08/01/2026

January 08, 2026

The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

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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.

🚨 Safety Updates

Western Australia’s summer brings serious workplace risks from heat stress, bushfires, smoke and cyclones. Heat illness can be life-threatening, particularly for unacclimatised or vulnerable workers. Under WHS laws, PCBUs must manage these hazards by implementing heat controls, bushfire preparedness, emergency procedures and up-to-date cyclone contingency plans.

A new study finds Western Australian construction workers face high suicide risk, with 11% experiencing suicidal thoughts. Loneliness, bullying, work-family conflict, and substance use are key factors. Apprentices, FIFO/DIDO workers, and LGBTQAI+ individuals are most vulnerable. The research urges mental health training, peer support, and robust workplace policies to protect workers.

✒ Headlines & Industry

New ABS data shows building approvals hit their highest level since 2022, driven by a 36% surge in higher-density housing. While 195,523 homes were approved nationally, the pace remains below Housing Accord targets. Master Builders warns workforce shortages, low productivity and red tape continue to constrain new construction.

Potentia Energy has secured AU$830 million in financing from a seven-bank syndicate, including Westpac, HSBC, and BNP Paribas, to support its Australian renewable energy portfolio. The funding consolidates debt across 600MW of wind, solar, and hybrid battery assets, enabling expansion and development of utility-scale projects nationwide.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

Construction has begun on Mulgoa Road Stage 2, upgrading an 850-metre stretch between Jeanette Street and Glenmore Parkway. The $230 million project includes a new signalised intersection, additional lanes, turning lanes, bus lanes, and a shared path. Stage 2 will tie into Stage 1 and is expected to finish by 2029.

Vitale Property Group is both developer and builder of the EADE Byron Bay project, overseeing construction of 25 ultra-luxury beachfront residences. The three-level build includes high-end finishes, private pools, and extensive communal amenities. Construction is underway, with Vitale managing integrated delivery, design coordination, and sustainability commitments for this landmark coastal development in New South Wales.

NT

The NT Government has approved early planning for APA Group’s proposed 580-kilometre North to East Australia Pipeline linking Beetaloo gas to the east coast. Pipeline Permit 9 allows route surveys and feasibility investigations over 12 months, building on APA’s $250-million Sturt Plateau pipeline and compression facility projects.

QLD

Christie Leet’s Sherpa Property Group has lodged plans for three midrise towers in Palm Beach, Gold Coast, delivering 247 apartments with ground-floor retail and four-level basements. Communal rooftop spaces, pools, and lifestyle amenities are included. The staged development targets first-home buyers, supporting urban consolidation and rejuvenating the Palm Beach district centre.

A six-storey, 33-unit residential tower is proposed at 45–49 Ronald Street, Wynnum, Queensland. Construction will include 43 parking spaces, rooftop communal facilities, and modern amenities. The project, designed by Thinktank Architects, is part of Wynnum’s high-density residential growth, leveraging proximity to local services and the train station for future residents.

SA

Aula Energy has secured a 15-year PPA with Snowy Hydro for 120 MW of its 256 MW Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm in South Australia. The deal advances the 42-turbine project toward financial close, enabling new transmission works, regional construction jobs and long-term community benefits across the mid-north.

TAS

TasWater has replaced WWII-era water mains in Hobart’s CBD, upgrading 430 metres of Liverpool and Murray Streets after repeated bursts caused flooding and traffic disruption. The $1.7 billion PSP5 plan aims to modernise Tasmania’s aging water and sewer infrastructure, support development, improve environmental outcomes, and sustain up to 15,000 local jobs.

VIC

A large sinkhole, several metres wide and deep, has opened at AJ Burkitt Oval in Heidelberg, close to where North East Link tunnel boring machines are operating. Tunnelling has paused while investigations continue into whether the works contributed. The site is cordoned off, no injuries reported, and safety concerns persist as authorities assess causes.

Construction has commenced on the $1.62 billion Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, Australia’s largest logistics hub. John Holland will deliver Stage 1, providing Melbourne’s only terminal for double-stacked Inland Rail trains by mid-2028, with capacity for 200,000 TEU annually. Stage 2 planning includes a 200-hectare industrial expansion.

🧰 Construction Au Other

Transgrid has completed the final steel tower for EnergyConnect, Australia’s largest transmission project, spanning 700 km across South Australia, NSW, and Victoria. Over 1,500 towers and 10,385 km of high-voltage cabling were installed, connecting renewables to the NEM. Low-carbon materials and innovative tower designs enhance sustainability and grid reliability.

BlockAid Rebar Positioners streamline reinforced masonry by eliminating tying and welding, enabling full-length vertical bars, and locking steel in place during core filling. This saves time, reduces labour and material costs, and avoids rework while ensuring compliance with AS3700-2018 and NCC-2022—delivering faster, safer, and more efficient construction.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Engineers have enhanced jute fiber–reinforced concrete using Bacillus pumilus bacteria, which trigger calcium carbonate precipitation to seal cracks and strengthen the material. The bio-modified concrete shows improved flexural strength, durability, and resistance to acid attack, offering an eco-friendly, low-carbon solution for longer-lasting, high-performance construction materials.

AI-assisted inspections are transforming construction equipment management, enhancing safety, efficiency, and maintenance. By analyzing photos, historical data, and sensor trends, AI identifies defects early, supports preventative maintenance, reduces downtime, and improves compliance. Digital workflows align with younger, tech-savvy operators, driving adoption and boosting reliability across civil, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

Research shows AI in construction has focused on sensors and robotics, leaving administrative workflows underexplored. Conversational, document-native AI—like submittals automation tools—can parse lengthy specifications, generate Excel/Word outputs, and enable queries, cutting repetitive cognitive labor while keeping human oversight, boosting efficiency and accuracy in project administration.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

NSW Treasury modelling shows rising heatwaves could cost mining and other outdoor sectors such as construction up to 2.7 million lost workdays per year by 2061, with productivity dropping up to 0.8%, cutting economic output by $423 billion. The NCRA warns flooding, extreme heat and disruptions will drive project delays, higher costs and WHS risks, pushing urgent reform of building codes, heat controls, resilient infrastructure and long-term climate-ready planning.

Wood has been awarded the concept engineering phase for Australia’s G-15-AP carbon storage permit by InCapture. The study will assess high-potential storage formations alongside Halliburton’s technical work, advancing the project toward feasibility and supporting a future Declaration of Storage Formation, de-risking the acreage and informing long-term investment decisions.

WSP, mcCallumSather, and ArcelorMittal modeled a 12-storey GTA condominium to compare steel, concrete, and mass-timber. Costs and sustainability were similar, with steel slightly outperforming in carbon footprint. Timber allowed fastest construction, followed by steel and concrete. The study highlights that well-designed projects can meet sustainability targets using any material.

The global cement paints market, valued at USD 1.84 billion in 2023, is projected to reach USD 2.17 billion by 2031, growing at 2.11% CAGR. Driven by construction, urbanization, and sustainability, demand for durable, low-maintenance, eco-friendly coatings—especially acrylic cement paints—rises across residential, commercial, and industrial applications worldwide.

🌏 Around the World

In 2026, major U.S. construction projects include the 62,000-seat Buffalo Bills stadium in New York, the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, Texas’ supertall Waterline tower, Los Angeles’ Lucas Museum, and several Manhattan skyscrapers like 520 and 262 Fifth Avenue. Other highlights are the New Museum expansion and Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival theatre.

SSEN Transmission has awarded major contracts to Hitachi Energy to supply high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter stations for two planned subsea cable links in the north of Scotland

📖 Miscellaneous

Australia’s Renewable Energy Zones are being rolled out state by state, creating major transmission and energy infrastructure programs. However, misaligned planning, approvals, grid access and community opposition are slowing delivery. Industry leaders warn that coordinated regulation, resilient transmission corridors, modular substations and early community engagement are critical to keep REZ construction on schedule and bankable.

Rising heatwaves are exposing flaws in modern housing design, with large glazing, limited shading and reduced green space increasing indoor heat loads. Experts warn heat transfers through glass up to ten times faster than insulated walls, driving higher cooling demand. Builders are urged to prioritise shading, insulation, vegetation and passive design to protect occupants and energy efficiency.

In 2026, Australia’s economy shows mixed signals: inflation remains high, households and businesses are divided in spending, and private sector investment is outpacing public infrastructure. Growth opportunities are strongest in privately funded energy, mining, and technology projects, while public infrastructure construction may experience slower expansion amid shifting economic dynamics.

Australia’s data center construction market, valued at USD 3.1 billion in 2023, is projected to grow at 6.1% CAGR through 2030. Hyperscale, edge, and modular facilities are driving expansion, supported by cloud adoption, AI, IoT, and government incentives. Sustainability, energy efficiency, and resilience are now core design priorities across the sector.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

Victoria’s VPS workforce reforms may reshape water policy and regulation, impacting construction of water infrastructure. Contractors will face higher expectations for technical expertise, regulatory compliance, and digital reporting. Projects involving hydrology, catchment management, and climate adaptation could see stricter oversight, requiring modernised workflows, integrated planning, and alignment with evolving public sector capabilities to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant delivery of water-related construction projects.

Wayne Davis will lead Laing O’Rourke’s global people strategy from 12 January, joining the Group Executive Committee. With 15 years in HR across sectors including construction, aviation, and manufacturing, Davis aims to enhance organisational capability, culture, and talent development, supporting the company’s ambitions to transform delivery in the construction industry.

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