The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

_{THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES}

🏗️ Projects

NSW

Construction giants bag mutli-billion dollar contracts on huge Sydney rail project

Four contracts worth $11.5 billion have been awarded on Sydney Metro West, a $27–$29 billion underground rail project set to open in 2032. John Holland, Gamuda, Metro Trains West Consortium and Lendlease-led partners will deliver track, stations, trains, operations and major precinct developments.

Another two big solar and battery projects sent to independent panel by long distance objectors

Two NSW solar-battery developments — Spark Energy’s 800 MW Dinawan hub with a 356 MW/1,574 MWh battery and Edify Energy’s 100 MW Burroway project with 400 MWh storage — have been referred to the Independent Planning Commission after exceeding objection thresholds, triggering independent assessment despite minimal local opposition.

Ghost station investigations move project forward

Early works have begun at Sydney’s long-dormant Woollahra station site, marking progress toward a new eastern suburbs heavy rail station. Transport for NSW is investigating ground conditions ahead of construction, expected to start in 2027. The project will support up to 10,000 new homes, improve rail access, and reduce local traffic.

QLD

Road upgrade to improve safety in North Brisbane

North Brisbane’s Anzac Avenue is undergoing a $5.6 million upgrade to improve safety and extend pavement life. Works include asphalt resurfacing, guardrail upgrades, structural repairs and Saltwater Creek bridge deck resurfacing across a three-kilometre corridor between Mango Hill and Rothwell, supporting traffic reliability for 48,000 daily motorists.

Cunninghams Gap reconstruction project update
Reconstruction works continue at Cunninghams Gap on Queensland’s Cunningham Highway, damaged by bushfires. Tower cranes are advancing two major retaining walls while minimising traffic disruption on this national freight route. The project recycles 10,600 tonnes of asphalt and concrete, installs 1 km of rockfall fencing, and is expected to finish by mid-2026.

Laing O’Rourke and AECOM partner for Brisbane 2032 Games
Laing O’Rourke and AECOM form Unite32 to deliver Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games infrastructure. The $1.7 billion program includes 17 new and upgraded venues across Queensland, from Gold Coast to Cairns. Unite32 will manage design, construction, and legacy planning, leveraging global Olympic delivery experience to ensure long-term community benefits.

VIC

Melbourne is in the middle of a housing revolution – have the yimbys already won?

Victoria has launched one of Australia’s most aggressive construction-focused planning overhauls, fast-tracking townhouses and apartments around transport hubs, slashing approval times and scrapping parking rules. While reforms unlock massive build capacity, rising construction costs, labour shortages and low developer confidence now risk stalling projects despite record housing demand.

Victoria gives green light to contested wind project, with fewer turbines and operating limits

Victoria has approved the 600 MW Kentbruck wind project near Portland, with turbine numbers reduced and operating curfews imposed to manage environmental risk. The $1 billion pine-plantation development will feature up to 105 turbines, include construction limits around breeding seasons, and forms part of the Capacity Investment Scheme-backed renewable build-out.

Victoria energy hub takes shape

Yanara has appointed Gamuda Australia for the ECI phase of the Mortlake Energy Hub Stage 1 in southwest Victoria. The project includes a 435 MW solar farm, 1,200 MWh battery and 300 MW connection. Gamuda will lead design, approvals, procurement and construction planning for the 1,060-hectare renewable energy hub.

WA

Massive 2 GW wind, solar and battery project lands all planning approvals in breathtaking four months

Western Australia’s 2 GW Tathra Energy Hub has secured all state planning and environmental approvals in just four months. Led by Synergy and Bright Energy Investment, the project includes 140 wind turbines, 500 MW of solar and 500 MW of battery storage, fast-tracking a major renewable build to replace ageing coal generation.

WA utility seeks green tick for solar and battery project

Horizon Power has referred a 90 MW solar farm and 42 MW/239 MWh battery project for Broome, WA, to federal environmental assessment. The 270-hectare development will include new transmission and gas backup, replace diesel-heavy supply, and is scheduled for construction from 2028 with operations by 2030.

🧰 Construction Au Other

CCAA welcomes Productivity Commission’s reform

Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has welcomed the Productivity Commission’s 2025 report, highlighting opportunities to modernise standards, reduce regulatory fragmentation, and boost productivity across Australia’s construction supply chain. The report’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and coordinated heavy vehicle reforms supports efficient, decarbonised delivery of materials for infrastructure and housing.

Building approvals soar to 3 ½ year high on apartment surge

Australian building approvals hit a 3½-year high in November, surging 15.2% to 18,406 dwellings, driven by a 34% jump in apartment and multi-unit consents across Queensland, Victoria, and NSW. Detached housing rose modestly. Analysts say approvals signal a strengthening construction pipeline, with activity set to grow in 2026 amid population and price pressures.

🌏 Around the World

13 Bidders for Jaipur Metro Phase 2’s First Civil Contract 2C-01

Thirteen firms have submitted bids for Jaipur Metro Phase 2’s first civil contract (2C-01), covering a 12 km elevated viaduct along Tonk Road, depot-line, and 10 stations between Prahladpura and Pinjrapole Gaushala. The 42.8 km Orange Line, costing ₹12,260 crore ($220m AUD), will feature 34 elevated and 2 underground stations, linking to Phase 1.

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