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News
In this issue, Trimble releases its Siteworks Machine Guidance Module for compact track loader buckets, Three Rivers Machinery is announced as a Case CE distributor, FAE releases a new remotecontrolled mulcher, tickets go on sale for the Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show 2025, and Cat releases Cat Command for Loading for a wider range of models, plus much more.
Features
The IMS PM1200-20TB pugmill from Crusher Screen Sales & Hire is a gamechanger for accuracy in road base production 10
Get great machinery at an even better price with Digger King 12
Hallett Group has transformed its Truro quarry thanks to CJD Equipment and Volvo Site Solutions 16
With ITR Pacific’s ground engaging tool parts, your machinery can last for as long as you need it 20
ANT International is filling a gap in the market with its specialist mini excavator buckets 21
Keestrack is giving EWS Group the precision and feedback required for recycling concrete 22
Meet the world’s first female tunnel boring machine pilot: Isolde Piet 28
Corey Ziems’ incredible shots of earthmoving machinery is showing off the best of the industry 32
Yellowgate Group’s Rent Now, Buy Later solution continues to support businesses across the nation 42
Ensure your equipment trailer is secure with these top anti-theft tips
A pair of LiuGong wheel loaders have made all the difference for Hamilton Transport
Get some ideas for the festive season with our first ever Christmas gift guide
Industry opinion
NAWIC welcomes its new CEO Cathryn Greville
Events news
Next year’s inaugural Converge Expo is built by Australians for Australian construction Calendar of upcoming industry events
Regulars
Marketplace / DIY advertising Digger deals – hot classified deals! Private advertising coupon Index
Cutting-Edge Technology: Maximise efficiency with features like Load Sensing hydraulics for unmatched control.
450 kW Volvo Engine: Dominate any material with effortless digging force.
Safety & Operator Comfort: Experience a panoramic view and intuitive controls in a safe, ergonomic cab.
Volvo’s unique ECO Mode and an advanced electro-hydraulic system, achieving outstanding fuel efficiency.
MACHINE GUIDANCE
Trimble has released a Siteworks Machine Guidance Module for use on compact track loader buckets
Complete control
Trimble has announced the worldwide availability of its Trimble Siteworks Machine Guidance Module for compact track loaders.
The Siteworks Machine Guidance Module extends the capabilities of Trimble Siteworks Software from surveying and layout to supporting on-machine guidance and operator assistance, now on compact track loader buckets.
This is Trimble’s first machine guidance solution designed for compact track loader buckets.
The addition of Siteworks Machine Guidance for compact track loaders gives users the ability to move the system among multiple machines and jobsites.
“The Siteworks Machine Guidance Module has been popular since the day we introduced it because it gives operators a simple, high
EXPANSION
value, one-stop-shop for both survey and grade control,” Trimble vice president, civil solutions, Elwyn McLachlan says.
“We’re excited to announce support for compact track loaders, furthering the versatility of this machine type. With Siteworks Machine Guidance, the operator can easily use the bucket to level materials to design, which would previously require switching to either a grading or box blade attachment.”
The Siteworks Machine Guidance system includes the Trimble SPS986 or Trimble R780 GNSS Smart Antenna with tilt compensation and the Trimble ProPoint positioning engine, and any bring-your-own-device or Trimble field tablet that supports the Siteworks software. The module enables contractors to use Siteworks off the machine to design, measure
New dealer
west
dealer Three Rivers Machinery has added Case Construction Equipment to its product offering
Case Construction Equipment will now be available in the New South Wales centres of Dubbo, Gilgandra, Narromine and Warren, through new dealer Three Rivers Machinery.
This deal has allowed Three Rivers Machinery to expand its CNH brand
offering, which already includes Case IH, New Holland, K-Line Ag, Flexi-Coil and Horwood Bagshaw products.
“Offering a more diverse range of products under the CNH banner means we’re providing a more complete sales, parts and service solution for our
and lay out projects. Contractors can then transfer the GNSS receiver and field tablet from the pole to the compact track loader or excavator to provide in-cab, 3D machine guidance and grade checking capabilities without the need for a surveyor.
Siteworks Machine Guidance sales and support for compact track loaders is available worldwide now through SITECH.
customer base,” Three Rivers Machinery dealer principal John Plunkett says.
“The expansion of our CNH offerings strengthens our ability to support local industries with reliable, highperformance equipment backed by our commitment to service.”
With this expansion, Three Rivers Machinery aims to enhance operational efficiency and productivity for local contractors, farmers and other professionals.
Since being established in 2001, Case says Three Rivers Machinery has grown to be a trusted provider of agricultural and construction equipment, known for its commitment to highquality service and its wide range of machinery solutions.
Three Rivers Machinery will now offer the complete suite of CNH brands to meet varying regional needs.
Central
New South Wales
Three Rivers Machinery is a new dealer of Case Construction Equipment. Image: Case CE
Trimble has expanded its siteworks machine guidance to compact excavators. Image: Trimble
MULCHER
Remote release
FAE has expanded its RCU range with the RCU120 for remote control mowing and brush cutting
The RCU120 is a remote controlled mower designed to work in hardto-reach areas or on steeply sloping terrain where operator safety is a concern, such as in hilly and wooded areas and near railroad tracks, power lines, gas and oil pipelines, gardens, roads, highways, canals, rivers and lakes.
This new FAE tracked carrier has a Kohler 120hp (89kW) common rail electronic fuel injection engine and the heavy-duty undercarriage has a variable hydraulic design with independent rollers and an automatic tensioning system.
Its high-profile rubber tracks with 86mm spacing and a 320mm width means the RCU120 can handle difficult conditions, such as steep slopes up to 55 degrees. In addition, a steel track option is available.
The dual hydrostatic transmission of the RCU120 makes it easier to manage traction and the attachment simultaneously, FAE says. It is controlled with a wireless remote, with a large 4.3 inch (11cm) display for management of all
EVENT NEWS
The 2025 Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show will take place 15–17 May 2025 in Brisbane
HEMS
2025
The FAE RCU120. Image: FAE
vehicle and head functions and customisable function keys.
The RCU120 is the first FAE compact remote-controlled tracked carrier to be outfitted with a Sonic technology-integrated forestry mulcher. This exclusive FAE technology allows for better management of equipment performance, creating a productivity increase of up to 30 per cent, it says.
The RCU120 FAE carrier can be equipped with FAE forestry mulchers, stump cutters, stone crushers and road millers. Thanks to its SAE connection, the RCU120 can be equipped with third-party equipment as well.
Finally, the FAE RCU120 can be paired with the FAE app, allowing users to access diagnostic notifications, scheduled maintenance indicators and primary operating parameters in real time through their smartphone.
Civil Contractors Federation Queensland has announced that tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show, which it will once again organise to run alongside the Brisbane Truck Show next May.
The Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show is an exciting opportunity to connect with industry leaders, discover the latest and greatest technology, and get behind the wheel of both big machinery and simulators! The show is back for the fourth time, taking place 15–17 May at the Brisbane Showgrounds.
In 2023 over 5,500 attendees and 50 exhibitors gathered in Brisbane to inspect the showcase of the latest machinery and technology in Australia’s earthmoving industry. Adult tickets are $25 for a one-day pass, and $60 for the full three days.
Tickets for the Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show also allow entry to the Brisbane Truck Show, taking place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, with free shuttle buses between the events.
For more information and to buy tickets, visit: www. heavyequipmentshow.com.au
CJD Equipment at the 2023 Heavy Equipment and Machinery Show. Image: Prime Creative Media
MACHINE CONTROL
Cat command
Cat Command for Loading is now supported on a wider range of models, increasing safety for more operators by removing them from the cabin
Caterpillar has announced that Cat Command for Loading is expanding to all medium wheel loaders, excluding its GC models.
Command for Loading is designed to increase safety in hazardous environments by removing the operator from the machine and offering semiautonomous control of next generation wheel loaders.
It will now support a wider range of models, from Cat 950 to 982 wheel loaders. This includes 950, 962, 966, 966 XE, 972, 972 XE, 980, 980 XE, 982 and 982 XE next-generation models.
By enabling operators to comfortably control the machine from a safe location, Caterpillar says Command for Loading maintains
high machine productivity in operating environments like demolition, environmental remediation, stevedoring and the handling of fertiliser, chips and sawdust.
It is available in both line-ofsight and non-line-of-sight configurations and is integrated with the loader’s electronic and hydraulic systems for quick response and smooth control.
The technology allows for easy switching between remote and manual in-cab operation. Basic machine controls such as wheel loader startup/shutdown, bucket rack/dump and lift/lower can be easily accessed through the
Command for Loading increases safety by offering semiautonomous control of next generation wheel loaders
console control layout. Operator inputs are sent directly to the machine’s electronics from the Command console.
Integrated safety features bring wheel loader movements to a stop when either the A-stop or remote shutdown switch is pressed, wireless communication is lost, a severe fault is detected, or the Command for Loading console is tilted more than 45-degrees from normal operating position.
For non-line of sight operation, Cat says the Command for Loading station connects to multiple machines at the same job site or different sites. The user can operate one machine at a time either onsite or from kilometres away.
Command for Loading hardware comes complete in a dealer-installed package that includes a low-profile design on the roof of the loader –requiring no welding or wire splicing. It is compatible with other Command offerings for Cat equipment, including excavators and dozers.
The technology will now support Cat 950 to 982 next generation wheel loaders
Images: Caterpillar
"Our primary focus is c reating a circular economy, particularly in concrete recycling"
PETER KALAJIOVSKI GENERAL MANAGER AT EWS GROUP
Concrete is an essential component of our infrastructure, but it’s also one of the biggest contributors to landfill waste. That’s why concrete recycling is so important.
EWS Group is a respected player in the Australian market, successfully adopting sustainability and innovation. “Our commitment to converting unused concrete into reusable aggregates has built our reputation as a leader in sustainable waste management.”
Ciaran highlights, “EWS experienced significant frustrations with the service and spare parts availability from their previous supplier. SMA showcased inventory capabilities, exceptional service and support. As well as our capability to deliver reliable, highperformance machinery. Resulting in a strengthening partnership between EWS and SMA, which has been essential for enhancing operational efficiency and minimising downtime.”
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www.screenmasters.com.au
Precision blending
The IMS PM1200-20TB pugmill from Crusher Screen Sales & Hire is a gamechanger for accuracy in road base production
After being introduced to the Australian market by Crusher Screen Sales & Hire (CSSH) earlier this year, the IMS PM1200-20TB pugmill has been bringing high precision material processing to quarries across the country.
CSSH manager John Andersen says the PM1200-20TB pugmill has been a hit with industry due to its accuracy and reliability.
“Crusher Screen Sales & Hire is the Australian distributor for IMS, from Ireland, and both companies have
The IMS PM1050-16TB pugmill is operating throughout Australia
New IMS-PM1200-20TB pugmill twin feed hopper blender
worked together to create pugmills and blenders suitable for Australian conditions, as well as the changing requirements for blended material in the quarry, construction and mining industries,” he says.
“Some quarries have difficulty meeting road base standards without blending fines into the product. There is also increased use in the industry of blending recycled products into virgin quarry products in order to reduce the amount of raw material being used, reduce the amount of waste being taken to landfill and reduce the amount of transport movements on the road.”
This, he explains, is where the PM1200-20TB pugmill provides significant benefits to quarrying customers, due to its large-scale throughput and ability to handle several additives at once.
“The new IMS PM1200-20TB track pugmill has two 5m-long feed hoppers holding 10 cubic metres each, with separate hopper conveyors fitted with belt scales
Images:
CSSH
enabling the blending of two products with accuracy,” he says.
“The pugmill has the option of one or two powder hoppers and the ability to add two liquids. This is fully automated with a PLC control and recording system that can be operated with an iPad in a loader or site office.”
The PM1200-20TB has a longer 3m pugbox to ensure a quality mix when blending high percentages of powder – like roller-compacted concrete.
A four-sided access platform with stairs gives complete access around the cement hoppers for maintenance and visibility of the feed.
Proven reliability
A series of IMS-PM1200-20TB pugmills, along with the single-hopper IMS PM1050-16TB tracked pugmill, are working in quarries across Australia, blending road base for major new infrastructure projects.
Andersen says the ability of the IMS-PM1200-20TB pugmills to blend two raw materials with the option of
adding two powders and liquids has been a major draw for his customers.
“These machines also offer great serviceability, and the improved PLC control and recording system that can be monitored from an office and our service department increases both safety and ease of maintenance,” he says.
“The PM1200-20TB pugmill stands out, as it is the only pugmill blender on the market that has two separate conveyors on both feed hoppers. Others have a dividing wall on the feed hopper, but only one conveyor belt, so you can only adjust the percentage of product from both sides with a front of hopper flow gate.
The PM1200-20TB has the front of hopper adjustable flow gate plus a variable speed conveyor belt fitted with belt scales and PLC control system, making it more accurate.”
The PM1200-20TB has an improved Australian designed PLC with a full reporting program showing the percentages of each product used, along with a
supporting graph for each batchand the machine will auto stop if the blend is not making the programmed percentages.
It will also give daily totals of all the different products used for the day, which helps with the management of stock materials and ordering.
Alongside the IMS PM1200-20TB pugmill, IMS has also released the new BP1200-48TB track blender. This has four 5m-long feed hoppers, each holding 12 cubic metres, and is powered by a Cat C7 generator that can be connected to mains power.
The BP1200-48TB blender can work in conjunction with the IMS modular electric pugmill.
For more information on the PM1200-20TB pugmill and other IMS offerings from Crusher Screen Sales & Hire, visit: www.crusherscreen.com
The IMS PM1200-24TB blender/ pugmill operating with the IMS mobile 45-tonne silo
Wise investment
Digger King prides itself on being a leading cost-effective OEM, with a wide range of machines that have the high quality required for whatever task might be at hand
Purchasing the right machine for the job is critical to the success of your business, but it can often be a confusing and time-consuming task.
Digger King’s Matt knows this problem all too well after experiencing it himself in the past, looking for diggers for his own jobs.
After seeing the confusion that this process caused and being unsure of what to buy, Matt decided this shouldn’t be the case for others.
Using his knowledge of the
industry and its machinery, Matt has now made the process easier through the birth of Digger King –a leading OEM for those that want a more cost-effective option.
Royal offering
Founded in 2016 and based in South Murwillumbah, in northern New South Wales, Digger King supplies its earthmoving machinery to dealers all around the country.
This is made easier through its
Digger King is a leading OEM for those that want more cost-effective options
strategic location, which sits half-way between Melbourne and Cairns on the eastern coast.
Digger King’s product portfolio includes everything from excavators, skid steers and compact track loaders, through to front-end loaders, mini loaders and forklifts.
A wide range of size classes are available, including excavators from one tonne up to 14 tonnes, and its sister brand – Godzilla Loaders –offering front-end loaders from 4.5 tonnes to 23 tonnes.
A key selling point of Digger King machines is affordability, with Matt saying that the company’s prices are considerably lower than some of the bigger OEMs, but are still able to offer the assurance that customers are getting a quality machine.
“Over the past few years, we’ve seen a steady rise in people wanting to get their own cost-effective digger and steer away from the big overpriced brands,” he says.
Digger King offers a variety of machinery including excavators, skid steers, compact track loaders, front-end loaders and mini loaders
“This is great. However, many people have struggled because they have bought from the wrong people without the backup and support needed.”
A hefty investment is often required to purchase brandnew machines from traditional international OEMs, so Digger King is committed to being the leading costeffective option.
“We’ve gone down the road of providing good-quality machines at an attractive price point,” Matt says.
“Sometimes the cheaper options from overseas can be low-quality, but we’re committed to providing good diggers.”
Customer-centric
Another key feature of Digger King machinery is the warranty and aftersales support the company offers. In the unlikely event a machine
breaks down after purchase, Digger King will supply parts and labour for the first year of the machine’s operational life to get it back up and running.
“This might mean taking your machine to a local repair centre, or us organising another method,” Matt says.
“You’re fully supported and backed up with our parts and labour guarantee, and we will work with you to get any problems sorted ASAP.”
A three-year parts warranty from the date of purchase is also offered, further instilling confidence in customers that they will have the full support of the OEM.
If a machine has any problems outside normal wear and tear, such as with its tracks, washers, batteries, or fan belts, Digger King will supply the relevant part to quickly and easily replace the old one.
Digger King’s machinery has the backing of a comprehensive warranty and full aftersales support
One thing that Digger King prides itself on is being customer-centric, evidenced by its information packages that are designed to equip customers with essential tips, insider secrets and machinery walk-throughs before they make a purchasing decision.
“Our customers work hard and spend a lot of money on their digger, so to minimise their risk, I’ve put together a Digger King information package,” Matt says.
“The information package includes a range of videos so people can get to know a little more about Digger King and some of the things we stand for.
“This helps our customers select the digger that makes their life easier, before they waste their hard-earned money on the wrong type of digger.”
For more information on the Digger King and its machinery, visit diggerking.com.au or call 1300 676 996.
The OEM is based in South Murwillumbah, in northern New South Wales and supplies its machines across the country
Quarry transformation
Hallett Group has transformed its Truro quarry through a partnership with CJD Equipment and Volvo Site Solutions
Since collaborating with CJD Equipment and Volvo Site Solutions, South Australian concrete and quarrying business Hallett Group has seen both its efficiency and productivity enhanced across the company. In addition to this, it has also improved safety at one of its hard rock quarries.
“This Truro site was added to the quarry stable in 2018,” Hallett Group managing director Mark Pickard says.
“This is, without doubt, one of the best hard rock and hardest rock quarries in South Australia.”
A new era
Since acquiring the Truro site in 2018, Hallett Group quickly established it as a leading operation. However, the quarry’s remote location presented unique challenges that called for a more intelligent approach to site management. Hallett adopted Volvo Site Solutions, known for its comprehensive, data-driven strategy, to streamline operations.
This decision allowed the company to tackle the complexities of quarry management by capturing and analysing operational data to develop customised solutions
tailored to the specific needs of the Truro site.
Central to Volvo Site Solutions is the Connected Map platform – a datadriven solution tool offering real-time visualisation of all site activities.
This cutting-edge technology gives site managers a comprehensive overview of vehicles, equipment and personnel; enabling remote monitoring and quick adjustments to site guidelines.
The platform also facilitates the coordination of projects across multiple locations through a single interface, ensuring smooth communication and maximising resource utilisation.
A strategic choice
The partnership with Volvo was a natural progression for Hallett Group, underpinned by a longstanding relationship with CJD Equipment spanning two decades.
Volvo’s reputation for durability and performance had already been established at the site, with a Volvo 460B excavator purchased at the outset still in operation today.
Beyond the reliability of its machinery, the opportunity to incorporate Volvo’s advanced excavators, front-end loaders and
digital solutions was a key factor in the decision.
The implementation of Connected Map technology has proved transformative for Truro quarry, as managers now have the tools to monitor activities in realtime, adjust routes and establish safety zones remotely.
This comprehensive approach to site management has led to increased productivity, lower operational costs and a safer working environment, CJD Equipment says.
Optimising operations
Volvo’s data-driven approach to productivity services provides Hallett Group with a robust toolset for optimising operations.
The system continuously captures data on material movement, machine usage and site activity, enabling detailed analysis to inform decision-making.
This information is displayed through performance indicators on a visual dashboard, allowing both on-site managers and remote supervisors to track progress towards production targets and make informed adjustments where they are necessary.
Volvo Site Solutions’ Connected Map offers a real-time visualisation of all site activities
Images:
CJD
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The Connected Map technology gives managers the tools adjust routes and establish safety zones remotely
“One of the main reasons why we chose Volvo for this semi-remote site was their connected map technology,” Pickard says.
Furthermore, Volvo Co-Pilot technology equips each machine at the quarry with the ability to set goals, monitor progress and collaborate more effectively with the team.
The site solutions are brandagnostic, meaning they can be used across different types of machinery, regardless of the manufacturer.
This integration ensures operators work towards shared objectives, fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement throughout their fleet, says CJD Equipment.
Putting safety first
Safety is paramount in quarry operations, and Volvo’s commitment is evident in several innovative features.
The Connected Map technology allows for the creation of restricted zones anywhere on-site, providing real-time alerts for approaching traffic and managing one-way road access.
Additionally, a visitor app enhances site security by ensuring that all personnel and visitors are always accounted for.
These measures reduce the risk of accidents and contribute to a more structured and controlled site environment.
“Another reason for choosing Volvo
was the individual monitoring of each item of plant and the operator, and the performance of that operator on those items of plant,” Pickard says.
“It has allowed us to understand, in real time, where that equipment is on-site and what its performance and operating efficiencies have been, better than any other manufacturer that’s out there in the marketplace.”
Building a partnership
Hallett Group values Volvo’s responsiveness and commitment to understanding the specific needs of quarry operators.
The collaborative efforts with CJD Equipment have enabled continuous system refinement, ensuring that Truro Quarry remains at the forefront of technological advancements in the industry.
The evolution of these solutions has been instrumental in maintaining high productivity and efficiency standards.
In the future, the partnership between Hallett Group, Volvo and CJD Equipment is committed to promoting sustainable growth in the quarrying industry.
The collaboration focuses on reducing carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency, setting an example for using innovative technology to achieve sustainability goals.
The continuous development of data-driven solutions shows the potential for more intelligent, environmentally friendly operations in the sector.
By adopting Volvo Site Solutions’ advanced tools like Connected Map and Co-Pilot, Hallett Group
allows each machine at the quarry to set goals and monitor progress
has overcome the challenges of its remote location while significantly enhancing productivity, efficiency and safety.
Its partnership with CJD Equipment and Volvo has enabled the use of dependable machinery and practical solutions, while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and sustainability.
This collaboration lays the foundation for a more intelligent, safer and sustainable approach to quarry management.
It shows that with the appropriate tools and knowledge, even the most traditional industries can undergo significant positive change.
“One thing that Volvo has done is listen and understand what we need as a quarry operator in managing our plant and fleet on-site,” Pickard says.
“The backup support from Warren and through CJD has allowed us to implement that system as efficiently and productively as possible.
“What we do today will hopefully be very different from what we do tomorrow, and that’s the confidence I have in Volvo in being able to listen to us and then implement these micro changes that we need to make on this site and others to be as efficient and as productive as possible.”
To learn more about Volvo’s solutions and how they can transform your projects, please contact your local CJD branch on 1300 139 804 or visit cjd.com.au
Volvo Co-Pilot
Gaining ground
ITR Pacific’s Ground Engaging Tools business provides the earthmoving and construction industries with a high-quality option to protect and enhance their machinery’s performance
Well-known for its expertise, quality and excellence in the supply of premium aftermarket parts for earthmoving machinery, ITR Pacific also offers a wide range of Ground Engaging Tools (G.E.T.) direct replacement parts for all major brands of construction and earthmoving machinery.
With an industry-leading range of G.E.T. and wear products available, from teeth, pins and adapters to cutting edges, grader and dozer blades, end bits and cast bucket protection, ITR Pacific covers everything needed to protect your assets – extending machinery life and improving performance efficiency on the job site.
“We supply direct replacement wear parts for all major original equipment manufacturer (OEM) brands,” ITR Pacific national product manager of Ground Engaging Tools Peter Baker says.
“So, rather than being locked into a proprietary product at premium prices, we enable our customers to continue to use their existing bucket or blade systems, which may otherwise no longer have parts support from the OEM. It also provides greater buying flexibility, with a wide range of options for them to convert their G.E.T. to meet their operating needs better.
“We have wear products for any machine that uses G.E.T., from
excavators, wheel loaders, scrapers and dozers to graders – anything in the earthmoving, mining and quarrying industries.”
ITR Pacific stocks a full range of direct replacement parts for major brands, including but not limited to Caterpillar J and K Series, Esco SuperV and SV2 Series, Hensley XS and Bradken Twistlok, with the premium ITR UNiK brand also covering the Caterpillar J Series as well as Caterpillar ripper boots.
ITR Pacific’s direct replacement wear parts cover all construction machinery sizes for excavators, graders, dozers and loaders as well as a wide variety of teeth profiles, such as rock chisel, twin tiger and
ITR has developed a wide range of tooth replacement parts for all major brands
rock penetration. ITR’s G.E.T. wear products are also available for machinery up to 800 tonnes, Baker says, with ITR Pacific’s BYG Futura Mining brand the go-to for all types of mining projects.
“It’s about having a reliable option made from high quality materials,” Baker says.
“ITR wear products are very well priced in the market, so we offer upfront savings as well as long-term total cost of ownership savings.
“Our engineering department is constantly looking at ways to improve a product, making changes such as using different materials to reduce the rate of wear or increasing available wear material, for example.”
With an industry-leading warranty, the aftersales support is strong throughout ITR Pacific’s seven branches spanning Australia.
“We’ve got branches in all major cities as well as in key mining areas, like Kalgoorlie and Mackay, along with 15 on-road reps across Australia,” Baker says.
“Product and technical support are never far away with ITR Pacific.”
For more information on ITR Pacific’s extensive range of direct replacement parts for ground engaging tools, visit: www.itrpacific.com.au
ITR produces parts for any machine with ground engaging tools
Mini manufacturing
With a lack of hydraulic tilt and sieve buckets available for mini excavators, ANT International has identified a gap in the market
When Earthmovers & Excavators last caught up with ANT International, the attachment business revealed its capacity to build products for some of the largest machines on the market.
Offering buckets up to the 100tonne size class from its Rocklea, Brisbane-based workshop, ANT International believes its manufacturing ability stands alone.
According to production manager Lex Treloar, the business is now carving a new niche in the market for mini excavators in the 0.5 to 1.5tonne size class.
“Manufacturers and suppliers tend to not focus on this size class, so landscapers with small machines are generally at the mercy of what the market has to offer,” he says.
“We believe our hydraulic tilting bucket and sieve bucket are tailored to their needs and meet a gap in the market.”
Hydraulic tilt
ANT International’s 700mm-wide hydraulic tilting bucket is offered for 0.5-tonne mini excavators and is suited to operators working with complex terrain.
Its tilt buckets are commonly used for the creation of slope banks, the digging of swimming pools and golf course constructions.
Treloar says this because the tilt bucket offers far more possibilities than conventional buckets.
“It can tilt to a 45-degree angle on either side, allowing the operator to cut, trim and form complex terrain features,” he says.
“This minimises the need for secondary trimming operations, thus saving time and money.”
When loose material needs to be quickly transferred, the tilt bucket can also act as a normal mud bucket, thanks to its digging profile and 700mm length.
Using the ‘world class’ Swedish Hardox abrasion resistance steel wear plate for the front lip and sides, the tilt bucket provides wear resistance and increased structural strength.
This increases the life of the bucket, saving customers time and money on their investment, Treloar adds.
Further emphasising this, the bucket is built with hardened bushes – making it even more durable. An integrated hungry board is also included to protect the hydraulic cylinder from spillovers. When operators are digging, this stops rocks and soil from spilling over and getting caught in the hydraulics.
“There’s not many manufacturers currently making a tilt bucket for this size class,” Treloar says.
“We think our buckets will help landscapers with their needs.”
Sieve bucket
For operators wanting to do quick on-site screening of rocks, ANT International is offering a 1m-wide sieve bucket that is suited to 1.5-tonne excavators.
Rather than hiring a dedicated screen on site, Treloar says sieve buckets are a more cost-effective alternative.
“For this size class, many
manufacturers produce what’s called a ‘skin sieve’, which is essentially a mud bucket with holes cut into it,” he says.
“Ours is a ‘rib and bar’ sieve, which is longer lasting and more of a heavy-duty design. The rib and bar construction is comparable to what larger machines use, and expect.”
ANT International’s 1.5-tonne sieve buckets are also designed to have a shallower and more penetrating profile, which Treloar says helps to achieve efficient digging. He adds that this maximises the effecting screening area, and therefore the speed of screening.
Sieve buckets can be custom built to customers’ screening criteria, with the option of standard replaceable teeth and adaptors for more aggressive digging, or bolt-on cutting edges for smaller, loose granular materials.
“Skin sieves have holes cut in it so material can fall through, but they’re light duty,” Treloar says.
“Rib and bar designed buckets are generally used for larger machines, but we’ve decided to make them available for the smaller size class, designed specifically for heavy duty sieving.”
For more information on the 700mm-wide hydraulic tilting bucket for 0.5-tonne excavators and the 1m-wide sieve bucket for 1.5-tonne excavators, visit ant-get.com or call 07 3710 6700.
ANT International is offering hydraulic tilt buckets for mini excavators weighing 0.5 tonnes
ANT International’s 1m-wide sieve bucket is suited to 1.5-tonne excavators
Concrete solution
Keestrack crushing and screening machinery from SMA is giving waste recycling business EWS Group the precision and feedback it needs to generate a circular economy for Sydney’s concrete
“Getting parts was impossible. We couldn’t get hold of parts locally with our previous supplier.”
For Peter Kalajiovski, the general manager of concrete waste recycling business EWS Group, it was the familiar frustrations of trying to source spare parts for his crushing equipment that first led him to SMA (Screenmasters Australia).
As the authorised distributor for Keestrack machinery in Australia, SMA worked with EWS Group to develop a processing train that could handle the waste concrete and process it into a variety of useful end products, with the minimum of fuss.
Recycling concrete
With facilities in Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, EWS Group processes concrete agitator waste and recycles it back into the industry – an area seeing significant growth, Kalajiovski says.
“We’re definitely seeing an increase in demand, particularly in areas that traditionally wouldn’t have used recycled product, such as putting aggregate back into concrete,” he says.
“Traditionally, you’d do a nonspec road base, and then it became a spec road base, and now it’s actually going back into structural concrete. So there’s a circular economy taking place.
“The waste concrete comes from agitators, and we crush it, screen it, and it gets repurposed.
“Demand for this recycled product is being driven by the overall sustainability push within the economy as well as cost savings.
“Particularly in Sydney, the logistical benefits of having an artificial quarry in the middle of Sydney, versus carting in a virgin product from elsewhere can’t be overstated.”
Specialist solution
For the recycled aggregate being produced by EWS Group, quality of the final product is paramount. The crusher needed to process concrete pieces up to 400mm in size into different end products, including 20mm and 10mm aggregates as well as sand.
Turning to SMA for a more reliable machinery solution, the Keestrack distributor suggested a R3h tracked impact crusher and C6 triple deck classifier, supported by an SMA 8036 stacker and Sensortechnik OBS weighing scales – providing a processing capacity of around 150 to 170 tonnes per hour.
Kalajiovski says that consistency of product is key, particularly when supplying material to the structural concrete market.
“We needed a crusher that could produce an aggregate that was of particular roundness and shape, as well as consistency in grading,” he says.
SMA supplied a Keestrack R3h crusher to EWS Group
Images: SMA
“The Keestrack R3h has allowed us to achieve that consistency in the quality, particularly particle shape and particle size distribution. The effectiveness of the screens allows us to maintain a grading on that product that gives confidence to the concrete suppliers.
“We also produce a specified road base, which doesn’t go through the screener, just straight off the crusher, and we get a consistent good quality product through the afterscreen installed on the Keestrack R3h.”
Kalajiovski adds that, compared to the previous crusher being used, Keestrack has stood apart in terms of the attention to detail that went into the machine.
“It has a unique design with two chocky block designed wear plates in the crushing chamber that direct the material towards the centre of the blow bars,” he says of one design feature that has been a benefit to the smooth throughput of material.
“The pre-screen at the top is also structured in such a way that it spreads the feed out. Every little detail they’ve thought about and
EWS Group general manager Peter Kalajiovski and SMA national sales manager Ciaran Lagan
refined, so it just makes running the machines quite seamless. Problems are easy to diagnose and, in terms of support, I call Screenmasters and they’re down here in half an hour.”
The Sensortechnik OBS weighing scales that sit on the end of the discharge conveyor have also helped EWS Group to optimise its operations by supplying real-time data to the team.
“We input the density of the material that’s going through and the scale determines how much we’re producing per minute,” he says.
“This allows us to give live feedback to the operators and means we have an insight into the product we’re putting through the machine, so we can refine as we go. If, for example, we’re seeing a drop in the tonnes per hour rate, we’ll look at the blow bars and the closed side setting, and close it in to increase the efficiency of the machine. This allows us to get the most out of the production hours that we have, and obviously it brings down the cost per tonne.”
Screenmasters support Kalajiovski says that, alongside the high performance of the Keestrack machinery, working with SMA over the past year has been a
great experience for the EWS Group team.
“They always return phone calls and are always willing to give advice on optimising the machines,” he says.
“Their technicians and fitters are awesome in terms of providing our operators advice on the best way to maintain the machines and things that they could improve.”
EWS Group gets a fortnightly service report from SMA, which Kalajiovski says may be unusual for crushing and screening equipment, but which makes sense for keeping the operation running smoothly.
“With most yellow machines it’s generally common practice to have a fortnightly inspection schedule,” he says.
“Not so much on a crusher, but why treat it differently to other machinery? So that’s the view we took. It’s better to be ahead of issues and prevent them, rather than deal with catastrophes after the fact.
“Overall, I’d recommend the Keestrack machines and the SMA team to anyone,” he says.
For more information on Keestrack equipment from SMA, visit: www.screenmasters.com.au
Cathryn Greville will be taking over as the CEO of the National Association of Women in Construction. Here, she writes about the task ahead.
I am honoured and delighted to be commencing as CEO of NAWIC.
I am passionate about the sector, the people in it and the opportunities and success that can and should be available for everyone interested in construction to thrive. There are very few sectors that touch on people’s lives in the way that the built environment does – comprising the very places and spaces in which we live, work and play.
I am also deeply passionate about inclusion, and how inclusive leadership and inclusive environments bring enormous benefits to individuals, organisations, communities and the economy. Ensuring we operate sustainably, draw from the full talent pool, recognise and develop our people and provide fair, inclusive and respectful cultures that ensure people can thrive will make this a more successful sector for everyone.
No one can deny that we certainly have a long way to go.
However, I strongly believe in seizing the opportunity for change, and the power of working collaboratively to drive that positive change. I am energised by the opportunity to work with you all, and with our various stakeholders, to see those improvements come to light, enabling us to play our part in helping the sector and those working in it to reach their full potential.
So, why do I see NAWIC as the organisation to drive this positive change?
I have long seen NAWIC as a critical and influential organisation set apart by the passion and commitment of its volunteers. At such a critical juncture for the Association, I am excited about leading its continued growth and the role it can play in driving the agenda forward. Our members bring such a wealth of
skills and experience creating and improving our surrounding environment, and it is crucial that we have a strong voice at decisionmaking tables across the country.
Therefore, I am excited to meet and hear from you and your elected representatives across the state and territory chapters, and to draw from your insights, passion and experiences (the good and the not so good) to drive forward positive changes.
I want to see the construction sector embrace the full talent pool, build inclusive working environments and serve as a sector of choice for both new entrants and experienced women, from all backgrounds.
I am looking forward to working with you to build on the great work done to date and to continue to amplify NAWIC’s impact. As NAWIC’s motto aptly states, ‘We Rise Together.’
Thank you for the warm welcome I’ve received already, I can’t wait to get started.
The National Association of Women in Construction is a membership based not-for-profit dedicated to the attraction, development and retention of women in the construction industry. With local chapters in every state and territory, we encourage you to come and say hello and connect with like-minded people focused on making a difference and advocating for cultural change. You can find out more about NAWIC through its social media channels @nawicau, or on the NAWIC website nawic.com.au.
NAWIC CEO Cathryn Greville. Image: NAWIC
Women in industry
Digging deep
From becoming the world’s first female tunnel boring machine (TBM) pilot to now leading the industry’s first all-women TBM crew, Isolde Piet is pushing boundaries for women in the construction industry
To say Isolde Piet’s journey to becoming a construction manager for Suburban Connect on Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) is fascinating is an understatement.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, she grew up adamant that she would follow in her father’s footsteps to become a lawyer. Later, when that didn’t seem a good fit, the goal changed to become a judge instead.
However, it was through her hobby of windsurfing that a new direction presented itself, when she met a university student at her local surf club and became interested in engineering.
“He designed and built his own surfboards, which I found fascinating,” Piet says.
“It led to me investigating which universities were offering civil engineering. The fact that you can
build large pieces of infrastructure and leave it behind for future generations was a key driver for me.”
This chance meeting ultimately helped influence Piet’s decision to study civil engineering and underground construction at the Netherlands’ Delft University of Technology.
After completing her studies, Piet worked on the Groene Hart rail tunnel project, which she says was the largest tunnel project in the world at the time.
There her duties included looking after the launch shaft and planning different methods before the works kicked off.
Always keen to learn, she pushed for a role on the ground as works started –leading her to become the first female tunnel boring machine (TBM) pilot in the world in her mid 20s.
Isolde Piet is currently working on Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) as the SRL East Tunnels South construction manager. Image: SRL
World first
As a TBM pilot, Piet was in charge of driving the machine and loosely compares the TBM cabin and its host of instruments to the cockpit of an aircraft.
“You’re building the tunnels while you’re driving the machine,” Piet says.
“The pilot has to excavate the ground in front of them to build the tunnel that is made behind the TBM.”
It’s no surprise that Piet was the first female to pilot a TBM, as she was always striving to advance her skillset through hands-on experience.
“I just wanted to be a better engineer, as well as becoming a better manager, so I could relate to workforce matters,” she says.
“Through that achievement,
Piet was the first female TBM pilot in the world. Image: CPB Contractors
I think my experience can be helpful in encouraging more women to enter the industry.”
Aussie move
Looking for a new challenge and change of lifestyle, the next part of Piet’s journey saw her move to Australia with a role on Brisbane’s Clem7 tunnel project, which opened to traffic in 2010.
The 6.8km road includes a 4.8km twin two-lane tunnel, connecting Brisbane’s inner north to the southern and eastern suburbs –bypassing the CBD. Piet played a key role in setting up a precast yard to manufacture the tunnel segments.
“It was very exciting to work on, because at the time it was one of the biggest projects that Brisbane was going to undertake,” she says.
Now working as a construction manager for CPB Contractors, Piet’s first role with the business saw her
Women in industry
doing early works on Melbourne’s North East Link road project, which included a 40-tonne mini TBM. She is currently working with Suburban Connect, the global consortium of CPB Contractors, Ghella and Acciona Construction, that has been selected to build the first stage of Melbourne’s SRL. The SRL is a major transport project linking the city’s train services from
the Frankston Line to the
Line via Melbourne Airport.
More specifically, Piet is the SRL East Tunnels South construction manager on the project that will deliver six new underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill.
Through this role, Piet is responsible for looking after the underground section of the project,
Werribee
Industry roundtable discussions were held about the all-women TBM crew. Image: SRL
Women in industry
including the precast for the tunnels and the cross passages.
“It’s a delivery-based role that requires coming up with the best technical solutions and delivering within time and budget,” she says.
“This is different to other projects, as we have an increased focus on sustainability, social procurement and innovation in the delivery phase.”
Further emphasising the project’s difference, Piet is set to lead the world’s first all-women TBM crew, that will help build the SRL East tunnels.
All-women crew
The aim behind the creation of an all-women TBM crew is to attract more women into the industry, Piet explains.
“This has never been done before and showing that it can be done can create a platform for more women to get involved,” she says.
“There’s been an amazing, positive response to the expression of interest forms, and the team will be working hard reviewing all of the 869 applications to fill the roles on the all-women crew.
“In addition to this, the team will investigate options and
possibilities for using this amazing talent pool across our project, parent companies and the Suburban Rail Loop Authority.”
The team will include a range of roles, including the TBM operator, gantry and segment crane operators, grouters and support roles.
Comprehensive on-the-job training will be provided with the help of the Victorian Tunnelling Centre, allowing the crew to include of women who have varying levels of experience.
“Our crew doesn’t necessarily have to be made up of highly skilled and experienced women,” she says.
“The aim is to bring in women with transferable skills or women who can go through the training required.”
The all-women crew will be one of eight crews operating the four TBMs digging the southern section of the SRL East twin tunnels between the suburbs of Cheltenham and Glen Waverley.
Tunnelling for SRL East will start in 2026 and the target is to have the allwomen TBM crew operating by 2027.
With more and more initiatives like this aiming to attract more women into the industry, Piet is happy with the progress made and has seen a shift in the construction space.
Although this is the case, there is always room for improvement.
“Women are starting to see career opportunities in the construction industry, but I think there’s still an exciting challenge to get more women onboard and on site,” Piet says.
“Training women and bringing them into the TBM crew will hopefully leave a legacy for future projects so they can become leaders for others.”
There are many reasons Piet says she loves the construction industry, and one of the most rewarding aspects is the tangible progress seen on a project.
She says that one highlight on every project is travelling through the tunnels that she’s helped build after many years of work.
Having this opportunity presents a greater appreciation of the work done from day one to opening day, and seeing people benefit from her projects is the cherry on top.
“These projects are all about teamwork, people in various roles and from different nationalities work together on one goal – to build these projects,” she says.
“It’s really fulfilling when you pull it off.”
Isolde Piet presents ideas at the roundtable discussions. Image: SRL
Through the lens
Equipment operator and freelance photographer Corey Ziems has gained a strong social media following thanks to his incredible shots of earthmoving machinery
If you haven’t heard of him already, it is inevitable that Corey Ziems’ name will eventually pop up in your social media feed. Combining his passion for photography with his work as a machinery operator, he continues to make waves in the earthmoving industry through his Instagram and Tik Tok accounts.
Ziems is well-known for capturing beautiful imagery of machines onsite, and his social media followers are loving it. He’s also a keen car enthusiast, so Ziems’ page provides something for everyone, with clips ranging from tough cars and machines in action to his general shenanigans.
Having recently celebrated the milestone of 10,000 followers
on Instagram, Ziems decided to give back to his followers and the earthmoving community by running a competition that offered people the chance to win prizes from 11-industry related brands –including WesTrac Cat.
Earthmovers & Excavators caught up with Ziems to find out where the passion all started and how he reached this impressive milestone.
Capturing the thrill
Racing was always a big part of Ziems’ childhood, whether it was mountain bikes or motorbikes, and it often involved many broken bones.
When he did find himself injured and on the sidelines, Ziems would use his father’s DSLR camera to
Corey Ziems has gained a social media following through his photos and videos of earthmoving machinery
take photos of the other riders.
It was at this point in his life that he believes he developed his passion for capturing images, and as he got older, mountain bikes and motorbikes transitioned into taking photos of cars and earthmoving machinery.
Operating earthmoving machinery wasn’t always in the picture though, as Ziems started his first six years of work life as a roofer. After finding that he wasn’t enjoying it and suffering an injury that put him out of work for four months, Ziems decided to try something new – getting into the driving seat of a digger.
“I started at a small family company in Wollongong, where I was completely inexperienced,” he says.
ropes on machines ranging from excavators, dozers and scrapers to posi tracks, rollers and water trucks.
“I learnt pretty much everything that I know to this day.”
Passion project
Now five years into his machine operator life, Ziems is currently working for Sydney-based DJW Civil, having spent the last couple of years in a Cat D8T dozer and, more recently, a D6.
Loving his work operating machinery, Ziems has documented his days on-site and the machinery used through the lenses of his camera and phone.
“With the quality of phones these days, it’s so easy to pull it out of your pocket and snap a shot,” he says.
“I’ve always looked up to professional photographers and their level of work, so when I started taking photos of machines, I always tried to get the right angle or lighting – that’s when my images started to get traction online.”
From there on, Ziems has been posting as much earthmoving content as possible on his online pages, and trying to perfect his art.
Seeing it as a hobby, his passion for taking photos goes hand in hand with his love for his job.
Ziems explains that he started taking photos and videos of earthmoving machinery because it made sense to blend his two
interests together and showcase them.
“I feel I’m lucky in a sense with being able to capture the machines at work, unlike some of my friends working in the mines, who have strict rules when it comes to photos and phones,” he says.
“I like to use this as an advantage to showcase my work, because 90 per cent of people that comment on my posts have probably never seen what these machines actually do.
“They’ll see them parked on a job site, but they’ll never see them working, so I think people appreciate being able to see what I do on the jobsite.”
Love of the job
Ziems is so happy with his job as a dozer operator, that he doesn’t even see it as work.
Living by the old saying – if you love your job, you’ll never work a day in your life – Ziems comes to site every day with a good attitude. This is key, he says – knowing that positive results will follow and ultimately lead to greater job satisfaction.
“One of the things I love is being able to see a site transform from start to finish; to stand back and have a sense of pride from what you’ve achieved,” he says.
People often ask him if the work is boring, when in fact Ziems sees it as
Ziems recently achieved the milestone of 10,000 followers on Instagram, thanks to his striking shots of cars and machinery
Ziems swapped out roofing work for the world of heavy machinery
quite the opposite, with every day being a new adventure for him.
He says this is because there is a diverse range of work that can be done in the dozer, which keeps him on his toes.
“I’m always jumping around doing different jobs and different tasks, so I always find that I’m doing something new,” Ziems says.
“I’ve got a big passion for the industry too – as a kid, I loved diggers, dump trucks and anything dirt. I’d say I’m pretty much living the dream now.”
Further emphasising his passion for earthmoving machinery, Ziems treats DJW Civil’s machines as if they were his own.
This may be attributed to his love for cars, as he knows how important it is to take care of beloved possessions – for him, earthmoving machines are no different.
“Respect goes a long way when it comes to the machines,” Ziems says.
“My dozer is so clean you could eat off the floor in it. I wish it was mine.”
Giving back
After reaching the milestone of 10,000 followers on Instagram, Ziems’ giveaway competition attracted the attention of some big industry players.
Cat dealer WesTrac jumped on board and supported the competition by offering a voucher to spend at its merch shop.
For Ziems, this was completely unexpected and a massive deal.
“As a kid, you see companies like Cat and its Aussie dealers, and you want their machines and to be involved somehow,” he says.
“To be at the stage where WesTrac is reposting my content, supporting and collaborating with me – it’s crazy. It’s a testament to our relationship and the bond that we have.”
Since the rapid growth of Ziems’ social media pages, his goal has always been to run a giveaway, so he could give back to everyone who is supporting his journey.
Without the support of his followers, Ziems says he would have never had the motivation to keep creating content.
Every follow, comment and message all add up for him, and with all these people taking the time out of the day to interact with his content, Ziems says it was important to show some love back.
“I never thought I’d have the following that I have now,” he says.
“I get all these people commenting and messaging me saying that my photos and videos are amazing, and
I’m just left speechless half the time. I didn’t think people would appreciate and want to see that kind of stuff.”
Although many of his followers aren’t from the earthmoving industry, Ziems has a strong support network from other operators, who find themselves glued to their screen.
This all comes down to appreciation, Ziems says.
“Probably only 10 per cent of my followers are operators, but they’ll never scroll past quality machinery content,” he says.
Since entering the earthmoving industry just over five years ago, Ziems hasn’t looked back and has been left overwhelmed with the support.
From being a completely inexperienced operator to a wellknown industry figure, he describes it as a roller coaster journey.
“To me I’m just a kid that drives a dozer and takes photos,” Ziems says.
“To see the reach that my content has had and getting these big industry-related companies on board, it just leaves me speechless.”
If you love all things machines and cars, follow Corey Ziems on Instagram: @coreyziems28 or on TikTok: @corey.ziems
Certified
Ziems’ page has helped people that aren’t part of the earthmoving industry learn more about the machines
Converge Expo 2025
Converge will be a key event for Australia’s earthmoving industry. Image: sirisakboakaew/stock.adobe.com
Next year’s inaugural Converge Expo is built by Australians for Australian construction
As the only Australian-owned major event showcasing the latest tools and technology in municipal works, civil and commercial construction, Converge is gaining unprecedented industry support.
Positioned as a one-stopshop event for subcontractors, project engineers, council fleet managers and large-scale contractors, Converge will feature live demonstrations, equipment showcases and dedicated conference spaces. This industry gathering aims to provide a platform for professionals to collaborate, share insights and discover practical solutions for building and maintaining Australia’s future.
With nearly a year until the event is held, Converge has already garnered strong support from leading industry associations, reflecting growing excitement across the construction landscape. Partners such as Carpentry Australia, the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology, NexGen, Municipal Works Australia, National Precast Concrete Association Australia (National Precast), Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT), the Australian Flexible Pavement Association (AfPA), and AustStab have all signed on.
Industry endorsement
Lauren Fahey, executive director at NexGen, expressed excitement about Converge:
“At NexGen, we’re really excited to partner with Converge because it’s the only Australian-owned event that brings together the latest tools and tech in municipal works, civil and commercial construction. It’s a unique opportunity to connect with the industry’s key players who are all focused on building Australia’s future.”
“With live demos and great opportunities to learn and collaborate, Converge is the perfect place to not only showcase innovation but also help shape the next generation of leaders in construction. We’re thrilled to be part of an event that aligns so closely with NexGen’s values and vision for the future.”
Lise Sperling, executive director for New South Wales and the ACT at AfPA, also shared her enthusiasm:
“AfPA is proud to support Converge, [which] is set to be a pivotal event that will bring together industry leaders, decision-makers, innovators and subject matter experts to collaborate, exchange ideas and knowledge, and showcase the latest advancements and opportunities in construction
technologies and sustainable building practices to drive excellence across the sector.”
Peter Ali, CEO of Municipal Works Australia, highlighted the event’s value for local government officials:
“Converge closely aligns with our core purpose, which is to provide opportunities for people working in municipal works to learn about the latest innovations in municipal practices and expand their professional network. Our local government officials operate in a rapidly expanding field. Converge will give them access to products they may not know exist and offer solutions to the issues they face daily. The event’s scale looks impressive, and it will be great to see numerous people sharing a common interest in civil infrastructure all in one place.”
Ali also shared his thoughts on potential conference topics, such as case studies on civil infrastructure projects across Australia:
“The local government sector, operating in a resource-constrained environment, can greatly benefit from learning how other sectors have developed solutions to provide civil works efficiently and effectively.”
“We believe that by sharing and learning from each other’s experiences, we can better address
the challenges of climate change at the local community level. Opportunities to learn about emerging solutions within the green energy and closed-loop space are vitally important.”
Sarah Bachmann, chief executive officer of National Precast, emphasised how Converge aligns with the organisation’s mission:
“National Precast is interested in Converge because it aligns with our mission to enhance the precast industry and create opportunities for our members, by our advocacy, growth and educational initiatives.”
“The event provides a unique platform to connect with key decision-makers across the municipal works, civil construction and infrastructure sectors, which are crucial markets for our members. Converge’s focus on showcasing tools, ideas and technologies that are shaping these sectors directly supports our goal of making precast the preferred choice for sustainable construction.”
Bachmann also highlighted the opportunities for National Precast members:
“Converge offers multiple benefits to our members, including exposure to the latest innovations and technologies in the civil and
commercial construction space. We are most excited about the opportunity Converge provides to showcase the capabilities of precast concrete to a broad audience of industry professionals.”
“Additionally, the chance to collaborate closely with Converge as an Association Partner is a significant opportunity for National Precast to influence discussions and drive the agenda towards highlighting the benefits of precast solutions. The exposure and connections gained from this event are expected to drive growth and innovation within our industry.”
Melinda Davis, chief operating officer of EWIT, reflected on the significance of Converge:
“Converge means people come together from different points to eventually meet in the same spot. A big part of the EWIT ethos is the ‘It takes a village’ approach, so the opportunity to work with the Prime Creative Media team and bring the village to one spot at an expo that includes municipal works, commercial and civil construction was something we were always going to be involved in. EWIT will be working with the event organisers to bring a ‘Women in Trades hub’ to life at Converge, a first of its kind for us.”
Industry leaders will come together to discuss the biggest issues facing construction.
Image: Anton Gvozdikov/stock.adobe.com
“For us, connection and relationships are so important. Converge will bring people together and allow for the discovery of new information, the building of new relationships and provide inspiration to keep working towards smashing glass ceilings.”
Davis also mentioned the networking opportunities available:
“The event will provide information and networking for women and nonbinary people interested in entering the world of trades and also benefit those already in trades and looking for their next career opportunity, providing the opportunity to connect with leading organisations in person. It will also benefit the EWIT Alliance members to be able to network with other businesses and look for opportunities to collaborate.”
Media collaboration
What’s more, Converge is being developed in partnership with Australia’s leading business-tobusiness publications, including Earthmovers & Excavators, Roads & Infrastructure, Council, Earthmoving Equipment, Inside Construction and The Tradie magazines These publications will not only provide extensive media coverage – reaching nearly 1 million readers – but also contribute to content development to support industry growth.
Secure your spot
Take advantage of the only Australian-owned event that brings together the latest tools and technology in municipal works, civil and commercial construction. Secure your early bird stand, conference speaking position or sponsorship opportunity for Converge 2025.
For more information, visit: convergeexpo.com.au or email converge@primecreative.com.au
dealer for Anaconda
Extra mile
Yellowgate Group’s Rent Now, Buy Later solution continues to change the way construction and earthmoving companies do business around the country
Yellowgate’s equipment rental offer enables businesses to rent the gear they need today, with the flexibility of ownership options in the future. So it’s understandable why it has more than 500 pieces of machinery operating out on site around Australia.
Hydraulic excavators and tippers are the most popular assets, but you’ll also find wheel loaders, motor graders, scrapers, crawler dozers, mobile crushers and screeners, plus everything else in between, being put to work by its customers.
These customers can be found across Australia, and across a range of industries, including mining in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, quarrying in Central New South Wales, and on telecommunications projects in Tasmania.
In the past year, we have brought to you several success stories involving satisfied customers: from a mining equipment hire company starting from scratch and a brick manufacturer wanting to source an electric wheel loader, to a heritage listed sandstone quarry that aimed to acquire the excavator it crucially needed on site and a civil contractor in the construction industry that
Bundanoon Quarry in NSW used the Rent Now, Buy Later product to procure a Liebherr excavator
Yellowgate helped obtain essential trucks and machinery.
All these businesses played it smart, and chose Yellowgate’s Rent Now, Buy Later solution to set them on the path to future asset ownership.
The program in detail
The Rent Now, Buy Later solution is an alternative pathway to asset ownership. It is a flexible, 12-month rental that makes access to heavy machinery quick and easy.
Asset procurement is both fast and simple:
1. You source the equipment you need, or Yellowgate can source it for you
2. You apply for a 12 month Rent Now,
Businesses nationwide are reaping the benefits of Yellowgate’s Rent Now, Buy Later solution
Buy Later rental agreement
3. Once approval is given – in some cases within 24 hours – you sign your 12-month rental agreement and pay your upfronts
4. You take delivery of your new asset, or Yellowgate can organise mobilisation regardless of where you’re located or where it needs to be
At the end of your rental period, you can:
• continue renting month to month or re-contract at a discounted rate
• pu rchase at a reduced rate and receive a rental rebate towards ownership
• return the equipment with no further obligation.
Images:
Yellowgate
The Yellowgate difference Yellowgate managing director Chris McRae explains what makes the company unique.
“We know there are products out there similar to what Yellowgate offers,” he says.
“But where we’re a little bit different – and where we know we’re more effective – is in understanding what our customers are going through, understanding what their projects look like and how they work, and also the kinds of challenges they might run into over the life of those projects.
“Yellowgate distinguishes itself by going the extra mile to be in tune with its end users and their place in the broader industry.”
McRae says Yellowgate’s customer base is as diverse as the projects they
deliver – from Tier 1 contractors to sole owner operators.
“One of our clients is one of the largest Indigenous employers in the country, and then we also work with one of the biggest mining companies in the country,” he says.
“We know we have a product that makes sense for the country’s top construction companies, but we’ve also got plenty to offer family businesses who need a hand with their first or additional piece of machinery.”
Yellowgate’s service is also supported by a network of contacts across the top OEMs, as well as some of the larger used machinery dealers.
“Our Rent Now, Buy Later model offers a level of flexibility that dry hire doesn’t,” McRae says.
Yellowgate assisted one of its customers to procure a Ditch Witch drill rig for an NBN-related project in regional Victoria and New South Wales
“We ask for a 12-month commitment, after which you’ve got choices: you can continue renting the gear, you can buy the gear out, or you can hand the gear back.”
McRae says this can be a saving grace for the industries the company services in an unpredictable economy; particularly when work dries up unexpectedly, or a client’s equipment needs change suddenly.
With Yellowgate, there’s never been a better time to take ownership of your future and your equipment.
Contact the team today to secure the equipment needed for your business’ growth and long-term success. Web: yellowgategroup. com.au; email: apply@ygg.com.au; T: 1300 601 432
Yellowgate worked with the team at Redline Cranes to refurbish a used Terex pickup and carry crane (Franna) for a customer working at a large operation near Newman in WA. Pictured are Redline Crane’s Simon Bowers (left) and Michael Verhulst (right) with Yellowgate national sales manager Noel Rosario (centre)
An increase in car trailer theft has prompted RACV to provide a list of nine ways that trailers can be better secured
There has been a 25 per cent increase in car trailer thefts in Victoria over the year to June 2024, according to the Victorian Crime Statistics Agency.
Over this 12 month period 1,750 trailers were stolen – a significant increase on the 1,392 trailers stolen during the previous period.
“We are seeing an overall increase of motor vehicle theft offences and trailers are a theft target in Victoria due to their mobility and potential resale value,” RACV head of motor insurance and roadside products Kristy Hayes says.
“This can be a big issue for selfemployed tradespeople who own a trailer to conduct their business.
“Even if you’re hiring a trailer for one day, you should be aware that thieves can also target the goods and valuables you’re carrying around if you leave them unattended.”
Given the recent increase in offences, Hayes says there are many ways owners can prevent trailer theft and urges them to take the necessary precautions.
RACV outlines its top tips to prevent trailer theft below:
Wheel locks
A wheel lock can immobilise a trailer, preventing thieves from easily taking a trailer away. As a result, wheel locks also act as a great visual deterrent as many thieves will not try to break through a heavy-duty wheel clamp.
Trailer tongue locks
A trailer tongue lock fits in or over the trailer tongue, preventing a thief from inserting a hitch ball by plugging up the coupler. Without being able to attach the trailer to a vehicle, thieves can’t drive off with a trailer. This is a great lock for when people need to leave their trailer disconnected from their vehicle. Make sure that tongue locks are made from strong metal, is tool and pick resistant, and has a key or combination mechanism that requires the correct key or code to open.
Trailer hitch locks
This prevents thieves from uncoupling a trailer from someone’s vehicle. Simply install the ball mount into the trailer hitch’s receiver tube, then insert the hitch lock instead of the regular hitch pin. A ball mount with a hitch lock typically uses a protective cap secured by a lock cylinder or padlock. Thieves won’t be able to slide out the hitch pin to uncouple a trailer.
A wireless alarm
A wireless alarm that makes a loud sound if tampered with can scare thieves away from trailers. It can also alert the owner, or passers-by, to the attempted theft.
Small GPS tracking devices
These can also be hidden somewhere on a trailer. If a trailer is stolen, its
A wheel lock can prevent theft by immobilising a trailer.
Image: OceanProd/stock.adobe.com
location can be tracked on the GPS’s related app and the police can be informed of where the stolen trailer was taken.
Bright markings
Thieves don’t like unique or obvious markings on objects or vehicles they hope to steal. Not only do bright markings make trailers harder for a thief to resell, they make the trailer easily recognisable to police. Consider adding bright colours to trailers, or reflectors that shine brightly in headlights, to deter theft.
Avoid unnecessary stops
Sometimes the most effective safety method is the simplest. When towing a trailer, drive directly to the destination without unnecessary stops.
Park and store safely
After arriving at the destination, park in a well-lit area, preferably in a locked garage or shed if possible. Owners can even block the trailer’s exit path with their towing vehicle so that thieves can’t manoeuvre it away.
Don’t leave items unattended
Make sure goods and valuables that are being carried around are not left unattended and ensure they are removed once parked, storing them securely.
Family firm
A pair of LiuGong wheel loaders have made all the difference for Hamilton Transport, which highlights the machines’ affordability and ease-of-use
John Hamilton has been behind the wheel of his family business
Hamilton Transport for roughly half a century.
He was born and raised in trucks – his father Bill, aged 84, is also still driving them today, continuing the business’s work of transporting materials for the agricultural industry.
John runs the business with his brother Andrew and has recently seen his sons starting to get involved as well, including Miles (aged 18), Mitchell (aged 16) and Maxwell (aged 13).
Based in Minlaton on the Yorke Peninsula in South Australia, some of the bulk materials Hamilton Transport carts include fertilisers, hay and grain, with the business operating a grain receival site and storage depot for a grain trader.
There are now three 32m by 70m sheds at the Minlaton site, which also provides storage for about 1,500 large hay bales.
Hamilton Transport has clients in Queensland, Alice Springs and in the Riverland in South Australia, all of which benefit from the business’ transported hay.
To help facilitate the transport,
the business has five prime movers and has recently added a pair of LiuGong wheel loaders to cater for larger material volumes.
Reliable machines
Hamilton Transport’s LiuGong journey commenced after viewing the OEM’s loaders in operation at various sites, including by grain handler Viterra Australia.
“We have done a lot of grain work in and out of Viterra, and they had a lot of LiuGong loaders,” John says.
“We saw them working and they were never broken down; we didn’t hear anything bad about them.”
After chalking-up more than 1,000 hours with its second-hand LiuGong 842 loader, Hamilton Transport upgraded to two high-spec 848H models, purchased through LiuGong dealer Lewis Ag and Construction.
The pair of 15 tonne, 160hp (119kW) loaders feature 3 cubic metre buckets and offer a 10.2-tonne tipping load.
These LiuGong high-spec loader models also offer extra machine options including reversing fans, variable hydraulic transmissions, radial tyres, ride control, rear view cameras, extra counterweights, air suspension seats and auto lubrication.
Hamilton Transport also uses a 4 tonne high-lift grain bucket, purchased second-hand from Viterra Australia, as well as a set of custommade forklifts that can carry five hay bales, weighing about 750kg each.
“We can load a B-double in about 30 minutes with the hay forks,” John says.
“LiuGong has become the leading OEM of China with well-built, valuefor-money loaders.
“We looked at another leading OEM before we got the 848s, but the other brand was offering used machines with 15,000–16,000 hours on clock at the same price of the new LiuGongs.
“I just couldn’t bring myself to choose them over LiuGong.”
The 848H wheel loaders have been user-friendly and easy to operate for John, who says they offer good visibility and excellent air-conditioning in hot conditions.
“They have the power for what we need and having the Cummins engines in them gives us peace of mind,” he says.
With auto-lubrication, John says there has been little required for him to do, and Lewis and Ag Construction has only needed to perform simple motor services.
Hamilton Transport is using two LiuGong 848H wheel loaders to load trucks with agricultural materials
Images:
LiuGong
CR
USHE R & SCREEN SA L ES PTY LTD
IMS DI ST RI BU TOR
for Aust ralia, Papua N ew Guine a and South East Asia
IMS have added the new BP1200-48TB track electric twin power blender to its impressive collection of blenders and pugmills, the new BP1200-48TB has four separate feed hopper each five meters long holding 12m3 each. All feed hopper conveyors are fitted with belt scales and controlled by a PLC control and recording system that can be operated from an iPad or phone from its own Wi-Fi system from a loader or site office. A Cat C7 Generator powers the Nord electric motors all fitted with invertors offering variable speed to each feed hopper conveyor. The generator can be connected to mains power and could power an extra 24-meter radial stacker increasing the stockpile capacity.
for Sale In Stock Yatala
Plant for Sale In Stock Yatala Qld
Plant for Sale In Stock Yatala Qld
A new IMS-PM1200-20TB Track Pugmill with twin 10m3 feed hoppers has just commissioned to Braeside Quarry on the New England Highway Warrick in Qld, the options t improved product management with the twin feed hoppers blending having two different products available ready for moisture contr system can be operated from an iPad in a loader managing all aspects of the operation including loading trucks and multiple trailers stopping when the required weight has been reached for each unit and
Nordmann K750 hook lift jaw crusher with a 700x500 opening, diesel electric. Ideal for city projects, compact and quite POA
New IMS – MS104T Scalping Screen with a 10x4 two deck screen and high-rise tracks
$227,000 Plus GST
$227,000 Plus GST
tracks
New IMS – MC1050-24TB Track Conveyor with 10m3 feed hopper twin drive
Nordmann T-750 Track Jaw with attached single deck screen producing two finished products, diesel electric POA
$188,000 Plus GST
New & Used IMS – PM1050-16TB Track
New & Used IMS – PM1050-16TB Track
Pugmill, fully automated and available with IMS Mobile Silo
From $285,000 Plus GST
Track Pugmill, fully automated and available with IMS Mobile Silo From $285,000 Plus GST
Pugmill, fully automated and available with IMS Mobile Silo From $285,000 Plus GST
New IMS – BP1200-48TB Track Blender, twin power electric drive with Cat C7 Genset, four 12m3 feed hoppers, fully PLC automated - POA
New IMS – BP1200-48TB Track Blender, twin power electric drive with Cat C7 Genset, four 12m3 feed hoppers, fully PLC automated - POA
New IMS – BP1200-48TB Track Blender, twin power electric drive with Cat C7 Genset, four 12m3 feed hoppers, fully PLC automated - POA
Growing popularity
Hamilton Transport’s new LiuGong wheel loaders have also attracted the attention of some local farmers, and several growers throughout the region have started using them.
Thanks to the faith and trust John has in the brand, a LiuGong forklift has also been added to Hamilton Transport’s fleet to help with tasks such as washing tarps on top of the business’ tipper trucks.
Aside from the machine itself,
John praises the relationship developed with Lewis Ag and Construction’s LiuGong sales representative Dan Brookes.
Brookes says affordability is a key attraction for operators like John, particularly considering many machines feature Cummins engines, ZF transmissions and axles, Kawasaki hydraulic pumps and other high-quality components.
In addition to the agriculture sector, LiuGong Equipment is now working
in various parts of South Australia, including in the demolition and timber industries.
“Operators can get a machine with four years warranty at a similar price to leading OEMs’ machines that are 10 years old,” Brookes says.
“The standard warranty period is two years and 3,000 hours, but we encourage four years and 6,000 hours.
“The upcoming arrival of the LiuGong T Series is the next exciting step for the wheel loader range.”
John Hamilton (middle) has built a strong relationship with Lewis Ag and Construction’s LiuGong sales representative Dan Brookes (right)
Affordability was a key driver for John in purchasing the two 848H models
VALUE AT WORK
Est. 2005 and Shantui authorised dealer since 2018
Shantui Construction Machinery is the world’s largest manufacturer of bulldozers and the brand’s profile in Australia is growing - the quality of Shantui equipment stands up next to major machinery brands, while offering greater affordability.
Cobra Equipment Sales, founded in 2005, has long focused on supplying top quality new earthmoving equipment and is proud to have been the authorised dealer for Shantui since 2018.
Cobra’s trustworthy warranties are both factory-backed and organised locally, providing fast support and solutions. Topped off by reliable parts supply, a Shantui equipment purchase from Cobra Equipment Sales is one you can be sure of.
Shantui DH24-C3 Loader►
Shantui DH24-C3F 23.82 tonne (pre forestry protection fitted) fully hydrostatic bulldozer with Weichai WP12G290E304 195kW (261hp) engine, left lever controls variable speed and direction, right lever controls all blade functions, straight tilt, semi-U, or angle blade, three shank rippers or winch, 560 / 610 / 660 mm track shoes and track roller guards, engine side guards, air-conditioned ROPS cabin with forestry protection radio, and suspension seat. $345,000 plus GST = $379,500*
◄Shantui SG21-B6 Grader IN STOCK 19 tonne grader with Cummins 6CTAA8.3-C215 160kw (214.5hp) engine (Cummins Australia warranty), 14ft blade, ZF type powershift transmission - 6 forward / 3 reverse, transmission guarding, no-spin self-locking differential, 17.5R25 tyres, rear rippers, front blade, full lighting kit including work lights, air-conditioned ROPS cabin with reverse camera, UHF radio, e-stops, battery and starter isolators, radio and suspension seat.
$218,000 plus GST = $239,800
SE17SR excavator - 1.8 tonne with Kubota D902 11.8kW (15.82hp) 2300rpm Tier 4 engine, attachment piping, hydraulic quick hitch, GP bucket, ROPS canopy. $28,181 plus GST = $30,999 SE17SR SE125SR
Parts Supply
Parts for Shantui, XCMG, Yutong, XGMA, JCM, Maxxam, Lonking, HBXG, Liugong, Chenggong, Foton, Lishide, Nante, Yuchai, Dongfeng, Liuzhou ZF, Hangzhou ZF and Meritor, etc.
*Pricing
To our valued contacts and customers, best wishes for a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with peace and prosperity.
Gift guide
The holiday season is here once again. If you’re looking for ideas of things to get for others, or even yourself, have a look below for toys, tech and tickets
Komatsu limited edition Monopoly
It wouldn’t be Christmas if the annual Monopoly battle didn’t take place, and fans of Komatsu machinery can bring the world of construction into their living rooms with a limited-edition Komatsu Monopoly set. The standard Monopoly layout will be familiar, but rather than charging
around London buying property, the Komatsu version allows you to build up your fleet from the humble grader all the way up to a P&H 4100 mining shovel. For even more gift ideas, the Komatsu merch shop also includes a range of clothing, accessories and scale models.
For tech-heads who also like to look sharp, Levi and Google have developed a denim jacket that allows for handsfree operation of smartphones. With a Jacquard tag in the jacket’s cuff, you can answer your phone, navigate Google Maps and control your music without being distracted by your phone. Also, if you accidentally leave your phone behind, it will alert you.
Just in time for the holidays, HoverAir has released its X1 model drone that weighs in at just 125g. Designed as an entry-level drone with simple instructions and self-flying abilities, it has a set of pre-programmed flight paths for cinematic shots with follow speeds of up to 25km/h for those wanting to record their outdoor adventures. HoverAir says the X1’s compact and lightweight design makes it ideal to fold up into a bag and grab aerial shots on the go.
Image:
Komatsu
Come on, we all know a gift guide would not be complete without socks and these are no mere foot warmers at Lindner. Using vintage machinery from Germany, 10 generations of the same family have been crafting socks fit for the fussiest of giftees. If you’re spending all day in work boots, you need a decent sock to stand up to the strain, which is where the Max Plus Thick Merino comes in, with an extended leg length to finish above the cuff of longer boots. Other sock options cover different weights and styles, covering you from work site to Friday night in
For kids with a passion for construction (and big kids too), WesTrac Cat has a 1:16 scale model of a Cat 320 RC excavator that can be remote controlled up to a distance of 25m. With individual left and right track movement, the cab rotates 360 degrees and there are individual movements of the arm and work tools. With a hammer and a grapple to replace the bucket and a battery powered controller, that’s Christmas afternoon sorted. The WesTrac merch shop also includes clothing, footwear, tools and accessories. For the adrenaline junkie in your life, Adrenaline experiences cover everything from flying in a jet fighter or driving a rally car through to white water rafting and axe throwing. For the more family-friendly fun there are also options for swimming with seals, go-karting, ghost tours and snorkelling to name just a few.
Image: Lindner Socks
A new event for the municipal works, commercial and civil construction industries.
Converge is Australia’s premier event for Sub-Contractors, Project Engineers, Council Fleet Managers, and Large-Scale Construction Contractors across the municipal works, civil construction and infrastructure space.
Through a mixture of live demonstrations, equipment showcases, and conference spaces, Converge will bring industry experts together to share knowledge and deliver solutions for building and maintaining Australia’s future.
be available through Porter Group. Image: Sandvik
DISTRIBUTOR
Sandvik partner
Sandvik has announced the appointment of Porter Group as its official distributor for crushing equipment in New Zealand
Swedish mining and quarrying equipment company Sandvik has appointed Porter Group as its crushing solutions distributor in New Zealand – providing machinery sales and aftermarket care, including spare parts and local service support.
“The Porter Group is thrilled to extend our long-standing relationship with Sandvik, with the signing of the agreement to distribute and represent Sandvik stationary crushers in New Zealand,” Porter Group COO Darren Ralph says.
“Two iconic brands in New Zealand, the Porter Group and Sandvik, form a formidable partnership to further enhance the product offering and service provided to New Zealand’s extraction and recycling industries. We look forward to making significant progress with the product range and assisting our valued customer base with their requirements in this area.”
Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions vice president, original equipment for Oceania, Amit Parimoo adds: “Sandvik’s decision to expand its collaboration with Porter Group aligns perfectly with our strategy to enhance customer focus and bring our cutting-edge solutions closer to the local market.
“Together with Porter Group, we will drive greater efficiencies for New Zealand’s mining and aggregates sectors by combining world-class technology with trusted, local service. Our shared goal is to help customers achieve maximum productivity while lowering their environmental impact.”
INFRASTRUCTURE
Consortia announced
Upgrades continue on Melbourne’s Eastern Freeway
Two consortia have been announced as the preferred bidders for the next major elements of the Eastern Freeway Upgrades taking place in Melbourne.
The Momentum consortium –comprising John Holland, Seymour Whyte, Jacobs and Mott Macdonald – has been selected as the preferred bidder for upgrades between Hoddle Street and Burke Road, including new lanes, as well as connections to the Eastern Busway and new walking and cycling paths.
The Synergy consortium –comprising CPB Contractors, BMD Constructions and Arup – has been selected to complete the Eastern Freeway upgrades between Tram and Springvale roads, including new express lanes, upgraded noise walls and revitalised sections of the Koonung Creek Linear Park.
The Eastern Freeway will be overhauled from Hoddle Street to Springvale Road, with new express lanes, modern traffic management technology and Melbourne’s first dedicated busway from Doncaster
The East Link will connect to the North East Link.
Image: FilesImage/stock.adobe.com
toward the city – connecting to the new North East Link tunnels from Watsonia to Bulleen.
Together, the three packages of Eastern Freeway works will add more than 45 kilometres of new lanes. Significant work is underway to build North East Link and upgrade the freeways – two tunnel boring machines are digging under Yallambie, interchanges are being built near Lower Plenty Road and Manningham Road, and worksites are being set up along the Eastern Freeway and M80 Ring Road.
The Eastern Freeway upgrades and North East Link tunnels will be complete in 2028, which the Victoria state government says will take 15,000 trucks off local roads and save drivers up to 35 minutes in travel time between Melbourne’s east and outer north. The projects are jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments.
A range of Sandvik crushers will
Shortage solution
With female construction participation reaching a record high in 2024, the issue of skilled labour shortages faces a potential solution
Australia’s construction industry has seen female participation reach a record high in 2024, according to Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ).
Despite this positive outcome, CSQ says women still only represent 17 per cent of the workforce and just five per cent of workers in construction trades.
As the country continues to endure skilled labour shortages, the inclusion of women in construction could help solve this issue, while bringing fresh perspectives.
Organisations like Awesome Women in Construction (AWIC) and the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) are just two initiatives already creating more opportunities for women.
“Showcasing the available roles within the construction industry will assist in the growth of female participation,” AWIC founder and CEO Amanda Bulow says.
“When people think about construction, they often only consider the trades. But there are so many other roles available – surveyors, project managers, accountants – and we need to highlight these opportunities to bring more women into the fold.”
AWIC’s initiatives, such as its Roadshow Snapshot program, are
The inclusion of women in construction could help solve skilled labour shortages. Image: visoot/stock.adobe.com
opening doors for women across the country.
Designed to offer hands-on experiences, the roadshow has already reached over 5,000 students and provided site visits and factory tours to inspire future female leaders in construction.
The 2023/2024 roadshow has travelled over 9,500km, engaging 5,000 students across more than 40 schools and offering 30-plus industry site visits.
Another initiative leading the charge to ensure women play a key role in the future of Australia’s construction industry is PlanRadar – a leading platform for digital documentation, communication and reporting in construction, facility management and real estate projects.
In a traditionally male-dominated field, PlanRadar says schools can break down stereotypes and provide young women with insights into diverse roles within construction.
This can be done by implementing initiatives like career fairs, school outreach programs and mentorship opportunities.
The road improvements will increase access to remote communities. Image: Frozigraphie/ stock.adobe.com
Remote resurfacing
Safety upgrades to one of the Pilbara Region’s most notable roads are officially underway.
About 92km of Marble Bar Road will be upgraded to a two-lane sealed road, which the WA government says will significantly improve road safety, expand access to remote Aboriginal communities and further unlock the economic potential of the region through better connections to a number of mine sites serviced by the road. An eight-kilometre deviation around Nullagine will also be constructed.
The project will be delivered in seven stages, with the first 15-kilometre section near Roy Hill now underway, and work on a further 23km of road expected to commence in the coming weeks.
Access for local Aboriginal communities and medical and other services will also be improved – with the new road expected to reduce the need for closures due to flooding in the wet season.
The upgrade is being funded and delivered by mining company Atlas Iron, with the WA state government committing $60 million towards the project.
The upgrades are expected to be completed by late 2025.
“Marble Bar Road is the only link for a number of remote communities in the East Pilbara for food, supplies and essential services,” Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel says.
“During wet season, the road can be closed for up to three months as floodwaters rise, meaning that communities become isolated, and food and provisions have to be transported in by air at significant cost.
“Sealing the road will significantly improve serviceability for the local community and I thank the state government for their ongoing commitment to this project.”
Atlas Iron has begun work on improving a key road for regional Pilbara residents
WOMEN IN INDUSTRY
CONCRETE
Low-carbon concrete
The Mickleham Road Upgrade –Stage 1 project in Melbourne is the first to use a new waste clay concrete mix
The new mix uses specially treated waste clay as a replacement for some of the cement binder in concrete, leading to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions.
The project team poured the first 5 cubic metres of the mix in a maintenance strip in October, marking an Australian-first for transport infrastructure projects.
Up to 100 cubic metres of the mix is intended for use on Stage 1 of the upgrade, on Mickleham Road in Greenvale, in northern Melbourne.
Major Road Projects Victoria, University of Melbourne and companies Arup and Hanson Australia developed the mix in a joint project that successfully replaced the cement binder usually used in concrete with a mix containing up to 30 per cent calcined clay.
Calcined clays are produced by heating certain types of clay to high temperatures, altering their chemical structure so they can partially replace cement in concrete.
Importantly, the production of calcined clay for the Mickleham Road Upgrade – Stage 1 halved the carbon dioxide emissions compared to traditional cement.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Terra to tunnel
The Terra Verde joint venture will deliver the Tunnels North project for Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop
The Terra Verde joint venture has signed a contract with the Victorian Government to deliver the Tunnels North contract for Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East in Melbourne.
The contract, valued at $1.7 billion, involves design and construction of nearly 10km of two parallel tunnels and two station boxes in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne. The joint venture is made up of GS E&C Australia, Webuild and Bouygues Construction Australia.
Commissioned by Victoria’s Suburban Rail Loop Authority, the project includes excavation of tunnels between Glen Waverley and Box Hill; construction of 39 cross passages along the tunnels; two station boxes; two tunnel access shafts and one intervention and ventilation shaft.
“Securing this contract for SRL East is a significant step in expanding our footprint in Australia’s infrastructure sector,” GS E&C CEO Yoon Hong Huh says.
“As part of the Terra Verde joint venture, we are excited to apply
GS E&C Australia previously worked on Melbourne’s North East Link tunnels. Image: GS E&C Australia
our global tunnelling expertise and local knowledge to deliver this cityshaping project.”
GS E&C Australia managing director Steve Sung-han Cho adds: “Reaching this contract award is a major milestone for us and for Melbourne’s future. Suburban Rail Loop will create long-term benefits for Victoria’s economy by fostering local business growth and generating employment opportunities. Terra Verde is committed to ensuring that local industry plays a pivotal role in delivering this critical infrastructure.”
SRL is a 90km orbital rail line that will connect to all of Melbourne’s existing major train lines, from Cheltenham in the south east to Werribee in the south west, via Melbourne Airport. Construction of SRL East is underway, with tunnelling to commence in 2026 and trains to start taking passengers in 2035.
The new concrete being laid. Image: Victorian government
LONGREACHCATERPILLAR320D 2024,Longreach boom,unused,tosuit20tonexcavators,will fit Caterpillar320-D,comescompletewithGPbucket andbucketram,reached16.8m,unusedboom.. A473. TA1237063. $27,500+GST
C.W.E.ROCKTUNGSTONCOREDRILLS Rock drillingbits,largecorebarreltungstentippedbits, C.W.E.brand,1x1100diameterrockbit,1x1050 diameterrockbitand1x900diameterdiggingbit.3 bitsallingoodorder,have200mmsquaredrive,price for $11,000+GST
CATERPILLAR312D 2024,Longreachboom,unused, suit12tonexcavators,will fit Caterpillar312-D,comes withGPbucketandbucketram,reaches13.8m,new boom.A474. TA1237064. $21,000+GST
An artist’s impression of the Port Stanvac development. Image: SA government
INFRASTRUCTURE
Port development
The site south of Adelaide will see a significant housing project and associated infrastructure
The site of a former oil refinery in Lonsdale, south Adelaide, will be redeveloped into a mixed use precinct and housing project, the South Australian state government has announced.
Plans include the construction of up to 3,600 new houses and the opening up of the coastline, which was previously closed to the public.
The state government will work with developer MAB and site owner ExxonMobil to create the new housing and mixed-use development, which will also feature sports fields, entertainment and retail space, industrial buildings and warehousing, and access to Lonsdale Rail Station.
The project aims to create a mixed-use town centre next to the station, to create a new neighbourhood to live and work.
ExxonMobil ceased operations at the former Port Stanvac Oil Refinery site in 2003 and has now entered a Contract of Sale with MAB.
Given the potential to significantly increase the population in the area, the state government will work with MAB and Onkaparinga Council to examine future transport and traffic management options, environmental studies and managing interface with existing industrial land, it says.
SmartCrete research
$14 million boost for sustainable concrete research in Australia
The SmartCrete Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) has committed $3.2 million in funding to six industry-led research projects aligned to its mission of transitioning concrete for a sustainable Australia.
The six projects, co-funded by industry, research bodies and SmartCrete CRC, will explore novel approaches to sustainable design, use and management of concrete. Representing a total investment of $14 million (cash and in-kind) in research and development, CRC says the projects will significantly advance Australian concrete’s capabilities to achieve net zero by 2050.
SmartCrete CRC CEO Clare Tubolets says that the six projects, which have emerged through SmartCrete CRC’s latest funding round, will focus on developing innovative materials, technologies and building techniques that will improve the long-term performance and sustainability of Australia’s concrete infrastructure.
“As we strive towards net zero, adopting sustainable solutions that minimise the environmental impact of concrete while securing the sector’s long-term viability is crucial,” she says.
“We invest in homegrown concrete innovations that have the potential to transform how we design, use and manage concrete infrastructure.”
The six projects leverage cutting edge technologies such as 3D printing and computer vision systems,
SmartCrete is aiming to fuel change in the concrete industry. Image: ungvar/ stock.adobe.com
addressing the efficiency, productivity and cost challenges of concrete construction and maintenance. They represent key steps toward a more efficient and sustainable concrete ecosystem.
SmartCrete CRC chair emeritus professor Elizabeth Taylor says these projects will have a significant impact; highlighting the vital role of research collaboration in developing sustainable materials and technologies to meet Australia’s net zero ambitions.
“SmartCrete CRC collaborates with industry, government and universities to transform Australia’s concrete ecosystem and deliver positive outcomes,” she says.
“We support smart, industryled research that tackles sectoral challenges and creates opportunities that add value not only to our partners but also to the wider community.”
To date, Smartcrete CRC has purposely invested just over $40 million of Commonwealth and partner funding in 39 innovation collaborations across its three research programs – sustainable concrete, engineered solutions and asset management – that drive material change, develop new technologies and promote best practice to achieve sustainable concrete.
Safety netting on scaffolding. Image: Tanakorn/ stock.adobe.com
WORKPLACE H&S
Stay safe
New WorkSafe video highlights risks of falling objects
Falling objects remain a leading cause of workplace harm in the building industry and pose a risk to members of the public near work sites.
To highlight the risk, WorkSafe has published an animated video outlining the circumstances and factors that led to a sprinkler head falling 26 storeys from a Melbourne construction site in March 2020, landing close to workers at street level.
WorkSafe’s dropped object calculator –which allows users to select the weight of an object to discover how much damage it could cause when falling from a certain height – estimates the sprinkler head would have struck the ground at more than 153 kilometres per hour, with the same force as being hit by a car on the street.
The video was produced as part of an Enforceable Undertaking worth more than $195,000 entered into with Multiplex Constructions Pty Ltd following the incident, which also includes funding the promotion of educational materials and a scholarship. WorkSafe executive director health and safety Sam Jenkin urges construction workers and duty holders to watch the video, which uses investigation findings to recreate the incident and explains the steps that duty holders should have taken to reduce the risk.
To watch the video, visit: www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/ news/2024-10/catching-risksfalling-objects-they-strike
Printed house
Construction of a housing development in Dubbo is currently underway, using 3D printing to take build time down to 16 weeks
Construction has begun on NSW’s first 3D-printed social housing properties in Dubbo.
The development will transform a vacant block of land into two modern two-bedroom duplexes for Aboriginal social housing tenants. The NSW government says this method of construction will reduce costs and cut construction time in half.
The outcome of this project will influence the government’s future take-up of 3D printing for further house building projects.
Indigenous company Aboriginal Sustainable Homes is developing the site in partnership with Contour3D.
The printed concrete structures for the duplexes are due to be completed within 16 days using approximately 70 tonnes of bespoke Contourcrete –a proprietary 3D printable concrete pioneered by Contour3D.
Once the 3D-printed structure is complete, the roof structure will be installed and the internal fit out commences, with the homes expected to be ready for tenants to move in by February 2025.
The NSW government says 3D-printing produces significantly less waste, and the concrete mix uses eco-friendly recycled materials to produce a robust and energy efficient home with substantially reduced lifecycle maintenance costs.
The total construction time for this project is 16 weeks, while using conventional methods for
Contour 3D previously printed an amenities block in Dubbo. Image: Contour3D
a similar build could take up to 40 weeks, it says.
“It’s very exciting that construction is now underway on the first 3D printed social housing properties in the state, and I have high hopes that this approach can be replicated at scale,” minister for housing and homelessness Rose Jackson says.
“The Minns Labor Government is using out-of-the-box thinking and exploring every option to build more social and affordable homes faster, especially in our regional and remote areas where people are crying out for assistance.
“We can’t solve the housing and homelessness crisis alone, and this project is a fantastic example of what can happen when council, government and private businesses join forces to find new solutions to a growing problem.
“I’d like to thank the Aboriginal Housing Office, Aboriginal Sustainable Homes, Dubbo Regional Council and Contour3D for their dedication to exploring new and efficient ways of building more quality homes for those who need them.”
Last year, Contour3D delivered Australia’s first 3D printed amenities block, also in Dubbo. In all, 25 tonnes of Contourcrete was used to build the amenities block.
HOUSE BUILDING
Work is underway at the Pyrmont site. Images: Transport for NSW
INFRASTRUCTURE
Sydney dig
An 18m high cavern is being excavated for Sydney Metro’s Pyrmont Station
Excavation work has begun for the new Pyrmont Metro Station as part of the Sydney Metro West project.
Two roadheaders are currently working at the station’s eastern end, with a third expected to arrive later this month. These 117-tonne machines have already carved more than 90 metres into a cavern for the future station, which will eventually measure 18 metres high, 24 metres wide and 170 metres long.
The roadheaders are expected to complete the station cavern by early 2025, paving the way for tunnel boring machines Jessie and Ruby as they build the 2.3-kilometre tunnels linking The Bays to Hunter Street in the Sydney CBD.
In total, the roadheaders will remove 151,000 tonnes of material from the site, with around 25,000 tonnes already excavated. All clean material from the excavation will be repurposed for ongoing projects across Sydney.
Additionally, two station shafts are being excavated by rock hammers, to serve as pedestrian access points. The eastern shaft will reach a depth of 40 metres and the western shaft, 33 metres.
Valuable scrap
Scrap carpet fibres could solve an ongoing issue in the construction sector, having been found to make concrete stronger and more crack-resistant
Australian researchers are working todevelop a technique to make concrete that is stronger and crackresistant using scrap carpet fibres, opening the door for increased sustainability in the construction sector.
Lead researcher Dr Chamila Gunasekara from RMIT University says waste carpet fibres reduced early-age shrinking cracking in concrete by up to 30 per cent.
Gunasekara adds that it also improves the concrete’s durability, presenting a solution to a major challenge in the construction industry.
“Cracking in early-age concrete slabs is a long-standing challenge in construction projects that can cause premature corrosion, not only making a building look bad but also risking its structural integrity and safety,” Gunasekara says.
“Scrap carpet fibres can be used to increase concrete’s strength by 40 per cent in tension and prevent early cracking, by reducing shrinkage substantially.”
Australia’s annual cost of repair for cracks in reinforced concrete structures is approximately $8 billion, according to RMIT University.
The research team aims to address this challenge, and has been able to use other discarded textiles, including clothing fabrics,
Samples of concrete made with carpet fibres. Image: RMIT University
to make concrete stronger.
Partnering with Textile Recyclers Australia, Godfrey Hirst Australia and councils in Victoria, field studies are being conducted of on-ground slabs made of reclaimed textiles.
Laboratory concrete samples made from various textile materials have already been shown to meet Australian Standards for engineering performance and environmental requirements.
Another challenge that this research could solve is the detrimental effects of disposing of carpets and other textiles, including household fabrics.
“Australia is the second largest consumer of textiles per person in the world, after the US,” Gunasekara says.
“The average Australian purchases 27kg of new clothing and textiles every year, and discards 23kg into landfill.
“Burning carpet waste releases various toxic gases, creating environmental concerns.”
Field trials conducted will help capture the unexpected conditions encountered in real-world construction projects, RMIT University adds.
Image: Taras Vyshnya/stock.adobe.com
MINERAL PROCESSING
Rare event
A rare earths processing plant has opened in Kalgoorlie
Federal Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King has officially opened the Lynas Rare Earths processing plant in Kalgoorlie.
The new Lynas plant will create around 115 direct jobs in the Goldfields region by processing ores from the nearby Mt Weld mine to create a mixed rare earth carbonate.
This facility will be the first rare earths processing facility in Australia and the largest outside of China.
Minister King congratulated Lynas on the milestone and says the plant opening was an important step for Australia’s critical minerals industry and Australia’s ambitions of growing the nation’s downstream processing capabilities.
“This opening is a big deal for Kalgoorlie, a huge deal for Western Australia and a massive step for Australia,” she says.
“Processing more of our critical minerals and rare earths here in this country is a big part of the Albanese government’s plans for Building Australia’s Future.
“Projects like the Lynas Rare Earths Processing Facility will deliver direct economic benefits to Australia while strengthening our sovereign capability.”
Critical minerals and rare earths elements are essential for the clean energy technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels and wind turbines, as well as advanced electronics, the defence industry and medical devices.
Capital idea
Hanson Australia has taken on a new name and recently acquired concrete producer Elvin Group
Heidelberg Materials Australia, the new name for Hanson Australia, has entered into a conditional purchase agreement to acquire premixed concrete business Elvin Group.
Heidelberg Materials Australia parent company, Germany-based Heidelberg Materials, says Elvin Group is the largest concrete producer in the Canberra region.
The company operates two concrete plants, a concrete laboratory, a sand blending plant and an equipment and accessories supply outlet – employing 85 employees and contractors.
“The latest expansion of Hanson Australia’s business reflects our strong focus on strengthening our footprint in core markets,” Heidelberg Materials managing board member René Aldach says.
“With this bolt-on acquisition, we are expanding our vertically integrated market position and bringing our expertise in the fields of sustainability and digitalisation to one of the largest regional markets in Australia.”
In line with its parent company’s global rebranding strategy, Hanson Australia recently rebranded to Heidelberg Materials Australia.
Heidelberg Materials Australia chief executive Phil Schacht says the transformation reflects the company’s aim for continuous improvement and a broadened offer to the construction and building materials market.
The rebrand also reflects the company’s commitment to driving sustainability and digital innovation
Hanson Australia has rebranded to Heidelberg Materials Australia and acquired Elvin Group.
Image: Heidelberg
Materials Australia
across its entire operations, he adds.
“Our transformation to Heidelberg Materials Australia will pull us together as one global team,” he says.
“Together we will cement our position as industry leaders, leveraging our global expertise, to provide our local Australian market with a comprehensive range of quality, innovative, low-carbon and high-recycled construction materials, including concrete, aggregates and asphalt.
“While our name is changing, we are committed to being our customers’ trusted source for construction materials, supported by great people and quality products.”
Hanson Australia’s rebrand marks a new era for the company which began in 1949, when Pioneer was established as a ready-mix concrete producer.
After undergoing a significant expansion during its first 50 years, the company was acquired by Hanson PLC in 2000 and rebranded to Hanson Australia in 2004. Hanson was then acquired by Heidelberg Materials AG, formerly Heidelberg Cement AG, in 2007.
Hanson’s subsidiaries Hymix, Pioneer North Queensland, Placecrete, Traino, Alex Fraser and Suncoast Asphalt will continue to operate under their existing brand names.
The facility near Kalgoorlie will produce rare earths for manufacturing.
REBRAND
BPIC pause
Best Practice industry Conditions (BPIC) in Queensland have been changed on new government funded construction projects
The Queensland government has paused the use of Best Practice industry Conditions (BPIC) on new government funded construction projects until a full review can be conducted by the soon-to-be reestablished Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC).
BPICs require the prequalification of contractors and subcontractors before being able to undertake major government project work, limiting the pool of available contractors and sub-contractors.
They have previously applied to government construction projects costing more than $100m and set conditions on employment terms.
The Civil Contractors Federation Queensland Ltd (CCF QLD) welcomes the pause, saying the review will provide “a much-needed opportunity to align industry practices with federal standards, free from what it considers to be unnecessary regulatory burdens imposed by BPIC”.
“It’s about time that the industry can tackle its own industrial relations affairs in line with federal laws, without unnecessary meddling from the state government,” CCF QLD CEO Damian Long says.
BPICs had previously applied to government projects of more than $100m and set conditions on employment terms. Image: Apisit/stock.adobe.com
“This is a critical first step toward a more competitive, productive and sustainable construction industry across Queensland.”
CCF QLD has been outspoken in its opposition to BPIC, which it views as a poorly designed policy that adds unnecessary costs to the industry at a time when housing affordability is at a historic low.
The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) also welcomes the news, saying it has long advocated for a focus on improving productivity to ensure it can deliver the infrastructure Queensland needs, when it needs it and at a price it can afford.
“The BPIC pause does not mean we lose sight of the critical importance of safety and training,” ACA CEO Jon Davies says.
“Our workers are our greatest asset, and they stand to benefit significantly from enhanced productivity.”
Operators completed a range of challenges such as the basketball dunk.
Image: CCNZ
EXCAVATOR CHALLENGE
Compact Case a winner
An excavator competition in New Zealand saw operators perform an array of challenges with their machines, including dunking basketballs, painting and pouring beverages
Twelve excavator operators have completed a series of unusual challenges from their cabs at the recent Civil Contractors New Zealand (CCNZ) CablePrice Hawke’s Bay and East Coast Regional Excavator Operator Competition to be named the region’s top operator.
Held at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds in October, the operators were required to use their excavators to perform a variety of challenges including painting, stacking rocks, dunking basketballs, pouring beverages and picking up an egg and placing it on top of a road cone.
There was also a golf-inspired challenge, which required operators to get a ball into an upturned apple bin by striking it with their 13-tonne machines.
More serious theory-based tests were also included, requiring operators to demonstrate health and safety and first aid knowledge, proper use of personal protective equipment, hazard identification, and startup and shutdown protocols.
Winners of the 11 different regional excavator operator competitions across New Zealand will qualify for the national finals, which will be held in Feilding in March 2025, during the Central Districts Field Days.
The golf challenge required operators to hit a ball into an upturned apple bin. Image: CCNZ
Rock stars
WA Rammer dealer Total Rockbreaking Solutions hosted international service technicians for advanced training
Apprentice award
Technology solutions provider Aptella has been recognised as the Apprentice Employer of the Year by TAFE QLD.
Aptella says the award results from the creation of a customised National Field Apprenticeship Program that aims to grow and support new field technicians in the industry.
“This program reflects our dedication and commitment to nurturing talent, advancing skill development, and empowering the next generation of industry experts through impactful and meaningful learning experiences,” says Aptella executive manager people and culture Bernadette Taoro Ashin.
“If we want to continue to create the very best experiences for our customers, this is a crucial part of that. By supporting and training upcoming field technicians we are investing our time and expertise back into our industry.”
The unique apprenticeship program, co-created with TAFE Queensland, aims to teach targeted skills to future technicians, including high precision machine control technology on heavy earthmoving equipment.
“We want to ensure our field technicians are the best of the best and they have the knowledge base to make them the most sought after in the industry,” Taoro Ashin says.
Rammer servtice technicians from Australia, New Zealand and Malaysia attended a four-day training course in WA recently to advance their service protocols.
The course was hosted at the Kewdale base of Total Rockbreaking Solutions (TRS), Rammer’s exclusive WA dealer, which welcomed the technicians for both in-depth theoretical instruction and handson training.
Sessions were guided by Finland’s Rammer factory product specialist Petteri Rajanummi and Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions’ David Scurr, who both shared insights and engaged directly with the technicians, discussing on-ground challenges and solutions tailored to regional conditions.
A key focus of the training was the introduction of Rammer’s new compact rockbreaker range, which the company says is renowned for its lightweight design and robust power. With a customisable body structure, Rammer’s unique CBE operating principle and an impressive power-to-weight ratio, Rammer says the compact range of rockbreakers delivers high efficiency and lower operating costs –optimising fuel consumption.
Technicians disassembled the Rammer E04 model. Image: Rammer
The training allowed technicians to disassemble the Rammer E04 model, providing firsthand experience with the modular structure that sets the compact range apart from the excellence line.
Rammer’s global network spans 60 countries, providing dealers and customers with knowledge and support.
In Australia, Rammer’s dealer network has delivered service and product expertise across the mining and construction industries, including coverage in Papua New Guinea.
These dealers provide ready access to genuine Rammer parts, offer factory-approved maintenance and warranty services to ensure that Rammer products continue to contribute to customers’ profitability for their entire working lives.
Rammer, part of Sandvik Rock Processing Solutions within the Sandvik Group, aligns its dealer training and customer support with the Group’s global engineering strengths, focusing on mining, rock excavation, metal-cutting and materials technology.
Rammer’s authorised dealer network in Australia:
• Walkers Hammers (VIC, SA, TAS), walkershammers.com.au
• Groundtec (NSW), groundtec.com.au
• QLD Rock Breakers (QLD, NT and PNG), rdw.com.au/ qld-rock-breakers
• Total Rockbreaking Solutions (WA), totalrockbreaking.com.au
For more information and contact details, visit www. attachmentspecialists.com.au/rammer or www.rammer.com
Current apprentices. Image: Aptella
Aptella wins Queensland employer award
RECYCLING
Recycling revolution
A CDE washing plant integrated with a Turmec dry processing system is at the heart of a C&D waste revolution in Brisbane
The commissioning of Rino Recycling’s construction & demolition (C&D) waste recycling plant in Brisbane this year signals a key moment for the future of South East Queensland (SEQ), says material processing machinery manufacturer CDE, which has supplied a waste processing system to the facility.
The hybrid plant, which integrates both wet and dry processes, is capturing high-value construction materials that would have otherwise been sent to landfill.
CDE, which designed and engineered the wet processing solution that integrates with the Turmec-supplied dry processing system, says the plant will make important contributions to SEQ over the coming years.
“South East Queensland is in the early stages of a very significant investment period,” CDE Australasia GM Daniel Webber says.
“Over the next two decades, we’re going to see a real uptick in construction to support the development of major infrastructure and large-scale capital projects.”
Power of collaboration
The new plant can accept a wide range of highly variable waste streams, including commercial skip and bin waste, C&D waste, hydro excavation waste, concrete and excavated fills.
Linked by a network of conveyors, waste materials transition between the wet and dry systems without manual input. First, feed material is processed via Turmec’s dry mixed recyclables plant to separate
fines and remove contaminants before passing through CDE’s wet processing plant to produce a range of washed and graded recycled sand and aggregate products.
“This really is uncharted territory,” Webber says.
“It’s the first time two systems of this kind have been brought together in this way, under one roof. It’s living proof that wet and dry waste recycling can coincide, and it highlights the power of collaboration because the results are undeniable.”
A cleaner future
The fully-automated facility has a maximum processing capacity of 475 tonnes of C&D waste per hour –equivalent to 1.5 million tonnes per year – and while the plant has only been operational for a few months, it is expected to reach full capacity in the next 12-18 months, according to Rino’s Daniel Blaser.
“We’re currently operating at around 50 per cent of our total capacity, but this is steadily increasing to the point we anticipate reaching full capacity by the end of 2025,” he says.
“A major component of the work we’re doing is about educating the industry about the potential of recycled construction materials. We’re making a very strong case in favour of recycled sand and aggregate. More and more are adapting and as that increases, so too will our capacity to meet that growing demand. We see a greener, cleaner future just over the horizon and are steadfast in our commitment to see it realised.”
The Rino Recycling plant in Pinkenba, Brisbane. Image: CDE
Webber adds: “Historically in this region, trucks had to travel considerably long distances to access resource recovery facilities. It essentially made waste recycling a cost-prohibitive exercise. This solution and its proximity to Brisbane’s Central Business District – the beating heart of many major infrastructure projects – will help reduce the sector’s carbon footprint by tackling the waste burden, repurposing materials, and limiting the need to extract new raw materials.”
Water neutrality
CDE’s water management and recycling focus means up to 95 per cent of the water passing through the wash plant is recycled and immediately recirculated for reuse in the system. This is made possible by a closed-circuit configuration of CDE’s AquaCycle thickener, holding tanks for recycled water and sludge, and a filter press.
Operating in unison alongside the core processing plant is the addition of CDE’s Hydro:Tip, which handles non-destructive digging muds.
Clean water from the vacuum waste is also recovered. This top-up water coupled with that recovered by CDE’s water treatment process means the plant is totally water self-sufficient.
“Achieving water neutrality is no small feat, but the benefits both economically and environmentally are huge,” Weber says.
“From water permits and environmental assessments to water scarcity and increasing pressure from population growth, insufficient water supply can really drive up operating expenditure. The value of construction materials increase significantly when washed, so a water neutral plant reduces costs and helps produce products that command a premium.”
The plant is currently producing a wide variety of materials, including washed fine sand and aggregates in a range of sizes: 5mm, 10mm, 20mm, and 40/70mm.
Event News
construction events
Here are upcoming events for 2025. Information was current as of going to press
Digital Built World Summit – Sydney
This summit will focus on how to leverage digital tools such as digital twins, automation and infrastructure 4.0 to unlock value and efficiencies across the entire infrastructure lifecycle.
WHEN: February 18–19, 2025
MORE INFO: https://digitalbuiltworldsummit.com
Net Zero Construction Summit –Sydney
The Net Zero Construction Summit will provide a forum for industry leaders to come together to discuss the policies, strategies, materials and technologies necessary to decarbonise the construction of buildings and infrastructure.
WHEN: March 5, 2025
MORE INFO: netzeroconstruction.com.au
WA Major Projects Conference – Perth
Attracting attendees from across Australia, the WA Major Projects Conference provides a platform to discuss key projects and topics centred around WA’s infrastructure pipeline.
WHEN: March 19–20, 2025
MORE INFO: www.waconference.com.au
Transform 2025 – Sydney
Focusing on the sustainable built environment, Transform 2025, organised by the Green Building Council of Australia, will explore decarbonisation, nature and biodiversity, electrification, low carbon materials, circularity and more. In addition to the conference speaker agenda, breakout sessions will take place on subjects such as delivering best practice, renewable energy and the circular economy.
WHEN: March 19–20, 2025
MORE INFO: new.gbca.org.au/courses-events/events/transform
Women in Construction Summit –Melbourne
The Women in Construction Summit provides the opportunity to hear from inspirational and industry-leading women working at the forefront of construction or infrastructure in both the public and private sector. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into new innovations revolutionising the industry as well as information on how to develop strategies to grow leadership and project management skills.
WHEN: March 25–27, 2025
MORE INFO: womeninconstructionsummit.com.au
South Australian Major Projects Conference – Adelaide
The South Australian Major Projects Conference will profile the latest updates on major infrastructure projects across the state alongside providing fantastic networking opportunities with key industry stakeholders. Attracting well over 150 attendees, this conference is a must-attend for industry professionals seeking the most up-to-date information on the State’s infrastructure projects, policy issues, research findings and best practices.
WHEN: April 8–9, 2025
MORE INFO: saconference.com.au
Australian Tools and Grinding Expo – Brisbane
ATGE showcases hardware, tools and products for cutting, grinding and polishing. The expo will also explore the latest in automation.
WHEN: May 2–4, 2025
MORE INFO: https://atge.com.au
Tocal Field Days – Hunter Valley
Located in Paterson, NSW Tocal Field Days is an agricultural field day event that includes some construction machinery exhibitors.
WHEN: May 2–4, 2025
MORE INFO: www.tocalfielddays.com
Sydney Build 2025 – Sydney
This two-day event focuses on the construction, architecture, engineering and infrastructure industries, bringing together contractors, architects, engineers, housebuilders, developers, government and construction professionals. Ten stages cover topics such as BIM, Construction Safety, Site Safety, Architecture, Infrastructure, Digital Construction, New Rules, HVAC, Sustainability and Government.
WHEN: May 7–8, 2025
MORE INFO: www.sydneybuildexpo.com
Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show – Brisbane
Organised by CCF QLD, the Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show has evolved from the Civil Construction Field Days and will be hosted in its new home, Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre and Showground, in 2025. Held alongside the Brisbane Truck Show, over 6 ,000 visitors are expected to see what the 100+ exhibitors have to offer at the event.
WHEN: May 15–17, 2025
MORE INFO: www.heavyequipmentshow.com.au
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Hands up
Plant & Equipment
Celebrating 30 years in Australia’s access equipment hire industry, Skyreach continues its tradition of innovation with a variety of brands on o er
When managing director Rod Leach founded Skyreach in the Brisbane suburb of Geebung back in 1994, Australia’s equipment hire market was markedly di erent.
Pure access equipment providers were scarce, and most rental machines were outdated secondhand imports, Skyreach product and training specialist James Nightingale says.
“We aimed to di erentiate ourselves by investing in brand new machines that o ered advanced safety features, ease of use and versatility; ultimately enhancing productivity on site,” he says.
Today the company is among Australia’s leading rental providers, o ering a wide range of access and material handling equipment, including telehandlers, forkli s and various elevated work platforms (EWPs), such as manli s, scissor li s and boom li s.
With a network of branches along the East Coast, from Melbourne to Cairns, the company serves a diverse clientele across sectors including construction, mining, manufacturing and entertainment.
Skyreach today stands as a testament to innovation and resilience in Australia’s access
equipment hire industry. Skyreach’s extensive inventory includes:
• Single person li s: ranging from 3.6m (12 feet) to 8m (26 )
• Scissor li s: from 3.8m (13 ) to 32.2m (105 )
• Boom li s: covering heights from 13.7m (45 ) to 47.7m (156 )
• Knuckle booms: also ranging from 10.6m (34 ) to 47.7m (156 )
Additionally, Skyreach o ers specialised equipment such as:
• Track mounted scissors/booms: designed for slopes up to 16 degrees
• Speed level scissors: capable of operating on slopes up to 14 degrees
• Xtra capacity booms: carrying up to 454kg and working on slopes up to 7 degrees
• Hybrid machines: fully electric with on-board diesel generators to charge them
• Lightweight boom li s: ideal for suspended slab jobs where weight is an issue
• Spider li s: light weight and exible for both indoor and uneven outdoor terrain.
Nightingale notes: “Our philosophy is straightforward: we stock the best brands and types of equipment in each segment. This commitment to quality ensures our customers have access to the safest and most
Skyreach aims to stock the best brands and types of equipment in each segment. Images: Skyreach
reliable machinery in the industry.”
That said, Skyreach recognises that equipment is only as good as the operators behind it.
To ensure safety and competency, the company o ers Yellow Card training and veri cation of competence (VOC) training for operators on site.
This training equips operators with the skills needed to use speci c machines productively and safely.
As Skyreach enters its next decade, its commitment to innovation, quality, and customer service remains steadfast, promising to meet any challenges that the future may bring.
As Skyreach’s motto states: “The Only Way Up”.
For those looking to enhance their access equipment capabilities or seeking reliable hire solutions, Skyreach stands ready to assist. To learn more, contact Skyreach at 1800 457 145 or visit www.skyreach.com.au.
SKYJACKSJ12 2012, 12'ElectricManlifts,plentytochoosefrom.227kglift capacity,allingoodcondition.LocatedinMelbourne, Sydney,Brisbane&NorthQueensland.Allmachines are nowoutoftest.Various.M1217-M12104. TA1085279
SKYJACKSJ4626E'S 2014, 26'ElectricScissorlifts,3machinesoffered.All machinesingoodconditionand are alllocatedin Brisbane.MachinesintestuntilOctober.Various. S26284E-S26287E. TA1160079
GENIEGS2669BE HybridDiesel/ElectricScissorlifts,10 machinesavailable,allintestuntil2027.These are RoughTerrainelectricmachinesrunningwithan additionaldieselgeneratortoprovidepowerwhen required.Ithasa680kgSWLanda1.5metreextension deck,locatedinBrisbaneandSydney. S26357BEN-S26366BEN. TA1204796
JLG600AJ'S 2012, 60'JLG4WDDieselKnuckleBooms.4machinesoffered andallmachines are nowoutoftest.Machines are locatedinBrisbaneandSydney.Various. KB6070G7-KB6083G7. TA1160083
$38,000+GST=$41,800
SKYJACKSJ46AJ 46'4WDDieselKnuckleBooms.4 unitsavailable,allwitha227kgliftcapacityandin goodcondition.MachineslocatedinMelbourne, NewcastleandBrisbane.Allmachines are nowoutof test.KB4639-KB4647. TA1160082
