18/02/2026

February 18, 2026

The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

âś’ Headlines & Industry

Women tradies are considering leaving construction over inadequate onsite toilets, highlighting broader gender inequality. Reports cite lack of facilities, harassment and discrimination as retention barriers, despite looming skills shortages. Unions and major builders say improving amenities, culture and inclusion is critical to attract and retain women in the workforce.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is facing more pressure to call a royal commission into CFMEU corruption as she is grilled in Question Time over her government’s failure to crack down on the militant union.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese plans to announce Australia’s first high-speed rail line soon, proposing an east coast network linking Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Brisbane, and regional lines. Stage one targets the 194 km Newcastle–Sydney route, with trains reaching 320 km/h, aiming to start construction by 2027 and finish by 2042.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

Abergeldie has been appointed delivery partner for Unitywater’s $2 billion water and wastewater infrastructure program across South East Queensland. Building on major treatment plant upgrades, the five-year partnership will deliver complex utilities works.

At the Coffs Harbour Bypass tunnels in Coffs Harbour, Ministers confirmed fit-out works are 85% complete, including fire safety, jet fans, electrical systems and incident management technology. The $2.2 billion project features three tunnels, 21 bridges and a 14km alignment, removing 12 traffic lights and 12,000 vehicles daily from the CBD.

Construction has started on the $910 million Rouse Hill Hospital in north-west Sydney, expanding from a $300 million healthcare centre. Designed by HDR, the facility will include emergency, birthing, rehabilitation, outpatient, and virtual care services, plus landscaped spaces and a “care arcade.” Engagement with Dharug people shaped its design and colours, reflecting local landscapes.

Construction has started on the $40.6 million Mount Druitt Swimming Centre redevelopment in New South Wales, featuring a 25 m indoor learn-to-swim pool, splashpad, refurbished 50 m outdoor pool, inclusive amenities, kiosk, and year‑round swimming. The project is part of a $149 million Mount Druitt masterplan funded by the NSW Government.

The NSW Government has funded Green Timber Tech with $4.8 million to build 32 sustainable flat‑pack homes, part of a plan to produce over 1,000 annually. Prefabricated timber homes can be assembled in two days, reduce carbon footprint by 60%, cut energy costs, and support regional, social, and disaster‑relief housing while creating skilled local jobs.

QLD

$57 million in funding from the Australian and State Government has been announced to help eight Queensland councils restore beaches severely eroded along the state’s southern coastline.

Immerse Projects has proposed a nine-storey, 65-apartment midrise tower at 5–7 Haig Street, Kirra Beach, replacing two 1970s walk-ups. Designed by BDA Architecture, it features ocean-facing balconies, communal amenities including a lap pool and gym, three basement carparks, and a mix of two- to four-bedroom units, reflecting Gold Coast’s growing medium-density market.

SA

Construction has commenced on a four-storey Family Health and Wellbeing Hub at Elizabeth Vale, delivering integrated child development and parenting services. Backed by a $26 million federal investment, the project is led by Women’s & Children’s Hospital Foundation, with Mossop Construction + Interiors appointed builder. Opening is scheduled for mid-2027.

Transgrid seeks AER approval to pass $1.1 billion of the $1.5 billion EnergyConnect cost blowout to consumers, claiming net benefits of $964 million. The 900 km SA–NSW interconnector, now $4.1 billion, faced delays, COVID, inflation, flooding, and contractor issues. Transgrid argues the small extra charge will be offset by wholesale energy savings.

WA

WA’s ECU Mount Lawley campus will be redeveloped over 10–15 years into a “new urban village,” featuring 900–1,100 homes, a primary school, retail, green spaces, and a creative industries hub. WAAPA’s dance studios and auditorium will be repurposed for performance, rehearsal, and office space, preserving cultural assets while easing Perth’s housing pressures.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Roborigger is automating crane and lifting operations to improve safety, cut costs, and boost productivity. Innovations include remote-controlled cranes, wireless hooks, anti-sway systems, AI sensors, and offsite operators. Combined with modular construction, supervised autonomy evolves toward full autonomous lifts, enabling faster, safer work with fewer personnel and significant efficiency gains.

A new Australian study shows construction safety now hinges on technology, not just leadership. While 72% of managers link induction to site access and 63% use AI in safety systems, half use tools outside official channels. Usability gaps and trust issues persist, making execution—reducing friction and automating compliance—key to safer worksites.

German startup Sitegeist GmbH said today it has raised €4 million (about $4.75 million) in pre-seed funding to help accelerate the renovation of Europe’s infrastructure with robotic automation. 

VASO by Eco, a Scottish industrialised construction company using recycled‑glass composite panels, has been appointed to the SHED 5 Framework, accelerating adoption of low‑carbon, rapid-build housing. The technology enables scalable, sustainable homes, supports net-zero goals, and expands production with a new 60,000 sq ft facility creating 70 jobs across Scotland.

🌏 Around the World

Australia’s steel industry faces pressure as energy costs surge, with production viability hinging on affordable, reliable power. Rising electricity prices threaten competitiveness for domestic mills, prompting calls for policy support, investment in energy efficiency, and integration of renewables to sustain steel manufacturing and protect jobs.

Southern California’s Inland Empire is building an 11-mile recycled water pipeline and pump station to deliver up to 10 MGD from Rialto to a future advanced purification facility in Rancho Cucamonga. Led by Stantec and Rados, the project enhances groundwater replenishment, supports indirect potable reuse, and strengthens long-term regional water resilience.

Saudi Arabia’s Expo 2030 Riyadh Company (ERC) has issued contract tenders for the construction of site offices. The site offices contract is part of Saudi Arabia’s $7.8 billion Expo 2030 Riyadh project. 

đź“– Miscellaneous

New research from UNSW Sydney shows Australia will add 55,000 net social housing homes by 2030, despite 70,000 builds this decade due to demolitions. Backed partly by the Housing Australia Future Fund, the increase only maintains current supply levels, leaving 437,000 households still in unmet need nationwide.

A since-deleted post on TikTok shows the possum falling, then zooms in on the animal, which appeared to be twitching or convulsing on the ground.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

Australia's housing crisis is about to sit squarely in the centre of a fight over immigration numbers as the industry warns the country needs to top up tradies from overseas.

The Victorian TAFE Association is seeking a $2.5 billion investment in TAFE infrastructure and 10,000 extra Free TAFE places annually over the next decade to boost apprenticeships, especially in regional areas. Focus is on trades, renewable energy, and data centres, with efforts to increase female and mature-aged participation in construction and other in-demand sectors.

 

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