The Building Economist - March 2018 Edition

THE FUTURE ISSUE

FEATURING THE SKY IS THE LIMIT SPECIAL YQS Q&A SPOTLIGHT SOCIAL PROCUREMENT BREAKING THE CYCLE

GEOSPATIAL CAPABILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE AND ANALYTICS

MARCH 2018

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS

AIQS Academy CertiďŹ cate Available Now Save $1,500!

The AIQS Academy The AIQS Academy is an on demand, online training portal available for all Quantity Surveying professionals. This platform provides further CPD options to AIQS Members or Non-Members and can be accessed from a location of your choice. Each topic takes approximately two hours, but completion can be at your own pace and work around your busy schedule. During the course of 2016, the AIQS Academy will roll out up to 100 topics.

The topics available have been individually reviewed and assessed at the highest standard expected by the AIQS for continuing professional development. The AIQS Education Committee will regularly review and update the offerings of the Academy, to ensure a wide ranging and relevant topics. The Academy can be used for your organisational training, enhancing the professional skills of your Quantity Surveyors.

Meet AIQS Membership Entry Requirements

Continuing Professional Development

The Academy can be used as a pathway to AIQS Membership by ensuring you have the necessary skills required to meet the Institute’s academic entry requirements.

The Academy can help you identify knowledge gaps, learn new or upgrade existing skills, as well as provide upskilling opportunities for your project team.

Applicants seeking Institute Membership with a partially qualifying degree (Pathway 2), will be able to meet the academic entry requirements by completing the 100 Academy topics available.

The Academy provides continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities for AIQS Members and Non-Members.

Participants who complete 100 topics will also receive the AIQS Academy Certificate.

Undertaking CPD ensures your skills remain current and relevant in addition to ensuring you fulfill your requirements for continued membership.

www.aiqsacademy.com.au

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21 THESKYISTHELIMIT YQS Q&A SPOTLIGHT

At a time when the QS industry faces a skills shortage, BE is delighted to chat with 8 young Quantity Surveyors who are settling in to the challenging, yet exciting life of a QS. We find out what attracted them to the profession, their achievements so far, and what is on the horizon for them in this highly rewarding career.

SOCIAL PROCUREMENT

TOMORROWS CHALLENGES

With rising youth unemployment, new social procurement policies are being heralded as a tool to break the cycle of disadvantage and strengthen local communities, with the construction sector a major target for their implementation. We look at the potential issues, plus the economic and social gains if the industry can get it right.

08

02 41 04 44 49 REGULARS MAR 2018 CONTENTS

GEOSPATIAL CAPABILITIES

INFRASTRUCTURE AND ANALYTICS

BE is thrilled to present a compelling insight into the challenges faced and advancements we could expect from the development of Australia’s geoscience infrastructure over the next decade. Along with developments in drone powered solutions and investment into positioning technology, these are exciting prospects for the future of the construction industry.

Editor Stephanie Ifill Graphic Designer Guilherme Santos Copy Editor Jennifer Page CEO Grant Warner

Editorial Contributions The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveying encourages readers to submit their articles relating to quantity surveying, the built environment and associated industries including; construction economics, cost estimating, cost planning, contract administration, project engineering and the macroenvironment.

T: +61 (02) 8234 4009 E: marketing@aiqs.com.au

FROM THE CEO

LEGAL CASE NOTES

SNAP SHOT

EVENTS & SOCIAL

BUILDING COST INDEX AVAILABLE IN PRINT ONLY

Subscriptions The Building Economist is available to AIQS Members online. If you would like to receive the print version, subscribe for 1 year (4 editions) for $110 (inc. GST) or purchase a single edition for $55 (inc. GST) at www.aiqs.com.au.

Disclaimer The Institute does not take any responsibility for the opinions express by any third parties involved in the development of the Building Economist Magazine.

Advertising To advertise in the Building Economist, contact AIQS Marketing & Communications for more information on available opportunities.

Marketing & Communications T: +61 (02) 8234 4009 E: marketing@aiqs.com.au W: www.aiqs.com.au

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 1

FROM THE CEO

THE FUTURE ISSUE WHILST THE CURRENT CONSTRUCTION BOOM HAS PROVIDED INCREASED EMPLOYMENT AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT FOR QUANTITY SURVEYORS AND WORK FOR QUANTITY SURVEYING FIRMS, IT HAS BEEN HINDERED BY A SHORTAGE OF QUALIFIED AND EXPERIENCED QUANTITY SURVEYORS.

Annual demand for young Quantity Surveyors has traditionally been relatively static, but in recent years the increase in construction work (building, and infrastructure including transport and utilities) has resulted in increased demand for quantity surveying skills.

This is partly due to the evolution and development of new services provided

by Quantity Surveyors, including risk and value management, facilities management, tender assessment, contract suitability, project financing, contract administration, procurement methodology, sustainability, construction

superintendent roles, utilisation of technology such as BIM, and legal and environmental services.

Unfortunately, in Australia the profile of the quantity surveying profession has not reflected this increasing demand, with a shortage of new QS graduates since at least 2012. Coupled with the offshoring of much measurement work as a more costeffective solution, significant numbers of overseas qualified Quantity Surveyors have migrated to Australia to fill the gap.

To overcome this shortage, the Institute has instigated initiatives to raise the profile of quantity surveying as a highly

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rewarding career. These initiatives include actively participating at Career Expos and Career Advisory Forums around the country on an annual basis, continuing to offer Institute scholarships to year 12 students undertaking an accredited course and providing information to career advisors about quantity surveying (including results from the annual salary survey).

Importantly, the Institute is committed to implementing these activities on an ongoing basis to ensure continuity.

The other main area the profession lags behind is diversity. At the most basic

level this is reflected in the Institute’s membership, of which only 17% is female.

To address this imbalance, a Diversity and Inclusion Committee has been established to develop initiatives which support diversity and inclusion in the quantity surveying and cost estimating professions. The Diversity Committee’s work will reflect the following; A diverse workplace is one that creates an inclusive environment that accepts each individual's differences, embraces their strengths and provides opportunities for all staff to achieve their full potential.

Diversity is not limited to gender and is broadened to religious and political beliefs, gender, ethnicity, education, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation and geographic location.

The Institute’s Young Quantity Surveyor (YQS) network provides important focal groups in each State and Territory, enabling younger members of the profession to connect with their peers across the broader construction industry. The Institute brings the YQS chairs together on an annual basis in order facilitate cross-pollination of ideas and to receive suggestions for initiatives to ensure the Institute remains receptive to changing demographic and generational drivers.

Many firms have identified changing workplace cultures as being critical to attracting and retaining future generations to the quantity surveying profession. The next generational workplace reflects an environment that enables an agile user experience by fostering productivity, efficiency and optimal growth potential. A significant shift from the traditional office environment.

One of the key components of this environment is flexibility. The biggest challenge to implementing flexibility in the workplace often comes down

to culture and management. Work environments that place a premium on a ‘first-in, last-out’ culture may make employees reluctant to ask for flexibility.

Additionally, managers who perceive flexible work hours as a drawback, who aren’t aware of the policies, or who don’t feel equipped to manage flexible teams will most likely resist changes. For an effective change to occur, it needs to start at the top with the business owners and be communicated consistently throughout the organisation, including other senior and mid management, human resources, and all levels of staff.

Both inside and outside the workplace, listening skills, patience, tolerance and humility will become more and more crucial for older generations. And twoway mentorship will become even more important than it has been with millennials.

Generation Y has already pointed to some important changes that need to happen.

Because they want involvement and feedback and are generally outspoken they have played a role in creating a more inclusive workplace as teamwork has become central to their work life.

Utilisation of digital technology is also paramount for Gen-Y and Millennials as an extension of their information and communication spheres, both personally and in the work environment.

The rapid advancement and investment into geospatial capabilities is leading to the development of ground-breaking new applications and technologies for the construction industry.

“The Institute’s Young Quantity Surveyor (YQS) network provides important focal groups in each State and Territory, enabling younger members of the profession to connect with their peers across the broader construction industry” transactions, shared knowledge and innovation."

Digital technology (including various forms of geospatial imaging) is making it possible to understand cities in unprecedented detail by combining transport, socioeconomic, demographic, building, and spatial data into detailed 3D city models which can be viewed and analysed through a simple web portal.

The establishment of an approach aligning digital initiatives through smart cities, Internet of Things (IoT), Data61 (digital mapping of existing building/office environments), and building information modelling (BIM) to seamlessly manage investment across the whole-of-life of the built environment is critical to our future. To achieve this, initiatives such as the Digital Built Environment forum (for a secure, federated 3D digital model of all natural and built features including services and equipment, with embedded legal and contractual boundaries, and linked to all metadata and positioning systems) I attended in February, will become essential to develop a sustainable built environment of the future.

Gavin Sparks (CEO Open Data Institute) wrote; “Data and digital technology will help people build better cities. In an age where the web of data is pervasive, open approaches will succeed (over closed) because they foster more efficient

Grant Warner

CEO The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 3

SNAPSHOT INDUSTRY NEWS

AI TO CONTRIBUTE $320 BILLION USD TO MIDDLE EAST GDP BY 2030 Dubai, UAE: PwC Middle East reports that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will contribute US$320 billion to the Middle East economy by 2030 - equivalent to 11% of GDP. Drawing on PwC research to illustrate the scale of economic impacts associated with AI, the report outlines that there are greater, untapped opportunities that could increase the impact of AI on the region’s economy. Moreover, the impact could be even larger if governments continue to push the boundaries of innovation and implementation of AI across businesses and sectors between now and 2030. That first wave consists of largely known technological innovations that are either adoption-ready or that are currently being fine-tuned or scaled for broader implementation.

Beyond 2030, the scope of AI impacts on both the economy and society will almost certainly increase, so it is important for the Middle East to be strategically placed in order to provide a springboard for the future.

The most significant relative gains in the region are expected in the UAE where AI is expected to contribute almost 14% of GDP in 2030. This is followed

by KSA (12.4%), the GCC4 (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Qatar (8.2%)) and then Egypt (7.7%). The contribution of AI estimated for Saudi Arabia and the UAE is similar to the contributions estimated for economies in southern Europe and developed Asia in our global analysis.

In the UAE, AI is at the forefront of the government’s strategic plans, the initiatives to support the development of AI places it in a strong position as one of the leaders for AI in the region, and quite possibly the world. For example, Dubai’s strategies include, amongst others: a smart Dubai Strategy, a Dubai 3D Printing Strategy and a Dubai Autonomous Transportation Strategy.

At the sectoral level, the most significant gains in absolute terms are expected in the construction and manufacturing sector. The sector is expected to account for almost a third of the entire benefits

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to the region, equivalent to almost US$100bn in 2030.

Richard Boxshall, Senior Economist at PwC Middle East, says, “The potential for AI adoption varies by industry. The difference is driven by factors such as infrastructure and access to skilled labour, which are considered key enabling factors for AI development.

The impact on productivity alone will be transformational and disruptive for a region like the Middle East which faces weak productivity levels. Investment in AI technologies could strategically position the region for the years to come and help it move away from its reliance on oil.”

Globally, PwC analysis has shown that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy in 2030, more than the current output of China and India combined. Of this, labour productivity improvements are expected to account for half of all economic gains to 2030, while increased consumer demand resulting from AI-enabled product enhancements will account for the rest.

SNAPSHOT INDUSTRY NEWS

INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA CALLS FOR NATIONAL LEADERSHIP ON CITIES A new report from Infrastructure Australia is calling for the federal government to have a greater leadership role in securing the global competitiveness of our largest cities.

Agreements which make project funding contingent on meeting specified outcomes across the project life cycle and demonstrated economic benefit.

The latest round of research from the nation's independent infrastructure advisor recommends that the Commonwealth Government establish a framework of incentives to improve the productivity, liveability and affordability of our largest cities.

• City Deals which apply a series of locally and nationally informed objectives to a city or part of a city, and make infrastructure payments for the area contingent on meeting those objectives.

“Australia's cities are the powerhouses of our economy and they need to be a national priority of government,” Infrastructure Australia CEO, Philip Davies said.

“Asia's global middle class, as well as our own rapidly growing population, will unlock new economic frontiers for Australia, but we need to position our cities to take advantage of this historic opportunity.

“Australia needs to start setting national objectives that allow our cities to realise their full potential and remain globally competitive.

The new framework would include a hierarchy of three incentive types: • National Partnership and Project

• Infrastructure Reform Incentives which would provide additional infrastructure funding above existing allocation in return for the delivery of policy and regulatory reform focused on improving the productivity, liveability and affordability of Australian cities.

To be successful, the design and implementation of these incentives would need to be informed by a wellevidenced national investment and reform agenda for Australian cities.

The paper, Future Cities: Planning for our growing population, was launched at a breakfast event hosted by the Committee for Melbourne and the Committee for Sydney.

It is available for download at infrastructureaustralia.gov.au

HOBART AIRPORT TO SOAR THANKS TO $40 MILLION RUNWAY EXTENSION Tasmania's economy is set for a major boost with works now complete on Hobart International Airport's 500-metre runway extension.

Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities, Paul Fletcher, said the $40 million project was vital for Tasmania, enabling the airport to support larger passenger and freight aircraft to meet the needs of the Asian market and beyond.

Hobart Airport CEO, Sarah Renner, said the extended runway would create new opportunities for Tasmania by enabling new destinations to be reached with direct flights.

Hobart Airport passenger numbers have increased from 1.8 million in 2009 to 2.52 million in 2017. The Turnbull Government committed $38 million to the project which also included realignment of navigational aids, lighting works and the opening of a new access road. Hobart Airport contributed the remaining $2 million.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 5

SNAPSHOT AIQS STORIES

GAIN GREATER EXPOSURE FOR YOUR COMPANY VIA THE A-LIST THE A-LIST IS THE GO-TO BUSINESS REGISTER FOR ALL ENQUIRIES RECEIVED BY THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF QUANTITY SURVEYORS

AIQS ACADEMY TOPIC SPOTLIGHT: ARRANGE SETTLEMENT OF ACCOUNTS DURING CONSTRUCTION PHASE EARN 2 CPD POINTS

The A-List is the go-to business register for all enquiries received by the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors.

As the leading Association for Quantity Surveying in Australia, we regularly receive enquiries from organisations looking to engage the skills of a Quantity Surveyor.

As part of our future strategy, the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) will be actively engaging representatives within government and the industry, in order to promote the value of Quantity Surveying and the benefits of engaging a Quantity Surveyor.

During the course of 2018, AIQS will actively market the A-List to: • Local and state governments; emphasising the benefits of engaging a Quantity Surveyor

• 4,000 members through the fortnightly e-Bulletin and the quarterly publication of the AIQS magazine, the Building Economist • The AIQS website; including a premium placement on the 'rolling banner' of the AIQS Home Page, where 4,000 returning members actively visit and potential clients come to view industry leading information • Members and non-members of AIQS through social media channels such as LinkedIn (5,650+ members) and Twitter (550+ followers) So jump the queue, register now and be the first to start receiving new clients!

To view the A-List and sign up to start your listing please visit http://www. aiqsalist.com.au

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This topic covers the preparation of the Settlement of Accounts which is commonly known as the ‘Final Account’. It is divided into six sections that cover the following areas: 1. Introduction 2. Analyse and evaluate relevant data 3. Account compiled and negotiations undertaken 4. Information transferred to project report 5. Damages / bonuses assessed 6. The report Visit https://www.aiqsacademy. com/AIQS/arrange-settlementof-accounts-during-constructionphase to purchase this topic.

SNAPSHOT AIQS STORIES

ICEC-PAQS CONFERENCE CALL FOR ABSTRACTS SUBMISSIONS CLOSE 30 APRIL The ICEC-PAQS 2018 Conference is currently calling for submissions for both industry and academic presentations for the upcoming conference.

We are seeking abstracts will provoke debate, stimulate discussion, offer new ideas, learning and/or encourage the dissemination of research findings.

Technical Presentations are encouraged from industry professionals on current and future projects, methodologies and technologies.

Academic Paper Presentations should be based on research outcomes and developments.

CONFERENCE PROGRAM THEMES • Building Information Modeling (BIM) • Project Controls/Cost Management • Law & Contracts • Project Management • Sustainability • Risk Management • Smart Cities/Smart Infrastructure • Building Resilience/Post Disaster Reconstruction • Human Resource Management • Innovation in Construction

ICEC-PAQS 2018 CONFERENCE 18 – 20 November 2018 International Convention Centre Sydney, Australia www.icecpaqs2018.com

Visit the Conference Website for more information.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 7

INSIGHT

The Australian approach to geospatial capabilities; positioning, earth observation, infrastructure and analytics: issues, trends and perspectives Peter Woodgate, Isabel Coppa, Suelynn Choy, Stuart Phinn, Lesley Arnold & Matt Duckham

Geospatial data, technology and services are addressing some key issues and improving efficiencies across a number of industries in Australia. The benefits to the economy are considerable, with increased productivity and reduced costs enabling GDP growth.

In industries such as construction, geospatial science promotes both efficiency and transparency throughout the project planning and construction phase, allowing for reduced, or even removing altogether, miscalculations and misinterpretations.

Here, BE is thrilled to present an article from leading experts in the field of geospatial science, offering a compelling insight into the limitations and challenges that will shape the development of Australia’s geoscience infrastructure over the next decade, and what advancement we could expect.

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GOVERMENT Australian Regional GPS Network (Comm) AuScope (Comm/State/Territory) Australian Maritime Safety Authority (Comm) CORSnet NSW Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy, QLD Department of Sustainability and Environment GPSnet VIC

INDUSTRY AllDayRTK Trimble/OmniSTAR RTKnetwest SmartNet

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 9

INSIGHT

WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF GEOSPATIAL SCIENCES IN AUSTRALIA REGARDING POSITIONING, EARTH OBSERVATION (EO), AND SPATIAL INFRASTRUCTURES? AND WHAT DO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS IN THESE AREAS LOOK LIKE? Drawing on a strong tradition of surveying, cartography, photogrammetry, geographic information science and remote sensing built up over many decades, Australia has progressively established a modern geospatial capability that is proving to be increasingly vital for economic, social, and environmental well-being.

In recent years, Australia has recognised the need to develop a number of strategies to help guide the development of its geoscience infrastructure;

Positioning The National Positioning Infrastructure (NPI) plan, led by Geoscience Australia, has been progressively developed and implemented since 2010 as a nationwide multi-GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning capability at sub decimeter accuracies.

Earth observation (EO) In 2015, Australia’s EO community coordination group, representing all people who collect and use EO data in Australia, began a process to develop a strategy to guide the nation’s development of EO capabilities. This strategy was published in 2016.

Spatial infrastructures Australia initiated a process in 2016 to create a spatial industry transformation

and growth agenda as part of the country’s overarching national innovation and science agenda. Led by the 2026 spatial agenda working group, a comprehensive process of public consultation identified the barriers to growth, the short, medium and longterm spatial needs of Australia over the next 10 years, and a suite of 30 or so transformative initiatives that are set out in an action plan and accompanying road map. The Government, private sector, and the research and academic sector were all consulted, and the resulting initiatives address the following areas; public infrastructure and analytics, innovation and entrepreneurship, research and development, education, training and capacity building, and outreach to important areas of the Australian economy, society, and the environment.

A key goal of the 2026 spatial action plan was to see a collaborative and coordinated development of the fundamental components of spatial infrastructure in positioning, spatial data infrastructure (SDI), and spatial data analytics. This article addresses a number of these key elements.

THE ECONOMICS OF AUSTRALIA’S SPATIAL INDUSTRIES In PwC’s 2013 report, ‘Space and Spatial’ was identified as an emerging medium-sized industry sector with a strong growth path, strong competitive advantage and moderate potential for employment growth. This competitive benchmarking analysis of eight nations (excluding the US) identified Australia as being first in GNSS, and second in natural disaster management, earth observation and resources management, satellite communications, weather and meteorology.

In order to better understand the relative size of the spatial sector and its contribution to the Australian economy, a series of economic assessments have been undertaken over the past decade.

The first national assessment of the size of the Australian geospatial sector was undertaken by ACIL Tasman in 2008 who estimated that the sector contributed up to AUD$12.57 billion to GDP or around 1.2%.

In 2013 ACIL Allen estimated that Australia’s GDP was between AUD$2.3 billion and 3.7 billion higher through augmented GNSS and that by 2020 could be between $7.8 billion and $13.7 billion higher. In the same report it was estimated that precise satellite positioning technology would potentially add up to 2.1% to Australia’s gross domestic product by 2030 through productivity gains in mining, construction, and agriculture alone.

Over 140 Australian Commonwealth, state, and territory government programmes are dependent on EO from space, and the minimum economic impact of these observations on the Australian economy is approximately AUD$5.3 billion per annum. These services are also estimated to have created more than 9,000 jobs in 2015, and are projected to generate over 15,000 jobs by 2025. There are numerous examples of the economic and societal benefits generated from EO in Australia, across areas such as weather forecasting, onshore and offshore mining, mitigation and management of natural disasters like bushfires and floods, water resource management, design and assessment of conservation areas, insurance assessment, and land use planning.

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signal tracking capabilities and ionosphere delay cancellation thereby providing better positioning accuracy.

This has already attracted the attention of the automotive sector. It is worth noting that at present, low-cost GNSS chips and in particular antenna contained in mobile phones cannot outperform geodetic grade receivers. However, it might just be a matter of time before high accuracy GNSS technology makes its way into the mainstream mass market.

on a regional scale through provision of accurate atmospheric information aiding rapid fixing of carrier phase ambiguities.

Integration of these two techniques will lead to improved position accuracy and timeliness.

HIGH ACCURACY MOBILE POSITIONING High accuracy positioning is increasingly compelling, and there is an increasing demand for lower priced high accuracy GNSS technology. While high accuracy RTK system are expensive and intended primarily for the surveying and geodetic market, precise positioning using low-cost receivers could have the potential to revolutionize positioning on smartphones, cars, and drones. In May 2016, Google announced that raw GNSS measurements would be available to application program interface (API) developers in the Android N (“Nougat” = version 7) operating system. The implications of this initiative are significant as it allows the possibility of using GNSS code, carrier phase, and Doppler measurements to derive more accurate positions. In addition, mobile phone GNSS chipset manufacturers like Broadcom and Ublox are currently investigating the applicability of dual frequency L1-E1/L5-E5 GNSS chipset for mass market use. Dual frequency receivers will benefit from improved

MULTI-GNSS

PPP-RTK Australia is developing a new GNSS precise positioning technique for the NPI, which will enable real-time positioning services across Australia and its maritime jurisdictions. PPP-RTK is a synthesis of the positive characteristics of PPP and network-RTK. PPP is a unique positioning technique that can truly offer global precise positioning solutions without the requirements of local reference networks, while network-RTK could further improve the performance of PPP

Australian researchers have made a number of helpful advances in the use of GNSS capabilities in recent years.

These include the aforementioned development of multi-constellation multi-frequency PPP-RTK algorithm.

The successful testing of the Japanese QZSS signals on a robotically controlled autonomous tractor in the Australian State of New South Wales in 2015, represented another. The robotic tractor trial achieved a positioning accuracy of around 5 cm. It also enabled the use of the tractor’s power take-off unit for plowing and other functions, using the communications channel that is also a feature of QZSS.

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“Positioning or location information is now an integral part of modern Australian society supporting applications including surveying and mapping, emergency services, industrial automation of heavy machinery in mining and precision agriculture, transportation”

GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THE WIDE-SPREAD ADOPTION OF IMPROVED POSITIONING TECHNOLOGY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO GENERATE UPWARDS OF $73 BILLION OF VALUE TO AUSTRALIA BY 2030.

The Australian Government has now invested $12 million in a two-year program looking into the future of positioning technology in Australia. The funding will be used to test instant, accurate and reliable positioning technology that could provide future safety, productivity, efficiency and environmental benefits across many industries, including transport, agriculture, construction, and resources.

The two-year project will test Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) technology that has the potential to improve positioning accuracy in Australia to less than five centimetres.

Currently, positioning in Australia is usually accurate to five to ten metres.

The potential benefits of improved positioning technology are vast, including increases to productivity and safety in areas such as GPS services on smartphones, safety-of-life navigation on aircraft, increasing water efficiency on farms and helping to locate vessels in distress at sea.

From using Google Maps on your smartphone to emergency management and farming, most people use and benefit from this technology every day without realising it.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Darren Chester, said the program tests the potential of SBAS technology in the four transport sectors - aviation, maritime, rail and road.

“SBAS utilises space-based and ground-based infrastructure to improve and augment the accuracy, integrity and availability of basic Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, such as those

currently provided by the USA Global Positioning System (GPS).

“The future use of SBAS technology was strongly supported by the aviation industry to assist in high accuracy GPS-dependent aircraft navigation.

“Positioning data can also be used in a range of other transport applications including maritime navigation, automated train management systems and in the future, driverless and connected cars.”

Minister for Resources and Northern Australia, Matt Canavan, said access to more accurate data about the Australian landscape helps unlock the potential of the North; “This technology has potential uses in a range of sectors, including agriculture and mining, which have always played an important role in our economy, and will also be at the heart of future growth in Northern Australia.”

For more information about the SBAS testbed and National Positioning Infrastructure Capability visit http://www.ga.gov.au

INSIGHT'

AUSTRALIA’S NATIONAL POSITIONING INFRASTRUCTURE Positioning or location information is now an integral part of modern Australian society supporting applications including surveying and mapping, emergency services, industrial automation of heavy machinery in mining and precision agriculture, transportation (including air, marine, and land), and a host of other civil, commercial and scientific applications. Position information allows citizens to locate themselves in the world, determine the location of features and infrastructure above and below ground, and above the Earth’s surface.

Access to accurate position information enables effective decision-making and increases productivity, bringing significant economic and social benefits to the nation. In addition, positioning technologies help improve community safety and establish a platform for future innovations such as driverless vehicles.

Over the next five years there will be a surge in the launching of new GNSS navigation satellites; the US modernised GPS constellation, Russia’s revitalised GLONASS, the European Union’s Galileo, and China’s BeiDou systems.

Furthermore, the deployment of regional navigation satellite systems (RNSS) including the Indian regional navigation satellite system (IRNSS) and Japan’s Quasi-Zenith satellite system (QZSS), as well as satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS), will bring additional satellites and signals to augment the performance of GNSS. Today, there are more than 90 operational navigation satellites in orbit from these systems, transmitting signals across several carrier frequencies. By the end of this decade, this number will reach well over 120 satellites with even more signals in different frequency bands.

Australia is fortuitously geographically situated in the GNSS ‘hotspot’. It has the advantage over North America and Europe of being able to receive signals from many of these next generation GNSS, RNSS, and SBAS satellites belonging to other countries. This creates unique opportunities in Australia to undertake research in multi-GNSS measurement processing strategies and the generation of new products and services to secure the benefits multiGNSS promises.

The United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, Sweden, Japan and New Zealand1 have established nationwide GNSS CORS (continuously operating reference station) infrastructure for precise positioning. There are many other countries that have partially developed national coverage with CORS networks.

These infrastructures were originally established to support precise geodetic and geophysical activities within their countries and territories. They were subsequently upgraded and modernised to provide nationwide high accuracy real-time positioning services (i.e.

NRTK (network real-time kinematic)) for various scientific, civil, and commercial applications. These CORS infrastructures typically comprise between 150 and 250 CORS stations2. Geographically, Australia is at least 20 times larger than each of these countries. This implies that up to 20 times the number of CORS stations is needed to deliver high accuracy positioning coverage on a national scale. This therefore demands a unique approach by Australia to deliver nationwide high accuracy real-time positioning services.

SPATIAL DATA AND ANALYTICS Building on the success of past innovations and addressing current

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“It is not surprising that main contractors are seeking new ways to leverage the vast amounts of data generated on projects, across programs of projects”

problems requires new thinking. In the past, technological advancements have been hindered because knowledge discovery and data supply have traditionally been researched as mutually exclusive problems. Today, Australia is tackling this duality more holistically.

Australia’s knowledge-driven future is dependent on data and analytics. In the past, emphasis has been on pushing spatial data out to users based on needs ascertained through consumer surveys. In the future, the ability to derive knowledge from information on-the-fly is expected to be the new norm as mobile technologies, global e-commerce and the Internet of Things (IoT) reshape consumer behaviour and expectations. Today’s consumers want a more personalised experience, selfactualisation in the pursuit of knowledge and, above all, immediacy.

With this in mind, Australia is moving towards a next generation SKI (spatial knowledge infrastructure) that focuses on the user’s ability to acquire reliable real-time knowledge to meet their circumstance.

The term SKI is not new and has been used interchangeably with SDI (spatial data infrastructure) since the mid-2000s to describe a framework for making data discoverable. In contrast, the next generation SKI for Australia puts more emphasis on knowledge. Instead of downloading, reformatting, and manipulating data to answer a query, the end user will simply pose a question

through an open interface to retrieve a response that matches their context.

These questions are likely to be multifaceted and require complex spatial analysis. For example: Where do we locate the new hospital? Which areas should be declared fire risk zones? Where should I evacuate from flood waters? What are the

main concerns of my constituents? Should we insure this property? and so on. The challenge will be to design ontologies and orchestrate the analytics.

This concept of commoditising knowledge creates substantial challenges. New query capabilities are likely to stem from semantic web

technologies, where the linked open data paradigm is generating a network of interconnected data and information.

With linked open data, relationships between geographic features can be established across data-sets creating a powerful mechanism to draw meaning from data. In addition, the semantic web resource description framework is

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INSIGHT

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“It took the telephone 75 years to reach 100 million users worldwide; 1 year, 3 months for the digital game “Candy Crush Saga”, and in 2016 a mere 25 days for location enabled game ‘Pokémon Go’ to be downloaded by the same number of users. What impact will these trends and developments have on the geospatial environment in Australia over the next decade?”

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INSIGHT

providing a universal standard for the interchange of data on the web. This is facilitating data integration even when data schema may differ.

The transitionary technologies and methods to move from an SDI to a next generation SKI are illustrated in Figure 2 and accord with the shift from Web 2.0 functionality to the enhanced Semantic Web 3.0 capabilities.

This shift in capability is more than just a single step innovation. Benefits from incremental improvements have already been wrung out of current SDIs and revolutionary methods are required to take capabilities to the next level of knowledge discovery, as well as the automation of spatial data supply chains.

BROADER GLOBAL TRENDS There are a number of broader global trends that will impact the development of the geospatial capabilities covered in this article. Many of these trends are both enabling and disruptive and they include: • rapid urbanisation including demographic and social change • connectivity and convergence, infrastructure development • shifting economic power and new business models • development of smart new green technologies that improve energy efficiency, reduce resource scarcity, and mitigate climate change • technological breakthroughs (health, social, etc.)

• miniaturisation and off-the-shelf low power hardware components • open standards and mature

development platforms fuel technology convergence • connected living (through enablers, Internet, cloud) • sharing and circular economy • wearable computing, sensorization, and the IoT • cognitive computing for automation of knowledge work and advanced robotics • quantum computing • smart cities, including autonomous vehicles • the move to artificial intelligence

It is noteworthy that the adoption speed of disruptive technological advances appears to be trending exponentially over the last 200 years. It took the telephone 75 years to reach 100 million users worldwide, but just 15 months for the digital game ‘Candy Crush Saga’, and in 2016 a mere 25 days for location enabled game ‘Pokémon Go’ to be downloaded by the same number of users. What impact will these trends and developments have on the geospatial environment in Australia over the next decade?

PPP-RTK capabilities. Positioning and navigation will be seamless across both outdoors and indoors. Multiple positioning capabilities including GNSS, SBAS, augmented terrestrial systems such as Locata, beacons, Wi-Fi, cell ID and others, will be fully integrated and opaque to the general user. EO will be supporting super-fast analytics of linked time series data going back decades and processed in near real time. Satellite and airborne imaging from many disparate sensors and platforms, including remote piloted airborne systems, will be capable of combined analysis. Supply chains in important areas of the economy will be semantically web enabled and spatial analytics capabilities will be operating in a SKI environment with many plain language interfaces for use by the nonexpert user. Finally, national strategies for geospatial capabilities are likely to be fully mature, linked, and coordinated across the government, private, research and academic sectors.

CONCLUSIONS This article has examined the developments currently taking place in Australia across the positioning, EO and SDI areas of geospatial science.

Examination of the increasingly strategic approach being taken by Australia suggests that by 2026 Australia will have positioning and location capabilities that are precise (cm level), ‘always on’, and available in real-time using operational

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1 UK (Ordnance Survey 2017), Ireland (Martin and McGovern 2012), Germany (German National Survey 2013), Sweden (Lilje, Wiklund, and Hedling 2014), Japan (Tsuji et al. 2013), New Zealand (Collett 2010) 2 Hausler 2014

has been a Co-Founder of several technology start-ups.

PETER WOODGATE is co-chair of the Space Cross-Sectoral Interest Group (part of the Australian Government’s Trusted Information Sharing Network (TISN); co-chair of the Leadership Group of the 2026 Spatial Industry Growth and Transformation Agenda; founding chair of the Open Digital Earth Foundation; and a Board Member of AuScope Ltd. Peter was CEO of the Australia and New Zealand Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information (CRCSI) from June 2003 to December 2017.

ISABEL COPPA is a research scientist at the Australia New Zealand Cooperative Research Centre for Spatial Information.

She studied at the University of Munich (Germany), Department of Geosciences, and in 2006 received her PhD degree in Mathematical and Geospatial Sciences from RMIT University (Australia). Her research interests include Remote Sensing, Spatial Technologies, and Futuristic Innovation Concepts; she

SUELYNN CHOY is a senior lecturer of Surveying and Geodesy at RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia. She received her PhD degree from RMIT University in 2009. Her research interests are in the areas of GNSS precise positioning and atmospheric remote sensing. Suelynn is currently the cochair of the IAG Working Group 4.4.2 on Integer Ambiguity Resolution for Multi-GNSS PPP and PPP-RTK and FIG Working Group 5.4 on GNSS.

STUART PHINN is a professor of geography at the University of Queensland where he teaches remote sensing and directs the Remote Sensing Research Centre, which includes programs recognised as world’s best practice, to support government agencies across Australia using EO data. Stuart’s research and teaching interests use airborne and satellite data sets for measuring and monitoring environmental changes and publishing/sharing ecosystem data.

Most recently he chaired the committee that produced Australia’s first Earth Observation Community Plan – 2026.

LESLEY ARNOLD is a consultant developing national strategies for spatial information reform and innovation within Australia and across Asia. She develops SDI implementation plans, governance models and data sharing policies to support open data initiatives. Lesley is also Research Fellow at Curtin University and with the CRCSI, pursuing knowledge on-demand spatial infrastructures.

MATT DUCKHAM is a professor and associate dean of geospatial sciences in the School of Science, RMIT University.

He is also a visiting professor at Greenwich University, UK. Before moving to RMIT University in 2015, he was a professor of geographic information science at the University of Melbourne, Australia. Prior to coming to Australia in 2004, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the NCGIA (National Centre for Geographic Information and Analysis) at the University of Maine, USA. Peter Woodgate, Isabel Coppa, Suelynn Choy, Stuart Phinn, Lesley Arnold & Matt Duckham (2017) The Australian approach to geospatial capabilities; positioning, earth observation, infrastructure and analytics: issues, trends and perspectives, Geo-spatial Information Science, 20:2, 109-125, DOI: 10.1080/10095020.2017.1325612

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 19

Integration with estimating tools

SKY THE

IS THE

LIMIT!

The backbone to all good construction projects is a Quantity Surveyor. Like the cement that holds a building together, a QS is essential to the entire project, thus commanding respect from the entire industry. As such, good Quantity Surveyors are in high demand, both in Australia and internationally.

Yet this exciting career path is often overlooked, with a skills shortage facing the industry.

So BE tracked down eight young Quantity Surveying professionals, to find out what attracted them to the industry, the realities of the job, and to see if they have any advice for anyone contemplating such a career. And if these Young Quantity Surveyors are anything to go by, aspiring QSs are promised a rewarding future.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 21

I enjoy engaging in conversations regarding the business and finance sector.

The construction industry thrives in providing the country with the growth that it needs. The industry rides on the highs and falls with the lows of the economy, whilst different areas of the country see rising needs in different sectors; there will never be a dull moment.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING JOB YOU HAVE WORKED ON?

EVERYONE HAS A CHOICE AND MORE OFTEN THAN NOT, WE CHOOSE TO WANT TO BE THE BEST. WE WANT TO EXCEL IN WHAT WE CAN DO AND ALSO WHAT WE MAY NOT SEE OURSELVES DOING. Stella Lee AIQS (Affil.)

Donald Cant Watts Corke (WA) Quantity Surveyor 25 years old

All projects have their own surprise element to it. Overall, I find the post contract stage of a project to be the most challenging and interesting at this point in my career. Despite similar methodologies of construction adapted to suit projects of different character, not one project (in this case, variation), has left me on auto-pilot. Personally, I find the post contract stage of a project to be overflowing with lessons of dos and don’ts which offer the enrichment I need.

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A QS? When I was completing my industry experience back in Malaysia. I undertook Quantity Surveying training programs for a few weeks during my summer holidays in 2012 and 2013. Being adventurous, I decided to wander into a project management training program in 2014, only to find myself drawn back to Quantity Surveying – I enjoyed the relationship that quantities and rates have with one another and how they build up into an estimate, much like how the construction of a building works.

“A QS has the ability to estimate the value of projects from an initial design stage through to the construction stage”

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WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY/WEEK AS A QS LOOK LIKE TO YOU? A typical week would require my attendance to variations which at times require constant reference to the contracts, the issue of financial reports, and the estimation of schematic designs.

However, when we are required to produce a Bill of Quantities, there is a great chance that it would be a day-today task of measuring the quantities of varying trades to great detail over the next 4 weeks.

“When I started the Construction Management course in Curtin University, I had no knowledge of building and construction. And as a young QS, there are times where I would question my own abilities because of the lack of awareness in the construction industry. It is during times like these where I would need to pause, refocus and keep my chin up – because there is only one way to go and that is onwards & upwards”

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED DURING YOUR PATHWAY TO QS OR/& IN YOUR QS CAREER SO FAR? AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM? The phrase ‘failure is the mother of success’ has always been repeated to me every now and then. When I started the Construction Management course in Curtin University, I had no knowledge of building and construction, and as a young QS, there were times when I would question my own abilities. It was during times like these where I would need to pause, refocus and keep my chin up – because there is only one way to go and that is onwards and upwards.

YQS SPOTLIGHT

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING QS AS A CAREER? In my opinion, the QS sector is a great place to get your feet into the construction industry . It provides an excellent foundation to grow further because you gain involvement throughout the different stages of the project. That way, you have the option to stay or venture out.

“The phrase ‘Failure is the mother of success’ has always been repeated to me every now and then”

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 23

In my eyes a Quantity Surveyor is someone that helps the client to control the costs of their project from conception right throughout the project’s life cycle to its decommission. Whether this be through helping to establish the initial budget or to help control the total construction cost, the role that a Quantity Surveyor plays is extremely important and should be highly valued.

of this role so was unsure about if I would like to pursue a career as a QS or an estimator. To make an informed decision, I approached a Canberra based construction company and was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to spend some time exploring the role of an estimator, and from this I was able to make what I felt was the right decision between the two roles.

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A QS?

Discovering new and interesting items that I have never experienced was, and continues to be, quite daunting. I continue to overcome this challenge by learning all I can from my colleagues and by asking them for help. I am extremely lucky in that I am surrounded by a wonderfully experienced and friendly team that I can go to with any questions that I have.

It was after I had completed my Year 12 HSC and I was having a serious think about what I would like to do with my life and where I wanted to go (to live, university, etc.). After a conversation with my father and grandfather I figured out that I would like to explore the financial side of the construction/property industry and they suggested I look at Quantity Surveying.

OUT OF THE MANY CHALLENGING AND EXCITING JOBS I HAVE WORKED ON, THE PICK OF THE BUNCH WOULD HAVE TO BE THE RENOVATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR AFRICA (AFRICA HALL) IN ADDIS ABAB WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY/WEEK AS A QS LOOK LIKE TO YOU? Matthew Siegert Student Member of the AIQS Rider Levett Bucknall (ACT) Cadet Quantity Surveyor 22 years old

A typical week starts with a team meeting on Monday morning to organise the workload for the week. The rest of the week is spent focusing on priority projects, and then starting work on jobs that are due in the coming weeks.

Depending on how busy the week is I could be on multiple jobs at the same time. One of my main roles is to provide support to the other workers to ensure that these important jobs are completed on time.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED DURING YOUR PATHWAY TO QS OR/& IN YOUR QS CAREER SO FAR? AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM? Whilst I was at university I was introduced to the role of estimating, and I discovered that I liked the idea

24 - MARCH 2018 - THE BUILDING ECONOMIST

“It is still astonishing to me that I can work from a desk in Canberra on a job literally on the other side of the world that will have such a positive impact on that region”

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING JOB YOU HAVE WORKED ON? Out of the many challenging and exciting jobs I have worked on the pick of the bunch would have to be the renovation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (Africa Hall) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is still astonishing to me that I can work from a desk in Canberra on a job literally on the other side of the world that will have such a positive impact on that region.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING QS AS A CAREER? I could not recommend more highly

YQS SPOTLIGHT

getting out into the industry as early as you can, whether this be through approaching a QS firm for work experience for a short period of time or just getting out onto a building site in general to get a feel for what this industry is and if you will like it.

I would also recommend trying to contact a Quantity Surveyor to have a discussion with them about their role. I have found that most Quantity Surveyors are more than happy to spend a bit of their time to help you out if you need it.

WHO INSPIRES YOU? There are a few people that I take inspiration from throughout history, however the most modern example would be Elon Musk. I have always found him an interesting person given all the companies he has founded, but after reading his biography I began to admire the way he goes about his business, in that it seems his main goal and driving force is to try and make the world a better place.

MATTHEW’S YQS PATHWAY Date

Role

Location

6th January 2017 Present

Cadet

Cadet Quantity Surveyor at Rider Levett Bucknall

21st September 2016 – 6th January 2017

Work Experience

Student orientated work experience at Rider Levett Bucknall

September 2015 – February 2016

Cadet

Cadet Estimator at Manteena

September 2015

Work Experience

Student orientated work experience at Manteena

2014-2017

Student

Bachelor of Building and Construction Management at the University of Canberra

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 25

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING JOB YOU HAVE WORKED ON? It would be Thomas Dixon Centre, a refurbishment of a heritage listed building. It’s at design stage at the moment. The exciting part is to preserve the heritage building while having an extension built alongside. The new extension has different departments to cater for the user needs. The design team has been working closely with Queensland Ballet to create a new space for them which is fully utilised.

In meetings we would sit down and consider what the dancers really need, how would they use the space, how to implement the sustainability component, what option is working or what is not.

There is a lot of direct involvement and coordination between the end users and the designers.

EVERY DAY YOU GET TO MEET DIFFERENT PEOPLE AND FACE NEW CHALLENGES. EVERY PROJECT YOU WORK ON WILL BE WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY/WEEK AS A QS DIFFERENT. THAT’S WHAT MAKES THE JOB LOOK LIKE TO YOU? EXCITING. My average day includes preparing cost Crystal Liew AIQS (Affil.)

Donald Cant Watts Corke (WA) Quantity Surveyor 23 years old

plans / Bill of Quantities, assessing progress claims and variations and attending project meetings. I communicate with various stakeholders (contractor, client, supplier etc.) on the phone, and go out for site visits occasionally. Every day you get to meet different people and face new challenges.

Every project you work on will be different. That’s what makes the job exciting.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED DURING YOUR PATHWAY TO QS OR/& IN YOUR QS CAREER SO FAR? AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM? When I got my first job my biggest struggle was lack of experience. There were a lot of situations which were challenging as I had no practical experience. For instance, how to deal with different parties, building up costs in

26 - MARCH 2018 - THE BUILDING ECONOMIST

different locations, benchmarking projects.

I would get the directors to guide me through. As I progressed along my career, I started picking up tips and knowledge to tackle these issues. To me, experiences and involvement in different projects and sectors really matter to build myself as a good QS.

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED “I have always wanted to get into construction industry”

TO BE A QS? I have always wanted to get into the construction industry. I knew I wanted to be a QS when I got into university and started learning about Quantity Surveying, and taking internships. The experiences and exposure into real projects was a great revelation.

WHAT IS A QS? A QS is a cost consultant working with design consultants to establish the cost for a construction project in feasibility stage. Throughout the design phase, a QS plays an important role to make sure the design updates and changes incorporate the approved budget and ensure that the project is built to its maximum value. During construction phase, they monitor the construction cost by assessing monthly progress claims and variations.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING QS AS A CAREER? A lot of people think that Quantity Surveying is related just to maths. I am going to say this is a big misconception.

Yes, there are a lot of measuring tasks,

YQS SPOTLIGHT

but it’s so much more. We talk to lots of different people and continually deal with different needs. I think you have to be passionate about your job; being intrigued by how things work and how they are built. Having an interest in the building industry is really important. Do get a lot of hands-on experience when you are studying too, it really helps in doing your assignments and studies.

WHO INSPIRES YOU? My dad has always been an inspiration to me. He is an engineer and he used to take me to his sites when I was studying. That triggered my interest in getting into the construction industry. I always wanted to know how a building is built, especially a high-rise building. I am always amazed at how pieces of materials are put together to become a functional building!

CRYSTAL’S YQS PATHWAY Date

Role

Location

Sept 2016 - Current

Quantity Surveyor

Donald Cant Watts Corke (QLD) Pty Ltd

Sept 2015 – Sept 2016

Cadet Quantity Surveyor

Dec 2014 – Feb 2015

Quantity Surveyor Intern

Langdon & Seah (Malaysia)

Cadet Quantity Surveyor

Mitchell Brandtman

Qualifications

Bachelor of Urban Development (Quantity Surveying) with 1st Class Honours

Dec 2013 – Jan 2014 Mar 2014 – Nov 2014

(Queensland University of Technology)

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 27

DESCRIBE QUANTITY SURVEYING IN 3 WORDS? Efficient, collaborative, integral

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A QS? I was lucky enough to be included in the AIQS pilot mentoring program at a stage when I wasn’t quite sure which career path I wanted to take within the industry.

My mentor was very informative and provided me with information on a variety of pathways that I could take. Learning about the vast opportunities that a QS is exposed to, I was keen to get some experience in the field.

WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY/WEEK AS A QS LOOK LIKE TO YOU? I LOOK UP TO SUCCESSFUL WOMEN TO FEEL INSPIRED SO THAT I CAN WORK TOWARDS THE SAME POSITIONS IN THE INDUSTRY Nadia Lam Student Member of the AIQS Lend Lease Graduate Cost Planner 22 years old

I think anyone in the construction industry can appreciate that there are no typical days! Generally, I would be measuring/costing to assist in developing and analysing costs for feasibility, value engineering and construction purposes. I’m lucky enough to be working closely with the project teams to understand the construction details that go into the budget.

WHAT IS A QS? A QS is someone who provides construction cost advice throughout the different phases of the project. A QS is able to relate the construction details/ methodology to the costs and relay this to the client. A QS has to be able to work closely with the design, construction and development teams to provide the best possible advice.

“Don’t be afraid to ask heaps of questions!

I don’t think I would be where I am today without my seniors being so approachable”

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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES YOU FACED DURING YOUR PATHWAY TO QS OR/& IN YOUR QS CAREER SO FAR? AND HOW DID YOU OVERCOME THEM? I think the biggest challenge was completing my cadetship while studying full time. I had to learn how to openly communicate with my managers whilst also managing my time in regards to workload. I had to plan ahead really well to complete my university work on time without compromising any work time.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING JOB YOU HAVE WORKED ON? The most exciting job I have worked on is the Central Station Metro bid. It is probably the most complex job that I have ever been involved in. It is also the first infrastructure job that I have ever worked on which is great exposure for me.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING QS AS A CAREER? Don’t be afraid to ask heaps of questions! I don’t think I would be where I am today without my seniors being so approachable. Over the past few years, I have definitely learnt how to ask the right questions to give me the most beneficial answers.

WHO INSPIRES YOU? Generally, my seniors and managers inspire me, particularly my female seniors/managers. In a male dominated industry, I find it beneficial to communicate openly with my female mentors as they have experienced everything that I have, to get to their current positions. I look up to successful women to feel inspired so that I can work towards the same positions in the industry.

YQS SPOTLIGHT

NADIA’S YQS PATHWAY Date

Role

Location

July 2017 - Current

Graduate Cost Planner

Lend Lease Building

2016 - Current

YQS Committee Member

AIQS

January 2016 – June 2017

Cadet Cost Planner

Mirvac Constructions

April 2015 – December 2015

Cadet Quantity Surveyor

Newton Fisher & Associates

February 2014 – November 2017

Student

Bachelor of Construction Project Management – University of Technology

When I entered my second year of university I knew Quantity Surveying was the place for me. Having started my first year majoring in Construction Management, I changed over to Quantity Surveying at the start of my second year, applied and got accepted for a cadetship with RLB within 24 hours, and haven’t looked back since!

WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY/WEEK AS A QS LOOK LIKE TO YOU? I generally work on between 5-10 jobs during any given week. They range from smaller estimates such as schools, retail, commercial or residential projects, right through to large multi-billion dollar mixed-use developments. I enjoy the daily/weekly juggle of both post contract services (client recommendations, bank reporting, and variation assessments) and also cost planning and estimating services on a wide range of projects.

I GENERALLY WORK ON BETWEEN 5-10 JOBS DURING ANY GIVEN WEEK. THEY RANGE FROM SMALLER ESTIMATES SUCH AS SCHOOLS, RETAIL, COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS, RIGHT THROUGH TO LARGE MULTI-BILLION DOLLAR MIXED- WHAT IS A QS? USE DEVELOPMENTS A Quantity Surveyor forms an essential Bradley Bell MAIQS Estimating and Post Contract Services Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) Quantity Surveyor 26 years old

part of a project team whereby we liaise with the client or shareholder and various designers to ensure the project meets the brief and is to budget. We provide input from the onset of a project, right through the design and construction phases. A

Quantity Surveyor can also provide tax depreciation schedules, insurance reports or other services post construction.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING JOB YOU HAVE WORKED ON? Queens Wharf Brisbane! It includes a new casino, hotels, residential, commercial and retail buildings, 50 new bars, restaurants and cafes plus 12 football fields of public space!

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE INDUSTRY? The computer programs Quantity Surveyors utilise are moving into overdrive with faster and more accurate tools being brought onto the market.

There are also new forms of building plant and equipment entering the industry which is creating improved efficiencies, and reducing the construction costs in various trades.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS CONSIDERING QS AS A CAREER? If you have an interest in the building / construction industry and enjoy maths, then I think QS could be worth a look!

It’s a niche industry, good Quantity Surveyors are in hot demand nationally and internationally!

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 29

DESCRIBE QUANTITY SURVEYING IN 3 WORDS? Comprehensive, professional, fundamental

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A QS?

I WAS NOT ONLY VISITING SITES AND GETTING MY EXPOSURE TO CONSTRUCTION, BUT I WAS SEEING PROJECTS FROM INCEPTION TRANSFORM Caitlin Shields MAIQS Cost Planning & BIM Mitchell Brandtman Associate & 5D Quantity Surveyor 30 years old

I ‘fell’ into QS; I knew I wanted to work within the construction industry but did not want to be exposed to days of physical labour and Queensland heat (I originally wanted to do a trade of some kind). I was good at maths and in grade 12 a relative of mine suggested I look into estimating. I did one week’s work experience with Mitchell Brandtman in the September holidays. From there I enrolled in the QUT course (Urban Development Majoring Quantity Surveying) and started a cadetship with Mitchell Brandtman the following January.

The point I knew I wanted to be a QS was during my first few years at work/university when I realised how comprehensive the profession is across the construction industry. I was not only visiting sites and getting my exposure to construction, but I was seeing projects from inception transform, with QS guidance, through to reality. Once I understood this, I realised what a great position the QS profession is in as an allrounder within the industry.

WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY/WEEK AS A QS LOOK LIKE TO YOU? I work primarily in the cost planning department so an average day is dealing with a few projects at a time in measurement and applying appropriate rates to build up a cost plan at various different levels of design. There is quite a bit of client interaction but also with other project stakeholders and the consultant team. Our role is to try and collect as much information about the project that is currently available in order to understand and apply rates.

30 - MARCH 2018 - THE BUILDING ECONOMIST

A by-product of our profession is that we incidentally assist in the coordination of design as we are a third party set of eyes looking at all the project information across all disciplines.

WHAT IS A QS? A QS is a construction industry professional that works within the project team in order to manage project construction costs throughout the whole project life cycle; from initial concept, through design, construction and then in completion and demolition.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING JOB YOU HAVE WORKED ON? The most exciting job I have worked on was undertaking trade Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for the subcontract packages for the SCUH (Sunshine Coast University Hospital), an approximately $1.8b project that included a lot of quantities.

Through our use of 5D workflows and the incorporation of Building Information Modelling (BIM), our team was able to deliver current BoQs that were fluid and transparent (which is very different from a traditional BoQ). This project was exciting, not only because of the scale of the project, but because of the people within the project teams I was able to collaborate with and the ground-breaking progress we made within BIM and 5D (the use of 3D models for cost and quantity).

Since that time, I have been exposed to a number of great BIM projects, however this one sticks in my mind as at that point in time we were achieving very innovative workflows and outputs.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN YOUR CAREER AS A QS? I am looking forward to the further progression of BIM within our industry and more importantly within our profession.

YQS SPOTLIGHT

HOW WAS YOUR CADETSHIP? WHO DID YOU DO YOUR CADETSHIP WITH? HOW DID IT GO? My cadetship was with Mitchell Brandtman Quantity Surveyors. I started with them 3 weeks before I started my degree. It worked on a basis of 3.5 days working and 1.5 days of university. This meant that my degree took a bit longer than if I were to undertake it full time.

However, the practical experience I gained during my cadetship not only assisted in understanding the theoretical

knowledge I was learning at university, but enabled me to be a well-rounded and ready-for-work QS by the time I graduated. I am still with Mitchell Brandtman, and have now been working here for 12 years! I would recommend a cadetship to any QS going through university.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING TO GET INTO THIS CAREER? Get a cadetship as soon as is practical.

Network with QSs and find a mentor(s).

CAITLIN’S YQS PATHWAY Date

Role

Location

2012 – present

Guest Tutor & Lecturer

QUT (Queensland University Technology)

2006 - present

QS

Mitchell Brandtman

2006-2011

Student

QUT (Queensland University Technology)

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 31

DESCRIBE QUANTITY SURVEYING IN 3 WORDS? Interesting, stimulating and rewarding

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A QS? I had always been interested in working in the construction industry, so when I started my bachelor degree, I chose to study Building and Construction Management. During my studies I discussed my career options with my lecturers and professors. They spoke about Quantity Surveying, so I researched the profession and decided to do my industry work experience in QS. I really enjoyed the challenge and variety during my work experience, so decided to focus on the QS career path.

INTERESTING, STIMULATING AND WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY/WEEK AS A QS REWARDING LOOK LIKE TO YOU? Yeru (Ruky) Wang MAIQS Donald Cant Watts Corke (WA) Quantity Surveyor 26 years old

Since I started working as a QS, I have been exposed to a variety of projects that involve measurement, cost planning, Bills of Quantities, bank reports and depreciation reports.

WHAT IS A QS? QS is a proactive professional role from the cost and value perspective of the construction industry. It involves coordinating and working in numerous roles across the industry, providing professional advice through the whole life cycle of a project. Quantity Surveyors help their clients to manage and monitor the cost from the concept stage.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING JOB YOU HAVE WORKED ON? I have worked on numerous projects, all of them have given me different experiences and impressed me in a number of ways. The ‘33 Allara Street

32 - MARCH 2018 - THE BUILDING ECONOMIST

Canberra’ project enhanced my technical skills in a comprehensive way. I worked on this project from the concept design stage to post contract stage including the DA and pre-tender stage, preparing the high-level cost plan, pre-tender estimate, tender analysis and progress claims for the project. I have also been involved in contract administration, such as variations assessment, and my communication skills have been enhanced through invaluable experience in dealing with clients, architects, engineers and project managers.

“This experience gave me confidence to follow my career in Quantity Surveying.

My enthusiasm and positivity as a QS is constantly growing”

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN YOUR CAREER AS A QS? As a young QS and with my level of experience, I am looking forward to engaging with experienced professionals to develop and understand the role of a QS and the potential to add value for clients from different angles. I want to understand how the QS can drive the project and achieve the best outcome. I am still keen to improve myself as a QS and that excites me.

HOW WAS YOUR CADETSHIP? Who did you do your cadetship with? How did it go?

I had my cadetship with Donald Cant Watts Corke (DCWC) in the Canberra office before I completed my degree. My supervisors gave me a comprehensive picture of the role and responsibilities of a QS in different situations and taught me a high level of professionalism. This experience gave me confidence to follow

YQS SPOTLIGHT

my career in Quantity Surveying. My enthusiasm and positivity as a QS is constantly growing.

Surveyors. At the same time, exposure to the industry through work experience, and talking to current AIQS members is also useful.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING TO GET INTO THIS CAREER?

The best advice I have received in regards to how to get into Quantity Surveying was from my lecturers, they strongly encouraged and supported me to talk to the people from the industry.

The Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) is a good and reliable source of information for Quantity

YERU’S YQS PATHWAY Date

Role

Location

Dec 2015 Present

Quantity Surveyor

Donald Cant Watts Corke (DCWC) Canberra Office

Dec 2014 – Dec 2015

Cadet Quantity Surveyor

Donald Cant Watts Corke (DCWC) Canberra Office

Feb 2012 – Dec 2014

Student

Bachelor of Building and Construction Management - University of Canberra

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 33

WHAT IS A QS? A Quantity Surveyor is a construction cost consultant. We provide cost management services for all project phases across multiple sectors. This includes estimating at all levels, preparing Bills of Quantities, contract administration and other ancillary services.

AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO BE A QS? When I was 17 and selecting my university preferences, I stumbled across the Construction Management degree and the associated career paths. I looked up the definition of a Quantity Surveyor and thought it was a perfect fit for me, my interests and skillset. Ever since then I haven’t looked back.

I STUMBLED ACROSS THE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT DEGREE AND THE WHAT DOES AN AVERAGE DAY/WEEK AS A QS ASSOCIATED CAREER PATHS. I LOOKED UP LOOK LIKE TO YOU? THE DEFINITION OF A QUANTITY SURVEYOR AND THOUGHT IT WAS A PERFECT FIT FOR I’m not sure there is an average day or week because our tasks vary depending ME, MY INTERESTS AND SKILLSET. on the time of month and year. Usually at EVER SINCE THEN I HAVEN’T LOOKED BACK the start of a new month I’ll be assessing Melanie Cumming AIQS (Affil.)

Ralph Beattie Bosworth (RBB) Quantity Surveyor 23 years old

builders’ progress claims, visiting various sites, and completing reports. At any other point across a month I may be meeting with architects to understand new plans for an estimate we are preparing, in the office measuring building components for estimates or Bills of Quantities, or possibly assessing variations and instructions for various ongoing projects we are managing the costs for.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXCITING JOB YOU HAVE WORKED ON? Well there are a lot of confidential jobs I can’t tell you about, and they’re probably the most exciting!

Beyond these jobs there have been many other projects I have found rewarding to work on. Some of the most memorable

34 - MARCH 2018 - THE BUILDING ECONOMIST

include large scale shopping centre developments, such as Mandurah Forum Shopping Centre, high-rise apartment development across the metro area and some truly amazing heritage buildings in Midland, WA. I’m especially fond of some of the work I did when helping to prepare multiple estimates for the State Tennis Centre Business Case, where we were looking at alternative options and incorporating value engineering.

“Just one or two days following a Senior Quantity Surveyor will put you in a better position to objectively decide if it’s for you or not”

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN YOUR CAREER AS A QS? Ultimately, I’m looking forward to working on specialised projects with clients seeking opportunities to incorporate smart technologies and value engineering within sustainable development.

For current and upcoming work, I’m eager and looking forward to working on more projects where I can assist with services across all of the project’s phases. So, continuing to prepare estimates, Bills of Quantities and contract administration across an entire project.

HOW WAS YOUR CADETSHIP? Who did you do your cadetship with? How did it go?

I worked part time for my current employer Ralph Beattie Bosworth (RBB), whilst completing my studies.

This formed a cadetship because it provided me with on the job training, an introduction to the industry and the

YQS SPOTLIGHT

Quantity Surveying profession.

I am very pleased with the training I received at RBB, because it was in a progressive role working on many different projects with highly skilled professionals.

RBB employed me with no prior industry experience and provided me with the building blocks and responsibility to compliment my studies and establish myself as a qualified Quantity Surveyor.

I’d certainly recommend RBB as a potential employer for students looking for Quantity Surveying cadetships.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS LOOKING TO GET INTO THIS CAREER? If you’re considering the Quantity Surveying profession, and have never met or known a Quantity Surveyor to hear of their experiences first hand, ensure you contact some local companies and try to arrange some vacation work or work experience. Just one or two days

following a Senior Quantity Surveyor will put you in a better position to objectively decide if it’s for you or not.

ANY TIPS? Be inquisitive. The most intelligent people I know ask questions and will be honest if they don’t understand something or have no knowledge on the matter thereof. Remember to recognise this as a professional, and note that you are doing yourself a disservice and limiting your growth if you do speak up with questions.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE RECEIVED? I recall a friend and past colleague once saying to me, “Don’t underestimate your own abilities and skills. Be sure to value yourself and ensure your employer, whoever they are, does the same”.

This has really stuck with me over the last couple of years, and helps me ensure I carry myself with integrity when working with others.

MELANIE’S YQS PATHWAY Date

Role

Location

2017

Affiliate Member

Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

2016

Quantity Surveyor

Ralph Beattie Bosworth (RBB)

2016

Graduate

Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management and Economics) at Curtin University

2016

Committee Member

YQS WA

2015

Student Member

Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors

2014

Junior/Student Quantity Surveyor

Ralph Beattie Bosworth (RBB)

2013

Student

Bachelor of Applied Science (Construction Management and Economics) at Curtin University

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 35

TOMORROWS CHALLENGES

AN EXEMPLAR OF

CONSTRUCTION SOCIAL PROCUREMENT IN ACTION With youth unemployment on the rise, the Australian government is looking to social procurement policies as a way to break the cycle of disadvantage and strengthen local communities. The construction sector is an obvious candidate for the implementation of these new policies because of the current skills shortage it faces and also due to its reach into the country’s more remote and disadvantaged areas. This new process of collaboration between the third sector and the construction industry could throw up a number of issues, however if the organisations involved can get it right, by maximising both economic and social value there is enormous potential for positive social change.

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On the surface, the most recent economic news looks very positive, with unemployment falling to a five-year low. However, these statistics hide the fact that significant parts of Australian society are not sharing in this economic prosperity with other less lauded figures showing that between 1 and 1.5 million people are living in entrenched disadvantage and poverty.

Since the global financial crisis, Australia’s youth have been hit especially hard with reductions in full-time work and underemployment. In 2008, 36% of those aged 15-24 had full-time work while today it is 26%. Indigenous youth fare especially badly with unemployment and underemployment rates as high as 60% in some regions of Australia.

Overall, almost one in three young people face unemployment or underemployment, more than double the rate of the overall working population despite a range of programs at federal and state level to address the issue. Yet ironically, at the same time the construction industry - Australia’s largest youth employer, has a rapidly aging workforce and faces critical skills shortages to deliver an unprecedented construction and infrastructure pipeline.

Youth unemployment is just one of many ‘wicked’ social challenges we face as a country which seem resistant to change from traditional government interventions. Recognising this, governments and forward-looking private firms and clients in Australia and elsewhere, are adopting social procurement as an innovative mechanism by which governments, private clients, construction companies, not-for-profits

and communities can work together to address intransigent social problems like youth unemployment in the communities in which we build. They are doing this by using social procurement to link major infrastructure spending to the creation of new employment opportunities for disadvantaged young people (and many other under-represented and disadvantaged groups such as refugees, Indigenous, women, disabled, exoffenders etc).

These new social procurement policies mean that in the future, firms tendering for projects will not only have to demonstrate their ability to meet traditional time, cost, quality, safety and environmental targets, but they will have to show they are contributing positively to the communities in which they work and build through the meeting of new social targets.

Every person working in the construction industry, no matter what level and role, will be fundamentally affected by these profound changes to the way our industry’s performance is measured and assessed. However, while new requirements to incorporate social targets are now increasingly finding their way into tenders, to most people that operate in the construction industry, this is a new process which they do not have the knowledge, experience or skills to undertake, and often it will require them working in partnership with a sector of the economy (the social/third sector) which they do not understand. This is where problems can arise, potentially creating new significant risks for those who have no experience of working with the many different types of social

Martin is Professor of Construction Management at the UNSW, and a visiting professor at the University of Loughborough, UK. Martin has published nine books and over 200 internationally refereed articles in the areas of innovation, social enterprise and procurement, risk management, corporate social responsibility, human resource management and corporate strategy. He has written in various leading media outlets including the Australian Financial Review, Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian and The Conversation.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 37

benefit organisations which exist in this space: social enterprises, Indigenous businesses, disability enterprises, minority owned enterprises, enterprising not-for-profits/charities, social businesses, cooperatives, enterprising charities and local businesses etc.

There are many new opportunities associated with working with the third sector but there are also many barriers to the successful integration of these organisations into the construction supply chain, which can undo the inexperienced and unwary. This is where expert advice from someone who understands both the third sector and the construction industry is of critical importance, although there are precious few of these people who genuinely have these insights and skills.

Most in the construction industry will understand the term procurement to mean the process by which organisations acquire the products and services necessary for the achievement of their business objectives at the best possible cost, quality and timing and ideally, in a way which does not damage the environment or society. Social procurement differs from traditional procurement in that it involves the use of procurement to leverage extra social benefits and create ‘social value’ in local communities, both directly and indirectly, in line with local community social priorities.

In simple terms, direct social procurement involves purchasing products and services directly from social benefit organisations which trade for a social purpose. In contrast, indirect social procurement

involves leveraging business networks to do the same, through numerous mechanisms such as social clauses in employment contracts, supplier codes of practice, responsible sourcing policies and distributed/lead agency procurement.

Essentially, through social procurement, organisations effectively create a quasimarket for certain types of minority or social purpose business, diversifying their existing supply chains with the dual goal of maximising both economic and social value. Of course, it’s much more sophisticated than this and it is recommended that businesses interested in developing a capability in this area undertake a simple internal audit to know how to start building a social procurement strategy which is built on existing initiatives and which is targeted, effective and efficient, and suits the resources, capabilities and social objectives of the organisation involved.

The social value created through social procurement can take many forms depending on the nature of the businesses employed - from providing employment and training opportunities to disadvantaged groups to work opportunities for local and minority businesses. These outcomes can in turn translate into numerous impacts for wider society such as improved income, health and well-being and reduced crime, substance abuse and incarceration, which social impact practitioners controversially attempt to measure, quantify and monetise using a variety of techniques such as social return on investment, cost benefit analysis, social accounting, balanced scorecard, social impact assessment and wellbeing methods.

38 - MARCH 2018 - THE BUILDING ECONOMIST

This is a confusing and evolving space.

Although there are some basic and widely accepted principles of social impact measurement, there are literally hundreds of different methods for measuring social impact and an even greater number of businesses out there claiming their method is best.

Extreme care is required since the construction sector is seen as a major target for social procurement, not only because of the opportunities afforded by skills shortages and major infrastructure pipelines but because it has a major multiplier effect into the wider economy and builds in many of the country’s most remote and disadvantaged communities.

The culture of construction is also tolerant of disadvantage and there are many jobs which offer unskilled workers a pathway back to work.

“This trend is not going away. The Australian government is pioneering the field of social procurement in line with global trends in New Public Governance”

This trend is not going away. The Australian government is pioneering the field of social procurement in line with global trends in New Public Governance towards working more collaboratively with the private and third sectors to address intransigent social problems which traditional public-sector interventions have failed to resolve.

Governments around the world are running out of money and ideas and social inequity and disadvantage are growing. The numbers of governments and major private clients developing social procurement policies is growing rapidly and it is interesting that only recently Laurence Fink, founder and Chief Executive of the investment firm BlackRock (the largest investor in the world which manages more than $6 trillion), informed business leaders that their companies need to do more than make profits — they need to contribute to society as well if they want to receive the support of BlackRock.

Despite this growing trend, there are precious few examples in the construction industry of how to do social procurement well. It is also worrying that there appears to be a tendency to vastly over-claim the positive social impacts of any initiatives which have been put in place. The core principles of effective social impact assessment are routinely squandered, undermining the credibility of many organisations who claim to be delivering in this space.

For those looking for world class examples of innovative social procurement and successful cross-sector collaboration, Australian builder Multiplex provides such an example.

Multiplex has been voluntarily engaged in social procurement for many years and is internationally recognised as one of the pioneers in this space. Their Connectivity Centre initiative provides a physical and virtual space for the government, business, third sector, community and traditional not-for-profit

and charity sectors to collaborate and cocreate innovative, cross-sector solutions to pressing social challenges in the communities in which Multiplex builds.

While creating/identifying employment opportunities is a priority, so is the delivery of social value/community benefit.

- supporting the redevelopment and tenants of Shellharbour shopping centre (NSW)

Different cross-sector configurations, relationships, collaborations, joint ventures and partnerships, developed and tested over a decade, are forged in different project locations in a consultative approach with stakeholders.

• The Greenhill Connectivity Centre - supporting the build and tenants of Greenhill redevelopment East Maitland (NSW)

“Multiplex has been voluntarily engaged in social procurement for many years and is internationally recognised as one of the pioneers in this space”

The priorities and definition of social value/community benefit, identified through this approach, represent the starting point for the formation of each individual program and the ultimate standards by which their success is measured.

The Connectivity Centre initiative is based on over ten years of successful development and refinement, with Centres based on a range of Multiplex projects which have included: • Fiona Stanley Hospital (Western Australia) • The Connectivity and Training Centre

• Bega Hospital (NSW) • Wetherill Park shopping centre redevelopment (NSW)

• The Westmead Hospital redevelopment (NSW)

The lessons learnt from the Connectivity Centres are shared by all that participate and ultimately the wider community and highlight both the critical importance of collaboration in dealing with some of society’s most complex social challenges and the need to draw on the right advice in taking the first step to deal with those challenges.

Youth unemployment costs Australia $11.3 billion per year in lost productivity and innovation, in addition to numerous social and health costs including higher rates of family dislocation, crime, homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, welfare dependency, suicide and lower education levels. Youth unemployment and underemployment is a terrible and tragic waste of our most precious resource.

The young Australians who we will rely on to continue Australia’s unprecedented 24 years of continuous economic growth into the future are entitled to expect solutions to these problems and the construction industry must share the responsibility to deliver them.

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 39

STUDENTS AND YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN CONSTRUCTION LAW

CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ARE INHERENTLY COMPLEX, CONTAINING A HIGH LEVEL OF RISK AND UNCERTAINTY. THEY ARE HIGHLY TECHNICAL, COMPETITIVE, TIME SENSITIVE AND INVOLVE A VARIETY OF PLAYERS, EACH WITH DIFFERING INTERESTS THESE POWERFUL INFLUENCERS CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE CONFLICTS ARE INEVITABLE AT THE CONTRACTING STAGE BEFORE AND DURING AND AFTER COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT. IF SUCH DIFFERENCES ARE NOT PROPERLY MANAGED, THEY BECOME DISPUTES. AS SUCH, GRAPPLING WITH THE LEGAL PRINCIPLES THAT GOVERN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT CAN BE A CHALLENGING TASK EVEN FOR THE MOST EXPERIENCED CONSTRUCTION LAWYERS.

VIEWPOINT

WHAT IS CONSTRUCTION LAW? Philip L Bruner described construction law as: ‘A primordial soup in the ‘melting pot’ of the law – a thick broth consisting of centuries-old legal theories fortified by statutory law and seasoned by contextual legal innovations reflecting the broad factual ‘realities’ of the modern construction process’. 1 This broad quote is an attempt to encapsulate the magnitude of influencers that make up construction law. Like all industries, the built environment embodies its own discrete language and unique stakeholders from building, construction and engineering fields.

However, unlike many other areas of the law, construction law incorporates and calls upon contract, commercial, tort and planning law in order to accommodate

the complexities of the built environment and the diverse participants (e.g. architects, builders, construction workers, Quantity Surveyors, engineers).

Therefore, construction lawyers play the intricate role of applying legal principles to the incompatibility of interests within a multifaceted industry.

It is for this reason that construction law is becoming increasingly recognised as an area of law in its own right in order to cater for the built environment. As such, it is important that construction law is taught to prospective young lawyers at the university level stage.

UNIVERSITIES AND STUDENTS Whilst many law firms specialise in construction contracting and construction litigation, the same cannot be said for the universities and law

schools that are teaching law students before they enter the workforce.

At the Construction Law Academic Forum (2012), Matthew Bell and Paula Gerber noted, “While there are several hundred universities around the world which are training lawyers at undergraduate or graduate level, construction law is taught in perhaps a few dozen of them”. 2 The result of this is that many aspiring construction lawyers are not afforded the opportunity to grapple with issues in construction law, nor are they able to gain a theoretical insight from academic experts and professionals in this area. For instance, latent conditions, variations and extensions of time are commonly litigated areas in construction disputes. However, such issues are rarely understood in the legal sector unless the practitioner has a construction background. Enabling

1 Philip L Bruner, ‘The Historical Emergence of Construction Law’ (2007) 34 William Mitchell Law Review 1.

2 Matthew Bell & Paula Gerber, ‘Passing on the torch of learning in the ‘primordial soup’ of construction law: reflections from the Construction Law Academic Forum,

2012’ (2012) 7 Construction Law International 3.

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students to familiarise themselves with these issues, the risks they pose and effective solutions to the same would perhaps enhance the advice provided by the legal sector.

contemporary solutions to building disputes at an earlier age should provide students with a skillset that proves to be an overall benefit to the sector.

Bell and Gerber (2012) further noted that:

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS IN CONSTRUCTION LAW

“Those partners of law firms who have access to students who have undertaken some construction law study at undergraduate level (typically via an optional subject or research project) confirmed that these students are able to ‘stand out from the crowd’ among their peers in their attractiveness as potential colleagues because the need for the firm to teach these graduates the basics of construction law ‘on the job’ is obviated.”

“The challenge is great. Every case is different yet involve similar issues. It is most enjoyable when you are able to resolve a dispute…”

Considering dispute resolution in the construction industry was estimated to cost between $560-580 million in 2012, the failure of universities to reflect the demand for lawyers with knowledge of the construction law is a disservice to the industry.

The initial offering of construction law as an elective into the curriculum of both Monash and Melbourne Universities quickly experienced a tremendous growth in the enrolment numbers in the following years. Arguably, this was the result of a ‘practical’ approach to teaching, such as the Monash University course taking students on a ‘site visit’ to inspect a building in progress.

Notably, these two leading universities both provide an in-depth theoretical perspective on construction contracting and dispute resolution, in an effort to reduce the overall legal inefficiencies that are prevalent in the built sector. An increase in the exposure to construction law principles and exploring

In order to gain an insight into the mind of a young professional in the construction law industry, we recently conducted an interview of one of our junior construction lawyers at our Melbourne office and asked a number of questions including the following:

Q1. What skills are required in your position on a day-to-day basis?

“Definitely a knowledge of the industry. I think it is important that lawyers providing advice on construction matters have a coherent understanding of the industry and the practical effect of the legislation and contractual clauses…. You also need to be able to take a commercial view of the matter and advise clients accordingly.”

Q2. What parts of your job do you find most challenging?

“In some aspects of construction law such as Security of Payment, time is of the essence. It is challenging to liaise with multiple people within a strict timeframe and produce a finished document such as an adjudication application.”

Q3. What do find most enjoyable?

“The challenge is great. Every case is different yet involves similar issues. It is most enjoyable when you are able to resolve a dispute, in a way which is within control of your client.”

Q4. Do you anticipate any changes to the role of a construction lawyer over the next 10 years?

“With the introduction of the DBDRV (Domestic Building Dispute Resolution Victoria), a greater emphasis of settlement procedures for residential disputes may be more prevalent. Perhaps an early expert determination considering both legal and factual issues, the cost of which is equally borne by the parties. Allowing parties to have an early evaluation of the dispute may motivate an earlier resolution. The role for lawyers may be to assist in this process.

“I also believe there will be greater technology applied to the courts and tribunals such as the use of paperless trials, especially with the significant quantity of documents utilised in construction litigation.”

The answers to these questions seem to be consistent with the hypothesis proposed by Bell and Gerber (2012), as discussed above. Notably, the interviewee reiterates the challenge and necessity of understanding the industry and how the law applies to it.

CONCLUSION It is essential that young, aspiring law students interested in becoming construction lawyers are given the opportunity to enhance the relevant skills at the earliest stage possible, to ensure that they are exposed to contemporary construction law solutions and have the ability to grasp with the complexities of construction law. Providing such access may perhaps revolutionise the way contracting and disputes in the built environment are managed, leading to more commercially beneficial results.

Legal case notes has been brought to you

by Doyles Construction Lawyers for further information or if you have any questions in relation to this article please visit www. doylesconstructionlawyers.com or contact doyles@doylesconstructionlawyers.com

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 43

VIEWPOINT

UAE BRANCH SOCIAL: ANNUAL DINNER

Dubai, UAE 8th February 2018

44 - MARCH 2018 - THE BUILDING ECONOMIST

QLD SOCIAL: CHRISTMAS PARTY

Brisbane, Queensland 29th November 2017

VIC SOCIAL: ANNUAL SUNDOWNER

Melbourne, Victoria 5th December 2017

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 45

SOCIAL

SA SITE VISIT: O-BAHN CITY ACCESS PROJECT

Adelaide, South Australia 19th October 2017

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SOCIAL

ACT SOCIAL: SAILING

Canberra, ACT 8th February 2018

If you have held or attended an AIQS event in your area and want to be featured in the Social Pages please send the event details and photographs to marketing@aiqs.com.au

THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018 - 47

SOCIAL

BUILDING COST INDEX THE BUILDING COST INDEX IS PUBLISHED IN THE PRINT VERSION OF THE BUILDING ECONOMIST. IT CONTAINS DATA THAT CAN BE USED AS A PREDICTOR FOR THE ESTIMATED TIMES FOR DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION AND INCLUDES A SUMMARY OF THE PAST, PRESENT AND ESTIMATED FUTURE CONSTRUCTION COSTS. 48 - MARCH 2018 - THE BUILDING ECONOMIST

BCI

BUILDING COST IMARCHNDEX2018 THE BUILDING ECONOMIST - MARCH 2018- 49