Construcciones Yamaro, by Armando Iachini

Peter Colacino, incoming CEO of the Australian Constructors Association. (Image: ACA) The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) has appointed Peter Colacino as its next CEO, effective 4 May 2026. He succeeds Jon Davies, who will step down after six years and remain with the ACA until June to support the transition. ACA president Annabel Crookes said Colacino brings a combination of industry insight and policy experience. “Peter understands the construction sector from every angle, having worked closely with contractors and been at the centre of government policy discussions shaping the industry’s future. Peter is well placed to translate the work that has gone before into change felt on the ground,” said Crookes. “With major initiatives such as the National Construction Strategy now well progressed, the task ahead is to turn that work into improvements for contractors, clients and workers across the sector. At a time when Australia is asking more of the construction industr...

Australia attracts strong global investment in data centres. (Image: Sashkin/stock.adobe.com) Following the release of its National AI Plan in December 2025, the Australian Government has set new expectations for data centres and AI infrastructure developers. The expectations are designed to make investment in Australia easier, setting nationally consistent signals to support engagement with communities, coordination with states and territories, and faster progress for projects aligned with national priorities. “Australia has a significant number of national challenges to solve, and AI, data centre investment and advanced industrial and technological capability can help us get there,” said Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres. “Securing this infrastructure onshore strengthens our security, supports our start-ups and researchers, and ensures Australian data benefits Australians, not offshore jurisdictions.” The expectations focus on five key ar...

The upgraded solar-powered level crossing north of Narrabri. (Images: Inland Rail) Inland Rail has introduced solar-powered systems at two level crossings as part of finishing works on the Narrabri to North Star (N2NS) Phase 1 section. The level crossings – one north of Moree and the other north of Narrabri – are the first on Inland Rail and the ARTC network to be upgraded from passive to active using a solar-powered standalone power system. Traditionally, level crossings rely on grid-connected electricity and battery back-up systems. By using solar power, Inland Rail avoids the need to connect to existing power infrastructure or build new electrical assets, reducing land access requirements and minimising impacts on adjacent landholders. Each upgraded level crossing now features solar-powered high-intensity LED flashing lights, bells and retro-reflective boom gates to improve safety for users. Both have completed detailed testing and commissioning trials. In addition, internal...

Bankstown plaza is now open. (Image: NSW Government) Bankstown plaza has opened as work continues towards completion of the Metro Southwest line. Bankstown is a key transport interchange in southwestern Sydney, with 330,913 passengers passing through on trains and buses in February alone. Patronage is expected to increase when the Metro Southwest line opens in the second half of the year. The new plaza forms part of the broader station precinct upgrade. The 90-metre-long, tree-lined space creates a direct pedestrian link between the north and south sides of the station, connecting commuters to the future metro, buses, trains and Kiss-and-Ride parking. Designed to improve access and movement through the site, the plaza also increases public space within the precinct, with new lighting, shaded seating, benches and timber decking installed beneath the 150-year-old fig tree. Areas have also been future-proofed for dining and retail opportunities. Related stories: Sydney Metro nam...

Daracon Group’s pilot Role Ready program prepared eight new entrants for a strong start in the civil construction industry. (Image: Daracon Group) Daracon Group has secured $11,200 in Smart and Skilled funding, a NSW Government program, to deliver a new pilot initiative preparing eight new entrants for a strong start in the civil construction industry. The company’s funded, nationally accredited Role Ready program, delivered in partnership with Major Training Group, supports people new to civil construction and equips them with foundation skills as they begin their careers. Participants in the pilot group completed a suite of entry-level units, including carrying out manual excavation, working as a safety observer or spotter, communicating in the workplace, entering and working in confined spaces, working safely at heights, and identifying, locating and protecting underground services. The pilot program commenced on 2 February 2026 and concluded in mid-March. Developed by Daracon...

Artist’s impression: Street view of the new tower at 570 Little Bourke Street. (Images: MaxCap and Hickory joint venture) Integrated construction and development group Hickory and commercial real estate fund manager MaxCap have commenced construction on a $300 million purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) project in Melbourne’s CBD. Student accommodation operator UniLodge has been appointed to operate and manage the property, with students to be welcomed in Semester 1, 2028. Located at 570 Little Bourke Street, the 26-level building will deliver 892 student beds across 748 units, with amenities including a library, gymnasium, cinema, music room, group dining, lounges and games spaces. Designer Nettletontribe has reinterpreted the site’s historic façade and surrounding bluestone, sandstone and red brick context into a contemporary design that restores warmth and human scale to the streetscape. The project will also revive the historic Great Western Hotel, bring new retail sp...