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Features
Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales has re-branded and expanded its machinery offering
Digger King’s 1.3-tonne mini excavator and trailer package brings benefits to a Central Coast contractor
Viva Energy is showcasing the
Events news
Industry opinion
Editorial
Editor Cat Fitzpatrick
catherine.fitzpatrick@primecreative.com.au
Journalist
Jackson Haddad
Contributors
Cathryn Greville, Damian Long, Trevor Schwenke
Managing
Art Director Daz Woolley
MINING
New Liebherr fleet arrives at the Super Pit in Western Australia
Heavy haulers
Earlier this year, LiebherrAustralia commissioned five PR 776 dozers for gold producer Northern Star Resources.
These five dozers are the first of 13 brand-new Liebherr machines set to be commissioned for Northern Star Resources throughout 2025.
On top of these initial five machines, Liebherr-Australia will supply another two PR 776s, five R 9150 excavators and an R 9400 excavator. Most of these machines will join Northern Star Resources’ existing fleet at the Super Pit – one of Australia’s largest gold mines – which is located near the city of KalgoorlieBoulder in Western Australia. Three of the fleet will go to work at Northern Star Resources’ Thunderbox
ELECTRIC
Operations near the town of Leonora – approximately 300 kilometres from Kalgoorlie-Boulder.
The commissioning of these new machines will bring the total number of Liebherr machines in Northern Star Resources’ fleet to 17. LiebherrAustralia delivered Northern Star Resources’ first Liebherr machine – an R 9400 excavator – back in 2022, followed by three more in consecutive years.
Commissioning these machines for Northern Star Resources represents a number of exciting
Sustainable practices
A fully electric concrete truck has been deployed for the first time on a major Western Australian metro infrastructure project
Western Australia’s METRONET Byford Rail Extension has debuted a fully electric concrete truck on the project, which METRONET says is a first for the state’s metro infrastructure projects.
Following a successful six-month trial at a remote mine site near Port Hedland, the Foton electric concrete truck from Holcim Australia is currently delivering materials to the Byford Rail
Five Liebherr PR 776 dozers have been delivered to the Super Pit in WA. Image: Liebherr
developments for Liebherr Australia.
“To accommodate our growing presence in Western Australia and the ramping up of production happening in the state, we are set to double our operations – both in terms of our physical footprint and our workforce – in Perth by 2030,” Liebherr Australia operations manager for WA Daniel LawDavis says.
The electric concrete tuck significantly reduces carbon emissions and noise levels compared to a diesel alternative. Image: METRONET
“Developing and adopting innovative ways of working more sustainably is a key focus of every METRONET project,” METRONET says.
“The innovative EV significantly reduces carbon emissions compared to traditional diesel-powered trucks and replacing one diesel concrete truck with the electric option will eliminate around 42 tonnes of CO2 from entering the atmosphere each year.”
As well as lowering carbon emissions, the electric concrete truck provides lower noise levels than its diesel counterpart, reducing disruption to the surrounding environment while works take place and creating a better work environment for the site crew.
,
PNG buyout
Komatsu Australia expands in Papua New Guinea ACQUISITION
Komatsu Australia has announced the acquisition of Papua New Guinea-based and existing distributor company UMW Niugini Limited, with the business renamed Komatsu Niugini Limited (KNL).
Looking forward to meeting the needs of PNG customers, Komatsu Australia managing director Sean Taylor says the acquisition follows a change in the ownership structure of the joint venture parties that previously owned UMW Niugini Ltd.
“As a result of this change in structure, KNL has become a fully owned part of the Komatsu Group,” Taylor says.
“Komatsu Australia is the obvious choice to manage Komatsu Niugini going forward, given our proven expertise and success in the Oceania region.
“The KNL team will be able to draw on the resources of the broader Komatsu Australia business, especially our technical expertise and training capabilities
Midway Concrete offers premix concrete across the Melbourne and Geelong areas.
Image: Midway Concrete
ACQUISITION
Heidelberg Materials Australia purchases Melbourne concrete business
Concrete choice
Heidelberg Materials Australia, formerly known as Hanson Australia, has announced that it has entered into a conditional purchase agreement to acquire the premixed concrete business of Midway Concrete.
Komatsu Australia has expanded its group of companies.
Image: Mathias Weil/stock.adobe.com
to support machine troubleshooting and workforce development.
“We hope this acquisition will also benefit our Australian customers who have connections in PNG as well.”
KNL general manager Dash Rayat will lead the business as part of the transition from UMW Niugini Ltd. The main office will continue to operate from its Port Moresby base.
“Our local PNG customers can expect the same level of support they have always had from their trusted local experts, now supported by the wider Australian business,” Taylor says.
“We look forward to welcoming the KNL team and building on the strong foundations already in place in the region, while leveraging our global expertise to create value together.”
Midway operates four concrete plants at Laverton, Craigieburn, Melton and Lara, offering premix concrete across the greater Melbourne and Geelong areas.
“This acquisition complements Heidelberg Materials’ existing concrete and quarry operations within Melbourne and aligns with our strategy of acquiring bolt-on assets that support the company’s existing integrated positions in major markets,” Heidelberg Materials Australia’s CEO Phil Schacht says.
David and Sharon Boxshall, owners of Midway Concrete, add: “We established this family business 23 years ago in Sunshine [Melbourne] with two trucks and it grew to become one of Melbourne’s most trusted concrete suppliers. We would personally like to thank all the Midway employees and customers for their friendship and support throughout the decades and we look forward to watching Midway Concrete’s next journey with Heidelberg Materials.”
Next generation
An improved frame design is just one of the features on Caterpillar’s next generation D6 dozer
The first next generation design in this class, the new Cat D6 dozer delivers a 14 per cent weight and 13 per cent horsepower advantage over the standard configuration
Cat D6T, Caterpillar has announced.
The D6’s fully automatic, fourspeed powershift transmission with lock-up clutch (LUC) continuously adjusts up or down for maximum efficiency and power to the ground without additional operator input.
An option to the 203mm (8-in) gauge cluster, a 254mm (10-in) touchscreen display delivers more operating information for easier, more intuitive use. The ROPS and sloped hood design, along with alignment of the exhaust and precleaner, serve to offer better visibility to the front of the dozer, enhancing operating safety.
A new level of technology
Testing has shown Cat Assist features, new options to the D6, can reduce operator inputs by up to 45 per cent compared to not using these features. Cat Assist with Attachment Ready Option (ARO) features include:
• A RO provides wiring and mounting for faster installation of dealer-installed options like Cat Grade with 3D, AccuGrade, Universal Total Station (UTS) or other grade control systems
• C at Grade with Slope Assist
Service simplified
Updated components, longer service intervals and fewer scheduled maintenance tasks with the next generation dozer design help reduce maintenance costs for the new D6. Grouped service points, along with easy-access modular components and fewer filters, lower maintenance time, while a standard reversing fan extends the time between core cleanings.
A 30-minute cab removal provides easy access to maintenance points, while ground-level access to the optional fast fuel fill, grab rails on both sides of the cab roof, and tieoffs enhance maintenance safety.
Configurable designs
automatically maintains preestablished blade positioning without a GNSS/GPA signal
• Steer Assist helps reduce steering inputs up to 75 per cent by automating track and blade tilt steering
• Stable Blade works with operator inputs to help produce a smoother surface when operating manually
• Using a GPS signal, Traction Control automatically reduces track slip to save time, fuel and track wear
• Leveraging GPS, Blade Load Monitor provides real-time feedback on current load versus optimal blade load, based on ground conditions, and monitors machine load and track slip
• AutoCarry uses a GPS signal to automate blade lift, helping to maintain consistent blade load and reduce track slip
Available factory-integrated Cat Grade with 3D uses GNSS/GPS to control the blade, allowing operators to grade to design faster. Low-profile antennas are integrated into the cab roof, and GNSS/GPS receivers are mounted inside the cab for better protection. The D6 is compatible with 3D grade systems from Trimble, Topcon and Leica.
Depending on cab configuration, the D6 can ship from the factory remote control ready to save time with field installation of Cat Command for Dozing.
Next generation D6 dozers offer special configuration options for the waste and forestry industries. The Waste Handling design comes with specialised guarding and seals to help protect major components from impact and airborne debris.
Bottom guard, chassis and tilt cylinder guards, and fuel tank and battery guarding offer enhanced protection from debris. The waste cab features impact-resistant polycarbonate doors to eliminate the need for door screens, and large capacity landfill blades, front and rear striker bars, and centre-hole track shoes help optimise the machine for waste handling.
The Heavy Duty/Forestry arrangement includes the same impact-resistant polycarbonate doors as the waste machine for added safeguard, plus side and rear screens further protect the operator and machine from debris.
Closed sweeps offer more operator and machine protection with an enclosed canopy over the cab to protect the top of the machine while allowing upward visibility.
Including the Heavy Duty Extended Life (HDXL) undercarriage enables track bushings to be turned and resealed mid-life, and the press-fit bushings and pin retention design are well suited for impact applications like forestry.
The D6 is the first of a new generation of Cat dozers. Image: Caterpillar
DOZER
New era
Hercules Machinery Group, formerly known as Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales, has re-branded to reflect a broader product offering and a massive new range of earthmoving equipment
Family-owned and operated, Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales (BMES) has been a staple in the equipment industry for more than three decades.
BMES started off as a mini excavator specialist, with its headquarters in Yatala, QLD. However, while it still prides itself on selling mini diggers, over the years the business has grown to offer a
wider scope of equipment and is now renowned for being Australia’s exclusive distributor of Hercules Machinery – including wheel loaders, motor graders and telehandlers – as well as being a premium supplier of Sunward equipment.
To better reflect its product offering, BMES has now re-branded to a new name, Hercules Machinery Group (HMG), with a new logo.
Although the name and logo has changed, sales executive Steven Ragenovich says the friendly faces and customer service that people have been accustomed to remains.
“Hercules Machinery Group is evolving constantly and it’s through accountability, integrity and follow up that we continue to get bigger,” he says.
“We offer a much wider scope of machinery now than what we once did, and we are continuing to expand.”
Not only is the business re-brand a cause for excitement, but a suite of new Hercules machines is coming to HMG, including another brand that’s been brought back due to popular demand.
“We keep growing and our customers keep buying because of our aftersales service, follow up and
spare parts supply,” Ragenovich says.
“A lot of other businesses avoid this or show little interest, but we’ve got dedicated business departments such as spare parts, a workshop, technical advice and aftersales support to support the introduction of the new range of machines.”
Currently, HMG offers a wide range of Hercules wheel loaders including its H-2 series – starting from a H550-2, 5.5-tonne operating weight model with a 100 horsepower (75kW) engine to a H1250-2, 12.5tonne operating weight model with a 180hp (132.4kW) engine – as well as its quality cost-effective Loadmaster range – from the HLM70 7.3-tonne up to the HLM125 12-tonne – suited to agricultural tasks.
In addition to all this, a Hercules telehandler T-3 model, SEM motor graders and SEM wheeled loader models are available for the big end jobs, as well as HMG’s Sunward mini excavators covering 1.8 to 15 tonnes, Sunward skid steer loader models coming in at 2.8 tonnes and 3.5 tonnes, and the 4.4-tonne Sunward compact track loader.
New range
HMG is now, for the first time, offering Hercules-branded excavators and
Brisbane Mini Excavator Sales has rebranded to Hercules Machinery Group
Images:
HMG
The Hercules LK55C will be the latest model in HMG’s wheel loader offering
HMG offers a Hercules telehandler T-3 model for big end jobs
compact track loaders, in what is an exciting new era for its customers.
The 5.5-tonne Hercules LK110T tracked loader is set to arrive soon, powered by a 110hp (81kW) Kubota engine and offering a 1.5-tonne rated load capacity.
“It will mark the brand’s entry into the tacked loader market, with many more models on the horizon,” Ragenovich says.
“The Hercules tracked loader will complement our wheel loaders and telehandlers for the civil construction and agriculture industry.”
While HMG does offer a Sunward alternative, Ragenovich adds the Hercules option will offer greater optionality for customers.
Hercules wheeled excavators are also joining the HMG offering, providing enhanced manoeuvrability and mobility.
With models ranging from 10 tonnes up to 21 tonnes, Ragenovich says the Hercules wheeled excavators are fully optioned and well suited for conducting civil roadworks and civil solutions due to the ease of movement they provide and their flexibility.
Two new Hercules wheel loaders are also being added to the lineup, providing even more options to the already extensive list of wheel loader models available.
The Hercules LK55C and LK55W will be HMG’s new offering, both with an operating weight of 18 tonnes and able to handle a 5.5-tonne rated load but featuring different engines and transmissions.
A Cummins engine powers the LK55C, highlighted by the letter ‘C’ in the name, while the LK55W features a Weichai/Deutz engine,
also represented by the letter ‘W’. “These 18-tonne loaders are a costeffective option offered by HMG,”
Ragenovich says.
“They’re a well-constructed loader and feature the same quality build as our other models.”
Making a comeback
HMG is constantly listening to customer feedback and it’s not unusual for the business to add products based on a high-volume of requests.
Its T-3 telehandlers have sold out previously, hence HMG taking new delivery of the models just recently.
HMG has now decided to fulfil another request that customers have been knocking down the door for.
Airman excavators – a Japanese brand and build which HMG had previously sold – will be returning to HMG’s sales yard.
“Many of our long-standing customers will be delighted with the news that they’re coming back,” Ragenovich says.
“We sold them for many years,
and we were one of the highest selling companies in the world for their products.
“By bringing Airman back, we’re continuing the theme of widening our scope of machinery and giving customers another popular brand to choose from.”
HMG will be taking pre-orders for the new range of machines, which have already started to arrive and will continue to do so throughout June. A special discount will be on offer for those that get in quick.
“Get in before the end of financial year, because we will be offering all the new equipment at discounted rates for pre-orders,” Ragenovich says.
“We’re a multi-branded specialist, offering a range of new and different branded machines, so there’s something for everyone.”
For more information on the new range of machines, visit Hercules Machinery Group’s website –brisbaneminiexcavators.com.au –or call (07) 3807 4333.
Airman excavators will be returning to HMG
The 5.5-tonne Hercules LK110T tracked loader will mark the brand’s entry into this product segment
Load and go
Digger King’s 1.3-tonne mini excavator and trailer package has proven to be a winner for a plumbing and electrical company on the Central Coast
Finding affordable new machinery is often a challenge in today’s market and can require significant research when looking for equipment that’s not from traditional international original equipment manufacturers.
Digger King aims to make this process easier through its costeffective selection of machinery, complimented by its comprehensive information videos and client testimonials.
For Coast to Coast Hot Water, Plumbing and Electrical’s Matthew Schilder, Digger King was an ideal choice when purchasing a new mini excavator.
After initially researching online for affordable new mini excavators, Schilder says he was immediately intrigued by the proposition of Digger King and wanted to find out more.
Receiving positive feedback, Schilder decided to purchase a 1.3-tonne mini excavator.
“The biggest factor for us was the cost,” Schilder says.
Based on the Central Coast of New South Wales, the plumbing and electrical company has since been undertaking trenching work with the new 1.3-tonne machine, for new electrical lines and plumbing repairs.
With the capacity to dig down to 1,650mm (1.65m), the mini excavator has been able to create these trenches with ease.
Schilder has been so impressed
with the mini excavator that not only is he using it for work purposes, but also for personal use.
“My farm has needed a bit of ongoing maintenance, so I’ve been using it on my property as well,” he says.
Powered by a 14hp (10.2kW) 3-cylinder Kubota engine, the Digger King machine comes with various-sized buckets, including a 200mm GP bucket, 400mm GP bucket and a 500mm mud bucket. Additionally, a ripper, grab and claw are also included.
To make it easier and more efficient when swapping between these different attachments, a quick hitch is also integrated onto the mini excavator.
Schilder received a heavy-duty trailer from Digger King as part of the package. Image: Digger King
The 1.3-tonne mini excavator is doing trenching work for new electrical lines and plumbing repairs. Image: Coast to Coast Hot Water, Plumbing and Electrical
Schilder has also found himself a means of easily transporting the machine, thanks to Digger King’s heavy-duty trailer, which was included in the purchase package.
Four-wheel electric brakes are included on the trailer, as well as easy fold down ramps to ensure Schilder can safely load and unload his gear.
In the unlikely event Schilder’s new mini excavator breaks down, he knows Digger King’s warranty has him in safe hands. The OEM will supply parts and labour for the first year of the machine’s operational life to get it back up and running.
A three-year parts warranty from the date of purchase is also offered, further instilling confidence in Schilder that he has the full support of Digger King.
Schilder says one of the biggest highlights of using the machine is the mini excavator’s swing boom.
“Where we can get it stands out the most,” he says.
“It can get into a lot of tight-access places, which has been fantastic for us.
“I haven’t had any issues with the machine, and it’s performed really well.”
For more information on the Digger King’s 1.3-tonne mini excavator trailer package, visit diggerking.com.au
Together, Towards Sustainability
Viva Energy is helping the construction sector make strides toward sustainability by showcasing the practicality and environmental benefits of products such as renewable diesel and biodegradable lubricants
The construction industry is at a critical juncture: balancing the demands of productivity with the need for sustainability.
With the growing demand for cleaner solutions, renewable diesel – also known as hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) – presents a promising alternative to diesel.
Lubricants also play a vital role in keeping machinery operating efficiently, and we can expect to see more high-quality environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) being introduced to the market.
Why renewable diesel matters
Viva Energy is making renewable diesel more accessible, enabling construction companies to reduce their carbon footprint and take a decisive step toward decarbonisation. Produced from renewable feedstocks like used cooking oils and animal fats, renewable diesel offers a reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional diesel.
Viva Energy carbon solutions manager Robert Cavicchiolo describes it as a “game-changer” for the construction industry.
“Renewable diesel offers performance comparable to conventional diesel but with lower emissions,” says Cavicchiolo.
“It’s a simple, drop-in solution
that allows companies to continue operations while reducing their carbon footprint.”
The key advantage of renewable diesel is its seamless compatibility with existing diesel infrastructure. Its hydrocarbon structure is very similar to fossil fuel diesel, meaning construction companies can use it in their current machinery, fleets and generators without any costly modifications making sure that the customers first gain approval from the respective original equipment manufacturers.
BMD Group – Australia’s leading integrated engineering, construction and urban development business – is partnering with Viva Energy to trial renewable diesel in its plant. As part of a recent trial, a telehandler powered by renewable diesel was tested onsite to explore the benefits and its potential to replace diesel in some of its construction activities.
“We value our collaboration with BMD in providing products and solutions to help them address their carbon emission reduction goals. Renewable diesel can reduce emissions up to 90 per cent compared to traditional diesel, based on a life cycle analysis basis, helping companies achieve their emission reduction targets,” says Cavicchiolo.
Viva Energy recognises that the
Viva Energy is making renewable diesel more accessible
transition to a net zero emissions world will require a mix of short, medium and long-term solutions. Renewable diesel is a suitable drop-in solution for today, while other zero emission technologies are developed for the future.
“Renewable diesel is a critical transition fuel for the construction industry, offering effective decarbonisation solutions without altering existing equipment,” BMD Group sustainability lead Martin Holiday says.
“This partnership and collaborative effort with Viva Energy is allowing us to explore the full potential of renewable diesel and drive meaningful progress in the industry.”
Protecting your equipment
Viva Energy is also the Shell Lubricants Macro Distributor in Australia,offering high-quality lubricants and biodegradable lubricants to businesses.
Biodegradable lubricants are not new to the construction industry. There has long been a need for EALs for certain jobsite environments, such as projects near water and environmentally sensitive areas. However, they have historically been considered low quality.
“Years ago, EALs were made with vegetable oils, and they had lower
Images:
Viva Energy
Renewable diesel is a step on the path to a renewables future
oxidation resistance, and were really just a necessity for select jobs,” Viva Energy product support engineer Silvana Farrugia says.
However, advancements in the performance of biodegradable lubricants have been accelerating in recent years, largely due to industry demand.
“This is largely being achieved through the reformulation of more balanced lubricants with higher tier synthetic ester base stocks and the development of better additives,” Farrugia says.
“The Shell PANOLIN portfolio, is technically well-balanced with high biodegradability and is designed for long life, with high performance and protection contributing to equipment longevity.”
Available through Viva Energy, the Shell PANOLIN portfolio includes a broad choice of readily biodegradable and low-ecotoxicity lubricants for hydraulics, gears, engines (HDEO) and greasing for machine lubrication, including leading OEM-approved products.
“Shell PANOLIN S4 HLP Synth 32, 46, 68 for example was the first Bosch Rexroth-approved biodegradable hydraulic oil, designed for uninterrupted equipment operation,” Farrugia says.
Viva Energy head of marketing
Renee Reilly adds: “We are pleased to bring the Shell PANOLIN range of products to the Australian market, and we have already seen strong interest amongst our partners and customers as they look to take tangible steps towards sustainability and biodegradable lubricants.”
Shell PANOLIN has developed a wide range of high-performance biodegradable lubricants, to ensure that whilst you can reduce the environmental impact of critical operations, it does not mean that you need to compromise on productivity or protection.1
Practical considerations
While more sustainable alternatives such as renewable diesel and biodegradable lubricants offer clear benefits, there are some factors companies should consider before making the switch:
1. Supply – renewable diesel, like conventional diesel, is currently imported into Australia,
and so is the Shell PANOLIN range, so planning is required if companies wish to transition to its use. However, Viva Energy ensures consistent availability through a robust supply chain.
2. Cost – renewable diesel or biodegradable lubricants typically come at a premium compared to traditional fuels and lubricants. Despite this, the long-term environmental and regulatory benefits may justify the additional cost.
3. T ransition – the transition to the Shell PANOLIN range is simple and doesn’t require significant downtime or equipment upgrades, though companies should plan ahead to dovetail with their existing fuel or lubricants stocks to ensure a smooth changeover.
End-to-end support
Viva Energy isn’t just a supplier; it’s a partner on the journey toward sustainability. From educational resources to technical support, the company is committed to helping businesses transition with minimal disruption and confidence.
“We’re here to guide construction companies through the switch to renewable or biodegradable options,” Reilly says.
“Through our Hydrocarbon Solutions team, we can also help customers establish or upgrade fuel farms, project-manage tank installations and ensure reliable, on-spec supply.”
For more information speak to one of our experts at Viva Energy Australia (Shell Lubricants Macro Distributor). Call 1300 134 205 or send an email to: technicalhelpdesk@vivaenergy. com.au / carbonsolutions@ vivaenergy.com.au
The Shell PANOLIN range of biodegradable lubricants
Crushin’ it
A new Astec Telestack GT125 jaw crusher is giving Hopkins Brothers the flexibility needed for its crushing and screening operations
Queensland’s Hopkins Brothers, a family-run supplier of hard rock quarry products, has been a longtime advocate for Astec’s crushing and screening products.
Based in Rockhampton, Hopkins Brothers supplies a range of materials – including sand, soil and gravel – to state and local government departments, as well as major contractors.
While the company was officially established in 1987, the Hopkins family had prior experience in the earthmoving and transport business sectors dating as far back as the 1880s. Owning one truck and one frontend loader initially, Hopkins Brothers has successfully grown over more than three decades, now owning more than 150 units of mobile plant.
Many of these units are Astec branded, Hopkins Brothers director Paul Hopkins explains.
“All of our Astec equipment has been very reliable, and the team have been very good to deal with,” he says.
Fleet upgrade
With an ever-evolving fleet, Hopkins is always looking to upgrade some of its ageing machinery.
This focus on taking advantage of the best and latest machinery on the market led to the purchase of a new Astec Telestack GT125 jaw crusher, which has already proved to be an invaluable asset.
Hopkins says a key reason for choosing Astec was the positive experiences he has had with the equipment.
“Astec’s machines are well-built and aren’t overly complicated,” he says.
“A lot of other-branded equipment now has got just too many electrics waiting to go wrong. Astec’s electrics are much simpler, and I find this more dependable.”
Since being acquired just over six months ago, the GT125 has mainly been operating at Hopkins Brothers’ Midgee quarry – located 10km south of Rockhampton – in which it has been used to produce various materials from road-base, crushed rock, aggregates and railway ballast. With a 27-inch by 42-inch (686mm
x 1,067mm) Kolberg Pioneer Vanguard jaw and a 225hp (166kW) Cat C7.1 engine, the GT125 may be smaller than its rivals, but its performance speaks for itself.
Compared to Hopkins Brothers’ larger Astec jaw crusher (FT3055 – 762mm x 1,397mm), Hopkins says the GT125 provides a similar production value whilst having a more convenient size.
“It’s a bit smaller than our other larger crusher, which makes it easier to transport around the quarry and even off-site,” he says.
“It can move fairly quick and hasn’t given us any trouble.”
Astec material solutions service & technical support manager Shaun Quinn says the Vanguard Jaw and the portability of the machine are key selling points.
“For a smaller gaped jaw and its compact nature, it packs a punch and delivers well and truly above its weight,” Quinn says.
“Portability was an important factor for Hopkins Brothers, and the GT125 has ticked multiple boxes for them.
“Its compact size means it’s able to
Images: Astec
Hopkins Brothers’ Astec GT125 jaw crusher was procured as an upgrade to an ageing machine
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be road transported easily. At 36-tonnes and 3,000mm wide, it makes this idea for a standard float configuration.”
Hopkins says this was another reason behind the purchase – to expand the company’s extensive wet hire capabilities.
Robust build
The GT125 features a 40” (1,016mm) by 14’ (4,300mm) long Vibrating Grizzly Feeder with a 30” (762mm) grizzly cassette section.
“Combine this feeder with our jaw that can accept up to 90 per cent of its gape makes this plant a worthy contender for those looking for a
compact workhorse,” Quinn says.
“We also have heavy duty dynamically balanced flywheels and when you match them with our 1-1/4” (32mm) stroke, it ensures the lowest cost per tonne.
“This model also uses the oldstyle trialled and proven structural excellence, welded and stress relieved mainframe – it’s not a bolt together design.
“And in my view, you can’t beat a fabricated, welded, stress relieved mainframe.”
Ongoing relationship
Having used many Astec machines, the Hopkins Brothers team have
developed a great relationship with the Astec team over the years and know they’ll always be supported.
“If we ever need anything they’re always there for us,” Hopkins says.
“Even if they don’t answer straight away, they’ll ring you back as soon as they can which is really important in this line of business.”
When asked what the relationship between Hopkins Brothers and Astec will look like in the future, Hopkins says it will only grow and strengthen as both parties mature.
For more information on the Astec GT125 jaw crusher, visit www.astecindustries.com
The jaw crusher has been operating at Hopkins Brothers’ Midgee quarry, as well as being offered for wet hire
The mobility of the GT125 has been a key benefit for Hopkins Brothers
Cutting-Edge Technology: Maximise efficiency with features like Load Sensing hydraulics for unmatched control.
450 kW Volvo Engine: Dominate any material with effortless digging force.
Safety & Operator Comfort: Experience a panoramic view and intuitive controls in a safe, ergonomic cab.
Volvo’s unique ECO Mode and an advanced electro-hydraulic system, achieving outstanding fuel efficiency.
Tough tools
Tackling invasive grass and hard wood in Far North Queensland has been made simple for Clearscape’s Mat Plageman as he can trust in the durability and precision of the Diamond Mowers range of mulchers from Colbrook Industries
Speaking with Clearscape owner Mat Plageman from his base in Cairns, he says the key challenge with his work is handling guinea grass and lantana, which grows so tall and thick that landowners can rapidly be overwhelmed.
This, he says, is where his services as a specialist land clearance contractor comes in, supported by his suite of Diamond Mower mulchers and a remote-controlled mower, sourced from Australian dealer Colbrook Industries.
“I set up Clearscape about two years ago as I grew up on a farm and have always been into the outdoors,” Mat says.
“I met some successful contractors
in the industry and looked into setting up my own business. We have a lot of heavy regrowth in Far North Queensland – you blink your eyes and it’s 10-foot high again! It just takes over if people don’t stay on top of it.”
A major challenge for both the landowners and Mat are the hidden objects that can be completely obscured from view if a path or piece of land hasn’t been cleared for a while. If you accidentally hit something and you don’t have the right gear – it can be a costly mistake.
“There’s often a lot of junk, rocks or stumps and things that are hidden, so a landowner doesn’t want to go through with just a slasher on a tractor in case
they hit something,” Mat says.
“The best way is to go in with something like our brush cutter, which is a three-bladed unit that allows us to meticulously move around and find objects. A lot of the time we’re not clearing large open spaces; we’re going into hard to access areas and getting them back under control.”
Right machinery for the job
Mat has three Diamond Mowers mulchers that he uses with a small skid steer to undertake this work –a Diamond Mowers 72-inch brush cutter, a 60-inch disc mulcher and a 50-inch drum mulcher.
“I use these three in combination to do everything from tight access to larger open acreage areas, and these three can cover pretty much anything from light grass right up to heavy regrowth trees,” Mat says.
With the risk of hidden objects being a major concern, he says Diamond Mowers’ durability and robustness is what first drew him to the brand.
“When you’re going into these areas of tall guinea grass or lantana, when you don’t know what’s in there, that’s a big plus,” he says.
“I’ve hit fridges and car rims hidden beneath vegetation, so if I’m clearing a development site and the guinea grass is 10 to 15 feet high, I really need to make sure that, if I hit something, the attachment I have can take it.
Cairns contractor Clearscape uses three Diamond Mowers attachments to handle vegetation clearance
Mat Plageman set up Clearscape two years ago and highly recommends Diamond Mowers and Colbrook Industries
For increased safety when mowing slopes, an RC remote controlled mower is used
“Having that confidence, which the Diamond Mowers mulchers give me, means I don’t have to worry about it, which makes me more productive.”
He adds that they have also been simple to use and maintain, with it being a quick job to swap between attachments. The expertise of Colbrook Industries has been invaluable, he adds, to ensure that he has the right equipment for the work he does and for the skid steer he uses.
“Colbrook will change out the couplers depending on what machine you have,” Mat says.
“They’ll ask you about your machinery, what the hydraulic flow is like, etc. They were very specific on what I have and whether the mowers would work. I like the fact that they have a broad range of sizes and motors to suit different-sized machines, because I’ve only got a 75hp skid steer.”
He adds that the Diamond Mowers mulchers have also handled well against hard vegetation like ironbark.
“At the moment, the three attachments that I have mean I can leave the job with everything being processed to where I want it to be,” he says.
Remote mowing
In addition to the three Diamond Mowers attachments, Mat has also bought an RC Mowers remote
operated slope mower from Colbrook Industries, which he says is ideal for mowing steep slopes and keeping the operator safe.
“As it’s low to the ground, tracked and really wide, it can do steep angles up to 50 degrees,” he says.
“It’s very simple to use as you drive it using a single joystick. We use it on things like drains and easements. The drainage system up here in Cairns is pretty unique and big, because we’ve got quite a large volume of water, so we get a lot of drain systems and easements that are tough for people to maintain when all they have is a whipper snipper.
“It’s also a lot safer being able to drive it remotely. I could happily put an operator on it and feel that they’re going to do it safely, because they’re not sitting on it.”
Colbrook Industries
With a wide operating range in a remote area of Australia, Mat says Colbrook Industries’ backup has been invaluable for his business. Even if his machinery does have a breakdown, he says he has the confidence that Colbrook will get him back up and running as quickly as possible.
“Colbrook are very supportive,” he says.
“It comes down to communication, and I can talk to the service guys at Colbrook at any time. Whether it’s a weekend or a public holiday, they’re very responsive, and if I need advice, they’re there.
“I’m not overly mechanically minded and sometimes a dealer will sell you something and then leave you to figure it out, but Colbrook are fantastic at explaining how best to utilise an attachment.”
Looking ahead, Mat says on the wish list from Colbrook Industries is a Lamtrac mulcher carrier, which he has occasionally subcontracted from Victoria’s Dakota Contracting for larger jobs.
“Lamtrac is pretty much the ultimate in the industry as it’s compact but a dedicated mulching machine that can handle everything,” Mat says.
“That’s what we’re striving for; we just need enough work to warrant a machine of that calibre.”
For more information on Colbrook Industry’s range of mowing machinery and attachments, visit: www.colbrookindustries.com.au
Mat Plageman says Diamond Mowers’ attachments are hardy enough to handle hidden hazards when clearing ground
Bringing the power
In a busy market, JCB excavators have stood out to Sydney contractor Top Civil Group – providing power, comfort and stability with zero tail swing
For Top Civil Group owner Shaun Liu, it’s the versatility and power to size ratio that makes his JCB excavators stand out. With a third JZ140 16-tonne excavator and one of the new X Series – the 27-tonne 245XR – recently joining the Top Civil Group fleet, we caught up with Liu to find out why JCB hits the mark for his business.
“At Top Civil we do a wide range of different projects,” he says.
“We cover demolition and asbestos removal, subdivision work, installing water and sewer pipes, building roads, large-scale excavation, piling and concrete.
“Our reputation is built on commitment to the builders we work with and the subbies we hire. We always start a project on time and do everything we can to finish when we say we will. We never walk away from a problem and, because of that, we have built very strong relationships in the industry.”
As part of Top Civil’s commitment
to getting where they are needed, when they are needed, Liu has built up a 20-strong fleet of new machinery, which he keeps regularly updated.
“All of the machinery is new, under 4,000 hours,” he says.
“I borrowed a JZ140 from a friend a couple of years ago and it did such a good job that I’ve since bought my third, along with my first 245XR. They’re very powerful for the size of machine – even at higher loads they just keep on going.”
JCB CEA territory manager heavy line Samuel Coombe says that the JZ140, which JCB describes as being in the 14-tonne category, has been very popular with Australian customers due to the level of engineering expertise that goes into JCB’s machines as well as the heavy build.
Having worked with Top Civil Group for many years, he says the addition of the new X Series 245XR
excavator to the fleet will allow the business to see even greater productivity gains.
“They’ve got larger cabin spaces, they’ve got better fuel savings, and they’ve got really good stability over the side,” Coombe says.
“With Top Civil doing a lot of demolition and excavating work, both of these new machines pair well with the business, particularly as they are both zero swing excavators. Shaun has done his research, he knows what’s on the market and he decided that JCB was the best option.”
Top features
Coombe says JCB excavators appeal because of their power to weight ratio, with a compact size and zero swing reducing collision risk on site, particularly on compact urban or roadside construction sites.
“The reason why I like to sell JCB machinery is that JCB have been around since 1945, so they have a
Top Civil Group supervisor Xiaodong Sun and Top Civil Group owner Shaun Liu with their new JCB 245XR excavator. Image: JCB CEA
vast wealth of knowledge,” he says.
“They’ve invented a lot of machines, like the backhoes and telehandlers, and their product continues to evolve, which can be seen with the new X Series excavators coming through.
“One of the biggest things that JCB do with their excavators is
they build a lot of their weight down low. They’ve got really thick, heavy chassis, and they’ve got big blades. This gives them, especially in demolition, a lot of strength and stability.
“JCB also manufacture their own parts, which means everything can be exactly what they want. We
Top Civil Group has added a third JCB JZ140 to the fleet. Image: JCB CEA
have one of the largest cabins on the market for example and with regards to visibility the main boom arm is mounted in the centre of the slew ring. This gives better balance, plus, when the operator brings the excavator arm right back, they can see clear under the arm to the other side of the machine.”
The excavator operating system can also be customised, with up to 10 different attachments able to be programmed through the dash. All JCB machines are also fitted with the LiveLink System for remote tracking of data such as fuel usage and maintenance alerts.
“LiveLink has a lot of benefits for our customers,” Coombe says.
“You’ll get service reminders, or we can do things like geofencing to lock the machine in a job site, so if it exits that site, the customer or ourselves get a notification to let us know that it’s outside of its set area.
“Another good feature for hire customers for example is the ability to monitor start and stop times. All of this information can be accessed remotely which gives an in-depth summary of what is happening with the machine.
“In addition to this, there is a power boost button located on the bottom of the joystick, so if a customer is operating in harsh conditions, pressing that power boost button will alter the hydraulics to direct more digging power into the ground surface.”
X Series
The JCB 245XR excavator that recently joined Top Civil Group is one of two models in the new X Series of excavators released by JCB, with Coombe saying a 14-tonne excavator and 37-tonne excavator will soon be joining the lineup after their release in the UK.
“What they’ve done on these machines is they’ve slightly improved the JCB engine, to be more fuel efficient,” Coombe says.
“JCB has also included its new CommandPlus cabin, which is both
larger and the quietest cabin on the market at 68 decibels.
“You can merge your auxiliary flows to get a combined flow of 300 litres per minute and they’ve improved the hydraulic pumps on these machines with next generation Kawasaki hydraulic pumps. There is no DPF on these machines either.
“It’s really good for utilities work,
road construction and pipelaying jobs. Top Civil Group uses this for demolition and excavation works as well. The zero swing machines are definitely putting the counterweight swing machines out of the market.”
Top Civil Group’s Shaun Liu says the new 245XR has been an instant hit with his operators, who like the larger cabin and find it comfortable
Top Civil Group says their JCB machines are highly versatile for their work.
and easy to operate. He says it’s also great value as it’s overspecced for the 25-tonne category it’s positioned in, with the machine able to reach higher and take on the larger demolition and excavation work his business undertakes.
“It’s highly versatile,” he says.
“We’re using it on a range of projects, from levelling land to excavation of around 20,000 cubic metres of soil at another site, and then it’ll be used to demolish a nursing home. With it being zero-swing, it can do anything.
“CEA has provided us with great service and, price-wise, the JCB brand suits us very well. If there are any issues, CEA are there to help us out – they’re very good.”
For further information on the JCB range available through CEA, visit: jcbcea.com.au
Image: Top Civil Group
The JCB 245XR excavator is one of JCB’s new range of models. Image: Top Civil Group
Pocket Lift Plus
Dry Weight 2050kg
Lifting Capacity 1800kg
Lifting Height 2640mm
Transportable Measurements:
L2370mm x W1460mm x H780mm
Lifting Weight Extended 500kg
Lifting Weight Retracted 800kg
Total Length - Boom extended: L4600mm x H760mm Pocket Bucket
Youngs Earthmoving is renowned for its remote projects, becoming a trusted name in WA’s civil construction and mining support sectors
As it approaches its 50th anniversary, Youngs Earthmoving continues to grow its already 147-strong fleet of Cat® equipment, thanks to a long-standing relationship with dealer WesTrac
Having a lifetime involvement with earthmoving equipment, Youngs Earthmoving founder and managing director Rodney Young was no stranger to heavy machinery growing up.
Growing up in the remote Kimberley Region of Western Australia, his father owned various
pieces of equipment and Rodney was always intrigued by the yellow machines.
It’s this interest that planted the seeds from a young age to establish his own business.
“I remember standing there as a kid, watching a brand-new dozer working,” he says.
“That was probably the moment I knew I’d spend my life around earthmoving machinery.”
In 1978 he launched Youngs Earthmoving, backed by his uncompromising work ethic and a single machine delivering contracting services.
Foundational projects included works for the Shire of Carnarvon – a coastal town around 900km north of Perth – the Main Roads Department, and various mining companies, including CRA Exploration.
One brand was chosen to be the backbone of the fleet, Caterpillar, and as the Cat fleet grew, so did a reputation for reliability, strong client partnerships and a willingness to take on the toughest jobs.
“We didn’t just want to move dirt, we wanted to build something lasting,” Rodney says.
“That meant investing heavily in our people and our equipment, even when it wasn’t easy.”
Forged in the dirt
For nearly five decades now, Youngs Earthmoving has not only undertaken some of the most remote projects in Australia – it has thrived, carving out a reputation as one of
Left to right: John Connell, Cameron Callaway, Rodney Young, and Jarvas Croome
Images: Youngs Earthmoving / Jamie Gray
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CATERPILLAR
One of Youngs Earthmoving’s old Cat D9H dozers next to a more modern Cat D6T dozer
WA’s most trusted names in civil construction and mining support.
While it is today headquartered in Perth, the family-owned and operated contractor is true to its northern roots, with a large presence in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions, including Tom Price, Port Hedland and Derby.
Youngs Earthmoving’s services span far more than traditional earthworks, from flood recovery efforts to critical infrastructure projects, and it has consistently proven its capability to operate in some of the harshest and most isolated environments in Australia.
It offers everything from dam construction, road and airstrip construction and maintenance, to drill pad construction and rehabilitation as well as revegetation projects. Having this variety of services ensures the business is a one-stop shop for clients across the civil, mining and infrastructure sectors.
What began in 1978 with a single machine and a bold vision has grown into a powerhouse operation with more than 200 employees and 149 machines, including trucks.
Operating in the remote outback means machine reliability isn’t just important for the business, it’s critical.
That’s why every piece of Young’s Earthmoving equipment carries the Caterpillar name.
“Cat machines have been a mainstay of the business,” Rodney says.
“I couldn’t afford a brand-new Cat machine when I first started off, but ever since I could, I’ve only chosen Cat machines because they have the most cutting-edge designs.
“When you’re going out to remote areas, you can’t go with old equipment and try to be a reliable supplier to your client, so you need
the latest equipment and Cat has that.
“Nothing else matches the performance, longevity, reliability and resale value of Cat machines.”
Trusted partner
A partnership with local Cat dealer, WesTrac, has been a cornerstone of Youngs Earthmoving’s operational success. Since its inception in 1990, WesTrac has been the supplier of choice for Youngs’ machinery fleet.
Young says the exceptional aftersales service, fast parts support and deep understanding of the challenges of remote work have made WesTrac an invaluable ally.
“Having a supplier who’s got the
Youngs have a fleet of 147 Cat machines throughout the Kimberley of Western Australia
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CATERPILLAR
parts and is able to service your equipment is integral in our work,” Rodney says.
“WesTrac has the biggest network of parts and service fitters throughout the state, so you know if you’re working remotely, you have the backup support.
“If you’ve got a problem with a Cat machine, they’ve got the technical expertise to solve it.”
Of all the times WesTrac has gone above and beyond to keep Youngs Earthmoving ticking along, Rodney says one stands alone.
Mobilising a road crew out to the Northern Territory border, around 1,500km east of Port Hedland,
Rodney says a supervisor had broken down and needed a part for a grader. He was located around 200km past the mining town of Telfer in the Great Sandy Desert, making it near impossible to get the required part.
“In our world, downtime isn’t just expensive – it’s a threat to the whole project and, more importantly, longstanding client relationships,” Rodney says.
Being able to call a WesTrac dedicated service technician after hours, Rodney asked for assistance and WesTrac was happy to oblige.
“I asked if they could deliver the part to Perth airport, so I could fly to Telfer on next morning’s plane with
the part in my hand ,” he says.
“I told my supervisor to be at the security gate at 10am the next morning and he would have the part.
“By that afternoon we had the grader up and running again.
“Now here we are in the most remote place in Australia having a night breakdown, and we’re able to get the part and machine running the very next day – you can’t beat that.”
Building an empire
Over the decades, Youngs Earthmoving has seen many contractors come and go. Rodney credits its longevity to building real relationships both within and outside of the company.
He has also invested in highly trained operators and wellmaintained Cat equipment to ensure staff turnover is minimal.
“We always have new or late model Cat machines,” Rodney says.
“That not only gives us exceptional reliability, but it also means that we can recruit and retain great operators because they’re not going to break down at work.”
For this reason, Rodney has always reinvested into the business, buying more Cat machines and developing a deep understanding of his clients’ Cat machinery’s reliability is
Rodney (middle) has been procuring equipment from local dealer WesTrac since it was established
CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CATERPILLAR
needs. By doing so, it has helped the business grow and gain a reputation for reliable services.
“We’ve shown that we can do the job and we’ve grown because of our long-standing client relationships,” Rodney says.
“We started off with the civil arm of the business, but we really grew with the mining companies, and that’s where most of our business is now.”
Comparing the business from when it started to where it sits now, Rodney says the growth has been steady and strategic.
“Standing still was never anoption, we’ve always embraced new technology, better techniques and smarter systems,” he says.
“It’s how you survive and thrive over almost five decades in this competitive environment.”
Along the way, Youngs has benefited from the guidance of many industry legends and key mentors from mining companies, including Leighton Holdings (now known as CIMIC group), Macmahon Holdings and Henry Walker Eltin.
“We’ve always made it a priority to learn from the best and to do things a little differently with an emphasis on maximising efficiency,” Rodney says.
“Standing still was never an option, we’ve always embraced new technology, better techniques and smarter systems”
Celebration time With Caterpillar celebrating 100 years in building earthmoving machinery, and Youngs Earthmoving coming up to its own 50th anniversary, Rodney says that Caterpillar and WesTrac have been invaluable partners in the growth and success of his business, and will continue to play a key role.
“It gives you confidence in your business knowing WesTrac can always get your machine repaired if something goes wrong,” Rodney says.
“Caterpillar have an enormous equipment range of all sizes and for all types of projects.
“We’ll always use Caterpillar because it’s number one in the industry.”
For more information on Youngs Earthmoving, visit youngsearth.com.au or call 08 9286 4666.
WesTrac can be contacted by visiting westrac.com.au or by calling 1300 881 064.
Rodney credits the long-standing relationships he’s built for helping grow the business
Youngs Earthmoving is approaching its 50th anniversary in 2028
The dozer specialist
Having firmly established itself at its new multi-purpose facility, dozer specialist Makin Traks now has service and repair capabilities
It’s been just over a year since used machinery and dozer specialist
Makin Traks moved into its brandnew facility in Yandina, on the Sunshine Coast, and its customers have been reaping the benefits.
The family-owned and operated company is well-known for specialising in low-hour, high-quality Caterpillar dozers, but it also offers premium second-hand graders and tracked skid steer loaders.
While Cat machinery is the flagship
brand of the company, Makin Traks also delves into two other brands of equipment, in which it believes are also in the upper echelon of OEMs.
“About 80 per cent of our machines are Cat-branded and the other 20 per cent would be Komatsu and John Deere,” Makin Traks owner Daz Scale says.
“We only sell what customers are chasing and, in the dozer world, Caterpillar, Komatsu and John Deere are the premium brands.”
Home base
Having previously worked out of small farmland sheds, Makin Traks’ new 4,000 square metre workshop has not only allowed the company to expand its services but also enhance its aftersales support.
A wide range of spare parts and attachments are offered, including a variety of rippers, stick rakes and sweeps and screens.
“Anything that matches up with our machinery, we will offer to both dealers and customers, so retail and wholesale,” Scale says.
“Our sweeps and screens provide additional protection over the cabin and windows. They’re well-suited to those working in bushland where trees and branches could fall onto the machine.”
With upgraded workshops and manufacturing facilities, the new workshop was specifically designed to be able to repair and maintain earthmoving machinery – a service the company previously hadn’t been able to offer.
“Our previous focus was solely on sales and hire, where it was probably 85 per cent sales and 15 per cent hire,” Scale says.
“Since we’ve had the new factory, we’ve able to incorporate some local servicing and repairs for customers
Makin Traks specialises in low-hour Caterpillar dozers, as well second-hand graders and tracked skid steer loaders
Images: Makin
Traks
Cat is the flagship brand of the company, but it also offers Komatsu and John Deere
as well, and that’s something that we’re actively looking to promote and move down that path.”
Customers can rest assured their equipment is in safe hands thanks to Makin Traks’ highly experienced service technicians, with some having worked for more than 30 years in the industry.
In addition to its service capabilities, the new site has allowed Makin Traks to do a little bit of custom fabrication work.
While working on a customer’s piece of equipment, Scale says the company now can fabricate or weld, depending on the request of the machinery owner. This can include building and customising stick
rakes, tree pushers, canopies and other attachments.
Stocked up
The sheer size of the Yandina-based facility is a key reason why Makin Traks can have such a large variety of machines on hand at any time –providing greater optionality for it its customers.
It currently has over 100 pieces of equipment available for sale, with around 80 dozers, 20 graders and 10 tracked skid steers making up the offering.
All Makin Traks’ machinery is meticulously sourced from overseas, ensuring the equipment comes in with low hours and in quality condition.
Compared to its humble beginnings working out of small sheds, Scale says the new facility really offers the ‘wow factor’ for customers.
“When you’re working out of a shed customers may be hesitant to trust you with their machine, but the new facility gives respect to what the industry expects,” Scale says.
“It just adds a level of professionalism. When you’ve got a quality presence, customers grow in confidence that their machine is going to be of the highest quality.”
For more information, visit www.makintraks.com or call Daz Scale on 0402 940 490.
The new factory has allowed the business to service and maintain machinery
Over 100 pieces of equipment are available for sale
As a female-leader of a global logistics company, Emily Jackman is promoting diversity through her sponsorship of a Women in Industry award category
Kenter International Logistics founder Emily Jackman has, since its inception in 2010, built the freight forwarding and heavy equipment transportation specialist into a global logistics company.
Leading a company in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Emily uses her position to encourage diversity and empower women to seek growth in heavy machinery-based roles.
This has come in the form of sponsoring a category in Prime Creative Media’s Women in Industry Awards, which celebrate the achievements of outstanding women working across a variety of industries.
Earthmovers & Excavators caught up with Emily to find out more about her journey founding Kenter, and why it is important to acknowledge female leadership and achievements.
Navigating the field
After studying marine studies at polytechnic, Emily’s first entrance into the world of logistics was at
New Zealand’s Port of Tauranga, where she worked as a process implementation change manager.
From this starting point, she moved around global shipping companies and ports, before ending up as a freight forwarder of heavy machinery. This is where Emily found her niche and she decided to
start up her own business – Kenter International Logistics.
“I didn’t really know what I was going to do when I first started Kenter,” she says.
“A customer rang me one day and asked if I could ship them something. I decided to give it a crack, and that was how it all began.”
It was a challenging undertaking and, initially, Emily says she found it difficult to navigate the challenges thrown at her and make a name for herself in the industry. However, by digging deep and showing resilience, she gradually carved a space for her specialist role, reaching out to male allies who helped mentor her.
“I wouldn’t be in this position to support other women in the heavy industry, and sponsor an award, if it hadn’t had been for some highly qualified and respected males at the top of their field,” she says.
“They gave me the opportunity to openly discuss the challenges as they presented, and learn from their experiences over decades in both aspects of business management along with freight operations, generously and honestly. I remain grateful always, and continue to work with them today.”
Setting the example
As a mother of three – two sons and a daughter – Emily wants to
Emily Jackman is the founder of Kenter International Logistics
Images: Emily Jackman
Kenter is a freight forwarding and heavy equipment transportation specialist
Emily (right) represented Kenter as a sponsor of Prime Creative Media’s Women in Industry Awards
set the example of how men and women can thrive within the heavy machinery industry.
She acknowledges that different people can need different working conditions, so Kenter provides support to employees in whatever shape or form they need.
“Women in the heavy industry often face a lack of support, and the ability to talk about what they’re experiencing, to get better at whatever it is that they’re doing,” Emily says.
“Women need to support each other and create a safe space where we can actually talk about what we’re experiencing in the heavy industry – this will lead to more women in leadership-based roles.”
One initiative that is helping to achieve this is Prime Creative Media’s Women in Industry Awards – which recognise outstanding women from across a range of industrials sectors that are traditionally male-dominated.
In 2024, Kenter sponsored the Excellence in Transport award – recognising an individual who has gone above and beyond to improve and positively impact the Australian transport industry. Emily is proud to be back on board in 2025, sponsoring the same award.
“I really like the Women in
Women in Industry
Industry Awards because they encourage women to be stoked about their own achievement, without them thinking it’s arrogance or ego.”
The awards night provides the opportunity for Emily to speak with various women within her industry, all bringing different perspectives. Due to this, she believes the Women in Industry Awards are powerful.
“It’s great to see women supporting each other and this can lead to more individuals gaining the confidence to work in the heavy industry and work their way up into leadership roles,” Emily says.
Through initiatives like this, she believes more women are gaining this confidence.
When asked if she has seen a
shift in more women participating in the heavy industry, Emily responded emphatically with one word –absolutely. She adds that the more women that take on opportunities and give it a crack, the more they can find out if they enjoy it.
Naturally, this will help boost the number of women in the industry and create a more diverse work environment.
“I’m highly grateful for the position I’m in, it’s taken a lot of hard work to get to here,” Emily says.
“If we can create a safe space and a support network of women in heavy industry, that would be my utopia, because there are opportunities available.”
For more information on the Women in Industry Awards, visit: womeninindustry.com.au
Kenter works with many machinery importers, exporters and auctioneers
Events News
Best of the west
Newly crowned WA state champion of the Caterpillar Global Operator challenge Max Harris is looking forward to an international test, with a possible surprise in store for his family
To be named Western Australia’s best equipment operator is one thing, but to achieve this feat without knowing the last time you even stepped inside a machine is another.
Kalgoorlie–Boulder’s Max Harris did just that after being crowned the state champion of the Global Operator Challenge (GOC), hosted by Caterpillar dealer WesTrac.
As an open pit supervisor for the last couple years at gold mining company Northern Star, Harris is responsible for all workers’ safety, so he must ensure everyone is following procedures and policies. Because of this, it’s not often he gets the chance to operate machinery.
“I hadn’t been in a machine for ages before I participated in the event,” he says.
Although he hasn’t had as much day-to-day interaction with machinery compared to other GOC finalists, Harris clearly is a veteran.
Before gaining the supervisor role, Harris had been operating machinery on and off since he was 18 – having had his own business for around two years and using equipment on his friends’ properties.
Now in his mid 30s, Harris’
motivation to get involved in the Cat GOC originally came from seeing a fellow local Kalgoorlie operator win the event several years ago.
Believing in himself that he could also achieve the same feat, Harris
Max Harris was crowned WA’s best operator at the state final of the Cat Global Operator Challenge
signed up and booked a flight to Perth for the tryout heats held at WesTrac’s Perth Branch dig pit. It wasn’t long before he received a call telling him he had reached the final.
Having been the first time Harris had operated a machine in quite some time, he cherished the opportunity.
“The experience was unreal –I loved every minute of it,” he says.
“I wish I could get paid to do it every single day.”
Tough test
WesTrac’s state final of the Cat GOC saw Harris outperform 10 other finalists in a series of three challenges designed to test the skill, accuracy and agility of the competitors.
“It was a lot of situational awareness challenges – basically, knowing how big your machine is without touching the cones on either side of the track,” Harris says.
A 15-tonne Cat excavator was operated for the first challenge, where Harris says he and other competitors were tested on their precision, by picking up an oil filter
Harris impressively won the competition despite not currently being an operator
Images: WesTrac
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Events News
from a small holster and replacing it. Once this was done, a trench had to be dug around 2.5-metres long and 900mm deep using Cat 2D digging technology.
The second challenge saw operators pick up a log with a backhoe loader and navigate an obstacle course. Harris says he then had to set the digger arm up, pick up a basketball, and drop it in a bucket.
Compact track loaders (CTLs) with pallet fork attachments were used on the third and final challenge, with Harris saying operators once again took part in a basketball-related task.
After using the forks to pick up the basketball, he says he had to travel through the obstacle course before dunking the ball into a hoop held by another CTL.
Additionally, he then had to pick up a tyre, navigate the course again, drop it at a pole, and reverse up to the pole as close as he could without touching.
Completing these tasks with impeccable precision, Harris says it was an unreal feeling to be crowned the state champion.
“It took me quite a few days and nights for it to sink in,” he says.
“Every night after, I couldn’t sleep because I was just reliving the moment, and the excitement would kick back in again.”
Top prize
One of the perks of being WA’s Cat GOC state champion is an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan, where Harris will compete against international operators at the AsiaPacific Regional Final in October.
Not only is Harris excited about testing his skills against international operators, but he’s also looking forward to a bit of a holiday.
“I’m stoked and I can’t wait,” Harris says.
“I’ve always wanted to go to Japan to visit and try all of their amazing food.”
It’s not all R&R though, as Harris says he’s already preparing for the event.
As state champion, Harris has won an all-expenses-paid trip to Japan, where he will compete against international operators at the Asia-Pacific Regional Final
The state final was held at WesTrac’s Perth branch dig pit, where Harris competed against 10 other finalists
“I’ve been watching and studying all the videos from previous years of the event, so I’m trying to size up the competition,” he says.
From the Asia-Pacific Regional Final, only three operators will be selected to travel to Las Vegas to compete against the world’s best operators in the Cat GOC final held at CONEXPO, in March 2026.
It’s a huge ask, but if Harris can manage to make it Vegas, he’ll be in for one of the most memorable holidays of his life, although not for the reasons you may assume.
“My partner has put a bit of pressure on me, because I told her if I made it through to Vegas, we’d get married there,” he says.
“On the competitor’s card there was a question of what would you do if you made it all the way, and I wrote that I would get married by Elvis in a chapel.”
Events News
Civil Olympics
After several years of coming runner up at a New Zealand excavator operator competition, 2025 winner Steven George highlights how the event put his skills to the test
While we all know the various capabilities of excavators for onsite job purposes, what’s less common knowledge is their ability to be used for recreational activities.
This was showcased at the annual Civil Contractors New Zealand National Excavator Operator Competition, where 12 operators went head-to-head in a series of unique challenges from inside their machine’s cabin, including painting and traditional board games.
Held in mid-March, at the Central District Field Days in Fielding, the competition has been ongoing since 1994 and is renowned for these wacky challenges, which are designed to put operators’ skills to the test.
This year, Whangarei owneroperator Steven George took out the title in a triumph that has been many years in the making.
His success in the 2025 national competition follows previous attempts in 2024 and 2023, where he finished third and second respectively, as well as having many tries at the regional equivalent.
George says it was a ‘bloody good feeling’ to finally be crowned New Zealand’s top excavator operator.
“Having finished second and third previously, it wasn’t bad, but it’s not the same feeling as first,” he says.
“I wasn’t too confident, I enjoyed watching all the other competitors.
“Everybody’s pretty skilled and I don’t usually get nervous, but there was a bit of that in the competition.”
The 2025 competition saw operators compete in a range of
The CCNZ National Excavator Operator Competition involved a variety of unique challenges
tricky challenges with an excavator, including the ‘over the wire’ task, where they had to construct ramps of earth to navigate over a wire, as well as the ‘Connect Challenge’, which is a jumbo recreation of the classic Connect Four game.
Some of the more traditional tasks of the competition’s excavator course saw competitors painting, scooping ice cream and popping a champagne cork.
“The challenges in the competition are really enjoyable,” George says.
“For me, it’s about testing myself and proving to myself that I can do it.
“The only way to learn is to put yourself in uncomfortable positions or put yourself under pressure and grow from it.”
Building the skillset
Operating excavators wasn’t what George had originally planned for his work life, so it’s even more impressive to see how accomplished he’s become behind the controls of the diggers he steps into.
The skills that he has gained has come gradually over 25 years, all starting with an old 10-tonne Komatsu on his father’s farm.
“I learnt all the basic controls on
Steven George won the competition for the first time, previously finished in the top three twice
George has had experience operating excavators for around 25 years
that for a few years,” he says.
After school life, George moved to Melbourne to work for a demolition company. With an excavator and a skid steer loader, it was the first time he got to operate the machinery in a professional environment.
From there on, George has had the opportunity to operate excavators at every job he’s had – even as the owner of his own business.
“I’ve always liked the idea of selfemployment and the thought of working myself,” he says.
“I got to the point where I decided I’d buy my own excavator and work for myself.”
This was the catalyst for the birth of his own earthmoving contracting business in 2015 – Steven George Contracting.
Title defence
As an owner-operator, George says it can be hectic but he enjoys the flexibility of running his own business.
“It’s very busy – you’ve got to look for jobs, price jobs as well as getting paperwork done,” he says.
“If the machine’s not working, you’re not making any money.
“There’s definitely more hours involved, but at the same time its
pretty good to be able to take half the day off here and there to do whatever you would like.”
Although most of his time is taken up by the business, George always makes time for the CCNZ excavator operator competitions – having competed around eight times at the regional finals, three at the national level, and plans to be back next year.
Traditionally, the winner of the competition would be automatically entered into the next national final, but now with a slight rule change, George will have to start his title defence from the ground up at the regional level, winning his regional
event to qualify again for the national competition.
When asked how he orginally got involved in the competitions and why he’s so passionate about them, George said it comes down to his competitive nature.
“If there’s something I can do where I can compete – whether it’s in the civil industry or involving sports – I generally find myself doing it,” he says.
“That’s why I decided to get involved, but it’s also a good way of keeping in contact with other people within the industry and learning from others.”
George taking on the jumbo version of the Connect Four game
George aims to defend his title at next year’s competition
Adding value
ContiTech has brought its industrial solutions together to provide its customers with an optimised strategy for peak performance
ContiTech was out in full force at Diesel Dirt & Turf in Sydney earlier this month, with an expanded range of off highway products on display to showcase the full capabilities of its offering.
Known globally for its highquality industrial hoses specifically designed for transporting everything from concrete to chemicals to air, ContiTech head of sales distribution – AUS/NZ Lee Cranswick says that Diesel Dirt & Turf was a great way to demonstrate to ContiTech customers that it can offer a complete approach to process optimisation.
“A new addition this year to our stand was our range of lightweight distribution conveyors, which can be used in heavy duty applications such as moving bulk materials,” Cranswick says.
“These accompanied our core focus, which is the hydraulic and industrial hose. These are products that we’ve been manufacturing for a very long time and are well known on the market.
“Through our link with our dynamic solutions business we also had a selection of off highway products, such as air springs, on display as well as our power transmission product. We are renowned on the market globally for our power transmission products and being at a show like DDT means we can celebrate the quality of our brand.”
With a full suite of ContiTech experts at the show, Cranswick says it was a great opportunity to speak with customers about their businesses and provide a deep insight into how
efficiencies and cost savings can be achieved by using products from across ContiTech’s industrial range.
“Our core aim is to increase our customers’ sustainability and productivity,” Cranswick says.
“We can focus on how to make their business run a bit smoother while reducing downtime with quality products. It’s a tough market at the moment and people want products that last a long time.
That’s where we can come in and offer a premium product and assist with proper choice of product for an application.
“If you don’t have the right product for an application, it might last a short while, but if you actually do the due diligence and sit down at the subject matter experts, you can really extend the life of that product by a long time, which reduces downtime and improves cost efficiency.”
ContiTech restructure
From the beginning of last year, ContiTech restructured its
operations to better position the company to meet customer needs. Cranswick says the splitting of ContiTech into two divisions –customer engineered solutions and distribution – has allowed the business to showcase more of its wide product range to customers.
“The benefit of the restructure is we’re in front of our customers with more opportunity and more products, and our experts have a strong understanding of our whole product range,” he says.
“We always want to be the first choice for material driven solutions, and the business restructure was the best way to achieve that goal.
“We’ve been bringing in new distributors with regards to the hydraulic industrial space, and we’re doing what we can to focus on the ease of doing business with Continental in terms of you can buy all your all your requirements, with one invoice, one accounts, person, etc.
“One of the key things we’re trying to do is always add value and provide solutions – working with our customers to make sure that they’re getting the best opportunity to succeed in what they’re doing and providing them with quality product.”
For more information, visit: www.continental.com/en/ products-and-innovation/ products/contitech
ContiTech supplies specialist hoses for a range of media. Image: Andy Dean/ stock.adobe.com
ContiTech specialises in industrial hoses
Gold standard
As Gold Sponsor of the Diesel, Dirt & Turf Expo, Komatsu’s stand had one of the largest showcases of machinery and technology on display
Komatsu was back again for another year as the Gold Sponsor of the Diesel Dirt and Turf Expo; showcasing a large range of its machinery and technology solutions across the three-day event at Sydney Dragway.
Located on the aptly named Komatsu Street, Komatsu had one of the expo’s largest displays of machinery and technology — featuring everything from excavators and wheel loaders to dozers.
Komatsu sales manager – central
region Brennan Garbutt says the annual expo is always a highlight on the calendar, with the team enjoying the opportunity to connect with customers and colleagues across the construction, earthmoving and utilities sectors.
“We’re proud to support events like this because they give us a chance to connect directly with the people who keep these important sectors moving,” Garbutt says.
“We selected machines for display
Komatsu’s Diesel, Dirt & Turf exhibit featured everything from excavators and wheel loaders to dozers
to suit a wide range of customers –from the small contractor looking for a mini excavator, to established businesses wanting all the latest technology to drive efficiency, accuracy and precision – we had it all.”
In the demo area at Diesel, Dirt & Turf, Komatsu showcased three excavators in action, a PC228USLC-11, a PC290LCi with Intelligent Machine Control (iMC), and a nimble PC18.
Komatsu’s iMC uses GPS and sensors to guide the machine’s movements, helping operators dig, grade and finish jobs faster and more accurately. It automatically adjusts the bucket and boom to prevent over-digging, making the work cleaner and reducing the need to fix mistakes.
“We always get people enquiring about the technology that comes with our machinery, so having the two excavators there for demo really helped attendees get an idea of what exactly our technology can deliver,” Garbutt says.
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Bauma 2025 saw several machinery world premieres, with a common theme of the event being a commitment to electrification
Around 600,000 people from more than 200 countries attended one of the world’s largest construction machinery trade fairs, Bauma 2025, in Germany recently.
Taking place every three years, this year’s event took place from April 7 to April 13, with 3,601 exhibitors from 57 nations showing off the latest construction and earthmoving equipment on the market.
Here are some of the highlights:
Caterpillar
Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Caterpillar paid tribute to its first construction machines with a special colour wrap of a D6 XE dozer.
Unlike Cat machines of today painted in striking yellow, the company’s first machines were a special shade of grey.
To commerate this, the D6 XE dozer had been wrapped in a ‘centennial grey’ paint, with a legacy dozer
Several machines were released at Bauma 2025. Image: Bauma
also featuring how far Caterpillar has come.
In addition, Caterpillar’s exhibit focused on ‘The Next 100 Years’ of innovation and sustainability, with the Cat Performance Centre on full display. It used the event to showcase the possibilities when power, machinery, services, technology and autonomy work together.
Visitors were able to simulate how upgrading their fleet with Caterpillar’s latest machine technologies can significantly reduce fuel consumption and associated greenhouse gas emissions.
Komatsu
The all-new Komatsu PC220LC-12 and PC220LCi-12 excavators made their highly anticipated international debut at Bauma 2025.
Visitors witnessed the machines’ capabilities firsthand through outdoor demonstrations and a static indoor exhibit, which enabled attendees to to jump in the operator cab and check out the features.
Caterpillar celebrated 100 years. Image: Caterpillar
The Komatsu PC220LCi-12 excavator. Image: Bauma
Volvo CE’s A30 Electric articulated hauler. Image: Bauma
The CASE ‘Impact’ electric compact wheel loader concept. Image: Bauma
Both machines are powered by a 129kW (173hp) high torque Komatsu next generation engine, paired with the new high efficiency electronically controlled hydraulic system, which translates to an 18 per cent reduction in average fuel consumption, Komatsu says.
Advanced technologies provided as standard include an integrated payload meter, integrated 2D machine control designed for simple depth and slope grading, and 2D virtual safety wall.
Komatsu also presented three new electric mini excavators – the PC20E, PC26E, and PC33E – in live demo at the show.
Volvo
The main attraction of Volvo Construction Equipment’s exhibit was the reveal of its A30 electric articulated hauler.
Announced in conjunction with the A40 electric, Volvo CE says both machines are the world’s first serialproduced battery-electric articulated haulers in their size class.
The A30 and A40 haulers are now also among the largest in Volvo CE’s electric portfolio with a payload of 29 tons (26 tonnes) and 39 tons (35 tonnes) respectively.
Focusing on zero-emission machinery, Volvo CE also showcased a range of other electric equipment, including the revamped EC230 excavator, its compact excavator range and the company’s first battery-powered wheeled excavator – the EWR150.
In addition, Volvo Trucks and Putzmeister revealed one of the world’s largest battery-electric concrete pump trucks. The zeroexhaust emission battery-electric concrete pump with a reach of 42 meters will be delivered to Swedish construction company Swerock.
CASE
Looking to the future, CASE
Construction Equipment stood out for its cabinless ‘Impact’ electric compact wheel loader concept.
Instead of being operated from the inside, the machine is remotely operated from a dedicated control lounge. This feature enables operations in extreme environments and adverse weather conditions, ensuring the safety and comfort of the operator.
The concept also includes an integrated perception system, which uses advanced hardware to collect real-time data, improving
efficiency and precision during operation.
Additionally, the Impact concept is equipped with semi-autonomous functionality, allowing automated digging and dumping operations.
LiuGong
With one of most extensive electric machine portfolios, LiuGong showcased its latest zero-emission innovations, including the 870HE wheel loader, its 924FE excavator with high-lift cab and the 9018FE mini excavator.
The company’s next-generation T-Series wheel loaders were another highlight, being unveiled after years of customer feedback and refinement. The flagship model of the T-Series, the 890T has a 10.5tonne load capacity and a 5.4 cubic metre bucket.
Additionally, LiuGong’s electric DR50CE rigid mining truck was on display, as well as the 24-tonne electric 4280DE motor grader, which the company says is the first of its kind in its size class.
Hitachi
Another exhibitor focused on the future of construction equipment was Hitachi with its ‘LANDCROS
The electric DR50CE rigid mining truck. Image: Prime Creative Media
The electric 4280DE motor grader. Image: Prime Creative Media
LiuGong’s 870HE electric wheel loader. Image: Prime Creative Media
LiuGong’s T-Series wheel loaders. Image: Prime Creative Media
Events News
One’ excavator concept. Hitachi says its integrated AI and automation systems benefit the operator by handling routine tasks and providing intelligent assistance during complex operations.
The functional design integrates cameras, sensors, and advanced digital assist systems co-developed with strategic partners. LANDCROS One also features advanced connectivity and remote operation capabilities.
It can be controlled from virtually anywhere, enabling true 24/7 operation through
different time zones and allowing specialised operators to work across multiple sites without physical relocation.
Recognising the differing needs of today’s construction workforce, the excavator offers three distinct operation modes, including manual operation supported by AI, autonomous operation and remote operation.
Hitachi also showcased its growing line-up of zero-emission machines from 1.7 to 30 tonnes. This includes nine models as well as its first hydrogen solutions.
Kobelco
Two battery-powered electric excavators were a highlight of Kobelco’s exhibit. A 7-ton (5.9-tonne) class electric excavator, currently under development, was shown for the first time at Bauma. Also under development, a 2-ton (0.9-tonne) class electric excavator was revealed for the first time.
Kobelco says the electric excavators are characterised by their ability to manoeuvre in tight spaces on urban sites, high per-charge capacity, and their performance comparable to diesel excavators in terms of digging and speed.
Liebherr
Several machines made their world premiere as part of Liebher Group’s exhibit, including its first batterypowered electric crawler excavator.
Liebherr says the R 920 G8-E generates the same output as a diesel machine in the same category and is particularly suitable for building sites that require low noise levels and avoiding exhaust gas emissions, such as in cities or underground operating locations.
Two new Liebherr wheeled excavators in the nine and 11 tonne classes were also shown off to the public for the first time – the A 909 Compact and the A 911 Compact.
Visitors experienced the debut of the 15-tonne R 915 Compact G8 crawler excavator model. With an output of 90kW (122hp) it is designed especially for use in tight spaces or on city building sites. Joining Libherr’s range of compact crawler
The Hitachi LANDCROS One excavator concept. Image: Hitachi
Liebherr released its first batterypowered electric crawler excavator. Image: Prime Creative Media
Kobelco unveiled battery-powered electric excavators. Image: Prime Creative Media
Liebherr says the R 920 G8-E generates the same output as a diesel machine in the same category. Image: Prime Creative Media
unmanned
excavators over 14-tonnes was the 17.5-tonne R 917 Compact G8. Also making its world debut at Bauma, it boasts 100kW of power (136hp) and has a compact tail swing radius of 1,700mm.
New to Liebherr’s telehandler product range was the Generation 6 T 38-7s telescopic handler and the Liebherr T 48-8s. The T 48-8s is the first of the company’s telescopic handlers in the 8m class.
Develon
Participating in Bauma for the first time since rebranding from Doosan in 2023, Develon showcased a range of products from electric to specialised machinery.
A standout of its exhibit was Real-X, the commercial version of the unmanned autonomous
solution Concept-X2, which was first introduced in Europe at last year’s Intermat.
Additionally, Develon demonstrated a collaboration with heavy machinery automation company Gravis Robotics, which it signed a Joint Development Agreement with, showcasing how unmanned excavators work in tandem with articulated dump trucks.
Sany
Sany introduced its SY35E mini excavator, an all-electric alternative in the 3.5-tonne class.
This machine marks the second electrified machine to join Sany’s mini excavator lineup and can operate for up to six hours on a single charge.
Another new addition to the Sany portfolio was its one-tonne SY10U excavator – which is the company’s first micro excavator. The SY10U is powered by a modern Kubota diesel engine delivering 8.8kW (11.8hp) of power.
The ultra-compact machine with zero tail swing has been specially designed for the smallest job sites, narrow gardens and confined working areas.
A special feature is the hydraulically adjustable undercarriage, which can be extended from a narrow 745mm up to 1,100mm. This allows the SY10U to easily pass through doorways and narrow passages.
Additionally, Sany presented its first compact electric six-metre telehandler, the STH625E.
Lovol
Chinese construction machinery manufacturer Lovol made its debut at Bauma 2025, taking the opportunity to showcase its miniexcavator lineup, including its FR18F-E electric model, powered by a 21.5kW/h Weichai battery.
The FL918 wheel loader was also display, which is powered by a Kubota stage V engine and has a 1.2 cubic metre bucket capacity.
Lovol says it is optimised for high efficiency and versatility in material handling.
Develon showcased how
excavators work in tandem with articulated dump trucks. Image: Bauma
Sany’s SY35E electric mini excavator. Image: Prime Creative Media
Power of AI
The majority of construction and demolition waste is sent to landfill. Image: Pixavril/stock.adobe.com
AI has many potential applications on construction sites. One project is tracking waste being thrown away on sites to inform ways of improving recycling and saving businesses money
In the Australian Bureau of Statistics’ most recent report on waste generation in Australia, construction was the industry found to be spending the most on waste services – a figure of $2 billion in the 2018–19 financial year. In that period 12.7 million tonnes of construction waste was estimated to have been produced – an increase of 22 per cent in just two years.
And this isn’t just an issue in Australia. Worldwide, around 30 per cent of solid waste produced is construction and demolition waste, with significant amounts of potentially recyclable material being buried in landfills.
At Northumbria University in the UK, a research team led by Dr Pablo Martinez Rodriguez is looking into how artificial intelligence (AI) could be used to better understand what waste is being generated and how construction companies could reduce their waste disposal costs.
Barriers to recycling
The Northumbria University team has recently secured £250,000 (A$396,478) in funding for its development of an AI-driven tool
that scans waste as it is being thrown into skips on construction sites.
Speaking with Earthmovers & Excavators, Dr. Martinez Rodriguez says that increasing sustainability in the construction industry is a necessary part of addressing global environmental challenges, but in order to enact meaningful change, current waste generation needs to be better understood.
“There are several barriers to increasing the amount of recycling taking place in construction,” he says.
“The first one is that we know very little about what waste is generated on sites and how it is being handled, but at the moment there is little value for a company to separate out its waste. Therefore, most of construction waste ends up being mixed, which requires it to be segregated at a later stage.
“For example, for plastics, there’s very little value to it being separated from brick waste or ceramic waste. Certain adhesives present in brick waste can also render certain plastics unrecyclable. So, currently, most waste is thrown away into the same skip and then taken to landfill.
“The second barrier is that, in order for something to be recycled, there needs to be some kind of added value that compels companies to put additional processes in place to keep waste separate and recycle it. Currently there’s very little beyond sustainability. So, we’re trying to try to address that barrier by understanding the value of that product [in the context of circular economy] and how much waste is actually generated on sites.
“Implementing segregation for a particular waste product on a
Dr Pablo Martinez Rodriguez. Image: Northumbria University
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construction site is nothing new –they do that for plasterboard, glass and hazardous materials, so this wouldn’t be any different. There just needs to be a reason for companies to do it.”
Using AI
The project will develop advanced AI-driven decision-support systems to help construction managers monitor waste generation points, implement effective handling strategies, and assess project sustainability through new key performance indicators (KPIs). These KPIs will measure waste handling efficiency, resource utilisation, and adherence to sustainable practices.
“A camera is placed within the waste collection point on a site, and it will determine in real time how much there is of a specific waste product for all the different classes of waste that you would have on the construction site,” Martinez Rodriguez says.
“This then gives data on the waste composition coming out of the site, so 15 per cent ceramic waste, 12 per cent glass, 20 per cent brick, 20 per cent insulation and so on.
“What we’re trying to do with the decision support system is use that data to extrapolate that a particular day has seen more waste being disposed of, and of a particular type. That can then be associated with schedules or events that may have
happened during the project that can help explain why that waste was generated.
“If you’re expecting some framing work to happen, and you’re expecting a lot of wood to be generated, but somehow that day just saw ceramic and brick waste generated, the business can look into why that happened. For example, is there a delay of some sort that has yet to be communicated? Unexpected work?
“So, the data generated by looking at the waste can be of value to other processes on the site, helping support decision making.
“In the end, what we aiming to do is try to understand how waste is being generated and how it relates to all the other activities that happen on site. We want to use it as a guide to reduce waste, obviously, but also to understand how waste actually interacts with other activities on those sites.”
Two cameras are currently capturing data on a construction site in the UK, which will help train the AI tool to better recognise different materials and quantify waste volumes. The next phase will be to install cameras in the waste collection point of a site for the entire period of a project.
“What we really want to have a much more value-oriented approach to waste, by saying to a business
AI could help manage worksites, with waste analysis highlighting potential delays for site managers.
Image: Kwangmoozaa/stock.adobe.com
– millions of pounds worth of material is being thrown away by your company every year, is there something that you can do internally with that?” Martinez Rodriguez says. “Eventually, we want to get to the point where there are zero waste construction sites.”
Wider applicability
The AI tool was originally developed to study municipal solid waste to aid in sorting waste on conveyor belts. Martinez Rodriguez says that the focus moved to the construction industry as such significant amounts of waste was being produced and sent to landfill, but the camera system could be applied to any waste-collection process in different industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing. He says that increasing familiarity with AI tools such as ChatGPT is helping to open up a greater acceptance of AI, with construction already seeing it being applied in machine monitoring for example. However, despite there being a wide range of opportunities for AI applications within construction, there is still some discomfort around the installation of cameras on sites
The AI-driven tool is being used to determine the makeup of waste thrown away on construction sites. Image: wachiwit/stock.adobe.com
that the team has to address.
“There was reticence at the beginning around introducing cameras on construction sites, although we are not recording and we are complying with data protection laws,” Martinez Rodriguez says.
“But, we did some work with the site supervisor and staff to explain what was happening, and that we weren’t tracking people on the site, just the waste being thrown away, which eased concerns about the use of AI.
“There are a wide range of potential applications. You can do scheduling with AI, or anything that talks to the BIM model. You can use it for quality, health and safety, monitoring project progress, scanning. You can use it for
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“At the moment construction is still not the best industry for capturing data, but we’re getting there.
“There’s a lot more to gain in recycling material, from a company’s perspective. Even if we target no-cost waste management, so not focusing on making profit, that would
benefit businesses. Plus, having these resources circle back into the economy rather than going to landfill brings significant advantages.”
For more information on this research, you can contact Dr Pablo Martinez Rodriguez at pablo. rodriguez@northumbria.ac.uk.
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Building construction productivity flagging
Addressing the drivers of poor productivity is vital to meeting Queensland’s infrastructure needs
Productivity in the building and construction industry has recently been in focus on the back of rapidly increasing construction costs, labour reforms and budget blowouts resulting in declining volume of infrastructure being delivered for the same dollar figure.
Many reviews of the industry’s productivity show a decline against other industries. However, the building and construction industry is viewed under the same umbrella without recognising that some segments of the industry are more productive than others.
The Productivity Commission’s 2025 report, Housing Productivity: Can We Fix It?, has split the heavy and civil engineering sector from the building and construction industry conglomerate.
Since 1994–95, labour productivity in the heavy and civil engineering sector has increased by 44 per cent –nearly matching the economy-wide average of 49 per cent. In contrast, building construction productivity sits at -13 per cent over the same period, dragging the average productivity of the ‘construction industry’ as a whole down to 13 per cent.
While these figures show our sector is not doing as poorly as other parts of the industry, we cannot rest on our laurels. The drivers of poor productivity are not exclusive to building construction and, unless addressed, could drag our sector down, but addressing them could
Damian Long, CEO CCF QLD
significantly improve productivity in our sector.
Queensland’s building and construction sector contributed around $37.6 billion to the economy in 2023–24 and employed over 279,000 people. The sector is grappling with mounting challenges, including rising material and labour costs, a shortage of skilled workers and the pressure of delivering major public infrastructure ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics.
Compounding these issues is the ambitious goal of delivering one million new homes by 2044 – a key component of the state’s response to its rapidly expanding population. Considering these pressures, the government has recognised the need to reassess the industry’s settings to support more efficient and sustainable construction practices.
The Crisafulli Government has realised that the state would benefit from overall productivity improvement. One of their first agenda items was the reinstatement of the Queensland Productivity Commission (QPC).
In March this year, the state government tasked the QPC with conducting a wide-ranging review
The QPC’s review will address a variety of factors affecting productivity across both residential and commercial sectors.
Image: Unkas Photo/adobe.stock.com
of the construction industry. The inquiry will evaluate the regulatory, policy and market conditions that influence productivity and cost efficiency across the industry.
The QPC’s review will address a variety of factors affecting productivity across both residential and commercial sectors. A key element of the inquiry will be examining how current regulations and policy settings either facilitate or hinder efficient construction practices. Industry will likely be relieved to hear that Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPICs) are included in the scope of the inquiry.
The inquiry will also investigate planning systems, regulatory compliance requirements and procurement processes, as well as the role of innovation and digital technologies in improving productivity.
The QPC is calling for input from industry groups, unions, developers, local councils and the wider community. This inclusive approach is expected to surface valuable insights from those directly affected by the current settings and those implementing them on the ground.
The Terms of Reference were published on 24 April 2025. The QPC is expected to deliver its final report by 24 October 2025, reflecting the government’s urgency in addressing construction costs and unlocking housing and infrastructure potential.
This review is a great opportunity to forward to an independent body the barriers and solutions to productivity growth.
The government will use the QPC’s findings to inform broader reforms aimed at stimulating economic growth, enhancing housing affordability and ensuring responsible use of public funds on major infrastructure.
Hopefully, we will see government policy align with what industry has been speaking about for years but where their cries have sadly been ignored.
Giving back
Winyama Contracting Group is being supported by Striker crushing equipment as it expands its reach in the Pilbara
For Western Australia’s Winyama Contracting Group (WCG), its work goes beyond providing construction and mining services, with a strong commitment to supporting Indigenous communities and businesses in the Pilbara region.
From its base in Karratha, WCG has been growing its presence over the past two years to become a key name in Pilbara’s earthmoving, construction and mining industry. Vital to this growth has been the reliability and productivity of its crushing equipment, supplied by fellow WA business Striker.
From initially hiring out jaw and cone crushers from Striker, WCG is now taking the next step with a new pair of crushers currently being built as its looks to expand its crushing capabilities.
Key to growth
Winyama Contracting Group, named after the Ngarluma word for sea eagle, was set up in 2023 by Arthur Ramirez, Jason Gore, Ray Kaestner and Justin Angove after a buyout of Iron Mine Contracting’s operations in the area.
Bringing a range of experience across trades, mining, oil & gas and construction, the co-founders have quickly expanded WCG’s capabilities, growing from 50 staff and two contracts to quadruple that in just two years.
“We operate four specialised divisions, one of which is mine services. In this space, we support Rio Tinto’s port operations here in the Pilbara,” Gore says.
“We have a specialised civil fleet and personnel that maintains the
cleanliness of their facilities, and we provide screening services to resize ore, as well as bulk haulage using our fleet of 100-tonne dump trucks.
“Our construction projects divisions focus on civil earthworks and concreting — both in situ and precast. We also deliver maintenance services at the Karratha Gas Plant, ranging from minor works like door installations to major civil scopes, including concrete remediation.
“Our most recent addition is the crushing division, which has been operating for just over eight months.”
Gore explains that WCG turned to Striker equipment when a stemming and crushing contract was awarded by Rio Tinto at Paraburdoo.
“Jarrad Mouritz, who heads up our crushing division, is a strong advocate for Striker gear,” he says.
Images: Winyama Contracting Group
WCG has hired a a Striker JM1180 mobile jaw crusher and a CR300 mobile cone crusher
“We initially hired a setup for a sixmonth campaign at Paraburdoo, and the results were so strong that we’ve since invested in new, larger jaw and cone crushers from them.
“We were initially going to replace the equipment that we’re hiring, but we’ll probably end up holding on to that and expand our offering through to other parts of Rio Tinto. There’s been a lot of engagement with our clients regarding what we’re doing, and they’re happy with the product and the productivity.”
With lower-grade ore typically being crushed down to 10–30mm for use in blasting by Rio Tinto, Gore says the performance and reliability of Striker’s equipment has
been invaluable to the business.
“We are currently using a Striker JM1180 mobile jaw crusher and a Striker CR300 mobile cone crusher,” Gore says.
“We’ve worked together to iron out all the wrinkles and we’ve had a really good performance to the point where, yesterday, we crushed 5,000 tonnes for our client, which is a record for us on a 12-hour shift.
“The guys have been very happy with the performance of it. It’s Caterpillar equipment, so it’s easy to keep up with parts. Striker also have a good warehousing facility, which we reviewed in Perth.”
With a new jaw and cone crusher on the horizon, Gore says Striker has
provided excellent technical support to help them achieve even higher levels of safety and productivity with their new gear.
“On our new machinery we’re really excited about having a hydraulic rock breaker, which gives us a rapid response to unblock jaws,” Gore says.
“We’re dealing with all sorts of oversized rock, so this particular add-on that Striker discussed with us is going to be a big help.
“What I also like about their equipment is the quick setup. We can mobilise from Paraburdoo to Nammuldi in about four days, and we’re back producing. So the speed at which we can demob, put those
Striker machinery is being used to crush material for stemming
items on a truck and move to the next location is a big plus.
“Overall, the Striker team has been fantastic to deal with, whether it’s the hire side, sales or parts. They’ve been really good at supporting us from the back end – taking calls on weekends and getting hold of parts to keep us going when needed. So, we feel like we’re very like-minded West Australian businesses. We want to keep our clients happy, and they want to keep us happy. It’s a win, win relationship.
Community focus
WCG and Striker also have a mutual vision to support local Indigenous businesses in Western Australia and help give back through training and contracting opportunities.
With all four directors of WCG living in Karratha, the business is doing what it can to bring positive change to the area through its work.
“We love supporting the community, and the community
supports us,” says Ramirez, a proud Ngarluma, Yinjibarndi, Nykina and Nyul-Nyul man.
“We’re a big advocate for returning to the community where we can so we have sponsorship of local sporting clubs and we’ve just worked out a scholarship arrangement with an Indigenous student who we are supporting through high school.”
Ramirez says that having Indigenous representation and supporting local Indigenous communities in and around Karratha and the Pilbara is core to the business.
“We’re at 50 per cent Indigenous employment, with a small contingent of FIFO staff, but we’re typically residential,” he says.
“We just ticked over $2 million since we started supporting local Indigenous businesses. We do what’s called business incubation. So, through our contracts with companies like
Rio Tinto or Woodside Energy, anyone who comes to us who’s got a good business idea or has some plant they want to hire out, we try and take them on our journey.
“We offer our management system, and the opportunity to work through us first, with the idea to self-perform at some stage. We’ve got a real push to try and empower local communities to build up their confidence.
“We’ve got some really high expectations of ourselves and what we can continue to contribute back to the community.
“We have a Reconciliation Action Plan and the next stage is to put some strong stretch targets in place to push ourselves. We’ve found that Indigenous participation in white collar roles is an area that we really want to work on, so looking for our next superintendents, estimators, engineers.”
For more information on Striker, visit: strikercrushing.com
Winyama Contracting Group has ordered two more crushers from Striker
Opinion
Engaging men in driving change
Men’s participation is key to building a better culture within construction. Image: Kzenon/stock.adobe.com
NAWIC CEO Cathryn Greville addresses the fundamental role men have to play in women’s advancement in the construction industry
In 2025, NAWIC is committed to driving culture change to create fair, inclusive and respectful workplaces where women – and everyone – can thrive. Our vision is an equitable construction industry for all.
When speaking about the work that needs to be done to make the industry one which attracts, retains and advances women, I am often asked about the role of men in the sector.
Sometimes the question is as simple as: ‘Is there a role for men in gender equity work?’ or ‘Are men able to become members of NAWIC?’
The answer to both questions is a resounding yes. We are committed to, and welcome men, in all aspects of NAWIC’s work. In fact, currently 11 per cent of NAWIC’s membership identify as male, and that number continues to grow.
We consider men to be key to building the culture we need to ensure the sector works for women –underpinning its future success and sustainability.
Cathryn Greville, CEO, NAWIC
I’d like to touch on a few reasons why it is critical for men to be part of this change.
Driving gender equity
With men making up almost 88 per cent of the sector, there is a big piece missing if we only focus on initiatives directed at women. This is the case on representation alone – to change culture, we need to engage as many people as possible, and in the case of construction, the predominant group is currently men. But it runs much deeper than that.
The current barriers are not women’s issues to solve. Rather, they are industry-wide cultural issues that require commitment and contribution from across the sector.
In fact, creating fair, inclusive and respectful workplaces is everyone’s responsibility. Engaging men, including men in leadership positions, is key.
Hence a key area of NAWIC’s focus this year is on engaging men and working collaboratively together to achieve gender equity and an equitable industry that is better for everyone.
Male Allyship in Action
NAWIC’s successful Male Allies program is open to all members, and our Male Allyship committees are informing and driving our work with men in the sector. We have built these on the knowledge that men in allyship programs are three times more likely to positively address gender bias. Men really do have a big role to play in ensuring women’s success.
Our three-year culture change project, Allyship in Action, is predicated on the need to engage with men to tackle poor attitudes and behaviours – including men in
NAWIC calls for men to join the organisation and get involved in creating a more welcoming industry that benefits all construction workers. Image: Joanrae P/peopleimages.com
site-based roles, empower men to sponsor women into leadership, and utilise the power of cultural ambassadors (comprising men, women and non-binary folk) to embed positive change on the ground.
These programs are being built to apply to workplaces around the country, in all types and sizes of business and all market segments impacting construction. We are taking a multi-pronged approach to embedding allyship and ambassadorship across the sector. It is important to recognise that men themselves are driving this too. Many men recognise that inclusive workplaces benefit everyone –individuals and organisations alike.
When you look at the negative effect that the culture of construction is having in areas such as mental health, suicide, flexibility, work-life balance, caring responsibilities, relationship stability, etc – these are all critical for men just like they are for women.
Initiatives like NAWIC’s Allyship in Action project will further amplify the positive impact we are already seeing from having men committed to and working with us to drive better construction culture.
Addressing discontent
It would be remiss of me not to recognise the failure in messaging to men, and understanding of some men, around gender equity and what this means in practice. It is true that many men have felt side-lined or left out of conversations around diversity, equity and inclusion or ‘DEI.’ Whilst unintentional, there is a need to reframe what inclusion really means to bring men into the discussion in a meaningful way.
NAWIC uses the term ‘fairness, inclusion and respect’ or FIR for short, to reframe what we are really talking about: making workplaces where everyone wants to work and has the opportunity and support to thrive.
Moving forward together
So, in summary, we are calling men in to drive this with us, recognising that:
• We must be honest that to advance women, we need to do this collaboratively with men
• We need to engage men not just as supporters but as stakeholders who benefit from, and are essential to, creating more equitable workplaces
• We must communicate the benefits for everyone – gender equity is not a zero-sum game seeing women advance at the expense of men, but rather a win-win which is good for everyone, in so many ways.
Men have a huge amount to gain from gender equity and we will be showcasing that in our work moving forward.
Join NAWIC’s work
Returning to the second common question, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to men across the sector to join NAWIC in driving this positive change.
NAWIC is fortunate to have the support of an incredible group of male members – both individuals and organisational leaders – who are equally committed to increasing the representation and opportunities for women. We would absolutely love more men to join us.
Come and play your role to help us build a sector where everyone can participate, belong and succeed. Construction needs you!
* NAWIC is excited to be leading Allyship in Action: Transforming Culture to Attract and Retain Women with industry partners ADCO, the Australian Workers Union, CPB Contractors, Holmesglen Institute, and the University of Sydney. This is a federally funded three-year innovative culture change project with men at its heart –designed to engage specifically with men and support upstanders to build fair, inclusive and respectful workplace cultures across the sector.
NAWIC is the peak membership body for women working in the construction industry and supporting sectors across the built environment. A national not-for-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
Solution specialists
Survey Management Solutions will be showcasing its service offerings and technology-based innovations at Converge 2025, offering an end-to-end solution in underground utility investigation and providing advanced digital mapping deliverables for the construction industry
Converge is the only Australian-owned major event showcasing the latest tools and technology in the municipal works, civil and commercial construction space.
From September 17–18, 2025, leading decision makers from these sectors will come together at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre to see the latest developments that will help to build Australia’s future infrastructure.
Through a mixture of live demonstrations, equipment showcases and conference spaces, Converge will be a one-stop-shop for sub-contractors, project engineers, council fleet managers and largescale construction contractors.
In addition to all this, it will be colocated with No-Dig Down Under, the southern hemisphere’s only largescale conference and exhibition dedicated to trenchless technology.
It’s also a key reason why professional surveying company Survey Management Solutions (SMS) will be exhibiting at Converge.
Survey Management Solutions
SMS has over 15 years’ experience providing solutions for infrastructure and land development projects throughout Victoria, South Australia,
Northern NSW and Queensland.
Like Converge, SMS is also a one-stop shop for a variety of construction services, including construction set outs, feature surveying, utility investigation, drones and laser scanning, 3D/4D modelling, clash detection, nondestructive digging and a variety of mapping services.
“We’re just not a surveying
Survey Management Solutions has over 15 years’ experience providing solutions for infrastructure and land development projects
company; we’re also a utility locating company, because we integrate utility locating and mapping into our services,” SMS subsurface and utility mapping manager Rajat Taneja says.
“Our team identifies underground utilities using industry leading instruments, Ground Penetrating Radar, and Non-Destructive Digging (NDD), ensuring compliance with Australian Standards.
“This data is then converted into 3D models to visualise complex utility networks, aiding in design and risk management. Additionally, our Dial Before You Dig (DBYD) certified locators enable precise and safe utility investigations.”
This is a crucial aspect that sets SMS apart – it locates underground utilities to assist consultants and designers with their design for a new road, water, sewer, electrical or any other underground service.
These asset utility models are utilised by the construction companies who build according to the design.
Using cutting edge technology and equipment, SMS also works in collaboration with software developers to create
custom-designed systems and programs for projects ranging from major road and bridge construction to rail infrastructure and subdivision work.
Taneja says exhibiting at Converge will enable SMS to demonstrate its technology-based solutions, while collaborating with key industry figures and other exhibitors.
“We’ll have the opportunity to speak with key players with varying perspectives, from councils and government to civil and other construction companies,” he says.
“There will also be other service providers, especially at the No-Dig Down Under conference.”
Organised in partnership with the Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT), No-Dig Down Under has grown over the years to become the second largest no-dig technology event in the world and is now considered a ‘must-attend’ for all industry professionals.
“That’s what appealed to us about Converge, it’s not just a construction exhibition, there are also many attendees who will be at No-Dig Down Under,” Taneja says.
“We were drawn by the prospect of shaping the industry’s future together with Converge, No-Dig Down Under, exhibition partners, and the various members of the construction sector you get to interact with.”
Supported by a team of more than 100 professionals, SMS has the capability to manage all aspects
of a utility project, from the start to the end, including council and authority permits, preparing traffic management plans to managing on-site traffic control, overhead spotting and conducting site investigations to provide an advanced 3D deliverable in 12d and cad drawings. SMS is a one stop shop for everything related to above ground and underground aspects of your project.
Not only does SMS undertake works for various Victorian local councils, consultants and design engineers, but it’s also trusted to work on the state government’s infrastructure projects, such as Major Road Projects Victoria (MRPV) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Queensland.
In terms of what separates SMS from its competitors, Taneja says the business has continually invested in R&D to create technologydriven solutions that complement conventional locating and surveying methods. By doing so, SMS aims to ensure project efficiencies, by achieving highly accurate data, and identify proposed utility clashes before construction and eliminating expensive service strikes and project setbacks.
Eagerly awaiting Converge, Taneja says he’s looking forward to discussing the challenges facing the municipal works, civil and commercial construction sectors with leading industry figures.
“Converge is a great platform for
SMS has continually invested in R&D to create technology-driven solutions
everyone to come together and discuss ideas, because we’re not just solution providers, we’re also problem solvers,” he says.
“Our priority is understanding the challenges engineers face to devise appropriate solutions. By doing so, we aim to effectively support them in overcoming their project complexities.
“The event will bring leaders that have years of experience in the construction sector, with a new generation of emerging leaders.”
For more information on exhibiting and attending, visit convergeexpo. com.au to download the prospectus, or contact our team directly on +61 3 9690 8766 or converge@primecreative.com.au
An example of a 3D model
The 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships will include events in trades such as bricklaying and plumbing. Image: Iryna/stock.adobe.com
Showcasing skills excellence
See it, believe it and be part of it with WorldSkills Australia’s National Championships
This June, Brisbane will become the heartbeat of skills excellence as it hosts the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships – and you’re invited to witness the future of our workforce in action.
Over the course of three exciting, action-packed days, young champions from across the country will come together to compete, create and showcase their skills across more than 60 skilled trades and professions. From traditional trades like bricklaying and plumbing, to modern specialisations like beauty therapy and programming, this is where the best of the best will go head-to-head – not just for medals, but to benchmark their abilities against national standards and set new benchmarks of excellence in their chosen industries.
But this event is about more than just competition. It’s a celebration of possibility.
For young people still wondering “what’s next?” – those who haven’t yet found their path or are unsure what careers are out there – this event can be a gamechanger. Seeing others their age mastering practical,
Trevor Schwenke, CEO, WorldSkills Australia.
hands-on skills, using industrystandard tools and equipment, and thriving in careers that demand precision, creativity and innovation, can be incredibly inspiring. Sometimes, the simple act of seeing someone in action is enough to spark curiosity, passion and ambition. Because sometimes, seeing really is believing.
Across the entire Championships, the venue will come alive with energy, ideas and inspiration.
From interactive Try’aSkill zones and hands-on demonstrations to career conversations with trainers, employers and industry mentors, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the many pathways that skilled careers can offer.
There will also be opportunities to connect with former competitors who have turned their WorldSkills experience into successful, fulfilling careers. This is more than just a skills competition, it’s a living classroom and a launchpad for the future.
Whether you’re a student exploring your options, a parent guiding your child, a teacher encouraging your class, or simply someone who believes in the power and potential of skills, we encourage you to come along. The 2025 National Championships & Skills Show provides a rare and valuable window into the trades and professions that keep Australia moving and the talent that will lead us forward.
Come and see the passion, the precision and the potential. Discover the power of skills. Join us as we cheer on the next generation of skilled professionals – the future builders, creators, carers, makers and innovators of Australia.
For more info on the 2025 WorldSkills Australia National Championships, visit: worldskills.org
TRUCK
Bauma showcase
Caterpillar releases new Cat 775 off-highway truck
Caterpillar displayed its Cat 775 off-highway truck at Bauma in April. The first in the next generation of off-highway trucks, this 65-tonne payload hauler is engineered to enable fully autonomous capabilities in the future.
Caterpillar taking its current Autonomous Hauling Systems (AHS), Cat MineStar Command for hauling, and scaling the system’s processes and technology to adapt it to quarries, which operate fewer trucks and don’t haul material 24 hours a day.
The 775 features a new frame design that helps to optimise payload weight, a refined suspension for improved ride and handling and advanced safety features like the 360-degree surround cameras and Cat Detect radar system.
Compared to previous models, the next generation 775 off-highway truck features an industry-first frame design that reduces empty weight, delivering the potential for
larger payloads and lower fuel burn.
Caterpillar adds that its 10 per cent larger body volume and improved turning radius helps to boost productivity and performance.
Compared to the 775G series truck, there is nearly 30 per cent less welding to minimise the risk of cracks and improve frame life. Less internal welding and ease of frame repairability help lower costs to maintain the new 775 over an estimated 40,000-hour truck life, Caterpillar says.
Weighing in at 111 tonnes, the truck is powered by a 615kW (825hp) Cat C27 engine and comes in different emissions configurations to meet different global regulations.
The Cat 775 next generation truck has a planned introduction in 2026, with Australian availability to be announced at a later date.
MANAGEMENT
Founder returns
MATES in Construction announces return of CEO Jørgen Gullestrup has taken up the mantle of CEO at MATES in Construction, which he founded in 2007.
A licensed plumber by trade, he began working in construction at age 15 and later served as a union delegate, official, and Secretary of the Plumbers Union for nearly seven years. Gullestrup identifies as having lived experience of suicide, which continues to shape his work in this space.
He holds a Masters degree in Suicidology and is currently a PhD candidate exploring help-offering among men in suicide prevention.
For the past three and a half years, Gullestrup has been the CEO of the Queensland Mental Health Lived Experience Peak, advocating for the collective voice of people with lived experience of mental illness.
“Coming back to MATES feels like coming home,” Gullestrup says.
“The mission we set out on in 2008 is more important than ever. I’m honoured to lead this organisation once again, working alongside our partners, volunteers, and workers to keep our mates safe.”
Jørgen Gullestrup. Image: MATES in Construction
The Cat 775 will enable autonomous control. Image: Caterpillar
REGULATION
Watchdog overhaul
A new leadership team has been appointed to drive major overhaul of Queensland’s construction regulator
The Queensland state government has announced three new people that will lead change at the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).
The QBCC will be overhauled to focus on consumers and transparency, as the state government aims to drive increased residential construction activity and deliver infrastructure for Queensland.
Greg Chemello has been appointed chair of the QBCC Board, Angelo Lambrinos will take the reins as QBCC’s new commissioner and CEO, and Amelia Hodge will join the board.
Minister for housing and public works Sam O’Connor says the appointments are a turning point for the QBCC.
“We’re bringing in a new QBCC leadership team to usher in change and deliver reforms, to better protect Queensland consumers, respect builders and make fast and fair decisions,” O’Connor says.
“We’re giving this new team a clear mandate to restore integrity and improve performance.”
Accelerated learning
A new pilot program in SA is fast-tracking apprenticeships
The South Australian government has announced that the Industry Accelerated Apprenticeship Pilot (IAAP) will be launching in 2026.
The Australian-first program will shorten courses and support up to 1,000 new apprenticeships across seven critical trade pathways.
With the state already facing significant workforce shortages in its construction sector, the program will focus on high-demand trades including civil construction, plant operations and carpentry.
An estimated 78,000 additional vocational qualifications will be needed over the next five years to meet forecast demand, according to the state government.
The pilot has been designed to meet the demands from projects including the River Torrens to Darlington motorway project, the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital and new housing.
It builds on South Australia’s existing apprenticeship framework, which already allows early completion in some trades. Training will be tailored to real-world job requirements, with intensive on-thejob learning and quality assurance from Group Training Organisations.
“We need to attract and train more than new 15,000 skilled tradies by 2028 if we are to build the homes, schools, hospitals and
roads needed to support our booming economy,” Master Builders SA CEO Will Frogley says.
“The IAAP recognises the urgency of the workforce shortage challenges and delivers a practical, timely response to industry needs.
“By accelerating high-quality training in key trades, we can help ensure our state has the skilled workforce required to deliver infrastructure projects safely and efficiently.”
The following pathways will be shortened:
• Certificate III in Civil Construction, which includes road and tunnel construction, will be reduced from 36 to 18 months
• Certificate III in Civil Construction Plant Operations, which includes roles like mobile plant operators, road construction workers and civil construction plant operators, will be reduced from 36 to 18 months
• Certificate III in Carpentry, which includes roles such as joiners and carpenters, will be reduced from 48 to 36 months
The South Australian Skills Commission will undertake stakeholder engagement across industry, unions, employers, and training providers to ensure the pilot is responsive to workforce demand and project timeframes.
Greg Chemello has been appointed chair of the QBCC Board. Image: Morton Bay Regional Council
Industry trends
The heavy equipment market continued to evolve in 2024, shaped by emerging technologies, shifting ownership models, global economic uncertainty and growing ESG pressure, according to the newly released Ritchie Bros. Annual Market Trends Report.
Electrification took centre stage in the mining sector, with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) accelerating the rollout of battery-electric machinery in line with environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. While the path to full adoption is still limited by infrastructure and cost, the direction of investment is clear.
Meanwhile, coal mining saw a structural shake-up as legacy operators such as Rio Tinto, Anglo American and BHP exited the space, paving the way for Stanmore, Whitehaven and others to reimagine asset management strategies.
In civil construction, stabilising conditions nationally masked statelevel headwinds. Victoria saw a sharp downturn in the second half of 2024 following the completion of several large-scale infrastructure projects. This triggered a pullback in civil equipment values, with demand already softening due to elevated inventory and fewer new tenders coming online.
“The civil sector is undergoing a structural shift,” Ritchie Bros APAC
sales director Dom McGlinchey says.
“After several years of consistent growth, some pockets of the market are beginning to correct as project pipelines slow down. Still, we’re seeing a high level of engagement from buyers and sellers who are adapting quickly to new conditions.”
Across mining, construction, agriculture and transport, equipment activity closely mirrored commodity trends. Mining fleet utilisation in WA dropped to as low as 60 per cent early in 2024, reflecting softening ore prices and reduced exploration drilling.
However, renewed investment later in the year – particularly in gold – resulted in a 40 per cent increase in equipment deliveries for that segment. In contrast, Australia’s nickel sector declined markedly, dragging down demand for related heavy machinery.
Transport and agriculture also felt the pinch as rental contracts expired without new projects to replace them. Supply chain backlogs began to ease mid-year, just as demand tapered, resulting in a more balanced – yet softer – used equipment market overall.
The 2024 market was also defined by a surge in low-cost competition. The growing presence of Chinese equipment brands placed pressure on established OEMs, prompting discounted servicing, extended
warranties and aggressive financing to hold market share. Rising dealer stock levels further softened conditions heading into 2025.
Yet despite these challenges, sentiment is lifting. In Ritchie Bros.’ first international customer survey: 94 per cent of respondents said they prefer large, unreserved auctions as their buying format; 90 per cent reported satisfaction with the Ritchie Bros. auction experience; 75 per cent say they prefer purchasing used equipment over new; and 63 per cent believe their business will perform better in 2025
“Confidence in the used equipment market remains strong,” McGlinchey explains in the report.
“Customers are telling us they value our unreserved format, global reach and ability to match the right assets with the right buyers. We continue to support businesses navigating changing market conditions with data-led insights and dependable selling options.”
While 2024 brought its share of headwinds, ranging from OEM competition and project pauses to shifting global trade dynamics, there are signs of resilience. The weakening Australian dollar, rising OEM inventories and geopolitical shifts such as US tariffs are all expected to influence the market in 2025.
The civil sector is changing as the project pipeline slows down. Image: Jackson Photography/stock.adobe.com
Ritchie Bros has released its 2024 Annual Market Trends Report, which shows the ongoing growth of electric machinery and the impact of economic turmoil on the market
The xBot system helps automate aerial data capture. Image: RocketDNA
DRONES Drone in a box
Autonomous drones take flight at Rio Tinto mine
RocketDNA has deployed its autonomous xBot drone-in-a-box solution to Rio Tinto’s flagship Gudai-Darri mine in Western Australia, as a pilot project, to test the capabilities and resilience of autonomous drone docking systems in a practical mining environment.
Each xBot system is operated remotely via Starlink and is flown by dedicated remote drone pilots, based in Perth and Adelaide, who monitor the flights at all stages. The drone flies pre-programmed or ad-hoc missions and then returns to the drone docking station where it recharges and flies again.
The SurveyBot is one of RocketDNA’s xBot drone-in-a-box solutions and has been largely used on the Gudai-Darri site by the survey and mining technical teams to help automate their daily aerial data capture requirements.
The implementation of remote drone operations has helped to improve safety on-site by removing people out of a live pit environment, and because the system can perform a variety of different missions, fewer drones are needed in the air overall, making the airspace safer too, RocketDNA says.
The NT government is expanding the registration requirements for commercial builders to provide a greater time frame for evidence of practical experience.
Changes to the Building Act 1993 which required commercial building contractors in the NT to be registered, came into force in April 2024.
Previously, builders were required to have at least three years’ practical experience gained within the last 10 years, with at least one year being work undertaken in the Territory, to be registered as commercial builder in the Territory.
“The construction industry is vital to our CLP Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and we’re here to support them to get on with the job of building the Territory,” minister for trade, business and Asian relations Robyn Cahill says.
“To assist them in obtaining registration, the timeframe in
Commercial builders will need to register by March 27, 2026. Image: Steve Lovegrove/stock.adobe.com
which they must demonstrate their practical experience has been extended from 10 to 15 years.
“We want to support the Territory’s construction industry to align with national standards, but we also want to ensure the industry receives the right support and sufficient time to meet the new registration requirements based on their experience.”
Applications for consideration under the expanded timeframe must be submitted no later than March 27, 2026.
Applications submitted and declined under the prior requirement of 10 years’ experience may be resubmitted if the new requirement of 15 years can be demonstrated.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Bunbury breakwater
Thousands of tonnes of rock have been placed as Bunbury upgrades its waterfront
Bunbury’s waterfront transformation has reached an important milestone, with nearly 300,000 tonnes of rock placed at low level to complete full length construction of the new 460 metre northern breakwater at Bunbury’s Casuarina Boat Harbour.
The new Bunbury breakwater is part of a $69.2 million project to transform the WA city’s waterfront area.
The milestone follows the completion of dredging late last year to prepare the seabed footprint for the breakwater.
The new structure is already providing increased sheltering at the harbour ahead of winter and, in parallel, work to reclaim land at the harbour is progressing for the future boat lifting and servicing lease sites.
It’s estimated a further 67,000 tonnes of rock will be needed to build the breakwater to full height, creating a sheltered harbour with capacity to house up to 300 future boat pens and become a regional hub for the marine industry.
The rock used for the project is being sourced from quarries at
The breakwater is part of a significant transformation of Bunbury’s waterfront. Image: South West Development Commission
Roelands, Byford, Shenton Ridge and Jarrahdale by Western Australian companies WA Limestone Contracting and Italia Stone Group, who were awarded the contract for the $69.2 million breakwater works last July.
Completion of the breakwater at full height is expected by the end of the year and a new $4 million universal access fishing platform will be built on the northern side adjacent to a precinct supporting the needs of users, carers and visitors.
“It’s an exciting time as we see this critical piece of coastal infrastructure rising out of the water, reshaping the harbour and becoming a reality,”
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti says.
“This is an ambitious project with many opportunities already being embraced by the private sector and these will see significant long-term benefits for the local community and South West.”
South Australia is in the grip of a severe drought.
GRANTS
SA drought funding
South Australia announces grants for standpipe upgrades
Councils across drought-affected regions of South Australia can now apply for funding under the newly launched Publicly Accessible Standpipe Upgrade Fund.
The $1.4 million fund will support councils to upgrade standpipe infrastructure, improving security of access to water for rural residents, primary producers and livestock.
The fund has been developed to assist councils with upgrading publicly accessible standpipes – many of which were transferred from SA Water to councils in the 1990s – to make them more reliable and secure against water theft.
Under the program, local governments with management responsibility for publicly accessible standpipes can apply for $17,250 per eligible standpipe in their council area to invest to upgrade their infrastructure. The local government can decide what upgrades they make and to how many standpipes.
Automation of standpipes is one of the upgrade options, as it allows councils to have the water paid for as it is taken and can provide 24-hour access for residents.
construction events
Here are upcoming events for 2025. Information was current as of going to press
The Trades Fit – Melbourne
The Trades Fit expo demonstrates the exciting world of trade and tech industries.
WHEN: June 3–4, 2025
MORE INFO: www.vic.gov.au/trades-fit-youngwomen-trades-and-tech
Elders FarmFest – Toowoomba
A primary industry field day, Elders FarmFest promotes a wide range of earthmoving and excavating machinery alongside tools, attachments and equipment.
WHEN: June 3–5, 2025
MORE INFO: acmruralevents.com.au/farmfest/home
HIRE25 – Melbourne
Focused on the equipment rental market in Australia, HIRE25 will be held over two days in Melbourne. Focusing on the latest in technologies and equipment, the program includes keynote speakers, networking opportunities, workshops and an exhibition.
WHEN: June 4–5, 2025
MORE INFO: www.hriaconvention.com.au
Queensland Transport Infrastructure Conference – Brisbane
The program will highlight the $32.1 billion investment towards a range of infrastructure including road, rail, marine, passenger transport, and active transport projects, which will all contribute to enhancing connectivity, improving safety, and supporting economic growth across the state.
WHEN: June 4–5, 2025
MORE INFO: www.qldconference.com.au
WorldSkills 2025 National Champion-ships & Trade Show –Brisbane
The National Championships is Australia’s largest vocational education and skills excellence competition. Over three days at Skills Show Australia, top regional competitors from across the country will come together to showcase their talents and benchmark their skills against industry peers on the national stage.
WHEN: June 12–14, 2025
MORE INFO: www.worldskills.org.au/2025national-championships
Perth Tradie Expo – Perth
Perth Tradie Expo cover workwear, tools, training, machinery, vehicles and business services all related to tradie work in Australia. Entry fee is gold coin donation.
WHEN: June 13–15, 2025
MORE INFO: tradieexpo.com.au
Foundations and Frontiers – Brisbane
The Australian Constructors Association is hosting the second Foundations and Frontiers forum this year, which will track the industry’s progress since the launch of the National Construction Strategy and be a forum for TED-style talks, interactive discussions and a leaders roundtable.
WHEN: August 6, 2025
MORE INFO: foundationsandfrontiers.com.au
Resources Technology Showcase –Perth
This free three-day event showcases technological advancements in Australia’s mining, defence and space industries. The 15,000 attendees can get up close to massive mining and excavation machinery and trucks and learn about technological advancements such as electricdrive machinery and autonomous operations. In addition there is augmented reality, remote operations, drones and robotics.
WHEN: August 17–19, 2025
MORE INFO: rtsperth.com
NT Resources Week – Darwin
NT Resources Week combines three resource and construction industry events – the South East Asia Australia Offshore & Onshore Conference (SEAAOC), Mining the Territory and the Environmental Management & Decarbonisation Forum. It has fast become the leading meeting point for captains of industry in mining, exploration, petroleum, oil/gas, engineering, construction and infrastructure.
WHEN: September 3–4, 2025
MORE INFO: ntresourcesweek.com.au
Concrete 2025 – Adelaide
Concrete 2025 will cover all aspects of concrete materials, design, construction, repair and maintenance.
WHEN: September 7–10, 2025
MORE INFO: ciaconference.com.au
Converge – Melbourne
Held alongside No-Dig Down Under, Converge Expo will bring the major projects and civil infrastructure construction industry together across two massive days in Melbourne. There will be expert discussions at all levels of business, from large-scale construction projects to local councils and asset management.
WHEN: September 17–18, 2025
MORE INFO: www.convergeexpo.com.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
1 x 312C
2 x 313BCR
1 x 325CL
1 x S220-3 2 x S330LC-V 1 x S250LC-V 3 x S290LC-V 1 x S55-V DOOSAN
1 x DX225LCB
1 x DX300LC
ECM
1 x E35SR
1 x ES85U
1 x EX55UR
1 x EX210-5
1 x EX210H-5
1 x EX220-2
2 x EX220-3
1 x EX220-5
2 x EX230H-5
2 x EX270-1
1 x EX350H-5
1 x ZX35U-2
1 x ZX35U-3F
1 x ZX50U
2 x ZX50U-2
1 x ZX135US-3
1 x ZX135US-5B
3 x ZX200-3
1 x ZX200H-3
1 x ZX225USR
1 x ZX230
1 x ZX230-1
1 x ZX230H-5
1 x ZX250H-3
3 x ZX270LC-3
1 x ZX330
2 x ZX330-3
2 x ZX330LC-3
1 x ZX350H-3
1 x ZX350LCH-3
1 x ZX225USLC-5B
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 SK30SR-1
1 x SK40SR
1 x SK40SR-3
1 x SK45SR-3
1 x SK50SR-3
1 x SK75UR-3
2 x SK80MSR 1 x SK80MSR-1E 2 x SK120-5 2 x SK220-5 1 x SK130UR
x SK135SR
x SK135SR-1 1 x SK135SR-2 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
1 x PC350-8
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 1 x SE240LC-2
3 x SE240LC-3 1 x SE280LC 2 x SE280LC-2
x SE210-2
SE210LC-2
SUMITOMO
x SH60-1
x SH75X-3
x SH135X-2
x SH210-5
x SH210LC-5
x SH300A-2
x SH350H-5
x SH350HD-3
x SH350HD-5
TAKEUCHI 1 x TB138FR TEREX 1 x PT100G VOLVO
x EC240B
x EC240BLC
x EC240CL YANMAR
x B27-2
x VIO27-5
x VIO40-2
x VIO50
x VIO50-2
x VIO55-5B
x VIO70
x VIO75
x VIO75-A
DOOSAN DX225LCB HITACHI ZX225USR CATERPILLAR
CASE 210B CATERPILLAR 308BSRCATERPILLAR 323DL KOMATSU PC138US-11 HITACHI ZX135US-3
Australian manufacturers will soon have access to the world’s latest automation solutions, R&D and advanced training, as part of a new international partnership
Weld Australia has announced a strategic partnership with two technology organisations – EWI (formerly the Edison Welding Institute) and the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Group.
The nation’s peak representing body for the welding industry says this collaboration will provide Australian manufacturers with direct access to the latest automation solutions, world-class research and development, and advanced training programs.
Local businesses are set to be the main beneficiary, with the partnership aiming to boost productivity, enhance safety, address labour shortages, and reduce costs.
Weld Australia CEO Geoff Crittenden says this initiative is critical to ensuring the longterm viability of the nation’s manufacturing sector.
“Australian manufacturing is at a pivotal moment. We need to embrace advanced technologies to stay competitive,” he says.
“This isn’t just about keeping pace with the rest of the world, it’s about leading it.”
Weld Australia says EWI’s advanced technologies have already proven successful in improving efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness in renewables.
One of which is EWI’s tele-welding technology, which allows remote operation of welding systems, enabling real-time oversight and adjustments from anywhere in the world.
This innovation could be critical for addressing labour shortages and supporting large-scale projects in remote or hazardous environments.
factor to increase efficiency and global competitiveness, Crittenden says it must be matched with a highly skilled workforce.
“Beyond technology, this partnership is also focused on upskilling the workforce,” he says.
“CWB and EWI will deliver training programs to help businesses integrate automation successfully, addressing labour shortages while future-proofing the industry.
“The training will cover essential areas such as cobot programming, welding system integration, and automation safety protocols, equipping workers with the skills needed to adapt to emerging technologies.
“Through this partnership, we’re ensuring that Australian welders and manufacturers have access to worldclass training that will prepare them for the future.”
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$19,000+GST=$20,900
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