Roads & Infrastructure March 2019

MARCH 2019

& INFRASTRUCTURE

THE DIGITAL LINK

What Victoria’s new digital asset strategy means for the future of digital engineering

SHARING THE LOAD The challenges of ageing infrastructure Official media partners of

THE LONG ROAD TO SUCCESS Long-term pavement performance study

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MARCH 2019 CONTENTS

& INFRASTRUCTURE

52 J LG Australia leads the way with locally made lighting towers

Because it manufactures all its lighting towers here in Australia, JLG Australia is able to deliver its customers a number of benefits that other suppliers can’t match.

UP FRONT

14 Creating the digital link

Victoria’s Chief Engineer Collette Burke discusses the new Victorian Digital Asset Strategy, its development and where digital engineering is taking the sector in the future.

18 Sharing the load

Local government network infrastructure plays a vital role in keeping road users safe and productive, but a new report has found billions of dollars are needed to maintain it.

22 Protective measures

Fair pay in construction advocate Louise Stewart talks about the challenges subcontractors face in today’s construction industry and what needs to be done to protect their interests.

ASPHALT NEWS

26 Technologies for the continuity and quality of asphalt mix production

Ciber details new technology and equipment helping improve preventative and predictive maintenance processes in asphalt plants.

28 Broadening horizons

AAPA provides a report on its 2018 International Knowledge Transfer to Asia, which included visits to South Korea, Japan and China.

30 The long road to success

R oads & Infrastructure Magazine finds out what Austroads’ 24-year long-term pavement performance study can tell us about the condition of our roads.

34 South Australia opening the way with crumb rubber

With acceleration in the uptake of recycled material in roads, the City of Mitcham is paving the way for crumbed rubber in South Australia.

50 Built to last

AllightSykes’ range of off-the-shelf pump products is giving construction companies a water pumping solution that’s built to withstand the challenging Australian climate.

EVENTS Read about the FMAS system on page 36.

36 A move in the right direction

Boral has unveiled Australia’s first forward-moving aggregate spreader, which has the potential to revolutionise the method of spray seal road construction in Australia.

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

54 Facilitating the transport infrastructure boom

The National Roads & Traffic Expo 2019 is a platform to meet, network and engage with industry under one roof.

56 Get ready for the 2019 Queensland Civil Construction Field Day

Civil Contractors Federation Queensland is launching a new and exciting exhibition event for the civil construction market on the east coast.

38 LEDing the way

L ismore City Council is saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy prices by changing the technology in its street lighting. Roads & Infrastructure Magazine finds out how.

57 Growing the west

The 10th Annual WA Major Projects Conference will be a unique platform for industry to discuss and share best practice around Western Australia’s major infrastructure projects.

BUSINESS INSIGHT

57 Building Victoria’s transport future

The 11th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference will put the state’s major transport projects in the spotlight.

42 Top of the table

Roads & Infrastructure Magazine looks at latest CommSec State of the States economic performance report and how Australia’s states and territories stack up in construction and infrastructure.

46 Contracts – in brief

An update on some of the major project contracts awarded and out to the market over the past month across the Australian infrastructure sector.

REGULARS

4 Editor’s note 6 News 58 Events diary

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

48 Next generation construction

How Sydney-based Greenstyle Landscapes has experienced the power of Cat’s new 1- to 2-tonne mini excavator range, as the first owner of a 301.7CR Next Generation Mini Excavator in Australia.

SA’s crumb rubber trial in focus. Page 34.

roadsonline.com.au

3

& INFRASTRUCTURE

TRANSFORMATION NATION OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS, MAJOR TRANSFORMATIONS ARE HAPPENING in the digital engineering space. Not only is Transport for New South Wales speeding ahead with its Digital Engineering Framework program, Queensland also released its BIM implementation policy late last year.

Now, this January, the Victorian Government has released its Strategic Framework for its Victorian Digital Asset Strategy (VDAS) – the first step in embracing digital engineering concepts and strategies across the board for the state’s infrastructure projects.

Developed under the leadership of Victoria’s Chief Engineer Dr. Collette Burke and the Office of Projects Victoria, VDAS seeks to guide the state on the creation, delivery and enhancement of digital assets that can inform the delivery and whole-life management of physical assets across Victoria.

Marking a major step for digital engineering in Victoria, and the infrastructure sector in general, Roads & Infrastructure Magazine spoke with Dr. Burke about the new strategy, its development and where digital engineering is taking the sector in the future (page 14).

Major changes are also being felt by subcontractors, with the WA Government announcing last year its major plans to expand project bank accounts on some government projects, aimed at providing better protection for subcontractors.

Although there is progress happening, there’s still a way to go to ensure subcontractors can protect themselves the best they can.

Fair pay in construction advocate Louise Stewart talks to Roads & Infrastructure Magazine about the challenges subbies face in today’s construction industry and what needs to be done to protect their interests. Read the article on page 22.

This month we also look at the first Australian forward-moving aggregate spreader – a major development for safety in the move towards safer spray sealing operations not just in Victoria, but the nation too.

Boral revealed the new technology to the industry at an event held at Australian Road Research Board’s National Transport Centre in Port Melbourne.

The new machine disperses aggregate from the front of the truck via a conveyor belt and spreader box, rather than it being applied with a reversing truck through an elevated tipper body, as is the norm.

Not only is the innovation potentially changing the way spray sealing operations can be undertaken, but it is part of a greater mindset shift, headlined by VicRoads, which has mandated that forward-moving aggregate spreaders be used on its projects by 2022. Read more on page 36.

It’s great to see industry begin to make such a progressive transformation, whether it be a literal change in direction, and I’m excited to see what else 2019 has in store for the Australian flexible pavements and infrastructure sector.

PUBLISHER Christine Clancy christine.clancy@primecreative.com.au EDITOR Robbie Parkes robbie.parkes@primecreative.com.au JOURNALIST William Arnott william.arnott@primecreative.com.au DESIGN PRODUCTION MANAGER Michelle Weston michelle.weston@primecreative.com.au ART DIRECTOR Blake Storey DESIGN Kerry Pert, Madeline McCarty BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Nick Markessinis nick.markessinis@primecreative.com.au CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER Justine Nardone justine.nardone@primecreative.com.au HEAD OFFICE Prime Creative Pty Ltd 11-15 Buckhurst Street South Melbourne VIC 3205 Australia p: +61 3 9690 8766 f: +61 3 9682 0044 enquiries@primecreative.com.au www.roadsonline.com.au SUBSCRIPTIONS +61 3 9690 8766 subscriptions@primecreative.com.au Roads & Infrastructure Australia is available by subscription from the publisher. The rights of refusal are reserved by the publisher.

ARTICLES All articles submitted for publication become the property of the publisher.

The Editor reserves the right to adjust any article to conform with the magazine format.

COPYRIGHT

Robbie Parkes Editor, Roads & Infrastructure Magazine 4

ROADS MARCH 2019

Roads & Infrastructure Australia is owned and published

by Prime Creative Media. All material in Roads & Infrastructure Australia is copyright and no part may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means (graphic, electronic or mechanical including information and retrieval systems) without the written permission of the publisher. The Editor welcomes contributions but reserves the right to accept or reject any material.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information, Prime Creative Media will not accept responsibility for errors or omissions or for any consequences arising from reliance on information published. The opinions expressed in Roads & Infrastructure Australia are not necessarily the opinions of, or endorsed by the publisher unless otherwise stated.

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NEWS

FIRST AUTOMATED VEHICLE TO HIT VICTORIAN ROADS Automated vehicle technology will be tested in rural Victoria this year in the first on-road trial approved under the new Automated Driving System (ADS) permit scheme.

In January, the Victorian Government announced that Bosch was awarded $2.3 million from the Connected and Automated Vehicle (CAV) Trial Grants Program and granted the state’s first ADS permit for on-road testing of highly automated driving systems.

Last year, Victoria finalised regulations to support the ADS permit scheme, which authorises the use of automated vehicles for testing and development on our roads.

Bosch is currently developing its automated vehicle technology and will begin testing on high-speed rural roads later in 2019.

The testing will be conducted on roads that expose the automated vehicle to a range of different conditions including traffic, weather and infrastructure.

Bosch will be leading the trial in Victoria.

The $9 million CAV Trial Grants Program is funded through the state government’s $1.4 billion Towards Zero Action Plan.

In late 2017, VicRoads called for expressions of interest from companies, industry bodies and other transport

technology organisations to apply for funding to spur the development of these emerging technologies, which will lead to fewer deaths and serious injuries. Other successful applicants are expected to be announced soon.

INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA APPOINTS NEW CEO Infrastructure Australia has named its new Chief Executive Officer as the organisation prepares to release the Australian Infrastructure Audit in mid-2019.

Romilly Madew has been appointed to the role and has been recognised by the

Romilly Madew.

6

ROADS MARCH 2019

Infrastructure Australia Board as a leader in the property and construction industry.

Ms. Madew has led the Green Building Council of Australia since 2006 and has experience as a CEO with strategy, governance and policy development.

As CEO of the Green Building Council of Australia, she represented more than 650 companies with a collective turnover of $40 billion, and presided over the Green Star rating system that has been used in more than 2250 projects across the country.

She has also held board positions with the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council and Sydney Olympic Park Authority, and has been part of a number of ministerial panels, including the Cities Reference Group, National Urban Policy Forum and the China/Australia Services Sector Forum.

Ms. Madew has won multiple awards, including the 2015 International Leadership Award from the US Green Building Council and the 2017 World Green Building Council Chairman’s Award.

This January, Ms. Madew was also appointed as an Officer of the Order of Australia for her contribution to the nation’s green building movement.

The Order recognises Ms. Madew’s distinguished service to the construction sector as a change agent and advocate for sustainable building practices.

Infrastructure Australia Chair Julieanne Alroe congratulated her on the major achievement.

“In her 13 years as Chief Executive of the Green Building Council of Australia, Romilly has emerged as an energetic and visionary leader with a strong appreciation of the value in working collaboratively to achieve policy outcomes,” Ms. Alroe said.

“These qualities will no doubt see her excel when she commences at Infrastructure Australia in coming months – taking the reins on an ambitious research and reform agenda and delivery of the next Australian Infrastructure Audit.”

Ms. Madew will begin her new role with Infrastructure Australia in April 2019.

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NEWS

PROGRESS MADE ON REVIEW OF NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY GOVERNANCE This January, another step was taken in actioning the 12 recommendations made by the National Road Safety Strategy 2011-2020 Inquiry, according to the Federal Government.

Unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, the Terms of Reference for the National Road Safety Governance Review was part of renewed and ongoing efforts by government agencies to reduce road trauma and prompt greater safety initiatives on the roads nationally.

Mr. McCormack said the Governance Review will assess the necessary changes needed to improve Australia’s road safety governance structure, including comprehensive mapping of specific roles, responsibilities and accountabilities held across agencies and jurisdictions.

“Coordination across state, territory and local governments will be the cornerstone of improving the governance arrangements around road safety and this was reinforced at the [Council of Australian Governments’] Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting in November 2018,” Mr. McCormack said.

“The Review outcomes will also help to progress the Australian Government’s strategic infrastructure plan where $75 billion is being invested, in projects big and small, over the next 10 years to improve transport infrastructure to help Australians and their families arrive at their destinations sooner and safer.”

As part of the stakeholder engagement,

Mr. McCormack’s department will now drive a Road Safety Taskforce.

the Review will involve benchmarking with the United Kingdom and Sweden, two countries recognised as international leaders in road safety.

Mr. McCormack’s department will drive the Road Safety Task Force, which will receive additional support by the Road Safety Strategy Working Group – a group that consists of senior officials and road safety experts from various jurisdictions, as well as independent experts.

A draft report will be released in March 2019 and peer-reviewed by independent experts.

The final report will then be tabled at a Transport and Infrastructure Council meeting scheduled for the first half of 2019.

Recommendations from the Governance Review will help to inform the Federal Government’s position on whether a single national road safety entity is required, as recommended by the National Road Safety Strategy Inquiry.

The Review will also consider what steps are required for governments and stakeholders to lead the implementation of the “Vision Zero” goal of reducing road fatalities to zero by 2050.

NELSON BAY RD DUPLICATION MOVES AHEAD WITH $205M COMMITMENT The New South Wales Government will commit $205 million, in addition to the $70 million already allocated, for the duplication of Nelson Bay Road from Williamtown to Bobs Farm in Port Stephens.

Planning, development and initial works are already underway on the project, which 8

ROADS MARCH 2019

aims to improve traffic movement and safety on the major road.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the upgrade was essential for a road used by more than 25,000 motorists a day, a figure that soars during peak periods.

“As the Hunter and NSW continue to

grow, so does the number of motorists using our roads. Nelson Bay Road is a crucial connection for residents, but can become very busy during holiday periods,” she said.

Nelson Bay Road has undergone duplication works in the past, including between Bobs Farm and Anna Bay in 2015.

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NEWS

WESTERN SYDNEY INFRASTRUCTURE GETS $170M FUNDING BOOST Works will begin later this year across Western Sydney, as part of a $170 million investment to improve the region’s community infrastructure and public spaces.

It is part of the Western City Liveability Program and is one of the steps within the Western Sydney City Deal.

The first round of the program will provide funding to eight councils for a string of local projects, which aims to capitalise on the opportunities presented by the Western Sydney Airport.

Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the projects would improve the lives and opportunities for people across Western Sydney.

“Funding will support new and redeveloped parks, sport and recreation facilities, rejuvenating town centres and creating spaces for arts and cultural events,” Mr. Tudge said.

The successful projects will support the growth of the Western Parkland City, showing just what a great place it is to live and work.

The funding is part of the Western City Liveability program.

“It will also bolster this regions ability to attract national and international investment.”

Each project will be co-funded by three levels of government, with the Federal and NSW Governments each contributing $60 million alongside a further $50 million from local councils.

NSW Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said the program is another major milestone for the Western Sydney City

Deal, following the release of the deal’s Implementation Plan in December last year.

“The collaboration between all levels of government is already delivering tangible outcomes for the Western Parkland City, which will continue to thrive under the landmark 20-year agreement,” Mr. Ayres said in a statement.

“This program will bolster our Parkland City’s transformation into one of the most vibrant and liveable places in Australia.”

AUSTROADS RELEASES REVISED DATA STANDARD FOR ROAD ASSET MANAGERS Austroads has published the third version of its Data Standard for Road Management and Investment report with revised priority harmonisation subsets and metrics, following stakeholder feedback.

The Austroads road data standard project was reportedly initiated in response to requests from stakeholders who increasingly need to share data with other road agencies, but are frustrated by the lack of common data definitions and formats.

The data standard will harmonise the data collected and used by road asset managers, from planning to asset disposal and reporting.

The prevalence of technology present within mobile devices, on-board vehicles and roadside infrastructure has resulted in the exponential increase of available data, according to Austroads. The data 10

ROADS MARCH 2019

generated from these devices provide new opportunities for gaining insight into areas of the road network. The data standard provides the opportunity to underpin the collection and sharing of data into a nationally consistent architecture.

Austroads said a nationally harmonised data-sharing framework will enable road managers to: reduce data collection costs; better measure, manage and optimise the performance of the road network and infrastructure; improve road maintenance and investment activities; prioritise activities based on a comparable baseline; and investigate and implement alternative road funding frameworks, including the heavy vehicle reform based on road use and vehicle tracking.

The priority harmonisation subset (PHS) are those data items identified as

a priority for implementation by road agencies for industry benefit and effective asset management practice. The PHS is confined to roads (pavement and surfacing), structures (bridges, major culverts) and tunnels.

The revised versions of the PHS and Austroads’ data standard were developed with input from Australian and New Zealand stakeholders.

The updated version of the standard highlights the priority datasets in the data tables and gives guidance about what areas of practice, harmonisation of these data items supports.

Revised PHS and metrics for the Data Standard for Road Maintenance and Investment summarises the revised PHS and metrics that underpin the third edition of Austroads’ data standard.

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NEWS

NSW COALITION MAKES METRO WEST AN ELECTION PROMISE NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance has said the Coalition Government would get Sydney Metro West “well underway” within its next term, if re-elected at the state election in March.

Speaking to the media at the end of January, Mr. Constance said the project – which is estimated to cost roughly $18 billion – would be a top priority for the Liberals, who he says are settling on around nine stations along the proposed route.

“We will absolutely expedite it,” Mr. Constance was quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald in January.

“We can get cracking very quickly. We have got the established relationships and confidence of the contractors to be able to do this.”

The Sydney Metro West route would almost certainly have stations at or around Westmead (its likely western terminus), the Parramatta CBD, Olympic Park, Rozelle and the Sydney CBD. Mr. Constance suggested “three to four” additional stations would be included in the final route, and said

Sydney Metro West is on the cards if the current NSW Government is re-elected.

most of the route would be tunnelled.

Mr. Constance and Premier Gladys Berejiklian last year said intermediate station options are also being considered for Camellia/Rydalmere, North Burwood/ Five Dock, Kings Bay and Pyrmont, with further consultation to take place.

“There is a balance between the number of stops and the travel time from Parramatta to the Sydney CBD,” Mr. Constance said in March 2018. “That’s why we will work through the intermediate

stop options with the community and industry before coming to a final decision.”

Sydney Metro West is the third major metro railway project for Sydney.

Sydney Metro Northwest, which should see first trains this year, runs from Rouse Hill to Chatswood via Castle Hill and Epping. Sydney Metro City and Southwest, currently under construction, will extend that line from Chatswood to the Sydney CBD, and then on to Bankstown via Sydenham.

CLAY WASTE FROM METRO TUNNEL RECYCLED TO PRODUCE BRICKS Clay waste from Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Parkville Station project will be converted into new bricks for residential construction.

More than 80 Olympic-sized swimming pools’ worth of material will be excavated as part of the project to make way for the new underground station.

There are three stages to the project, with the first stage expected to provide around 300,000 tonnes of clay, enough to produce around 10 million bricks.

PGH Bricks and Pavers Regional General Manager Andrew Peachey said with the other two potential stages, there is the potential to produce around 30 million bricks.

“We are very committed to recycling this type of material as much as possible.

Not only is it better for the environment

The project has the potential to produce around 30 million bricks.

– reusing waste rather than sending it to landfill – there’s also the social benefit of its use to build homes for new residents in the suburbs of Melbourne,” Mr. Peachey said.

“Normally we would extract this clay from our own quarry, so recycling waste from

construction sites also serves to provide longevity at our facility and continuity of work for everyone employed there.

Works began on the site on 14 January below Grattan Street, between Leicester Street and Royal Parade.

Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan said the government is working on providing Victorians with projects to improve transport infrastructure.

“We are undertaking a monumental engineering feat as part of the Metro Tunnel, including constructing new train stations deep beneath some of Melbourne’s busiest areas,” she said.

The first train is expected to run through the tunnel in 2025. roadsonline.com.au

13

CREATING THE

DIGITAL LINK

VICTORIA’S CHIEF ENGINEER TALKS TO ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE ABOUT THE NEW VICTORIAN DIGITAL ASSET STRATEGY, ITS DEVELOPMENT AND WHERE DIGITAL ENGINEERING IS TAKING THE SECTOR IN THE FUTURE.

I

n 2018, both the Queensland and New South Wales Governments made big announcements regarding the future of digital engineering in their respective regions.

The Queensland Government released the introduction of its Digital Enablement for Queensland Infrastructure – Principles for BIM Implementation policy, documentation that aims to bring building information modelling (BIM) to the forefront in the state’s infrastructure projects.

In that same year, Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) launched its Digital Engineering Framework Program – a unified interim approach to digital engineering that aims to empower data-driven decisions throughout the transport cluster.

In January this year, the Victorian Government released its Victorian Digital Asset Strategy (VDAS) Strategic Framework – a detailed perspective for the future of digital engineering in the Victorian infrastructure sector.

VDAS, developed under the leadership of Victoria’s Chief Engineer Dr. Collette Burke and the Office of Projects Victoria (OPV), seeks to guide the state on the creation, delivery and enhancement of digital assets that can inform the delivery and whole-life management of physical assets across Victoria.

The Strategic Framework is the first step in further developing VDAS and digital engineering industry in Victoria. It aims to provide an overarching direction to government, industry and the public on the value of digital engineering – providing a common and consistent approach for the

14

ROADS MARCH 2019

Dr. Collette Burke.

application of digital engineering principles and practices, such as BIM, to new and planned infrastructure assets.

This includes coordination and consistency across the board when it comes to data, information, assets and decisions across the physical asset lifecycle, from planning, creation, operation, decommissioning and even divestment.

Applying to a range of stakeholders across the delivery and operation of infrastructure assets, the Strategic Framework outlines a range of steps and short- and long-term goals to enhance the development of digital engineering processes in the state.

This includes the introduction of VDAS guidance documents and technical guides, which will be delivered incrementally throughout 2019, and a competency framework and education map in the lead-up to wider implementation across the state.

Signalling a new turning point for

digital engineering in Victoria, Roads & Infrastructure Magazine talks to Dr. Burke about the strategy, its development and where digital engineering is taking the Australian infrastructure sector in the future.

Dr. Burke says there has been a momentum shift within the industry towards the establishment of these formalised digital engineering frameworks and strategies, but it’s been an ongoing process for a number of years.

Much of the construction and infrastructure sector around Australia is already utilising digital engineering processes, such as BIM. However, it is in pockets and, in general, not in a consistent or common fashion to how the state would want it.

“Transport for New South Wales, for instance, has been solidly progressing on this for the past few years and reached a really good point. However, the real turning point here is that the technology is now proven and commonplace – it’s being used daily out there,” she explains.

“I think the technology has now developed to such a point that it’s not just BIM and 3D modelling, but it’s truly linked systems and information.”

The use of LiDAR scanning and even photogrammetry for use with conjunction with 3D models has come along way in availability and application, for instance.

“Once upon a time, it was quite costly to do LiDAR scanning and overlay photogrammetry. Now, they’ve actually got the hardware and software that does it seamlessly, with such great upside.”

The next step for the technology is

UP FRONT

developing the ability to try and link other data sources and sets, such as cost systems, risk registers, maintenance systems, asset management systems, for instance. “The graphical environment is one part of that – the most valuable bit is linking that graphical environment to nongraphical data. It’s really about tapping into that whole-of-asset life data and integrating it harmoniously,” Dr. Burke says.

“Because of the benefits, step-changes in computing power and advances in realtime data/system linkage, it’s becoming much easier to adopt digital engineering.

I think we’re only at the very beginning of the journey of discovering how we can use digital engineering for whole of life asset management and I think that’s where the biggest benefit is.”

With such an array of possibilities now opening up through the development of digital engineering technology and applications, the VDAS aims to help facilitate that next step of development.

Dr. Burke says the development of digital engineering in the sector has typically been led by industry, with companies investing because they believe in the technology but it also gives them a competitive advantage. However, she believes that government needs to play a key role to ensure that industry as a whole adopt best practices in the state’s best interests.

“In the design of almost all infrastructure assets, detailed digital 3D models are created but they’re often thrown out in subsequent phases. VDAS is about trying to get better utilisation out of those digital assets that are already

there and using them in latter phases to avoid rework and for major upside to downstream stakeholders,” she says.

“But, for this, there also needs to be a driver. The government does need to lead and set the standards it wants on projects and assets of the future. If it becomes something that government is interested in then industry will respond as a whole.

“What does that framework look like for government? How do we assist agencies and the whole industry to up-skill? It’s quite a big piece about understanding what digital engineering is, what the benefits it can bring are and then how best to start approaching that journey.

I certainly think TfNSW has paved the way on this, Victoria has embraced this as well, now Queensland is starting on that journey.”

For the Victorian Government, Dr. Burke says VDAS is the first step, and has been developed not just with best international practice in mind, but with local knowledge at its core – all overseen by the VDAS Steering Committee (VDASSC), which informs and advises the state government on key aspects relating to digital engineering. The committee is made up of individuals representing industry bodies, government entities and major designers and educators with expertise in the field.

“We did a massive piece on investigating how other countries and jurisdictions, such as the UK, navigated the digital engineering and BIM journey. We were informed by some leading stakeholders – we had a couple of people on our steering committee from the UK that

had been there and learned the lessons.

We also looked at Singapore and Europe to see what best practice was there.

Our main goal was to not re-invent the wheel and align where possible. We were aided by internal best practice, standards, approaches and lessons learned,” Dr. Burke explains.

Going forward, the VDASSC will play a pivotal role in the development of the next stage of VDAS. This includes more specific advice through guidelines and technical guides to be released over 2019. The next stage also includes key elements such as up-skilling, competency frameworks and what they should look like.

“Most engineers that graduate today have a really good grasp of digital engineering concepts, frameworks, softwares and processes. The people that potentially need the most attention, and stand to benefit the most, are at senior levels. Critically, this upskilling includes an understanding of what digital engineering does and the benefits that filter down to different levels of a project,” she says.

“We’ve done a map of where all the BIM courses are and developing a competency framework of the different groups and what sort of skills would be needed.

Furthermore, the Victorian Government announced free BIM TAFE courses, so we’re excited about how they can be utilised in conjunction with VDAS, for instance.”

She says TfNSW had been quite advanced on its journey, with working groups around Australia that the VDASSC has also tapped into.

roadsonline.com.au

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With state governments starting to take a more common approach towards state digital engineering frameworks, Dr. Burke says alignment between Victoria, Queensland and NSW is imperative – with considerable progress made to date. She hopes more states will come on board in the future. “There’s been really fantastic sharing of information and work done in this area – I’m really empowered by the level of collaboration. Perhaps it’s a reflection of what digital engineering is driving toward: collaboration for better outcomes.”

The VDAS also serves as a precursor to further investigations the OPV is undertaking on asset utilisation, how assets are operated and maintained and how to get better use and leverage out of that asset over its lifetime.

“If you optimise your assets you therefore have more available capital to build other assets, so you get better use out of what you’ve already got as well as building new infrastructure. While it might be a three-year build on a project, asset life is often over 30, 50 and even 100 years. So, if we can look at how to optimise that infrastructure asset using data, then we can get massive benefits out of it,” Dr. Burke says.

She says there is some really good digital engineering practice already taking place in Australia, especially in the services industry – mechanical, electrical, plumbing industries.

“This area is well advanced and has been

using it for many years. It has enabled that entire industry and really does span the entire asset lifecycle,” she says. “We want the VDAS to dovetail into asset management systems.” A prime example of this is through the state government’s Asset Management Accountability Framework.

The policy is looking at how we operate and maintain our assets and how this moves into those systems and existing asset management approaches. “The VDAS has a significant role to play with respect to that,” Dr. Burke adds.

“I can see lots of work being done in digital transformation across Victorian Government: EPA is mapping harmful materials, Land Use Victoria is leading the charge with an uplift of existing GIS systems, VicTrack and the Department of Transport have innovative projects around collecting performance data,” she says.

“In about five years all these really great projects around collecting data on assets and how they performing will be linked all together.”

The VDAS is being used to look at some of the larger and new infrastructure projects starting to take off in Victoria. “Working with organisations like Rail Projects Victoria, the North East Link Project, what we’re tying to do, particularly with all new major projects, is get them set up with their digital strategies and assisting them so they’re starting that journey. In the short term we’ll start to see a common and government-driven approach used

right across the board for any project,” Dr. Burke explains.

The next major step for the strategy and advancing digital engineering utilisation in the state is the development of the VDAS guidance and technical guides and rollout of the Victorian Digital Engineering Education Map. “It’s really important to make progress on that, developing and understanding the education and up-skilling required. It’s really important for people to understand and start to build skills in the industry.”

As for the long-term, the development and implementation of a VDAS Competency Framework aims to be a key milestone for the strategy, which ultimately revolves around the integration of many of these digital engineering technologies, which have a capability to change just how assets are designed, built and operated across Victoria.

“The VDAS is a key step towards a ‘smart city’ concepts – a city of the future. I think the big game changer will be a truly integrated and networked environment where you can actually look at the entire system and make decisions around how people use it and how they move in an instant. I think we’re heading to that stage and the next leap will be starting to move towards autonomous transport,” Dr. Burke says. “While that may seem like a long way away, it will rapidly approach. I’m really looking forward to what the future looks like, and how the VDAS can enable it.”

The VDAS is a detailed perspective for the future of digital engineering in the Victorian infrastructure sector.

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THE LOAD LOCAL TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE PLAYS A VITAL ROLE IN KEEPING ROAD USERS SAFE AND PRODUCTIVE, BUT A NEW REPORT HAS FOUND BILLIONS OF DOLLARS ARE NEEDED TO MAINTAIN OR REPLACE OUR AGEING INFRASTRUCTURE.

M

ore than $30 billion is required to renew and replace ageing infrastructure in Australia, with the costs likely to continue growing, according to a new report.

The Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) assessed data from more than 400 councils in its National State of the Assets 2018 report, which finds one in five local timber bridges are in poor condition.

David O’Loughlin.

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Large state and national infrastructure projects received a majority of state and federal infrastructure planning and funding, but now funding is needed to ensure local infrastructure can be brought up to a state of good repair in order to support national productivity and safety, according to the report.

David O’Loughlin, President of ALGA, says the most alarming finding from the report was that despite good federal assistance and local diligence, the cost to repair the backlog of infrastructure has increased by $3 billion.

“We are likely facing a new wave of infrastructure replacement demand, driven by the development of infrastructure from the baby boom of the 60s and 70s,” he explains.

“Much local infrastructure was built in this period of significant growth, which means many are now reaching a point where significant structural or material repair is needed.

“Many of them are also simply outdated designs and are unable to withstand the increased loadbearing requirements.”

According to the findings, nine per cent of sealed roads and 16 per cent of unsealed roads are in poor to very poor condition.

This could be in the form of cracks, potholes, a lack of proper line marking or sealing. Some local roads are also too narrow to carry modern vehicles.

Local bridges in disrepair can lead to productivity issues for freight vehicles, as they may not be able to safely carry high productivity vehicles used for primary, secondary and tertiary producers.

Timber bridges were in the worst repair, with around 21 per cent found to be in poor to very poor condition. In some situations, a timber bridge could be the only crossing, meaning larger vehicles would require a completely different and longer route.

Under current revenue arrangements, the local government sector has no way of paying the billions of dollars required to repair and upgrade its infrastructure, the report finds.

Cr. O’Loughlin says councils are doing their best to bring these bridges up to a reasonable condition, but the scale of the problem is beyond their current resources.

“The Bridges Renewal Program has proved to be a very successful and important partnership between the Federal Government and councils to improve road safety and freight productivity,” he says.

“More than 205 local bridges have been

UP FRONT

Nine per cent of sealed roads are in poor to very poor condition, according to the new ALGA report.

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fixed using around $120 million of federal funding. Councils are keen to continue this partnership to deliver this important work and are calling for the program to be made permanent.”

The program plans to provide local governments with $480 million of funding from the 2015-16 financial year to the 2021-22 financial year, with an ongoing commitment of $60 million each year to upgrade and replace bridges to facilitate higher productivity vehicle access.

Funding is available up to a maximum of $700,000 for one bridge or $1.4 million for two bridges in the same local government area, with the Federal Government contributing up to 50 per cent of the total project cost. However, this program isn’t enough to meet the demand.

FINDING THE FUNDS As metropolitan councils often have more rate payers and smaller road networks, a significant amount of regional councils don’t have the revenue sources to fund maintenance works for extensive road asset portfolios, the report finds.

One potential source of funding for local

governments to upgrade infrastructure is through the Federal Government’s Financial Assistance Grants. These grants are separated into two components for general purpose and for local roads, distributed between the states and territories, according to populations and fixed historical shares respectively.

Cr. O’Loughlin says there has been a steady decline in funding from the grants over the past 20 years, falling from one per cent of Federal Taxation Revenue in 1996 to 0.55 per cent today. He adds that this fall in funding has been most acutely felt in regional and remote councils.

“The Bridges Renewal program helps tackle the backlog in fixing bridges, but a fairer share of Commonwealth taxes is vital to restoring sustainable levels of funding in the longer term, particularly for our regional and remote communities,” he says.

“Local government is a significant investor in the road network, managing around $345 billion worth of community infrastructure.

It’s important that the burden of funding the maintenance is shared across all levels of government.”

He adds a key factor in maintaining

Local government manages around $345 billion worth of community infrastructure.

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ROADS MARCH 2019

“LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS A SIGNIFICANT INVESTOR IN THE ROAD NETWORK, MANAGING AROUND $345 BILLION WORTH OF COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE. IT’S IMPORTANT THAT THE BURDEN OF FUNDING THE MAINTENANCE IS SHARED ACROSS ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.”

local infrastructure is through the proper implementation of asset management plans and good long-term financial plans.

Around 18 per cent of the councils that participated within the report said they either did not have road asset management plans in place or they were out of date.

Additionally, while 97 per cent of local governments had said they had a longterm financial plan in place in 2013, the report finds this number had declined to 81 per cent in 2017.

As local governments are often assetintensive organisations, poor infrastructure planning can carry long-term financial impacts. New or upgraded local infrastructure built to meet community expectations often will not provide additional revenue to the council and will depreciate over time. Each new asset means a local government will need to fund the additional operating and maintenance costs associated with it into the long term, according to the report.

To help local governments manage infrastructure planning, the report recommends installing an ongoing program that audits local government’s asset and financial plans to understand their currency, update frequency and maturity.

“This need not be costly or complex or require additional auditing analytical skills.

Instead, it could simply assess whether upto-date plans that meet minimal legislative requirements exist,” Cr. O’Loughlin says.

“There is no doubt that our local transport infrastructure is long-term assets and we need to ensure these large-cost items have a more managed approach.

“Greater coordination is required to ensure our infrastructure burden is shared to provide the road safety and productivity benefits we’re striving to achieve.”

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PROTECTIVE

MEASURES FAIR PAY IN CONSTRUCTION ADVOCATE LOUISE STEWART TALKS TO ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE ABOUT THE CHALLENGES SUBCONTRACTORS FACE IN TODAY’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE TO PROTECT THEIR INTERESTS.

I

n 2018 alone, 1642 construction businesses became insolvent, according to the Australian Subcontractors Association (ASA).

Louise Stewart, Spokesperson for the ASA and a fair pay in construction advocate, says many of the companies comprising that statistic are a result of non-payment to subcontractors, often as a result of

companies collapsing.

“When it comes to the collapse of companies that rely on subcontractors to undertake the work, the domino effect can be devastating. When companies fail to pay subcontractors for work done, the subbies still have to pay employee entitlements and taxes,” she says.

Ms. Stewart spoke to Roads &

At the end of 2018, the Western Australian Government announced its plans to expand project bank accounts.

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Infrastructure Magazine about the risks subcontractors face when it comes to fair pay in the construction sector, but also the options they have to protect themselves and their staff.

Subcontractors are protected by security of payment laws to ensure they are paid for the work they do. However, Ms. Stewart says the biggest complication in Australia

UP FRONT

“THE WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MODEL IS VERY MUCH BASED ON WHATEVER IS IN THE CONTRACT, IT IS AN IMPLIED TERMS LEGISLATION, MAKING IT HARDER ON CONTRACTORS TO GET A FAIR DEAL AS THERE IS AN IMBALANCE OF POWER WHEN THEY ARE PRESENTED WITH ‘TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT’ CONTRACTS. TIME AND TIME AGAIN A LOT OF CONTRACTS ARE UNDERCUTTING SUBCONTRACTORS – THE ABILITY TO NEGOTIATE FAIRER CONTRACTS IS NOT THERE.”

Louise Stewart.

is the difference between laws around the country.

“The challenge for the subcontractors is having to understand quite complex legislation at all levels, including nationally.

For subcontractors, there are currently also different payment timeframes in each state and territory.”

She says the system used predominantly on the east coast of Australia has a payment timeframe of 20 days. “That’s effectively because if there’s a change in schedule and project it can be enforced in court,” she adds.

However, Ms. Stewart says the timeframes

used in Western Australia is 42 days.

Unfortunately, long payment delays have major negative flow-on effects for subcontractors. “They really don’t know when they’ll get paid, which results in a real lack of certainty,” she says. “Many subcontractors can’t wait that long and even put their homes on the line to pay employees.

“The Western Australian model is very much based on whatever is in the contract, it is an implied terms legislation, making it harder on contractors to get a fair deal as there is an imbalance of power when they are presented with ‘take it or leave it’ contracts. Time and time again a lot of contracts are undercutting subcontractors – the ability to negotiate fairer contracts is not there.”

Ms. Stewart believes the discrepancy between the two systems occurred when the government at the time in Western Australia based its own model on a UK system, while the eastern states came up with more of an Australia-based model.

However, as the industry has grown, she says the need for a national Australia-

specific system is necessary.

Additionally, she says the construction sector also has a “chronic” underbidding problem, where larger contractors will “buy jobs” to keep workforces engaged if they are experiencing a downturn.

The outlook for subcontractors across the nation is improving, however, with a number of developments giving them more options and protective measures, particularly in the west.

At the end of 2018, the Western Australian Government announced its plans to expand project bank accounts (PBAs) for government projects where the total value of works exceeds $1.5 million.

The PBAs are aimed at providing better protection and improving the speed of payment for subcontractors and increasing transparency in the payment process.

A subcontractor support unit will also be established and overseen by the state’s Small Business Commissioner, who will have a number of authoritative powers.

This includes compelling head contractors on government projects to prove payment to subcontracts, shield subcontractors from retribution for lodging complaints by allowing them to be anonymous, conduct random and targeted audits based on intelligence and tip-offs, and make recommendations to the state government to sanction head contractors, ultimately impacting their future procurement opportunities in the state.

At the time of the announcement, Western Australia Small Business Minister Paul Papalia said the changes represented the first of their kind in the state. “It will no longer be acceptable for a head contractor on government-led projects to fob off their responsibilities. The McGowan Government will set an example for the sector by ensuring all subcontractors are rightfully paid”. The Western Australian Government expects the unit to be operating in the roadsonline.com.au

23

Ms. Stewart has developed ProjectPay – an award-winning project payment technology.

“THE QUEENSLAND GOVERNMENT IS CERTAINLY TAKING THE LEAD ON THIS AND HAS MADE PROJECT BANK ACCOUNTS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT. HOWEVER, GREATER RESPONSIBILITY NEEDS TO BE TAKEN AT ALL LEVELS. GOVERNMENTS NEED TO ACT TO LEGALLY IMPOSE THESE SOLUTIONS AND ENSURE CONTRACTORS PAY SUBCONTRACTORS RATHER THAN SPENDING THEIR MONEY.”

first half of this year.

The announcement was followed closely by the released of John Fiocco’s final reports on security payment reform in the Western Australia building and construction industry.

The report involved extensive consultation with 19 industry organisations and seven state government agencies, and includes 44 recommendations which identify reforms to better protect the security of payments for Western Australian building and construction subcontractors.

The state government said all 24

ROADS MARCH 2019

recommendations would be considered and examined as to how they can be implemented in 2019.

With momentum building on government level in the west, Ms. Stewart says national legislation is needed and either cascading statutory trusts or cascading PBAs must be mandated. She says cascading statutory trusts means the money can be collected and paid out at each level. “The way it currently works is that the head contractors can collect all the money and pay off their own bills before paying their subcontractors,” she says. “Cascading trusts means they will not be able to touch that money. If someone touches money in that trust they go to jail. This is money that needs to go to people who do the work – they still have to pay taxes and employees.

“The Queensland Government is certainly taking the lead on this and has made project bank accounts a legal requirement.

However, greater responsibility needs to be taken at all levels. Governments need to act to legally impose these solutions and ensure contractors pay subcontractors rather than spending their money.”

To aid subcontractors even further, Ms. Stewart has developed award-winning collaborative project payment technology – ProjectPay. The technology helps

subcontractors keep track of records and transactions throughout the supply chain, streamline processes, reduce the administration of PBAs or trusts and ensure compliance. “We’ve identified a definite need in industry for a technology platform that assures everyone and notifies them what their legal rights are,” she says.

“To remove barriers to the adoption of trusts, processes and reporting needs to be automated.

The platform means the user has recurring notifications and alerts and helps transition them away from paper-based systems. “And industry is in desperate need for digitalisation, collaboration and transparency,” Ms. Stewart adds.

She also won the National Association of Women in Construction Innovation award for the system.

Ms. Stewart says in addition to the steps that need to be taken at government levels, subcontractors do have options to help better protect themselves in these situations and improve their protective measures.

“Subbies need to promptly track variations and approvals in writing and track things very clearly in regards to payments – and in a digital age that is becoming increasingly easier.”

UP FRONT

Melbourne Metro Early Works

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Panel Discussion: Encouraging Connectivity - Decentralising the State of Victoria

Using An 'Active Client' Model to Assure the Safe Delivery of The Major Transport Infrastructure Program

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1 - 2 MAY 2019

Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

New technology is helping to improve predictive maintenance measures on asphalt mix production.

TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE CONTINUITY AND QUALITY OF ASPHALT MIX

PRODUCTION

CIBER’S MARCELO ZUBARAN TALKS ABOUT THE NEW TECHNOLOGY AND EQUIPMENT THAT’S HELPING IMPROVE PREVENTATIVE AND PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE PROCESSES IN ASPHALT PLANTS.

A

variety of complex factors are involved in the production of hot asphalt mixes, which makes the process vulnerable to sudden equipment stops.

The consequences of such unplanned maintenances to the business are dire, since the cost of having a stopped plant is high.

In order to minimise production disruptions, new technologies applied to 26

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wear components and electronic monitoring of asphalt plant motors during production can bring predictability to maintenance, replacing corrective maintenance with preventive and predictive maintenance.

Preventive maintenance is a widespread concept applied to equipment that has the goal of scheduling machine stops according to the expected amount of wear, based on average statistics of generic applications.

Predictive maintenance, on the other hand, is much more complex because it considers the current conditions and the dynamics of the components, according to a specific application, in order to schedule maintenance at the correct time.

“Obtaining the correct information at the right moment regarding a component wear or a tendency of failure of a motor is a major advantage to asphalt mix production,”

ASPHALT NEWS

Marcelo Zubaran, application engineer and product specialist at Ciber Equipamentos Rodoviários, explains.

Predictive maintenance can only be implemented with devices continuously monitoring the equipment components, be they mechanical or electronic devices.

Components with an abrasive wear profile developed over the lifetime of the tool could use a predictive maintenance plan. The plant’s mixer vanes exhibit wear proportional to the time used and subsequently, through physical markings on the vanes, it is possible to have a visual response on the wear level and predict when to replace the component.

The conditions of the plant’s bag filters are monitored indirectly during production through pressure meters installed in the filter box, which indicates if the filters are likely to saturate. This prevents further damage to the filter elements and even wear of the plant hood.

On the other hand, state-of-the-art technologies such as constant monitoring of the power consumption of motors during production, known as the fault diagnosis

“OBTAINING THE CORRECT INFORMATION AT THE RIGHT MOMENT REGARDING A COMPONENT WEAR OR A TENDENCY OF FAILURE OF A MOTOR IS A MAJOR ADVANTAGE TO ASPHALT MIX PRODUCTION.”

system, also provides valuable information to the operator in real time on the operating conditions of the motors.

“If any of the plant’s motors are not operating at its optimum condition, the plant immediately triggers an alarm. The operator may choose to conclude a particular asphalt mix demand and then check the conditions of such motor or stop the plant,” Mr. Zubaran explains. “In this way, predictive maintenance technology allows us to perform preventive maintenance.”

Mr. Zubaran says to enable this technology, it is necessary for the motors to be connected to an electrical current measuring device and for such device to be connected to a data transmission network. Frequency inverters coupled to motors, which allow varying rotational speed, are capable of measuring the current of a motor.

In addition, technologies such as Soft Starter, which smooths the start of “big” motors without frequency inverters, can measure the electric current. Integral starter systems, like Tesys U, can also measure the current of motors.

Mr. Zubaran says such devices must have a network interface in order to enable digital communication with the plant’s computer, which will manage this information through software.

“These technologies tend to minimise unplanned stops and enable assertive maintenance planning. As a consequence, productivity is increased, production and logistics costs are reduced, which is the only possible way of achieving just-in-time logistics.”

Supporting Partner

The IKT to Asia in 2018 saw delegates attend a range of different sites across South Korea, Japan and China.

BROADENING

HORIZONS

AUSTRALIAN ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION PROVIDES A REPORT OF ITS 2018 INTERNATIONAL KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER TO ASIA, DETAILING THE LATEST INNOVATIONS AND ADVANCEMENTS IN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS ACROSS SOUTH KOREA, JAPAN AND CHINA.

O

nce again, Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) led Australian and New Zealand flexible pavements professionals from member road construction companies, consultancies, state road authorities and bitumen suppliers to exchange expertise and experience with likeminded professional bodies overseas.

AAPA has led similar delegations at regular intervals over the past 30 years through Europe, the United States of America and South Africa. However, this marks the first time in AAPA history it has undertaken its International Knowledge Transfer (IKT) across Asia, visiting South Korea, Japan and China.

IKT benchmarks Australian / New Zealand flexible pavements engineering and construction practice against those around the globe. The transferred learnings drive opportunities for continual improvement in engineering, construction, sustainability and safety. Many learnings were ascertained from the tour, which are shared below.

MOVE AWAY FROM CONCRETE The Asian countries visited all have a mature highway network. In each of the countries, the delegation was advised that

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due to the challenges with performance characteristics, opportunity costs and long term maintenance of concrete pavements, there has been a general move away from concrete in favour of asphalt. This shift towards heavy-duty flexible pavements for improved affordability, ride, noise and maintainability wasn’t a surprise to the group.

RECYCLED ASPHALT PAVEMENT (RAP) Asphalt is one of the most renewable materials on the planet, being 100 per cent reusable. RAP usage in Asia (in particular in Japan and South Korea) is greater than Australia. In Japan RAP makes up 80 per cent of all new asphalt material placed.

Since no RAP is allowed in the open graded surface layers, the RAP content of base layers regularly exceeds 90 per cent. In China there is government incentives for Contractors to use in excess of 50 per cent RAP. Road construction firms, through performancebased specifications have greater autonomy and road authorities do not cap the amount of RAP allowed in pavements.

The higher RAP percentages drive changes in the production plant design. A separate drying drum for RAP is typically installed to

allow the production of high RAP content mixes. There is greater company research and process around the binder impact in RAP mixes - compared to Australia – and rejuvenator is used at RAP contents greater than 20-30 per cent.

USE OF COLD AND WARM MIX TECHNOLOGY TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS The use of cold and warm mix asphalt in Asia is prevalent. This leads to greater safety and sustainability benefits in the production and delivery of flexible pavements. The motivation is predominantly a reduction in energy cost, not workability and the contractor is able to nominate the temperature range with the modulus assumptions built into the design.

IMO 2020 will see a new global limit for ships to use fuel oil on board with a sulphur content of no more than 0.50 per cent (the current limit is 3.50 per cent). The sulphur restriction on fuel oil means that many oil refineries will have to make substantial investments in upgrading their facilities to meet the IMO 2020 requirements. Since bitumen production is linked to fuel oil production, this has potential implications

ASPHALT NEWS

for bitumen availability. The SK refinery was visited in South Korea and this refinery produces over 2 million tonnes of bitumen per annum. The Australian annual consumption (as a benchmark) is in the order of half this volume from this one refinery.

SK advised that it is currently investing US$1 billion in its refinery to meet the new IMO requirement.

SUSTAINABLE ASPHALT PLANTS In dense urban areas there are greater environmental requirements for emission controls. This requires some asphalt plants to invest in technology such as vacuums and plasma to reduce emissions. The tour was hosted by Ammann in China, where many of the new plant environmental controls being explored by this group were presented.

CONSTRUCTION Across the countries visited the opportunity of intelligent compaction technology is being explored for greater quality control in the delivery of bituminous pavements. There are several well documented benefits of intelligent compaction for asphalt, including:

P L A N T

.

uniformity and density and efficiency and documentation of the compaction process.

This technology is available in Australia and being trialled by AAPA members. As part of the AAPA continual improvement program, work is underway to assess and implement the technology uniformly across the country In high dense urban areas the effects of noise and heat sink are managed through the painting of existing rigid pavements to reduce the glare and heating of surrounding buildings. However, more widespread is the use of open grade asphalt, which shows significant benefits on both these attributes.

SAFETY Australia / New Zealand benchmark well with Asia in roadworker safety management, however, some differences were noted on major freeways, in particular: • The use of colour to delineate work zones and gain attention of the travelling public.

• Led flashing as opposed to reflectors alone to delineate traffic zones.

• Less traffic controllers on-site, with greater autonomous controls used.

• As in Australia, autonomous braking and tracking systems are being trialled on heavy

E Q U I P M E N T

.

P A R T S

.

equipment to reduce the risk of incidents related to interaction with workers / pedestrians.

• The beginning of increased use of smart technology such as drones for on-site compliance. This technology is currently in trial showing great promise for: availability of real-time data, automatic data input into a BIM, reduced workers ‘on site’ and preparation of as constructed drawings.

The tour undertook a number of guided tours seeing amazing historic sites such as temples, gardens, marketplaces, local cultural shows and traditional eateries The AAPA IKT 2020 will be announced following the 18th AAPA International Flexible Pavements Conference and Exhibition in August.

AAPA would like to thank its hosts and supporters in Asia, without whom the tour wouldn’t have been possible: Korean Institute of Civil Engineering, Korea Expressway Corporation, Hyundai Engineering and Construction, Sakai Heavy Industries, ShiraokanPlant, i-Construction Expo, Nichireki Corporation, Public Works Research Institute, Zhejiang Highway Association, Geochina conference, ZCCC, SouthEast University, APT, Ammann, Tongji University

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&

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THE LONG ROAD

TO SUCCESS

WITH THE FINAL REPORT OF AUSTROADS’ LONG-TERM PAVEMENT PERFORMANCE STUDY RELEASED IN JANUARY, ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE FINDS OUT WHAT THE 24-YEAR RESEARCH PROJECT CAN TELL US ABOUT THE CONDITION OF OUR ROAD NETWORKS.

B

ack 1938, Harvard University commenced a study of adult development with 268 students, eventually adding another 456 people to the research.

For more than 80 years, the subjects of the study have been surveyed every two years, with physical examinations every five – making it one of the longest running development studies in history.

Dr. Martin believes the study is the longest concerning pavement performance in Australia.

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Because of the massive amount of data available, the researchers have been able to learn a significant amount, including that the quality of holidays someone has had in their youth will often indicate increased happiness in later life.

Like the Harvard study did for humans, Austroads’ 24-year long-term pavement performance (LTPP) study can tell us a lot about the quality of our roads and what

can have a positive effect later on in the pavement life-cycle.

While a fair way off 78 years, the nearlyquarter-of-a-century study is a major achievement for the Australian road sector.

With the final report of the research released earlier this year, it has created a new foundation of information on the state of the nation’s roads, particularly as one of its authors believes it to be the longest study of

ASPHALT NEWS

Australia’s road performance to date.

“It certainly would be the longest in Australia, but there’s other research that has been undertaken in the United States, which was actually used for comparisons in this study,” the Australian Road Research Board’s Dr. Tim Martin explains.

Dr. Martin and Lith Choummanivong have been monitoring the structural and functional performance of a range of inservice sealed granular, asphalt and concrete pavements in Australia since 1994. The LTPP study looked at 83 individual sections of road in Queensland, New South Wales, the ACT, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

The aim of the study was to understand pavement performance behaviours under different traffic loading and environmental conditions, and find out how to prolong the life and durability of roads and reducing the whole-of-life-cycle costs, particularly around maintenance and rehabilitation.

This included core aims to produce improved pavement performance models that were specific to Australia and helped enhance road asset management strategies.

“WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT AUSTRALIA IS THE USE OF SPRAYED SEALS OVER GRANULAR PAVEMENTS. IT’S LARGELY USED IN AUSTRALIA, SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND, BUT OVERSEAS THEY TYPICALLY USE ASPHALT OR CONCRETE PAVEMENTS.”

“The pavement models historically used in Australia were based on work done in South Africa, Brazil, Kenya – but there were no relevant practices underway here, and we needed our own models that were made for Australian conditions,” Dr. Martin explains.

“We needed to try and develop and calibrate

models to the Australian road infrastructure to make them more explanatory of what was happening to the nation’s pavements.”

Further to that, the study aimed to compare the performance of a range of Australian pavement sections with sections in the US that had been established under its Strategic Highway Research Program Long-Term Pavement Performance (SHRPLTPP) program and also compare the performance of accelerated loading facility (ALF) test pavements with actual pavement performance.

The duo was also tasked with investigating the influence different maintenance surface treatments had on long-term pavement performance, as determined by a specific long-term pavement performance maintenance (LTPPM) portion of the study.

Reporting annually on their research, and now with the final report released, the study has more than fulfilled its original objectives, of which Dr. Martin says there were some real standout results and observations made.

Based on data collected from eight LTPPM surveys between 1998 and 2018, the study

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The research looked at different pavement surface treatments over 24 years.

produced an investigation into the influence of maintenance and surface treatments on pavement performance. “What is unique about Australia is the use of sprayed seals over granular pavements. It’s largely used in Australia, South Africa and New Zealand, but overseas they typically use asphalt or concrete pavements. We noted the way sprayed seal granular pavements were built

by VicRoads on the Hume Highway – it is different to how we do spray seal granular pavements now, but the VicRoads technique had great control and compaction.”

According to the report, the progression rate of each observed distress – deflection, roughness, rutting and cracking – was used as a performance indicator. The periodic maintenance treatments such as geotextile reseals and polymer modified binder (PMB) reseals significantly helped reduce the rate of pavement deterioration in terms of

roughness, rutting and cracking as expected.

As a result of the project, the study team documented the outcomes of other studies on the development of an asphalt and seal life prediction model based on bitumen hardening from more than 257 asphalt and 124 seal samples collected across Australia.

The study also resulted in the development of interim works effects (WE) models for a wide range of surface treatments as well as an interim network-level functional and structure road deterioration models (RD) for flexible pavements. The RD and WE models were adapted to the pavement management system used by the NSW, Victorian and Western Australian road agencies.

One of the other primary outcomes of the study, according to Dr. Martin, is the observations made around the impact of heavy vehicles on long-term pavement performance.

The impact of heavy vehicles on pavement performance was a key part of the study.

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By understanding the impact heavy vehicles have on the maintenance and performance of roads, Dr. Martin says it can influence a key asset management element such as heavy vehicle road charging.

“What the study has allowed us to do is estimate the heavy vehicle impacts on the network and help predict what will happen to the road,” he says. Using this information, he explains, can help road agencies create long-term strategies for cost savings and for implementing models with definitive estimates for heavy vehicles so the pricing is accurate and justified. “A flexible heavy vehicle charging system is something that has to happen, and one of the long-term views is that we’ll move to electric vehicles, which won’t have a fuel excise. So, we need to investigate these options, and the results of the study can help bring that about.”

An interesting observation Dr. Martin notes as part of the study was the period in the early 2000s where there were a number of years that experienced less-than-average rainfall. “What we found was that the roads actually got stronger and the climate really benefitted their strength. Climate is a big variable and can affect the road in many ways – it was just a very unusual thing to observe,” he says.

Dr. Martin says with a total project funding of just over $6 million over its 24 years, compared with the $300 billion estimated value of the nation’s road network, it shows the benefits of such studies, which have already produced practical pavement management techniques and models. “There’s real value in the power of data gathered over 24 years – it helps road agencies in planning, funding and even negotiation to get funding for maintenance projects underway.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Martin says the next steps for the learnings and models produced from the study is to continue to communicate their benefits to the industry.

“We’re trying to get people knowledgeable about exactly what the study has done and trying to do some follow-up work. Over the past 10 years the models have been introduced to the industry and are being used, but we want to update them with more of the data we’ve gathered.”

The full report can be found at www.austroads.com.au

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With increasing emphasis on the need to upgrade Australia’s road network, nationally and locally, and the need to deal with worsening congestion in our cities, ROADS provides a window on developments in the roads construction sector.

Roads & Infrastructure Australia is published monthly and contains articles/segments from industry associations and advocacy groups, technical papers from roads related conferences, details of major projects being undertaken around the country, specialised sections, a news roundup and new product releases. The specialised sections include road safety, intelligent transport systems, road building equipment, road and pavement maintenance, safety barrier systems and road marking.

Roads & Infrastructure Australia is a “must read” for policy makers, roads authorities, designers and constructors; in fact anybody associated with the roads industry.

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SOUTH AUSTRALIA OPENING THE WAY WITH

CRUMB RUBBER

WITH RECENT ACCELERATION IN THE UPTAKE OF RECYCLED MATERIAL IN ROADS BY LOCAL COUNCILS IN THE LIKES OF NEW SOUTH WALES AND VICTORIA, THE CITY OF MITCHAM IS PAVING THE WAY FOR CRUMBED RUBBER IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA, WITH HELP FROM TYRE STEWARDSHIP AUSTRALIA.

A crumbed rubber trial took place in December 2018.

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ASPHALT NEWS

W

hile recycled glass is being experimented with in asphalt mixes in Fremantle, printer toner cartridges are finding new life in Moreton Bay roads and plastic bags are incorporated in asphalt resurfacing in Craigieburn, a South Australian council is taking crumb rubber asphalt to the next level.

In response to existing road infrastructure issues it was facing with expansive clay causing premature failure of the road seal, City of Mitcham commenced trial of a specific warm mix dense-graded crumb rubber-modified asphalt on a 335-metre stretch of road at Stanlake Avenue in St Marys, Adelaide.

Tyre Stewardship Australia (TSA) funded the crumbed rubber asphalt trial, which took place in December last year, with an aim of determining how suitable the road alternative is through cracking, rutting, moisture retention and general durability tests, especially as it is a denser mix.

While the process of using crumb rubber asphalt is commonly used in Victoria, the US and South Africa, the asphalt trial in South Australia is attempting to replicate the positive results that open- and-gap grade mixes have, with a more densely graded asphalt mix that incorporates more crumbed tyre rubber.

The two-year trial is implementing three separate mix types on the one stretch of suburban road – polymer, traditional asphalt and the mix using crumbed rubber. It will investigate standard road-wear indicators including the surface’s resistance to cracking, presence of rutting and deformation where the optimal road will maintain its form over time.

While the trial is still in its early stages, starting in December last year, positive results are already rolling in with some lab testing being conducted to examine durability and performance benefits.

The initial laying of asphalt saw 850 used tyres crumbed and mixed with asphalt at 160 degrees Celsius, resulting in no fuming or workability issues. With looming future success over the life of the trial, TSA anticipates this will contribute to the potential annual volume of used tyres recycled into roads doubling from 5 to 10 per cent in a short time.

Tyre Stewardship Australia Market Development Manager Liam O’Keefe says rubberised dense grade mixes are uncommon in Australia, with a brief test in the City of

Casey, but not to the extent of testing and monitoring of this trial.

“The beauty of this Mitcham project is that it could have been a very technically oriented project that didn’t broadly engage with the sector, but the city held an event, hosting 10 to 20 councils,” Mr. O’Keefe says. “We didn’t think it was going to have the outreach that it eventually had. The Mitcham team’s enthusiasm and leadership created a bigger and better project – it just shows what a couple of personnel from council can create if they really want to give something a crack.

“It brings together a network of people who want to make a positive difference and gives them the ability to connect with others within their profession to develop the practice within the industry.”

Interest has grown in the product after the Mitcham installation, with councils across Queensland and New South Wales reaching out to TSA with requests.

“THE BEAUTY OF THIS MITCHAM PROJECT IS THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN A VERY TECHNICALLY ORIENTED PROJECT THAT DIDN’T BROADLY ENGAGE WITH THE SECTOR, BUT THE CITY HELD AN EVENT, HOSTING 10 TO 20 COUNCILS.”

“We’ll be funding crumb rubber-oriented projects in different states across the year, it has created some really positive interest,” Mr. O’Keefe says.

“I’d like to commend Mitcham and the project team for wanting to do more and to build upon standard practice. They were willing to try something different, to put resources behind it and to give it a crack.

“From a TSA perspective, the only way we can do good work and make a positive difference is through working with other people, so we’re very grateful for Mitcham and Topcoat.”

Mr. O’Keefe notes that while a crumbed rubber mix may not always be the cheapest option up front, the evidence of its effectiveness that he’s seen from worldleading experts from California and South Africa makes it a cheaper and more viable product over its lifetime, lasting an extra five years or more.

The trial isn’t just about the isolated success of Mitcham, TSA aims to use its meticulously gathered empirical evidence to become a sector-wide advocate for the innovation and facilitate a network that captures these benefits.

With further crumbed rubber trials scheduled for 2019 and testing of the Mitcham surface ongoing, crumbed rubber investigations at TSA will be headlining its year.

The two-year trial is implementing three separate mix types on one stretch of suburban road.

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35

The new forward-moving aggregate spreader was unveiled to the market earlier this year.

A MOVE IN THE

RIGHT DIRECTION BORAL HAS UNVEILED AUSTRALIA’S FIRST FORWARD-MOVING AGGREGATE SPREADER, WHICH HAS THE POTENTIAL TO REVOLUTIONISE THE METHOD AND SAFETY OF SPRAY SEAL ROAD CONSTRUCTION IN AUSTRALIA.

W

ith approximately 150,000 kilometres of roads open to general traffic in Victoria, the task of maintaining such an expansive network – even if it’s just the spray sealing – can be a major task.

To improve the delivery of those road operations and maintenance tasks, VicRoads has taken great steps to improve the standards of safety within the state.

Identifying the safety benefits of using forward-moving aggregate spreading equipment in spray sealing operations, VicRoads, in 2016, announced its intention to mandate the safer sealing technology.

The road agency has implemented a fiveyear transition period – 1 July 2017 to 30 36

ROADS MARCH 2019

June 2022 – to phase in the new spreader technology, which will be required on all VicRoads works by 2022. To help push the adoption of forward-moving chip spreaders, VicRoads even provided incentive payments to reward early adopters.

With a target set, industry has been taking up the challenge and making progress in facilitating the rollout of forward-moving aggregate spreaders.

This February, Boral unveiled its new road surfacing truck – Australia’s first forwardmoving aggregate spreader. It’s a key development in the move towards safer spray sealing operations in Victoria.

The new Boral Forward Moving Aggregate Spreader (FMAS) improves safety and

maximises visibility by dispersing aggregate from the front of the truck via a conveyor belt and spreader box.

Until now, the process involved road crews working with reversing trucks that applied aggregate through an elevated tipper body.

Aside from the safety benefits for workers, the company says the new Boral FMAS can help complete works quicker and reduce any potential infrastructure and overhead damage, such as contact withpower lines, trees and bridges.

The new machine was officially unveiled at an event held at the Australian Road Research Board’s (ARRB) National Transport Research Centre in Port Melbourne.

ASPHALT NEWS

“ROLLOVER ACCIDENTS, BLIND SPOTS AND HIGH REVERSING TIPPERS THAT CAN BE AT RISK OF INTERFERING WITH POWER LINES OR OVERHANGING TREES ARE JUST SOME OF THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE CURRENT RANGE OF SPREADERS.”

The launch was attended by key industry figures, including Victoria’s Chief Engineer Dr. Collette Burke.

ARRB CEO Michael Caltabiano, Chief Engineer of Victoria Dr Collette Burke, VicRoads Principal Engineer – Sprayed Seal Technology John Esnouf and IVECO Australia Managing Director Bruce Healy were among the delegates to attend the launch.

Boral’s National Asset Manager – Asphalt, Stuart Partridge, says the firm designed and developed the machine following a call to industry by VicRoads as a result of a serious accident involving a VicRoads worker a number of years ago.

“Surfacing roads has remained one of the most potentially challenging tasks faced by construction crews because of the nature of the material being used and the way that material is applied,” he says.

“Rollover accidents, blind spots and high reversing tippers that can be at risk of interfering with power lines or overhanging trees are just some of the problems associated with the current range of spreaders.”

The overall task, Mr. Partridge says, was to come up with a solution to improve safety for road crews and drivers, while making the process quicker, more efficient and with higher quality.

Commercial vehicle manufacturer IVECO Australia advised Boral on the best IVECO platform on which to build the vehicle – the Stralis AD 8x4. Through its engineering centre in Melbourne, the IVECO team offered support through the FMAS development and build process.

IVECO Australia Managing Director

Bruce Healy said the company was extremely excited at being involved in the development of the company’s newest innovation.

“Boral has shown innovation and forethought in researching and ultimately developing this vehicle in line with the new industry safety standards in Australia,” Mr. Healy says.

“IVECO has a long and proud history as one of Australia’s preferred suppliers of

concrete agitators and the like for this industry, so naturally we were very pleased to participate in this project,” he adds, expressing his confidence that the new FMAS model will be well received by the market.

Mr. Partridge was optimistic at what the innovation could bring to the local sector going forward.

“This invention allows locally manufactured and approved trucks to be substantially modified while still meeting regulatory standards, which is why VicRoads has mandated that forward-moving aggregate spreaders should be in use on all its projects by 2022 – a move we hope will be followed by other state road authorities nationally.”

VicRoads has implemented a five-year transition period to phase in new forward-moving spreader technology in the state.

roadsonline.com.au

37

LEDing

THE WAY LISMORE CITY COUNCIL IS SAVING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN ENERGY PRICES BY CHANGING THE TECHNOLOGY IN ITS STREET LIGHTING. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE FINDS OUT HOW.

Lismore has undergone a major street lighting retrofit, replacing around 2200 lamps on residential roads with LED alternatives.

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ROADS MARCH 2019

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

S

treet lighting is the single largest source of carbon emissions from local governments, usually accounting for around 30 to 60 per cent of their total emissions.

This is according to the Equipment Energy Efficiency Steetlight Strategy Draft, which estimates public lighting costs Australian governments around $125 million in energy costs each year.

Around 67 per cent of street lighting lamps are located on local roads, meaning that local governments are largely responsible for paying the costs associated with them. Additionally, the report finds that 95 per cent of the lamps used were either mercury vapour or high-pressure sodium.

A potential alternative to reducing these energy costs is to install LED lamps, which can potentially provide energy savings from 20 to 70 per cent, according to the draft strategy.

Installing these energy-efficient globes

The retrofit is assisting the council in achieving its environmental goals and in cost savings.

usually has a significant financial cost when it comes to the initial funds needed to roll out the technology across a local government area’s network. However, as the technology has advanced, some councils have weighed up the benefits against the costs.

Lismore City Council is one local government that has undergone a major street lighting retrofit, replacing around 2200 lamps on local residential roads with LED alternatives.

Sharyn Hunnisett, Lismore City Council’s Environmental Strategies Officer, says the roadsonline.com.au

39

According to the council, it has been able to prevent around 250 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year following the retrofit.

council’s total energy costs was historically around $1.2 million per year, with streetlights accounting for around 30 per cent of that cost.

“Before the retrofit, the lamps had been consuming around 500,000 kilowatts annually. We put together a business case that examined the various costs and benefits of changing to the technology,” Ms. Hunnisett explains.

“We found the retrofit would cost the council around $770,000, but we would be saving around $188,000 per year in electricity costs, meaning the project would pay for itself in around five years.

“Our bulk upgrade streetlighting contract was also coming up, so the council decided to upgrade then instead of just performing a routine replacement,” she adds.

The rollout began in September 2018 and was finished by December, widely accepted by the community.

One factor that made the technology more attractive to the council was due to Essential Energy, the NSW Government’s corporation in charge of managing the state’s electricity network and street lights, approving an LED lamp that would be suitable for street lamps.

The lamps range from 17 watts and 42 watts and are specifically designed to meet Australian and New Zealand road lighting regulations. These lamps are also eligible 40

ROADS MARCH 2019

for Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs) under the NSW Government, which represents one notational megawatt hour of energy and can be sold or traded. The council expects the ESCs generated by the project to be worth around $50,000.

Because the lamps are more energy efficient than the previous lights, the council has been able to prevent around 250 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere each year. With a lifespan of up to 10 years, the lamps also have fewer associated maintenance requirements, making them an attractive alternative for Essential Energy as well.

Waide Elliott, Essential Energy Streetlight Manager, says the distributor is working closely with councils across its footprint to provide information and services appropriate to the needs of the communities they serve.

“The new LED streetlighting for Lismore will not only provide a more reliable, better quality lighting service, but will deliver savings of more than 50 per cent in energy consumption,” Mr. Elliott says.

“This type of light also provides future potential for other ‘smart’ technologies to be added that will allow Essential Energy to more effectively manage the streetlight network and respond more promptly to potential outages.”

The rollout of the technology is only part of the council’s plans to save energy.

Community consultation in 2013 showed environment was the most important concern for Lismore residents.

In 2013, Lismore City Council underwent its largest community consultation in its history, which lasted 18 months, to identify the priorities of residents.

It found the environment was the most important concern, and that the community wanted Lismore to become a model of sustainability. To do so, it began developing the Renewable Energy Master Plan to self-generate all its electicity from renewable sources by 2023.

The plan is made of two phases, with the first focusing on reducing energy demands through projects such as the LED street lighting retrofit and providing onsite solar for its facilities. Stage two involves the creation of a mid-scale 5-megawatt renewable energy plant for which the council is currently performing a feasibility study.

Ms. Hunnisett says finding ways of more efficiently using energy is paramount to the council’s renewable energy goals.

“Working towards our renewable energy goal has meant looking at our entire operation from the ground up. It has been a whole-of-organisation approach and has really changed the way we think about building, design and power generation at all levels,” she explains.

“We will continue to upgrade our facilities and buildings to find ways of reducing our consumption as we move towards our 2023 goal.”

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THE TABLE ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE LOOKS AT LATEST COMMSEC STATE OF THE STATES ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE REPORT AND HOW AUSTRALIA’S STATES AND TERRITORIES STACK UP WHEN IT COMES TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR.

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ROADS MARCH 2019

BUSINESS INSIGHT Victoria leads the nation in construction work done, at 38.2 per cent above its decade average.

Victoria and NSW took out the shared top place on the latest CommSec report.

C

onstruction activity in Melbourne hit a peak this February.

At the beginning of the month, excavation works began on the future site of ANZAC Station in the metropolitan area as part of the multi-billion-dollar Metro Tunnel project. This meant that excavation works were now underway on all five Melbourne Metro Tunnel station sites.

The project has been a centrepiece in the state government’s massive infrastructure spend, including $4.3 billion on roads alone at the last state budget, and complements other major transport infrastructure projects across the state, such as the Level Crossing Removal Project and CityLink-Tulla Widening Project.

For Victoria, this suite of transformative infrastructure projects has partly contributed to it retaining a top spot on the

latest CommSec State of the States report.

Released in January, the quarterly state and territory economic performance report provides an analysis of how each region is performing based on eight key indicators.

These are economic growth, retail spending, equipment investment, unemployment, construction work done, population growth, housing finance and dwelling commencements.

For each state and territory, the results in each key indicator are compared with decade averages – or the normal performance of that state or territory.

According to the report, which covers the September 2018 quarter, Victoria and New South Wales shared top spot of best performing Australian economy, with Victoria leading construction work done at 38.2 per cent above its decade average.

In addition to the construction “boom” being experienced in Victoria, construction work in the September quarter was higher than the decade average in five of the states and territories.

CommSec Senior Economist Ryan Felsman explains that the key indicators are equally weighted to provide an accurate picture of each region’s economical performance.

State of the States: the rankings 1. Victoria: ranks first in four economic indicators; and New South Wales: consistently strong across the indicators 3. Australian Capital Territory: topranked on relative housing finance 4. Tasmania: first on relative population growth and business investment 5. South Australia: third on business investment and overall construction work done 6. Queensland: key area of strength is new dwelling starts 7. Western Australia: seventh or eighth on all indicators except equipment spending 8. Northern Territory: third ranked on economic growth but behind all other regions on six indicators

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43

So, while infrastructure spending is at a major high for many states and territories and provide obvious benefits such as job growth, construction activity and equipment purchases, he says a correlation between the bounty of transport infrastructure projects underway and these key economic indicators isn’t necessarily the case.

“Infrastructure spending is very buoyant on different transport projects and we have seen very significant pick up for jobs in construction. But, whatever correlation between them, I would argue we have to factor in other parts of the infrastructure puzzle,” he explains.

New South Wales, for instance, was second strongest in the “construction work done” indicator at 34.5 per cent above the norm. But, it held the trend unemployment rate of 4.3 per cent – a stat that hasn’t been bettered in monthly records going back to 1978, according to the report.

Mr. Felsman says NSW may be doing well construction-wise due to major transport infrastructure projects, but, like Victoria, its residential building sector isn’t as strong as the ACT. In the report, the ACT tops the tables for dwelling starts, at 88.5 per cent above decade averages.

Likewise, the ACT leads the nation for housing finance at 32.8 per cent up on its long-term average, with Tasmania being the next strongest at 22 per cent on decade averages, which Mr. Felsman says reflects both regions’ strong residential housing market.

“The governments are more sizable in

The ACT leads the country for housing finance at 32.8 per cent up on its long-term average.

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ROADS MARCH 2019

“INFRASTRUCTURE SPENDING IS VERY BUOYANT ON DIFFERENT TRANSPORT PROJECTS AND WE HAVE SEEN VERY SIGNIFICANT PICK UP FOR JOBS IN CONSTRUCTION. BUT, WHATEVER CORRELATION BETWEEN THEM, I WOULD ARGUE WE HAVE TO FACTOR IN OTHER PARTS OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE PUZZLE.”

Victoria and New South Wales and they both have growing healthcare sectors, so there is probably more employment growth in the public sector than necessarily in construction.”

While there are various contributing factors to the economic buoyancy of each state and region, Mr. Felsman says there are other positive growth sectors relating to the infrastructure construction market being felt across the country.

He says the equipment investment indicator, which is more focused on capital projects and related machinery, has shown some positive outcomes, particularly for Western Australia.

“For Western Australia it is more to do with the mining construction sector, and we’ve seen equipment investment pick up significantly in the last 18 months.”

Equipment investment in the state was up 17.5 per cent on the year before

and was near a four-year high, with Mr. Felsman saying retail spending and business confidence is also on the rise. “Western Australia came off the bottom of the table in the last report’s standings too. It’s a very glacial improvement but there are green shoots coming through in lithium and iron ore,” he adds.

Tasmania also saw significant growth in equipment investment and leads the states in this indicator at 35.7 per cent up on the decade average, ahead of New South Wales up 9.9 per cent and South Australia up 9.7 per cent.

Likewise, Mr. Felsman says South Australia is seeing its own slight economic gains through movement in the energy project market and a change of government.

“We’re in a number of different situations here. A couple of years ago we saw Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland fall quite sharply at the end of the mining boom but we’re now seeing improvements in those states.”

Looking ahead, Mr. Felsman says Victoria and New South Wales will most likely remain strong economically across the board, but we can expect to see the rankings shift again.

“I think both states are in good standing, but given the property downturn in Sydney and Melbourne, we can expect to see more changes happen across the country between June and December this year.

For example, a possible change in federal government could further boost jobs growth and housing activity in the ACT, where home prices remain positive.”

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SALES AND MARKETING DRIVE TODAY! ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA is the industry’s top resource for the latest developments, and in-depth features.

MARCH 2019

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What Victoria’s new asset strategy means for the future of digital engineering

In the April 2019 issue of Roads & Infrastructure Magazine we’ll include two new promotional features on Safety Barriers and Material Supply and Transportation.

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CONTRACTS

– IN BRIEF

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON SOME OF THE MAJOR PROJECT CONTRACTS AND TENDERS RECENTLY AWARDED AND OUT TO MARKET ACROSS THE AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR. NEW SOUTH WALES Contract awarded for $62M Gunnedah rail overpass Work is set to commence on the $62 million Gunnedah rail overpass project, with Roads and Maritime Services contracting Daracon Group to undertake the works.

RMS selects alliance partners to deliver Newell Highway works Roads and Maritime Services has selected AECOM and BMD Constructions as its strategic partners in the Newell Highway Program Alliance, tasked with delivering a minimum of 45 kilometres of new overtaking lanes on the major route.

QUEENSLAND Shortlist announced for $481M Bruce Highway duplication A John Holland Seymour Whyte AECOM Joint Venture and a Bielby Hull Albem Coleman Joint Venture have been shortlisted to duplicate a section of the Bruce Highway as part of the $481 million Cairns Southern Access Corridor Stage Three project.

The winning contractor will widen the highway from two to four lanes, with a four-lane bridge built over several creeks and provide safety access improvements where the highway intersects with local roads.

The contract will deliver more than 300 coal seam gas wells over two years.

Dredging and construction contract won on $127M Port of Cairns upgrade The $127 million Cairns Shipping Development Project is one step closer following the award of the dredging and construction contract.

RN Dredging Pty Ltd has been awarded the major contract and will work with Queensland-based dredging company Hall Contracting on the project at the Port of Cairns.

VICTORIA Contract won to supply 95,000 tonnes of steel for West Gate Tunnel An Australian steel supplier has secured a major supply contract for the West Gate Tunnel project, spanning Docklands to Laverton in Melbourne, Victoria.

Liberty Steel, part of the global GFG Alliance, has been awarded the contract to supply 95,000 tonnes of steel for the project.

Contract awarded for $71M Bruce Highway asphalt works Downer has been awarded a $71 million seal and asphalt works package for the Bruce Highway Upgrade – Caloundra Road to Sunshine Motorway.

Works include major interchange upgrades, expansion of an eight-kilometre stretch of highway from four to six lanes and the construction of a service road for local traffic to the west of the highway.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Contract awarded for $33.5M Port Hedland upgrade A $33.5 million contract has been awarded to replace the Berth 3 deck and fender at the Port of Port Hedland in Western Australia after York Civil entered voluntary administration in 2018.

Specialist mooring installation and maintenance contractor Total AMS Pty Ltd will now commence construction works.

The project’s initial design and construction contract had been awarded to York Civil, but this was terminated when the company ceased trading in 2018.

Contract won for $90M APLNG gas works CPB Contractors has been awarded a package of gas gathering and infrastructure works worth $90 million for Australia Pacific LNG in Queensland’s Surat Basin.

Contract won on $6.4M South Coast Hwy safety works Densford Civil has been awarded the $6.4 million contract for safety improvement works along Albany’s South Coast Highway in Western Australia as part of a $30 million upgrade.

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BUSINESS INSIGHT

roadsonline.com.au

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NEXT GENERATION

CONSTRUCTION BUILDING ON THE RELEASE OF ITS LARGER NEXT GENERATION EXCAVATORS, CATERPILLAR HAS LAUNCHED A NEW RANGE OF 1- TO 2-TONNE NEXT GENERATION EXCAVATORS FOR SMALLER CONSTRUCTION JOBS. SYDNEY-BASED GREENSTYLE LANDSCAPES HAS EXPERIENCED THEIR POWER, AS THE FIRST OWNER OF A 301.7CR NEXT GENERATION MINI EXCAVATOR IN AUSTRALIA.

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ervicing Sydney’s residential landscape sector with its diverse construction offering for the past 10 years, the vision of Greenstyle Landscapes and its owner Ryan Allen is clear: to create quality lasting outdoor spaces to suit the needs and desires of their clients.

As a multifaceted business believing in quality over quantity, the North West Sydney-based firm has earned a reputation for excellent customer service, communication, workmanship and a high-quality finish.

Before this year, Mr. Allen says the business had always rented machinery

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for its projects, but he felt the time was right to move into plant ownership, citing the long-term benefits of ownership outweighing short-term rental.

He began conducting his own research into finding the right mini excavator for the business and approached WesTrac Cat, looking specifically at the 301.7DCR as there were good deals on offer and he knew Cat was a strong brand worth looking into.

“We have used most other brands over time, with our most recent experience including brands such as Kubota, Bobcat and Takeuchi,” he says. “At the time, I felt

it was hard to see any real differences between brands that stood out to me. They all tend to be built to do a job and they are all able to do that job for the most part.”

However, when WesTrac Cat mentioned the new “next generation” models Cat was about to release and the impressive advancements made on them for mini excavators, it piqued his interest. This prompted him to attend the machine launch event at the National Construction Equipment Convention in Sydney last year.

Officially unveiled to the Australian market at the show in November last year, the Next Generation line-up of

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

WesTrac and other Cat dealers are holding a series of demonstration days throughout Australia and New Zealand and welcome the opportunity to show the market how these machines can make a difference in the building industry. Contact your local Caterpillar dealer and arrange a demonstration or machine test. Visit www.nextgenmini. com.au to learn more.

Mr. Allen says the ability to change the hydraulic settings from the monitor is a standout feature of the new machine.

mini hydraulic excavators, fully designed, powered and built by Caterpillar, are bringing advancements in comfort, performance and power.

The new models include the standard tailswing 301.5, 301.6 and 301.8 mini excavators that give the best digging and lifting performance possible in a small machine package, as well as compact radius 301.7CR, and 302CR for working in tight spaces. All models marketed in Australia come with expanding undercarriage and range from 1630 to 2200 kilograms, depending on machine configuration.

What makes these new models so

Greenstyle Landscapes opted for the new 301.7CR Next Generation Cat Mini Excavator.

different from what’s been seen in Australia before is the investment the manufacturer has made in developing advancements into its smallest machine packages.

Through repeated customer input and feedback sessions around the world, Cat has prioritised the customer and operator in the design philosophy of its latest machines, resulting in several industry-first features exclusive to this excavator size class, including its stick steer system, which allows the operator to switch into travel mode at the press of a button.

An air-conditioned cab, tilting canopy or cab and a Bluetooth key with push-to-start button also help take the machines into the realms of the “next generation” while emphasising operator comfort, safety and usability.

“Once I saw all the changes in these new models, I signed up for the machine at the show even though I hadn’t tried it out,” Mr. Allen asserts. “I was really impressed with what I saw, and with the list of new features, I can confidently say nothing else on the market even compares to these machines. I think Cat has done a great job in taking these machines to the next level.”

Opting for the new 301.7CR, Mr. Allen is the first in the country to own a machine in Cat’s new mini hydraulic excavator range.

Having used the machine now for just over a month or two, Mr. Allen says he hasn’t had the opportunity to put it through its paces yet, but it’s a case of “so far, so good”.

“For me, first and foremost, I love the blade float function. It’s so easy to use and a huge advantage in my application,” he explains. “Secondly, the power is great.

The machine is at the same time fast and smooth, which is not always possible with mini excavators. I’ve used machines that are fast and jerky and I’ve used machines that are smooth but slow. Fast and smooth at the same time is impressive and great for my job requirements.”

Another aspect he’s excited about is the ability to change the hydraulic settings from the monitor.

“There are two of us who mainly use the machine and we have different styles of operating. The ability to go into the monitor and increase or reduce hydraulic response gives us a machine we both love using and matches our personal preferences,” he says.

Experiencing the power and productivity of the new mini excavators firsthand, Mr. Allen knows well the benefits the new Cat range is bringing to business owners like himself and other contractors in the market. Based on his experiences, he is also highly recommending the machines to others.

“More than that, I’ve already helped with a couple more sales for WesTrac Cat. I’ve met with a couple of other local businesses, one a landscaping business and another a plumbing business, who came by to ask me about my 301.7 and about dealing with WesTrac Cat, which have been great for me,” he says.

“I’ve heard both then made a purchase after meeting with me and having a look at my machine. I’ve also heard both could not wipe the smile off their face after taking delivery, which makes three of us.

Ultimately, I’d be happy to endorse these machines to anyone who asks.” roadsonline.com.au

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BUILT

TO LAST ALLIGHTSYKES’ RANGE OF OFF-THE-SHELF PUMP PRODUCTS IS GIVING CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES A WATER PUMPING SOLUTION THAT’S BUILT TO WITHSTAND THE CHALLENGING AUSTRALIAN CLIMATE.

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or construction equipment specialists AllightSykes, more often than not, contractors will want a de-watering system that can keep up with the changing demands on site, but are also very quiet.

To install soak wells and build retaining walls, an AllightSykes client created a wellpoint system over 50 metres long, with nearly 50 individual spears driven at least 6 metres into the ground – all within close proximity to residential homes.

With locals living just metres away from earthworks, a pumping solution that

The pumps are designed for Australian conditions and operate seamlessly in a variety of local climates.

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minimised noise was paramount, and the client reached out to AllightSykes and another pump supplier for a competitive test – or trial – of equipment.

For this particular job, AllightSykes recommended a pump with acoustic covering from its Contractors Range – the heavy-duty QSWD150i low head model.

With no issues in the de-watering process and positive experiences allround, the contractor ultimately opted for AllightSykes’ pump solution.

For nearly 60 years, AllightSykes’ pump

range has been the backbone of its business, providing Australian contractors with a comprehensive suite of Sykes pumps to suit the variable demands on civil worksites.

“Sine 1967, the company has built up from a small rental industry and evolved to encompass the construction sector and the wider industrial market,” Gert Inja, AllightSykes Product Lifecycle Manager – Pumps, explains.

As designer and manufacturer of its diverse pump range, the business has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the market and technical de-watering requirements in the construction industry.

The Australian OEM has its own engineering design, sales and product support team, which enables the products to be designed, assembled, manufactured and tested in Australia in accordance with ISO 9001 Quality System and ISO 9906 Rotodynamic Pumps Hydraulic performance acceptance test Grades 2 to meet even the harshest environments in the country.

Mr. Inja says the business has made a concerted effort to update its range of high-quality standard products in the past three years, so they can provide the everyday contractor with an off-the-shelf solution that suits all their needs.

“Within the construction sector, the pumps will work in what is called ‘puddle jumping’ applications, helping pump water from one puddle to a holding tank elsewhere, or for use by water trucks and to de-water a site,” he says.

“To meet market demand for a simple robust automatic self-priming pump unit, we developed the base and standard range of pumps. It is everything you expect from a standard Sykes pumps: reliability, toughness, durability, solids-handling capability,

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

Internal corrosion protection comes standard on AllightSykes pumps.

automatic self priming and excellent pump efficiency and performance.

“We offer monitoring applications as well – the can user stop/start the pumps via text with a phone and can connect to the pressure gauge or flow meter remotely,” Mr. Inja explains. Combined with easy fit, repair and maintenance, the ability to monitor the pumps remotely makes them an asset on site, especially when dealing with the harsh and demanding local climate.

To compete in Australian conditions, the pumps are heavy duty designed and manufactured as standard with multispring balanced mechanical seal assembly.

Hardwearing and suitable in most fluid and high-temperature applications, the range has pre-set spring tension, resulting in correct mechanical seal working length on the mechanical seal faces.

The heavy-duty air compressor on the pumps also has a large variable speed range, making it a flexible set-up that complements the pump range. “The air compressor is rated to operate 24/7 and will re-prime the pump if the pump loses its prime, i.e. dam or pond water level drops,” Mr. Inja explains.

The robust non-return valve assembly also

“WITHIN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE PUMPS WILL WORK IN WHAT IS CALLED ‘PUDDLE JUMPING’ APPLICATIONS, HELPING PUMP WATER FROM ONE PUDDLE TO A HOLDING TANK ELSEWHERE, OR FOR USE BY WATER TRUCKS AND TO DE-WATER A SITE.”

allows priming of the system by effectively sealing the pump discharge pipework, which prevents pump discharge pipe fluid to enter the pump after the pump has stopped operation.

“It is the most efficient – least amount of friction losses at high pump flows – non return valve on the market to transfer fluid in a 90-degree manner.”

While its external features make it a hardwearing solution for Australian conditions, Mr. Inja asserts the pump internals are one of the main standout features of AllightSykes’ pumps.

AllightSykes pumps are built with stainless steel 316 internals (front, rear wear plates and impeller) as standard, which is an austenitic stainless steel used extensively in the marine industry. “This is because it has excellent corrosion resistance for the majority of general pump fluids application where these pumps get utilised,” Mr. Inja says. “Our research and extensive industry experience indicates that in the majority of pump applications the pump internal normally corrodes before eroding.

“We know that water in Australia can be acidic and detrimental for pipes and pumps, so we include internal corrosive protection as standard on our ranges. Most other companies offer that, but only as an additional feature.”

With offices and support services in every major metropolitan area and the fact its pumps are Australia-designed and produced, Mr. Inja says AllightSykes has a diverse range that will suit the varying de-watering needs of any contractor in the market today. “Because we’ve been in sector for more than 50 years, and our pumps are Australia-made, they’re made to Australian conditions – all of our products are built with that in mind.” roadsonline.com.au

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JLG AUSTRALIA LEADS THE

LIGHTING TOWERS BECAUSE IT MANUFACTURES ALL ITS LIGHTING TOWERS HERE IN AUSTRALIA, JLG AUSTRALIA IS ABLE TO DELIVER ITS CUSTOMERS A NUMBER OF BENEFITS THAT OTHER SUPPLIERS CAN’T MATCH.

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hile JLG Australia is perhaps best-known for its industryleading access equipment, since 1991 the company has manufactured a range of lighting towers at its Port Macquarie facility.

“We employ around 35 people at Port Macquarie, and we’ve got both our manufacturing and engineering teams here on site,” JLG Operations Manager Jarrad Smith, who is in charge of the facility, says.

The Metro Series is suited to applications like roadworks, special events and construction.

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THE PRODUCTS Mr. Smith explains that JLG’s lighting tower range includes (but is not limited to) the Metro Series and the Mining/Heavy Construction LED Series.

Designed for use in built-up areas, the Metro Series is suited to applications like roadworks, special events and construction.

With a choice between LED, metal halide or LED-POD lights, these portable lighting towers deliver value for money without sacrificing on performance or quality.

“They’re so easy to handle that they’re suitable for set up by one person. They’ve got a user-friendly controller which can be used to turn the lights on manually, or alternatively, there’s an automatic set on-off function,” Mr. Smith says.

The LED Lighting Tower series, on the other hand, is designed for more rugged applications such as on mining sites, as well as heavy construction sites and infrastructure projects.

Including 380W 48V DC LED lights that can pan and tilt to ensure optimal lighting coverage, these towers also feature a hydraulic articulated tilt jib to position the lights horizontally and vertically, a hydraulic articulated main boom lift and a hydraulic telescope mast to increase outreach and increase height to 8 metres.

Its long extension wind down outriggers can be stowed away for transport and it also has a retractable draw bar to enable multiple side-by-side loading on the truck tray. “The LED series is actually based on a design that we’ve been using since 2002.

We’ve completely upgraded the technology included, with LED lighting, efficient diesel engines and so forth, but structurally it hasn’t needed much alteration. We value

what we have as a tried and tested design,” Mr. Smith says.

THE BENEFITS OF LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS As Mr. Smith explains, this last point is an important part of what makes JLG Australia tick as a lighting tower manufacturer. “These products have always been made locally and we’ve got people at JLG who have been with us for over 30 years. So, whenever we design something, we are able to draw on that wealth of experience and local knowledge,” he says. “Our people live and breathe this stuff. They know the type of conditions these units are going to be subjected to. They understand that they are going to get a flogging on mining sites, being dragged up haul roads on road projects and that sort of thing.”

In other words, as a local manufacturer, JLG Australia has an important edge over its foreign competitors.

The components used in the light towers are chosen with the same thing in mind. For example, the engines used in the Metro Series are supplied by Kubota Australia, a company that works with stringent testing protocols based on Australian conditions. Similarly, the tower’s generator and lights are supplied by an Australian company.

SERVICE AND SUPPORT JLG Australia is firm in its commitment to the entire Australian community. As such, rather than being limited to capital cities and larger metropolitan areas, its service and support extends to more remote rural and regional areas.

TECHNOLOGY & EQUIPMENT

WAY WITH LOCALLY MADE

JLG’s lighting tower range includes (but is not limited to) the Metro Series and the Mining/Heavy Construction LED Series.

“THE LED SERIES IS ACTUALLY BASED ON A DESIGN THAT WE’VE BEEN USING SINCE 2002. WE’VE COMPLETELY UPGRADED THE TECHNOLOGY INCLUDED, WITH LED LIGHTING, EFFICIENT DIESEL ENGINES AND SO FORTH, BUT STRUCTURALLY IT HASN’T NEEDED MUCH ALTERATION. WE VALUE WHAT WE HAVE AS A TRIED AND TESTED DESIGN.”

“If a customer has a problem, the first line of assistance is our technical service department, here in Port Macquarie,” Mr.

Smith says. “They’ll have a highly qualified person on the line, ready to help.”

However, in cases where the issue can’t be solved over the phone, the next step is for one of JLG’s 75-plus field service technicians to pay a visit to the customer.

Its technicians have the expertise to cover JLG’s entire product range.

As a result, he says JLG’s infrastructure footprint is industry-leading.

WHAT LIES AHEAD? Asked where the industry is headed and what new lighting tower technology we can expect to see in coming years, Mr. Smith was quick to nominate the introduction of Tier-rated engines (which meet emissions standards) as something to watch.

JLG Australia is an early adopter in this area – the engines used in the Metro

Series (supplied by Kubota Australia) are already Tier 4 rated.

Apart from that, he also says hybrid technology looks like being another big development area. “I think that technology’s still a little way off in terms of completely replacing diesel-powered LED towers because, at this point in time, you can’t get enough runtime out of hybrid technology to cover a full shift,” Mr. Smith explains. “That said, we’re working on hybrid at the moment, with support from JLG Global engineering. We already have hybrid boom lifts and scissor lifts available, and we’re leveraging the technology and knowledge of our international engineering teams to develop a market-leading reliable hybrid tower.”

Local knowledge combined with global expertise – sounds like the perfect marriage. roadsonline.com.au

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FACILITATING THE TRANSPORT

INFRASTRUCTURE THIS SEPTEMBER, THE NATIONAL ROADS & TRAFFIC EXPO 2019 IS GIVING LEADERS AND INNOVATORS FROM THE AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR A PLATFORM TO MEET, NETWORK AND ENGAGE WITH THE INDUSTRY UNDER ONE ROOF.

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EVENTS

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ith federal and state governments injecting billions of dollars into the delivery of major transport infrastructure projects across Australia now and into the future, the local sector is well and truly in the midst of a construction boom.

The Australian Government has committed more than $75 billion over the next decade in transport infrastructure around the country. The spend is part of its rolling infrastructure plan, of which a major component is under its Infrastructure Investment Program. The Melbourne Airport Rail Link and the Western Sydney Infrastructure Plan are just two projects in the spotlight under the program.

With such significant projects underway or in the pipeline, a new internationalscale event plans to bring industry

two-day event, says the inaugural show, which takes place 17 and 18 September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, fills a gap in the local market for shows of its size.

“Before the launch of the event, there hasn’t been one central meeting place for the road and infrastructure industry in Australia. There’s always been lots of smaller expos and events, but not one major meeting place on this international scale,” Ms. Nehme explains.

Bringing together industry professionals, buyers, service providers and leaders, the show’s mission is help ease traffic congestion, improve road safety, save time and improve efficiency, facilitate business opportunities, link rural and urban areas, create jobs, futureproof infrastructure and enable connected and

together under one roof to make the most of the opportunities prevalent across the infrastructure sector today.

The 2019 National Roads & Traffic Expo is a new infrastructure-tailored event that aims to gather leaders, professionals, organisations, decisionmakers and innovators from across the nation to focus on the country’s strong infrastructure future.

Rita Nehme, Marketing Manager for the

autonomous vehicles.

“The Australian Government is spending $73 billion from 2013 to 2021 on transport and infrastructure, so the show is providing attendees with opportunity to be part of that piece of the pie,” Ms. Nehme adds.

“A large number of people we would expect to attend would be from the government, transport operators, equipment manufacturers, solution

B O O M

providers, traffic management solution providers – and we anticipate it will draw thousands of attendees.”

The event will feature 8000 square metres of exhibition space for new product launches and live demonstrations for businesses to showcase their services, with more than 150 exhibitors already lined up. One of its major drawcards, however, is its emphasis on knowledge sharing.

“In terms of speakers and presenters, we have between 280 and 300 presenters already and 24 seminar events that run over the two days,” Ms. Nehme explains.

“We’ve partnered with likes of VicRoads, the Australian Road Research Board, Transurban and on the exhibition side have the likes of Fleetcare, HERE and more coming on board. Attendees can look forward to some really great live demos from manufacturers and equipment providers, with future transport technologies such as automated and connected vehicles a core part of them.”

A wide array of speakers already make up the growing presenter list, including representatives from VicRoads, Infrastructure NSW, Infrastructure Victoria, Transurban, Austroads, CSIRO, National Transport Commission and the Queensland Government.

“We’ve also just announced an inviteonly senior level session at the conference for high-level executives and CEOs,” Ms. Nehme says, adding that calls for papers are now open. “This is an exciting new event we’re really looking forward to and growing in the coming years.”

The event takes place this September at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The 2019 National Roads & Traffic Expo takes place at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre 17-18 September.

For more information on the event or to express your interest in submitting a paper or exhibiting, please contact: roadsandtrafficexpo@terrapinn.com

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GET READY FOR THE 2019 QUEENSLAND CIVIL CONSTRUCTION FIELD DAY CIVIL CONTRACTORS FEDERATION QUEENSLAND IS LAUNCHING A NEW AND EXCITING EXHIBITION EVENT FOR THE CIVIL CONSTRUCTION MARKET ON THE EAST COAST – THE QUEENSLAND CIVIL CONSTRUCTION FIELD DAY, TAKING PLACE IN BRISBANE 21-22 MARCH.

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ivil Contractors Federation Queensland Limited (CCF QLD) has, for many years, been aware of a gap in the market when it comes to exhibitions and field days for the civil construction industry in Queensland.

To address this gap, CCF QLD is excited to launch the Queensland Civil Construction Field Day, to be held in Archerfield, Brisbane on 21 and 22 March 2019.

“Field days allow our industries contractors and business decisionmakers to visit a ‘one-stop-shop’ where they can compare products and services while getting all of the information they need in one location,” CCF QLD CEO Damian Long states.

“Adding an event like this to the Queensland civil construction calendar provides a unique opportunity for industry to showcase the latest technology and promote the diverse range of career paths available for people interested in joining the sector. The industry’s commitment to exhibit at the Field Day is a clear indication that this event was needed. We are

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certainly excited to be showcasing some of the biggest brands in the business.”

The Field Day will provide an opportunity to drive awareness of the civil construction industry and provide educational sessions for industry stakeholders and members of the general public who are interested in learning more.

“Educating the general public on the work the civil construction industry does is a key aim of CCF QLD. It is an important part of the representation work we do for industry,” Mr. Long says.

Throughout the Field Day event a number of information sessions will be running, covering key topics including: equipment innovation, advancements in site positioning systems, industry training and funding options, plus more. The times of these sessions will be released in the month prior to the Field Day. Entry into the Field Day is free with the location providing ample free parking. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register at www.ccfqld.com CCF QLD would like to thank its Exclusive

Annual Auction Partner, Pickles Industrial, as well as all exhibitors for supporting the inaugural event.

With over 35 exhibitors already confirmed, there is limited exhibition space available.

CCF QLD encourages any businesses interested in exhibiting to contact the CCF QLD office on 1300 CCF QLD or visit www. ccfqld.com.

Who is CCF QLD? CCF QLD represents the interests and is the voice of Queensland’s civil construction industry in order to enhance the prosperity of its members.

CCF QLD has dedicated offices located in Brisbane and Townsville and is tasked with ensuring industry needs are understood by all levels of government. In addition, CCF QLD advocates for a sustainable and prosperous future for both its members and the industry as a whole.

EVENTS

GROWING THE WEST THE 10TH ANNUAL WA MAJOR PROJECTS CONFERENCE WILL BE A UNIQUE PLATFORM FOR INDUSTRY TO DISCUSS AND SHARE BEST PRACTICE AROUND THE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS SET TO CHANGE THE FACE OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

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estern Australia’s METRONET rail development is one of the single largest investments in public transport in Western Australia.

The 72-kilometre rail project will create 18 new stations and turn 5000 hectares of land surrounding those stations into important spaces for investment in housing, jobs and services.

The Western Australian Government is heavily investing in this job-creating economic infrastructure, with $3.6 billion allocated for projects under the METRONET program.

When completed, the new network should take pressure of Perth’s congested roads and remove reliance on car traffic for peak hour commuting.

A key focal point for the Western Australian infrastructure sector, METRONET will also be a major talking point at the 10th Annual WA Major Projects Conference.

The event, taking place at the Perth

Convention & Exhibition Centre on 20 and 21 March this year, will explore significant infrastructure projects such as METRONET, the Westport Strategy, the Precincts Program and the New Runway Project, among others.

The peak industry event will explore the issues, challenges and opportunities surrounding these momentous infrastructure projects changing the face of Western Australia today.

The two-day event will offer highly valuable networking opportunities where construction managers, operators, contractors, consultants and investors can learn about what projects are in the pipeline and capitalise on the business opportunities being created.

Lance Glare, Director – Infrastructure Policy and Governance for the Department of the Premier and Cabinet, will focus on the establishment of Infrastructure WA and what it means for planning and decision making.

Nicole Lockwood, Independent Chair

of the Westport Taskforce, will provide exclusive updates on the development of the Westport Strategy, a reinvigoration of WA’s largest general cargo points.

Kevin Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Perth Airport, will present an overview of development plans at Perth Airport, including a proposed new 3000-metre-long runway designed to occupy 293 hectares.

The three make up just part of the broad suite of presenters set to talk at the conference, which is anticipated to draw more than 200 attendees.

A premiere platform, this year’s WA Major Projects Conference will offer valuable networking opportunities for those working across the Western Australian infrastructure industry.

For more information about the event, please go to www. waconference.com.au

VICTORIA’S TRANSPORT FUTURE THE 11TH ANNUAL VICTORIAN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE CONFERENCE WILL PUT THE STATE’S MAJOR TRANSPORT PROJECTS IN THE SPOTLIGHT, PROVIDING KEY INSIGHTS INTO THE DEVELOPMENTS UNDERWAY, IN PROGRESS OR IN THE PIPELINE.

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ften marketed as the “missing link” in Melbourne’s ring road network, the North East Link is a just one of many transport infrastructure projects now making headway across Victoria.

In November last year, the Victorian Government opened expressions of interest for the project’s $200 million early works package, announcing it was seeking builders for the $7-9 billion primary works package on the major undertaking.

The project, expected to create 10,300 jobs during construction – according to the state government – joins the extensive pipeline of transport projects in development, under construction or nearing completion in Victoria today.

The Metro Tunnel, upgrades to the Monash and Princes Freeways, the state’s Regional Rail Revival, the West Gate Tunnel

project and more will be some of the key talking points at the 2019 Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference.

In its 11th year, the annual event will be held on 1-2 May at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre and will continue to be one of the state’s largest transport infrastructure conferences, attracting upwards of 200 attendees annually.

Under the theme of “Transporting Victoria Forward”, the event will feature presentations discussing the prioritisation, planning and delivery of critical transport infrastructure across the state.

It will also provide attendees with unique networking opportunities and access to private network events where project managers, operators, contractors, consultants and investors can learn about

the major transport projects shaping the future of Victoria.

A range of high-profile individuals will speak at the conference, including West Gate Tunnel Authority CEO Peter Sammut, Port of Melbourne CEO Brendan Bourke and Transurban Program Director – Major Projects Victoria David Clements.

Across the two days, the conference will bring together a range of policy makers, senior level experts and government officials to discuss these major transport infrastructure projects underway or on the horizon.

For more information about the event, please go to www. vicinfrastructure.com.au

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EVENTS DIARY

4TH INTERNATIONAL STREET LIGHTING + SMART CONTROLS CONFERENCE 2019 2-4 APRIL

11TH ANNUAL VICTORIAN TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE CONFERENCE 2019 1-2 MAY

Sydney, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Showcasing Australia and New Zealand’s advances in street lighting deployments, the 4th International Street Lighting + Smart Controls Conference will address the next steps needed to accelerate the roll-out of large-scale street lighting and smart controls. LED street lighting and integrated smart controls are the DNA and backbone infrastructure that will make smart and connected cities become a reality.

The theme of the 11th Annual Victorian Transport Infrastructure Conference 2019 edition, held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre in May, is “Transporting Victoria Forward”. The conference will feature up-to-date presentations that discuss the prioritisation, planning and delivery of critical transport infrastructure across the state. www.vicinfrastructure.com.au

www.streetlightingconference.com.au

IPWEA (VIC) PUBLIC WORKS CONFERENCE 9-10 MAY Melbourne, Australia The IPWEA (Victoria) celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2019 and PWC19 is set to be its best conference yet. A program focused on technology, asset management, sustainability and leadership will provide vital professional development opportunities for public works engineers, while sponsors and exhibitors will showcase a range of innovative products and services. All this – and the chance to network and socialise with colleagues at the associated Awards Dinner – makes PWC19 a unique “by the sector, for the sector” event. www.pwc19.org

18TH AAPA INTERNATIONAL FLEXIBLE PAVEMENTS CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 18-21 AUGUST Sydney, Australia Under the title “Our Everlasting Roads – Enabling Future Mobility”, the 18th Australian Asphalt Pavement Association International Flexible Pavements Conference & Exhibition refers to the changing demands that society and transportation technology place on the long-term investment that is road infrastructure. It also refers to our increasing technical ability to build perpetual pavements, roads that will last an indefinite amount of time, while only requiring regular surface maintenance. The event will bring together the leaders and key industry stakeholders of the flexible pavements industry under one roof to discuss the future of the sector. www.aapa.asn.au

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