Construcciones Yamaro, by Armando Iachini

The Australian Bulk Handling Expo is set to make its return in 2024, offering a dynamic platform for professionals in the bulk solids handling and construction industries to delve into and exchange innovative technological solutions. The bulk solids handling industry, a linchpin of Australia’s economy encompassing many crucial commodities, plays a pivotal role in global security. Dedicated to presenting solutions for safeguarding the future of this vital sector, the Australian Bulk Handling Expo (BULK2024) is back this September. At the heart of BULK2024 will be cutting‐edge technologies, taking centre stage to demonstrate their effectiveness in optimising efficiency and streamlining operations into the coming decade. Serving as Australia’s only dedicated exhibition for the bulk solids handling industry, BULK2024 is slated to take place from 10am to 5pm, from 18 to 19 September 2024, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Bringing together esteemed companies and leaders...

Delving into this month’s theme, industry expert Dr Darius Danesh emphasises the critical need for certified project managers in the construction industry to effectively address ongoing productivity and cost challenges. By Dr Darius Danesh, chief executive officer of the Australian Institute of Project Management . In the dynamic world of construction, the significance of qualified and certified project managers cannot be overstated. The role of project management in the construction sector is indispensable, ensuring effective cost control, timely project completion, efficient risk mitigation and overall success through streamlined processes and clear communication with stakeholders. Dr Darius Danesh, chief executive officer, Australian Institute of Project Management. (Image: Dr Darius Danesh) This comprehensive approach involves effective budgeting, resource allocation and continuous expenditure monitoring, facilitated by skilled project management throughout the construction ...

Coates has acquired the business assets of GTH Equipment, a prominent telehandlers and access equipment hire provider headquartered in Sydney. Terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed. Based in Smithfield, New South Wales, GTH Equipment has operated in the NSW and ACT markets since 1997. It was initially established as the NSW/ACT distributor of Genie Telehandlers, before it expanded its range in 2016 to include access equipment. The acquisition of GTH Equipment enables Coates to expand its national network with the addition of high-quality equipment assets, supported by cutting-edge technology. In addition to the more than 650 machines in GTH Equipment’s fleet, its modern site in Smithfield is well-positioned in greater Sydney’s infrastructure and development growth corridor, enabling greater capacity to serve Coates’ growing customer base, while complementing Coates’ vision to be the market leader in safe, smart and sustainable equipment solutions. Related stories: Coat...

In 2022, Kelsey Godwin-Smith, an experienced architectural designer in the built environment, shifted gears and joined the construction industry, signalling a fresh and exciting chapter in her career. Kelsey Godwin-Smith has charted a distinctive course into the construction industry, diverging from the typical career paths often observed in the sector. As a passionate design professional, her journey began in the world of architecture, with tenures at various architectural firms, including her most recent role at Billard Leece Partnership (BLP). While traditional architectural positions often entail minimal onsite involvement, the landscape shifted amid the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to her increased presence on construction sites. It was during this period that Godwin-Smith seized the opportunity to step up as a site design lead, as part of BLP, for the $632 million Campbelltown Hospital Stage 2 Redevelopment, which was delivered by Health Infrastructure in partnership with South ...

Engineers Australia has welcomed the appointment of Gillian Geraghty as the new chief engineer for the ACT Government. Romilly Madew, CEO of Engineers Australia, said Geraghty is well placed to lead the territory’s engineering sector into the future. “As director-general of Major Projects Canberra and an Engineers Australia Fellow with decades’ experience working on complex infrastructure projects and community programs, Gillian Geraghty is the perfect successor to Adrian Piani,” said Madew. Madew also praised the announcement of a new Board of Engineering Excellence , which will provide engineering advice and advocacy directly to the ACT Government through Gerahty’s office. “The creation of the Board of Engineering Excellence marks a significant step in the collaboration between the government and the private sector,” said Madew. “This partnership will enable us to offer forward-looking guidance on crucial matters and challenges related to engineering.” Related stories: Winners...

In collaboration with the social impact PPE brand TradeMutt, CPB Contractors has launched a vital campaign to foster mental health awareness. On 23 February 2024, the construction powerhouse mobilised its extensive workforce, spread across 60 projects nationwide, to proudly showcase their most vibrant workwear. From Sydney to Dubbo, Port Hedland to Townsville, and all the way to Melbourne and McLaren Vale, CPB Contractors’ team members wore funky PPE shirts and work attire. They gathered for barbeques and morning teas, united in the mission to raise awareness for mental health. This is the first campaign of this scale, responding to a pervasive mental health issue within the industry. It urges workers across all sectors of construction and trades to speak up, check in with one another and support their colleagues. With more than 200 workers lost to suicide annually in the Australian construction industry, CPB Contractors is tackling the issue head on by collaborating with T...

The Princess Alexandra Hospital expansion is rapidly progressing, marked by the unveiling of an artist’s impression of the multi-million-dollar project. The plan for the development includes 219 new acute inpatient beds, 30 new intensive care unit beds, 13 new cancer treatment bays and reconfigured specialist treatment spaces. In a vertical expansion, five new floors will be added, comprising four clinical spaces and a floor for plant and machinery. Positioned atop the emergency department, this expansion is set to provide the hospital with an additional equivalent space of almost three full rugby league fields. Anticipated to be operational in the second half of 2026, the project aims to enhance patient flow and accessibility to acute care, intensive care and emergency services in Brisbane’s south. The artist’s impression illustrates how the new section will integrate into the existing building, housing additional beds and advanced treatment equipment. The $350 million project ...

The Building Commission NSW has released a new report, offering vital recommendations to increase the presence of women in the construction industry throughout New South Wales. At a critical juncture where the state faces a demand for over 100,000 additional skilled construction workers to address housing needs, attracting more women to the industry has never … The post Major changes needed to boost number of women in construction appeared first on Inside Construction . View Source

In the pursuit of building a foundation for mental health and suicide prevention in the workplace, MATES in Construction is extending an invitation to adventurers and advocates alike to join a journey through the historic Kokoda Track. The 96-kilometre trail in Papua New Guinea stands as a testament to the endurance and valour exhibited by Australian soldiers during the Kokoda Campaign in World War II. It’s a powerful engagement with history, offering trekkers the chance to ‘stand in history’ and honour the unwavering spirit of the Kokoda diggers. This initiative is integral to MATES in Construction’s commitment to mental health, with participants raising over $1 million since 2014. These funds directly contribute to the organisation’s suicide prevention efforts and the promotion of mentally healthier workplaces. Last year’s participants have shared impactful experiences, with Damian Hewat urging, “Don’t consider it, do it. It’s an experience of a lifetime that you will not regret....

The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) has welcomed the addition of a new member, DT Infrastructure, part of the Gamuda Group of Companies following the acquisition of Downer EDI’s Australian transport projects business. ACA CEO Jon Davies said the association was delighted to see the return of familiar faces to ACA committees and advisory groups, previously associated with Downer EDI. “Being an ACA member signifies a shared commitment to creating a sustainable construction industry that is a great place to work,” said Davies. “DT Infrastructure is actively helping support our efforts in developing practical solutions for government and industry implementation, leading to a more efficient and progressive industry.” Related stories: Unlocking industry potential with a National Construction Strategy Why is it so difficult for construction firms to invest? New report debunks talks of underpayment in construction sector DT Infrastructure CEO Darren Crichton said that joini...

The City of Sydney is proposing to distribute up to $1.9 million in grants to support the rejuvenation of Dixon Street and the Haymarket precinct. Eligible ratepayers and business owners who undertake upgrades to their buildings and shopfronts will receive matched funds, aiming to inject vibrancy into this iconic area. Grant recipients with street-level shopfronts will be encouraged to transform their spaces, bringing food preparation stations to front windows and establishing a ‘chef’s gallery’ on Dixon Street. Proposed Dixon Street improvement grants amount to $1.2 million, with applicants receiving support from planning and design experts throughout the process. Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore, emphasised the significance of Dixon Street as the heart of Sydney’s Chinatown. “Our communities told us through an extensive consultation process that revitalising Dixon Street should be one of our top priorities,” said Moore. “These grants will help breathe new life into the strip, a...

The transformation and expansion of the Art Gallery of New South Wales has secured a win in the ‘large projects over $10 million’ category at the inaugural Australian Steel Institute (ASI) Steel Sustainability Awards. The project saw the gallery transformed into two buildings connected by a public art garden, almost doubling the exhibition space. Employing the latest sustainable practices, including the reuse of materials, the project achieved world-leading 6-star Green Star accreditation. The collaborative efforts of SANAA as the designer, Architectus as the executive architect, Arup as the engineer, Richard Crookes Constructions as the head contractor, and the SSA-certified Samaras Structural Engineers as the steel fabricator collectively brought the project to life – with Arup submitting the project for consideration in the awards. The art gallery was one of six projects or initiatives honoured on 20 February 2024 at the Steel Sustainability Awards, for delivery of sustaina...

Empowered Women in Trades is passionately committed to a transformative mission, tirelessly working to boost the presence of women in skilled trades. By Hacia Atherton, chief executive officer and founder, Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT). In a country facing critical skill shortages and a housing crisis, EWIT stands at the forefront of change, championing a cause that is central to Australia’s future success. With a vision as bold as necessary, EWIT is committed to leading the charge to increase female representation in skilled trades from a meagre 3 per cent to an ambitious 30 per cent by 2030. Australia’s skill shortage and housing crisis are complex problems that require innovative solutions. As the demand for skilled labour continues to outstrip supply, the consequences ripple across various sectors, particularly in construction and infrastructure development. Simultaneously, the housing crisis exacerbates affordability and availability issues, putting immense pressure on both...

John Holland has announced that the commissioning of the Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre will commence in late 2024. All building shells have been completed, which accounts for the major construction elements of the 1,536-bed Lockyer Valley Correctional Centre. Queensland Minister for Fire and Disaster Recovery and Minister for Corrective Services Nikki Boyd assured that planning for the commissioning is well advanced. “The important and intricate work of planning for the rolling commissioning of this 1,536-bed high security centre, including recruitment and training of more than 800 permanent, full time jobs is in full swing, with the first new custodial correctional officers graduating from the paid 10-week training program before Christmas,” said Minister Boyd. Minister Boyd highlighted the Queensland Corrective Services’ (QCS) commitment to ensuring the centre’s prompt opening, with a focus on safety and security. The commissioning process will involve testing the infrastr...

Earlier this week, the final report of the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review was released by Australian Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic. The report, compiled by the independent Diversity in STEM Review Panel after 12 months of public consultation, conversations and research, presents 11 detailed recommendations aimed at increasing diversity in science, … The post New report reveals opportunities to increase diversity in STEM appeared first on Inside Construction . View Source

Ventia has signed up for two floors of the Victoria Cross Tower, the flagship commercial building within Lendlease’s new integrated station precinct in North Sydney. The essential infrastructure services provider will occupy approximately 3,500 square metres across levels 26 and 27 of the Victoria Cross Tower, which is currently under construction. Ventia intends to fit-out the modern workplace with a design that will promote collaboration and connection. Tom Mackellar, managing director development at Lendlease, emphasised the evolving preferences of tenant partners across the company’s commercial portfolio, highlighting a consistent demand for workplace experiences that attract and retain the best talent and support productivity. “Which is why we’re seeing a growing demand for premium-grade workplaces in prime locations that prioritise sustainability, flexibility and amenity,” said Mackellar. “With doorstep access to transport and a focus on wellness and sustainability, Victori...

Prime Creative Media has made history as Australia’s first publisher to send paper wrapped magazines at scale, in partnership with its printing and mailing supplier FSG . Based in Bayswater, Victoria, FSG purchased the country’s first ever paper-wrapping mailing machine in January this year. Imported from UK supplier Norpak, the machine’s ability to wrap publications in paper will eliminate plastic wrapping for several Prime Creative Media titles, including Inside Construction magazine. “It’s the evolution of the mailing industry to abolish the use of single-use plastics in mailing magazines,” says Michael Murphy, owner and director of FSG Mailing. “This follows the government’s move to get disposable plastics out of our Australian systems.” The decision to embrace paper-wrapping as a sustainable solution stemmed from the prohibitively high costs associated with alternatives. Until the introduction of this technology, the only alternative to plastics for publishers was paper enve...

Brookfield Asset Management (Brookfield) has appointed Multiplex to deliver its first-ever student housing project in Australia. The development, a joint venture with Citiplan and Journal Student Living , will be located in Carlton, opposite the University of Melbourne’s Parkville campus on an amalgamated block on the corner of Bouverie and Grattan Streets. Its proximity to key landmarks such as the CBD, Lygon Street, Queen Victoria Market and Melbourne Central enhances its appeal as an ideal location for students. Multiplex has secured the contract following early contractor involvement, working closely with Brookfield, Citiplan and Journal Student Living to develop the project’s design, pricing and construction methodology. Ross Snowball, regional managing director at Multiplex, expressed enthusiasm about the project, highlighting the company’s ability to leverage its robust credentials in successfully delivering residential apartment projects and its specialised expertise in the...

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) has released several tenders for the maintenance of aids to navigation, including iconic lighthouses, marine buoys and other facilities across Australia. Businesses specialising in building, construction and asset maintenance services are encouraged to participate in the tender process for these new government contracts, currently accessible on AusTender. Under the AMSA’s new regional model for service delivery, these contracts cover specific groupings of aids to navigation across eight regions. In contrast to the AMSA’s previous and current national maintenance contract, scheduled to conclude 30 June 2024, the new contracts are more streamlined in scope and shorter in duration. Additionally, successful contract holders will benefit from substantial support provided by AMSA’s in-house expertise. AMSA executive director response Mark Morrow said the regionalisation and rescoping of this important work meant that more businesses would no...

A recent study has unveiled the significant potential of green roofs in reducing temperatures across major cities and lowering energy costs. Published in Nature Cities , the study is ground-breaking as it is reportedly the first to analyse the transformative impact of rooftop greenery coverage on urban-scale energy consumption and climate conditions. Its findings could provide a blueprint for modelling the effectiveness of green roofs in cities globally. Led by Indira Adilkhanova and Professor Geun Young Yun from Kyung Hee University and co-authored by UNSW Sydney  Scientia Professor Mattheos (Mat) Santamouris , the research found that the implementation of green roofs could potentially lower the summer temperatures of South Korea’s capital city by approximately 1°C. Additionally, it could reduce the energy demand associated with cooling by nearly 8 per cent under maximum coverage. “Previously, we have only looked at the energy impact of green roofs for singular buildings, but ...