The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

_{THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES}

🚨 Safety Updates

Safety alert - Luffing tower cranes - Extreme weather (wind) events

A WorkSafe Queensland alert warns of luffing tower crane booms being blown backwards during extreme wind events. Recent incidents, including on the Gold Coast, caused evacuations and damage. The alert outlines contributing factors and requires cranes to weathervane, minimise boom angles, manage wind limits, and follow manufacturer guidance.

✒ Headlines & Industry

Queensland builder says migration delays are worsening the construction skills shortage

A Queensland builder warns migration delays are worsening the construction skills shortage. Lengthy, complex visa processes are slowing access to overseas trades despite recognised shortages. With Queensland facing a forecast shortfall of 18,200 workers annually, delays risk undermining housing supply, productivity and timely delivery of construction projects.

CEFC commits $70 million to energy and transport projects backed by state owned fund investment fund

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has committed $70 million to the Queensland Investment Corporation’s Global Infrastructure Fund II, targeting decarbonisation in energy and transport. Investments will support renewable generation, smart metering, and Scope 3 emissions reductions across portfolio companies, accelerating Australia’s energy transition and setting new sustainability benchmarks for infrastructure and supply chains.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

ACCIONA and SMEC to deliver extensive Sydney wastewater infrastructure upgrade

ACCIONA and SMEC have formed the Malabar System Alliance with Sydney Water to deliver a 10-year wastewater upgrade program across Sydney. Initial works at Liverpool and Glenfield facilities will boost capacity, resilience and sustainability, targeting up to 60 per cent energy efficiency improvements, with construction completing by 2029.

Toowoomba water plant project moves to tender

Toowoomba Regional Council has invited three shortlisted bidders to tender for the Greenmount water treatment plant, part of the Four Communities Water Supply Project. The plant will deliver treated drinking water to Cambooya, Clifton, Greenmount and Nobby, improving water quality, security and supporting future regional growth.

QLD

Gladstone attracts another solar battery hybrid, with $2 billion project that would be Australia’s biggest

Gladstone has secured a proposed $2 billion solar-battery hybrid, potentially Australia’s largest. The Wooderson project includes a 450 MW solar farm, up to 3,600 MWh battery storage and new transmission works. Subject to approvals, construction could start in 2028, supporting industrial power demand and major renewable infrastructure delivery.

Games Prompts Wentworth to Push Go on $1bn Hamilton Precinct

Wentworth Equities will start its $1 billion Hamilton Grove project in Brisbane, featuring three towers with 433 apartments, retail, and a premium hotel. Early works begin Q1 2026 with Mainland Civil. Completion is expected late 2028, aiming to create a world-class precinct inspired by LA’s The Grove, capitalizing on Brisbane’s anticipated Olympic-driven growth.

VIC

Construction Begins On Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade

Construction has begun on the Ballan Road Intersection Upgrade in Wyndham Vale, replacing a congested roundabout with traffic signals and new lanes. The project will improve safety and traffic flow, with staged works, detours, temporary crossings and bus changes continuing through to late 2026.

Concrete to plug 8-metre sinkhole

A planned TBM test at Melbourne’s North-East Link tunnel caused an eight-metre sinkhole at a sports oval. To stabilise it, crews poured a 500-tonne concrete plug. VIDA Roads CEO Paul Roth confirmed tighter controls and surface monitoring will prevent recurrence, with turf restoration scheduled and the oval reopening in March.

WA

‘Get on with it’: Premier’s frustrations boil over as $385 million Perth development drags on

WA Premier Roger Cook has publicly criticised delays to the $385 million EQWest towers at Elizabeth Quay, under construction since 2019. Despite appearing externally complete, work has stalled, prompting frustration over missed housing, hotel and hospitality opportunities and calls for the developer to finish the project.

ADC submits new $110m plan for Perth Girls School

ADC has lodged a fresh plan for the first stage of the Perth Girls School project, pivoting from apartments to student accommodation.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

Omnix partners with Eagle Point Software to accelerate digital construction skills

Omnix International partners with Eagle Point Software to integrate digital construction solutions with applied learning. The collaboration embeds role-based training in Autodesk and BIM workflows, localised in Arabic and English, enabling GCC organisations to upskill staff, accelerate technology adoption, reduce errors, and enhance project outcomes across construction, manufacturing, and engineering sectors.

Study Benchmarks Shrinkage Monitoring For 3D Printed Concrete

A new study benchmarks early-age shrinkage measurement in 3D printed concrete, highlighting practical, low-cost methods for labs and construction sites. Accurate monitoring—using contact sensors, image tracking, or restrained setups—helps manage interlayer bonding, dimensional stability, and crack risk. Insights enable real-time adjustments in mix, speed, and curing for durable 3DCP structures.

Zoomlion’s AI robots help produce an excavator every six minutes

A Zoomlion humanoid robot performs sorting tasks on the factory floor (Image courtesy of Zoomlion) Chinese construction equipment manufacturer Zoomlion is now using dozens of humanoid robots in its factories, with a specialised facility that harnesses AI now able to produce an excavator every six minutes.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

Sustainable binder for 3DCP sweet as

Queensland researchers and Everhard Industries tested sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a sustainable binder for low-carbon 3D concrete printing. Mixes with up to 25% SCBA, combined with polypropylene or steel microfibres, showed promising flow, strength, and buildability. Future studies will assess long-term durability for practical construction use.

🌏 Around the World

World’s largest luffing crane begins work in Walsall

The world’s largest luffing crane, Marr M2480D, is now operating at Walsall’s Energy Recovery Facility in the UK. It will install heavy components, including a 78-tonne economiser and 69-tonne boiler drum, enhancing safety and efficiency. The crane’s single-lift capacity supports Design for Manufacture and Assembly, maximizing productivity on the complex project.

European megaproject failings exposed

A European Court of Auditors report reveals Europe will miss its 2030 TEN-T core network goal. Eight megaprojects face average 17-year delays, massive cost overruns—including Rail Baltica up 160%—and supply chain challenges from Covid-19 and the Ukraine war. Governance has improved, but current projects remain delayed and over budget, risking EU transport connectivity.

Mace to rebrand construction arm after Goldman Sachs buy-in

Mace Group plans to rebrand its construction arm in 2026 after Goldman Sachs invests in its consultancy. Mace Construct will adopt a new identity, reflecting its evolution into a major UK contractor, while Mace Consult grows independently.

📖 Miscellaneous

WMO, IWMI formalise partnership on climate and water resilience

The WMO and IWMI have signed an MoU to boost climate-resilient water management. The partnership integrates meteorological, hydrological, and socio-economic data to improve early warning systems for floods, droughts, and water scarcity. Joint initiatives will focus on Asia and Africa, using AI, capacity building, and applied research to strengthen preparedness, governance, and decision-making.

Who Manufactures Concrete Fiber? These Are the 6 Top Companies

Concrete fibers are vital for durable, crack-resistant structures, with global leaders offering synthetic, recycled, and steel solutions. Top manufacturers—FORTA, REGEN Fiber, Euclid Chemical, Bekaert, Chryso, and Fibercon—provide diverse fiber types, technical support, and sustainable practices for slabs, pavements, precast, industrial floors, and shotcrete. Choosing experienced, reliable suppliers ensures quality, efficiency, and long-term performance in modern construction projects worldwide.

Can smart greenhouses bring back food production in cities?

Smart greenhouses are reviving urban food production by growing profitable crops like microgreens, herbs, and leafy vegetables in controlled, high-tech environments within cities. Using sensors, automation, and LED lighting, they shorten supply chains and improve resilience against climate change. While promising sustainability and rapid local supply, high energy costs and space constraints limit crop types and raise equity concerns, as benefits often concentrate in wealthier areas. Successful integration into urban planning is key to making these technologies broadly beneficial.

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Alex

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