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Construcciones Yamaro: Freecity advances Macquarie Park tower using VMC

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The Macquarie Park development is being delivered using volumetric modular construction. (Image: Freecity) Freecity has installed modules to level 12 of its 20-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) development in Macquarie Park, taking construction past the halfway point. The 528-unit project at 169–171 Herring Road is being delivered using volumetric modular construction (VMC), with the first modules craned into position on 12 June. Freecity co-founder and joint CEO Lawrence Zheng said the installation process was expected to become more efficient as work progressed. “The team is continually refining the stacking process, logistics and coordination on site, so the experience we are gaining at Herring Road will also inform how we deliver the next generation of VMC projects,” he said. “Australia needs to find ways to deliver housing faster and more efficiently. Herring Road is showing what can be achieved when manufacturing and construction are able to happen concurrentl...

Construcciones Yamaro: Addressing the construction industry’s underground blind spot

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The Watsonia tunnel boring machine launch structure forms part of Melbourne’s North East Link project. (Image: Seequent) Better understanding of underground conditions can help construction teams reduce risk and improve decision-making throughout infrastructure delivery. By Pat McLarin, civil segment director at Seequent. Australia is in the middle of an ambitious infrastructure program, with $242 billion in major public investment planned through to 2029, according to Infrastructure Australia’s 2025 Infrastructure Market Capacity report. The challenge is turning that investment into projects delivered with greater confidence and productivity, especially as recent setbacks show how quickly ground risk can undermine cost and schedule certainty. The pressure to improve project delivery came into sharper focus in August, when the Australian Constructors Association and Consult Australia launched new Design – Best Practice Principles aimed at improving construction productivity. Thei...

Construcciones Yamaro: Contractor appointed to deliver new Coomera Hospital

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Artist’s impression – subject to change: The project will deliver 600 new hospital beds for the region. (Images: Queensland Government) The Queensland Government has appointed Multiplex to deliver the new 600-bed Coomera Hospital, with civil works, construction of retaining walls, permanent stormwater management tanks and works on the multi-storey car park expected to start next month. Major foundation works are already underway, including concrete pours to support the expanded footprint, alongside retaining works, remodelling of existing structures and bulk earthworks. Queensland Premier David Crisafulli said the 600-bed Coomera Hospital would help meet the health needs of the rapidly growing northern Gold Coast. “We’re delivering a bigger, better Coomera Hospital, with 200 more beds because Queenslanders deserve easier access to health services and health infrastructure that keeps pace with population growth,” he said. Related stories: ECI partner appointed for new $2 bi...

Construcciones Yamaro: Construction Technology Leaders Summit returns to Sydney

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The event will feature more than 30 speakers over the two days. (Images: FuturePlace) As Australia’s construction sector faces pressure to deliver more complex projects with tighter budgets, compressed timelines and ongoing workforce constraints, the Construction Technology Leaders Summit 2026 will focus on how technology can support project delivery today. Taking place on 28 to 29 October at Doltone House, Darling Island, Sydney, the summit will bring together contractors, developers, infrastructure owners, digital engineering leaders and technology providers from across the industry. Rather than focusing on future possibilities, the summit will look at how businesses are moving beyond pilots and proofs of concept to understand what is delivering results on projects today. Topics will include AI-powered planning and forecasting, digital engineering, connected construction sites, robotics, automation, data-driven decision-making and technology adoption strategies. Related stories: ...

Construcciones Yamaro: Laing O’Rourke backs Kany Bidi growth

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The Kany Bidi team has worked across six major Laing O’Rourke projects. (Images: Supply Nation) Laing O’Rourke’s commitment to supplier diversity is helping drive growth for Western Australian Indigenous-owned traffic management company Kany Bidi, with procurement contracts now valued at more than $14 million. The partnership demonstrates how sustained procurement relationships can extend beyond individual projects to create lasting opportunities for Indigenous businesses, employment and economic participation. A member of Supply Nation since 2011, Laing O’Rourke recorded $66 million in procurement spend with Supply Nation-verified businesses in the 2024–25 financial year, up from $2.3 million in 2017–18. The international engineering and construction company now works with about 120 Indigenous businesses across its projects throughout Australia. Kany Bidi, meaning “One Path”, was established in Perth in 2019 by proud Whadjuk, Ballardong, Noongar man Michael Johnson. Laing O’Rour...

Construcciones Yamaro: CDU brings construction management course to Northern Territory

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The course is expected to commence in Semester 1 2027. (Image: NINENII/stock.adobe.com) Charles Darwin University (CDU) will introduce a new Master of Construction Management in 2027 as the Northern Territory works to build its local construction workforce. Up to 70 students will be able to study the course from Semester 1 2027, developing the skills needed to lead complex construction projects. CDU discipline chair in engineering professor Stefanija Klaric said there was strong demand for construction managers across the country, with the NT facing particular workforce challenges. Klaric said the Territory’s construction industry currently relied heavily on construction managers brought in from southern states who may not be prepared for the NT’s working environment. Related stories: NSW infrastructure boom puts delivery capability to the test Women in trades: Supporting success at every stage Construction workforce challenge goes deeper “A key issue we’re hearing from indu...

Construcciones Yamaro: Kapitol and ICD Property back volumetric modular construction

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Kapitol’s investment includes prototype construction. (Images: Kapitol and ICD Property) Kapitol and ICD Property have formed a $10 million volumetric modular construction partnership with Chinese manufacturer CIMC Modular Building Systems. The two Australian companies have each invested $5 million into the venture, which will draw on established offshore manufacturing capacity while supporting the development of local modular capability. Kapitol’s investment covers staff, systems and processes, product development and prototype construction, while ICD Property has invested in prototype procurement and the development of its modular business. Both companies have self-funded their investments. Related stories: Kapitol scales planning with Asta Komatsu and Atlassian Williams F1 Team extend partnership NSW infrastructure boom puts delivery capability to the test The partnership will target large mid-rise and high-rise build-to-rent developments, purpose-built student accommo...