Culverts are the hidden heroes of the infrastructure sector and while they are often not as prominent as bridges, tunnels and road networks, they are an essential asset that protects, roads, rail, buildings and structures. Unfortunately, culvert maintenance and repairs are not always prioritised appropriately. One of their common functions is managing stormwater runoff, allowing …
The arts, entertainment and education sectors are among Australia’s most culturally defining communities. Built on a history of migration, collaboration and innovation, Australia has long been a ‘melting pot’ of cultures, with diverse ideas and traditions integral to its way of life. Our government, however, appears to treat these sectors with the lowest of priorities. …
Australian tradies have demonstrated that their role as the backbone of the Australian economy is critical, from building housing for the next generation to rebuilding in the wake of recent natural disasters. However, the past few years have seen unprecedented demand for tradies, leaving the industry in a pressure cooker compounded by supply chain inflation …
As traffic density continues to increase with population, keeping society from grinding to a halt often rests on our tunnel infrastructure. Tunnels help to alleviate congestion, promote smoother traffic flow, and minimise disruption in built-up areas. They are a highly valued element when developing urban environments, which is why a number of tunnels have been …
Making any sort of prediction in these uncertain times, is an activity fraught with risk. A prediction that may have appeared insightful at the outset of the year, may well be proven to be misguided if not hopelessly wrong. We have lowered our sights a little, and focussed on what we think are likely trends …
Like a double-edged sword, the construction industry’s ability to operate throughout Australia’s COVID-19 restrictions has presented its own unique challenges. As 2022 kicks off, the sector must continue to adapt to address fresh, emerging priorities: delivering increasingly complex builds, maintaining a safe and positive workplace culture and climate action. The remote era Like many industries, …
Waterfront living, seaside views and access to water are highly sought after in Australia, making seawalls vital infrastructure. They are the first line of defence, protecting low lying waterfront infrastructure against adverse weather events and constant water movement including waves, currents, and tides. Typically made from steel, rock, or concrete, seawalls are constructed to suit …
Imagine if potholes never got filled, bridges weren’t maintained, streetlights weren’t fixed and there was no such thing as a sewage system. These are all assets, and thankfully there are professionals who manage and maintain these assets to ensure they are safe, protected from damage, changing climate conditions, and ensure they are performing at an …
Australian constructors are continuing to operate with thin margins fuelled by the constraints of the global pandemic, and despite an ongoing flood of investment to the sector. Many opportunities to improve these margins are lost in the day-to-day detail of the worksite. This may be incorrect delivery dockets, contractual claims which are missed and time-barred, …
Temporary ground anchors are often used in construction to help prevent excavation walls from collapsing prior to the building’s permanent structures being in place. Developers and contractors have frequently relied on simple contracts with neighbours for rights to use their land for temporary ground (or rock) anchors. That’s now changed with the Particulars for Regulated Design …