Ivan Karaban

Upper Burdekin grazier Dino Penna and his station manager Melissa Myles, pictured, have a lot to smile about. They’ve completed a series of fencing and water infrastructure projects across  Kangaroo Hills station to improve dry season ground cover. Installation of a 15km fence has resulted in all of Douglas Creek being fenced on one side. The creek flows the length of the property and into the Burdekin River, and it's been a long term aim of Dino’s to be able to manage stock on the riparian areas. The new fence has split a paddock into two smaller ones, about 3,500ha each.  This has enabled the paddock containing Douglas Creek to be spelled for the majority of the year.  Cattle will only be allowed into this paddock when feed availability is scarce during a dry season. Conservative stocking rates will continue to be employed, with numbers adjusted based on seasonal requirements. This project follows another fencing project that was completed last year on Kangaroo Hills. It also involved splitting a paddock in two to enable grazing rotation to increase rest periods for pasture and encourage recovery of perennial, productive and palatable (3P) grasses. It excluded cattle from one side of 4 Mile Creek, a watercourse with steep banks making access to many areas of the paddock more difficult, which resulted in cattle preferentially grazing the flatter areas. This has now been rectified, cattle now graze more evenly across the paddock. Dino said he was managing for the dry times. He said rotational grazing and longer rest periods had resulted in increased ground cover, improved water infiltration and regermination of native plant species. The latest fencing project will allow him to have more control of the timing and intensity of grazes, and potentially, could reduce supplement feeding. Dino will continue to closely monitor the paddocks to ensure degraded areas recover and preferential grazing of  “sweet spots” is minimised. Removing cattle from riparian areas will result in a reduction of sediment delivery to the Douglas Creek which runs into the Burdekin River and enters the Great Barrier Reef lagoon. Kangaroo Hills is one of more than 60 properties in the Upper and East Burdekin sub-catchments that took part in the Herding Change Through Grassroots Recovery project, adopting grazing land management actions to improve land condition, productivity and water quality. The Herding Change Through Grassroots Recovery project is funded through the partnership between the Australian Government’s Reef Trust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water Great Barrier Reef Foundation

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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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🛣️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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Thanks 👍 Brefni! You definitely did your research and now it sounds like you're as eager to get down and dirty as we are! You've joined the ranks of many of the best civil companies who trust Simpel to help them manage their construction operations. #SwitchtoSimpel #techpartnership #Simpelsuccess

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Construction trades have always been about learning on the job, however, none of those practical skills prepared me for the reality of running a subcontracting business.

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Good insight!

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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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Over the next four years a total of $11.8 billion has been allocated for new rail and transport infrastructure projects across Western Australia.

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Check out our new rides 🛻 Last month saw 21 new hi-rail Landcruiser’s delivered to the UGL Regional Linx (#UGLRL) team, and the start of #commissioning and ride stability tests in the Bathurst area. Used by the maintenance team, hi-rail vehicles are specialised vehicles that operate on both roads and railway tracks, making access to the rail corridor a seamless transition. These new vehicles are an evolution of our current fleet, with improvements to comfort, easy access, stability, and visibility in low light situations - with the addition of under-vehicle lighting, work lights and flasher repeaters on the service body vehicles. Operator training was completed with a strong focus on the points of difference between the old and new fleets, fault identification and emergency recovery. Each operator was able to put the vehicle through its paces on the Bathurst plant yard siding. The roll-out should commence in the coming months, with the vehicles to be used by each of the routine maintenance teams in every depot across the network. Read more about UGL Regional Linx: https://okt.to/kWjw7n #unitewiththeverybest #rail #transport

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🌟 Breaking stereotypes: UGL’s Metronet Railcar Manufacturing Facility at Bellevue in WA is redefining diversity in the construction industry. With significant female representation across roles, including traditionally male-dominated positions, our team is challenging norms and reshaping narratives. Managed by EastRail, a joint venture between UGL and ADCO Constructions, this project sets a benchmark for inclusivity. Between UGL and our subcontractor, the project boasts 35% female participation in various project domains. https://okt.to/styg4j Their dedication, professionalism, and expertise have left a lasting impact on safety and productivity. At UGL, we're committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. Our Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) and WomenUGL initiative underscores our dedication towards gender balance. Join us in building a future where everyone thrives.https://okt.to/M6oklI #unitewiththeverybest #EmpoweringWomen #FutureOfWork

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🌟 Breaking stereotypes: UGL’s Metronet Railcar Manufacturing Facility at Bellevue in WA is redefining diversity in the construction industry. With significant female representation across roles, including traditionally male-dominated positions, our team is challenging norms and reshaping narratives. Managed by EastRail, a joint venture between UGL and ADCO Constructions, this project sets a benchmark for inclusivity. Between UGL and our subcontractor, the project boasts 35% female participation in various project domains. https://okt.to/B6gZmk Their dedication, professionalism, and expertise have left a lasting impact on safety and productivity. At UGL, we're committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. Our Gender Equality Action Plan (GEAP) and WomenUGL initiative underscores our dedication towards gender balance. Join us in building a future where everyone thrives.https://okt.to/ku1H2W #unitewiththeverybest #EmpoweringWomen #FutureOfWork

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Exciting progress on the North East Link project! TBM Gillian joins the journey to enhance Melbourne's freeway network, driving towards a sustainable future The North East Link project in Melbourne has commenced the journey of its second Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), named Gillian, following the progress of TBM Zelda. These TBMs will excavate twin tunnels, digging approximately 10 meters daily and reaching depths of up to 45 meters. The construction utilizes 100% renewable electricity, with locally produced concrete segments used for tunnel walls. In tandem with tunneling, five road headers are actively excavating the southern section of the tunnels using mined tunneling techniques. While minor vibrations may occur, they will be carefully monitored. Expected to open in 2028, this project aims to remove 15,000 trucks from local roads daily, significantly reducing travel times. video rights : North East Link For more details https://lnkd.in/grzXu5Qw #tunnelling #tunnel #renewableenergy #engineering #construction #civilengineering #civilconstruction #engenharia #engenhariacivil #engenheiro #engenheirocivil #ingeniero #ingenierocivil

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Brisbane Olympics -indirect transport costs Sunshine Coast rail has a Benefit Cost Ratio much less than 1. Projects with a BCR of 1 or more are potentially acceptable. Projects with a BCR of less than 1 should be rejected. The estimated construction cost (excluding any subsidies ) of the Sunshine Coast railway is between $12 -$14 billion. The estimated cost of the first stage – a 19-kilometre line from Beerwah to Caloundra – was between $5.5 billion and $7 billion. According to a QLD parliament business case, the benefit-cost ratio of the Sunshine Coast railway project is much, much less than 1. See my previous posts on Brisbane Olympics Total and Full Costs. Regional North Queensland needs a better deal from Brisbane Olympics. #OurFairShare Rob McCahill Reuben Richardson Taha Chaiechi Damian Scanlon Clayton COOK Posted from Fethiye Türkiye

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Its been an interesting couple of days at the Future of Construction Summit (#FCon24) in Brisbane this week. Here is a video synopsis of Day 1. I value the opportunity to meet more people in this industry and it is always interesting to hear different perspectives - particularly when you realise most of us feel we are representing the biggest and most vital issue that needs solving. For EWIT, its creating a welcoming space for women in construction as a way to provide opportunity and financial security while simultaneously solving the skills crisis crippling the industry, for some it would be using AI to predict issues and cost controls and for others, it will be automation or sustainable construction practices towards net zero. Conferences such as this bring all of these important priorities to the leaders and decision-makers and help them to determine where to spend their resources or focus their time. For that reason, I hope more construction and manufacturing conferences devote a larger percentage of their sessions to the issue of attracting more women to the industry. Unlike the other topics that are often on the slate, like AI and automation etc, we don't have large corporates invested in sponsoring to bring the issue front and centre of the program. What we do have is a problem that has existed for decades (skills shortage) and a solution that requires all levels and levers to get it right. But the answers haven't changed. 1. Create a pipeline of interest and engagement in skilled trade careers in schools 2. Talent Attraction: make an effort to engage women. That isnt saying "women can apply to this job that we have always given to men" - its changing the way we consider the job to attract women (because the skills shortage is the industry's issue to fix, not theirs) 3. Create a culture that is welcoming and demonstrates just how much we need women in these industries. The maths are simple - women make up more than half the population and only 3% of skilled trades. The future of trades is female. #EWIT #30by30 #FCON24 Future of Construction - FCON

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📢 How Are Mega Builds Impacting Your Team? Our consultant Zach Warburton has written an insightful article exploring the ripple effects of Melbourne's major infrastructure projects, like the West Gate Tunnel and Suburban Rail Loop, on construction, engineering, and surveying teams. With higher pay and benefits drawing workers to these big-budget projects, smaller teams are left grappling with retention challenges. Zach discusses the industry’s response, including government initiatives like free TAFE courses and calls for skilled migration reform. 👉 Read Zach’s full article to learn more about how this workforce shift is shaping the construction industry and what it means for your team. What strategies are you using to navigate this challenge? Share your thoughts below! 💬 #ConstructionIndustry #MegaBuilds #WorkforceChallenges #Melbourne

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