Inside Construction December/January 2024 by Prime Group

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

A stunning facade, seamlessly supported by TRUECORE® steel.

ISSUE 09

Addressing

Inspired by its surroundings, this striking facade delivers more than harmony with its natural setting. Lightweight yet strong, TRUECORE® steel was the material of choice for the facade’s structure.

a silent

pandemic

Fabricated to fine tolerances, the framing made from TRUECORE® steel structurally supports the large windows and mottled green roof tiles, while cleverly accommodating the flashings required for water management. The framing that seamlessly supports this beautiful facade was the winner of the 2022 Australian Steel Institute’s Innovative Cold Form Steel Building Award.

Framing image is compliments of Dynamic Steel Frame. TRUECORE®, BlueScope and the BlueScope brand mark are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2023 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.

BLU0982_TrueCore_GrattanSt_210x275mm_v1.indd 1

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LEARN MORE

Fred Mills, founder of The B1M, discusses the collaboration with Procore that gave rise to Get Construction Talking, a global mental health initiative for the construction industry.

ISSUE 08 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024

Visit truecore.com.au to learn more.

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024

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This month’s Project Picks

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ISSUE 09

DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024

REGULAR 4 6

Editor’s Note Project Picks

EVENTS

COVER STORY

Addressing a silent pandemic Procore and The B1M promote their global Get Construction Talking campaign in an effort to reduce the suicide rate and improve mental health in the construction industry.

PROFILES

Kate Hogan: setting social standards Kate Hogan, social procurement manager – Building at John Holland, discusses her efforts to not only create social value but also contribute to fostering a more diverse and inclusive industry.

Alyssa Preer: sparked and charged Find out how Alyssa Preer excels in her role as a certified electrician at O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville.

FOCUS 20

Imagining the future Dr Gretchen Gagel is forward-thinking as she delves into the untapped potential of the Australian construction industry.

Innovating infrastructure projects The National Precast Concrete Association Australia highlights the advantages of a new retaining wall system now available locally.

2023 reflections

Empowered Women in Trades unveils its ambitious fundraising target for 2024, spotlighting its charitable initiatives in 2023 that supported women across diverse industries.

All in one Komatsu debuts myFleet, a comprehensive solution that consolidates customer machine data into a single platform.

The Leaky Pipeline The National Association of Women in Construction introduces its latest podcast series, dedicated to sharing inspiring stories that celebrate the achievements of women in the construction industry.

Stamping out quality shortfalls Hobson Engineering advocates for efficient quality systems that drive local compliance, highlighting its meticulous approach to fastener testing and verification.

We’re ready – are you joining us?

Reimagining construction BlueScope presents the versatility of TRUECORE steel in light gauge framing as a versatile solution to tackle key challenges in the construction industry.

The Australian Constructors Association looks back on the year 2023, exploring transformative initiatives aimed at steering the sector towards a more promising future.

Paving a greener path Viva Energy underscores its dedication to sustainable bitumen solutions, showcasing a commitment to ongoing exploration of innovative alternatives.

Robust safety systems and training The Formwork Industry Association unpacks the amendments to New South Wales’ work health and safety laws, recently passed by parliament.

Full steam ahead McConnell Dowell demonstrates how its national rail business is expanding and evolving to contribute to the construction and maintenance of the nation’s railway network.

ASSOCIATIONS

Onsite powerhouse Big Chief Hire announces the expansion of its fleet through the introduction of generator sets from Isuzu Power Solutions.

OPINION

A spotlight on precast Discover the significance of the National Precast Concrete Association Australia’s Sydney National Conference as a pivotal event for the precast sector.

Putting sustainability on the map Nearmap empowers organisations to reach their sustainability goals by leveraging leading-edge geospatial aerial technology.

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

WELCOME From the editorial team

Future forward

Chief Executive Officer John Murphy

In the face of ongoing challenges, 2023 has emerged as another demanding year for the construction industry. In this edition, we turn our gaze toward the horizon, highlighting the companies and leaders shaping a more promising future for the sector. As we reflect on the passing year, it’s hard to believe that this edition marks the end of 2023. Time has quickly flown by amidst the challenges and triumphs. Despite facing numerous hurdles, the construction industry has demonstrated resilience and commitment, inspiring a wave of optimism. The innovative solutions and unwavering dedication within the sector have been beacons of hope, hinting at a brighter path ahead. The industry is no stranger to challenges such as low productivity, razor-thin profit margins, and skill shortages, among others. However, what distinguishes this year is the proactive approach of construction companies, organisations and leaders in transforming these challenges into opportunities for growth. This month, we proudly showcase the remarkable efforts of our association partners throughout the year – including the Australian Constructors Association, National Precast Concrete Association Australia, Empowered Women in Trades, Formwork Industry Association, and National Association of Women in Construction. These associations have played a crucial role in driving progress in productivity enhancement, innovation, diversity and inclusion, skills development and training, and advocacy for the sector. Also driving the industry forward are companies at the forefront of sustainable solutions, actively contributing to Australia’s pursuit of a net-zero future. Discover the innovators shaping a greener tomorrow by developing sustainable bitumen solutions for road construction, fuel efficient power solutions, lightweight and durable steel that can be used in greener building designs, and aerial imagery and geospatial technology

that supports the construction industry’s emission reduction efforts. While environmental sustainability has emerged as a top priority for the industry, so too has the sustainability of our workforce. According to a report presented to MATES in Construction by The University of Melbourne in 2022, between 2001 and 2019, there were 4,143 suicides among identified construction workers in Australia. We can and should do better. This month, we highlight the Get Construction Talking campaign, a global initiative reshaping the conversation around mental health in the construction sector. The B1M and Procore launched this campaign with the overarching goal of reducing the suicide rate and improving mental health within the construction industry. As The B1M’s Fred Mills aptly puts it, “It may sound like a big, lofty goal. But why shouldn’t that be the goal?” As we wrap up the final edition of 2023, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our readers and partners. Your unwavering support empowers Inside Construction to consistently showcase the industry’s best achievements, inspiring stories and innovative projects. We look forward to reconnecting with you in the new year and thank you for being an integral part of our journey.

Chief Operating Officer Christine Clancy

Group Managing Editor Andrew Hobbs andrew.hobbs@primecreative.com.au

Editor Ashley Grogan ashley.grogan@primecreative.com.au

Business Development Manager Nhung Nguyen nhung.nguyen@primecreative.com.au

Art Director/Design Daz Woolley, Caterina Zappia

Head of Design Blake Storey blake.storey@primecreative.com.au

Design Production Manager Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au

Client Success Manager Glenn Delaney glenn.delaney@primecreative.com.au

Cover image credit Blake Storey

Head Office Prime Creative Pty Ltd 379 Docklands Drive, Docklands, Victoria 3008 Australia p: +61 3 9690 8766 f: +61 3 9682 0044 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.insideconstruction.com.au

Subscriptions +61 3 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au Inside Construction is available by subscription from the publisher. The rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher

Articles All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher. The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

Copyright Inside Construction is owned by Prime Creative Media and published by John Murphy. All material in Inside Construction is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Inside Construction are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

Ashley Grogan, Inside Construction Editor

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

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REGULAR Project Picks

Project Picks This month’s featured projects traverse diverse regions, ranging from Australia to New Zealand, and cover a wide spectrum of sectors, from transport and rail to energy and industrial.

Primary structural steel for Malaga Station is in place and services fit-out is underway.

METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Rail Line Project, Western Australia Contractor: MELConnx Alliance, comprising Laing O’Rourke and the Public Transport Authority of Western Australia Current value: $1.65 billion Details: In late 2020, the MELConnx Alliance was awarded a design and construct contract for the 21-kilometre METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook rail line. This is the most significant expansion of the rail network since 2007 and features five new stations in the Perth suburbs of Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook. Status: First tracks were laid in 2023 and significant progress has been made across all sites. Delivery of Laing O’Rourke’s Inspiring STEM+ program at Ellenbrook Christian College helped foster positive relationships. More than $50 million in contracts have been awarded directly to Indigenous businesses. Initiatives: The MELConnx Alliance is pioneering sustainable solutions. Working with a local supplier, the team manufactured a modular floating dam cover to reduce water lost through evaporation across construction dams. This initiative is expected to save six million litres of water during construction and can be transferred to the next project. The team achieved Green Star Design Review ratings for the railway stations at Ellenbrook and Malaga. The Whiteman Park Station off-grid site office boasts a solar farm, removing the need for a diesel generator onsite. This solution, along with other initiatives, has contributed to a 26 per cent reduction in total CO2e compared to standard ‘business as usual’ practices.

Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro, Queensland Contractor: McConnell Dowell – John Holland Joint Venture Current value: $238 million Details: The Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project aims to convert a disused gold mine into a ground-breaking pumped storage hydroelectric power facility. This endeavour has the potential to deliver significant amounts of rapid and flexible power to Australia’s National Electricity Market, contributing to a cleaner energy future. By transforming mine pits into reservoirs and employing underground infrastructure, this project will generate electricity during peak demand and support sustainability by powering over 100,000 homes for eight hours. Status: The Joint Venture has recently completed the excavation of the Main Access Tunnel within high quality rock conditions. This Main Access Tunnel serves as the permanent access point to the power station cavern. The completion of this tunnel represents a major milestone for the Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, as it ensures access for the power station cavern lower bench excavation works and ultimate fit-out activities. Initiatives: The Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro Project, in collaboration with the Australian Training Works Group, has introduced an Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES). A video created as part of this strategy serves as an educational tool for Australia’s First Nations peoples and communities, outlining their participation in the renewable energy transition and the benefits they can gain from it.

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

Kidston Pumped Storage Hydro is advancing towards power station fit-out, marking significant progress in the project.

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REGULAR Project Picks

Waterloo Station’s main concourse is about 18 metres below ground.

Waterloo Integrated Station Development, New South Wales Contractor: John Holland on behalf of Sydney Metro Current value: $450 million Details: Waterloo Station is an underground station, about 25 metres below ground level, in the heart of Sydney’s Waterloo precinct. On behalf of Sydney Metro, John Holland delivered the station box, entrances and station platforms, as well as public and non-public concourses. The station building extends 20 metres above ground, with two separate service buildings which are used as transfer slabs for the over station development. The service buildings include station hydraulics, mechanical, fire protection and electrical systems, a building management control system, horizontal and vertical transport elements and a ticketing system. Status: Since work began in 2020, 4.4 million work hours have been completed. Construction of all eight levels of Waterloo Station and the metro platform 25 metres underground is now 95 per cent complete. A vital part of the Sydney Metro City & Southwest rapid transit project, the fully accessible station will be the first of six new city stations with Opal gates installed, ready to welcome passengers in 2024. Once operational, passengers can expect a metro service every four minutes, significantly reducing traffic on local roads. Initiatives: The project more than doubled its First Nations spending target. Additionally, a total of 650 people were put through workforce development training onsite, helping them to obtain qualifications – while creating more than 100 opportunities for trainees and apprentices. The project also achieved a 6 Star Green Star Design rating – exceeding the 5 Star contract requirement.

ECU City, Perth, Western Australia Contractor: Multiplex Current value: $853 million Details: The ECU City project is part of the $1.66 billion Perth City Deal – a collaboration between the Australian Government, the Western Australian Government and Edith Cowan University (ECU) – to deliver Perth’s first fully comprehensive inner-city university campus. The $853 million project is jointly funded, with the Australian Government committing $294 million, the Western Australian Government $199 million and ECU $360 million. The 60,000-square-metre campus is set to bring around 10,000 students and staff to Perth’s CBD from early 2026. Status: After officially turning the sod in early 2023, ECU City is rapidly emerging from the ground with four tower cranes currently operating on the site and structural works well underway. The team recently reached a major milestone, completing installation of the steel transfer structure that will support construction of the 11-super-level campus above the existing Perth Busport. Consisting of 40 pieces of steel, the 265-tonne truss was delivered to site in segments and carefully lifted into position in a process that took three weeks. Initiatives: Multiplex has rolled out its award-winning Jump Start program on the project, helping to inspire and educate female high school students about the career opportunities available in the built environment through a series of workshops and site walks.

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

ECU’s new world-class city campus is set to redefine the Perth skyline and reinvigorate the CBD.

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REGULAR Project Picks

The first kindergarten at Truganina North is nearing handover, within 12 months of breaking ground.

Truganina North Site A, Victoria Contractor: Hutchinson Builders Current value: $97 million Details: New schools at the Truganina North site are sharing in $527.233 million allocated to deliver 14 new schools for 2024. Four of these schools will have kindergartens onsite. Status: The first kindergarten of the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) Schools Bundles A and C is nearing handover, with the commissioning of services and internal fit-out works underway at the Truganina North site. The kindergarten, along with a primary school and junior secondary school, will be co-located on the same site. This hub is part of the VSBA’s 2024 New Schools program, opening from day one, Term One, 2024. Over 12,000 square metres of concrete structural slabs and 18,000 square metres of pavements have contributed towards the construction of 12 buildings, five external shelters and four carparks on the site. With more than 85 per cent of the external works of the development in Melbourne’s West now complete, attention has turned to sports fields, garden beds and playgrounds. The kindergarten and schools had the working name of Truganina North. They now have the official names of Warreen Primary School Kindergarten, Warreen Primary School and Bemin Secondary College – Everton Campus respectively. Warreen (pronounced wah-reen) is a Bunurong word meaning wombat, while Bemin (pronounced bee-min) means ringtail possum.

Aspect Industrial Estate, Sydney, New South Wales Contractor: Mirvac Current value: $745 million Details: Mirvac is making strides in sustainable development with its first carbon-neutral (embodied carbon) industrial estate. Located in Kemps Creek, Western Sydney, with an estimated completion value of $745 million, the Aspect Industrial Estate spans 56 hectares and promises to be a game-changer in the logistics sector. With 245,000 square metres of highquality warehouse and office space, the development focuses on flexibility, functionality and sustainability, to create an innovative employment precinct for Western Sydney. The strategic location of the estate plays a significant role in its attractiveness. Situated close to the new Western Sydney Airport at Badgerys Creek, it is less than 10 minutes from the M7 motorway, 20 kilometres to Penrith and under an hour to Parramatta and the Sydney CBD. This connectivity will make it an ideal hub for businesses looking to establish or expand their logistics operations. In addition to its sustainability and locational advantages, Aspect Industrial Estate aims to cater to the needs of its customers and visitors by incorporating a café to ensure a convenient and pleasant environment for those onsite. Status: The development of the estate is progressing rapidly, with three facilities under construction and approximately 64 per cent of the estate already committed. Initiatives: The project is targeted to be Mirvac’s first carbon-neutral industrial estate.

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

Mirvac is making strides in sustainable development on its Aspect Industrial Estate project.

REGULAR Project Picks

Construction of large structural steel components is due to commence in coming months.

Te Kaha Multi-Use Arena, Christchurch, New Zealand Contractor: BESIX Watpac Current value: $683 million Details: Once complete, Christchurch City Council’s Te Kaha Multi-Use Arena is set to become New Zealand’s premier venue, and one of its most accessible, inclusive and sustainable. The arena will provide up to 30,000 seats with capacity to accommodate 36,000 patrons for large concerts all under the cover of a roof. Status: The project recently reached a key construction milestone as the final major concrete pour for the substructure was completed, marking the conclusion of foundation works. This phase, initiated in January, involved a remarkable 55 major pours, with nearly 26,000 cubic metres of concrete poured into Te Kaha’s substructure. To ensure resilience against future seismic movements, over 4,800 tonnes of reinforcing materials have been employed in the substructure – a significant measure due to Christchurch’s geographical location. The focus has shifted towards constructing the vertical steel elements that form the structure supporting the seating bowl, western corporate stand and function facilities. The first steel elements of the superstructure have been lifted into place, with ongoing progress in various directions. Additionally, work has commenced on installing ‘double tee’ concrete flooring panels on the first floor of the western and southern stands. These large concrete panels consist of two prestressed ‘ribs’ and a connecting top slab, and are often used in structures where large, column-free spaces are required. The construction of large structural steel components, due to commence in coming months, will see the arena rise into the skyline.

Powerhouse Parramatta, New South Wales Contractor: Lendlease Current value: $502.8 million Details: Powerhouse Parramatta is the largest New South Wales Government investment in cultural infrastructure since the Sydney Opera House and the first major cultural institution to be established in Western Sydney. Lendlease has been contracted by the NSW Government as the design and construction partner for the project. Considered one of the most significant structural engineering and architecturally complex projects currently in delivery in Australia, the project will utilise approximately 12,000 tonnes of steel to create an exoskeleton superstructure that enables interiors to be column-free. Status: The exoskeleton is made up of over 1,300 individual pieces of steel, ranging from 4 metres in height to over 20 metres, that form together. In late 2023, installation of the truss assemblies (weighing approximately 50 tonnes each) to Exhibition Space 1 was completed, in what’s set to become Australia’s largest column-free exhibition space. Construction is scheduled to be completed in late 2024. Initiatives: The project is committed to supporting jobs and small businesses in Western Sydney, with more than 70 per cent of the construction workforce residing in the local area, and apprentices to undertake 20 per cent of hours worked by qualified trades, helping increase participation for trade and non-traditional roles on the project for both men and women. Powerhouse Parramatta is using renewable diesel to power its tower cranes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from crane operations by up to 90 per cent over the life cycle of the fuel compared to fossil diesel.

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

Powerhouse Parramatta’s first truss install. (Image credit: Images for Business)

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IN CONJUNCTION WITH

COVER STORY Mental health

Addressing a silent pandemic The B1M and Procore have joined forces in a global campaign to tackle the alarming rates of suicide and mental health issues prevalent in the construction industry. Together, they aim to herald a new era of wellbeing and wellness within the sector.

In July of this year, The B1M and Procore formally launched Get Construction Talking, a global initiative reshaping the conversation around mental health in the construction sector. Since its debut in London, the campaign has quickly gained momentum, expanding to Chicago in September and reaching Sydney in November. Hosted by Sasha Reed, senior director of industry transformation at Procore, and Fred Mills, founder of The B1M, the Australian launch brought together industry leaders to contribute to the ongoing conversation about mental health in the field. During the discussions, Alison Mirams, executive chair at Roberts Co, shared valuable insights into the implementation of a fiveday work week for all Roberts Co projects. She emphasised that this change has led to employees enjoying their work more, exhibiting higher productivity, and having more time to spend with their families. Chris Lockwood, CEO at MATES in Construction, also participated in the

Fred Mills, Alison Mirams, Chris Lockwood and John Briggs at the Get Construction Talking event in Sydney.

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

panel, shedding light on the organisation’s general awareness training. This training equips construction workers with practical skills not only to seek help for their own mental health but also to identify when a colleague may need support. Further, attendees had the opportunity to hear from John Briggs, chief executive at Interact Australia, an Indigenous-owned and operated construction and building maintenance company. Briggs discussed the unique challenges Indigenous people encounter in the workforce. Additionally, he outlined the company’s proactive measures to address these challenges, including providing access to nutritionists, implementing a cultural leave policy, and offering an employee assistance program staffed by both male and female Indigenous psychologists. The diverse perspectives shared during the event underscored the industry’s commitment to addressing and improving mental health. But challenges still remain.

Fred Mills, Alison Mirams, Chris Lockwood and John Briggs shared valuable insights into mental health in the construction industry at the Get Construction Talking Sydney event.

The timing of the Get Construction Talking campaign couldn’t be more crucial. The construction industry has been silently grappling with a long-standing mental health crisis, causing widespread damage globally. In Australia, the alarming statistics reveal a grim reality – construction workers are eight times more likely to die from suicide than an accident at work. Shockingly, the industry witnesses the loss of a construction worker to suicide every second day. To underscore the severity of the issue, a report presented to MATES in Construction by The University of Melbourne in 2022 found that between 2001 and 2019, there were 4,143 suicides among identified construction workers (both male and female) in Australia. Sadly, similar statistics have emerged in the UK, US, and other regions. Mills intimately understands the gravity of this crisis. While employed at a leading contracting firm in the UK, he struggled with the formidable challenges pervasive in the construction industry, ultimately navigating through some of his darkest moments. These experiences led him to establish The B1M in 2012 – a video publishing company with a focus on lifting up the construction industry’s best stories and showcasing them in a compelling and engaging format on the platforms that millions of people

use every day. The B1M quickly grew to become one of the largest global video channels for the construction industry, with over 24 million viewers each month. However, even amid this success, Mills continued to confront enduring mental health challenges. “I had been struggling with my mental health for some time, but 2022 proved to be an especially challenging year for me,” says Mills. “In November of that year, I had the opportunity to speak at Procore’s Groundbreak event in New Orleans.” “During my keynote, I opened up about my personal struggles, emphasising the importance of acknowledging and addressing mental health issues within the industry. “It was at that moment that I came to realise that what I was dealing with was not a choice but an illness – something big, scary, and beyond my control.” Making the decision to finally confront his challenges, Mills sought counselling, delving deeper into understanding the issue and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Empowered by a fresh perspective, Mills felt compelled to make his experiences part of his narrative, part of who he was, not only for his own personal growth but also for the betterment of the broader construction industry. “I recognised the significant opportunity I had through keynote speeches at Procore’s

“Through Get Construction Talking, we harnessed the collective strength of The B1M and Procore as global businesses to engage with a broad audience in the industry.”

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

COVER STORY Mental health

The Get Construction Talking Australian launch in Sydney.

“If we discover solutions, make a positive impact and demonstrate how we can address this crucial issue, starting at a local level, we can share those best practices globally.”

Groundbreak events, and knew I had to leverage this platform to raise awareness about the often-overlooked issue of mental health within the construction industry,” he says. Mills approached Procore about turning his experiences into a global campaign for mental health awareness in the industry, leading to the creation of the Get Construction Talking campaign, a unique and bold initiative unlike anything else in this space. “It was really organic how it all came together,” says Reed. “I was sitting in the room when Fred spoke about his experience with mental health.” “Him making that choice during the Groundbreak event to leverage that platform as a place to be vulnerable shifted the atmosphere in the room and the response was so overwhelmingly positive from our customers and partners. “Some may have assumed that, given Procore’s status as a progressive technology company, Fred’s talk was somehow aligned and orchestrated, but it wasn’t.” Procore’s vision is to improve the lives of everyone in the construction industry, but the company is keenly aware that achieving this vision requires more than just technological innovation. Reed says it means acknowledging and respecting the

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

individuals who devote their lives to the industry day in and day out, and recognising the human elements that exist within the culture of construction. “Procore already has initiatives around culture in construction, partnering with our customers and prospects to help them become employers of choice,” says Reed. “When Fred approached us about turning his experiences into a global campaign for mental health awareness in the construction industry, the values driving this initiative resonated seamlessly with Procore as an organisation, aligning with our ongoing efforts in the mental health space, and compelling us to seize the moment.” In the months that followed, Procore and The B1M identified a number of charities doing great things for the industry, such as MATES in Construction in Australia and New Zealand, the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity and Mates in Mind in the UK, and the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention in the US. Through Get Construction Talking, Procore and The B1M have set a goal to raise $1 million to support these non-profit organisations. “These are great organisations doing great things, but they need more support and increased awareness,” says Mills.

“Through Get Construction Talking, we harnessed the collective strength of The B1M and Procore as global businesses to engage with a broad audience in the industry. “Our objective is to raise awareness about mental health issues, help people learn how to initiate conversations about mental health, and guide them toward the support provided by these mental health organisations.” Mental health impacts individuals uniquely, with varied triggers and experiences, although workers in the construction industry, whether in the UK, Australia, the US, or elsewhere, face common challenges. It’s a predominantly male-dominated field contending with issues like inadequate payment practices, long working hours and deficient business models. “What we’ve come to understand through our work at The B1M is that despite geographical or experiential differences, human emotions are a universal thread that binds us all together,” says Mills. “The things that invoke laughter or tears are remarkably similar.” “The same holds true for mental health – those pressures, uplifting moments and joyous occasions resonate similarly for all of us.” The striking similarity in mental health and suicide statistics within the construction

industry across different countries can be disheartening. Nonetheless, Mills sees it as an opportunity for meaningful change. “If we discover solutions, make a positive impact and demonstrate how we can address this crucial issue, starting at a local level, we can share those best practices globally,” he says. The collaboration between The B1M and Procore is particularly powerful, given the inherently global reach of each of their platforms. This positions them to extend the initiative to countries worldwide, fostering positive change on a broad scale. Their ultimate goal: reduce the suicide rate and improve mental health in the construction industry. “It may sound like a big, lofty goal,” says Mills. “But why shouldn’t that be the goal?” The impact of the Get Construction Talking campaign is evident in the meaningful conversations taking place on a local level and the positive feedback the initiative has received from individuals worldwide. The initial launches of Get Construction Talking in London, Chicago and Sydney mark just the beginning of The B1M and Procore’s global effort to combat a global problem.

“I recognised the significant opportunity I had through keynote speeches at Procore’s Groundbreak events, and knew I had to leverage this platform to raise awareness about the oftenoverlooked issue of mental health within the construction industry.”

Sasha Reed at Get Construction Talking, Sydney.

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

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Onsite powerhouse Through its established partnership with Isuzu Australia, Big Chief Hire has expanded its fleet by introducing Isuzu Power Solutions’ generator sets, offering customers power they can count on.

“These sets are valued for their silent operation, user-friendly design, compact size and excellent fuel efficiency.”

Barry Nilon, hire controller at Big Chief Hire Australia.

Since its establishment in 2008, Big Chief Hire has taken the plant and equipment hire sector by storm, continuously upgrading and expanding its fleet to meet ever-growing market demand. With an inventory of excavators, loaders, graders, rollers, tippers and water carts, Big Chief Hire recently began diversifying into further solutions, building on its fleet with the introduction of Isuzu Power Solutions’ (IPS) generator sets. Established over 10 years ago in South Australia, Big Chief Hire continues to scale its operations, with branches now in Victoria and Queensland. Two years ago, Big Chief Hire launched its first branch in Queensland, located in Ormeau. The company has now proudly introduced its brand-new branch in Southport, where it has successfully been serving the local community for over six months, solidifying its commitment to expanding its presence within the state. Big Chief Hire has cultivated a robust partnership with Isuzu Power Solutions, stemming from its long-standing relationship with Northeast Isuzu in South Australia. Capitalising on its strong ties with Isuzu as its preferred truck supplier, Big Chief Hire reached out to Northeast Isuzu to explore the possibilities presented by IPS generator sets (gen sets). Barry Nilon, hire controller at Big Chief Hire Australia, operates from the company’s recently established Southport branch. He notes that the branch has been progressively broadening its service offerings, to include access equipment like scissor lifts and IPS generator sets. “Big Chief Hire has a strong partnership with Isuzu,” says Nilon. “Northeast Isuzu, a part of the Northeast Auto Group, serves as our primary supplier for a wide range of equipment.” “This includes our entire fleet of trucks, comprising tippers and water carts, and now, generator sets. “Built upon our established relationship with Isuzu, Big Chief Hire had unwavering confidence in the quality of IPS’s offerings, making our decision to choose the brand for our generator sets a straightforward one. “We consistently receive inquiries from customers who specifically request the

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Isuzu brand, underscoring its value as a trusted name in the industry.” Big Chief Hire now hires out IPS gen sets in 20kVA and 37kVA through its branches across all three states. These generator sets have gained significant popularity in the construction industry, serving a wide range of applications, from powering machinery during jobsite setup and in remote locations to supplying power to portable buildings. Construction sites require a reliable power source to efficiently operate machinery throughout a project’s lifecycle. Amid rising client expectations for on-time and on-budget project delivery, an efficient power source is essential onsite from day one. During the setup phase, this is usually accomplished through the use of portable equipment such as IPS gen sets available at Big Chief Hire. Troy Lawson, senior sales manager for IPS at Isuzu Australia, points out that the generator sets’ popularity comes as no surprise, thanks to their ultra-quiet technology. Noise pollution from machinery on construction sites is an enduring industry challenge. Occupational exposure to dangerous noise levels is a leading contributor to hearing impairment among workers in various industries. According to SafeWork NSW, the construction industry ranks as the second-highest sector reporting workrelated hearing impairment, accounting for 17 per cent of the total workers’ compensation claims related to noise induced hearing loss. “Isuzu Power Solutions’ generators set the industry standard with their ultra-quiet technology, achieved by channelling both incoming and outgoing air through a series of sound attenuated baffles,” says Lawson. “Our customers have been praising the quality, finish and durability of the gen sets – everyone says it’s a premium product. “Our generator sets are a genuine Isuzu product made in Japan, encompassing the engineering excellence and quality standards associated with Japanese craftsmanship, and genuine Isuzu DNA.” All IPS generator sets are equipped with robust all-weather enclosures designed for long-lasting durability, featuring a weatherresistant powder-coated exterior and corrosion-resistant stainless-steel fasteners.

The Isuzu Power Solutions GS020PTY generator set at Big Chief Hire’s Southport branch.

These units come with an easily accessible emergency shutdown switch, ensuring a swift power cut-off when required. The built-in fuel tanks boast remote connection points and impressive fuel efficiency. Additionally, each generator incorporates ComAp InteliLite MRS16 Generator Controllers, providing comprehensive monitoring, protection and control capabilities. Further, IPS generator sets are a genuine Isuzu product, supported by Isuzu’s reliable customer service, nationwide dealer network and long-standing reputation as a trusted manufacturer and supplier. If the generator sets encounter any issues or require routine maintenance, Isuzu’s dedicated teams and well-stocked parts are readily available across the country. “Northeast Isuzu, backed by Isuzu’s extensive dealer network, stands firmly behind Big Chief Hire,” says Lawson. “We ensure seamless product availability for the company’s expanding fleet and evolving needs, coupled with comprehensive after-sales support to ensure Big Chief Hire’s ongoing success.” Isuzu Australia’s dealer network plays a crucial role in equipping customers like Big Chief Hire for success.

It offers a convenient, one-stop solution for servicing and parts, granting its customers peace of mind and assuring them of robust support when they choose an IPS generator set. “The exceptional support and service, combined with the outstanding quality of IPS’s products, cement our commitment to a long-lasting partnership with Isuzu,” says Nilon. “Since introducing the generator sets this year, we’ve already received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our customers.” “These sets are valued for their silent operation, user-friendly design, compact size, and excellent fuel efficiency – everyone who has rented generator sets from us has spoken highly of them.” The power equipment segment is a recent addition to Big Chief Hire’s business, and it is steadily expanding to align with the company’s ambitious goals. As part of its forthcoming expansion into New South Wales, including the launch of a new branch in Sydney, Big Chief Hire is eager to strengthen its collaboration with IPS and Isuzu by integrating a wider range of their equipment and machinery into its operations.

“Built upon our established relationship with Isuzu, Big Chief Hire had unwavering confidence in the quality of IPS’s offerings, making our decision to choose the brand for our generator sets a straightforward one.”

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

FOCUS Rail construction and maintenance

Full steam ahead Under the leadership of Harriet Christopherson, McConnell Dowell’s national rail business is thriving, expanding and evolving to contribute to the construction and maintenance of the nation’s railway network.

With a portfolio of successfully delivered major rail projects and a growing presence in the national rail industry, McConnell Dowell is solidifying its reputation as a reliable partner in rail construction and maintenance. McConnell Dowell has a history of delivering targeted rail projects since the early 2000’s, launching a dedicated rail business, predominantly focussed on the Victorian market, four years ago in response to evolving customer needs and industry demands. Today, due to growth across all regions and markets, the company has transitioned from a single unit for its Australian business to a regionally based structure, appointing general managers in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia – with Harriet Christopherson at the helm of rail. However, the rail business remains national to ensure the specialist support in this sector is provided across all regions. Christopherson has a wealth of experience in the rail construction sector. She began her career as a site engineer at McConnell Dowell, working on various infrastructure projects in her early engineering years. “I later joined Transfield Services, where I contributed to the

Harriet Christopherson, general manager – rail at McConnell Dowell.

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company’s maintenance alliance with ARTC, responsible for railway line maintenance spanning from the South Australia-Victoria border to Kalgoorlie in Western Australia and extending into New South Wales,” she says. In 2016, Christopherson returned to McConnell Dowell, working in various roles before stepping up as the general manager of pre-contracts for the Australian business unit, where her responsibilities included developing the unit’s strategy and overseeing all pre-contract activities. Today, as the general manager for McConnell Dowell’s Australian rail business, Christopherson oversees the entire spectrum of the company’s rail projects. This includes everything from strategic planning and prospect identification to on-ground project execution, while leading a team of approximately 400 staff. With a strong pipeline of rail construction and maintenance projects in Australia, Christopherson asserts that the restructuring of McConnell Dowell’s Australian operations has enhanced the company’s capabilities to meet the growing demand. “It enables us to consistently deliver high-quality rail

McConnell Dowell has successfully removed nine level crossings across Melbourne over the last six years.

McConnell Dowell’s national rail business’s expertise extends to a wide range of projects, including the construction of new stations.

projects that not only meet, but exceed, our clients’ expectations, further strengthening our extensive track record of successful rail construction and maintenance projects across Australia,” says Christopherson. Of the company’s large portfolio of rail projects, McConnell has delivered the Victorian State Government’s Level Crossing Removal Program as the constructor and leader of the Western Program Alliance. Since 2017, the company has successfully removed nine level crossings across Melbourne as part of its package of works. This effort has not only enhanced safety for local road users but also streamlined travel and alleviated congestion in these areas. McConnell Dowell is also delivering the Inland Rail Project in Victoria, which its rail team kicked off late last year. This project holds significant importance for regional Victoria, as it promises to deliver reliable freight transport for local industries, businesses and communities. “We completed the first phase of major construction during the ARTC rail possession last month,” says Christopherson. “Our collaboration with ARTC, the client, has been exceptionally productive, and we’re

delighted with the successful commencement of this project.” Another notable project is the new Midland Station in Perth, marking McConnell Dowell’s first major rail and infrastructure project for the Public Transport Authority (PTA) of Western Australia. McConnell Dowell is part of the Midland Junction Alliance delivering the $330 million project, which includes decommissioning and demolishing the existing 53-year-old train station and the design and construction of a new station. This project has recently commenced, says Christopherson, and McConnell Dowell’s rail team is currently onsite, actively engaged in the initial stages of the work. “McConnell Dowell is contributing to major rail projects that are reshaping the rail industry,” says Christopherson. “The growing prominence of the rail sector, with both federal and state governments actively seeking to invest in enhancing the nation’s rail infrastructure, provides a stable baseload of work for our business.” “There are several major projects currently underway or in the tender phase in various states, such as the Inland Rail Project and the

“McConnell Dowell is contributing to major rail projects that are reshaping the rail industry.”

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FOCUS Rail construction and maintenance

In the past eight years, McConnell Dowell has grown female representation in its business by over 60 per cent.

“McConnell Dowell’s regionally based model for our rail division enables us to focus on equipping our teams with the necessary skills, expertise and experience.”

Suburban Rail Loop in Victoria, Tram Grade Separation Projects in South Australia, and PTA rail upgrades in Western Australia. “It’s certainly a diverse industry in terms of the scale of projects within the pipeline – allowing us to engage in projects ranging from smaller endeavours, typically under $5 million, which offer valuable experiences for our up-and-coming project managers, to multi-billion-dollar projects where we play a significant role in shaping the future of rail infrastructure.” While the project pipeline remains strong, the industry is still facing several significant challenges. Hyperinflation has been triggered by global events, difficulties have arisen from various procurement approaches and contractual models, including rigid hard dollar contracts ill-suited for adapting to changing conditions, and there are ongoing issues related to skilled labour shortages. Rail construction, in particular, faces additional complexities due to stringent safety and technical requirements. “The ability to address these challenges

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effectively relies on competent individuals with the right skillsets,” says Christopherson. “McConnell Dowell’s regionally based model for our rail division enables us to focus on equipping our teams with the necessary skills, expertise and experience. “This approach allows us to successfully navigate these complex challenges, ensuring the delivery of high-quality rail projects that will serve communities for decades to come.” In addressing these challenges, McConnell Dowell’s approach to project selection is another vital aspect. The company’s national rail business is highly selective about the projects it undertakes, employing a rigorous process to evaluate potential opportunities. “Our approach is deliberate in both client selection and target regions,” says Christopherson. “We avoid overextending ourselves, as it is essential to deliver excellent results for our clients.” McConnell Dowell’s purpose, Providing a Better Life, is not a mere slogan or something displayed in the staff room; it’s deeply ingrained in everything that it does.

Every project undertaken, across all business divisions, is assessed to ensure it improves the lives of its staff, the communities it works in, and/or the clients it’s working for. As one of the few female general managers of a major rail construction business in Australia, Christopherson says diversity also plays an important role in future-proofing McConnell Dowell’s rail division. “Building a more effective approach to project selection and delivery benefits from a team that brings diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to the table,” she says. “I’ve observed that as more women take on decision-making roles, a positive ripple effect occurs, fostering an inclusive environment where individuals feel empowered to share their ideas and encouraging greater team participation in decision making.” In the past eight years, McConnell Dowell has grown female representation in its business by over 60 per cent. The company recently had two more female general managers join its Australian leadership team, bringing the team’s female representation to approximately 40 per cent. “To further support diversity in the rail construction sector, McConnell Dowell and I actively participate in the Australasian Railway Association and its Women in Rail Committee,” she says. “Additionally, I’m a member of the Australian Constructors Association’s (ACA) Culture Committee, supporting the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce (CICT).” “These committees and advisory groups are dedicated to driving positive change in our industry, a cause McConnell Dowell takes great pride in.” Notably, the ACA Culture Committee successfully secured a commitment from all ACA members, including McConnell Dowell, to pursue the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA) Employer of Choice for Gender Equality (EOCGE) citation, which extends beyond the construction sector. This program is voluntary and available to businesses in all industries. With just over 125 businesses having achieved the citation, obtaining this recognition is a significant undertaking. “If Australia’s leading construction contractors obtain the WGEA EOCGE

citation, it will significantly impact the industry, promoting better and more inclusive workplaces for everyone,” says Christopherson. “At McConnell Dowell, we actively participate in such initiatives to drive real change within the sector.” Backed by the company’s experienced teams, commitment to diversity and rigorous project selection approach, McConnell Dowell has established itself as a reliable rail partner in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, primarily in track and civil construction. The national rail business’s expertise extends to a wide range of projects, including level crossing removals, encompassing the construction of new stations, track infrastructure, as well as associated structures, lighting, overhead wiring, and signalling systems related to these removals. It also has a strong track record in building rail maintenance yards, stabling yards and intermodal freight terminals, along with all necessary structures and elements to support their development. While the national rail business excels in delivering projects in Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, Christopherson explains that its skillsets can be applied effectively in Queensland and New South Wales. “We are here to support these regions in pursuing projects that may involve interfaces with the rail network, even if they do not fall within the scope of traditional rail projects,” she says. “In essence, our specialised expertise is well-equipped to address intricate rail interfaces of various sizes and levels of complexity.” “Ultimately, our goal is to become a trusted delivery partner for the national rail construction and maintenance sector, offering clients reliable solutions for complex challenges and projects.” With McConnell Dowell’s multidisciplinary expertise and the support of other divisions within the company, such as its engineering arm, bridge and civil components and building business, the national rail business is well-equipped to deliver cuttingedge solutions for rail construction and maintenance projects across Australia.

“Building a more effective approach to project selection and delivery benefits from a team that brings diverse perspectives, backgrounds and experiences to the table.”

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

FOCUS Sustainable bitumen

Paving a greener path Viva Energy’s steadfast commitment to sustainable bitumen solutions and continuous exploration of innovative alternatives is making a significant impact in reducing carbon emissions within the road construction and maintenance sector.

“Change requires effort, eagerness and collaboration.”

Viva Energy is dedicated to mitigating the environmental impact of industries throughout Australia by offering an evolving and expanding range of lower carbon and optin carbon-neutral solutions across its fuels, solvents, and now bitumen. Bitumen, an engineering material, is vital for the country’s ongoing road network development and upkeep. While bitumen has minimal climate impact once a road is built and is 100 per cent recyclable, the production process and the use of heated bitumen during construction result in significant carbon emissions. This environmental concern has spurred both suppliers and constructors to actively seek out and explore greener alternatives. Nigel Preston, bitumen technical manager at Viva Energy Australia, has been working in bitumen-related roles since the early 1990’s. With his long-standing commitment to this field, he emphasises the pivotal role of Viva Energy’s bitumen business in supporting the road construction sector’s net-zero goals. “As a key bitumen supplier for the road construction and maintenance sector in Australia, Viva Energy has been diligently working on solutions for lower carbon and opt-in carbon-neutral bitumen,” says Preston. “Our current offerings include two sustainable bitumen solutions, brought to market following comprehensive development and analysis: opt-in carbon-neutral bitumen and crumb rubber binder bitumen.” The bitumen asphalt industry actively promotes sustainability through the incorporation of various waste materials into road construction. One notable example is Viva Energy’s crumb rubber binder bitumen, which incorporates recycled tyre rubber. This effectively reduces tyre waste, helping to address the construction industry’s escalating waste challenge. Crumb rubber is an excellent material for road construction because it forms a strong bond between its components and the molecular elements in the bitumen, enhancing its properties and reducing the amount of bitumen required by replacing some of it by mass. It’s essential to recognise that crumb rubber alone cannot be used to construct a road, explains Preston. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing effort to

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Nigel Preston, bitumen technical manager at Viva Energy Australia.

incorporate more rubber into bitumen. The key lies in finding the right balance, adding rubber for additional sustainability benefits without compromising material properties or making it more challenging to work with. “Crumb rubber-modified bitumen binders have gained widespread adoption in road construction, thanks to their proven performance,” says Preston. “Crumb rubber serves as a sustainable alternative to traditional polymers for enhancing the engineering properties of bitumen.” “Unlike traditional polymers, which are typically virgin materials, crumb rubber replaces the need for such resources, reducing the overall carbon footprint of bitumen.” At the current time, Viva Energy has taken steps to certify a number of fuels, solvents and bitumen products as carbon neutral through certification with the accredited body Climate Active. Carbonneutral products are ‘opt-in’ meaning that they are not the default product purchase but need to be specifically requested.

Viva Energy’s Geelong Bitumen Gantry Loading Facility.

Viva Energy offers the range of AS2008 C class bitumen as carbon-neutral options to assist the sustainability initiatives within the bitumen customer base. The company’s dedication to responsible corporate citizenship drives its commitment to developing sustainable bitumen solutions and exploring future trends and alternatives. With the introduction of opt-in carbonneutral bitumen and crumb rubber binder bitumen, Viva Energy has already made significant strides in promoting sustainability within the industry and remains focused on future innovations. “When we consider the future and the broader context of decarbonisation and sustainability, bitumen emerges as an intriguing material,” says Preston. “In the oil industry, it’s widely acknowledged that the use of fossil-derived fuels is on a decline, whether that transition occurs in 10 years or 25 years.” “It is unlikely that petrol and diesel-based vehicles will remain prevalent in 25 years – nevertheless, the need for road infrastructure to transport goods and people will persist. “This raises a fundamental question: what will the roads of the future be constructed from?” Currently, it’s challenging to anticipate a sustainable alternative to bitumen in a net-zero world. However, Viva Energy is proactively engaging in research and development efforts to position itself as a leader in emerging solutions. One promising avenue being explored is the production of bitumen using unconventional feedstocks, in contrast to the traditional fossil hydrocarbons derived from crude oil, which in recent times

have dominated the bitumen production landscape. There are already some examples of such solutions in the current market. Some companies, for instance, have developed a bio-component binder that allows them to produce a bitumen alternative with a reduced carbon footprint by incorporating biogenic carbon. However, the adoption of this biogenic alternative is still in its early stages, and its future potential remains to be fully realised. “As a binder supplier, we need to assess the future prospects of this material, ensuring it aligns with the quality standards essential for road construction,” says Preston. “If we can develop a bitumen-like material derived from sustainable sources like biomass, with a lower carbon footprint than conventional options, it would be a substantial stride towards decarbonisation, benefiting society and the industry.” “This is an active area of exploration for both us and the sector.” While there will be ongoing pressure to utilise repurposed materials from society’s waste, Preston says it is imperative that suppliers exercise caution, not only with regard to quality and performance but also from the standpoint of health, safety and environmental considerations. “One of the key features of bitumen and asphalt is their 100 per cent recyclability,” says Preston. “Therefore, it’s essential not to introduce any elements that could compromise the recyclability of bitumen.” “In theory, the bitumen we produce will continue to serve as a component of roads indefinitely, because of its recyclability.

“Unlike traditional polymers, which are typically virgin materials, crumb rubber replaces the need for such resources, reducing the overall carbon footprint of bitumen.”

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FOCUS Sustainable bitumen

Bitumen and asphalt are 100 per cent recyclable.

“We are committed to ensuring that all materials used in opt-in carbon-neutral bitumen, crumb rubber binder bitumen, and future biogenic bitumen will remain 100 per cent recyclable.”

“We are committed to ensuring that all materials used in opt-in carbon-neutral bitumen, crumb rubber binder bitumen, and future biogenic bitumen will remain 100 per cent recyclable.” Viva Energy is diligently evaluating sustainable alternatives to bitumen, like biogenic binders, to ensure that their carbon footprint is significantly lower than that of traditional bitumen before commercialising. Otherwise, Preston explains, there could be a situation where a bio-binder is produced, but its embedded carbon is greater than that of traditional bitumen. “The process of carbon accounting is still in its early stage, so all of these processes and alternatives need to be thoroughly looked at to ensure that we, as a supplier, not only operate responsibly but also provide products that genuinely deliver the sustainability benefits we intend to claim,” says Preston. “To assess the suitability of current and emerging bitumen alternatives for the dual purpose of road construction and environmental benefit, it is imperative that suppliers conduct a rigorous carbon accounting process.” This process involves a thorough examination of carbon footprints and

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embedded carbon, providing greater clarity regarding which materials are optimal for road construction while simultaneously reducing emissions. “If this practice becomes widespread, the industry’s transition towards sustainable alternatives will occur more quickly and seamlessly,” says Preston. “We need to explore alternative feedstocks for bitumen and assess their suitability for bitumen production at Viva Energy’s Geelong Refinery, before introducing them to the market.” Viva Energy’s customers are increasingly interested in sustainable bitumen options, but they are price-conscious in their choices. When new products like opt-in carbon-neutral bitumen enter the market, potential customers may be hesitant due to concerns about their cost-effectiveness, despite their carbon neutrality aspect. “Change requires effort, eagerness and collaboration,” says Preston. “If we aim to reduce carbon emissions within the road construction and maintenance industry, a collective effort from manufacturers, suppliers and customers alike is required.”

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FOCUS Steel framing

Reimagining construction Utilising TRUECORE® steel, light gauge framing presents a versatile solution for addressing key challenges in the construction industry.

“Framing made from TRUECORE steel can be prefabricated offsite, to support minimising waste and driving efficiencies onsite.”

Against a backdrop of global material shortages, increasing labour costs, affordable housing shortages and rapidly changing climate, the Australian construction industry must continually adapt to provide solutions that are fit-for-purpose. Light gauge framing made from TRUECORE steel may offer a solution to tackling some of these industry challenges. Steel is a key enabler for a construction industry seeking rapid efficiency and non-combustible materials that can be supplied locally to build homes, apartments, schools and commercial buildings. Antony Schillaci, manager marketing and market development at BlueScope, emphasises that light gauge steel is wellsuited for structures intended for prolonged durability, resilience and adaptability. Its properties accommodate multiple future reuse options without the need for reinvestment in structural alteration and refurbishment. Additionally, light gauge steel is appropriate for designs where end-of-life considerations are key, such as those designed for disassembly and reuse. “TRUECORE steel is made by BlueScope to strict tolerances, fully complies with all relevant Australian Standards and incorporates BlueScope’s patented Activate® technology – a thoroughly tested protective aluminium/zinc/magnesium alloy coating,” says Schillaci.

TRUECORE® steel Environmental Product Declaration.

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“Framing made from TRUECORE steel can be prefabricated offsite, to support minimising waste and driving efficiencies onsite. “Light gauge steel framing is strong, straight and true and dimensionally accurate, which assists with improving the efficiency of installers and follow-on trades onsite.” The National Association for Steel Framed Housing (NASH) has estimated the number of light gauge steel fabricators in Australia has more than doubled in the last five years, providing a key indicator of the building industry’s broader adoption of light gauge steel framing as a viable material alternative. ResponsibleSteel™ certified sites TRUECORE steel is manufactured at BlueScope’s Port Kembla Steelworks in New South Wales and Western Port in Victoria, which are both certified to ResponsibleSteel Standard Version 1.1. ResponsibleSteel is said to be the steel industry’s first global multi-stakeholder standard and certification initiative. The ResponsibleSteel Standard comprises 13 Guiding Principles including: 1. Corporate leadership; 2. Social, environmental and governance management systems; 3. Responsible sourcing; 4. Decommissioning and closure; 5. Occupational health and safety; 6. Labour rights; 7. Human rights; 8. Stakeholder engagement and communication; 9. Local communities; 10. Climate change and greenhouse gas emissions; 11. Noise, emissions, effluent and waste; 12. Water stewardship; and 13. Biodiversity. Philippa Stone, sustainability manager at BlueScope, says the ResponsibleSteel certification assures customers of BlueScope’s commitment to the highest standards of environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance at both its Port Kembla and Western Port Steelworks facilities. “Certification reinforces our longstanding commitment to sustainability and will continue to support our purpose of strengthening our communities,” says Stone.

Offsite fabrication of light-weight steel framing.

ResponsibleSteel aims to provide specifiers and building practitioners with confidence that when they specify or use steel that has been sourced from a ResponsibleSteel certified site, they can trust that the steel was produced at a steelmaking facility that demonstrates responsible sourcing and production practices. ResponsibleSteel members include the Green Building Council of Australia, Infrastructure Sustainability Council and the Australian Supply Chain Sustainability School. “At the Green Building Council of Australia, we have adopted ResponsibleSteel as one of the ways we evaluate materials within our Green Star tool,” says Davina Rooney, CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia. “BlueScope’s leadership in the development of the ResponsibleSteel Standard and certification of the Port Kembla Steelworks illustrate their commitment to responsible choices for manufacturing and performance improvement.”

whole building or structure, which can help inform material selection and design choices to minimise environmental impacts across the building life cycle. “The combination of the productspecific EPD for TRUECORE steel and ResponsibleSteel certification for Port Kembla Steelworks where the steel in TRUECORE steel is manufactured, equates to a Responsible Product Value of 15 in the Green Building Council of Australia’s Responsible Products Score Checker. “This is considered ‘best practice’ under the Responsible Products Framework and may contribute to a project’s Green Star rating.” BlueScope’s EPD for TRUECORE steel includes rollforming information, to provide indicative results for the final formed product. BlueScope’s range of EPDs can be used to support LCAs including embodied or upfront carbon, for end uses such as buildings, and can be used as a source when using rating tools such as Green Star.

New Environmental Product Declarations BlueScope has recently published a range of new Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), providing transparency for the environmental impacts of its products, such as TRUECORE steel. “Based on life cycle assessment (LCA), BlueScope EPDs are expressions of our strong commitment to environmental transparency and reflect our focus on product stewardship and broader commitment to sustainability,” says Stone. “EPDs are increasingly sought after by customers due to their robust and credible third party verified information. They can be used as a tool to assess the LCA of a

Verified supplier Owned and operated by the Australian Steel Institute, the Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) Program is designed to identify sustainable steel suppliers by assessing the environmental and social impact of their steelwork manufacturing and processing operations. BlueScope is verified as meeting best practice ESG standards in the manufacturing of its semi-finished steel products which supply the downstream fabrication or processing facilities seeking SSA certification, including TRUECORE steel fabricators. SSA is a recognised initiative under Green Star’s Responsible Products Framework.

“Light gauge steel framing is strong, straight and true and dimensionally accurate, which assists with improving the efficiency of installers and follow-on trades onsite.”

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FOCUS Fastener quality control

Stamping out quality shortfalls Hobson Engineering has developed rigorous fastener testing and verification systems in alignment with Australian standards, taking the lead to forestall substandard imported products entering the Australian construction market. Curbing the importation of non-conforming construction materials into Australia is a feat that requires the combined effort of construction companies, suppliers and importers alike. While many in the Australian construction industry are still settling for low-cost over quality, given the current cost-driven market, Hobson Engineering is breaking ground by implementing and advocating for efficient quality systems that drive local compliance. Today, most commercial fasteners in Australia are imported, and with that comes the natural market pressure to reduce costs, leading to global sourcing from regions with varying levels of quality assurance for manufacture. Different products require different levels of testing, and testing and quality control is a major cost to a construction product. For construction fasteners in Australia, all requirements for quality and design are embedded into the National Construction Code and the product standard. But when a supplier is importing fasteners, how can they ensure those fasteners comply with Australian standards? Hobson Engineering senior engineer Alex Sharp says all stakeholders in the supply chain of importing, supplying and using construction fasteners, or any other imported construction product, need to scrutinise the product’s quality documentation. “The net effect of this stakeholder inquiry system is that there are so many people checking that these quality documents are accurate, that the risk of non-confirming fasteners entering the local construction industry is very low,” says Sharp. “As much as anyone working in or alongside the construction industry would like and expect every single product that they purchase to conform to Australian product standards, without a rigorous checking system of quality documentation to ensure that it is explicitly accurate, the risk of nonconforming product is high.”

“We pride ourselves on being a responsible importer and trusted supplier, backed by our rigorous testing systems and commitment to safety and quality.”

Alex Sharp, senior engineer at Hobson Engineering.

To have a robust quality system in place can be a complex process, especially when dealing with fasteners. Hobson Engineering has thousands of lines of products and thousands of locations with pallets of fasteners, and to make sure that suitable testing has been performed is quite an undertaking. But the safety and quality benefits of these testing systems far outweigh the costs. As Australia moved away from manufacturing and started importing, the construction industry realised many importers weren’t doing their due diligence and checking the quality of the products they were importing. As a result, Australia changed the standards within the construction industry to clearly define, for all stakeholders, what is expected, which Hobson Engineering has implemented into its product groups. “The problems associated with mild steel and property class 4.6 products are generally to do with dimensions and coating,” says Sharp. www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

FOCUS Fastener quality control

Hobson Engineering has a NATA accredited laboratory locally in Australia.

“We have put this multi-layered testing system in place to not only ensure quality, but to also keep all of our suppliers honest in all facets of the manufacture.”

“The quality inspections of these steels are simple in that you can usually use hand tools, such as thread checkers and simple gauges, to check whether it’s a quality, conforming product – importers should be performing random quality checks on these types of products to keep their suppliers honest. “Hobson Engineering does regular batch testing, and our warehouses have these tools available to check products as they come in.” The more complicated products, such as high tensile steel, carry even more quality risk due to the control required to appropriately heat treat the product to the stated tensile strength. The inspection for these products cannot be easily performed with hand tools, and mechanical testing or metallurgic inspection should be performed. Hobson Engineering conducts mechanical testing on its imported heat-treated threaded fasteners, undertakes routine testing on shipments that arrive and conducts deeper investigations into random product batches. “We have put this multi-layered testing system in place to not only ensure quality, but to also keep all of our suppliers honest in all facets of the manufacture,” says Sharp. Hobson Engineering strongly encourages its customers and product end users to consider the inherent risk of the products that they’re buying. All imported products will generally come with a factory test or material certificate, but manufacturers and factories may try to

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cut costs with quality testing because it’s one of the most expensive elements of product manufacture. If a supplier has imported product and is only relying on a factory test certificate, without any accreditation of verification, there is no way to prove that what’s written on that document is accurate. One way to verify what is written on a product’s test certificate is to look for International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC) accreditation. ILAC oversees, assesses and accredits conforming testing laboratories to the relevant standards. “When you receive a test certificate or report from an ILAC accredited testing laboratory, you can trust that systems have been meticulously inspected and that the laboratory is doing the right thing, which means the results are accurate,” says Sharp. “Each country has its own accreditation body recognised under ILAC – in Australia, it’s the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).” Some companies in the past would try and improve quality by putting a blanket ban on importing goods from certain countries, explains Sharp. This normally just increases costs, makes supply more difficult and doesn’t necessarily increase quality. In fact, oftentimes it decreases quality because they’re buying from a cheaper factory in a more expensive region. “What the purchasers of construction products should be doing is speaking to the suppliers about their particular concerns, and asking what the supplier can provide to prove that the products they’ve imported meet Australian standards,” says Sharp. “The supplier should be able to confidently address any concerns by providing verified documentation, or putting a plan in place, such as a specific inspection or an increased testing regime, to prove that they are thoroughly checking imported product quality.” “The supplier should be able to create what we call an inspection test plan, which they can give to the customer to outline what they can do to address product quality concerns. “It’s a better system than putting a ban on the purchase of products from certain countries.” As an example, Hobson Engineering always recommends increased inspection for any

Multi-layered testing is vital to ensure the complete safety and quality of the product.

bolts to be used for cranes as the company understands the risks involved in crane operations. Crane bolts are often high tensile, with large diameters, but the product standard is a normal commercial product standard. Hobson Engineering understands that these bolts, which need to support crane operation, are safety critical. If a single bolt on a crane fails, it can result in dire consequences. “Whenever we sell a product to a crane company or a supplier that deals with crane companies, we put forward a testing plan and highly suggest that they go forward with that testing plan,” says Sharp. “It comes at a small additional cost, but it’s vital to ensure the complete safety and quality of the product.” “For Hobson Engineering, this testing plan involves us conducting a 100 per cent magnetic particle inspection to ensure that there are no defects in the product and that it meets the Australian product standard.” Hobson Engineering, as a company, has a multi-faceted approach to inspecting and checking the products it imports and supplies. Its factories are ILAC accredited and audited, and the company has international independent ILAC accredited test laboratories in the countries it purchases its products from, where it sends batches of products for testing. Further adding to the company’s quality control capabilities, Hobson Engineering has its own independent NATA accredited test and research laboratory. “These three layers of independent testing mean we’re effectively checking the products that we supply,” says Sharp. “All of this testing is integrated into our Quality Management System, which is integrated into our Enterprise Resource Management, meaning there is consistent and effective sampling.” If a factory sends a sample to a test laboratory, it’s possible that the factory could pick out perfect samples for testing, and then ship over non-conforming product. Hobson Engineering prevents that from happening by keeping its suppliers accountable through its own advanced quality management system. Because Hobson Engineering has a NATA accredited laboratory locally in Australia, the company can isolate, investigate and resolve issues with products quickly and efficiently. “We pride ourselves on being a responsible importer and trusted supplier, backed by our

rigorous testing systems and commitment to safety and quality,” says Sharp. “We exceed what is required in terms of product quality testing, and thus see ourselves as market leaders in addressing quality issues.” Hobson Engineering has been supplying quality fasteners to the Australian construction and infrastructure sectors since 1935, with the company’s success stemming from its commitment to safety and quality over lowest price. The company is at the forefront of quality systems, encouraging everyone that works in the construction industry to come up to that standard, to not only ensure the safety of the workforce and the public, but to also ensure the durability of Australia’s structures and buildings so that they benefit local communities for decades to come.

“We exceed what is required in terms of product quality testing, and thus see ourselves as market leaders in addressing quality issues.”

Hobson Engineering’s warehouses have regular batch testing tools available to check products as they come in.

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

FOCUS Fleet management

All in one June this year marked the highly anticipated debut of Komatsu’s myFleet, a comprehensive solution that consolidates customer machine data into a single platform, streamlining heavy equipment fleet management and removing the hassle of navigating multiple platforms.

“Consolidating this information into one platform empowers our customers to achieve a thorough understanding of their fleet’s past and future activities.”

Recognising that its customers were required to log into multiple platforms to access all information about their machines, Komatsu was driven to streamline and centralise all machine-related data into a single platform. This commitment led to the recent launch of myFleet, a one-stop-shop for heavy equipment fleet management. As the national manager for ICT and Fleet Management at Komatsu, Steve Williams oversees many of the business’s information and communication technology (ICT) platforms, primarily in the construction markets. One notable platform is Komtrax, Komatsu’s remote monitoring system, which is provided at no cost with all new and Komatsu premium used equipment. Williams specialises in data analytics, analysing data collected from Komatsu’s machines to identify opportunities for its customers to optimise both their operations and machine performance. “I also contribute to the development of new platforms for our customers, including the recently launched myFleet system,” says Williams. “Available to all Komatsu aftermarket account customers at no cost, myFleet simplifies and enhances the fleet management process.” The myFleet platform was initially based on an internal Komatsu system, primarily used by those involved in onsite machine servicing for its customers. The company’s service technicians were encouraged to share the data gathered by myFleet with customers, to provide them with a comprehensive insight into the status of their machines. This led to high demand from many customers who inquired about accessing the system themselves. “Since the launch of myFleet, customers have provided overwhelmingly positive feedback, praising the convenience of having a single platform for all their machineryrelated information,” says Williams. “They’ve reported improved efficiency, reduced costs, minimised downtime and streamlined operations.” The myFleet platform provides a comprehensive overview of fleet details, encompassing Komtrax location, operational trends and fuel consumption. It also includes service reports detailing defects identified by Komatsu technicians during maintenance

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events, the latest fluid sample results with corresponding recommendations, and undercarriage inspections that Komatsu has completed on each machine. “Consolidating this information into one platform empowers our customers to achieve a thorough understanding of their fleet’s past and future activities,” says Williams. “The system will show the customer the remaining days until scheduled or forecasted routine and periodic maintenance is due.” “For instance, if a customer’s machine is due for a 500-hour service, the system will display this information in advance, giving them ample time to either purchase necessary parts for a self-service or to schedule a service appointment with Komatsu, which can be done through myFleet.” The myFleet system offers construction businesses a valuable tool for minimising downtime, particularly in the area of planning. It provides visibility into upcoming service schedules, estimated based on their machine’s current usage profile, allowing customers to align their project planning accordingly. “Nothing is more frustrating than being in the middle of a job and realising that one of your machines needs servicing, which of course takes that machine out of action and disrupts project delivery,” says Williams. “With myFleet, customers can forward plan to keep their fleet and operations running smoothly.” Further assisting with planning, myFleet monitors and tracks machine health by collecting data from platforms like Komtrax. This data can alert owners to machine abnormalities (error codes), fluid sample results or defects identified during services. By monitoring each machine’s status in myFleet, businesses can proactively address issues before they escalate, reducing potential downtime. While the construction industry still grapples with persistent low productivity challenges, myFleet empowers businesses with insights into a machine’s historical data, enabling them to seize opportunities for productivity enhancement. A great example of this is in regard to Komatsu’s Payload Meter technology – compatible with select machines – which measures the weight of each bucketload of

Available to all Komatsu aftermarket account customers at no cost, myFleet simplifies and enhances the fleet management process.

material and the number of transitions a machine makes between two points. The myFleet platform seamlessly gathers payload data and presents it on the dashboard, offering insights into aspects such as a machine’s idle time and its operational workload. The business can then identify opportunities to modify the operation of the machine, or even the operation of the construction site, to increase the machine’s output and, as a result, enhance overall productivity and improve profitability. In the face of the soaring cost of living and escalating fuel prices, says Williams, this data also becomes a valuable asset for cost reduction. “Another feature we provide through myFleet is benchmarking,” says Williams. “Using this information, our customers can compare their individual machine’s performance and workload against the rest of the Komatsu population, providing them with the means to discern whether there is room for improvement or if they meet industry standards.” With sustainability emerging as a top priority in the industry, many construction companies are now monitoring their carbon emissions, particularly those produced

from fuel usage. On the myFleet dashboard, businesses can access data not only on fuel usage but also on the carbon emissions generated by each machine. “The capacity to review and analyse fuel consumption within myFleet holds considerable promise in these emission reduction efforts,” says Williams. A majority of major telemetry and inspections data from machines is now fed into the myFleet application, making it a one-stop-shop for owners of Komatsu machines. The myFleet platform offers significant advantages to construction contractors of all sizes, from small, familyowned businesses with one or two machines to large-scale Tier 1 contractors with 100 plus machines in their fleet. “We are committed to ongoing development of myFleet, continually adding new features and functions to support our customers on their business journey,” says Williams. Gone are the days of construction companies having to use multiple platforms to manage their fleet. Komatsu’s ever evolving myFleet system is redefining fleet management, pioneering a new era of simplicity and efficiency.

“The capacity to review and analyse fuel consumption within myFleet holds considerable promise in these emission reduction efforts.”

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MARKETPLACE

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Scan the QR code to find out more. A one-stop-shop for buying, selling, and hiring a wide variety of new and used construction equipment. Inside Construction Marketplace, links sellers and hire companies with hundreds of thousands of potential buyers across Australia.

FOCUS Decarbonisation

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Analysis of buildings, solar panels, vegetation, surface permeability and roof condition in Chippendale, New South Wales, enabled by Nearmap artificial intelligence.

Putting sustainability on the map Proving to be a pivotal player in advancing the construction industry’s journey toward net-zero emissions, Nearmap is empowering organisations to reach their sustainability goals by leveraging leading-edge geospatial aerial technology. While the construction industry contends with the onerous practice of lowestprice tendering, increasing costs and a shortage of skilled labour, businesses in the sector are placing a growing emphasis on decarbonisation, and rightfully so. An increasing number of construction project stakeholders are seeking out contractors who implement sustainable solutions, with many project owners setting sustainability requirements in their tenders. In 2022, the Australian Government announced its commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. Additionally, the construction, use and maintenance of buildings account for approximately onequarter of Australia’s annual carbon emissions, according to data from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. Therefore, the construction

industry has a major role to play in helping the nation achieve these ambitious goals. Having delivered aerial imagery and geospatial technology to a range of industries since 2007, Nearmap recognises technology’s potential in aiding the construction industry’s progress towards a net-zero future. The Australian-based company provides technology tools that can assist businesses in achieving their sustainability objectives in line with national commitments. As part of this venture, Nearmap recently conducted a survey to explore how the construction, engineering and property sectors can achieve their decarbonisation goals with technology. Dan Paull, executive vice president and general manager of Australia and New Zealand at Nearmap, has over 30 years’ experience in the geospatial industry. He has dedicated his entire career to this field, partly due to its wide-ranging applicability and constant evolution.

“Nearmap is in a unique position to help address complex challenges, not only within Australia but on a worldwide scale.”

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FOCUS Decarbonisation

Use Nearmap to assess sites, make accurate measurements, and validate them multiple times, at any time, over the months and years it may take to complete a project — reducing risk of costly error and waste.

“We conducted in-depth research to highlight the role technology has in driving the decarbonisation agenda, on both an industry and organisational level.”

“I’m always fascinated by the applications – they seem to be as broad as the imagination and without limitation,” says Paull. “Nearmap is in a unique position to help address complex challenges, not only within Australia but on a worldwide scale.” “The topic of sustainability has been gaining momentum over time, with the Australian construction sector now primarily focusing on achieving these government-set targets. “We conducted in-depth research to highlight the role technology has in driving the decarbonisation agenda, on both an industry and organisational level.” Sustainability is a top priority for business leaders in the construction, engineering and property sectors, with 95 per cent of those surveyed citing decarbonisation and emissions reduction as central to their organisation’s overall sustainability agenda, compared to 86 per cent of those from other sectors. Technology is also high on the agenda, with 100 per cent of the surveyed business leaders in these sectors stating that technology is important to achieving their organisation’s sustainability goals, compared to 97 per cent of those from other industries. However, 60 per cent of leaders in these sectors expressed limited awareness and understanding of available technologies. “The construction industry recognises that technology has an important role to play however there’s a gap between what they believe is possible through technology and actually digitising workflows,” says Paull. “Nearmap has a wealth of knowledge on how to bridge this gap and bring these technology solutions to fruition.” “With the construction, engineering and property sectors already expressing their willingness to explore technology to improve sustainability, it becomes just as much about education as it is about supporting the implementation of these innovative solutions.” There is a high level of enthusiasm in the

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construction, engineering and property sectors regarding the potential of geospatial technology and artificial intelligence to reduce carbon emissions across industries in Australia. Of the surveyed business leaders in these sectors, 83 per cent expressed optimism toward these technologies. Geospatial technology, in particular, is emerging as a ground-breaking solution for construction and property-oriented organisations to reduce their carbon footprint. Through its high-resolution aerial imagery, city-scale 3D datasets, and integrated geospatial tools, Nearmap enables organisations to access data-driven site information remotely. “Nearmap enhances efficiency by providing higher quality information more effectively than traditional onsite inspections,” says Paull. “This provides great value in various phases of the construction cycle.” For instance, site visits are a common practice in nearly every construction, engineering and property organisation, and a significant source of carbon emissions. Nearmap enables remote access to detailed site information, reducing the need for site visits in these sectors and therefore helping lower associated carbon emissions, such as those produced from fuel usage. Reducing site visits in itself has a range of benefits for a construction company, and not just in carbon reduction. It can contribute to easing road congestion and enhances the business’s occupational health and safety by minimising onsite personnel. “Reducing site visits is the first thing that companies should be implementing,” says Paull. “Nearmap has the tools and technology to make virtual site visits easy and flexible.” “Having worked as a surveyor in the construction industry, I understand the frustration of going to a site, thinking you’ve completed your tasks, only to realise later that you forgot a measurement and had to return.

“With Nearmap providing a virtual site visit that you can reference anytime and anywhere; you can simply jump into the MapBrowser web application and conduct the measurement virtually.” There is a surge in interest surrounding these technologies, explains Paull, not just because they’re enhancing the quality and frequency with which information can be delivered, but because that information can be targeted directly towards areas that can have a substantial impact. Nearmap geospatial aerial technology can help construction businesses assess and bid on projects, accurately plan projects, prolong the life of their assets and monitor project progress. “Data provides profound insights and aids in the process of making more informed decisions, often at a faster pace and with increased certainty,” says Paull. “All of those things are really important to businesses, particularly when you’re in a competitive environment like construction trying to do the right thing by your customers, by your employees, but also the community in regard to emissions.” While Nearmap is already helping make significant contributions to the construction industry and numerous other sectors, the company remains committed to discovering further innovative approaches to make an even greater impact, adopting a disruptive mindset to help address major industry challenges. “I believe that there is a genuine belief by the construction and property industries,

Badgery Creek, New South Wales.

but broadly as well, that the effort toward carbon reduction is sparking a new wave of innovation,” says Paull. “The need to find solutions to this problem is really driving people to think differently.” “This is an area in which location and geospatial technology excels – it’s so broadly and dynamically applicable that it’s the perfect partner to explore solutions to the decarbonisation challenge.” Nearmap published imagery covers up to 95 per cent of the Australian population, and its ambition doesn’t end there. The company has not only expanded its coverage but is also actively working to raise the profile of the benefits technology can enable. Utilising the research insights, Nearmap has created a corresponding white paper, Decarbonising Australia’s Built World with Technology, to help the construction, engineering and property sectors deepen their understanding of geospatial aerial technology and how it can help them reach their sustainability goals. Through this white paper, Nearmap is leading the conversation on utilising geospatial technology to help accomplish net zero in the construction industry and encourages leaders in the field to continue the discussion, paving the way for a more sustainable future.

“Data provides profound insights and aids in the process of making more informed decisions, often at a faster pace and with increased certainty.”

Yarraville, Victoria.

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EVENTS Sydney National Conference

A spotlight on precast Gathering leaders from the precast industry, from manufacturers and suppliers to allied professionals, the National Precast Concrete Association Australia’s Sydney National Conference has emerged as a pivotal event for the sector.

“Sarah’s passion, dedication, sleepless nights and laughter have helped all of us grow and be successful in our respective businesses.”

On 1 November 2023, members of the National Precast Concrete Association Australia (National Precast) travelled from far and wide to attend its National Conference in Coogee, New South Wales. Hosted by National Precast CEO Sarah Bachmann and president Jeff Stratford, the three-day conference commenced with a welcoming reception alongside an exhibition featuring prominent industry players including Leviat, Reid Construction Systems, CONQA, PSA, ConXedge, BOSFA, ECOTONE, PROGRESS GROUP, Barrason’s Engineers, Actech, Peikko, Hagane Systems, APTUS and Bennett Equipment. The exhibition showcased a diverse array of innovative products and solutions for the precast industry, from quality assurance software to structural precast connections. As the exhibition continued on day two, industry leaders took the stage to share their insights during the official conference, sponsored by Leviat. Leviat Australia national technical manager Brett King and engineering team leader Precast Ali Asgari discussed durable and resilient solutions designed to withstand the challenges posed by precast connections, while also reducing the overall cost and complexity of precast construction. Fair Work Commission deputy president Peter Hampton shared an update on the implementation of multi-employer bargaining options. WorkSafe Victoria senior construction advisor James Webster delved into WorkSafe’s ‘Pre-cast Panel Project’, an initiative involving a comprehensive review of six primary hazards within precast businesses in Melbourne: respirable crystalline silica (RCS), cranes and lifting equipment, panel storage, hazardous manual handling, vehicles and traffic management, and panel design and quality assurance. Daniel Nassar, managing director at Alpha Precast, revealed his strict contracting approach, outlining the strategies he employs to maintain his position, and illustrating the positive impact these measures have had on his business. Attendees also heard from Fleur Heazlewood, director at The Blueberry Institute, discussing psychological safety; Sarah Hammond,

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partner at Moray & Agnew, addressing the termination of project contracts; and Matt Press, executive director, Compliance & Dispute Resolution at SafeWork and Fair Trading NSW, sharing perspectives on modernisation opportunities and roadblocks. Concluding the conference, Stratford, in his position as general manager QLD at Euro Precast, shed light on the company’s adept handling of the challenges involved in manufacturing and installing precast elements for the high-profile Mondrian Gold Coast project. He explored the implications on reinforcement congestion, mould manufacture, drafting considerations, utilisation of form liners, the company’s in-factory and onsite quality assurance procedures, offsite payment processes, audits, inspections and approvals, delivery and installation. Additionally, Stratford highlighted the support from National Precast partnerships that played a crucial role in navigating and overcoming challenges as they emerged. To cap off day two, attendees enjoyed a networking dinner, sponsored by PSA and PROGRESS GROUP, before embarking on an interactive factory tour of the Metro West Tunnel on day three. During the dinner, National Precast honoured several members for achieving membership milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years. Notably, Rod Mackay-Sim was bestowed with Life Membership for his remarkable dedication to the precast industry over the past 40 years. “Rod’s commitment to the precast industry, in particular his passion for improving safety, has been nothing short of outstanding,” says Bachmann. “We are proud to know Rod and incredibly appreciative to have him involved with National Precast.” Additionally, Sarah Bachmann was acknowledged for her 20 years of service as the CEO of National Precast. “Sarah’s passion, dedication, sleepless nights and laughter have helped all of us grow and be successful in our respective businesses,” says Stratford. “On behalf of the association and our members, I was so pleased to recognise Sarah’s amazing tenure with a 20year service award and gift.” Inside Construction was proud to support and attend the event as an official media partner of National Precast.

National Precast Sydney Conference 2023.

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

ASSOCIATIONS The National Precast Concrete Association Australia

Innovating infrastructure projects Infrastructure projects across Australia are set to reap the benefits of a new retaining wall system that is now available locally.

Project Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project

Head contractor PTP Alliance (McConnell Dowell, Arup and Mott Macdonald with the South Australian Government’s Department for Infrastructure and Transport)

Master Precaster The Reinforced Earth Company

A new retaining wall system is being used on a level crossing removal project within one of Adelaide’s inner suburbs, delivering significant enhancements in both construction safety and speed. The new system combines precast and in situ concrete construction to deliver a highly efficient and robust cantilever retaining wall. National Precast Concrete Association Australia Master Precaster The Reinforced Earth Company has brought the new technology to Australia. Full-height facing panels that come complete with pre-attached perpendicular counterforts are manufactured and then delivered to site. The integrated counterforts are then jointed onsite to a structural concrete footing. The Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project in Adelaide, South Australia, is the first infrastructure project in Australia to try the new system.

There are more than 23,500 railway level crossings in Australia, according to the Australian Rail Track Corporation. Of these, 21 per cent have operational boom gates or flashing lights. The dangers are real, with around 30 fatalities every year resulting from level crossing collisions and more than 1,000 near hits annually between vehicles and trains. Prioritising the removal of level crossings showcases commitment by Australian governments to modernising transportation infrastructure, for the betterment of communities and for the efficiency of cities. Collaborating with rail and transport authorities to plan, fund and execute these projects, governments consider factors like community impact, cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. The target is to enhance safety, efficiency and traffic flow across the nation.

Level crossing removals prioritised The removal of level crossings across the country involves eliminating intersections between roads and railway lines by either elevating rail lines or lowering roads. The main objective is to reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities associated with level crossings, which are known to be high-risk areas.

Removed for safety and efficiency Ovingham has long experienced significant traffic congestion due to the presence of multiple level crossings. The crossings often resulted in delays, increased accident risks and hindered emergency response times. The aging infrastructure and growing population exacerbated the issue, necessitating a comprehensive level crossing removal project.

The Reinforced Earth Company’s TechWall system was used on the Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project in Adelaide.

By the National Precast Concrete Association Australia.

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The new retaining wall system improves construction safety and speed.

Jointly funded by state and federal governments, the $196 million Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project is removing the level crossing at Torrens Road, Ovingham and involves construction of a new 180-metre-long bridge that connects into two approach ramps, with three lanes city-bound and two outbound lanes. Executed in multiple phases, innovative engineering techniques have been employed across the project to ensure minimal disruption and to maintain safety during the construction process. With an average of 21,300 vehicles passing through the level crossing daily, its removal will significantly impact safety, freight productivity and connectivity and traffic flow in the area. New heights for retaining wall technology As a fundamental component of civil engineering and construction for centuries, retaining walls aid in managing slopes, preventing erosion and creating usable spaces on uneven terrain. Advancements in materials, and design and construction techniques have revolutionised the field of retaining wall technology, leading to structures that are not only highly functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Never before used in Australia but widely used across America and Europe, The Reinforced Earth Company’s TechWall system presents a new, innovative concept for optimising retaining walls. Known as a counterfort retaining wall system, it consists of full-height wall facing units which can easily feature architectural detailing and patterns. Panels are delivered with counterforts precast on the rear side and protruding rebar dowels from their bases. Onsite, the footing is formed, reinforcement is placed and the panel dowels are tied in to provide the necessary embedment and development lengths. The cast-in-place footing is then poured, securing the panels in place and increasing the effectiveness of the load transfer mechanism to the ground. Riccardo Musella, The Reinforced Earth Company’s managing director in Australia, says the system’s full height monolithic units mean no soil reinforcement is

needed and it is a simple and economic replacement for traditional cast-in-place cantilever wall designs. “This system will revolutionise retaining walls,” says Musella. “It is perfect for narrow cut situations or applications with extreme obstructions within the fill zone, and offers complete aesthetic versatility, with facing panels allowing for a wide variety of surface patterns and texture if desired.” Improved safety gets the thumbs up The project has received resounding feedback from the community, praising the improved safety and convenience brought about by the upgrades and impressed by the walls, bridge and plaza, all of which look like works of art thanks to the stunning urban design that translates Aboriginal stories into visual elements. Serving as a blueprint for similar infrastructure projects, the Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project is enhancing safety, connectivity and overall quality of life in urban areas. Its success highlights the importance of thorough planning, stakeholder engagement and innovative construction techniques in achieving project objectives. It is a project that demonstrates the potential for transformative infrastructure projects to enhance communities and lays the groundwork for future urban development. Musella says he is very proud that his company had the opportunity to work with the PTP Alliance to bring this technology to Australia. This partnership has proven highly successful, as evidenced by the notable achievements on the Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project.

“The new system combines precast and in situ concrete construction to deliver a highly efficient and robust cantilever retaining wall.”

“The Ovingham Level Crossing Removal Project in Adelaide, South Australia, is the first infrastructure project in Australia to try the new system.”

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ASSOCIATIONS Formwork Industry Association

Robust safety systems and training The Formwork Industry Association unpacks the amendments to New South Wales’ work health and safety laws, recently passed by parliament.

“The FIA has worked vigorously and diligently to develop and implement a Safe Formworker Program, which has been severely lacking across the industry.”

By Michael Sugg, chief executive officer, Formwork Industry Association.

On 12 October 2023, the Parliament of New South Wales passed amendments to the state’s work health and safety (WHS) laws. Some of these changes commenced immediately, while others will come into progressive effect until mid-2024. These changes mean that Formwork Industry Association (FIA) members, and other industry participants, will need to carefully consider whether their safety systems and processes are robust enough and whether their workforces are trained, instructed and informed sufficiently to meet the legislation requirements. The key changes of interest to FIA members include: 1. Significant increases in the maximum penalties for breaches of the WHS Act, including those whose conduct in contravening the primary duties is based on gross negligence or recklessness. 2. I ntroduction of new provisions enabling the imputation of corporate leaders’ conduct to corporations. 3. I ntroduction of a new provision providing that a corporation’s state of mind can be evidenced by reference to the: (a) Conduct of the corporation’s board of directors; (b) Conduct of an “authorised person”; or (c) E xistence of a “corporate culture” that directed, encouraged, tolerated or led to the carrying out of the conduct constituting the relevant offence(s) by the corporation. 4. Limitation of the availability of the “mistake of fact” defence. Increase in maximum penalties There has already been a shift in the last couple of years with the courts imposing more significant penalties for safety breaches, particular in areas of regulatory focus. Recent prosecutions have seen penalties for businesses in excess of $2 million for serious cases. The maximum penalties in NSW will significantly increase on 1 July 2024. The maximum penalty that can be imposed under the WHS Act for grossly negligent or recklessness offences are the most material increases and will rise from $3.99 million to $10.4 million for a convicted corporation, and from $798,000 and/or five years’ imprisonment to $2.17 million and/or ten years’ imprisonment for individual people

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conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), such as sole traders, or PCBU officers. Individual worker maximum fines will also increase. It should be remembered that under court sentencing principles, the courts are required to consider maximum penalties when sentencing, and this means that penalties will significantly increase moving forward, particularly for serious offences. Imputation, state of mind and culture Aside from the increase in fines, these proposed changes will be of great interest because they expand how a business can be held liable. The new imputation and state of mind provisions came into effect on 24 October 2023. They are extremely important because they make it easier for SafeWork to prosecute corporate PCBUs based on the conduct of their board, authorised persons and “corporate culture”. SafeWork previously had to comply with specific requirements for imputing an individual’s conduct to a corporation in order to prove that the corporate body had the state of mind required to have committed a particularly serious WHS offence. The WHS Act now includes a regime by which the conduct of the following is imputed to be the conduct engaged in by the corporation itself: 1. A corporation’s board of directors. 2. One or more authorised persons (an authorised person of a corporation is an officer, employee or agent of the relevant body corporate acting within the actual or apparent scope of their employment or authority). 3. One or more persons acting at the direction of or with the express or implied agreement or consent of: (a) A body corporate’s board of directors; or (b) A n authorised person. The amendments also provide for SafeWork to prove a corporate body’s state of mind by showing that: 1. T he relevant body corporate’s board of directors intentionally, knowingly or recklessly engaged in the relevant conduct or expressly, tacitly or impliedly authorised or permitted it to be carried out; 2. A n authorised person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly engaged in the relevant conduct or expressly, tacitly or impliedly authorised or permitted it; or

3. A “corporate culture” existed within the body corporate that directed, encouraged, tolerated or led to the conduct being carried out. Those amendments don’t apply, however, if the relevant body corporate can prove that it took reasonable precautions to prevent the conduct or its authorisation or permission. However, a failure to take reasonable precautions can be shown if the relevant conduct was substantially attributable to: 1. T he inadequate management, control or supervision of the conduct of one or more of the body corporate’s employees, agents or officers; or 2. A failure to provide adequate systems for conveying relevant information to relevant persons in the relevant body corporate. There is no definitive legal position on when something is “substantially attributable”, and the court will need to look closely at the facts of each particular case in order to decide whether something is “substantial” and “attributable”. The inclusion of a “corporate culture” concept in the NSW WHS Act is quite novel. A “corporate culture” is defined as “one or more attitudes, policies, rules, courses of conduct or practices existing within the body corporate generally or in the part of the body corporate in which the relevant activity takes place”. Corporate culture-related attribution clauses are not new to mainstream criminal laws in some other jurisdictions. However, the definitions of a corporate culture used in those other laws is different to the definition contained in the new sections of the NSW WHS Act. Rather than referring to “one or more” attitudes, etc …, the other jurisdictions refer to “an” attitude, policy, rule, course of conduct or practice existing within a corporation or the part of it that is involved in the relevant conduct. It now remains to be seen how SafeWork and the courts will implement the new imputation clauses, but it is entirely possible (and probable) that courts will impose higher penalties on corporate offenders whose culture derives from the existence of multiple attitudes, policies, rules, practices or courses of conduct than those whose culture is based on only one such factor. It will, for example, be important that leadership and management teams are clearly aligned on their approach and commitment to safety, evidenced by robust systems and processes.

Mistake of fact As to the new mistake of fact provision, there is a defence that can be relied upon by a defendant who can prove that their conduct was informed by: 1. An honest, but mistaken, belief in a relevant fact; 2. T hat it was reasonable to hold the relevant belief in the circumstances; and 3. T hat the mistake related to a material fact, rather than a mistaken understanding of the applicable law. However, the new WHS mistake of fact provision limits a body corporate’s ability to rely on a mistake of fact defence to circumstances in which the relevant: 1. E mployee, agent or officer of the body corporate who carried out the relevant conduct was under a mistaken, but reasonable, belief about facts that, had they existed, would have meant the conduct would not have constituted the offence; and 2. Body corporate proves it took reasonable precautions to prevent the conduct. SafeWork has not often had to contend with accused entities relying on mistake of fact defences in the past. It will need to adapt its approach to evidence-gathering and investigation to meet any circumstances in which these new provisions apply.

“What this means is that businesses now, more than ever, need to make sure they have appropriate safety systems and procedures aligned to the requirements of the legislation.”

What does this mean for FIA members? Consistent with the current regulatory focus on compliance, the amendments mean that businesses will face significant penalties and other (and arguably easier) ways they can be held responsible for breaches of the WHS laws. What this means is that businesses now, more than ever, need to make sure they have appropriate safety systems and procedures aligned to the requirements of the legislation. A significant requirement is the provision of appropriate safe systems of work, along with training, information and instruction of their workforce in those systems and processes. The FIA has worked hard to develop and implement a Safe Formworker Program. Strong support has been obtained from government and the industry to improve competence and safety. The program offers a practical solution for formwork organisations and the industry to fulfill obligations and avoid implications of non-compliance with WHS laws. www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

ASSOCIATIONS Australian Constructors Association

2023 reflections Reflecting on a challenging year for the construction industry, Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies delves into transformative measures to chart a brighter course for the sector.

“It is clear to all that enhancing the industry’s productivity is crucial.”

By Jon Davies, CEO of the Australian Constructors Association

As we wrap up our dance with challenges in 2023, it’s clear we need more than just a change of partners; we need a whole new choreography. The $120 billion project review and the unexpected drama of IR reform kept us on our toes, but solutions seemed stuck in a traffic jam, leaving us on a hamster wheel of good intentions, going nowhere fast. The construction industry is operating on an outdated system. It encourages short-term focus and lacks room for innovation. The commercial environment actively discourages the long-term planning needed to upgrade and boost productivity. To break free from this hamster wheel, contractors and consultants need to be incentivised to invest in and adopt innovative solutions. At the same time, clients need to play a role in actively supporting and encouraging innovation in their projects. However, given the construction industry’s size and number of clients, we will only get substantial change if the biggest buyer of them all, state and federal governments, lead the way.

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

This year, the Australian Constructors Association (ACA) brought forward a proposal for an industry reset. We proposed that the government develop a comprehensive national approach to construction productivity reform – a National Construction Strategy. This strategy would be a collaborative effort between government, industry and unions, spanning sectors and political boundaries. The big idea is to break through the barriers that are preventing us from implementing the actions that we all know will improve productivity. Outlined in our report, Nailing Construction Productivity, three key elements define the proposed strategy. The star of this show is project procurement. Developing a nationally consistent set of procurement principles and standardised contracts would enhance efficiency and provide a conducive environment for productivity improvements. The second element of the strategy is a data alliance –developing and tracking simple metrics that will show if we are heading in the right direction to become more productive.

Infrastructure Australia could potentially serve as an independent body for managing this. The final component involves articulating a national strategic framework to lift the construction industry’s overall skill level, including quickly re-skilling to adapt to evolving technologies and methodologies. And so, we’re not just building infrastructure; we’re building a construction dream team. The Productivity Commission’s report highlighting Australia’s worst productivity growth in 60 years underscores the urgency of the strategy. Construction is a major economic powerhouse, contributing $150 billion directly and an additional $300 billion through the supply chain annually. It is clear to all that enhancing the industry’s productivity is crucial. Closing the productivity gap with other major industries could save $56 billion annually, providing the resources needed for current and future projects. If the coming years are indeed destined to be ‘the defining decade’, as declared by Treasurer Jim Chalmers, Australia needs more than just rhetoric; it needs a strategic, coordinated effort to lift its game, and the construction industry is the place to start. I am optimistic that in 2024 we will see the creation of a 10-year National Construction Strategy and the start of a new, more coordinated dance towards a more sustainable and productive industry.

The Australian Constructors Association’s Nailing Construction Productivity report reveals productivity growth should be high on the industry’s agenda.

“To break free from this hamster wheel, contractors and consultants need to be incentivised to invest in and adopt innovative solutions.”

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

ASSOCIATIONS Empowered Women in Trades

We’re ready – are you joining us? Following a successful fundraising campaign in 2023 that garnered over $19,000 for charity programs supporting women in various industries, Empowered Women in Trades has ambitiously set a target to raise $50,000 in 2024.

By Hacia Atherton, CEO of Empowered Women in Trades.

“Every woman and non-binary person empowered is a stride towards industry transformation.”

Empowered Women in Trades (EWIT) is revolutionising trade-based industries, including construction, by opening up opportunities for women and non-binary people to start meaningful careers and thrive. We champion diversity, breaking down barriers and proving that trades are defined by skill, not gender. EWIT isn’t just an organisation – it’s a movement. We’re paving the way for a more inclusive future in trades through training, mentorship and strong industry partnerships. Every woman and non-binary person empowered is a stride towards industry transformation. Our work continues beyond there. The funds raised through events, including our annual gala, go directly into charity programs, ensuring that we can continue to make a tangible difference in the lives of countless vulnerable women and non-binary people. We thank our esteemed 2023 Gala sponsors, attendees, and awe-inspiring award winners. Your unwavering support and presence made the evening truly memorable. Together, we raised over $19,000, a testament to our collective commitment. These funds were instrumental in empowering vulnerable and at-risk women to embark on a transformative journey into skilled trades. In 2024 we are aiming to raise $50,000. As we prepare for our 2024 EWIT Gala and Awards event, I want to convey the deep significance of this event. ‘Shining a Light on Excellence’ is not a theme; it embodies our mission, vision and unwavering dedication to every woman and non-binary person who has dared to pursue a career in skilled trades. The inspiring stories we celebrate during this gala reflect EWIT’s accomplishments and the industry’s collective milestones that signify our progress as a community, an industry and a movement that champions diversity and inclusion. This is where you play a role. You are partners in this transformative journey. Your backing amplifies our message, empowers

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

our mission and directly impacts the lives of women and non-binary people. It’s more than providing funding for an event; it’s about igniting a revolution. By attending our gala, you align yourself with a cause that is making an impact. Become a part of the narrative reshaping the future of trades in Australia. Together we can ensure that we shine the spotlight on our awardees and illuminate the path for countless more women and non-binary people to follow. I want to extend an invitation for you to join us on our mission to empower and inspire women and non-binary people in skilled trades. Together we can serve as a symbol of hope and create an impact. Your attendance is a beacon of hope, lighting the path for countless women seeking a brighter future in skilled trades. If you can’t make it, why not pay-it-forward? We’ll provide the ticket to an apprentice or vulnerable tradie in order to attend the event. Let’s unite and make a difference.

2024 EWIT Gala and Awards Date: Friday, 23 February 2024 Venue: The Trust, Melbourne Tickets: Available via the EWIT website

“EWIT isn’t just an organisation – it’s a movement.”

Empowered Women in Trades Gala 2023.

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

ASSOCIATIONS The National Association of Women in Construction

The Leaky Pipeline This month, the National Association of Women in Construction highlights its new podcast series, sharing inspiring stories that celebrate women in construction.

“Women make up only 13 per cent of workers in the construction industry, but at NAWIC, we have a goal to make it 25 per cent by 2025.”

At the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), we adopt a strategic approach that spans the entire career lifecycle of our members. This journey begins with their high school education and exposure to a construction career and extends to accessing growth opportunities such as senior management, business scaling and sale, as well as participation at the board level. To increase female participation in construction, together we must stem the leaks across each stage of our pipeline. The pipeline, representing the various stages in a woman’s career in construction, requires proactive measures to attract, retain and grow women, enabling them to enjoy the safety, economic security and career fulfillment the industry has to offer. A NAWIC Changemaker podcast series Women make up only 13 per cent of workers in the construction industry, but at NAWIC, we have a goal to make it 25 per cent by 2025. To achieve this, it’s not just about recruiting more women; it’s also about creating a culture that helps retain them. Join Lauren Fahey, the host of The Leaky Pipeline podcast series and general manager of NAWIC Australia, as she discusses the challenges, opportunities and what it means to be a changemaker.

In this podcast series, you’ll hear from women with a range of experiences in the construction industry. They will discuss the challenges, address assumptions and share their thoughts on how to make the construction sector more diverse and inclusive – and why that’s a good thing for everyone. Episode 1: Professor Paula Gerber – NAWIC Australia founder Creating your tribe and why NAWIC remains an inclusive and truly representative membership organisation in construction. When Paula Gerber graduated from university, like many Australians, she purchased a backpack and a one-way ticket out. She found herself doing a construction law apprenticeship in California and later in the UK, where she often found herself as the only woman in her workplace. Once mistaken onsite for an adult entertainer, Paula is now a highly respected professor at Monash University and a soughtafter spokesperson. Upon her return to Australia, Paula set out to establish a local chapter of NAWIC to build her tribe; 28 years later, we now boast over 10,000 members. One of the things that struck Paula at the start of forming NAWIC was that many men were keen to join. Why? Because it stands out as one

By the National Association of Women in Construction. Alchemy Construct is the 2023 winner of the NAWIC Journal Photo Competition.

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

Alchemy Construct captured the true essence of diversity in the Australian construction industry.

of the few associations spanning the whole of industry in Australia. Paula coined the term ‘cognitive diversity’ to articulate the antidote to groupthink. It yields a more holistic approach to problem-solving, and that’s one of the key reasons we need to encourage more women and greater diversity in the construction industry, Paula says. Episode 2: Christina Yiakkoupis – chair of NAWIC Australia Let’s get loud. Speaking up and insisting industry and government do better. Christina Yiakkoupis had her heart set on becoming an architect. When a university careers counsellor noticed she was undertaking physics and maths subjects, she was offered a scholarship for engineering that was too compelling to refuse. She now loves the diversity of her career and reflects on the significant improvements she has observed in the construction industry. When it comes to creating a cultural shift in construction, change happens from the top. Boldly calling upon government to implement targets and quotas, Christina says this is important because it starts a conversation. It’s a catalyst for businesses to do better, to not only attract but also retain women. Let’s be very clear, Christina says, about bullying and gender bias: it’s not okay, never was okay, never will be okay. Episode 3: Kerry Neil – general manager for South Australia at GHD Let’s talk about technical capability, not physical ability: why heat is often excused for hormones. Kerry Neil started her career as a marine biologist working in the ports and shipping

industry. Today, she is GHD’s general manager for South Australia and the NAWIC National Award winner for 2022. Busting common myths, Kerry dives into the subjects of menstruation and childbearing, emphasising that these factors do not denigrate women’s capability to do their jobs. Physical ability needs to go into the backroom, Kerry shares. People are now being seen for their technical capability and working with their heads. “Don’t discriminate our opportunity, instead let’s have a conversation and fix the environment,” Kerry urges. Similarly, Kerry says don’t mistake ‘heat in a conversation’ for a hormonal issue, rather let’s consider why someone is passionate. Episode 4: Emma Sckrabei – director of The Umbrella Collective “Can we start at 7.30am?” Challenging industry and government to address the skill shortage by ditching the traditional. Emma Sckrabei has spent her previous chapter as head of community for Gininderry – an exemplar project, a joint government and industry initiative to attract and retain women in construction. As she launches into her own business, ‘The Umbrella Collective’, Emma reflects that industry associations have a real role to play. Her own experience in the ACT stems from building a pipeline for women in construction, to recruit and retain new talent in the industry. The question: What if we could develop a curriculum-based model to develop the pipeline for women in construction, targeted at years 7 to 10? NAWIC and the Office for Women obtained grant funding to develop resources in curriculum, to foster schoolbased apprenticeships. The program included learning about construction, diving into gender equality, focusing on the industry and exploring a wide range of roles including ‘Try a Trade’ experiences, work experience and mentoring. A total of 110 young women, in years 9 and 10, related to people in the industry and participated in this program, which is providing exposure and creating change.

NAWIC Journal Photo Competition Each year, NAWIC invites its members to submit photos capturing the essence of women in construction. The winning entry for 2023, awarded to Alchemy Construct, graces the front cover of this year’s NAWIC Journal.

“In this podcast series, you’ll hear from women with a range of experiences in the construction industry.”

This is a proud collaboration with Broad Radio, a media outlet by women, for women. You can find The Leaky Pipeline podcast on all the usual platforms. www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

OPINION Construction industry trends

Imagining the future “I envision a future where the major stakeholders of our industry – clients, engineering and construction firms, and suppliers – trust one another.”

As it nears closer to a new year, Dr Gretchen Gagel envisions a bright future for the Australian construction industry. I was recently viewing a TEDx Talk by Dan Gilbert, entitled The Psychology of Your Future Self, that I use in my MBA class at the Australian National University and the University of Denver to explore our individual reaction to change. In it, Dan states that part of the challenge when enacting change is the ease of remembering versus the difficulty of imagining. This is a powerful statement and applicable to the global construction industry. It is easy for us to remember how we’ve done things in the past, to hold onto those memories and practices that are comfortable to us. It’s much harder to imagine the future of our industry and how we will evolve over the next decade. While reflection upon the past is a good practice, I took time this month to imagine what the future might hold for the construction industry. Artificial intelligence I envision a future where we have harnessed the power of artificial intelligence (AI) and quantum computing to leverage the enormous amount of data we’ve collected in our industry for many purposes: • Predictive safety behaviour; • Planning and productivity enhancement; • Design efficiency; and • Sustainability and energy efficiency. How are we doing this? By embracing AI in the same way we embraced the internet. By investing in AI research and development as an industry. Large shifts in the industry are typically driven by the client. We need clients to push their engineering and construction partners to step up to the AI plate. We need to step aside and let the next generation of techsavvy leaders drive a digital revolution.

By Dr Gretchen Gagel.

Industry culture I envision a future where the work of the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce is no longer needed. We have created a safe, less stressful work environment that meets the needs of diverse individuals. We have attracted the best talent in the world because these people know that society is entrusting

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

them with the building and maintenance of our precious assets, assets that support the existence and survival of humanity. How are we doing this? Senior leaders in our industry are demanding inclusion of their people and teams. We are modelling respectful, inclusive behaviour and creating company policies that support our workforce and their needs. We have zero tolerance for less than inclusive behaviour and are projecting an industry brand of professionalism and inclusivity. Sustainability I wrote about sustainability in the last issue of Inside Construction, but more broadly I envision a world where we are one of the most important players in ensuring the sustainability of our planet and human life. How are we doing this? We are sitting at the table with global leaders to solve complex problems related to the sustainability of our planet. We are respected for our problemsolving skills in addressing energy disruption, water shortages, high winds, fires – all types of threats to the existence of human kind. We are revered for our role in solving these challenges in the same way that athletes, musicians and actors are revered today. And we are compensated for the tremendous value we bring to the planet. Collaboration and trust I envision a future where the major stakeholders of our industry – clients, engineering and construction firms, and suppliers – trust one another. We have each other’s back and are working together to deliver construction in the fastest, safest, most cost-effective and quality manner possible. How are we doing this? We’ve stopped playing the ‘poker game’. We are utilising AI provided data to understand the benefits of collaboration on project and program delivery. We are training our people to collaborate and build trusting relationships. Senior leaders are demanding collaboration and clients are contracting in a way that facilitates collaboration.

Empowering transformation Sit back for a moment. Envision the Australian construction industry in 10 years – collaborative, inclusive, data-driven, the heroes of society for building and sustaining the assets of humankind. Ask yourself – what can I do, as a leader, formal or informal, to lead the construction industry towards this vision? Don’t think of it as an elephant, an overwhelming, insurmountable obstacle. Your actions, each and every day, influence how our industry behaves and how it is viewed by society.

Dr Gretchen Gagel is Chair of Brinkman Construction (US), a member of the National Academy of Construction (US), a member of the Construction Industry Culture Taskforce (AUS), and an affiliate professor at the Australian National University and the University of Denver. As President/ Managing Director of Greatness Consulting she continues to advise organisations within the construction industry on optimising capital program delivery and developing talent. You can hear more from Gretchen on her Spotify podcast, “Greatness”.

“We need to step aside and let the next generation of tech-savvy leaders drive a digital revolution.”

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

PEOPLE Profile

Kate Hogan: Setting social standards Kate Hogan is wholeheartedly invested in the positive social outcomes building and infrastructure can create. Through her role as social procurement manager – Building at John Holland, she is not only helping to generate social value, but also to build a more diverse and inclusive industry.

“Meeting different social enterprises and learning about what they do and why they started is incredibly rewarding.”

With vivid memories of playing in her grandfather’s timber yard as a child, Kate Hogan has long been fascinated by the construction industry – a fascination that quickly transformed into her own successful career in the sector. In her early career, Hogan joined BlueScope Steel, working in various roles across the organisation for over a decade, before joining a Tier 1 construction company where she again gained experience in a number of roles. In the years that followed, Hogan spent time working within a civil subcontracting business, learning about the civil side of construction and spearheading the business’s development of its own social enterprise. It’s these experiences, she says, that provided her the skillset to take on her current role as social procurement manager for John Holland’s Building business in Victoria – which focuses on large-scale commercial construction and social infrastructure projects such as hospitals, stadiums and shopping centres – in August 2022. Social procurement, broadly speaking, involves companies using their buying power to create societal value beyond the general construction of a project. It’s a relatively new practice in the Australian construction industry that has rapidly evolved over the past five to 10 years, with the Victorian Government’s recent introduction of the Building Equality Policy (BEP), aimed at creating a more genderinclusive industry, adding to the changing playing field, explains Hogan. “Primarily, social procurement at John Holland involves the company meeting social procurement targets on all of its projects, which – depending on the project and client – may include female participation, First Nations engagement and employment for disadvantaged cohorts,” says Hogan. “It’s my responsibility to understand what those targets are on a project-by-project level, and then translate them into positive outcomes.” As part of this responsibility, Hogan meets with social enterprises to understand what they do, what their social impact is, and how John Holland could potentially partner and collaborate with them on a project to achieve positive social outcomes. “Meeting different social enterprises and learning about what they do and why they started is

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

incredibly rewarding,” says Hogan. “They’re so passionate and genuine about what they do, so having that opportunity to create and foster partnerships with these enterprises is a great part of my job.” Hogan is currently leading social procurement on three of John Holland’s projects in Victoria. One being the expansion of Forensicare’s Thomas Embling Hospital, a secure forensic mental health hospital in Fairfield, Victoria, which provides care for people living with a serious mental illness in, or at risk of entering, the criminal justice system, with a focus on recovery and rehabilitation. The $515.7 million upgrade includes the construction of a new dedicated 34-bed women’s precinct, a 48-bed medium security men’s facility, a new entry complex, carparking and administration facilities. On this project, Hogan introduced a social enterprise called Reboot Australia, an ex-offender throughcare employment organisation, who are now working with Forensicare to develop a supported employment program that is set to provide consumers with employment opportunities upon their release. Also underway is the $485 million development at Chadstone – The Fashion Capital located in Melbourne, where John Holland is delivering three separable portions in a live shopping centre. “As part of social procurement for Chadstone Shopping Centre’s redevelopment, we identified an opportunity to engage Djurwa – an Indigenous-owned joint venture between Yalagan Group and BINGO Industries – to manage all site waste on the project,” says Hogan. “I’ve also introduced Djurwa to Reboot Australia, as Djurwa also helps young Indigenous men who have been affected by the justice system find employment. “This partnership is a great example of how social procurement can make a positive impact above and beyond constructing.” The third project is stage two of the $595 million Ballarat Base Hospital redevelopment, which, with Hogan’s influence, led to John Holland sponsoring the Social Change Maker Award at the 2023 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards. “It was rewarding to see a fantastic social enterprise called Raven Collective, an

Kate Hogan, social procurement manager – Building at John Holland.

organisation that supports women who have experienced domestic violence through its employment and training program, win the award,” she says. Another aspect of Hogan’s role is around working with subcontractors and educating them about what social procurement is and how they can contribute to a project’s social procurement targets. “I’m proud to have these conversations with subcontractors and then see the outcomes of them putting social procurement into action,” says Hogan. “Social procurement isn’t just about ticking boxes or meeting targets; it’s about truly making a difference to peoples’ lives; it’s about challenging the way you normally do things and seeking new ways to make a positive social impact.” “Some construction businesses may already be generating social value throughout their operations, but don’t understand exactly what social procurement is. Education is a big part of my role, but I’m happy to put that time in because it pays dividends down the track for businesses and the community.” Social procurement in construction is a burgeoning space, with an expanding scope

for people who are interested to get involved. “Ten years ago, there was no such thing as a social procurement manager,” says Hogan. “Social procurement is becoming more and more important to our clients, and we’re seeing it being as much as 30 per cent of the weight of some tenders.” “It’s only going to become a bigger and busier profession.” For those inspired to seek a social procurement role in the construction industry, Hogan says the easiest way to get involved is to engage with Social Traders, an organisation dedicated to embedding social enterprise procurement into businesses across Australia. People interested in learning more about engagement with First Nations businesses can contact Supply Nation – one of Australia’s largest national directories of Indigenous businesses. While Hogan’s heart lies within social procurement, she says there are many different roles and avenues people can go down to forge a successful and rewarding career in the construction industry. Her advice is to “just give it a go”.

“Social procurement isn’t just about ticking boxes or meeting targets; it’s about truly making a difference to peoples’ lives.”

www.insideconstruction.com.au INSIDE CONSTRUCTION

PEOPLE Profile

Alyssa Preer: Sparked and charged Alyssa Preer, fuelled by her ambition to one day establish her own business in the construction industry, excels in her role as a certified electrician at O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville.

“I started my apprenticeship in late 2019, and today, I proudly work as a certified electrician at O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville.”

At the young age of 23, Alyssa Preer possesses an exceptional blend of wit and determination. By day, she is a qualified electrician, delivering electrical works for a variety of commercial construction projects. By night, she seamlessly transitions into her role as a skilled beauty therapist and business owner. At 18, while still attending school, Preer earned her beauty therapy certification. Though she had a genuine interest in the field, she soon realised it wasn’t the career she wanted to pursue full-time. “My dad suggested that I try a trade after we built an electric fence together, sparking my interest in electrical work,” says Preer. “From there, I completed an electrician preapprenticeship course and fell in love with it.” “I started my apprenticeship in late 2019, and today, I proudly work as a certified electrician at O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville.” Before joining O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville, Preer completed a four-year electrical apprenticeship with Frontline Human Resources (FHR), a group training organisation that offers opportunities to both blue-collar companies and workers. During her time with FHR, she gained valuable experience working on significant infrastructure projects such as the Burnley Tunnel Upgrade and the Metro Tunnel in Melbourne. Preer then started with O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville in August of this year, where she delivers electrical work for the commercial construction sector. Her primary responsibilities revolve around data-related tasks, with occasional involvement in lighting and power duties when needed. Currently, Preer is carrying out the electrical fit-off of a data rack, which involves connecting data jacks for various applications, including Ethernet, television and HDMI cables. Electricians deliver works in five stages, explains Preer. The underground conduit stage entails laying electrical conduits before concrete flooring or foundations are poured. The rough-in stage involves the installation of circuit wiring, routing services between the electrical box and wall studs. For the cut-out stage, electricians drill and create openings in the walls for wiring passages. In the fit-off stage, the wires are connected to outlets and switches. The final stage is testing and

INSIDE CONSTRUCTION December/January 2024

Alyssa Preer, electrician at O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville.

commissioning, where outlets and switches are checked to ensure wiring has been done correctly, and everything is powered for project delivery. Preer is working on the data rack as part of the fit-off stage for the Padua College project in Mornington, where O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville is delivering electrical works for the construction of a dedicated 3,600 square metre centre for Year 7 and 8 students. “There are so many facets of being an electrician that I love – my favourite thing to do at work is fit-off, which is a satisfying part of electrical delivery – but I also love working as part of a great team at O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Rowville,” says Preer. In addition to her full-time role as an electrician, Preer also operates her own beauty therapy business, servicing up to 15 clients per week. “I’m incredibly busy,” says Preer. “But it’s amazing to be working in two areas I’m passionate about, electrical and beauty.” Still only in the early stages of her career, Preer is sparked and charged to continue making her mark in the construction industry. Fearless in the face of new challenges, she encourages aspiring construction professionals to “bite the bullet and just do it”, sharing that a career in the industry provides endless opportunities for growth.

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A stunning facade, seamlessly supported by TRUECORE® steel.

ISSUE 09

Addressing

a silent

pandemic

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Fred Mills, founder of The B1M, discusses the collaboration with Procore that gave rise to Get Construction Talking, a global mental health initiative for the construction industry.

ISSUE 08 | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2024

Visit truecore.com.au to learn more.

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