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Showing posts from August, 2025

Construcciones Yamaro: Upskilling engineers for the future of climate-smart construction

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Engineers play a central role in building a climate-smart future. (Image: Halfpoint/stock.adobe.com) Engineers are adapting to new materials, methods and sustainability requirements that are changing how construction projects are designed and delivered. To keep pace, upskilling is becoming central to staying competitive, compliant and climate-conscious. Engineering Education Australia (EEA), the training arm of Engineers Australia, continues to play an important role in equipping professionals with the skills to adapt and thrive. One example is the Climate Smart Engineering initiative (CSEi), which recently partnered with Circular Australia to develop a new, two-part online training course that focuses on circular economy principles. The course, launching soon, will guide engineers through key topics including lifecycle design, material reuse, and systems thinking – all critical for achieving more sustainable and resource-efficient construction outcomes. By embedding these princi...

Construcciones Yamaro: DT Infrastructure bolsters Queensland operations

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Matthew Lennon, operations manager for Queensland at DT Infrastructure. (Image: DT Infrastructure) DT Infrastructure has appointed Matthew Lennon as operations manager for Queensland, bolstering its leadership capability as the company advances a pipeline of complex infrastructure projects across the state. With more than 25 years’ experience spanning tunnelling, transport and energy, Lennon has overseen some of Australia’s most high-profile programs. His portfolio includes WestConnex, Cross River Rail and, most recently, CopperString 2032 – the high-voltage transmission line linking the Queensland North West Minerals Province to the national electricity grid. His career includes senior roles with CPB Contractors, John Holland and Rio Tinto, where he led large delivery teams and joint ventures across Queensland, New South Wales and the Northern Territory. Recognised for a practical leadership style and strong operational insight, Lennon is regarded for his delivery focus, drivin...

Construcciones Yamaro: Amanda Allan: Bringing order to the chaos

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Amanda Allan, former design and bid coordinator at AMA Projects, now senior administrator at Crafted Hardwoods. (Image: Ben Appleton – Photox) Six years after stepping away from a career in IT, Amanda Allan has become a linchpin in Canberra’s construction sector and a key voice in the ACT’s professional community. Long before the first sod is turned or a contract is signed, Amanda Allan is already at work. She’s active in the early, unseen phases of construction, before final drawings circulate, scopes are finalised or boots hit site. Her role is grounded in the often-overlooked corridors of a project: tenders, schedules, compliance frameworks and submission packs. It may sound procedural, but for Allan, this is where the real structure takes shape. “It’s just one big puzzle,” she says. “And I love putting the pieces together.” As design and bid coordinator at AMA Projects and president of the ACT chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) , Allan sits ...

Construcciones Yamaro: McConnell Dowell at the forefront of a new engineering era

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Katrina Dodd, general manager of engineering for Australia at McConnell Dowell. (Images: McConnell Dowell) McConnell Dowell is developing engineering talent for a changing industry through on-site experience, flexible training and long-term support. Steel pylons emerge from harbour shallows, crane jibs stretch into the early light, and engineers walk the decks with tablets in hand, matching digital precision to boots‑on‑deck awareness. As remote work reshapes the profession, the company offers something increasingly rare: on-site exposure, practical learning and a people-first approach to developing engineers. Those people include general manager of engineering for Australia, Katrina Dodd, whose career has traced the profession’s full arc. “I’m a marine structural engineer by background, and that is very much my passion,” says Dodd. “I’ve worked across the full project lifecycle, from an EPCM firm, moving into design and now construction.” Following stints in Canada and remote p...

Construcciones Yamaro: Work begins on $2.5 billion Burwood Place development

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Burwood Place groundbreaking (L-R): Holdmark CEO Kevin Nassif, Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, Federal Member for Reid Sally Sitou, NSW Premier Chris Minns, Sarkis Nassif, Bernadette Nassif, and Burwood Mayor John Faker. (Images: Holdmark) A $2.5 billion development in Sydney’s Inner West has officially broken ground, with construction of Burwood Place now underway. The milestone was marked by a sod-turning attended by New South Wales Premier Chris Minns, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully, Burwood Mayor John Faker, Member for Strathfield Jason Yat-sen Li and Federal Member for Reid Sally Sitou. Delivered by Holdmark in consultation with Burwood Council and the local community, the project is planned as a transit-oriented precinct combining housing, jobs, public spaces and transport links. Located in the heart of Burwood town centre, midway between the Sydney and Parramatta CBDs, it has been designed ar...

Construcciones Yamaro: Glazing finesse on display in Sydney’s Castlereagh Street

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A recently completed precision glazing project on Castlereagh Street, Sydney, showcases O’Brien Glass’ expertise. (Image: Joshua Hill) There is glass, and then there is O’Brien Glass. In a sector shaped by deadlines, design demands and strict codes, this century-old name moves with purpose and precision, evident on Castlereagh Street in Sydney. Commercial glazing can introduce a building before anyone steps inside. It speaks to purpose, presence and precision – all in a single glance. Whether bold or understated, it cues the experience inside and anchors the architecture to its intent. From multi-storey façades to shopfronts that double as statements, the work of O’Brien Glass’ dedicated Building & Fitout team spans the architectural and the everyday – often in the same week. “The industry has become much more regulated over the past 10 years,” says Benton Duthie, head of B2B property at O’Brien. “There is greater competition and a stronger emphasis on formal tendering. Whil...

Construcciones Yamaro: Expert Profile: Coates’ George Kyriakos

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George Kyriakos, temporary works engineer at Coates. (Image: Coates) Temporary works are a critical but often underestimated element of major projects. In this Expert Profile, we hear from George Kyriakos, temporary works engineer at Coates, who specialises in delivering next-level support for the crucial early stages of construction and major infrastructure projects. The new Expert Profile series showcases the expertise and innovation that define Coates’ approach to solving complex challenges. The Coates Engineering Solutions team, for example, brings deep knowledge in shoring, propping and water management, collaborating closely with clients to plan, design, install and certify solutions that prioritise safety, efficiency and sustainability. By combining innovative thinking with its equipment fleet, including proprietary off-the-shelf systems, Coates Engineering Solutions helps projects stay on schedule, on budget and in compliance with industry standards. Over his nine years w...

Construcciones Yamaro: Consortium appointed for Eastern Freeway Upgrades project

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Artist’s impression: Upgrades at Middleborough Road. (Image: CIMIC Group) The Synergy consortium has been selected by Major Road Projects Victoria to deliver the Eastern Freeway Upgrades project between Tram and Springvale roads. The project, designed to reduce travel times and improve connections in Melbourne’s north east, will be delivered by consortium partners BMD Constructions, Arup and CIMIC Group’s CPB Contractors. CIMIC Group executive chairman Juan SantamarĂ­a said: “These upgrades will be critical to providing greater access across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, connecting into North East Link and the M80 Ring Road in Greensborough, reducing travel times for motorists by up to 11 minutes between Springvale Road and Hoddle Street, and upgrading pedestrian and cycling connections.” Related stories: Tunnelling Solutions takes on Eastern Freeway sewer works CPB Contractors launches Sustainable Construction Playbook BMD unveils refreshed brand identity CPB Contractors ma...

Construcciones Yamaro: Introducing Revizto’s 2025 Digital Design & Construction Report

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Collaboration and data are shaping the future of construction delivery. (Image: Mark/stock.adobe.com) Revizto has released Bridging the Gap: The 2025 Digital Design & Construction Report , a global deep dive into the trends and challenges redefining the architecture, engineering, construction and operations (AECO) industry. Packed with data and insights from industry leaders, the report explores topics from rising infrastructure demand to the growing push for more collaborative workflows. For owners, architects, engineers, contractors and developers, it serves as a guide to what lies ahead. Revizto surveyed more than 2,000 professionals worldwide, gathering input from key decision-makers including chief information officers, building information modelling (BIM) and virtual design and construction (VDC) leaders, and digital construction specialists. These respondents represent firms with significant influence, most with revenues above $100 million and project portfolios valued...

Construcciones Yamaro: The hidden cost of cash flow pressure in construction

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MYOB Acumatica Construction helps keep cash flow steady so projects progress smoothly from concept to completion. (Image: Nopphon/stock.adobe.com) Margins are tight across the construction industry, and cash flow is often the deciding factor in whether a business can maintain stability or face mounting pressure. Rising material costs and mid-project rate changes can quickly erode profits, while clients continue to expect projects to be delivered on time. Relying on spreadsheets or outdated job-costing tools only makes it harder to stay in control. Many construction leaders are turning constant juggling into confident decision-making by improving visibility over cash flow and project costs. With the right systems in place, cash flow pressure can be managed in a way that supports stronger strategic outcomes. Across Australia and New Zealand, waiting 60, 90 or even 120 days for payment remains common. When 5 to 10 per cent retention is held back until months after project completion...

Construcciones Yamaro: NAWIC grants back bright ideas in construction

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Amarapave won the Bright Ideas Business Grant. Pictured are field director Ash MacMahon (left) and managing director Jenika Stubelj (right) working with Downer on a local council project. (Image: Amarapave) The National Association of Women in Construction’s (NAWIC) Bright Ideas Grants are helping turn initiatives into action, making workplaces better across the sector. By Cathryn Greville, CEO of NAWIC . There is no better time than now to showcase and apply innovative ideas and initiatives to build better workplaces across the construction and built environment sector. And the most innovative solutions often come from those closest to the problems, who experience them every day. However, sometimes great ideas don’t see the light of day, and we all miss out on the potential impact they can have. By Cathryn Greville, CEO of NAWIC. (Image: NAWIC) This is especially the case when it comes to women in entrepreneurship. Gender bias can influence women’s access to capital and the ...

Construcciones Yamaro: Historic Charleyong Bridge reimagined with precast precision

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The new Charleyong Bridge replaces the 1901 single-span timber truss bridge. (Images: National Precast) The replacement of the historic Charleyong Bridge marks an investment in safer, more efficient infrastructure for regional New South Wales. By Sarah Bachmann, CEO of National Precast . Positioned on Main Road 92 over the Mongarlowe River, the new Charleyong Bridge strengthens the transport link between Braidwood and Nowra via Nerriga. The project, delivered under the NSW Government’s Bridges for the Bus h program, replaces the original single-span timber truss bridge built in 1901. After more than a century in service, the old bridge no longer met modern safety or load requirements. Jointly funded with $18 million from the NSW Government and $5 million from the Australian Government, the upgrade was designed to enhance safety, durability and freight efficiency. The bridge offers wider lanes, smoother alignment and the structural capacity to accommodate Higher Mass Limit (HML) ...

Construcciones Yamaro: How Australian builders are handling progress claims with Payapps

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Builders using Payapps have reported faster turnaround times, less manual data entry and fewer disputes. (Image: Michael C/peopleimages.com/stock.adobe.com) Payment claims remain a complex and often time-consuming part of construction delivery. With cost pressures, tighter regulations and rising client expectations, contractors are adopting Payapps to better manage progress claims. According to Payapps, 28 of the builders named in BCI Central’s Construction League Australia 2025 report are using its platform to help submit, assess and approve payment claims. For these contractors, the move to digital has been about simplifying collaboration , improving compliance and strengthening supply chain relationships. Scott Lockwood, director of customer success at Payapps, says the focus is on making practical changes that support project delivery. “We’re proud that so many of Australia’s leading builders trust Payapps,” says Lockwood. “But what matters more is what it says about these...

Construcciones Yamaro: Advancing infrastructure using digital twin modelling

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“A well-designed digital twin acts as both a performance monitor and a training tool for the next generation of engineers.” (Image: thongsook/stock.adobe.com) Digital twin modelling is opening new possibilities for infrastructure design, management and maintenance, say UNSW experts. Imagine being able to peer into the future of a machine – tracking wear, predicting failures and optimising performance – without physically touching it. According to UNSW, this is the promise of digital twins: virtual models that mirror their physical counterparts … The post Advancing infrastructure using digital twin modelling appeared first on Inside Construction . View Source

Construcciones Yamaro: McNab revives historic Brisbane site with The Tannery Residences

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Artist’s impression: The Tannery Residences. (Image: McNab) Builder-developer McNab has secured development approval for The Tannery Residences, a project in Brisbane’s West End that marries heritage preservation with contemporary wellness living. The development will restore and repurpose the original 19th-century Dixon’s Tannery as ‘The Retreat’, a communal wellness hub within the 10-storey residential precinct. Michael McNab, founder and executive chairman of McNab, said the project represents a rare chance to preserve an important piece of Brisbane’s history while delivering homes designed for modern wellbeing. “Properties that honour history while delivering modern design have unique appeal and there’s a growing demand for spaces with both character and legacy,” said McNab. “This is the first truly integrated wellness and heritage project of its kind in Brisbane, and we’ve worked closely with heritage consultants and designers to ensure it respects and elevates the site’s ...