Stephen Villella

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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Good insight!

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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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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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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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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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You cannot rewrite history There would be many in the Victorian construction industry that would remember the powerful radio advertisements of the Master Builders Association of Victoria from the first decade of the 2000's. They certainly created a buzz during weekend football broadcasts on 3AW. The theme music from 2001 Space Odyssey (AKA "Also sprach Zarathustra" composed in 1896 by Richard Strauss), with the blaring horns and drums, voiced over with the powerful voice authoratively stating "Master Builders, Masters of Our Industry". The history of Master Builders Victoria is well documented. Incepted in 1875, following on two years after the formation of MBA NSW in 1873, to counter the rise of the trade unions. Borne out of the industrial revolution, Industrial relations were core and central to the reasons for its existence. The names Cockram and Hooker were synonamous. For decades Master Builders was an organisation that builders and subcontractors were proud to be associated with. Sadly, with its 150th year anniversary approaching it appears as if there is a concerted effort to rewrite history and to distance the organisation away from its course purpose and origin. Let's be clear, Master Builders was not founded by a couple of builders sitting around a table holding hands "intent on raising standards within the industry" or to "build a future ready industry". In recent years, as the Association has slid into bed with the CFMEU, there has been a shocking effort made to rewite history, at one time even dropping the word Association to distance itself from being an industrial entity. At its peak, during the early-mid 2000's the Master Builders Association of Victoria, under Brian Welch, was the most respected industrial association in the country, recognised for its strength in IR and industry advocacy. Seventy percent of its operating costs were derived from corporate sponsors that wanted to be asssociated with an incredibly respected brand. Devastating to see that construction companies and Government agencies are now signed up as sponsors and that the organisation is now so heavily dependent on funding from the industry redundancy fund, Incolink. It reflects poorly on the decline of an organisation that has been so badly let down over the last eight years. It is time for Members to take back their Association.

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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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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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🌟 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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Conflict of Interest The NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) has found that a former Inner West Council (IWC) senior project engineer, had engaged in corrupt conduct. There is always a possibility for similar issues though Councils have policies or agreements to avoid any occasion for suspicion of improper conduct in the exercise of development assessment functions. The Development Engineering Assessment has a more such risk when Councils employs a Locally operated Engineering Consultant who are providing design and development assistance to Developers in the Council area. Being a Engineering Consultant who does not work with private sector developers Aucie Consulting Engineers (www.aucieconsulting.com )provide the guarantee that there will be no such issues to Council we provide Development Engineering Assistance. we ensure that - development assessment recommendations are properly made, and that all parties are dealt with fairly. - no action, statement or communication to any party conveys any suggestion of willingness to improperly provide concessions or preferential or unduly unfavourable treatment. Aucie Consulting Engineers (www.aucieconsulting.com) is a unique engineering consultancy that provides Development Engineering Assessment support to Local Governments across Australia. We have been providing Development Engineering Services to Townsville City Council QLD), Sunshine Coast Regional Council, Mackay Regional Council Glenorchy City Council (TAS), Goulburn Mulwaree Council (NSW), Eurobodalla Shire Council (NSW), Woollahra Municipal Council (NSW), as and when they require assistance. Experienced in providing Engineering Assessment for all types of Development Applications (Material Change of use, Subdivisions, Construction Certificates, Operational work, change applications, Planning Proposals etc) both in-fill and green field. We provide support only when the Council really require assistance, it could be a couple of days a week, for a month or as an when Council need assistance to get over a peak to ensure a smooth business operation. https://lnkd.in/gJCT_qwY

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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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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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