Carmelo Di Bella

The Civil Contractors Federation National (CCF) welcomes Treasurer Jim Chalmers' announcement of a $900 million National Productivity Fund aimed at streamlining building approvals and implementing productivity reforms across Australia. Construction productivity has steadily declined between 2003 and 2023, and the current approach to infrastructure is not meeting demand.   The CCF's 2024 Market Capacity Survey highlights this inefficiency, revealing that 95% of contractors have additional capacity that could be mobilized. Today’s announcement by the Treasurer is a fantastic opportunity to revamp infrastructure delivery by enabling local contractors to implement local solutions, which would enhance housing and community infrastructure.   The CCF urges Governments to seize this moment with both hands and take decisive action to deliver the housing and community-enabling infrastructure Australians are desperate for. #ConnectingCollaboratingConstructingCivil #KeepingitCivil

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The CCF WA's concerns about the (WA BPIC) policy and its alignment with CFMEU standards are understandable. However, it's crucial to recognize the issues prompting such measures. While some employers provide fair rates and conditions, others do not, leading to wage theft and non-compliance with award rates and entitlements. The WA BPIC policy, as stated by the State Government, aims to ensure "decent working conditions" and fair compensation for workers. This policy addresses concerns that existing standards, even those endorsed by Fair Work, may not always meet workers' needs. The policy seeks to raise industry standards, ensuring adequate protection and compensation for all workers. It's worth challenging the CCF WA to audit its members for compliance with award rates, superannuation, and portable long service entitlements. This would provide a clearer picture of industry practices and highlight areas needing improvement. While the WA BPIC conditions may seem generous, they address historical inequities and ensure workers are not short-changed. By holding all employers to higher standards, the policy aims to create a more equitable industry where workers are valued and fairly compensated for their contributions.

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🛣️CPB Contractors has been selected by the South Australian Government, as part of the Fleurieu Connections Alliance, with the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, Aurecon and GHD, to deliver the Main South Road Duplication 2 Project.🛣️ Our delivery of this project will include the construction of a six-kilometre road duplication between Aldinga Road and Sellicks Beach Road, along with urban design, services installation, staging or temporary works, construction of civil and structures, including a new interchange at Aldinga, installation of road monitoring cameras and variable message sign boards, and landscaping. We are proud to be delivering this extension project, which will improve safety, traffic flows and connectivity for the Southern Fleurieu community and look forward to continuing to engage with local people, suppliers and businesses to ensure economic employment and social opportunities are maximised within the community. You can read more here: https://lnkd.in/gjTaWwj3 Want to hear more about what's happening across CPB Contractors? You can sign up for our mailing list here: https://lnkd.in/g2y8eRJA #CPBtogether #CPBinConstruction CIMIC Group Limited

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The South Australian Government has selected CIMIC Group Limited’s CPB Contractors, as part of the Fleurieu Connections Alliance (comprising SA’s Department of Infrastructure and Transport, Aurecon and GHD), to deliver Stage 2 of the Main South Road Duplication project. #construction #constructionindustry #constructionprojects https://lnkd.in/gWCVA-TN

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🔸 Coffs Harbour Bypass project 🔸 The project currently has multiple opportunities for Project Engineers to join the team! Key focus areas are: 🛠 Structures 🛠 Civils 🛠 Tunnels The Coffs Harbour Bypass project, located in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, is a significant infrastructure undertaking designed to improve traffic flow and enhance safety along the Pacific Highway. Here are some key details about the project: 🔍 Objective: The primary goal of the Coffs Harbour Bypass is to divert traffic away from the urban area of Coffs Harbour, reducing congestion and travel times while improving road safety for local and through traffic. 🔍 Route: The bypass will stretch approximately 14 kilometers, running west of the Coffs Harbour urban area. It starts at Englands Road in the south and reconnects with the existing Pacific Highway at Sapphire in the north. 🔍 Features: The bypass will feature dual carriageways, with two lanes in each direction. It includes three tunnels: Roberts Hill, Shephards Lane, and Gatelys Road. Multiple interchanges will provide access to and from Coffs Harbour at key points along the bypass. Benefits: Traffic Reduction: By redirecting heavy and through traffic away from the city center, the bypass will significantly reduce congestion on local roads. Safety Improvements: With less traffic on local roads, the risk of accidents and collisions is expected to decrease. Environmental Impact: The project aims to minimize environmental impacts through careful planning and the inclusion of wildlife crossings and other ecological considerations. Construction Timeline: The project expected to be completed by 2027. This timeline includes various stages of development, from initial site preparation to the finalization of roadworks and tunnels. Community and Economic Impact: Once completed, the bypass will support economic growth by improving transport efficiency for businesses and tourists alike. 📣 Contact Alice Palmer on [email protected] to apply 📣 #InfrastructurePeople #TrustedPartner #CivilEngineering #CoffsHarbourBypass

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The cost of building seven reactors under Peter Dutton’s nuclear proposal could be up to $600 billion and “at best” deliver just 3.7 per cent of Australia’s energy mix in 2050, an industry body says. The coalition has pledged to build the nuclear reactors across five states on the sites of coal-fired power stations if it wins government at the next election. The costs and details of the plans have remained scant, prompting concerns about safety in regional areas where the reactors are due to be built and the drawn-out 2035 completion date for construction of the first facility. #RenewableEnergy #Sustainability #CleanEnergy #GreenEnergy #SolarPower #WindEnergy #EnergyEfficiency #ClimateChange #SustainableEnergy #GreenTechnology #EcoFriendly #EnvironmentalImpact #FutureEnergy #EnergyInnovation #Renewables

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So, #NRSW24.... Here is a thought upon some self reflection. With our lives getting ever so busy and hectic, I had planned to do daily posts (because I know how much you all like them!), and I'm pretty sure that last one was on Tuesday, and now I find us rolling into Thursday. Another week over so fast. Somebody hear those bells... ok. that's too soon even for me!! Then I thought about my trip driving home. Did I become complacent at all? Do I remember all the trip? Was I thinking about what I was doing tomorrow, what was happening on the job tonight.... What was on my mind on the way home? Was I fully concentrating? Road Safety starts with ME! By the way - today's theme was "Protect those who protect and assist us". Whilst the Queensland Move Over Slow Down legislation doesn't quite extend to the numerous traffic control teams on the road daily in utes, on the bat or lights, in Cone and Pod trucks and TMA's - please remember to read the signs, follow the instructions on the message boards and slow down in roadworks. Big shout out to our emergency services and Police teams (Luke Flanagan) Incident Responders (Brett Simpson) and all those that work to help people across the networks every day. Daily Quiz for those playing at home! Q: In Queensland, Incident Response and Traffic Response Unit type vehicles have a designated colour scheme to differentiate them and provide visual safety features. What are the colours and what is the pattern called? https://lnkd.in/gNuq4s62

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In April 2020, HEB Construction started work on the Recreation Ground Pump Station and Rising Main project for the Queenstown Lakes District Council. This project was a finalist for the 2023 Civil Contractors New Zealand Hirepool Excellence Award—Category 3 project with a value between five million and $20 million. The project involved complex resilience upgrades to Queenstown's struggling wastewater network. HEB had to find innovative ways to deliver the project within the heart of  tourism capital in the least disruptive way possible. HEB collaborated with Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) and Beca to produce a successful trenchless solution. HEB joined forces with QLDC to work on this project during the ECI phase. Significant planning, innovation, and problem-solving went into its proposal that included horizontal directional drilling (HDD). This method was approved because QLDC saw the numerous benefits of the innovative approach. On the day of breaking ground, the country was placed into level four Covid lockdown. Despite this, the project  becoming the first instance of remote steering of an HDD rig in NZ by an offshore specialised HDD pilot operator via Wi-fi. The project achieved several milestones, including the largest tank lift in New Zealand that was used to install two storage tanks, each almost 60 metres in length. It also successfully conducted an HDD pilot shot, remotely driven by someone located in Australia who was unable to enter NZ due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Despite extremely challenging ground conditions and tight working spaces, the team built excellent working relationships with QLDC, Beca, and other project partners. The construction programme was developed during the ECI and project set-up phases. It was issued to QLDC as the baseline construction programme. This living document was updated and resubmitted to the client each month during the construction phase, along with the monthly report and claim. When significant changes occurred in the project, such as the methodology shift from drilling to trenching, the programme was reset, and a new baseline programme was issued. This programme was updated to show the revised works, the shift in pump station commissioning, and any changes to bring the new system online. The programme was a live document continually updated to show time savings and construction. Caption: Backfilled tanks from above

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A question I am often asked is why do big projects cost so much in NZ? The most obvious example of this was Auckland’s ill-fated Light Rail Project that was projected to cost $400mil/km – or $700mil/km had we burrowed underground. When we hear other countries doing light rail projects for a fraction of the price, we’re right to question whether we’re being ripped off or sold something we don’t need. If they can build surface light rail in France for $51mil/km, why can’t we? Too often, we approach infrastructure projects like a kid on Christmas. In an A3 frenzy of concept drawings and spreadsheets we’re easily distracted by new, shiny things. We forget the problem we are trying to solve. There is also a naivety when working with vertically integrated contractors whose incentives are to upsell and increase project costs. When the invoices come through, how is some poorly paid bloke in Council to know he’s being duped for roading metal we don’t need. It’s time to wise up. #fixauckland #lightrail #infrastructure #auckland #council #roads #publictransport

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Another great day for Gladstone! Our economic transition roadmap is paving the path for a future made in Australia. The Alpha HPA project is expected to create around 490 jobs during construction and more than 200 jobs on completion. Gladstone is of critical importance to the continuing economic prosperity of northern Queensland, and in hosting Queensland’s first high-purity alumina processing facility, it will be at the forefront of Australia’s critical minerals industry. The company will use Australian owned IP and technology to process high purity alumina – a critical mineral used in LED lighting, semiconductors, and lithium-ion batteries and other high-tech applications. The Albanese Government will provide $400 million in new loans to Alpha HPA to deliver Australia’s first high-purity alumina processing facility in Gladstone. The loans will be provided by Export Finance Australia (EFA) through the Government’s $4 billion Critical Minerals Facility, as well as through the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility and EFA’s Commercial Account. Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese said "we are building a future made in Australia with secure jobs in our regions. “The global race for new jobs and new opportunities is on. Our Government wants Australia to be in it to win it. Queensland Premier Steven Miles said today’s announcement by the Prime Minister demonstrates the confidence government and industry have in the great state of Queensland. “My government has backed Alpha HPA from the very beginning, by providing State Development Land for this critical minerals facility, more than $21 million in funding to get stage 2 of the Alpha HPA First project off the ground and a $30 million investment to assist Alpha in making sapphire glass, right here in Gladstone. Minister for Resources and Minister for Northern Australia, Madeleine King MP said the Australian Government is committed to building our critical minerals resources and processing industries to diversify global supply chains and help the world lower emissions. “Australia’s critical minerals and rare earths are key to building renewable technologies such solar panels, batteries and wind farms, as well as defence and medical technologies. “Gladstone is a city of great importance to the economic strength of northern Queensland and to the country and this project will put the city at the forefront of Australia’s critical minerals industry.” Queensland Manufacturing Minister and Glenn Butcher MP said the Albanese and Miles Governments working together on this means support of Alpha HPA’s next stage is more evidence of our commitment to a clean, green future for Queensland. “We will be able to make more things here in Queensland and use the world-class Gladstone port to export our products to the world.”

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With Kiingi Tuheitia passing we have lost a great advocate for Māori, for fairness, justice and unity. https://lnkd.in/g-WfkRkQ

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VIVA GAS TERMINAL PROJECT - HAVE YOUR SAY TODAY! Today is the last day to provide feedback for VIVA's proposed gas terminal project in Geelong. Your input is crucial as the next stage involves submission to the Minister's office. Share your thoughts via the link below. Key points from the discussion: - Australia might deplete its Bass Strait gas reserves by 2028/2029, emphasising the need to reduce gas reliance. - VIVA plans to install a floating gas terminal near the current wharf, creating local job opportunities and economic growth. - Gas will be sourced from the Middle East, USA, and NW WA to ensure energy supply to Victoria and the Eastern Seaboard. - Extensive studies on marine ecology, noise, local habitat including bird sancturaries, and cultural heritage impact have been conducted. Act now today is the day to have your say on this vital project shaping Australia's energy future! #AustraliaEnergyFuture #Gas #Essentialenergysupply #TransitioningtoaGreenEnergyfuture

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The Cook WA Labor Government is doing more to secure power to Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields than any government before. After months of negotiations, we’ve secured extra back up power generation for the region thanks to an agreement with TransAlta and BHP Nickel West. The agreement is a big win for the Goldfields and significantly increases power security for the region. It comes on top of our government’s recent investment of $130 million in new and upgraded electricity infrastructure in the region and a process that will see the market deliver an additional 150 megawatts of new generation to the Goldfields as early as 2026. It’s a stark contrast to the Liberals who wanted to cap Synergy’s generation in the market and decommission the West Kalgoorlie Power Station.

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Certificate of Compliance In Victoria, when you are responsible for the mechanical services design, the building surveyor will request a Reg126 as part of the building permit application stage. This document is intended to provide confidence that the design work has been completed in accordance with the: ·        Building Act 1993 ·        Building Regulations 2018 ·        National Construction Code ·        Relevant Australian Standards (typically AS1668.1, AS1668.2, AS4254)   This usually occurs before any construction work commences. However, occasionally this gets omitted during permit stage and is requested at occupancy permit stage.   We’ve had a few instances where contractors have approached us to assist in providing a certificate AFTER the work has been completed. Best to do this BEFORE procurement and installation, as it is much easier to address any compliance issues before construction work has commenced.   Lastly, it is also important not to confuse a Reg126 compliance certificate with verification that a design will satisfy a client’s performance brief. That is, the Reg126 is focused on meeting the standards as listed above, but does not involve reviewing equipment capacity sizing, heatloads, minimum air changes as may be requested by a developer, etc.     The equivalent certification we can assist with in Queensland is the Form 15. NSW also has a similar certification system, however I believe it is currently limited to Class 2, 3 and 9c buildings only.  

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Certificate of Compliance In Victoria, when you are responsible for the mechanical services design, the building surveyor will request a Reg126 as part of the building permit application stage. This document is intended to provide confidence that the design work has been completed in accordance with the: ·       Building Act 1993 ·       Building Regulations 2018 ·       National Construction Code ·       Relevant Australian Standards (typically AS1668.1, AS1668.2, AS4254) This usually occurs before any construction work commences. However, occasionally this gets omitted during permit stage and is requested at occupancy permit stage. We’ve had a few instances where contractors have approached us to assist in providing a certificate AFTER the work has been completed. Best to do this BEFORE procurement and installation, as it is much easier to address any compliance issues before construction work has commenced.   Lastly, it is also important not to confuse a Reg126 compliance certificate with verification that a design will satisfy a client’s performance brief. That is, the Reg126 is focused on meeting the standards as listed above, but does not involve reviewing equipment capacity sizing, heatloads, minimum air changes as may be requested by a developer, etc. The equivalent certification we can assist with in Queensland is the Form 15. NSW also has a similar certification system, however I believe it is currently limited to Class 2, 3 and 9c buildings only ______ At MEP Engineering Co, we provide engineering support and shop drawings to mechanical contractors delivering $500k to $20M+ mech contracts across Australia & NZ.   I try to make regular posts on topics relevant to building services mechanical contractors. Be sure to Connect if you find the content valuable

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Business News recently discussed the future of the Henderson precinct with Defence Industry Minister Paul Papalia – a dedicated defence shipbuilding and maintenance hub in the existing industrial area of Henderson.   The precinct’s expansion underscores a growing issue in WA: a scarcity of available industrial land. To support this ambitious project and the expected influx of workers, there is an urgent need for more industrial and residential land to be released to the market.   Demand for land is already high in the Western Trade Coast – Cygnet West has recently sold over $168 million worth of property in the area across vacant land lots and developed workshops. The unsatisfied demand for larger lots (minimum one hectare), highlights a robust market eager for further opportunities.   The release of additional land to meet the surging demand will be a highly anticipated and essential step, supporting not only the expanding needs of the Henderson precinct but also benefiting existing WA businesses eager for industrial space. There is hope that the government will be able to expedite this process, despite being constrained by regulatory requirements for land sales, to ensure timely access to land that will foster economic growth and strengthen Western Australia’s industrial landscape. https://lnkd.in/gyRfF7_j   Ian Mickle, Greg O'Meara #IndustrialLand #IndustrialSales #Growth #PerthProperty

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The Coomera Connector project is making significant progress, with major works underway on Stage 1. The $2.16 billion project, also known as Queensland’s ‘second M1,’ will relieve congestion along the M1 by providing an alternative route between Loganholme and Nerang. Stage 1 will deliver a 16-kilometre stretch from Coomera to Nerang, improving travel times and road safety for both local motorists and freight vehicles. Once completed, the Coomera Connector is expected to reduce traffic on the M1 by up to 60,000 vehicles a day. This project is a critical investment in Southeast Queensland’s transport infrastructure, designed to support the region’s growing population and ensure better connectivity and accessibility. #CoomeraConnector #Infrastructure #Transport #Queensland #CivilEngineering #RoadSafety #Construction #RegionalGrowth https://lnkd.in/gpTEVaJw

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