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DEMAND FOR CONCRETE EXPECTED TO RISE OVER NEXT FIVE YEARS – REPORT
Major infrastructure projects underway in eastern Australia are expected to lift demand for concrete and related products, according to new figures from industry representative body Cement Concrete and Aggregates Australia (CCAA).
CCAA CEO Ken Slattery said the construction of the new Western Sydney Airport at Badgery’s Creek was expected to lift demand for concrete by at least one per cent over the next five years.
Melbourne’s Metro Rail Project was also highlighted as an infrastructure project with the potential to increase demand for concrete by another two per cent, according to Mr. Slattery.
This rise in demand also follows a record production year for Australia’s concrete, cement and aggregates industry with figures from the CCAA finding more than 30 million cubic metres of pre-mixed concrete were produced across Australia in 2017.
In 2015, the total amount of pre-mixed concrete produced across Australia was estimated to be 27 million cubic metres, which grew to 28.5 million cubic metres in 2016, according to figures commissioned from industry research company Macromonitor.
The CCAA highlighted the concrete industry contributes more than $15 billion to the national economy each year, with more than 30,000 people employed directly by the industry and 80,000 estimated to be employed in work related to the industry.
Data released by the CCAA also found NSW construction projects are expected to consume an average of 9.5 million cubic metres of pre-mixed concrete a year between 2018 and 2022, with Victoria following at around 8 billion cubic metres and Queensland predicted to grow to reach 7.2 million cubic metres a year.
“The boom in infrastructure projects such as WestConnex and NorthConnex in Sydney and the West Gate Tunnel in Melbourne is good news for the heavy construction materials industry and for the more than 110,000 Australians who are employed directly or indirectly in the sector,” Mr. Slattery said.
“Demand for concrete is increasing rapidly at a time when more and more planners realise what architects and builders have known for a long time: no other material is as versatile, sustainable and cost effective.”
RADAR TECHNOLOGY TRIAL TO REDUCE QLD RED LIGHT CRASHES
The Queensland Government has implemented new technology that uses radar to detect vehicles about to run a red light.
Known as Hold the Red, the technology is part of a trial to reduce the risk of crashes caused by running red lights.
When a danger is identified, the opposing traffic lights are held on red to halt drivers waiting for the lights to turn green.
Queensland Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said the innovation was already in use in Florida in the US where it has been credited with cutting collisions at intersections.
“Red light running is a complex problem. There is no single reason why drivers do it but what we do know is that resulting accidents are likely to be T-bone crashes, which have a higher potential of causing death or serious injury,” Mr. Bailey said.
“Hold the Red lowers the risk of a crash at sites where it is installed while still allowing for offenders to be penalised.”
Mr. Bailey said about 11 per cent of all serious casualties on Queensland roads occurred at intersections with traffic lights.
“During the past five years, 42 people have been killed and more than 3000 hospitalised in crashes at signalised intersections in Queensland,” he said.
The trial will be evaluated by independent consultants.
JOHN HOLLAND ACQUIRES RCR TOMLINSON RAIL
After RCR Tomlinson entered voluntary administration in November 2018, John Holland was quick to scoop up the rail unit for an undisclosed amount.
The December sale was RCR’s first since McGrathNicol was appointed administrators to recover the company’s $590 million in debt with roughly 4000 unsecured creditors.
McGrathNicol administrator Jason Preston said that the rail business was an enticing business and a good fit for John Holland which has a solid presence in the industry.
“The sale preserves the jobs of circa 400 Australian employees with RCR O’Donnell Griffin Rail who will transfer to John Holland, and ensures the entitlements of those staff are preserved,” Mr. Preston said.
“RCR’s Rail business has an outstanding track record, with highly skilled staff and a blue-chip client base that made it an attractive target for prospective acquirers and a strategic fit for John Holland.”
Following this sale, Environmental Group Limited acquired RCR Tomlinson’s Energy Services business in a deal completed by the end of January.
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FIRST SA ROAD BUILT WITH PLASTIC BAGS AND GLASS
The first South Australian road built with soft plastics and glass at Happy Valley in the City of Onkaparinga will utilise plastic from approximately 139,000 plastic bags and packaging and 39,750 glass bottle equivalents.
Downer and City of Onkaparinga have partnered with resource recovery and recycling companies Close the Loop and RED Group for the project, following similar projects in NSW and Victoria.
Along with soft plastics and glass, toner from about 3200 used printer cartridges and more than 50 tonnes of recycled asphalt were also repurposed to create 265 tonnes of asphalt used to construct the road along Caribbean Crescent in Happy Valley.
Downer Executive General Manager Road Services Dante Cremasco said the milestone event demonstrated the importance of partnerships with other thought leaders to create economic, social and environmental value for products that would more than likely end up in landfill, stockpiled, or as a pollutant in natural environments.
“Together with City of Onkaparinga and our partners, we have proved that with thought leadership and the tenacity to make a positive difference, we have set a new benchmark in the state when it comes to sustainability by creating new avenues to recycle and repurpose waste materials into new streams of use. It’s all about pulling products, not pushing waste,” Mr. Cremasco said.
“Further to the direct sustainability benefits, this cost-competitive road product called Reconophalt has enhanced properties of improved strength and resistance to deformation making the road last longer, and allowing it to better handle heavy vehicle traffic.”
City of Onkaparinga Mayor Erin Thompson said this is an exciting South Australian first and demonstrates council’s commitment to working with industry on innovative and cost-effective solutions to a changing operating environment.
“The City of Onkaparinga manages and maintains over 1350 kilometres of sealed roads and works hard to ensure they’re well maintained as cost-effectively as possible and in line with leading asset management principles,” Mayor Thompson said.
“We also collect approximately 14,000 tonnes of recyclables every year. Major disruptions in international markets for recyclables over the last 12 months present significant challenges, as well as emerging opportunities.
“Creating local demand for recyclables products is one such opportunity and this is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by government working with industry.”
RE-ELECTED VIC GOVT MAKES NEW APPOINTMENTS IN TRANSPORT PORTFOLIOS
Following its re-election in Victoria in November, the Andrews Labor Government has announced a new cabinet, including new appointments for the roads, transport and freight portfolios.
Jacinta Allan, formerly Minister for Public Transport and Employment, has been given the Transport Infrastructure portfolio in the new cabinet.
“The Andrews Government is embarking on the biggest infrastructure program Victoria has ever seen,” according to a statement from Premier Daniel Andrews’ office.
“To ensure this is delivered, Jacinta Allan takes on the portfolio of Transport Infrastructure, with responsibility for projects including the Level Crossing Removal Program, North East Link, West Gate Tunnel, Metro Tunnel and Suburban Rail Loop.”
Ms. Allan leads an all-female transport team with Melissa Horne made Minister
Jacinta Allan leads an all-female transport team in the new Victorian cabinet.
NEW APPOINTMENTS TO BUILDING QUEENSLAND BOARD
The Queensland Government has announced two new appointments to the Building Queensland board, both of whom will serve a three-year term, which began 3 December 2018.
Lesley Morris and Fiona Murdoch will replace the outgoing Graham Hooper and Jacqui Walters and join returning board members Alan Millhouse (chair), Catherin Bull and Kevin Hegarty.
Queensland Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick praised the appointees’ diverse mix of experience and skills they bring to the board.
“The appointees are highly experienced professionals who bring a range of skills in infrastructure to government, including business case analysis, regional infrastructure knowledge, transport planning and logistics and governance,” Mr. Dick said.
“The current board has a strong legacy, including oversight of the establishment of Building Queensland, and a substantial body of work in assessing major infrastructure proposals for transport, hospitals, water and community infrastructure.”
Building Queensland provides
Two appointments have been made to the Building Queensland board.
independent advice to the Queensland Government on infrastructure priorities for the state, based on business cases, including cost benefit analysis and community benefit.
FIRST WORLDWIDE DRONES STANDARDS UNVEILED
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Draft International Standards for Drone Operations has been
Final adoption of the first drone standards is expected in 2019.
released for public consultation, with the final adoption of the world’s first drone standards expected in 2019.
The rules, which form a voluntary code of practice, are the first set of international standards for drones.
“Most drone makers are doing everything they can, but some don’t use existing materials. They may not come from an aviation background, for example. Everybody across the industry believes drones can be safe and of great benefit to mankind. Operators and service providers alike are keen to establish a baseline,” Robert Garbett, an ISO drone expert, said.
The standards include a flying “etiquette” around no-fly zones, geo-fencing technology that can stop flights in restricted areas, flight logging requirements as well as training and maintenance standards.
They also call on flyers to keep drone hardware and software up to date and have a human monitor for all flights.
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AURECON APPOINTS GLOBAL CEO, REVEALS NEW LEADERSHIP TEAM
Engineering and infrastructure advisory firm Aurecon has appointed its Managing Director of Australia and New Zealand William Cox as its new Global Chief Executive Officer.
His appointment aims to help lead the organisation’s growth and diversification across digital, advisory and Asia.
Current Aurecon CEO Giam Swiegers ends his fixed four-year term, which saw the company more than double its profits since 2015, on 1 February 2019.
Mr. Cox said it was a terrific opportunity to steer Aurecon during a time of significant growth and change for its industry.
“My focus areas for the immediate future are to consolidate and continue the growth trajectory in digital, advisory and in Asia where we see immense potential in transport infrastructure, the built
Louise Adams.
environment and fast-growing data centre sector,” he said.
Aurecon has also announced the appointment of its new Managing Director Australia and New Zealand, Global CFO and Global COO.
Louise Adams, previously Regional Director of Aurecon’s South Australian and Victorian practice, has been appointed to head the company’s ANZ business.
Francoise Merit, previously CFO for Australia and New Zealand, has been appointed as Aurecon’s Global CFO, with previous CFO Andrew Muller appointed as Aurecon’s new COO.
Mr. Cox said each new leader is a seasoned, expert operator at the top of their field and capable of leading the charge as the business consolidates its growth and pursues new opportunities in the digital and advisory sectors and in Asia.
Mr. Muller and Ms. Merit began their new roles on 1 January 2019 and Ms. Adams’ appointment is effective 1 February 2019.
The City of Fremantle has used recycled glass equivalent to around 2640 glass bottles to resurface the car park at the North Fremantle Post Office.
A warm asphalt mix used 10 per cent crushed glass as a substitute for traditional crushed granite aggregate, alongside recycled road base.
City of Fremantle Infrastructure Engineering Manager David Janssens said while recycled glass asphalt had been used on roads in the United States and Canada for many years, it’s not widely used in Australia.
“Extensive testing was undertaken by our supplier to ensure the material complied with our requirements and the glass would not come loose when cars drove over it,” Mr. Janssens said.
“We also had to make sure the glass being used had no sharp edges so it was safe for people to walk on and wouldn’t damage car tyres.
“Once we get an idea of how it performs
in North Fremantle, we’ll consider using recycled glass in other road projects, and our suppliers are exploring the possibility of using recycled plastic and rubber in asphalt as well.”
Fremantle Mayor Brad Pettitt said the move was part of the city’s One Planet strategy, which focuses on reducing waste
Around 2640 glass bottles were used in the resurfacing project.
and increasing recycling.
“Using recycled glass in asphalt for our roads and car parks could help to create an important local market,” Cr. Pettitt said.
“And because the glass asphalt is made at a much lower temperature, it also means using a lot less energy and producing less greenhouse emissions.”
Road Maintenance
ROAD MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN SEALING CRACKS AND FIXING ROADS ACROSS AUSTRALIA FOR OVER 40 YEARS. ITS FOCUS ON RESEARCHING AND PERFECTING WAYS TO KEEP CRACKS FROM LEADING TO TOTAL FAILED AREAS HAS HELPED SAVE COUNCILS AND ROAD OWNERS THOUSANDS. THE COMPANY IS ALSO SET ON FINDING INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS FOR WASTE TYRES TO KEEP AUSTRALIA BEAUTIFUL.
