15/01/2026

January 15, 2026

The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

✒ Headlines & Industry

Grim images show maggots crawling over meals at the $1 billion Genex Kidston Pumped Hydro work camp in North Queensland. Workers fear a gastro outbreak after repeated food complaints. CFMEU has labelled it a serious safety breach, while Genex says an investigation is underway and no illnesses have been reported.

CCF QLD warns Queensland faces a 90,000-worker construction shortfall within seven years, driven by burnout, poor culture and low diversity. With two-thirds of workers considering leaving and women making up under 5% of apprentices, the industry must modernise, improve wellbeing, collaboration and retention to secure productivity, viability and long-term workforce stability.

Residential builders are holding back on hiring in 2026 despite strong demand, with 73% not planning to add staff, HIA says. Rising costs, regulatory burdens and skills shortages are driving caution. The HIA is urging streamlined planning, reduced compliance duplication and stronger training pathways to support workforce growth.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

The $230 million Mulgoa Road Stage 2 upgrade in western Sydney has been awarded to Seymour Whyte and Turnbull Engineering. Covering 850 metres between Jeanette Street and Glenmore Parkway, works include new traffic lights, additional lanes, dedicated turning lanes, bus lanes, and a shared path. Completion is expected by 2029, linking seamlessly with Stage 1.

The Sydney Fish Market redevelopment is in New South Wales (NSW), specifically at Blackwattle Bay, near Pyrmont in Sydney. It’s a 3.6-hectare, four-storey market hall with public spaces, restaurants, fishmongers, and a 15 km waterfront promenade, built by Multiplex and designed by 3XN, BVN, and Aspect Studios.

Bridge foundations are now complete on the $2.24 billion M1 Pacific Motorway extension between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace, unlocking the next construction phase. Crews installed 278 piles for 11 new bridges, including the Hunter River viaduct, advancing safer, faster and more reliable travel across the Hunter region.

The NSW Government has approved an $81.8 million, 10-storey Lindfield TOD project with 111 apartments, including 26 affordable homes. The development features three basement levels, rooftop terraces, communal spaces, and 126 parking spots. Designed by PTW Architects, it aligns with state housing policies, transit-oriented objectives, and balances higher-density growth with local amenity considerations.

QLD

A development application for 42–48 Federation Street, Windsor proposes 88 one- and two-bedroom apartments in a 10-storey podium-and-tower building. Designed by Angelo Patrick Architects, it features podium parking, a rooftop communal area, 109 car spaces, bicycle parking, and 484 sqm of landscaping. Tam Dang Planning notes it responds to flooding and public transport access.

SA

Carmody’s Hill Wind Farm in SA’s Mid North will deliver 256 MW from 42 turbines, with an optional 118 MW battery and new 275 kV transmission line. Backed by a $147 million CEFC loan, construction starts March 2026. DT Infrastructure has won the main works contract, with GHD providing construction management.

South Australia will transform 20 million tonnes of fly ash at the former Port Augusta power station into low-carbon “green cement” under a $12 million state loan to Hallett Group. The project will create about 150 construction jobs, 50 ongoing roles, cut cement emissions by up to 60%, and begin construction later this year.

TAS

Expression of Interest is now open for Hobart’s Macquarie Point Stadium, shortlisting up to two contractors for the tender stage. The project targets experienced major infrastructure builders and will strongly weight local Tasmanian benefits. EOIs close 11 February 2026, marking a major milestone toward delivering the landmark stadium.

VIC

German-backed Synergy Wind has relaunched its $388 million Gelliondale Wind Farm in Gippsland, proposing 13 turbines (80 MW) and a 40 MW battery. The revised project follows a previous VCAT rejection, incorporates new planning and biodiversity assessments, and offers a $240,000 annual community benefits fund.

WA

Preferred alliance partners have been selected for major hospital projects in Western Australia. Lendlease will deliver a six-storey Royal Perth Hospital building, including a new emergency department, while Built and Sacyr JV will develop a new hospital at Peel Health Campus. Construction is expected to start mid-2026, funded under the $1.5bn Building Hospitals Fund.

Engineering firm Monadelphous has added to its sizeable workbook, securing a $300 million maintenance with Rio Tinto.The five-year deal follows on from the company booking a combined worth of $285 million in contracts last week.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

SAMI Bitumen Technologies showcased its sustainable, durable road solutions at the AfPA International Flexible Pavement Conference in Adelaide. Research highlighted biogenic binders outperforming recycled oils in long-term durability, fatigue, and emulsification. As a Gold Sponsor, SAMI reinforced its commitment to innovation, low-carbon materials, and circular, future-ready pavement technologies for a sustainable road industry.

Bobcat unveiled the RogueX3, a fully electric, autonomous, modular compact loader, alongside AI innovations at CES 2026. New tech includes Jobsite Companion for operator guidance, Service.AI for diagnostics, collision avoidance systems, advanced MicroLED displays, and modular battery packs (BSUP). Prototypes aim to improve efficiency, safety, and jobsite automation.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

The research is focused on the Northern Territory (NT), Australia. It highlights gaps in conservation planning across NT bioregions—especially on pastoral leasehold land like the Barkly region and south of Tennant Creek—emphasising the need for strategic planning to protect biodiversity while supporting solar and wind energy development.

ISI reflects on 2025, highlighting its role in advancing sustainable, resilient, and equitable infrastructure. Partnering with agencies, companies, and universities, ISI promotes professional expertise and applies the Envision framework to evaluate projects. These efforts support communities in meeting today’s needs while building a stronger, greener, and more resilient future.

🌏 Around the World

National Grid Ventures has refined plans for LionLink, a 2GW UK–Netherlands subsea interconnector combining offshore wind and cross-border transmission. Updated designs include Walberswick landfall, Saxmundham converter station, and 182 km North Sea HVDC cables. Consultation runs until 10 March 2026, with construction expected 2028–2032, highlighting lessons for large-scale renewable grid integration.

Canada’s 2025–26 federal budget prioritises construction and infrastructure, allocating C$115bn for public works, C$25bn for housing, and C$17.2bn for provincial projects. Initiatives include fast-tracking nation-building projects via the Major Projects Office, low-cost financing for builders, and Buy Canadian policies, supporting resilient communities, accelerating homebuilding, and boosting competitiveness in infrastructure and construction sectors.

Construction has started on Ethiopia’s Bishoftu International Airport, Africa’s largest aviation project. Located 40km from Addis Ababa, Phase One will cost $12.5bn, serve 60 million passengers annually, and include a 38km high-speed rail and motorway. Fully completed, it will handle 110 million passengers and 3.73 million tons of cargo.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

Alice Springs Town Council has appointed Sally O’Callaghan as Director of Infrastructure Services. With 20+ years’ experience, including managing $190 million in NT projects, she will lead major works including a $20 million CBD upgrade and new library/tourist centre. O’Callaghan’s local roots and expertise aim to deliver lasting community benefits.

Tradeswomen Australia, TAFE Gippsland and ENGIE have launched ‘Powering Her Pathway,’ a federal government-funded initiative to train and place women in clean energy trades. Starting February 2026, participants undertake six weeks of vocational training, followed by apprenticeships or jobs, supporting Gippsland’s growing renewable energy projects and the construction of a second Hazelwood Battery.

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Alex

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