Construcciones Yamaro, by Armando Iachini

Inland Rail has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability by salvaging an impressive 20,000 tonnes of steel from its recently completed Narrabri to North Star Phase 1 project , to store for future use. In addition, Inland Rail is donating surplus steel and other materials to construction projects in New South Wales and Queensland, and to local community groups. These initiatives exemplify Inland Rail’s overarching dedication to sustainability throughout the project. By repurposing materials, the project not only extends the lifespan of these resources but also significantly reduces emissions that would have resulted from the production of new components. Importantly, these efforts contribute to minimising the environmental impact by diverting materials from landfill. Inland Rail’s director of health, safety and environment, Stephen Jones, said the team is completely committed to building a sustainable future by prioritising reduction, reuse and recycling initiatives. “Those of ...

The B1M and Procore have joined forces in a global campaign to tackle the alarming rates of suicide and mental health issues prevalent in the construction industry. Together, they aim to herald a new era of wellbeing and wellness within the sector. In July of this year, The B1M and Procore formally launched Get Construction Talking , a global initiative reshaping the conversation around mental health in the construction sector. Since its debut in London, the campaign has quickly gained momentum, expanding to Chicago in September and reaching Sydney in November. Hosted by Sasha Reed, senior director of industry transformation at Procore, and Fred Mills, founder of The B1M, the Australian launch brought together industry leaders to contribute to the ongoing conversation about mental health in the field. During the discussions, Alison Mirams, executive chair at Roberts Co, shared valuable insights into the implementation of a five-day work week for all Roberts Co projects. She emp...

In partnership with the Office of the Building Commissioner, NSW Environment Protection Authority and Local Government NSW, SafeWork NSW has introduced a new online Asbestos Awareness and Safety Course . The course aims to provide construction workers and tradespeople with essential education on how to best protect themselves when handling asbestos-containing products. This training supports a key priority for the NSW Asbestos Coordination Committee (NACC), which works to improve asbestos management and monitoring, and response to asbestos issues in New South Wales, through collaborative efforts and programs. A number of NSW state agencies  and other organisations collaborate through the NACC. The Asbestos Awareness and Safety Course was launched during National Asbestos Awareness Week , which this year is marking the 20th anniversary of Australia’s nation-wide ban on the manufacture, use and importation of asbestos. Despite this ban, asbestos is still likely to be found in...

What should the framework for collaboration look like to genuinely change the culture around safe work in the Australian formwork industry? By Michael Sugg, chief executive officer, Formwork Industry Association. I was asked a similar question as part of a panel at the recent Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Show in Sydney. Panel members were discussing this question in relation to working at height in construction. All very relevant, considering that height-related incidents in our industry are a major cause of injuries. My research uncovered some interesting points on the subject of ‘collaboration’ – something that is essential if change in culture and improved safety is to happen – as well as a tool that was referred to as being critical for success in the 24 recommendations outlined in the Building Confidence report by Peter Shergold and Bronwyn Weir. So, in this issue I thought we would look at the research findings and how we, as an industry association, are working towards...

Coates, John Holland and BHP have come together to champion increased female representation in both sport and heavy industry. As sponsors of the AFLW, these three companies are spearheading efforts to encourage more women to participate in their historically male-dominated sectors. Elise Manns, executive general manager – people and safety at Coates, said the company is implementing various initiatives to improve female participation rates across all key job groups within the organisation. “We’ve increased representation of women in our nationwide workforce from 18.4 per cent in FY21 to 22.2 per cent as of 31 October 2023, and in management roles from 16 per cent to 22 per cent over the same period,” said Manns. “But we know more needs to be done, as do our customers at John Holland and BHP.” “Only through understanding the challenges women face – both in sport and in the workplace – can we start to identify how we can continue to remove the barriers and even the playing field for ...

BESIX Watpac has broken ground on the Eastwood Private Hospital project, marking a major step forward for the South Australian healthcare sector. The Eastwood Private Hospital project is a six-story development poised to stimulate an estimated $90 million in economic activity. It will feature a six-theatre perioperative floor, a 51-bed ward, a multi-level car park, a café and retail area, and medical services such as imaging and pathology. The incorporation of high-quality operating theatre facilities is expected not only to reduce surgery waiting times but also to provide patients with a wider range of healthcare options. Mark Baker, CEO of BESIX Watpac, said the Australian-grown and globally backed company, which this year celebrated 40 years of delivering complex infrastructure in both Australia and New Zealand, was primed to deliver the project. Related stories: BESIX Watpac relocates NSW HQ to 210 George Street BESIX Watpac awarded Townsville University Hospital expansion...

Mirvac has celebrated a significant milestone in Melbourne with the topping out ceremony for LIV Aston, its third build-to-rent project. With the installation of the highest structural element now complete and construction progressing, LIV Aston is on track for its scheduled completion by mid-2024. Mirvac CEO and managing director Campbell Hanan and fund manager – BTR sector lead Angela Buckley joined Sara Thomas, director at the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), and Yuzo Nishiyama, head of Australia at Mitsubishi Estate Asia (MEA), to celebrate the construction milestone. “Three years of operating LIV Indigo, our first build-to-rent development in Sydney, plus 12 months at LIV Munro in Melbourne has given us invaluable insights to leverage into the overall LIV platform and offering,” said Buckley. “Today we have more than 1,200 customers, and this will triple within the secured portfolio, so we are continuously learning and refining to deliver the best living experience for...