Queensland Building Activity Declines
In Queensland, a recent report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals that building activity in the state has taken a tumble, dropping almost four per cent in the past quarter. In light of the national average rising 0.7 per cent, some are calling Queensland’s decline in building activity disturbing. Industry experts state that the construction sector needs a boost in the upcoming state budget. “We’re looking like we’ll build 28,000 homes for this financial year and that’s coming off 33,000 last year,” said Master Builders spokesman, Paul Bidwell. “Two years ago it was 45,000 – we need to […]
Pressure Builds to Get Port Underway
In Kwinana, there is increasing pressure to get construction of a new port in the industrial area underway as soon as possible. If it commences the port will be the first privately-owned, common-user port in WA. Prospective users want the facility constructed soon, and James Point Pty Ltd (JPPL) has formally advised the State Government it wishes to begin construction in 18 months. The process has been a slow one, with environmental approvals being granted for the project six years ago. “It’s been a very long process and some of the key approvals have taken an unbelievable amount of time […]
Temporary Home for Miners at Blayney
Work has commenced at the site of a temporary home for miners at Blayney, in central western New South Wales. The site – a village for the workers – is undergoing earthworks in anticipation of a tender being awarded by Newcrest Mining to a camp management company to oversee the village, which was approved by the Shire Council last week. Once completed, the site, located near the tourist part of the town, will become a community of 50 modular, four bedroom homes, complete with pipe-laying, sewerage, landscaping, electrical, and roads. The village, it is said, will be similar to those […]
Thousands Protest “Sham Contracting”
About 4,000 construction workers recently gathered in Brisbane’s CBD to protest over contractors on building sites. The protestors, congregating outside the State Ombudsman’s office at the corner of Queen and Creek streets, saw the Builders Labourers Federation hand over 2,500 worker complaints to the Ombudsman during a brief meeting. The workers, protesting against the state government and building contractors, feel that there is too much “sham contracting in the industry,” and feel that their concerns are not being heard, resulting in pay inequity, including not paying tax or superannuation, with two workers doing the same job, but one of them […]
Company Fined for Underpaying Workers
Unscrupulous construction companies who think they can get away with underpaying workers from other countries will be paying hefty penalties in the wake of a case involving tradesmen from China. Recently, an Australian construction company was fined $120,000 for exploiting Chinese workers. The five men – receiving less than $3 an hour – worked up to 11 hours a day, seven days a week, without the benefit of penalty rates, overtime, or annual leave entitlements. One of the men received no pay whatsoever for his first five months of work. The Federal Court in Perth recently determined Kentwood Industries and […]
Construction Sites See WorkSafe Checks
Throughout regional Western Australia, safety will be the word on everyone’s lips this month as construction sites will see inspectors drop by to ensure proper safety measures are taking place. The checks, launched by WorkSafe to improve safety in the workplace, will see if WA’s construction industry is complying with proper safety management. These construction site checks throughout June will ensure that health and safety management plans are firmly in place prior to high-risk work being undertaken, and that there is consultation on hazards and safety management on WA construction sites in accordance with occupational safety and health laws.
Olympic Dam Mine in Progress
If plans to expand the Olympic Dam Mine proceed, the population of Roxby Downs will likely double, to 10,000 residents. According to representatives from the Housing Industry Association (HIA), builders are starting to move to the area, in South Australia’s north, as plans to expand the Olympic Dam Mine progress. Along with proposals to build 3,000 houses in Port Augusta starting next year, HIA has stated that hardware stores are already moving to the area in anticipation of the demand for new home construction, and builders are making their presence known in Port Augusta and Roxby Downs. It is believed […]
Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure
Specialists in small but complex infrastructure projects, Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure takes an adaptable approach to project planning and management, paying close attention to minute engineering details. The company is something of a one-stop-shop, providing specialist services in dams, bridges, marine, process, and rail, electrical, mining and steel fabrication. Its emphasis is on building better communities across eastern Australia.
Fortunato Group
According to founder John Fortunato (managing director) and Rick D’Ovidio (director and general manager), Fortunato Group’s strength lies in “delivering a broad range of specialised earthmoving, civil engineering and construction services”. Fortunato Group has enjoyed tremendous success completing projects across Victoria for over 15 years, and is now focussed on ongoing company growth with a foundation of committed staff and a dedication to client satisfaction.
The City of Townsville
Although the northern region of Australia spans half the country, it continues to be under-recognised and under-developed in regards to infrastructure and opportunities vital for nurturing its future growth. Whether it be due to its oil and mineral deposits or its key placement for international trade through the Asia Pacific region, Northern Australia is responsible for a steady increase in economic opportunities – and subsequently, wealth – throughout the country.
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February 26, 2018, 11:51 AM AEDT
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