Suburb – With Walking Trails, Parks And Harbour Views

The NSW Government will transform Glebe Island and White Bay into Bays West, delivering up to 8,500 homes above the future Metro station. The harbourfront redevelopment includes affordable housing, parks, transport links and infrastructure upgrades, while retaining cruise operations and maritime uses, reshaping prime industrial land into a mixed-use urban precinct.

NSW government unveils vision for Blackwattle Bay

The New South Wales government has taken a significant step toward delivering a new era for Sydney’s western harbour foreshore with the signing of a major contract to redevelop the former Sydney Fish Market site into a lively, mixed-use waterfront precinct at Blackwattle Bay.

Major NSW solar and BESS project gets boost with new owner

Flow Power will develop and construct the Dunedoo Energy Project in regional NSW, delivering a 55MW solar farm and 60MW BESS. The project includes 175,000 panels, a 66kV transmission line and substation upgrades, with construction commencing in 2026 and strong local contractor and workforce engagement.

NT

Securing long-term investment in Northern Australia

The Australian Government has introduced legislation to extend the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility investment period to 30 June 2036. The $7 billion fund, with over $4 billion already committed, will continue financing infrastructure and economic development projects, supporting jobs and long-term growth across Northern Australia.

QLD

The Wesley Hospital expansion begins

Work has begun on a $250 million expansion at The Wesley Hospital Precinct in Queensland. Delivered by Hutchinson Builders with UnitingCare Queensland and Fluent, the project adds six theatres, upgraded oncology, advanced imaging and clinician suites, boosting specialist capacity and strengthening high-quality tertiary healthcare services across the region.

TAS

Ensuring Local Participation for Macquarie Point Stadium

The recently announced Macquarie Point Stadium project represents one of Tasmania’s most significant infrastructure developments in decades, with a design and construction process that will involve a wide range of trades, suppliers, and professional services.

VIC

Melbourne F1 Grand Prix rebuild sees $115m blowout due to asbestos

The cost of redeveloping Melbourne's Grand Prix pit building has blown out by $115 million due to asbestos clean-up requirements. A report from Victoria's auditor-general revealed it will now cost up to $395 million to remove asbestos in the soil and build the new structure at the Albert Park site.

WA

WA Govt commits $606m to double Dampier desalination capacity

The Western Australian Government is joining forces with Rio Tinto to complete Stage 1 and 2 of the $1.1 billion Dampier seawater desalination plant. The 50:50 joint venture to complete both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Dampier Seawater Desalination Plant. Once fully operational, the plant will deliver 8GL of desalinated water per year to the West Pilbara Water Supply Scheme.

🧰 Construction Au Other

CFMEU inquiry calls for details on potential Gatto-linked traffic firm

CFMEU inquiry calls for details on potential Gatto-linked traffic firm Queensland’s CFMEU inquiry has accused a Gold Coast traffic management operation of having links with Melbourne underworld identity Mick Gatto

Kennards Hire acquires Solution Plant Hire to boost civil capability

Kennards Hire has acquired Solution Plant Hire, expanding its earthmoving and compaction fleet to support Tier 1 civil and infrastructure projects nationwide. The acquisition adds specialist rollers, excavators, dumpers, and attachments, integrates multiple sites, and launches a dedicated Earthmoving & Compaction business unit, strengthening service delivery across Australia’s infrastructure pipeline.

New report from New Zealand highlights the value of engineering consulting

A new ACE New Zealand report quantifies engineering consultancy value, showing that every dollar spent delivers over $2 in benefits. Consultants drive innovation, solve complex problems, and support infrastructure success, helping clients avoid nearly $2 billion in costs annually, with a total national net benefit of around $6 billion.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Emesent launches the Emesent GX1 scanner

Emesent has launched the GX1, the world’s most accurate integrated SLAM and RTK scanner, delivering 5–10mm global accuracy. Designed for surveying and AEC applications, the all-in-one LiDAR system cuts site time by up to 95%, combining speed, precision and flexible deployment modes for reliable, repeatable results.

Scientists Cut Concrete Weight by Nearly 25 % Using Metallurgical Coal

Researchers have shown metallurgical coal can reduce concrete density by up to 25% while maintaining structural performance at 25–50% replacement levels. This lightweight concrete lowers dead loads, reduces material and transport costs, and diverts industrial waste, offering a cost-effective, sustainable solution for construction without compromising strength or thermal performance.

Startup aims to get construction firms paid faster

Payra, a Nashville-based startup, modernizes payments for construction firms, integrating digital invoicing and AI-enabled reconciliation into legacy ERP systems. Backed by a $15M Edison Partners investment, Payra targets general contractors, enabling faster, automated accounts receivable while avoiding costly ERP replacements, streamlining cash flow across fragmented trades.

Robotic ‘Guard Dogs’ and Drones Take Aim at Construction Site Theft

Asylon Robotics combats construction site theft with AI-powered DroneDog ground robots and Guardian drones. These systems provide 24/7 aerial and perimeter surveillance using cameras and thermal imaging, integrating with existing security setups. Over 250,000 automated patrols have been completed nationwide, protecting tools, equipment, and materials worth hundreds of millions annually.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

Supporting the evolution of the National Construction Code

Green Building Council of Australia policy head Shay Singh is calling for stronger governance and streamlined reform of the National Construction Code. The GBCA urges improved funding, evidence-based decisions, climate alignment and consistent national adoption, supporting productivity, resilience and long-term sustainability ahead of NCC 2029.

7 Waste Reduction Strategies for Construction Sites

Construction sites can cut waste and boost sustainability through strategic planning, precise material sourcing via BIM, smart procurement, deconstruction over demolition, and using sustainable materials like bamboo. On-site segregation, crew training, and incentivization improve recycling rates, reduce landfill contributions, and enhance efficiency, making projects greener, safer, and more cost-effective.

🌏 Around the World

Infrastructure that endures – why Africa must prioritise resilience over lowest cost

Africa’s infrastructure future depends on resilience and long-term value, not lowest-cost procurement. Quality roads, energy, and housing can transform access, livelihoods, and economic stability. Projects integrating social inclusion and climate adaptation deliver lasting impact, catalyze local economies, and protect communities. Enduring infrastructure requires lifecycle thinking, collaboration, and investment beyond upfront costs.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

Women transforming NSW construction through TAFE

New data has revealed the increasingly critical role women are playing in New South Wales’ construction industry, helping grow the skilled workforce needed to deliver homes, infrastructure, and major projects across the state.

Amanda Yeates appointed as Arup’s roads and streets leader for Australia and New Zealand

Arup has appointed Amanda Yeates as roads and streets leader in Australia and New Zealand, strengthening the firm’s commitment to building sustainable and efficient transport systems that deliver positive impacts for clients, communities and the environment.

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