New design, ready to tackle all your quarrying and recycling applications. Featuring heavier rotor, increased moment of inertia, reinforced crusher housing, CAT Engine & vibrating feeder.
SMA HS6203 SCREEN
New to the Australian market. Providing consistent sizing and quality material. Featuring a four way split, heavy duty 20 x 6 horizontal screenbox. Perfect for screening aggregates at high tph.
NSW: Ciaran Lagan 0408 321 245
VIC: Ben McGinley 0458 616 723
QLD: Andy Blythe 0488 935 991
www.screenmasters.com.au
News
In this issue, Allu releases a new screener bucket, Rammer hydraulic hammers have a longer warranty, MATES in Construction announces its 2025 Big Lap, Caterpillar unveils a new material handler, Prime Creative Media is announced as the official media partner of WorldSkills, plus much more 6
Features
Cat dealer Hastings Deering offers pre-built equipment to eliminate lengthy wait times 10 Smallmon Brothers Waste and Recycling has been supported in its growth by Screenmasters 16 With high demand for telehandlers, Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales is introducing the 2025 edition of its Hercules T-3 model 20 Cobra Equipment showcases its customisation capabilities with its latest Shantui dozer delivery 24 One of Australia’s oldest and rarest collections of earthmoving machinery provides visitors with a nostalgic stroll into the past in Ilfracombe 26 The NextGen Construct program on the Suburban Rail Loop saw four female students gain the opportunity to work on a major transport project 30 Family business Hall Earthmoving is at the start of an exciting and challenging dam upgrade project 36 Victoria University is looking into how waste hi-vis vests could be reused and develop a more fire resistant concrete product 42 How can increasing the uptake of digital tools in construction address skills shortages? 46
Editorial & Design
Editor Cat Fitzpatrick
catherine.fitzpatrick@primecreative.com.au
Journalist Jackson Haddad
Contributors
Cathryn Greville, Damian Long
Managing Editor Eugene Duffy
Art Director/Design Daz Woolley
Cover image Caterpillar Australia
Events news
Uniting civil construction, CCF Victoria has been announced as an Association Partner at Converge 2025 22 Pickles is once again providing support to the Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show 55
Industry opinion
After recent flooding events, CCF QLD CEO Damian Long flags the important role contractors have in helping the state get back on its feet 48 Fortescue’s Sophie Davies has big decarbonisation plans for 2025, after previously leading the delivery of a first-of-its-kind electric excavator 50 NAWIC has launched a game-changing cultural change project to expand male allyship 54
Regulars
News
SCREENING
Allu has released a new screener bucket for fine material screening
Bucket boost
When it comes to fine and precise material screening, traditional methods can often be time-consuming.
The new Allu screener bucket introduces vibration screening technology to hydraulic attachments to deliver what it says is super ior screening efficiency with minimal effort.
Designed for fine-material processing, the Allu screener utilises high-frequency vibration – up to 800 rpm – to produce ultra-fine fragments as small as 6mm.
Allu says that, unlike conventional screening methods, its new technology ensures cleaner separation of dry materials while simultaneously screening and loading, reducing both handling time and material waste.
By using vibration-based separation, the Allu screener handles various dry materials without crushing them and transforms them into ultrafine fragments.
The precision of its screening process eliminates clogging and
The new Allu screener bucket uses high-frequency vibration to separate out fines. Images: Allu
minimises re-handling, with the ability to handle soil, sand and even construction waste.
“With the new Allu screener operators can experience the next level of screening technology that results in better productivity, reduced waste and a streamlined process,” distributor Total Rockbreaking sales manager Adam Leece says.
Built for 20–35t excavators, the
ATTACHMENTS
Rammer hydraulic rockbreakers now have an extended factory warranty
Warranty extension
The compact range now has a three-year warranty. Image: Rammer
Rammer has announced that all Rammer rockbreakers now come with a two-year standard factory warranty, while its compact range now has a three-year warranty.
The new warranty extension applies to all new Rammer rockbreakers including those registered in 2024. All other warranty terms remain unchanged.
Rammer rockbreakers are manufactured with features such as a wear-resistant lower boot and heavyduty housing enhance durability, while
Allu screener is suitable for multiple applications. It allows operators to switch mesh sizes within minutes, ensuring adaptability to different screening needs on-site.
The mesh is made from tough, wear-resistant steel, designed for heavy use.
Manufactured in Finland, Allu buckets are built for efficiency and durability. With distribution in over 30 countries, Allu products are readily available across Australia through an authorised dealership network that also provides maintenance and support.
the membrane-type accumulator eliminates gas leakage, reducing the need for on-site recharging.
One of the primary causes of premature rockbreaker failure is blank firing, which occurs when the piston strikes without engaging the tool. This means that the energy that’s normally transferred goes back inside the rockbreaker, causing internal wear and component failure over time.
Rammer’s anti-blank firing technology prevents operation unless the piston engages the tool. The Idle Blow Protection (IBP) feature, which is easily adjustable on-site, ensures the rockbreaker operates only when pressure is applied to the tool.
CHARITY
Big lap 2025
MATES in Construction is looking for teams to join its 2025 activity challenge to raise money for mental health
MATES in Construction has announced the return of the MATES Big Lap in 2025.
Running for the month of April, this year’s theme, ‘Move for your MATES’, calls on Australians to come together, get active and raise vital awareness for suicide prevention and mental health across the construction, mining, energy and manufacturing sectors.
MATES in Construction says that physical activity and movement are powerful tools for mental health and overall wellbeing. Regular exercise helps reduce stress, boost mood, and foster a sense of connection and purpose – key factors in maintaining mental resilience.
The inaugural MATES Big Lap in 2023 saw participants cover over 80,000km – the equivalent of five laps around Australia – raising more than $120,000 through generous donations.
This year the aim is to complete nine big laps around Australia, representing the average number
You can walk, run, swim, skate or bike. Image: anekoho/stock.com.au
of lives lost to suicide every day in Australia.
In 2025, teams are at the heart of the event. Anyone participating as part of a team of five or more will receive a bonus free water bottle and hydration packs from TruWorkwear/Body Armour to help stay hydrated while moving for a cause that matters.
“MATES Big Lap 2025 is more than just a fitness challenge; it’s a movement,” MATES Australia executive director Michael Harper says.
“Every step, every lap and every dollar raised helps break the stigma around mental health and brings us closer to preventing suicide in our industries. We’re stronger together, and every participant plays a role in creating change.”
Register now at: www.matesbiglap.org.au
MH3032 material handler. Image: Caterpillar
MATERIAL HANDLER
Caterpillar has released the Cat Next Generation MH3032 30-tonne material handler
Range extension
Designed to sit between the MH3026 and MH3040 material handlers and with a near-15m reach, the MH3032 is available with both drop-nose and straight-stick options. Typical scrap materials are no challenge for the standard Cat orange-peel grapple with its one cubic metre capacity, while a 20kW generator option puts magnet attachments into play for even greater on-site versatility.
Cat Payload allows operators to see how much they’re lifting in each load and monitors tonnage output. Also fitted as standard on the MH3032 is Cat 2D E-fence, which keeps the arm within a predefined work area away from the elevated cab. This is combined with a new Swing Assist feature, which automatically stops the swing motion at an operator-defined preset point.
“Technologies like these not only help reduce the operator fatigue associated with repetitive tasks but also help improve site safety,” Caterpillar senior product and sales consultant Vincent Migeotte says.
“Optimised movements also mean incremental improvements to time and fuel consumption.”
Promoting talent
Prime Creative Media is now the Official Media Partner for WorldSkills Australia
WorldSkills Australia and Prime Creative Media have announced a media partnership that will amplify the visibility and impact of trade skills excellence nationwide.
This partnership will play a pivotal role in promoting the talent, dedication and achievements of competitors, trainers and industry leaders involved in WorldSkills Australia’s competitions and initiatives.
Developing synergies
Prime Creative Media chief operations officer Christine Clancy says the publisher is “excited about the synergies this partnership offers between Prime Creative Media, Australia’s largest B2B publishing company, and the country’s leading trade skills competition, WorldSkills.”
“Prime Creative Media is committed to the growth of the industries we serve and WorldSkills is an organisation that demonstrates some of the best future trade skills that are vital to those industries’ growth,” Clancy says.
“WorldSkills organises a range of exciting events at state, national and right up to the international skills competition, to be held in Shanghai in 2026.
“These showcase trade skills at their best. We look forward to telling the stories of these young competitors, whose passion and dedication to their craft and honing their skills are great role models for future careers in those industries.”
Skills excellence
Prime Creative Media is Australia’s largest B2B publisher, specialising in integrated marketing communications in high-growth industries.
It provides industry-leading, multi-channel communication platforms and help its clients connect with key decision-makers across various sectors.
Prime Creative Media publishes more than 50 titles that cover a wide range of industries where skills development is seen as a critical part of the future.
Prime Creative Media’s brands include Earthmovers & Excavators, National Collision Repairer, Australian Car Mechanic, Landscape Contractor Magazine, M anufacturers’ Monthly Magazine, Trailer Magazine, The Tradie Magazine, Australian Mining , Earthmoving Equipment Magazine, Food & Beverage Magazine, and Bean Scene Magazine
Left-to-right: The Tradie Magazine editor Harry Murtough, WordSkills CEO Trevor Schwenke, The National Collision Repairer Magazine editor Eugene Duffy, The National Collision Repairer sales manager Michael Ingram-Casha. Image: WorldSkills Australia
Driving awareness
With the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships and Skills Show set to take place at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre in June, this partnership will ensure comprehensive media coverage of the event. Prime Creative Media will leverage its platforms to showcase competitor journeys, training excellence, and the broader impact of WorldSkills Australia on industries and communities nationwide.
“We are thrilled to partner with Prime Creative Media, whose expertise in industry-focused storytelling will help us inspire the next generation of skilled professionals,” WorldSkills Australia CEO Trevor Schwenke says.
“This collaboration will signify the importance of vocational training and its role in driving Australia’s future workforce.”
For more information on WorldSkills Australia, visit: www.worldskills.org.au
Attachments: stick rake, tree spear, scrub canopy, cutter bar (options available vary by model.) DH24-C3 model
Extra wide heavy duty plates track guard plates heavy duty push arms
Extra high heavy duty blade
UHF radio Pyramid plates Contact us to build a machine specific to your requirements. We sell a full range of earthmoving equipment including graders, loaders, excavators, and rollers, as well as bulldozers. New machines are sold with a double warranty: the Shantui factory warranty backed by our respected Cobra warranty for direct and reliable one-on-one support.
Hastings Deering’s pre-built Cat machines are equipped with the latest technology and features
Time is money
Cat® dealer Hastings Deering offers pre-built equipment to eliminate the lengthy wait times associated with custom-built machines
For any business, time is a precious commodity, and the earthmoving sector is no exception.
When purchasing equipment, it’s essential that the machines get to the client and out to work as soon as possible, instead of spending months in the workshop having various components installed or waiting on supplies.
That’s why Cat® dealer Hastings Deering has made it a priority to have a range of pre-built equipment on hand, enhancing customer
efficiencies by providing immediate, reliable and high-performing equipment solutions, along with fast financing and delivery.
“Pre-built machines are ready for immediate deployment, eliminating the lengthy wait times often associated with custom-built equipment,” Hastings Deering sales representative for the Logan, Gold Coast and Scenic Rim region in Queensland Robert (RJ) Lemon says.
“This accelerated availability ensures that projects can commence
without delays, allowing customers to meet tight deadlines and avoid costly downtime.”
Clients can also be assured of optimised performance in the machines, as Hastings Deering’s prebuilt Cat machines are equipped with the latest technology and features designed to maximise productivity.
“They are thoroughly tested to ensure they operate at peak performance, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and maintenance issues that can disrupt workflows,” Lemon says.
Expert choice
With a range of Cat models ready to go to work immediately, businesses can streamline their operations and focus on core activities. These machines include skid steers, compact track loaders, excavators and small wheel loaders.
The advanced features and capabilities of these machines enhance overall productivity, enabling faster project completion and higher output.
Lemon says Hastings Deering has extensive experience and expertise in the industry, which ensures its pre-built machines are designed and assembled to the highest standards.
Images:
Hasting Deering pre-built machinery specialist, Robert (RJ) Lemon
Chris Kindt of Specilized Civil gets straight to work with his new Cat 310 excavator
“We have a range of different specs for our ready-to-work machines. You give us a call and we’ve got a machine for you,” he says.
By providing pre-built machines, Hastings Deering also helps customers avoid the additional costs associated with customising equipment.
“These ready-to-go machines offer a cost-effective solution that meets industry standards and customer needs, delivering high value without the extra expenses,” Lemon says.
“Each pre-built machine undergoes rigorous quality control processes to ensure it meets the highest standards of reliability and durability.
“This assurance means customers can trust that their equipment will perform consistently, reducing the need for frequent repairs and replacements.”
There’s also the comprehensive support that Hastings Deering is renowned for.
“We offer extensive support and maintenance services for their pre-built machines, which includes everything from routine maintenance to emergency repairs, ensuring that equipment remains in optimal condition while minimising unexpected downtime,” Lemon says.
Lemon adds he loves helping his
customers, particularly as he has a passion for looking after the smaller businesses in the region.
“Getting the right equipment for theirwork and helping them grow as businesses is key,” he says.
“We focus on building long-term relationships with our customers and having the right equipment available when they need it. Having prebuilt machines on the ground and ready to go when they call is important. Time is money.
“In essence, we’ve got the prebuilt machines, we have the dealer support, we’ve got the parts availability. There’s never been a better time to buy a new Cat machine.”
Specialized Civil
Specialized Civil is a plant hire
and civil construction business in Queensland. Hastings Deering has helped owner operator Chris Kindt access the machinery and cutting-edge tech that he needs.
“The company began in 2013, primarily involved with civil works within the oil and gas industry, council and roadworks, infrastructure for national parks, and the like,” Kindt says.
“Particular projects of note have involved infrastructure with the Ampol Lytton oil refinery and the Logan City Council.
“Being a small business and as an owner operator, I need to source, provide and operate the equipment required by clients. A big challenge is finding a machine that can do everything I want it to, while being comfortable and affordable. Having reliable and affordable service and breakdown assistance has been difficult in the past.”
Kindt says that his clients expect him to keep up with current safety features and technology as it becomes available, with his machinery requiring features such as isolators, fire extinguishers and beacons.
“A double locking tilt hitch is a mandatory item these days in the civil industry,” he says.
“Hastings Deering has supported me in working through challenges by supplying a machine ready
Chris Kindt (left) with RJ Lemon and the pre-built 310 excavator
to go with the specs required.
“When sourcing equipment, I look for quality, after-sales support, operator comfort, running costs and price, in that order. Hastings Deering ticked all the boxes.
“We chose the Cat 310 Next Gen excavator because it suited the larger scale projects we had. It’s got the reach of a 13-tonner but the fuel economy of an eight-tonner and it can lift like you wouldn’t believe, while being easy to transport. I can move it around on a tandem trailer, so it really suits what we do.
“The comfortable cab was a big selling point for me. I’ve been doing this for 20 years, so comfort is a priority. There’s just nothing as comfortable.”
Kindt says that he also likes the tech that’s been put into the cab, such as the Joystick Travel mode and eightinch touchscreen. Cameras let him see all around the machine, providing an even greater level of safety.
“In short, the comfort, power and fuel economy of the Cat machine is unreal,” he says.
“The overall experience was good, and the easy purchase process was a standout. RJ [Lemon] came to my job site, we met, talked about how a new machine could improve my business and relationships with my customers. He organised a demo. I named my specs and implements and it was just easy. There was ease of communication and quick delivery.
“I actually looked at a different machine at the start and, after going
through things, this one really suited what I wanted the best. I just went through what it is that I do and the things that I needed.
“The machine was in stock. It was only a short wait to install a few additional extras. There were a couple of different packages and I picked the ready-to-work one because it had everything on it that I would have to put on anyway.
“Everything has been fitted by the dealer. It’s just a one-stop shop.”
Hastings Deering’ helpful and flexible interaction meant less downtime for Kindt, and having the machine ready to go meant quicker delivery, so he could start a new project on time.
“The service has also been unreal. I even know when the machine is coming up for a service because
Kindt says the Cat 310 “lifts like you wouldn’t believe, while being easy to transport”
the team are proactive with their communication,” he adds.
“And as for parts, it’s easy. Not that I’ve needed much at all. But I have the confidence that if I do need it, it’s right there.
“Plus, my Hastings Deering Field Service rep lives down the road, so he can just come when it suits me. The first time I met him was when there was a small leak on the machine. These things happen and they came out immediately and fixed it on the spot.
“I couldn’t be happier with that. It’s how issues are dealt with that’s important for me as an owner. I have full faith that whatever problems happen, they’ll be fixed straight away and I’ll be on the road.”
Lemon says Kindt contacted him initially to trade out an older machine.
“I caught up with him to understand his requirements for this new machine,” Lemon says.
“We looked at various models, we went through all the different machine sizes. We looked at technology, we looked at safety, we looked at all the configurations that he might need or would need going forward.
“We ended up picking the Cat 310 Next Gen excavator and that ended up being the perfect size for him. This
Darrel White of All Whitey Profiling bought a Cat 246D3 skid steer and a 301.7 CR excavator
excavator is all about performance and power. It’s got a long reach, it’s got power to push and it’s got a good digging capacity, and that’s exactly what Chris wanted.”
All Whitey Profiling
All Whitey Profiling specialises in road profiling and earthmoving services.
“I’ve been my own boss for five years and have been loving it. It was always my dream to become an owner/operator,” owner Darrel White says.
“I love driving skid steers and I enjoy road profiling, so it was a win-win.
“I’d been in the industry for 12 years and wanted to venture out on my own and grow from strength to strength with the right machine.”
With major projects inclusing preform work on the Warrego Highway, the Centenary Highway and the Logan Highway, having a skid steer for daily road profiling activities was a must.
“Hastings Deering has made ordering the parts and machinery relatively easy to obtain 24/7, which is essential for us as we work nightshifts as well,” White says.
“The dealership has always had quality gear to help with minimal downtime and counter loss of productivity. Having high quality equipment that can perform to our demanding industry offers us peace of mind.
“Working with Hastings Deering has been a great experience, from the initial quoting to purchasing machinery, the
White’s says the Cat 246D3 skid steer is perfect for his profiling projects
backup support, and the finance.
“We recently bought our second Cat 246D3 skid steer, and after that a new Cat 301.7 CR excavator.”
White says that he wanted an excavator that could access tight areas, saying that the excavator is perfect for his company’s profiling work.
“I love the adjustable track, the tilt bucket and the comfortable cab. It can go places with tight access points, leaves less of a footprint and makes the job easier,” he says.
“RJ gave me all the answers I needed to purchase the machine. Nothing was hidden, it was a straightforward, simple process.
“The excavator complements the skid steer perfectly. The skid steer is great for profiling: it’s nimble, it’s light, it gets into tight places, it does the job. It’s strong.
“In fact, the first skid steer was faultless. It was a great machine, gave me very little downtime and it was a no-brainer to go back for another one. For my job scopes, it’s perfect.”
White says that he has had a great experience with Hastings Deering with fast delivery allowing the business to book work in immediately to handle client demand.
“Everything’s up to spec, which can allow us to go on to a lot of jobsites with ease. And it saves time and money getting it right,” he says.
“They have a great parts and service section, and the customer support has gone above and beyond to produce a hassle-free purchase. They have a great finance team, making the process seamless.
“Maintenance is easy by being able to go to the store and pick up the parts. It’s just an easy transition.
“We have time restraints. We’re on tight deadlines and if any of our machinery goes down or we need a part, we need to do it quickly. If we need parts, we have to get
White says communication with Hastings Deering has been faultless
them straight away to get us back up and running. With Hastings, it’s just a matter of a phone call to the parts service department 24/7. It’s a winner. The communication we have had so far has been faultless.”
4IN1 Earthworx
As a small business owner, 4IN1 Earthworx’s Jake Goetsch carries out a wide variety of earthworks.
“No job is too big or small,” he says.
“I’m based in in Kalbar, Queensland, but I reach out to Brisbane Gold Coast regions, and all of the Scenic Rim.
“I was interested in the industry since I was three. And it just started off there after school because my uncle owns an earthmoving business. So I started on the machines and then just gradually grew into running my own business for about six months now. I’m 23 years old.
“I had a second-hand machine and wanted a brand new one. I’ve always heard good things about Hastings Deering and I’ve always liked Cat gear. The power, the cabs, the room. They’re comfortable to operate and smooth.”
Goetsch’s first purchase from Hastings Deering was a Cat 304 excavator.
“I love the electric joysticks and the power,” he says.
“I can get into tighter spots with the big digger. It’s pretty handy.
“The safety and the comfort are really good in the 304. I like a nice big cab, it’s comfortable. And for safety, the cameras let you see all around the machine.”
Goetsch says Hastings Deering service, sales and parts availability has been standout.
“You call them up, they get onto it straight away,” he says.
“They ensured all the civil specs were sorted on the machine.
“The sales rep, RJ, knows his stuff and he’s really good. We’ve got a really good friendship now, and we talk nearly every day.”
Lemon says Goetsch found what he wanted after a walkaround and a trial in the demo area in the Hastings Deering yard in Brisbane.
“He found out the Cat 304 fourtonner was the right size. That was the sweet spot,” Lemon says.
“Jake needed various civil specs right to get site access, so, as part of the install, we made sure that all those boxes were ticked before the machine went out. The extras were
installed within two weeks to ensure Jake received his machine quickly.
“He can get the machine on and off his current truck with ease, and he can get it around the sites that he was working on.
“Jake appreciated the versatility that came with all the attachments, all the bucket sizes that he wanted, various hydraulic grabs and the like.”
Goetsch also appreciated that there was no fuss with the finance.
“The finance team were also great to work with. They assisted to ensure a seamless purchase,” he says.
“It’s also good to know that obtaining parts is easy. If you’re in the middle of a site and you break down and you need a part straight away, Hastings Deering always has them on the shelf. They’re ready to go. We can get machines up and going straight away.
“I would recommend Hastings Deering to anyone. I’ve never had a problem with them.
“I really want to see a future in my company. Hopefully I will get a couple more machines, expand my business and maybe get a couple of people working for me.
“Throughout my whole life I’ve operated numerous different machines. But Cat machines are the best that I’ve found, with the smoothest power, and are really good to operate.
“There has never been a doubt in my mind that I wouldn’t go with Cat equipment. I didn’t even shop around. I just knew what I wanted. And for that, I knew it was straight to Hastings Deering.” For more information, visit:
Jake Goetsch’s pre-built Cat 304 was ready to go after being quickly modified to necessary civil specifications
Goetsch (left) says he speaks with Lemon nearly every day
Growth focus
Smallmon Brothers Waste and Recycling has been supported in its growth by Screenmasters Australia’s expertise in crushing and screening
Chris Smallmon and his brother Nigel run Smallmon Brothers Waste and Recycling – a family business based in Wagga Wagga, NSW.
Originally focusing on waste collection and green waste processing, the business has diversified into concrete recycling, gravel processing and tree grinding.
“Our focus has always been on providing reliable services with minimal downtime, ensuring our clients get the best,” Chris says.
Approximately six years ago, the Smallmon Brothers identified an opportunity in the crushing and screening sector and seized the chance to expand. This decision was motivated by family history; previous generations had been pioneers in fabricating crushers and drilling rigs.
“We realised there was a massive potential for growth in the crushing business, and with our background, it made perfect sense,” Chris says.
Their initial foray into the sector involved trialling different machines.
However, it was their encounter with the Keestrack R3h Impactor, supplied by Screenmasters Australia (SMA), that set them on their current successful path.
“We tried various machines, but the R3h stood out,” Chris says.
“It met our needs more effectively and provided a robust solution to our increasing workload.”
Building a partnership
Chris’ introduction to Ciaran Lagan from SMA marked the beginning of a fruitful relationship. Chris was two years into the expanding venture and on the hunt for reliable equipment to support the family business.
“Ciaran was instrumental in helping us find the right machinery,” he says.
“The R3h impactor was the start. Since then, we’ve expanded, requiring higher capacity machines.”
Keen to support Chris’ burgeoning enterprise, Lagan and the SMA team have been providing on-site help and comprehensive phone support.
“Our relationship with clients extends beyond just selling equipment,” Lagan says.
“We aim to provide continuous support and build lasting relationships.”
Cut above
The decision to invest in the R3h Impactor was just the beginning, with Smallmon Brothers soon requiring enhanced capabilities. This led to the acquisition of the Keestrack K4 scalper from SMA – a machine designed for splitting aggregates and screening various materials.
The K4 scalper has been instrumental in processing not just construction materials but also soils and green waste.
“The K4 has helped us manage various materials efficiently, adding another layer of versatility to our operation,” Chris says.
The need for even greater capacity led to its latest acquisition, the R5h impactor. This high-output machine is capable of producing multiple
Ciaran Lagan (left) and Chris Smallmon (right)
products simultaneously.
The ability of the R5h to handle larger jobs efficiently with reduced wear costs was a significant factor in its decision to purchase.
“We expect the R5h to cut down wear costs by up to 40 per cent, offering less downtime and more production,” Chris says.
“It’s crucial for handling recycling processes involving steel and other contaminants.”
The similarity between the R5 and R3 models makes maintenance straightforward, providing continuity for their staff.
“The R5 is particularly appreciated for its minimal need to open the chamber, reducing wear and tear and downtime significantly,” Chris adds.
Reliable support
Working in a sector that often involves travel and remote sites, the priority for Smallmon Brothers has always been on reliable and easy-tomaintain machinery with excellent support. SMA have proven to be an ideal partner in this regard.
Chris appreciates the technical support provided, he says.
“They help us with wear parts, machine repairs, and minimise downtime through telephone guidance. The support we get from SMA is unmatched.”
Lagan adds: “We aim to be there when our clients need us, providing ongoing support and building a lasting relationship. It’s not just about selling a machine; it’s about ensuring it continues to deliver for the client.”
Expansion and investment
With eyes set on continuous growth, Chris is considering adding more equipment to his fleet and keeping abreast of new technology advancements. The focus is on maintaining the momentum the business has built so far while ensuring that the operations remain efficient and competitive.
“We are always looking to expand within a two to three hour radius of Wagga and investing in the right technology is key to that expansion,” he says.
For those contemplating an entry into the crushing and screening industry, Chris suggests starting with an impact crusher due to its
The R3h impactor is a great starting point for businesses looking to get into crushing and screening
versatility and ease of mobility.
“The impact crusher is a great starting point. It’s versatile and handles a range of materials effectively,” he says.
“For us, it was the starting block for what has become a successful part of our business.”
The choice of machinery should also be guided by durability and production levels, even in harsh conditions. Chris strongly advocates for Keestrack and SMA machines, due to their ease of maintenance and high production capacity.
“We have been through various options, but the durability and output levels of these machines under tough conditions have been exceptional,” he says.
“They’ve proven their worth, time and time again.”
For more information on SMA and the crushing and screening equipment it offers, visit: www.screenmasters.com.au
$100,000+gst
2010 CATERPILLAR CT630: Truck & Trailer C15, 550 HP, 18 Spd, 400,000 km, Tefco steel bins, 2-way tailgates, Auto greaser, Live cam feed, GPS, Full Service History, Only services with Westrac from new.
$210,000+gst
2012 CAT 349EL
8500 Hrs, Trimble scale set-up, New Hyd Pump <2000 hrs ago, Auto-greaser, Live cam feed, Live Tracking, New Injectors, uplift, Attachments: GP, mud, ripper.
2012 CATERPILLAR 336DL
12,300 Hrs, Only serviced with WesTrac, Mud bucket & GP bucket, New Injectors Installed.
$29,000+gst
2005 ISUZU FRR500 Service Truck w/ Crane 414,000 kms, Auto Greaser, Fuel Tank, Air Compressor, HIAB. Many more extras upon call.
2012 HITACHI ZX400 LCH-3
10,500 hrs, Live Cam, Auto-Greaser, New QH, Pp+mud buckets, Replaced Hyd Pump, Hitachi: Fully Re-sealed + Re-Bushed entire machine + All Servicing New.
2018 CAT 315F
4000 hrs, Tilt Hitch, Attachments: Mud GP 600 450 Ripper, Sieve, Only serviced by WesTrac.
2010 CAT 336DL
13300 hrs, live cam feed, live tracking, GP & Mud Bucket, 6 New injectors, New Hyd. Pump.
Top shelf
With high demand for telehandlers, Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales is introducing the 2025 edition of its Hercules T-3 model
2024 was a jam-packed year for Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales (BMES), with it significantly expanding its Hercules machinery offering, and 2025 is sure to be no different.
The past 12 months saw BMES update its Hercules wheel loader range with the new ‘Series 2’ models and the introduction of the Hercules Loadmaster range.
One of the biggest additions to its fleet was the Hercules T-3 telehandler, with customers knocking the door down for this product.
“We were asked by a lot of our
clients about stocking telehandlers, so we decided to fulfil their request with these machines,” BMES sales executive Steven Ragenovich says.
He says the T-3 models will offer greater optionality for customers, with a competitive price that BMES is known for.
BMES has already received its first 2025 models of the T-3, with the machines boasting a 100hp (73.5kW) Cummins engine and a 7.5m maximum reach – enabling access to difficult heights.
Weighing in at eight tonnes and with a rated load of three tonnes, the
Hercules T-3 telehandlers are one of the newest additions to BMES’ product portfolio
T-3 comes as standard with a ROPS/ FOPS cabin to keep operators safe on the jobsite.
To further enhance operator safety, the T-3 has a factory diagnostic display with a safe lift monitor, which sets off an alarm when a load is exceeding the machine’s capabilities. These alarms are incorporated with the machine’s onboard visual display, Ragenovich adds.
“Lifting heavy loads up high can be a hazard if you’re not careful,” he says.
“The safe lift monitoring eliminates the potential hazard of a roll over.”
Load capability charts are also supplied by BMES to give operators the confidence needed to safely load and operate the telehandler.
Long working days can be tough, so the telehandler aims to make them as comfortable as possible with a 360degree cabin, protecting operators from sound, heat and vibration.
Compared to other telehandler brands, Ragenovich says the Hercules T-3’s point of difference is its cost effectiveness.
“It’s got the same quality that Hercules is renowned for, with the added benefit of being one of the cheapest telehandlers on the market,” he says.
A range of tasks can be carried out with this versatile machine due its factory-fitted hydraulic quick hitch. Whether it is loading and
The ROPS/FOPS cabin keeps operators safe from the elements
Images: BMES
BMES introduced its T-3 telehandler to fulfil customer needs
unloading materials or stacking pallets, attachments can be quickly swapped out to suit the task at hand.
The telehandler’s ‘third function’ offers further hydraulic capacity, allowing operators to equip the machine with any hydraulic attachments, such as 4-in-1 hydraulic buckets and hydraulic grabs.
With three different steering modes –including two-wheel, fourwheel, and crab – for uneven and tight working environments, the telehandler allows maximum manoeuvrability.
Coming with a powershift transmission, Ragenovich says it gives operators the comfort and speed they require for any job application.
“For a special deal, call the boys at Hercules machinery,” he says.
“We have spare wheels, GP buckets, and pallet forks in stock to go with the telehandler.”
Hercules Machinery will be unveiling a new range of machinery in 2025 to provide customers with more cost-effective quality equipment.
For more information on the Hercules T-3 telehandler, visit www.brisbaneminiexcavators. com.au or call (07) 3807 4333.
Spare wheels, GP buckets and pallet forks are in stock
Sustainable civil infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, connects communities and provides the foundations for cities, towns and suburbs. Image: KRUTOPIMAGES/stock.adobe.com
CCF Victoria joins Converge
Uniting civil construction, Civil Contractors Federation Victoria has been announced as an Association Partner at Converge 2025
Since 1943, Civil Contractors Federation Victoria (CCF Victoria) has laid the groundwork for Victoria’s civil construction sector, ensuring every foundational effort is recognised. Now, stepping into the spotlight as an Association Partner at Converge 2025, the organisation is ready to cement civil construction’s role in shaping Australia’s future.
Converge, a premier municipal works, civil and commercial construction event, has found a natural ally in CCF Victoria. Both rally around the mission of strengthening the industry – building connections, facilitating knowledge sharing and influencing the policy landscape.
“For some time now, Australia’s civil construction industry has been mostly overlooked in public policy debates and developments around topics including housing and the renewable energy transition,” CCF Victoria CEO Lisa Kinross says. Kinross points to housing development as a prime example of civil construction’s often unrecognised impact.
“You cannot have housing without the enabling infrastructure that needs to go in first: this includes subdividing and clearing lots, constructing essential road networks for residential and connecting infrastructure and ensuring vital utilities such as water, electricity and sewage are in place,” she says.
For CCF Victoria, Converge 2025 represents a chance to change the narrative.
“It looked like an exciting new opportunity for us to reset the ledger and get civil firmly front and centre in the minds of policymakers and other decision-makers, among other key stakeholder audiences,” she adds.
As the peak body for Victoria’s civil contractors, CCF Victoria represents 460 member businesses and employs 45,000 professionals who deliver close to $22 billion in public and private infrastructure each year. Alongside strong advocacy, the organisation paves the way in skills development through specialised training and apprenticeships, equipping the workforce for Victoria’s
evolving infrastructure needs.
This mission aligns with Converge 2025’s agenda – gathering industry leaders to tackle pressing challenges. With infrastructure budgets under tight strain, Kinross views the event as a timely stage to champion industry-led solutions.
“Converge 2025 can be a catalyst for positive change, enabling our industry to influence policy settings that support governments at all three levels to achieve their infrastructure objectives,” she says.
CCF Victoria’s participation at Converge is part of a broader effort to amplify civil construction’s voice.
“The work our highly skilled contractor members do is all around creating safe and connected communities by building sustainable civil infrastructure for current and future generations,” Kinross says.
“By actively and collaboratively engaging with government and industry partners on major projects and ongoing infrastructure maintenance, we can achieve common goals of building vibrant,
liveable cities, suburbs and communities in all parts of the state.”
At Converge 2025, CCF Victoria aims to raise awareness among decision-makers – particularly in government – about the pivotal role of civil contractors, and to unify the industry’s voice.
“CCF Victoria is pleased to be reactivating the Victorian Civil Construction Industry Alliance [VCCIA] – an initiative we founded 20 years ago to strengthen the sector through a diverse group of niche interest groups, member associations and peak bodies,” Kinross says.
“We are equally pleased to see several alliance members –AustStab, Municipal Works Australia and Australian Flexible Pavement Association – also supporting Converge 2025 as Association Partners.”
While indispensable, the civil construction industry faces mounting pressures. As Kinross explains: “Despite many reasons to be excited and hopeful for the future of civil construction, our industry continues to face significant headwinds, particularly in Victoria, with a contracting state budget
that forecasts reduced spending on infrastructure, in a bid to rein in soaring public debt. Add to that ongoing issues around workforce shortages, continuing cuts to skills training and apprenticeships funding delivered by independent RTOs, complex IR issues, and a volatile and polarising political and policy climate, it’s possible to appreciate the work we still have to do.”
At Converge 2025, CCF Victoria’s message is clear: construction priorities cannot be planned and delivered in isolation.
“The government needs to understand it is falling increasingly short of its current targets for homes and will ultimately fail in this endeavour unless it prioritises civil construction and the enabling infrastructure that contractors deliver,” Kinross says.
“For any contractor, large or small, and every project engineer or LGA procurement professional with a stake in construction infrastructure, this is our opportunity to ‘converge’, to unite and demonstrate how our industry can deliver national priorities such as housing and energy.
“You can’t have homes, energy and utilities without the enabling infrastructure that helps bring it all online.”
Key themes at Converge 2025 will include the role of enabling infrastructure in government policy, avenues for civil contractors to adjust to shifting national priorities, the value of industry alliances in linking civil and vertical construction, and strategies for achieving sustainable infrastructure delivery while keeping public debt in check. The future landscape of Victoria’s civil construction sector will also be a central topic of discussion.
With the civil construction industry at a crossroads, CCF Victoria is ready to make its voice heard – championing the sector’s role in building the future – at Converge 2025.
Converge 2025 will take place September 17–18 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. To learn more about how you can get involved in Converge 2025, visit convergeexpo.com.au or email converge@primecreative.com.au
Cobra customisation
Cobra Equipment offers a wide array of customisable features to adapt Shantui machines to a variety of jobs
Cobra Equipment Sales has recently sold another Shantui DH24-C3 bulldozer, which has several options customised for a customer in southern New South Wales.
The Shantui DH24-C3 series is proving to be a sales success with several units sold and operating in both Queensland and New South Wales. The DH24-C3 is the bigger brother to the popular DH17-C3, which so far has been the bulldozer of choice for many contractors and property owners.
The 152kW (204hp) DH17-C3 weighs in at approximately 19,223kg without forestry protection, while the 196kW (263hp) DH24-C3 weighs approximately 26,466kg without forestry protection.
This recent DH24-C3 has been sold with an extra heavy duty semi U blade with tilt, SALT (sealed and lubricated track chains) with ‘alligator’ joining links and extra-wide 610mm heavy duty track plates.
The bulldozer has the forestry protection that Cobra Equipment normally orders with its bulldozers as this is nearly a standard feature for the majority of contractors and landowners purchasing these machines. The forestry protection comes with mesh covered side and rear windows and with mesh protection for the front of the cabin.
Cobra Equipment Sales has also provided machines with heavier protection for bulldozers working in heavily timbered areas, such as fitted full length scrub canopies. Most of these machines have also been fitted
with custom-made stick rakes, tree spears and blade ploughs.
The DH17-C3 and DH24-C3 models are both powered by Tier 3 Weichai engines, which are very fuel efficient. Several Cobra Equipment customers are reporting a fuel saving of seven to eight litres per hour compared to either of the mainstream brands working on the same jobs. Apart from the fuel economy, the engines run very clean, with customers saying the engine oil is clear when changing.
Other extra features available on the DH24-C3 units include quality air-suspension seats with Cobra seat covers, auto greasing, reverse engine fans (on the DH24-
C3), large well-appointed cabins and remote hydraulics.
Cobra says that the remote hydraulics feature, which it developed for Shantui bulldozers, is proving to be particularly popular. Other options such as emergency stops, UHF radios, reverse cameras, extra fire extinguishers, etc, can be fitted prior to delivery. Cobra Equipment Sales can also supply bulldozers with a GNSS (global navigation satellite system).
With so many customisable options available, Cobra Equipment Sales offers a focused approach in supplying machines with the features that are needed for customers’ specific applications. With a double warranty that is factory-supported but honoured and supported by Cobra directly, purchasers of Shantui equipment from Cobra can have confidence in the ongoing one-on-one support provided by a company operating since 2005.
For more information, visit: www. cobraequipmentsales.com.au
George Nason, director of Cobra Equipment Sales, showing off the extra heavy duty cabin
A Shantui DH24-C3 dozer has been customised by Cobra Equipment Sales
Images:
Cobra Equipment
$384,000 Plus GST
Time travel
One of Australia’s oldest and rarest collections of earthmoving machinery provides visitors with a nostalgic stroll into the past
In the small rural town of Ilfracombe, central Queensland, there is a museum that showcases some of Australia’s rarest and oldest earthmoving machinery.
Known as the Lynn Cameron Machinery Mile, the mostly outdoor museum is at the heart of the town, with the machines arranged along Ilfracombe’s main road for all to enjoy.
The display of machinery was established by the Ilfracombe Historical Society in 1969 and has slowly but surely grown into a
collection of more than 170 historical pieces of earthmoving equipment, including graders, crawler tractors, bulldozers and much more.
Considering the rarity and age of the machines, with some dating back more than 100 years ago, it’s amazing that almost all of the machines have been collected within 200km of the town – purely through voluntary work by Ilfracombe residents.
Martin Forrest, who was an Ilfracombe Historical Society committee member for more than 40 years and is the ex-mayor of
the Ilfracombe Shire Council, says the museum has always made a considerable effort to collect local machinery, which would otherwise be lost or deteriorating.
“There was always a small collection of machinery, which was first displayed in a shed,” he says.
“Over time it grew too big for that, and the equipment was placed outside to form the Machinery Mile.”
Collecting equipment
The museum’s collection was built by volunteers who donated their time to travel to various places and source machinery from local properties. Forrest says many machines were just lying around, having been replaced by newer versions.
Luckily enough, many of the machines were still in reasonable condition, thanks in large part to Ilfracombe’s harsh climate, which Forrest says can lack rain for 10 months of the year.
“We were fortunate rust wasn’t a big problem, so it was easier to preserve the machines,” he says.
However, Forrest says it was still a significant effort to re-paint the equipment and get it back into its original condition.
Once the museum gained prominence, people started donating
Images:
Ilfracombe
Historical Society
The Lynn Cameron Machinery Mile showcases some of Australia’s rarest and oldest earthmoving machinery
The mostly outdoor museum can be seen from Ilfracombe’s main road
their own machinery to expand it even further.
“People thought to offer their machines because they believed it would be going to a good cause if it was placed in the Machinery Mile,” he says.
“Volunteers started picking up whatever gear was being offered and brought it in. It was important to keep the collection local to showcase the history of the town.”
Rare sightings
Visitors to the Lynn Cameron Machinery Mile can expect to see all kinds of historic machinery, with informational plaques that tell the story of each piece of equipment. Where the information is available, these plaques provide the machine’s age, use, donor and other fascinating facts from its past.
One of the most intriguing earthmoving machines in the collection is a large steam-powered excavator known as Steam Devil.
Steam Devil was made in Sydney in 1880 and sold two years later for £1,000. The museum states: “It would be safe to say that this excavator is the only remaining one of its kind.”
Powered by a 3hp (2.2kW) steam engine, the excavating machine was originally used for dam building and is estimated to weigh between 13.5 and 18 tonnes.
Caterpillar’s first grader series made in 1935 is another highlight of the collection. Its plaque says it worked on building a new road through Tambo, QLD, during WWII, having finished in Darwin and surviving the Japanese air raids. Featuring a 12ft blade, the grader is claimed to be the first series D6 made. When
the machine first arrived at the Machinery Mile, volunteers helped get it back up and running, even grading a small local road with it.
Another machine that was prominent during WWII and now features at the museum is a 12-tonne Stuart Tank, which has been cleverly re-engineered into a bulldozer. Its plaque says these tanks were sold at auction for five pounds each following the war, including a spare engine and a set of tracks. The original engine was a seven-cylinder air-cooled radial that had been used by planes. The Stuart Tanks were modified by removing the turrets and replacing them with dozer blades, reselling for £500 each in the early 1950s.
“Machinery came in cheap after the second World War and I think some of the graziers realised that these
Almost all machines have been collected within a 200km radius of Ilfracombe
Steam devil is a large steam-powered excavator made in 1880. The excavating machine was originally used for dam building
tanks had potential to knock down shrub to feed livestock in drought years,” Forrest says.
“Those tanks were the forerunner of today’s bulldozers.”
Lynn Cameron
The Machinery Mile is named in honour of former Ilfracombe Historical Society president Lynn Cameron, who contributed many of the machines in the museum.
“Lots of the machinery seen at the museum is thanks to him. There was no one who did more for the Ilfracombe Historical Society in the last 30 years than he did,” Forrest says.
“He was running a sheep property at the time, but it became a bit of a life’s endeavour for him to build the machinery collection.
“He was a great community man; he served on the Ilfracombe Shire Council and was one of those sorts of people that used his later years to do all he could for the Ilfracombe Historical Society.”
Standout exhibit
Ilfracombe has always been a little town, with just a couple of hundred people at the most, but Forrest says the Machinery Mile has helped put it on the map.
“I’ve often heard people say they
remember Ilfracombe because of the main street that displays the Machinery Mile,” he says.
Since its beginning, the Machinery Mile has provided free entry for keen visitors and makes a great spot for people to view a slice of the past.
“There’s many earthmoving machines, some that are very small in terms of horsepower when you look at them now, and some pretty
reasonable sized crawler tractors,” Forrest says.
“The Machinery Mile has been a gradual process since the late 60’s –it didn’t happen overnight.”
The museum can be found at Main Avenue, Machinery Mile, Ilfracombe. For more information visit www.ilfracombehistorical.au
Caterpillar’s first grader series made in 1935
The Stuart Tank converted into a bulldozer
Alternative path
The NextGen Construct program on the Suburban Rail Loop saw four female students gain the opportunity to work on a major transport and housing project alongside their studies. Here we chat with Sarina Yim about how taking part helped her decide on a career in construction
If you are a high school student thinking about the next steps towards further education or entering the world of work, it can be a daunting process to decide on a particular training path, particularly if you know very little about what opportunities are out there and the skills required.
Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) project, managed by the Suburban Rail Loop Authority (SRLA), is creating a rail line that will link all major train lines from Werribee in the west to Frankston in the south east, in a loop that curves around the middle suburbs.
In efforts to engage young women in construction as an attractive career option, Victorian high school girls were given the chance through an innovative training program to experience life on the first stage of the project – SRL East.
SRL East is seeing the construction of 26km of twin tunnels and six new underground stations between Cheltenham and Box Hill.
Delivered in partnership with construction contractor Laing O’Rourke, the Victorian government’s Head Start program – which supports students to participate in school-based apprenticeships and
SRL - NextGen Construct program participants Bijana
and Sarina Yim
traineeships – and Holmesglen TAFE, the NextGen Construct program saw four Year 11 students gain hands-on work experience.
The NextGen Construct program saw the four students paired with mentors and undertake two days of work a week on the SRL over a twoyear period, with the program hours contributing towards a Certificate III in Business.
“The students rotated through eight industry areas, from engineering and safety to commercial and human resources,” SRLA says.
“Upon completion of the traineeship, each student was offered an internship or Certificate IV fulltime job in their chosen area.
“SRL is a multi-decade project that will deliver a long pipeline of secure employment – supporting up to 24,000 local jobs and helping to train the next generation of skilled workers. At least 10 per cent of all hours worked on SRL will be done by apprentices, trainees and cadets, with hundreds of opportunities for women.”
SRL - (left to right) Matt Fregon MP, Maria Mansour, Jade Gosbell, Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, Sarina Yim, Bijana Tarrosa and SRLA CEO Frankie Carroll
Tarrosa (left)
(right)
Learning on the job
Sarina Yim, who was 16 at the start of the NextGen Construct program, was one of the four young women who have been participating in the traineeship over the past two years.
She says that she was put forward for the program by a teacher at her school – offering her an alternative path to the hair, beauty and makeup course that she had been studying.
“I wasn’t enjoying the hair, beauty and makeup course as much as I thought I would, so, when the careers counsellor talked us through the NextGen Construct program and what would be involved, it sounded really interesting and I decided to go for it,” Yim says.
“My sister worked with Metro Trains Melbourne as part of the South Eastern Program Alliance for Level Crossing Removal Project and she said that this was a great opportunity, so I wanted to give [working on a major transport project] a go like she did.”
After completing the two-year program, Yim is now working part-time as an office co-ordinator for Laing O’Rourke, undertaking tasks such as onboarding staff, ordering PPE and maintaining equipment registers.
“While undertaking the training here, I have definitely changed in terms of developing my career but also personally. It was a great opportunity for me, and I’m glad I took that leap of faith.
“I like the work culture and how diverse and inclusive they are.”
Having a mentor to help her through the program was an important part of the experience, Yim adds.
“Starting out as somebody who didn’t know much about the industry, learning about the different teams who are involved in a project like Suburban Rail Loop was really interesting,” she says.
“My mentor was always there to answer my questions and help clarify things, which was very helpful.
“She has done so much to teach me about the industry, but also how to develop myself personally. I’ve learned how to communicate with people that are different ages and have different backgrounds. It’s been a fantastic experience.”
Promoting female participation
Alongside the NextGen Construct program, with its aim of encouraging female students into the construction
industry, SRL will also feature a world first initiative – the development of an all-women tunnel boring machine (TBM) crew that will help carve the SRL East twin tunnels.
Almost 900 women applied to be part of SRL’s world first all-women TBM crew delivering the first stage of tunnelling, with the assessment process currently underway. The TBMs will be arriving on site later this year and tunnelling will start in 2026. With major construction on SRL East underway, initiatives focused on training young women in the industry will be offered by the tunnelling contractors Suburban Connect and Terra Verde – providing more opportunities to encourage women to work on the project and join the industry.
Yim says taking part in the NextGen Construct program was an excellent opportunity to help set her on a rewarding career path.
“I would tell other students to definitely take the opportunity if you can, because you never know what you do like or what you don’t like until you give it a go,” she says.
For more info, visit: bigbuild.vic.gov.au/projects/ suburban-rail-loop
Sarina Yim (left) and Bijana Tarrosa spent two years rotating through eight different areas at Laing O’Rourke as it worked on SRL East
Family business Hall Earthmoving is at the start of a major upgrade project which sees the company partnering with FINN Environmental, Hydro Tasmania and its consulting business Entura to ensure stringent environmental controls are met as it upgrades a working dam in Tasmania’s protected wilderness
For Chris Hall and his family business Hall Earthmoving, work has just begun on one of the company’s largest projects in its 40-year existence.
Hydro Tasmania has contracted Hall Earthmoving to undertake upgrade works on Edgar Dam, a 17m-high earth embankment dam that sits at the south-eastern end of Lake Pedder. With the lake sitting within Tasmania’s Wilderness World Heritage Area, the upgrade work is seeing Hall Earthmoving not only engage in the challenges of upgrading a working dam but also working within strict environmental controls to protect local flora and fauna.
Specialised focus
For Chris Hall, speaking with Earthmovers & Excavators as preparation works got underway at the remote site, dam building is in his blood. With Hall Earthmoving founded by his father Mick in 1984, his previous work on Tasmania’s hydro projects saw the Hall family become specialists in dam building.
“My dad has a passion for earthmoving and dam construction, from right back when he started in construction at 17/18 years old,” Chris says.
“He worked tirelessly through the ‘80s to pay the business off and grow it, so by the mid-90s, he had about 30 personnel and he was doing civil
works, forestry and road building, alongside dam earthworks.
“Then, in the early 2000s my father became ill, so he scaled it down, selling off the forestry side of the business and focusing on his agricultural clients and other dam works.
“Back in 2009, when I finished my apprenticeship, I joined the business and we’ve been progressively growing it back up to just shy of 20 employees.”
Chris says the focus is now on positioning Hall Earthmoving as a local business that has the expertise, gear and personnel that can take on large-scale civil projects, hence its success in winning the Edgar Dam Upgrade contract.
“We wanted to focus on large civil construction projects and deliver them internally as we didn’t like being a subcontractor or third party hire company,” he says.
“We built up a good management team and now we can comfortably deliver $30 million to $40 million civil projects. We did all of the bulk earthworks for the Bridgewater Bridge’s southern traffic interchange in Granton for example.
“We also do a lot in aquaculture, building hard stands, irrigation channels and dams, as well as some work in mining.
Hall Earthmoving has been engaged to upgrade the Edgar Dam
Images: Hall Earthmoving
The existing dam wall will be strengthened
Sediment controls have been put in place
“We’re very lucky that Mick is still heavily involved in the business, as well as my mother. We all share a passion, and my mum’s very much involved in the administration side of the business, which gives me the freedom to base myself on a project with my clients to give them that quality service.”
Edgar Dam
In December last year, Hydro Tasmania announced that it had awarded the contract to upgrade Edgar Dam to Hall Earthmoving. As Australia’s largest renewable energy generator, Hydro Tasmania operates seven hydropower schemes across the state, including the GordonPedder Scheme – the largest water storage in the country.
Built in 1972, Edgar Dam is now being upgraded as part of Hydro Tasmania’s rolling program of strategic maintenance work to ensure the safety and operational efficiency of its assets.
With Hall Earthmoving having undertaken various smallerscale works for Hydro Tasmania over the past 10 years, Chris says this experience meant that his business was well-placed to take this project on.
“We’ve just kicked off the project,
doing some preliminary site works, which includes setting up environmental controls, clearing regrowth vegetation from the site and establishing an office and amenities units, ready to get stuck into work along the dam wall,” he says.
“The unique thing about that project is that it’s located within a World Heritage Area, which comes with its challenges as to what we can and can’t do at that site, but my staff are very aware of the additional responsibility this brings and it’s a great project to be working on.”
With Hall Earthmoving having previously built tailings dams for a mine in the World Heritage Area, Chris says this provided the experience required to handle the environmental considerations in place at the Edgar Dam site.
“We will be living out on the project – we’ve got a 28-person remote camp that we’ll be building within the existing Edgar Dam campground, to minimise the number of vehicle movements in and out of the site,” he says.
We’ll be removing a third of the concrete capping on the southern face, removing materials to bedrock, then layering sand, gravel and rock. Together these materials strengthen the dam by filtering any future
seepage and weighting the existing structure in the extremely unlikely event of an earthquake. This should take around 18 months, with the project expected to be completed by mid-late 2026.
“This will be done in approximately 50m sections to ensure that the dam is safe. And there’s also a lot of monitoring and dewatering, and other things that we need to remain compliant with during the work.
“We’ve got a really tight construction envelope, because it’s in the World Heritage Area. Therefore, what we need to do is manage the excavation of unsuitable material and have a very high quality sediment erosion control plan that encompasses three sediment ponds and a filtration tank with a discharge manifold.”
With the only access to the site being an unsealed road, Chris says this adds further complications.
“There is a large logistical challenge regarding the material we use as we are restricted by tight specifications, so all material needs to be imported into the project,” he says.
“This means the access road and the remote nature of the project needs a lot of attention to detail. We have to maintain the road and ensure any runoff is compliant. There are a
lot of significant streams along the way so, with the amount of vehicle movements that will happen along there, we’re going to make sure that we maintain tight water quality and biosecurity controls. We’re putting in several heavy vehicle wash bays for the project, and they’re there to ensure that any vehicles moving around site don’t transmit weeds up and down the construction corridor road.”
Caterpillar the brand choice
With Mick being a lifelong fan of Caterpillar machinery, Hall
Earthmoving currently has an extensive fleet containing 637K scrapers, 374NG, 349NG and 330NG excavators, D8N and D9T dozers, 740 and 745 articulated dump trucks and a 14M grader.
Chris says his father had a dream back when he started his business, which was to own a Caterpillar dozer. Eventually, the dream came true when he purchased a D7H, which is still running in the fleet.
“With Caterpillar we just see great performance with the product and it’s high-quality plant,” Chris says.
“The newer stuff is doing great
with fuel burn. Our two recent additions to the fleet, two 637K scrapers, have dropped 250 to 300 litres a shift in fuel burn compared to their older models.
“Caterpillar is also at the forefront of technology. We’re a small business, but we have a high percentage of trainees as we pride ourselves on not taking operators out of the market. Out of 15 to 20 plant operators, four to five of them are being trained. So, when we’ve got a premium product with technology aids, it helps us upskill our employees quickly.”
Upgrades underway
With regrowth vegetation now being cleared on the Edgar Dam site and material stockpiles being built, Chris says the team is excited to get the upgrade works started.
“It’s great to work with Hydro Tasmania,” he says.
“We love delivering our projects for our clients and seeing it progress all the way from the tender phase through to the very end where we’re putting the door on the pump shed. We’ve got a common goal to deliver the best quality product we can, while keeping Tasmanian communities, plants and animals safe.”
For updates on the Edgar Dam project, visit: connect.hydro.com.au/ edgar-dam-strengthening-project
Hall Earthmoving has invested in an extensive Caterpillar fleet
Hall Earthmoving’s fleet was built up from one D7H dozer
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Victoria University is looking into how waste hi-vis vests could be reused and develop a more fire resistant concrete product
A familiar sight on construction sites across the country are hi-vis vests. Playing an essential role in helping to increase visibility of personnel and improve safety on busy sites with machinery and equipment on the move, hi-vis vests are a mandatory requirement for high-risk work. However, with many industries requiring staff to wear hi-vis vests in their work, this also generates a significant amount of clothing waste due to the short lifecycle of the reflective strips. With the reflectiveness fading after 25 washes, this makes the vests unsafe to use –meaning each vest is used for just six months on average before needing to be replaced.
Researchers at Victoria University
found that end-of-life uniforms account for 11,000 tonnes of textile waste each year, of which 99 per cent ends up in landfill.
Melbourne social enterprise
Assembled Threads is one company looking to address this waste. Set up in 2021, it provides training and employment in garment manufacturing for disadvantaged groups and recycles textiles including hi-vis vests into new workwear.
However, this diverts just a small amount of the total volume of discarded uniforms, so Assembled Threads reached out to Victoria University to see if synthetic textile waste could be reused within concrete – diverting a higher portion
of waste back into reuse but also driving research into a more resilient concrete product.
Concrete additive
Research into concrete additives has included reusing coffee grounds, coal ash and old tyres. A research team at Victoria University led by associate professor Malindu Sandanayake is furthering this with investigations into adding a combination of cardboard and textile waste made from hi-vis vests.
Speaking with Earthmovers & Excavators, Sandanayake says the overall aim was to generate a circular economy for locally-sourced textile waste, by diverting it from landfill and into concrete.
The Victoria University project team poured a test footpath to see how the concrete containing hi-vis vest fibres handled real-world conditions.
Image: Victoria University
“When we started our research, we found out that around 6,000kg of textile waste is sent to landfill every 10 minutes in Australia,” he says.
“That by itself is a huge amount of waste that is being put into landfills. We then focused on how the construction industry contributes to this textile waste, particularly the high turnover of hi-vis vests.
“Assembled Threads has been working on recycling this hi-vis vest waste, but they mentioned to us that they were also generating a lot of waste material as a result. We therefore wanted to investigate how to reuse this textile material
so that we can develop something sustainable.”
The research team was already looking into using cardboard within concrete as a way of improving its performance and reducing the amount of virgin cement used, so this was expanded to incorporate the synthetic textiles as well.
“As well as reducing the amount of virgin cement used, we were also looking to increase the fire resistance of the concrete,” Sandanayake says.
“We started with four or five different mixes, including just using the textile fibres by themselves and then the cardboard mixture by itself,
alongside various composite mixes.
“We then developed around 12 different mix designs that we tested at laboratory stage. We also undertook durability testing and came up with a composition that was ideal for us to achieve a higher compressive strength compared to a normal concrete mix. At this point we took this to real-world trials to see how it performed.”
Proof in the pavement
The first pour of the textile and cardboard concrete was undertaken last year at a site on the Eastern Freeway upgrade in Melbourne.
Various mixes were tested to find the optimal ratio of fibres and cardboard. Image: Victoria University
As the reflective strips on hi-vis vests fade after washing, a significant amount of waste textiles is sent to landfill each year. Image: Summer Paradive/stock.adobe.com
To test the mixture in a low-stress situation, a pavement was poured alongside a reference mix. The pavements are still in place with ongoing observation of their wear.
“We have been looking at things like the crack pattern of the concrete mixed with textile fibres compared to the reference concrete when they are experiencing the same environment, humidity levels and weathering conditions, etc.,” Sandanayake says.
“What we’ve observed so far is that the mix including fibre material has a more pleasing appearance as it’s a bit lighter in colour compared to normal concrete, but also in terms of the crack propagation, there are fewer cracks.
“The other important thing is that this mix is showing superior fire-resistant properties. We hope that this inclusion of textile fibres will improve spalling, which is when concrete explodes at high temperatures. If that process can be delayed, in the case of a structural fire, this would give people more time to evacuate to safety.”
Sandanayake says that this improved fire resistance would also be a benefit in bushfire areas, where pavements and roads would be more able to withstand natural disasters.
To further investigate the properties of this new concrete mix, a second Melbourne trial will get underway in April this year, where a car park will be poured in Hoppers Crossing to test its performance under a higher traffic load.
“The site is around 100 square metres, and around 60 to 70 per cent of that would be the sustainable mix, with the rest being a reference mix so we can do a side-by-side comparison,” Sandanayake says.
“We are looking forward to seeing how it performs under the weight of vehicles.”
Commercial opportunities
With the textile mix showing positive benefits for structural integrity and fire resistance, Sandanayake says Victoria University has already developed a business case for
real-world applications.
“The idea would be for us to start this as a low stress concrete application product, while we continue to do more research on developing this into a structural concrete material,” he says.
“We’re looking for companies to get involved in this and we are in discussion with a few concrete manufacturers. We are hoping that, in the next year or so, this product will be available for use on residential sector driveways for example.
“It’s been a great team effort between the research team here at Victoria University and our partners the Eastern Burke to Tram Alliance and Assembled Threads. We would like to invite any potential collaborators to join with us to do any testing work or do further research.”
For more information, associate professor Malindu Sandanayake can be contacted at Malindu. Sandanayake@vu.edu.au.
Industrialised construction
To address skill shortages and boost productivity, the University of Newcastle’s Dr Buddhini Ginigaddara is looking into ways to modernise construction and encourage a greater diversity of people into the industry
With cost increases, a lack of skilled labour and a greater focus on achieving sustainability, the Australian construction industry is having to find ways of increasing productivity in a challenging economic environment.
As with many industries, the advance of digital technology can open up more efficient pathways to infrastructure delivery by reducing waste and rework, improving project management and automating processes. However, a lack of training in modern digital construction tools is a significant barrier to achieving a greater uptake in this technology.
Dr Buddhini Ginigaddara, a lecturer at the University of Newcastle’s School of Architecture and Built Environment, has been focusing her research on this skills
gap and how digitalisation of the construction industry can advance the sector.
“My research started in Australia in 2018 on offsite construction skills,” she says.
“In traditional construction, everything is done on a site, but on a hot day or a rainy day, work has to stop. In off-site manufacturing like car building, everything is done in a factory, which is less impacted by factors such as weather. So, I wanted to look into what opportunities would there be for taking construction activities off site.
“I also looked at how the skill requirements would change. Would we need the same number of architects, engineers, plumbers, electricians, etc, and how different would these roles look like with
the greater use of digital tools?
“I have developed a skill profile prediction model to recognise emerging skills and other skills may no longer be needed based on technological developments. I am now investigating the evolution of technology impacting construction job roles.”
Ginigaddara says that despite there being significant advances in technology around digitalisation, industrialisation and mechanisation, younger generations are showing less interest in joining the construction industry. With construction seen as being slow to adopt digital technology, could the idea of long days of physical labour on a construction site exposed to the elements be a barrier to more people joining the industry?
Buddhini Ginigaddara aims is to identify and quantify new skills that emerge due to technological advancements. Image: University of Newcastle
“We are still using technology that’s been around for 50 years,” Ginigaddara says.
“Many people are reluctant to move into new technologies like industrialised construction and the next generation of digital content.
“We are seeing an ageing workforce in construction in Australia and we are behind when it comes to the uptake of new technology in this industry.”
Her research has focused on how the greater use of technology such as prefabrication and modular construction could improve health and safety, reduce build times, improve quality control and be more energy efficient, sustainable, as well as increasing automation so fewer staff are needed.
“Complying to the Australian Standard, offsite construction, where buildings are made in factories, can be the mainstream construction
method for a country like Australia where there are a lot of skill shortages and also extreme weather conditions,” Ginigaddara says.
“Applied correctly, utilising robots and automation in construction can improve productivity exponentially.”
Increasing diversity
Another aspect of Ginigaddara’s research is how to attract a greater array of people into construction, with a recent program in the Newcastle and Hunter region offering expediated training to refugee women.
“We offered them an expedited training program so they could achieve their Certificate II in Construction Pathways in 12 weeks,” she says.
“In addition, they were also offered white card training. It was work integrated learning, so they were assigned to a construction site to
learn what a typical day would look like. Unfortunately, due to the language and cultural barriers, few women completed the program. So those are the systematic problems in those cohorts, especially when we focus on refugee women.
“However, we are looking at other ways of how we can increase female participation in the industry, with a current project focused on providing childcare to women in construction.
“We are also doing a lot of outreach activities, especially in schools around Hunter Region and the Central Coast, with the aim of motivating young girls to enter construction.”
For more information on Dr Buddhini Ginigaddara’s work, email buddhini. ginigaddaraappuhamilage@ newcastle.edu.au
Getting Queensland back on its feet
After two serious flood events in recent months, the vital role Queensland’s contractors play in repairing the damage should be recognised
With a big state like Queensland, it is to be expected that there will be differences between weather events and seasons depending on the geographical area. For example, there’s usually a noticeable wet season along the coastal fringe, which gets stronger the further north you travel.
Not this year. February brought a tropical low that sat off the coast between Townsville and Cairns and ended up dumping over a year’s worth of rain in the first week of the month. One month later, Tropical Cyclone Alfred and its aftermath dropped over half a year’s worth of rain in five days on southeast Queensland and northern NSW.
Both events have created significant flooding, and the damage is still being assessed – all while reconstruction programs associated with last summer’s damage caused by Cyclone Jasper are underway.
Contractors will be feeling the direct impact on their projects, and in some cases their offices or workshops have been damaged. Their employees may have their own personal property damage to deal with, or may have family and friends affected by the events.
Regardless of their own circumstances they stand ready to be part of the cleanup and reconstructive effort. This is a testament to the resilience of the civil construction industry.
Damian Long, CEO CCF QLD
Contractors are under pressure from environmental factors, regulatory factors, skill shortages, uncertainty in the pipeline of work – and yet are still prepared to gear up for the challenges ahead.
The civil construction industry is not appreciated enough for the role it plays in all aspects of our daily lives. Without the civil construction industry, the foundations for communities could not be built. Without the roads, drainage, sewers and water reticulation and associated treatment plants, earthworks, foundations bridges, tunnels, and rail the standard of community we expect would not exist. All of this infrastructure requires construction by civil contractors.
Whilst a lot of the reconstruction work will need the building trades, the maintenance and rebuilding of access and connectivity of communities will need civil contractors. They will be the first in and are often the last to leave.
There is a significant amount of work that civil contractors will be called on to rebuild the damage
Tropical Cyclone Alfred caused flooding and storm surges. Image: Shirley and Johan/stock.adobe.com
caused over the last 18 months. This is unplanned and on top of a growing projected capital works pipeline, housing demands, renewable energy and the Olympics.
The industry will have the capacity to deliver what is needed but it needs support from all levels of government. The support needed is:
• a long-term transparent pipeline of capital works
• making civil construction skills and qualifications a priority
• i ntroducing policies and regulations that cut red tape, which reduces risks and improves productivity.
CCF QLD wants to see civil construction prioritised equally to our residential construction counterparts in efforts to boost skills and retention. Houses are not built –or rebuilt – without proper infrastructure.
Queensland’s infrastructure does not just need investment into the infrastructure itself, but also into the workers that build it. This effort needs to include all levels of government in order to ensure the longevity of the civil construction industry.
Severe weather events will continue to happen. It is vital that the civil construction industry is allowed to develop innovative solutions to create effective and sustainable methods to meet these challenges. A responsible reduction of red tape and a collaborative approach to risk are keys elements of this.
Collaboration between the different levels of government and industry is essential in ensuring that recovery efforts run smoothly, but also in ensuring that strategies for recovery are put in place before the next severe weather event strikes. This includes planning for new projects, infrastructure upgrades and improvements, and policy changes.
A long-term perspective is crucial in ensuring that the repairs done today will last a lifetime.
Fortescue’s Sophies Davies led the delivery of a first-of-its-kind Liebherr R 9400E electric excavator
Decarb duty
Fortescue’s Sophie Davies has big decarbonisation plans for 2025, after previously leading the delivery of a first-of-its-kind electric excavator
Coming from the United Kingdom, and having no previous knowledge of the mining industry, it’s fascinating to see just how much of an impact Sophie Davies has made as the decarbonisation delivery lead at Fortescue.
As a key figure in advancing the company’s decarbonisation strategy, she led the delivery of Liebherr’s first-ever R 9400E electric backhoe excavator to Fortescue in December 2023.
Multiple electric excavators are now in operation at Fortescue’s mine sites in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, thanks in large part to Davies. Plans are underway to expand the fleet with a significant number of additional electric excavators set to be delivered later this year.
Although she had never considered a career in the mining sector, Davies credits Fortescue’s values, and how they aligned with hers individually, as the overarching reason for entering the industry.
Originally in the role of change management officer, when an opportunity arose to join the decarbonisation team, she jumped at it.
“I have always been passionate about decarbonisation, and I knew I wanted to be in a role that would allow me to help make a change for the betterment of the planet,” Davies explains.
“I’ve been working in the decarbonisation team for two years now, which feels surreal, especially considering that some companies still don’t have decarbonisation strategies in place.”
Special delivery
As Fortescue’s Decarbonisation Delivery Lead, Sophie Davies is responsible for overseeing the implementation of new electrified mining equipment and identifying the necessary adjustments to surrounding systems to support the company’s long-term real-zero goals, whilst
upholding Fortescue’s upstanding Safety, Cost and Production targets.
One of her key responsibilities has been transitioning Fortescue’s fleet of diesel-powered machinery to electric alternatives, a critical step in achieving the company’s ‘Real Zero’ target of zero terrestrial emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030, without relying on voluntary carbon offsets.
A standout achievement in this effort was the delivery of the Liebherr R 9400E electric excavator to Fortescue’s Cloudbreak mine in Western Australia.
At the time, the Liebherr R 9400E was the world’s first backhoeconfigured electric excavator powered by a high-voltage trailing cable.
“When I reflect on this milestone, I realise just how significant it was and the impact it will have on shaping our future strategy,” Davies says.
“Every challenge imaginable arose in the lead-up to the energisation of the electric excavator , but in the true
Images: Fortescue
Davies is responsible for delivering mining equipment that helps decarbonise Fortescue’s operations
Fortescue fashion through courage and determination, we made it happen safely.”
The task of configuring a backhoe as an electric excavator and connecting it to a power grid was an unprecedented challenge. Fortescue had only used diesel-powered excavators previously, so Davies needed to assess the company’s mining operations to ensure that the equipment could be supported and to identify if any modifications were necessary.
The Liebherr R 9400E is powered by a high-voltage trailing cable, which Davies describes as a giant plug attached to the back of the excavator, which is connected to a substation. The excavator must remain plugged in to operate, introducing a number of unique challenges that Davies had to help solve through the implementation of cable management competencies.
“These cables carry high voltage,
and are large and heavy,” she explains.
“Prior to this implementation, we had no experience with storing or transporting such cables, let alone managing them on-bench. This presented additional safety risks, so we implemented extra precautions, including specialised equipment to
support the excavator’s movement and reduce the need for human interaction with the cables.”
Extra training on cable management was required for operators and site workers, as well as the creation of a new electrical team to handle the high voltage cables.
Environmental factors also presented challenges. The extreme temperature fluctuations in the Pilbara region resulted in condensation-related issues, causing water to enter the cable connections.
Similar equipment deployed in different climates had not encountered these problems, adding another layer of complexity.
Davies says people who had worked in the industry their whole lives had never seen some of these problems before, but Davies worked diligently with her team to resolve each issue. In doing so, Davies was recognised as a finalist in the Women in Resources, Rising Star of the year category as well as receiving an internal company award on behalf of her team for their courage and determination in never giving up on safely deploying the machine.
Initially, the team operated the excavator during daylight hours only, allowing them to assess its capabilities in a controlled setting.
“It took approximately three months to achieve utilisation levels comparable to those of a
Davies with a tractor that Fortescue named after her
Davies says the Liebherr R 9400E was the first backhoe-configured electric excavator powered by a high voltage trailing cable in the world
diesel-powered equivalent,” Davies says.
“True to Fortescue’s value of setting stretch targets, we successfully deployed two more excavators the following year.”
These additional excavators were deployed at Fortescue’s Solomon mine site in April 2024. Remarkably, it took just three days for the machines to reach their production targets.
In addition to the significant emissions reduction, operators have reported a more pleasant working experience, citing lower noise levels and faster operation compared to their diesel equivalent.
Fortescue and Davies’ challenge now for 2025 and beyond is to have multiple units of these electric excavators operating simultaneously at different sites.
“We are set to increase the number of electric excavators this year, and by the end of the next financial year, every one of our hematite sites will have at least one electric excavator,” Davies says.
Inclusive space
Previously unaware of the opportunities available to women in the mining industry, Davies is thankful for the position she’s now in.
With the opportunity to learn something new every day and overcome a range of challenges, she says the role is extremely rewarding.
In terms of encouraging more women to enter the sector, Davies highlights Fortescue has numerous initiatives and programs designed to empower women and help them thrive in their roles.
“Fortescue has recently opened a Leadership Acadamy and we are putting a lot of investment into our people,” she says.
“There are also opportunities to work flexibly, we can job share and there’s a creche at our Perth office, so parents can continue working even if childcare plans fall through.”
Despite these efforts, Davies often finds herself as the only woman in many of her meetings. However,
she finds it encouraging that the traditionally male-dominated industry is becoming increasingly inclusive, with a growing focus on fostering a psychologically and physically safe working environment.
“There are a growing number of opportunities for women in mining, and at Fortescue we value the diverse skill sets that come from each person’s differing background. This brings diversity of thought that ultimately leads to more innovative and effective solutions” Davies says.
She adds that her role requires lots of thinking on her feet and that she is excited by the prospect of doing things that have never been done before.
“We’re proving a point to all the naysayers that believe decarbonisation won’t happen until 2050,” Davies says.
“If a mining company can decarbonise, then there’s absolutely no excuses for anyone else not to follow suit.”
Building Australia’s Future – together.
Over the next 10 years, the Australian Government is investing more than $120 billion in infrastructure development. Will you be a part of it?
LEARN MORE
Find out how you can take part in Australia’s premiere event for the municipal works, commercial and civil construction industries. convergeexpo.com.au
Allyship in action
NAWIC has launched a game-changing cultural change project to build women’s careers
It has been a particularly exciting time for NAWIC and its members. In line with our strategic focus on driving positive cultural change in construction, NAWIC is embarking on an innovative project designed to engage specifically with men and support upstanders to build fair, inclusive and respectful workplace cultures across the sector.
This $5 million game-changing project is funded through the federal government’s flagship Building Women’s Careers (BWC) Program, and will be delivered in partnership with ADCO, the Australian Workers Union, CPB Contractors, Holmesglen Institute and the University of Sydney.
The Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Andrew Giles, announced NAWIC as a recipient of one of only 10 BWC Program Stream One grants in March.
The grant to NAWIC enables delivery of the ‘Allyship in Action: Transforming Culture to Attract and Retain Women’ project, which will tackle poor attitudes and behaviours; empower men to sponsor women into leadership; and utilise the power of cultural ambassadors of all genders to embed positive change on the ground. While traditional gender equality initiatives have focused predominantly on initiatives to support women, NAWIC is committed to also addressing systemic industry cultural issues that form practical barriers to women’s participation, retention and advancement in construction. Not only do men currently comprise nearly 88 per cent of the sector, but the current barriers are not women’s issues to solve. Rather, they are industry-wide
NAWIC’s Allyship in Action project aims to engage men in creating a cultural change within construction to a more diverse and inclusive workplace. Image: Gorodenkoff/stock.adobe.com
culture and women’s advancement.
The project builds on the success of the NAWIC Male Allies program, providing a multi-pronged culture change project to address systemic barriers – engaging specifically with men, tackling poor attitudes and behaviours, empowering men to sponsor women into leadership, and utilising the power of cultural ambassadors to embed positive change on the ground.
Cathryn Greville, CEO, NAWIC
cultural issues that require commitment and contribution from across the sector.
Further, we want businesses and the community to fully capitalise on the many benefits that equitable and inclusive environments bring – reaping the benefits including improved financial returns, greater innovation, positive reputation, achievement of work health and safety imperatives, better compliance and ways of working, reduced workforce shortages and lower risk.
True progress in addressing systemic barriers to women’s participation in the construction sector requires engaging men not just as supporters but as stakeholders who benefit from, and are essential to, creating more equitable workplaces.
While we have seen great inroads made by dedicated and forward-thinking leaders and organisations across the many market segments impacted by construction work, the uptake hasn’t been widespread enough.
The Allyship in Action project is designed to engage men as partners in change at all career stages and workplace sizes, types and market segments. It draws from research findings that men in allyship programs are three times more likely to positively address gender bias, driving inclusive
I look forward to seeing our Allyship in Action project come to life and deliver positive results. The project commences on 1 April 2025 and will run through to 31 March 2028.
Readers will have the opportunity to get involved with the four streams of the project as it rolls out across the country, and to join NAWIC in building workplaces where everyone can thrive. Keep an eye on publications and NAWIC’s website for further information as the project progresses.
You can read more about NAWIC’s Allyship in Action Project on the BWC website: www.dewr.gov.au/ building-womens-careers-program/ industry-construction#toc-allyshipin-action-transforming-culture-toattract-and-retain-women
NAWIC is the peak membership body for women working in the construction industry and supporting sectors across the built environment. A national notfor-profit association dedicated to the attraction, development and retention of women in the construction industry, NAWIC has local chapters in every state and territory, and forms part of a global NAWIC network of like-minded people focused on driving gender equity. You can find out more about NAWIC through its social media channels @nawicau or website nawic.com.au
Expert knowledge
Auction specialist Pickles will be supporting this year’s Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show, bringing the latest market knowledge to the Brisbane Showgrounds
This year’s Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show is just weeks away, with Queensland’s largest civil construction expo bringing the latest machinery and equipment to the Brisbane Showgrounds.
Pickles is returning again this year as the Naming Sponsor of the Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show, marking a long-running relationship between the auctioneer and the show’s organiser Civil Contractors Federation Queensland (CCF QLD).
Previously named the Civil Construction Field Days, CCF QLD’s biennial heavy equipment show first took place at Pickles’ industrial site in Archerfield, Brisbane in 2019, which saw 40 exhibitors and 900 attendees come together.
With the new name of Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show, a move to the Brisbane Showgrounds and a partnership with the Brisbane Truck Show the event is growing bigger with each iteration, and Pickles has remained a key sponsor during its evolution.
“We have maintained a longstanding relationship with the Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show since its inception,” Pickles QLD sales manager Grant Barrie says.
“As part of our commitment to the industry, we are an annual sponsor of CCF QLD and support CCF across all states, with a particularly proactive approach in QLD, where we see strong membership numbers.
“We oversee a range of sectors, including the civil industry, transportation, agriculture and mining. The Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show has grown into the largest event of its kind in Australia, and we are focused on ensuring our brand remains at the forefront of our customers’ minds.”
With this year’s event once again running alongside the Brisbane Truck Show on Thursday 15–Saturday 17 May, Pickles says that this partnership showcases the alignment of the key industries of civil construction and transport.
“It provides us with valuable opportunities to connect with industry members whom we may not engage with regularly and, through this, we have been able to establish mutually beneficial relationships,” Barrie says.
Attendees of the show will be able to access significant market knowledge through Pickles staff, to help them make the most of current
buying and selling conditions, he adds.
“We are Australia’s largest supplier of industrial equipment, encompassing the civil, construction, earthmoving and transport sectors and the Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show is well-attuned to what is currently happening in the market,” Barrie says.
“Engaging with our staff at the event offers the benefit of their in-depth knowledge of the specific regions they cover. For example, Pickles QLD oversees parts of Northern NSW and has a dedicated team of 10 sales executives, each responsible for their respective territories.
“Our sales executives will be available to provide insights on market trends, emerging opportunities and individual asset assessments for those considering future asset disposals.”
During the week of the show Pickles will be hosting several sales, including the National Crushing and Screening Sale and an end-offinancial-year sale for Queensland regional councils.
“The advantage of these auctions is that they offer a quicker and potentially more profitable alternative to trade-ins and private sales for those looking to dispose of their current assets in order to purchase new equipment,” Barrie says.
“We anticipate a significant listing of high-quality civil construction and earthmoving assets and look forward to discussing what’s on offer with visitors to the show.”
The Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show will take place at the Brisbane Showgrounds from 8am to 4pm May 15–17, 2025. For tickets, exhibitor listings and more information, visit: www. heavyequipmentshow.com.au
Pickles staff will be on site to discuss the latest trends in buying and selling machinery. Image: Prime Creative Media
The high wall mining system is advancing mining technology.
Image: kheartmanee/stock.adobe.com
MINING
Highwall advancement
A HW300 highwall miner has started work at Vulcan South mine
A Central Queensland mine has made history as the first in Australia to deploy an advanced high wall mining system to extract coal with cutting-edge efficiency.
Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dale Last joined Vitrinite staff and community leaders to mark the first use of the company’s HW300 highwall miner at its Vulcan South mine near Dysart.
The HW300 highwall miner provides access to coal seams that traditional methods cannot reach, improving operational safety, reducing production costs and minimising land disturbance the government says.
Vitrinite’s Vulcan South mine is an open-cut operation that produces steel-making coal with the mine expected to produce almost two million tonnes per annum of metallurgical coal and support around 450 jobs at peak in 2027.
Vitrinite CEO Michael Callan says there are only about 90 HW300 highwall miners in operation around the world.
“[This] marks the culmination of six years of research on the highwall mining method, the HW300 unit and our resource conditions,” Callan says.
“The HW300 offers several key benefits for Queensland including reduced environmental impact, lower cost-efficient mining and enhanced safety and productivity.
“We’re very proud to have the first dedicated unit in Australia and give this extraction method the dedicated focus it deserves.”
SafeWork NSW Inspectors will look at ensuring workers are in a safe distance from earthmoving equipment.
Safe practices
Earthmoving businesses in NSW will be visited by SafeWork Inspectors, as part of a statewide crackdown on injuries caused by plant
SafeWork NSW Inspectors are conducting a statewide targeted compliance operation to reduce injuries caused by mobile plant, fixed machinery and vehicles in the workplace.
The inspections are taking place in a range of different industries, including construction, and will cover earthmoving equipment.
Key risks being targeted include ensuring separation between people and plant, preventing access to moving parts, preventing rollovers and ensuring proper training and licensing.
SafeWork NSW says these high-risk areas are one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities in the state.
“Being hit by moving plant or vehicles or injured when working with fixed machinery are preventable hazards we see across our state and across all industries,” head of SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin says.
“Awareness and assessment of the risks along with implementation of safe systems of work is key to reducing incidents.
“This involves particular consideration of the operating environment, separation of workers and vehicles and consultation with
workers to keep them safe.”
Young and inexperienced workers are particularly at risk on work sites and SafeWork NSW Inspectors will be checking they are adequately trained and supervised on how to work safely around moving plant and vehicles.
On-the-spot fines of up to $4,500 for employers and $900 for individuals can be issued to those who are deemed to be placing workers lives at risk.
“SafeWork NSW inspectors will educate workplaces they visit regarding safe practices but will not accept workers lives being placed at risk,” Curtin says.
SafeWork NSW offer advisory services and a $1,000 small business rebate to assist with purchasing safety equipment.
Businesses with less than 50 workers can book a workplace visit with a SafeWork inspector to identify risks and how to manage them.
Information on how to reduce mobile plant, fixed machinery and vehicle related hazards is available on the SafeWork NSW webpage.
Image: APchanel/stock.adobe.com
Fresh start
There has been a strong response to the ‘It’s possible’ campaign, which encourages women to explore careers in construction
50 women attended a site tour of Western Sydney Airport, as part of the Australian Constructors Association’s (ACA) It’s Possible campaign.
The campaign aims to encourage mid-career women to consider a career change into construction, by offering tours of major infrastructure projects throughout NSW and providing a firsthand experience of construction sites.
Participants of the first site tour at Western Sydney Airport walked along the new 3.7km runway, met workers on site and learned about pathways into the industry.
ACA CEO Jon Davies says the strong response to the campaign proves there is significant interest from women looking for a fresh start in construction.
“The enthusiasm at our first tour shows that women are ready to step into the industry,” he says.
“Many are seeing construction as a real career option for the first time, and this campaign is helping to open doors.
“With more site visits planned, we’re excited to show even
Participants of the first site tour at Western Sydney Airport got a firsthand experience of a construction site.
Image: ACA
more women what’s possible.”
Site tour attendees also heard from women already working in the industry, including Emily Wood, a former retail worker who has now graduated from CPB Contractors’ Women in Construction program.
“There are so many great things about working in the industry – I love working outdoors, feeling part of a team and the variety of work with no two days ever the same,” Wood says.
“I’m doing things and learning things I would never have imagined possible.”
Building on the success of the first event, ACA will continue rolling out the It’s Possible campaign with more site tours planned across NSW.
Women interested in exploring a career in construction can register for upcoming tours at www.itspossible.net.au
MINING
Cowboy in cab
The ‘Digging Coal, Kicking Goals’ campaign saw Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden get behind the controls of a Caterpillar 796AC haul truck recently Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden got behind the wheel of a Cat 796AC haul truck during a trip to Bravus Mining and Resources’ Carmichel mine recently to shoot the new “Digging Coal, Kicking Goals” campaign that celebrates the Platinum Partnership between Bravus and the Cowboys.
“My dad worked in the mines when I was growing up, so to have that connection and to see how much Bravus does to help the community and the people back in Mackay, which is in my hometown, is what makes them such a great company to work with and to be a part of,” Dearden says.
“The truck was massive; I don’t think many people get to go for a tour like that and drive down to the bottom of the pit, so that was a cool experience, but really it was just great to see how it all works firsthand and the way the team works with each other in that environment.”
Cowboys co-captain Tom Dearden. Image: Bravus
WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
Concrete was flown over to the island in batches. Image: Boral
CONCRETE
Special delivery
It was an unusual delivery method that saw concrete flown to a remove NSW island
The small Montague Island Burunguba is located nine kilometres off the south coast of NSW near Narooma. The island is popular with tourists for the array of wildlife including the largest colony of little penguins in NSW, thousands of birds and a colony of fur seals.
NSW Parks and Wildlife recently undertook upgrade work for a 400-metre-long access track on the island, with cement supplied from Boral’s Narooma plant.
The Narooma team was asked to supply 90 cubic metres of concrete in three cubic metre loads across four days. The only way of supplying a project like this is with a helicopter and kibble.
While the volume supplied was small, the location added an element of risk and additional time pressure with any delays resulting in increased helicopter charges.
Operations manager southern NSW/ ACT Hayden Gibson-Hearne says: “The Narooma team didn’t miss a beat all week and our customer praised the team for their efforts and service.”
Montague island. Image: Christopher Meder/stock.adobe.com
TRAINING
The Earthworks Academy will provide real life training in a safe and controlled environment. Image: ABCDstock/stock.adobe.com
Earthmoving school
Tasmania’s Earthworks Academy is one step closer to a reality, and will help address civil construction labour shortages
The Tasmanian government has signed a grant deed to deliver the state’s first live Earthworks Academy, a purpose-built training to site to help more Tasmanians prepare for jobs in the civil construction industry.
The grant deed signed for the $4.3 million Academy, located in Quercus Park, Carrick, includes $1.8 million to establish the site’s infrastructure and $2.5 million for equipment.
Civil Contractors Federation Tasmania is set to run the Earthworks Academy, delivering real life training in a safe, controlled environment, and is anticipated to have its first students begin training in early 2026.
CCF Tasmania says that inspiration for the Earthworks Academy was drawn from Civil Train South Australia’s Civil Construction Live Works training site in Burton, north Adelaide, which shows the value of providing live site-based training for the local construction industry.
With an average of 667 additional plant and machinery operators and other critical sector occupations needing to be trained and employed annually over the next couple of years in order to meet demand,
CCF Tasmania says the Earthworks Academy will “significantly improve
the sector’s ability to rapidly train operators in a safe, controlled environment”.
It adds that the Earthworks Academy will also strengthen pathways for encouraging more people into the sector by hosting events such as career ‘come and try’ days, school programs and training collaborations with other sectors such as agriculture and forestry.
Tasmania minister for skills and training Felix Ellis says the Academy will help labour shortages by ensuring thousands of workers are job-ready to deliver Tasmania’s $27 billion infrastructure pipeline of works.
“The Academy will be key in helping to address skill shortages in the sector, including for earthmoving plant operators, bulldozer operators, excavator operators, grader operators, loader and road roller operators, and truck drivers.
“The Academy will not only support the multiple road upgrade projects across the state, but will play a critical role in delivering the workforce we need to get more homes built for Tasmanians,” Ellis says.
Pink partnership
Liebherr has painted an R 9800’s bucket and counterweight in pink, as part of a new partnership with the mining business
Liebherr Australia recently announced a partnership with one of the largest single iron ore mines in Australia – Roy Hill.
The celebration of the new partnership took place at Roy Hill’s offices in Perth, WA, where Liebherr presented Roy Hill with an R 9800 excavator that had both its bucket and counterweight painted pink, supporting women and families battling breast cancer.
Roy Hill’s new R 9800 excavator will join its existing fleet of pink heavy machinery, which is an ongoing initiative of the company’s executive chairman, Gina Rinehart, with the colour radiating against the red hues of the Pilbara as a consistent reminder of the impacts of breast cancer on families across the country.
To commemorate the handover of the brand new 800-tonne machine, Liebherr Group administrative board member Sophie Albrecht presented Roy Hill CEO Gerhard Veldsman with a perfect replica of the new R 9800, including the pink counterweight and bucket.
“Liebherr is excited to partner with Roy Hill, a company that shares our dedication to innovation and operational excellence,” Liebherr Australia managing director Trent Wehr says.
“We look forward to a long and prosperous future working together to unlock new efficiencies and growth opportunities for their mining operations.”
The R 9800 is the second of three initial Liebherr excavators to be
delivered to Roy Hill. The 800-tonne machine joins an R 9400 excavator that was delivered at the end of 2024.
The third machine, a second R 9800, is set to join the fleet by the second quarter of 2025.
Roy Hill says it chose to add Liebherr machines to its existing fleet in the Pilbara given the strong reputation Liebherr has built for operational durability and reliability, fuel efficiency and comfort for operators.
The handover of the R 9800 excavator marks the start of the new partnership between Liebherr Australia and Roy Hill. Images: Liebherr Australia
Roy Hill’s new R 9800 excavator join its existing fleet of pink heavy machinery, supporting women and families battling breast cancer
Liebherr Australia adds its Perth team will provide a comprehensive mix of onsite, Perth-based and ad hoc machine support to maximise the uptime of Roy Hill’s growing Liebherr fleet.
A team of skilled product support advisors and heavy-duty technicians are also based at the mine site to provide everyday maintenance and repairs, as well as advanced technical support to ensure optimal performance of the new excavator fleet.
“We’re eager to support Roy Hill as the company integrates Liebherr equipment into its operations for the first time,” Liebherr Australia mining customer support executive general manager Patrick Korman says.
“This marks the beginning of a strong partnership, and we look forward to working closely with the Roy Hill team to ensure they receive the highest level of service and support as the relationship develops.”
MINING
SKILLS
Tradie training
Victoria’s latest trades training centre has opened in Bundoora East
A new Trades Innovation Centre has officially opened at RMIT University’s Bundoora East campus, to train job-ready graduates for worksites across Victoria.
RMIT invested $20 million to establish the centre, which features purpose-built skills bays and stateof-the-art equipment, including virtual welders and excavators.
Onsite training will simulate the multidisciplinary nature and timeframes of real construction projects, with a focus on nontechnical skills like communication and collaboration.
Students will also have access to a range of support services and partners to enhance their learning, including the City of Whittlesea, Milwaukee Tool Australia and Empowered Women in Trades.
“The Trades Innovation Centre builds on RMIT’s excellence in vocational education by delivering worldclass training, while also addressing local skills demands,” RMIT deputy vice-chancellor vocational education and vicepresident Mish Eastman says.
“The new centre will connect the dots between the next generation of tradies, industry and employers, to support projects in the northern growth corridor and across the state.”
Trial run
Komatsu begins proof-of-concept tests for the world’s first large dump truck equipped with a hydrogen combustion engine
Komatsu has developed a concept machine by equipping its flagship large dump truck, the HD785, which has a maximum payload of approximately 92 tonnes, with a hydrogen combustion engine.
The company has commenced proof-of-concept tests at its Ibaraki Plant in Japan. Komatsu says that this marks the world’s first attempt to equip a large dump truck with a hydrogen combustion engine. Through these tests, Komatsu aims to accumulate knowledge on hydrogen engine utilisation, laying the foundation for future development of hydrogen-powered construction and mining equipment.
Komatsu has been advancing the development and utilisation of new power sources to achieve carbon neutrality. While developing hydrogen engines as one of the options, Komatsu has focused on the technological expertise of Keyou GmbH, a German startup company, which develops hydrogen engines for large trucks.
The concept machine is equipped with a hydrogen combustion engine and hydrogen tank system, which are co-developed by Komatsu and Keyou. The hydrogen tank is mounted on a platform beside the operator’s cab to maximise hydrogen storage capacity.
The proof of concept machine fitted with a hydrogen engine. Image: Komatsu
Additionally, to ensure clear visibility for the operator, cameras and monitors have been newly installed both inside and outside the cab.
The proof-of-concept tests will focus on evaluating driving performance, continuous operating hours, fuel efficiency and verifying safety measures related to highpressure hydrogen gas usage.
Compared to batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, the use of hydrogen combustion engines in construction and mining equipment has the advantage of a relatively lower cost, because the power-train components of existing dieselpowered machines can be used without replacement, Komatsu says.
Furthermore, with virtually zero CO2 emissions, some mining customers have expressed interest in adopting hydrogen engines as one of the options to achieve carbon neutrality at their sites. While there are challenges such as safety management and infrastructure for hydrogen supply, Komatsu will work to address these issues in collaboration with industry associations and other related stakeholders.
The new trades centre. Image: RMIT
HYDROGEN
RECYCLING
Solar sand
Solar panels are being trialled as a concrete additive
Boral Limited has trialled a new recycled sand for concrete using crushed glass from end-of-life and damaged solar panels.
Currently undergoing trials, it has been specifically created for Victoria’s North East Link project, the biggestever infrastructure investment in Melbourne’s north-east, which will construct 6.5 kilometres of tunnels.
Solar glass sand is being explored as an environmentally sustainable replacement product to traditional sand. This project is being managed by the Spark North East Link Design & Construct Joint Venture – a consortium comprising worldleading construction companies and one of Australia’s largest road and tunnel operators – who has engaged Boral’s expertise to produce and trial concrete with the solar glass sand. The University of Melbourne supported Spark with development and testing.
Boral sourced the glass from ElecSome, an Australian solar panel upcycling plant that collects endof-life or damaged solar panels. The glass was crushed and processed at Elecsome’s recycling facility, then blended with up to 50 per cent natural sand.
A variety of concrete mixes using solar glass sand have been created by Boral. Test loads of concrete were transported from the Tullamarine plant to its recently opened Bulleen Concrete Plant, which supplies
The recycled glass is being added to cement and tested for durability.
Image: Boral
concrete to the North East Link project, and a trial concrete slab has been laid on site.
Boral has conducted an assessment of plastic properties including consistency and finishing, and has undertaken hardened property testing for compliance with relevant standards. Results so far have been excellent, it says.
“We’re excited to be leading the development of concrete mixes containing solar glass sand, an innovative new product that will be used in Victoria’s biggest project in history,” Boral head of sustainability and innovation Ali Nezhad says.
“The success of this sustainable concrete mix in a commercial project provides an effective pathway for recycling of end-of-life solar panels and contributes further to sustainability of the construction and building industry.
“At Boral, we are committed to finding ways to be more sustainable and push the boundaries of innovation. Our solar glass sand concrete trial demonstrates the ability and strength of reusing materials to create a circular economy. We are excited about the next generation of work being done around new and innovative building construction materials.”
Heidelberg Materials Australia has bought two Rockhampton quarry operations. Image: Heidelberg Materials Australia
ACQUISITION
Sand expansion
Heidelberg Materials Australia is acquiring two sand quarries in Rockhampton, Central Queensland
Heidelberg Materials Australia, formerly known as Hanson Australia, has announced the acquisition of the Hardcore Sands and Pink Lily Sands operations in Rockhampton, Central Queensland.
All employees will be retained as part of the acquisition.
Heidelberg Materials Australia’s chief executive Phil Schacht says the acquisition will provide the company with access to substantial sand reserves.
“The acquisition by Heidelberg Materials Australia of two quality sand operations in Queensland will extend our footprint in Australia and support our strategic expansion in key markets,” he says.
Heidelberg Materials Australia’s Northern Region general manager Charlie Stoneman adds: “The addition of the Hardcore Sands and Pink Lily Sands quarries will complement our existing operations in Central Queensland and augment our market-leading offering for customers.”
The Rockhampton operations supply government, concrete, earthmoving, landscaping and golf industries with bulk and wholesale sand, gravel, stones, aggregates and other quarry products.
Additional funding will kick-start rail upgrades for the future rail line to Melbourne Airport. Image: Doublelee/stock.adobe.com
INFRASTRUCTURE
Billions boost
Melbourne Airport Rail gains another $5 billion
The first stage of Melbourne Airport Rail project will soon begin, with major changes to the rail network around Sunshine Station to enable a line to the airport and the future electrification to Melton.
Anthony Albanese announced a $2 billion commitment from the federal government for works at Sunshine station in addition to the $5 billion previously pledged.
Victoria premier Jacinta Allan says the state government will be bringing forward $2 billion in funding but will not be expanding its own $5 billion contribution.
A program of works spanning more than 6km from West Footscray to Albion will include two new dedicated regional platforms and an extended concourse at Sunshine Station, three new rail bridges, new and upgraded tracks, new signalling technology and realigned passenger and freight lines.
The Victorian government will also deliver a new Albion Station, featuring an accessible concourse with lifts and stairs.
Design and planning work is underway, with works expected to start in early 2026 and be complete in 2030, though there is yet to be a date as to when passengers can start using the airport line.
Skills guide
Master Builders Australia says it aims to shine a spotlight on the variety of roles available in construction
Master Builders Australia has launched its career guide: Construct Your Career: The Ultimate Guide to Jobs in Building and Construction
Created by Master Builders as part of its ongoing efforts to address workforce shortages across the industry, the guide was made to provide relevant, current and helpful information and advice to those considering a career in building and construction.
Construct Your Career features comprehensive information on more than 50 specialties in building and construction across a range of roles, both on and off the tools.
With information on everything from training time and pathways to entry, right through to salaries and future career opportunities, this ultimate guide to working in the industry puts numerous roles in the spotlight and lets you hear directly from experts, tradies, training managers and apprentices in a wide variety of qualifications.
“Master Builders Australia is thrilled to be releasing our Construct Your Career guide, which really is the ultimate tool for anyone considering a job in our industry,” Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn says.
“We have a significant skills shortage in this country, and we’re proud of the work Master Builders Associations are doing across the country to encourage more people, especially young people and women,
Master Builders Australia aims to provide information on the different career options available. Image: leonidkos/stock.adobe.com
to consider our industry for their future career.
“The biggest challenge to attract people into the industry starts at home and school with increasing pressure for students to pursue a university degree over vocational education and training.
“We believe that if we are going to solve the skills crisis and increase the diversity of new entrants into the industry, this has to start at the very beginning of a person’s career decisions.
“More and more, people are realising the benefits of a career in the trades and by hearing directly from those already working in the industry, across all three sectors that Master Builders represent, Australians can get a comprehensive understanding of the exciting opportunities in building and construction right now through this guide.
“We’ll be making this important resource available to all who want it and it’s our hope that schools and careers advisors right across the country are able to use it to help students considering and trade and parents looking to help their child make the best choices moving forward.”
3D printing
Australia’s first 3D-printed, multi-storey home is underway in Melbourne, thanks to an AI-powered 3D construction technology
A multi-storey home in Melbourne’s outer suburbs, printed with AIpowered 3D construction technology, is set be the first of its kind in the southern hemisphere, 3D construction printing company Luyten says.
Luyten’s Platypus S X12 crane 3D construction printer has been deployed for the project, with previous attempts of using this technology limited to single storey, standard home prototypes printed in 20–24 degrees Celsius heat.
This project, however, started printing during Melbourne’s summer in 35–42 degrees Celsius heat and frequent storms.
Luyten says the house design was optimised to introduce features to push 3D printing potential to the limit, such as printing a lift core, and walls with shapes that serve as noise cancelling using the acoustic principle of diffraction.
Using re-enforced-learning algorithms, Luyten says the
Previous attempts of using this technology were limited to single storey, standard home prototypes.
Image: Luyten
AI-powered printer ensures the quality of each layer of the print, with the AI software ensuring precision construction.
Luyten CEO and global president Ahmed Mahil will live in the multistory, 350 square metre home when it is complete.
“As the first CEO to live in a 3D printed house, printed by his own company and own company’s manufactured robots, I intend to break the psychological barrier people may have and to smash any doubts in the industry about the future of 3D printed homes,” he says.
3D printing can help deliver faster homes as a solution to the nation’s housing crisis, with Luyten’s project expected to be finished in five weeks, compared to the usual 8–11 months for a build.
SITE DUMPER
Autonomous hauler
Liebherr will showcase its automated hauler concept at Bauma in April
Liebherr’s concept for a new way of hauling material, the S1 Vision, will be displayed at this year’s Bauma exhibition, taking place from 7 to 13 April in Munich, Germany.
The S1 Vision is primarily just a single axle and two tyres. The truck is designed to be scalable, with a payload ranging from 220 kilograms up to 131 tonnes. Because of this payload versatility, the S1 Vision can be adapted for various applications, including earthmoving, farming and agriculture, construction and mining, Liebherr says.
So that the truck can operate effectively on a single axle, the S1 Vision features a self-levelling system. Its zero-turn radius means the truck can easily turn on the spot and travel all directions, making it ideal for applications in tight spaces that require precise movements and flexibility, Liebherr adds.
The S1 Vision is powered by an electric drive and is equipped with advanced sensors so the truck can navigate independently. Furthermore, if multiple S1 Vision trucks are operating in the one location, they can connect and share real-time information.
Liebherr will be presenting at Bauma under the motto ‘Hands on the future’, where it will display more than 70 future-focused exhibits.
The Liebherr S1 Vision loader concept. Image: Liebherr
HOUSING
CHALLENGE
WA’s finest
Western Australia’s best operator has been named after the state final of the Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge
Caterpillar dealer WesTrac has crowned open pit supervisor Max Harris as Western Australia’s best Cat machinery operator, following the state final of the Global Operator Challenge.
Working with Northern Star, the 32-year-old from Boulder outperformed 10 other finalists in a series of three challenges designed to test the skill, accuracy and agility of competitors.
The final, held at WesTrac’s Perth Branch dig pit, required operators to demonstrate their skills on three different Cat machines.
As the state champion, Harris won an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan, where he will compete against international operators at the Asia-Pacific Regional Final in October.
Only three operators from that final will be selected to travel to Las Vegas in March, 2026, to compete against the world’s best operators in the Caterpillar Global Operator Final held at CONEXPO.
Racing partnership
F1 team Atlassian Williams Racing swapped a car for a dump truck recently at Komatsu
Komatsu Australia recently welcomed F1 team Atlassian Williams Racing to its Perth facilities to mark the start of the second year of its partnership.
Team principal James Vowles and ambassador Jacques Villeneuve, who won the 1997 championship for Williams using a Komatsu-manufactured gearbox component, visited Komatsu’s Welshpool facility ahead of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.
The visit offered the chance for the brands to highlight the synergy between the two and to get the second year off to a positive start, Komatsu says.
Vowles and Villeneuve toured the 200,000-square metre facility, meeting employees and getting up close and personal with the Komatsu machines, including driving a HD1500 rigid dump truck.
12 Komatsu employees were also treated to a special meet and greet
Atlassian Williams Racing got up close with many Komatsu machines. Image: Komatsu
with the Atlassian Williams Racing guests before a Q&A session with over 300 Komatsu members of staff took place.
“It was great to be back at a Komatsu facility as we start the 2025 season. The value created in this partnership is undeniable, and to be able to meet so many of the people that make it happen is truly special,” Vowles says.
“We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Komatsu, and this visit is just the first step we are taking together in year two.
“We are excited to welcome two Komatsu employees to our garage for a ‘Day in the Life’ experience.”
Komatsu joined forces with Williams, now known as Atlassian Williams Racing, at the start of 2024 F1 season, as principal partner.
Winner of the WA state final Max Harris. Image: WesTrac
EVENT
Tradies needed
Tradespeople are invited to join a new industry research panel
Building Commission NSW is calling on tradespeople from around the state to help shape the future of the NSW construction industry, with the launch of the new Building Industry Research Panel.
The NSW Building Industry Research Panel is an opportunity for construction-related professionals, tradespeople, and apprentices to share their perspectives on the future of the industry.
Panel members will contribute to shaping policies, services and initiatives which impact the NSW construction sector, with panel members provided the opportunity to:
• Share their experiences and perspectives on topics relating to the sector
• Participate in research activities like surveys, interviews and focus groups
• Help shape the future of home building and construction projects across NSW.
In one example of the activities offered to panel members, a group of Mandarin speakers has been asked to provide feedback on a translation of the Supervisors Responsibilities micro-skills course.
For some research activities, like focus groups or testing out
A call has gone out for tradespeople to join a new industry panel. Image: Donson/ peopleimages.com/stock.adobe.com
new products and services, panel members may receive gift vouchers for participating.
Panel members can choose which activities they want to take part in, they can leave the panel at any time and all responses submitted to the panel are confidential.
To join the panel, participants must be at least 16 years of age and be employed, studying or training in the NSW building, construction or related industries.
These industries include, special trades (plumbers, electricians, carpenters), design and architecture, engineering (construction or civil) and building certification.
To join the panel, all future participants need to do is complete a short five-minute sign-up form, where they will be asked a few questions about their background, role and experience.
For more information on the NSW Building Industry Panel please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/ departments-and-agencies/ building-commission/ building-industry-research-panel
ROAD UPGRADE
Sturt started
Upgrade work has begun on a 1.8km section of the Sturt Highway
The NSW government is investing $13.9 million on upgrading the Sturt Highway near Wagga Wagga.
Work has now started on an upgrade to a 1.8km section of the Sturt Highway (also known as Hammond Avenue) on the eastern approach to Wagga Wagga’s CBD.
Work will include completely reconstructing the road with a new surface and new kerb on the northern and southern sides, lane widening and configuration changes to provide dedicated turning lanes.
The first stage of this project –between Tasman Road and Blaxland Road – is expected to take a couple of months.
The second stage – from east of Blaxland Road to Stuart Road –will be delivered in the 2025–26 financial year.
“The Sturt Highway provides a strategic freight and access link from Sydney via the Hume Highway to Mildura in Victoria and on to Adelaide in South Australia,” NSW minister for regional transport and roads Jenny Aitchison says.
“It also serves as a local and regional access corridor to and from regional centres along the route, especially Wagga Wagga, to enable customers to access goods, services and employment.”
A section of the Sturt Highway to the east of Wagga Wagga will be upgraded. Image: jun.SU./stock.com.au
The Lachlan river at Cowra. Image: 169169/stock.adobe.com
INFRASTRUCTURE
Bridge build
New Warroo Bridge construction work is underway
The NSW government is investing more than $15 million to deliver a new Warroo Bridge in the NSW Central West.
A new concrete bridge will be built just a few metres upstream from the existing 116-year-old bridge timber truss bridge, which is located over the Lachlan River 46 kilometres west of Forbes and 55 kilometres southeast of Condobolin.
Warroo Bridge is a critical connector in the region as it is the only major crossing of the Lachlan River linking the Lachlan Valley Way to the Henry Parkes Way.
The existing narrow bridge was built in 1909 and is not suitable for use by modern agricultural equipment or heavy vehicles with higher mass limit loads. If the existing bridge is closed for maintenance, motorists face a 93km detour.
Abergeldie Contractors Pty Ltd will deliver the work on behalf of Transport for NSW, with work having begun in early March. The new bridge is expected to be open to traffic in late 2026, weather permitting. The existing Warroo Bridge will remain open to traffic throughout the construction of the replacement bridge and will be removed completely once the new bridge is operational.
Hazardous material
Repair work to the Northern Distributor Road has been affected by asbestos
Work to repair the Northern Distributor Road in Orange, NSW is expected to start in coming months following completion of testing that confirmed the existence of naturally-occurring asbestos (NOA) in the area.
Transport for NSW assistant director West Holly Davies says the testing results would inform plans to rebuild the road, which was built by Orange City Council and maintained by the council as a local road until early March 2023 when it became a state road.
“Orange is a known area for NOA so it was vital that we carry out this testing before starting any work to rebuild the Northern Distributor Road,” Davies says.
“Two of the 52 samples taken on February 5 and 6 contained naturally-occurring asbestos, and a further 10 samples had material that could potentially contain NOA.
“While those results were not a surprise, they do confirm that our plans to rebuild a 2.8 kilometre section of the Northern Distributor Road cannot include extensive excavation that could disturb the material.
“NOA in its natural state is not considered dangerous to humans but it can become dangerous when broken up and moved.
“That means the best and safest way to rebuild the Northern Distributor Road will be to lay new
The Northern Distributor Road will be resurfaced with several layers. Image: F Armstrong Photo/stock.adobe.com
layers of asphalt over the existing surface, slowly building up the road and filling the potholes and rough areas that have forced us to temporarily lower the speed limit to 60km/h.”
Work to install the first new layer of asphalt will take place before winter as cold and wet conditions can impact the successful placement of asphalt.
Crews will then return later in the year to continue the job, with several thicker layers to be placed to provide a smoother road surface for all motorists and allow for the eventual return of an 80 km/h speed limit for all vehicles.
“Motorists will see some improvement to the road surface once the first layer of asphalt is poured but a single layer will not rebuild the Northern Distributor Road to the standard we expect,” Davies says.
“NOA has previously been identified at a number of Transport for NSW work sites between Bathurst and Orange and on each occasion has been suitably managed to best practice industry standards, ensuring safety and regulatory requirements are met and risks mitigated for the community and workers.”
ROAD UPGRADE
Concrete baristas
RMIT University’s coffee concrete innovators have won an award for their work in reducing landfill waste and improving concrete strength
An RMIT research project into strengthening concrete through the edition of coffee grounds has won an award.
RMIT University’s Dr Rajeev Roychand, Professor Jie Li, Associate Professor Shannon Kilmartin-Lynch, Dr Mohammad Saberian, Professor Guomin (Kevin) Zhang and Professor Chun Qing Li’s work that also aimed to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill from commercial coffee operations was the People’s Choice Winner at the Shaping Australia Awards.
The coffee addition was found to strengthen concrete by 30 per cent using biochar, which can replace a portion of the sand that is used to make concrete. Roychand and Li received the Problem Solver 2024 People’s Choice Winner award on behalf of the team at Parliament House in Canberra.
This invention tackles major sustainability challenges. Australia generates around 75,000 tonnes of ground coffee waste annually, contributing to 6.87 million tonnes of organic waste in landfills, which account for 3 per cent of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions.
Roychand, the lead inventor of the coffee concrete, says the team was thrilled to win the award.
“Winning this national award is
outstanding recognition of our vision to transform waste materials into valuable construction resources,” he says.
“What began as research into coffee grounds has now evolved into a comprehensive program converting various types of organic waste into biochar that could help reshape the environmental footprint of the built environment.”
Within a year, the team progressed from the lab to real-world applications with industry and government partners, including a
world-first footpath trial in Gisborne, Victoria, and current use in Victoria’s Big Build projects.
Li says their research advanced sustainable construction, enabling the transformation of diverse organic waste streams into highperformance construction materials.
“This Australian-led innovation demonstrates how we can pioneer solutions for global environmental challenges,” he says.
RMIT is engaged with a commercialisation partner to translate the team’s innovation into a commercial reality.
The partner is in the process of building the business case with key stakeholders and supply chain partners in the construction and agriculture sectors that would potentially benefit from using biochar products or play critical roles in bringing the technology to market.
Coffee concrete innovators Dr Rajeev Roychand (left) and Professor Jie Li (right) celebrate their national research award with RMIT Vice-Chancellor Professor Alec Cameron at Parliament House in Canberra. Image: RMIT University
Coffee concrete footpath being laid along a busy road in Pakenham, Victoria. Image: Pete Glenane, HiVis Pictures
construction events
Here are upcoming events for 2025. Information was current as of going to press
South Australian Major Projects Conference – Adelaide
The South Australian Major Projects Conference will profile the latest updates on major infrastructure projects across the state alongside providing fantastic networking opportunities with key industry stakeholders.
WHEN: April 8–9, 2025
MORE INFO: saconference.com.au
Women in Construction Summit –Melbourne
The Women in Construction Summit provides the opportunity to hear from inspirational & industry-leading women working at the forefront of construction or infrastructure in both the public and private sector. Attendees will gain firsthand insights into new innovations revolutionising the industry as well information on how to develop strategies to grow leadership and project management skills.
WHEN: April 29–May 1, 2025
MORE INFO: womeninconstructionsummit.com.au
Australian Tools and Grinding Expo – Brisbane
ATGE showcases hardware, tools and products for cutting, grinding and polishing. The expo will also explore the latest in automation.
WHEN: April 29– May 1, 2025
MORE INFO: atge.com.au
Tocal Field Days – Hunter Valley
Located in Paterson, NSW Tocal Field Days is an agricultural field day event that includes some construction machinery exhibitors.
WHEN: May 2–4, 2025
MORE INFO: www.tocalfielddays.com
Sydney Build 2025 – Sydney
This two-day event focuses on the construction, architecture, engineering and infrastructure industries, bringing together contractors, architects, engineers, housebuilders, developers, government and construction professionals. Ten stages cover topics such as BIM, Construction Safety, Site Safety, Architecture, Infrastructure, Digital Construction, New Rules, HVAC, Sustainability and Government.
WHEN: May 7–8, 2025
MORE INFO: www.sydneybuildexpo.com
Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show – Brisbane
Organised by CCF QLD, the Heavy Equipment & Machinery Show has evolved from the Civil Construction Field Days and will be hosted in its new home, Brisbane’s Royal International Convention Centre and Showground, in 2025. Held alongside the Brisbane Truck Show, over 6,000 visitors are expected to see what the 100+ exhibitors have to offer at the event.
WHEN: May 15–17, 2025
MORE INFO: www.heavyequipmentshow.com.au
Primex – Casino
Primex works with specialists within the civil construction and forestry industries to build an event that features leading national suppliers committed to servicing NSW & southern QLD industry sectors. The latest services, technologies, equipment and machinery are presented with demonstrations and contractor, trade and operator network activities.
WHEN: May 15–17, 2025
MORE INFO: www.primex.net.au
Diesel Dirt & Turf – Sydney
Diesel Dirt & Turf is Australia’s premier earthmoving industry event that continues to attract support from all market sectors in earthmoving, infrastructure, residential development, public works and public space management. Located at Sydney Dragway, it will be bigger than ever and include the operators challenge and a Pickles auction.
WHEN: May 16–18, 2025
MORE INFO: www.dieseldirtandturf.com.au
Future of Construction Summit –Brisbane
Organised by the Australian Constructors Association, the Future of Construction Summit provides an opportunity for leaders representing all sectors of the construction industry to engage in discussions about reform and the opportunity to create a more productive and sustainable industry.
WHEN: May 20–21, 2025
MORE INFO: futureofconstructionsummit.com
Global Resources Innovation Expo –Brisbane
The Global Resources Innovation Expo is a new event hosted by Austmine which will focus on innovation, technology and sustainability in the mining and resources industry.
WHEN: May 20–22, 2025
MORE INFO: www.grx.au
NEW & USED PARTS AVAILABLE
WRECKING LIST
1 x CX14
1 x CX47
1 x CX80
2 x CX145CSR
2 x CX210
1 x CX210B
1 x 9010B CATERPILLAR
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1 x EX270-1
1 x EX350H-5
1 x ZX35U-2
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3 x ZX200-3
1 x ZX200H-3
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1 x ZX230
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1 x ZX250H-3
3 x ZX270LC-3
1 x ZX35U-3F
1 x ZX330
2 x ZX330-3
2 x ZX330-3
2 x ZX330LC-3
1 x ZX350H-3
1 x ZX350LCH-3
1 x ZX225USLC-5B
1 x S220-3 2 x S330LC-V 1 x S250LC-V 3 x S290LC-V 1 x S55-V
1 x DX225LCB
1 x DX300LC ECM
1 x E35SR
1 x ES85U
1 x EX55UR
2 x EX60-1
1 x EX60-5 1 x EX120-1 1 x EX120-2 1 x EX120-3
1 x EX200-5
HYUNDAI
1 x R140LCD-7
1 x R160LC-7
1 x R145CR-9
IHI
1 x IHI30
1 x IHI30J 1 x IHI30JX
2 x IHI45J 1 x IHI45UJ 1 x IHI55UJ
KATO
1 x HD1023
KOBELCO
1 x SK280MSR-1E
1 x SK40SR 1 x SK40SR-3
1 x SK45SR-3
1 x SK50SR-3
1 x SK75UR-3
2 x SK80MSR
2 x SK120-5
2 x SK220-5 1 x SK130UR 1 x SK135SR 1 x SK135SR-1
1 x SK135SR-5 1 x SK200-3
1 x SK220-3 1 x SK220-5 1 x SK260LC-8 1 x SK360-8
KOMATSU
1 x PC05-7
1 x PC28UU-2
2 x PC30-7
1 x PC30FR 1 x PC30MR 1 x PC30MR-1 1 x PC50FR-1 1 x PC50MR 2 x PC50UU-1
3 x PC50UU-2
1 x PC60-7
1 x PC70FR-1 1 x PC75UU-1
4 x PC75UU-2 1 x PC75UU-3 1 x PC78MR-6 1 x PC138US-2 1 x PC200-7
1 x PC210-8
1 x PC220-3
1 x PC220LC-8
1 x PC228US-3
1 x PC228USLC-3
1 x PC228UU
1 x PC300-7
1 x PC300-8
1 x PC138US-11
KUBOTA
1 x KH52SR 1 x KX71-3 1 x KX101 1 x KX121-2 LIBRA
1 x 118SV
MITSUBISHI 1 x MM55SR
NEW HOLLAND 1 x E35B 1 x E35SR
SAMSUNG 1 x SE55
2 x SE130LC-2
x SE240LC-2 3 x SE240LC-3
x SE280LC
x SE280LC-2
x SE210-2 1x SE210LC-2
SUMITOMO 2 x SH60-1 1 x SH75X-3 1 x SH135X-2 1 x SH210-5 2 x SH210LC-5 1 x SH300A-2 2 x SH350H-5 1 x SH350HD-3 1 x SH350HD-5
TAKEUCHI 1 x TB138FR TEREX 1 x PT100G VOLVO 1 x EC240B 1 x EC240BLC 1 x EC240CL
YANMAR 1 x B27-2 1 x VIO27-5
x VIO40-2 1 x VIO50
x VIO50-2
x VIO55-5B
x VIO70
x VIO75
x VIO75-A
DOOSAN DX225LCB HITACHI ZX225USR CATERPILLAR 336DL CASE 210B
We specialise in rebuilds for Hydraulic Pumps & Pump Rebuild Kits, Main Pump Rebuild Kits, Travel Motors & Final Drives and have on hand a wide range of stock
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SKYJACKSJ6832RT4X4 SkyjackDiesel4x4 Scissorlifts,8machinesavailable,intestuntil2025. These are trueRoughTerrainmachineswitha454kg SWLanda1.5metreextensiondeck,locatedin BrisbaneandSydney.S32131-S32139. TA1258495
LK Diesel Services secured a prestigious award at last year’s EPG Engines Expert Dealer Conference, adding to the many honours it has received over the past two decades
Melbourne’s LK Diesel Services is renowned for reducing machine downtime through quickly diagnosing engine faults and getting its customers back up and running .
This is evidenced through the signi cant number of awards won by the Braeside-based business, which are proudly shown o at its headquarters.
Most recently, LK Diesel’s Michael Kuhlwind travelled to the other side of the country to accept an award at the 13th EPG Engines Expert Dealer Conference.
Held at Perth’s Optus Stadium last year, the event celebrated the achievements of EPG’s Kohler petrol and diesel engine dealers.
LK Diesel was presented the Best Overall Dealer award for its sales numbers over the 2023/2024 period, as well as its excellence in repairs and fault diagnosis throughout the year.
“It’s always great to be recognised,” Kuhlwind says.
“We’ve had plenty of engines come in and 99 per cent of the time we are able to x a problem or supply a new one.”
Plant & Equipment
Michael Kuhlwind (middle) accepting the Best Overall Dealer award at the 13th EPG Engines Expert Dealer Conference. Image: EPG Engines
This top honour holds even more value to LK Diesel knowing that it was competing against all
the Kohler Diesel dealers from across the country.
Kuhlwind says the business has mainly sold Kohler diesel engines for pumps, generators and small earthmoving equipment, such as mini excavators. This includes
Lombardini and Ruggerini, which are now a part of the Kohler diesel engines family.
As a Kohler diesel expert dealer, LK Diesel knows these engines back to front – a large reason why it has been able to solve so many of its customers’ problems.
This expertise also comes down to experience – something that LK Diesel has in abundance.
“We’ve got many years of working experience, including our top collar mechanic, who has been with us for 20 years,” Kuhlwind says.
“We’re also factory trained, so we’ve travelled to Kohler EPG and they’ve come to us to do training courses together.”
For more information on Kohler Diesel engines, visit www.lkdiesel.com.au or call 03 9588 6900.
LK Diesel Services is based in Melbourne’s Braeside. Image: LK Diesel
