04/02/2026

February 04, 2026

The Daily Dirt Aus

By G’day Construction………….…… 

THE MORNING PAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION PROFESSIONALS AND TRADIES

🚨 Safety Updates

A crane load, believed to be scaffolding, crashed onto a footpath at a Macquarie Park construction site in Sydney’s northwest, narrowly missing workers and passing cars. Dashcam footage captured the near-fatal incident. SafeWork NSW inspectors are investigating the cause.

Asbestos‑containing fire‑rated boards branded Pyropanel were found in imported products used for fire doors. Asbestos is banned in Australia, and any suspected materials must not be imported, supplied, installed or used. Importers must test and certify goods as asbestos‑free, with strict legal duties applying to manage risks and prevent exposure.

âś’ Headlines & Industry

Stakeholders are invited to have their say on proposed improvements to the National Construction Code (NCC). Since the NCC transferred to the Department of Treasury in July 2025, the Australian Government is seeking feedback on how the code can be streamlined, modernised and made more user-friendly, while maintaining strong safety and quality standards. Submissions responding to the discussion paper close on 27 February 2026.

Water Corporation has selected West Nanarup as the preferred site for a desalination plant near Albany, but drew criticism after publishing the decision online before informing residents. The project aims to meet future water demand, with environmental approvals expected to take at least 18 months amid ongoing community concern.

The RBA’s 25bps rate hike to 3.85% adds pressure on construction and homeowners, with higher-density approvals already down 31.6% in December. Master Builders Australia urges urgent budget reforms to boost productivity, cut red tape, address labour shortages, and modernise the NCC to sustain building activity and meet Housing Accord targets.

🏗️ Projects

NSW

Designs for Bradfield City Centre’s first major precinct, Superlot 1, reveal 1,400+ homes—including 10% affordable—alongside a hotel, commercial, retail, and community spaces. The masterplan features sustainable, walkable streets, the 15 m Green Loop, and cultural elements from First Nations partners, integrating transit, parkland, and future-focused urban living.

The NSW Land and Environment Court dismissed an appeal against the $166 million Wallaroo Solar Farm, allowing a 100 MW solar array and 45 MW / 90 MWh battery near Yass Valley. The project will generate clean energy for 48,000 homes, support grazing, create 200 construction jobs, and connect to the national grid.

VIC

The Albanese and Allan Labor Governments have announced upgrades to the Northern Highway and Watson Street intersection in Wallan, adding lanes, new ramps and safer crossings. Part of a $175 million interchange project, the works will improve traffic flow, road safety and connections to the Hume Freeway.

The Albanese and Allan Labor governments are delivering construction-led safety upgrades on key Gippsland roads. Works on Moe-Glengarry and Main-Neerim roads include shoulder sealing, barriers, line marking, signage and speed changes. The $9.26 million program will improve road performance, reduce crash risk and support construction, freight, industry and tourism access.

The 1GW Blue Mackerel Offshore Wind Project off Gippsland, Victoria, seeks federal environmental approval despite local opposition over visual impact, tourism, and wildlife concerns. Up to 70 turbines, 266–327m high, will sit 10 km offshore. Developer Jera Nex bp emphasizes transparency and community engagement while planning a 35-year operation.

WA

Heitman and Erben have secured Lot 19 at Perth City Link for construction of Western Australia’s largest purpose-built student accommodation project. The approved 19-storey, 37,000sqm development will deliver 1,146 beds, integrate retail at ground level, target a 5 Star Green Star rating, and reach completion in late 2027.

Construction of a $60 million flyover at Menang Drive and Chester Pass Road in Albany begins this month, completing the Albany Ring Road. Highway Construction Pty Ltd will build the grade-separated interchange, improving heavy vehicle efficiency and safety, reducing queuing, and supporting regional growth while generating local construction jobs.

🧰 Construction Au Other

SMEC has been recognised in the ENR Top Global Sourcebook 2025 as a leading international design firm, achieving top‑10 rankings across sectors including dams, hydro, highways, solar, and water. This follows its ENR Global Best Rail Project win for Crows Nest Station, reflecting strong client trust and global project excellence.

Building approvals fell 14.9% in December, driven by a 31.6% drop in higher-density projects, marking the lowest approvals in eight months. Master Builders Australia calls for improved labour pipelines, apprenticeship reforms, and skilled migration to meet the National Housing Accord target of 1.2 million new homes.

MegaTrans 2026 has partnered with Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) as its official heavy construction materials partner. CCAA represents Australia’s cement, concrete, and aggregates sector, supporting 30,000 jobs and $15 billion in revenue. The collaboration highlights innovation, sustainability, and efficiency in construction supply chains.

🚀 Innovation, Digital & Futuristic Technology

CQUniversity is advancing Value Management (VM) in project management to tackle Australia’s housing and infrastructure challenges. Dr Ahmed Farouk Kineber applies VM to boost affordability, sustainability, and quality, generating $600 million in savings internationally. CQU embeds VM in postgraduate programs, preparing project managers to deliver high-value, risk-managed outcomes.

The NSW Land and Environment Court rejected an appeal against the 100 MW Wallaroo Solar Farm and 45 MW/90 MWh battery near Yass. The $170 million development will cover half of 165 ha, generate up to 200 construction jobs, link to existing transmission lines, and reduce visual impacts through perimeter planting, supporting regional renewable infrastructure.

Kazakhstan is introducing AI to streamline construction project reviews via the Unified Construction Portal. The system will automate verification of documentation, cost estimates, and regulatory compliance. Featuring BIM integration and one-stop-shop services for design, surveys, approvals, and project banking, the pilot aims to improve efficiency and accuracy across the nation’s construction sector.

🌱 Sustainability ​& Environment

Researchers have developed a biochar–clay phase-change composite that significantly improves heat storage and durability for buildings. The low-cost material boosts thermal capacity, reduces leakage and withstands extreme cycling, offering construction applications for passive temperature control and reduced energy demand in greener building designs.

Hallett Group will build twin green cement hubs in South Australia, producing 30 million tons of supplementary cementitious materials over 20 years. Using fly ash and slag, the project aims to cut COâ‚‚ emissions by up to one million tonnes annually, reduce clinker-based cement demand, and secure Australia’s local green cement supply.

🌏 Around the World

Volvo Construction Equipment has completed its acquisition of Swecon, expanding its operations across Sweden, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The deal, approved by the European Commission, brings Swecon’s 1,400 employees and $1.12 bn 2024 revenue under Volvo CE, strengthening retail operations and customer support across Europe.

SYSTRA, in a joint venture with DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH, has secured a AUD 11.6 million consultancy contract for the Mumbai–Ahmedabad Bullet Train Project. The 508 km high-speed corridor spans 12 stations, and the 2,520-day contract covers project management consultancy for signalling, SCADA, telecommunication, and ticketing systems.

đź“– Miscellaneous

Brisbane Metro recorded over 6.8 million trips in its first year, boosting bus patronage 27% over two years. The fully electric rapid transit fleet, supported by the Adelaide Street Tunnel and solar-powered depot, has improved on-time performance, eased congestion, and laid foundations for future citywide Metro expansions.

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology – Bombay (IIT), in collaboration with Monash University, recently developed a computationally efficient mathematical framework to evaluate decentralised traffic control policies using fewer computing resources, which they believe could accelerate the design of next-generation intelligent traffic systems.

👷‍♀️ Tradies and Resource

Former drone photographer James Vassallo turned his hobby into a surveying career through TAFE NSW’s Certificate IV in Surveying and Spatial Information. He now works on construction, rail, and residential projects, combining aerial mapping and surveying skills. The course addressed industry demand and provided hands-on training with modern surveying technology.

The WA government has launched the $2 million Women in Trades Scholarship Program, offering 100 scholarships in 2026 to support women entering trades like construction, engineering, and mining. Scholarships cover fees, tools, and training, with mentoring included, aiming to boost female participation in male-dominated sectors and grow a skilled workforce.

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Alex

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