🏗️ The Grand Build – Monday 26th May

Good morning. It’s Monday, May 26, and today’s edition of The Grand Build is diving into the heart of Australia’s construction and infrastructure scene — from massive project milestones to workforce challenges and groundbreaking research shaping the industry’s future.

Inside Today’s Edition:
🚨 Decmil lands $80M in civil infrastructure contracts, boosting regional connectivity.
🌧️ The $15.4B Torrens to Darlington project breaks ground, transforming Adelaide’s North-South Corridor.
🌄 Spotlight on the Gippsland Dawn project, driving renewable energy infrastructure.
⚡ Snowy 2.0 workers strike, raising questions about project timelines.
🛠️ NSW government’s new research highlights barriers and opportunities for women in construction.
Plus, quick hits from architecture, policy, and prefabrication front lines.

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Let’s Dig In…

📰 Top Stories

🛠️ Decmil Secures $80M in Civil Infrastructure Projects

GB Summary: Perth-based contractor Decmil has secured $80 million worth of new civil contracts across Queensland and Western Australia, solidifying its recovery momentum and expanding its footprint in high-demand public infrastructure sectors.

The Details:

• Contract Breakdown: The works include regional road upgrades in Queensland and bulk civil infrastructure packages linked to a defence project in Western Australia.

• Project Scope: Responsibilities span earthworks, stormwater systems, pavements, and ancillary services across both states.

• Company Positioning: The contracts follow Decmil’s strategic focus on improving margins, de-risking its portfolio, and returning to profitability after years of financial turbulence.

• Sector Implication: The awards reflect steady public infrastructure spend outside the eastern seaboard, and a renewed confidence in mid-tier contractors as governments diversify delivery partners.

🚧 $15.4B Torrens to Darlington Project Breaks Ground

GB Summary: South Australia’s most ambitious transport infrastructure project—Torrens to Darlington (T2D)—has officially commenced major construction, marking a key phase in the final leg of Adelaide’s 78km North-South Corridor.

The Details:

• Project Size: At $15.4 billion, T2D is the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in SA and a joint state-federal venture.

• Engineering Challenge: Two sets of three-lane twin tunnels will stretch nearly 7 km beneath Adelaide’s inner suburbs, built to minimise surface disruption and property acquisition.

• Next Steps: Utilities relocation and ground prep are underway. Tunnel boring machines are expected to be deployed later this year.

• Economic Impact: The project is forecast to support 5,500 jobs at peak and unlock faster freight corridors between SA’s agricultural and industrial zones and Port Adelaide.

🔦 Project Spotlight

🌬️ Gippsland Dawn: Pioneering Australia's Offshore Wind Future

Australia is embarking on a transformative journey towards renewable energy, and at the forefront is the Gippsland Dawn Offshore Wind Project. Spearheaded by BlueFloat Energy, this ambitious initiative aims to harness the robust wind resources off Victoria's coast to power over one million homes, marking a significant stride in the nation's commitment to a sustainable future.

📍 Project Overview

• Location: Situated in the Bass Strait, approximately 10 to 33 kilometers off the coast between Paradise Beach and Ocean Grange in Gippsland.

• Capacity: Up to 2.1 gigawatts (GW) of electricity generation, utilising up to 140 fixed-foundation offshore wind turbines and four offshore substations.

• Investment: An estimated capital outlay of AUD $10 billion.

• Timeline: Construction is projected to commence in 2029, with operations expected to begin by 2031.

🛠️ Economic and Employment Impact

• Job Creation: The project is anticipated to generate approximately 2,000 jobs during the construction phase and between 200 to 300 ongoing positions for operations and maintenance.

• Regional Development: By leveraging Gippsland's existing and planned transmission infrastructure, the project aims to stimulate local economies and support the transition from traditional coal-based energy sources

🌱 Environmental Significance

Gippsland Dawn is a pivotal component of Australia's strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. By capitalising on the region's exceptional wind resources, the project is set to play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy adoption.

🏛️ Government Recognition

In November 2024, the Australian Government granted the project Major Project Status, a designation that underscores its national significance and provides a streamlined pathway through regulatory approvals. This status is shared by only a select few offshore wind projects in the country.

🤝 Community and Indigenous Engagement

Acknowledging the Gunaikurnai people as the Traditional Custodians of the project area, BlueFloat Energy has emphasised respectful engagement and collaboration. The company is committed to transparent communication and ensuring that the project delivers shared benefits to local communities.

👷‍♀️ On the Ground

Real movement. Real people. Real builds.

💸 Snowy 2.0 Workers Strike Over Pay Disparities

Construction workers on the Snowy 2.0 pumped hydro project in New South Wales, a critical renewable energy infrastructure initiative, staged a strike in early May 2025. The action was driven by pay disparities, with workers arguing that their wages do not reflect the demanding conditions and specialised skills required for the project. The strike highlights ongoing labour challenges in Australia’s infrastructure sector, with potential delays to the $12 billion project raising concerns about meeting renewable energy targets. Union representatives are pushing for better pay and conditions, citing the remote location and high-pressure work environment as key issues

🛠️ Women in Construction Face Unique Risks and Gain Support in NSW

The NSW Government’s recent research into women in the construction industry reveals ongoing challenges around representation, workplace culture, and career advancement. Despite making up just 13% of the workforce, many women face barriers such as harassment, limited promotion opportunities, and difficulties balancing work and life. The report highlights the need for cultural change, better policies, and stronger support systems to boost inclusion and retention. This study is a key step towards making NSW’s construction sector more diverse and equitable.

⚡ Quick Hits

Feedback Opens for $50M Bass Highway Upgrade in Tasmania
The Tasmanian and Federal Governments are inviting public feedback on a proposed $50 million upgrade to the Bass Highway between Deloraine and Marrawah, aimed at improving freight reliability and road safety in regional Tasmania.

Sydney Motorway Project Halted
Construction on a $3.1 billion motorway in Sydney’s south has been indefinitely suspended after contractors cited unforeseen tunnelling conditions, prompting Transport for NSW to reassess the project’s feasibility.

ACT Planning Rule Changes Proposed
The ACT government has proposed changes to planning rules to facilitate more “missing middle” housing, such as townhouses and duplexes. Critics note that infrastructure like roads and public transport needs upgrades to support increased density

Construction Cost Surges in Australian Cities
Australian cities, particularly in Queensland, topped global rankings for construction cost increases, with the Gold Coast (7.4%), Brisbane (7.1%), Townsville (6.9%), and Adelaide (6.4%) seeing significant Tender Price Index hikes, driven partly by extreme weather.

🎧 Listen • Watch • Read

🎧 Podcast:
Mass Timber Construction Podcast
This podcast explores the growing trend of mass timber construction, delivering weekly updates on global news and innovations in the field. It features special guest episodes with professionals from the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) community. Listen here

📺 Video:
Infrastructure Week for Australia’s Airports (Australian Aviation)
Hosted by Adam and Jake, this video podcast episode from March 19, 2025, discusses major airport infrastructure projects in Australia, including third runways, terminal renovations, and the construction of a second Sydney international gateway. Watch here

📖 Article:
Navigating 2025: Outlook for the Australian Construction Industry (Inside Construction)
Published on February 13, 2025, by Inside Construction, this article by Coates outlines key trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping Australia’s construction industry in 2025. Read more

📅 Event:
Austroads Bridge Conference 2025
he 12th Austroads Bridge Conference, themed "Future Ready Bridges," will take place on June 25-27, 2025, in Brisbane, Queensland. It focuses on challenges and innovations in bridge construction and maintenance, featuring keynote speaker Mike Wilson addressing 21st-century bridge ownership. Register now

✏️ Etcetera

Queensland Construction Industry Faces Workforce Challenges

Residential Construction Struggles to Meet Housing Targets

RAAF Base Darwin Mid-Term Refresh Project Underway

Woolloongabba Redevelopment Rethink

🦺 Safety Moment

Preventing Falls from Heights
Falls from heights are a top cause of injuries in Australian construction, with SafeWork SA reporting 58 serious cases in 2023, mostly in residential projects. A recent incident involved a tiler falling three meters through an unprotected void, sustaining severe injuries. To prevent falls, ensure voids are covered, use proper fall protection, and secure ladders.
🔗 Read the full report

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Dig in and we will catch ya soon. 🛠️