Construcciones Yamaro, by Armando Iachini

The new Wangaratta Station. (Image: Inland Rail) The upgraded Wangaratta railway station has officially opened, marking the completion of major works on Tranche 1 of Inland Rail’s Beveridge to Albury (B2A) section. The milestone signals progress on the broader Inland Rail program, which will connect Melbourne and Brisbane with a high-capacity freight line capable of running double-stacked trains. Once complete, the network is expected to cut freight transit times between the two capitals to under 24 hours. Work at Wangaratta formed a key part of Tranche 1. Delivered with construction partner McConnell Dowell, the overhaul included relocating the east track to form a new west track, adding a new western platform, lowering the line beneath the Green Street bridge and replacing the bridge on the same alignment. Two pedestrian footbridges were also removed and replaced by a single underpass. Accessibility and safety have been enhanced with new lifts, stairs, ramps and pathways, as w...

Technologies and strategies explored in the eBook aim to boost efficiency, enhance collaboration, improve safety and support decarbonisation. (Image: whyframeshot/stock.adobe.com) As the energy sector moves towards greater efficiency and sustainability, construction companies delivering these projects are under pressure to adapt. Outdated, paper-based systems contribute to delays, inefficiencies and safety risks – issues that digital workflows are now helping to resolve. From improving permitting processes to supporting decarbonisation goals, digital tools are streamlining operations, enhancing collaboration and reducing project costs. For construction businesses, the shift to digital is no longer optional – it is a critical step towards staying competitive and compliant in a fast-changing landscape. Related stories: Arcadis improves communication and efficiency with Bluebeam Bluebeam introduces Bluebeam Cloud Hilson Moran turns to Bluebeam Revu to drive a 60 per cent pro...

Stirling Property Funds has celebrated the topping out of Tillys The Junction. (Image: Stirling Property Funds) The topping out of a new Tillys Play and Development Centre in Newcastle marks a major milestone in a project aiming to ease the city’s mounting childcare shortage. Located within the Junction Fair Shopping Centre , the 109-place facility will offer early learning for children up to six years of age across three purpose-built levels, each with dedicated play areas and age-specific spaces. Scott Girard, head of property at Stirling Property Funds – the firm behind the development – said the centre would help meet a critical need in the area. “We’re excited that we’ve achieved another milestone during construction and continue to advance works on Tillys,” said Girard. “Tillys will deliver a key piece of social infrastructure for the community. As is the case in many inner-city areas, the supply of childcare accommodation is not keeping pace with demand, resulting in bot...

Only 14.69 per cent of Payapps users spend more than 10 hours on administration, compared with 36.36 per cent of those without specialised software. (Image: chadchai/stock.adobe.com) Despite the push for smarter, faster construction, many project teams still rely on outdated, disconnected systems to manage progress claims. Spreadsheets, email threads and manual handoffs between commercial and finance teams remain the norm – creating friction, delaying payments and increasing risk. But it does not have to be this way. Payapps integrates directly with construction enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like Jobpac, Access Coins and Cheops, streamlining how progress claims are submitted, assessed and approved. This level of integration helps reduce disputes, improve visibility across teams and automate compliance tracking – turning a traditionally painful process into one that supports collaboration and project momentum. Manual processes still dominate progress claims Accordi...

Geotab is a global company with over 25 years of industry experience providing vehicle and asset tracking telematics solutions. (Image: narak0rn/stock.adobe.com) Geotab has been certified by Transport Certification Australia (TCA) as an Application Service Provider for the Telematics Monitoring Application (TMA) and Road Infrastructure Management (RIM) programs under the National Telematics Framework. The certification allows Geotab to support transport operators enrolling in government schemes and initiatives that use TMA and RIM to provide access or productivity benefits. It builds on TCA’s earlier type-approval of Geotab’s GO9-LTM telematics device – meaning operators can now use the device for enrolment in TMA and RIM schemes. Paddy Goodall, Austroads’ general manager of service delivery, congratulated Geotab. “Geotab’s certification as an Application Service Provider, combined with the earlier type-approval of its GO9-LTM device, underscores its commitment to meeting th...

Artist’s impression: The Seven Hills Community Resource Hub. (Images: Blacktown City Council) Blacktown City Council is seeking contractors to help deliver more than $600 million in civic and community infrastructure over the next five years, with a formal request for tender (RFT) now open. The tender – Contract C9/2025 – will establish a panel of Tier 1, Tier 2 and specialist construction partners to carry out a major pipeline of projects across the city. Mayor of Blacktown City Brad Bunting said the program represents one of the most ambitious and well-prepared civic infrastructure agendas in Australia. “This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future of one of the fastest-growing cities in the country,” said Bunting. Related stories: Iconic roof completed at new Sydney Fish Market Sydney House takes shape in the heart of the CBD Ruby deployed for final Metro West tunnel beneath Sydney Harbour “Blacktown City has already delivered more than $250 million in major pr...

At 47,000 square metres, this is Mondelēz International’s largest in-house automated warehouse globally. (Images: FDC Construction and Fitout) FDC Construction and Fitout has delivered the $130 million Truganina National Distribution Centre (TNDC) for Mondelēz International in Melbourne’s western suburbs. The 47,000-square-metre facility is the company’s largest in-house automated warehouse in the world and will support the distribution of Australian-made Cadbury Dairy Milk products, along with snacks from The Natural Confectionery Company, Olina’s Bakehouse and OB Finest. Championing automation, efficiency and sustainability, the site’s design includes an integrated automated storage and retrieval system by Swisslog, with planning for the system incorporated early in the concept design phase. FDC worked closely with architects to map out the structural and spatial requirements ahead of development approval. To accommodate the 32-metre-high ASRS system within the 11,550-square-m...

Two broad curves intersect, forming a tension between their circular geometry and freely tapering ends. (Image: Brad Porter) The intersecting curves and earthy tones of the Monarto Safari Park Visitor Centre sit naturally within the South Australian landscape. Project –  Monarto Safari Park Visitor Centre Location –  Monarto, South Australia Builder –  Mossop Construction + Interiors Roofing and cladding contractor and fabricator – SA Construct Architects – Intro Architecture with studio gram Principal Steel Product – 1. Roofing made from COLORBOND® steel in Fielders FreeForm® profile, in the colour Shale Grey 2. Roof flashings and cappings made from COLORBOND steel in the colour Shale Grey (1,900 square metres – sheets are typically nine to 10 metres in length) 3. Walling made from REDCOR® weathering steel (approximately 1,500 square metres) 4. Wall flashings made from COLORBOND steel in the colour Terrain® Representing the meeting of two worlds, t...

‘The Construction Software Playbook: How to Assess, Compare, and Choose with Confidence’ is out now. (Image: Sergey Nivens/stock.adobe.com) As construction businesses across Australia face increasing pressure to modernise, a new software playbook is helping organisations assess their digital readiness and align technology with operational goals. The Construction Software Playbook: How to Assess, Compare, and Choose with Confidence , released by construction technology provider Simpel, offers a clear lens through which organisations can examine digital options, clarify priorities and prepare for scalable growth. Interest in construction technology is growing, but adoption still varies widely. “We continue to see companies relying on paper, spreadsheets and disconnected apps – even when it’s slowing them down,” says Simpel CEO Kurt Robinson. “This playbook helps them pause, assess what’s really needed, and make better choices about where to invest.” A core message is the impo...

DT Infrastructure’s new executive general manager of Commercial and Project Finance, Anthony Kelly. (Image: DT Infrastructure) DT Infrastructure has appointed Anthony Kelly as executive general manager of Commercial and Project Finance. Kelly brings 27 years of commercial leadership experience across major infrastructure and construction projects in both the public and private sectors. He has held senior roles with top-tier contractors and consultancies in Australia and the UK, managing portfolios spanning rail, roads, water, energy and renewables. His project track record includes key roles on Sydney Gateway, Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 and Sydney Metro Northwest. He joins DT Infrastructure from John Holland, where he was general manager Commercial (National Infrastructure). In his new role, Kelly will lead the company’s national Commercial and Project Finance functions, with a focus on commercial strategy, project controls and risk management. As part of the Executive Leaders...

Artist’s impression: Town Hall Square is one of three new public spaces planned in the City of Sydney’s transformation vision. (Image: Concept by Gehl with the City of Sydney) The City of Sydney has committed more than $150 million to deliver a new public square opposite Sydney Town Hall, with construction expected to begin in 2028. Bounded by George, Pitt and Park streets, the future Town Hall Square forms part of the city’s long-term vision for a more people-focused city centre. Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore said the project has been more than 40 years in the making and is one of the largest ever undertaken by the City of Sydney. “Like other major cities around the world, we need large, lively, welcoming civic spaces for the growing number of people living in and visiting Sydney. Described as the city’s living room, a central public square will be the heart of the city,” said Moore. “For more than three decades, the City of Sydney has been progressively acquiring propert...

Image: Autodesk The highly anticipated State of Digital Adoption in Construction 2025 report by Deloitte and Autodesk is here. This joint research uncovers emerging trends shaping the construction industry and explores technology adoption across Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Japan, and India – providing benchmarks for other Asia Pacific markets. Key insights Emerging trends in digital adoption shaping the construction sector across APAC. Industry benchmarks on the impact of technology usage and investments on business performance. The role of artificial intelligence in driving transformation and its evolving focus. Key technologies gaining traction and their potential to impact project and business performance. Real-world success stories on how APAC construction firms achieved greater project and business outcomes through robust digitalisation strategies. Recommendations for successful digitalisation. Download the report here: The post 2025 report reve...

Coates and Monash University have developed Quadshore, a lightweight, heavy-duty propping system. (Image: Coates) Lightweight, high-strength and designed for efficiency, Quadshore is redefining propping solutions in the construction industry. Propping is an essential but often overlooked component of construction and infrastructure projects. Traditional propping systems, while effective, come with drawbacks: heavy materials, complex assembly, high labour costs, and inefficiencies in both handling and transport. In response to these concerns, Coates – in collaboration with Monash University – developed Quadshore, a lightweight yet heavy-duty propping system engineered to improve efficiency, safety and sustainability. Related stories: Supporting the construction of renewable energy infrastructure Coates celebrates 140th anniversary with new brand campaign Coates streamlines temporary works with BIM Designed for strength and speed The system is available in two variants: Qu...

Army Bay Ocean Outfall project – Introduced to New Zealand by McConnell Dowell, Direct Pipe enables the installation of large-diameter pipelines over large distances with greater accuracy than traditional trenchless techniques. (Images: McConnell Dowell) Combining a rich engineering legacy with refined trenchless techniques, McConnell Dowell continues to advance project delivery in the water sector. Since its inception in 1961, McConnell Dowell has had a hunger for technically complex work – it is part of its DNA. This mindset has taken the ‘Creative Construction’ company across Australia, Southeast Asia and beyond, establishing it as a leader in the water sector. Water infrastructure remains integral to McConnell Dowell’s long-term strategy. With water security and water quality among the world’s most pressing challenges, the company is committed to delivering smarter, more sustainable solutions across the water and wastewater cycle. As industry demands evolve, so too does McCon...

Sustainable civil infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, connects communities and provides the foundations for cities, towns and suburbs. (Image: KRUTOPIMAGES/stock.adobe.com) Uniting civil construction, Civil Contractors Federation Victoria drives the conversation at Converge 2025. Since 1943, Civil Contractors Federation Victoria (CCF Victoria) has laid the groundwork for Victoria’s civil construction sector, ensuring every foundational effort is recognised. Now, stepping into the spotlight as an Association Partner at Converge 2025, the organisation is ready to cement civil construction’s role in shaping Australia’s future. Converge, a premier municipal works, civil and commercial construction event, has found a natural ally in CCF Victoria. Both rally around the mission of strengthening the industry – building connections, facilitating knowledge sharing and influencing the policy landscape. “For some time now, Australia’s civil construction industry has been mostly overl...

One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha. (Image: Christchurch City Council) Construction of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha remains on schedule, with the landmark Christchurch venue set to open in April 2026. BESIX Watpac began building the 30,000-seat stadium in 2022 for Christchurch City Council. With one year to go, Te Kaha project CEO David Kennedy said the team has made a huge effort. “Lead contractor BESIX Watpac and all our subcontractors have pulled out all the stops, and we’re in a great position to not only deliver one of the biggest infrastructure projects the country has seen, but to deliver it on budget and on time,” said Kennedy. Mayor of Christchurch Phil Mauger said the project is generating local support. “There’s huge excitement in the community about One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha and all the benefits it will bring to Christchurch,” said Mauger. “People really can’t wait to get in there for big concerts, sports matches and everything in between.” BESIX Wat...