Roads & Infrastructure February 2025

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA FEBRUARY 2025

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FEBRUARY 2025

FUTURE

WITHIN OUR

GRASP Take a sneak peek into the future of the construction sector

United for net zero

Industry leaders have joined forces to help the nation achieve its net zero targets

Setting a precedent

The world’s first all-female tunnel boring machine team is leading the way on the Suburban Rail Loop project

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FEBRUARY 2025 CONTENTS

50 Serving the sector Municipal Works Australia CEO Peter Ali details the association’s upcoming annual conference and what attendees have in store.

EVENTS

52 Converge: Construction’s one-stop-shop Want to see what the future has in store for the infrastructure sector? Then welcome to Converge.

15 Level Crossing Removal Project ups its sustainability The Level Crossing Removal Project is utilising sustainable solutions in an innovative way.

40 “Go ahead and dig” Focus Machinery has positioned itself as a true partner in progress when it comes to the earthmoving and infrastructure spaces.

COVER STORY

42 A new class of paver Astec’s paver range combines versatility, compact design, advanced technology and high performance.

16 Future within grasp with Komatsu Komatsu is ahead of the curve when it comes to Smart Construction and Intelligent Machine Control, changing the way projects are designed, planned, and executed.

PROJECT REPORT

21 This month, we asked the industry’s decisionmakers, What fills you with optimism moving into 2025?

44 A world first A tunnel boring machine team unique to Melbourne, and the world, will set the precedent for diversifying the construction industry moving forward.

INNOVATION

ASSOCIATION SECTION

ROADS REVIEW

22 Old is new again SAMI Bitumen Technologies and the VSA Group have partnered to transform traditional microsurfacing techniques, paving the way for a new iteration.

26 AI leads the way An AI model developed in partnership with Charles Darwin University and Civiltech Solutions has the capacity to revolutionise road safety and infrastructure maintenance.

54 Gearing up for the 2025 PNG Expo The stage is set once again for the PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference to shine a light on the resources sector in 2025.

56 One stop-shop for trenchless technology The 2025 No Dig Down Under Conference, the largest technology event in the Southern Hemisphere, will provide the sector with modern solutions to tackle modern issues.

REGULARS

6 News 58 Contracts & Tenders

46 Driving Change AfPA has hosted its highly anticipated Forum on Low Carbon Innovations in Newcastle, NSW. 48 Building a safer shore The Forster Surf Lifesaving Club, a vital part of the Mid North Coast community in New South Wales for over 70 years, has received a major upgrade using precast elements.

Below: Learn more about the next generation of intelligent machine control, project logistics, AI road maintenance and so much more in this edition of Roads & Infrastructure Magazine.

COMPANY PROFILE

28 Built for success ABFI Steel Group has been punching well above its weight for years, supplying steel pile casings and structural steel pipes nationwide, for major and minor projects.

SUSTAINABILITY

30 Expanding reach Stabilised Pavements of Australia is using its expertise to support the delivery of energy and renewables projects, and its knowledge to aid all-weather, long-term access to these sites.

MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT

36 Rhino range hits home Dynapac CEA has released the Rhino range of Dynapac soil compactors to Australia, building on the already established range and offering customers more ergonomic cabs and features.

38 Precision blending Crusher Screen Sales & Hire’s IMS PM1200-20TB pugmill has become a gamechanger for increasing accuracy in road base production.

Image: Stabilised Pavements of Australia.

32 United for net zero In an effort to decarbonise the transport sector, three industry leaders have joined forces to help the nation achieve its net zero targets.

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EDITOR

BUILDING MOMENTUM FROM ALL OF US AT ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE, we hope you had a fantastic Christmas and new year’s. Now that we’ve all caught our breath, it’s time to look ahead at what looks set to be an exciting year for the infrastructure sector.

A new year means new opportunities for the entire industry.

In Victoria alone, 2025 will see the completion of the Waste Gate Tunnel project, numerous milestones for the North-East Link (which is set to open in 2027), as well as the biggest year yet for the Suburban Rail Loop project, where more than 1500 people are currently engaged.

The sector will also have a far greater understanding on the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s Infrastructure Investment Program, which has committed $4.1 billion over a seven-year period for 65 new priority infrastructure projects.

While certain areas of the sector are in dire need of additional funding, the current infrastructure pipeline does provide some confidence that 2025 will be a growth year across the board.

We touch on this and so much more in our first edition of 2025 for Roads & Infrastructure Magazine.

In the February edition’s cover story, we speak to one of the brightest minds in the sector when it comes to smart technology and intelligent machine control.

When talking to Komatsu’s James Muir, it’s apparent how passionate the man, and the company are when it comes to pioneering technology in construction. We learn what’s on the horizon for the sector, as well as how far away the first ever fully autonomous construction site could be.

We also speak exclusively to Isolde Piet, SRL (Suburban Rail Loop) East Tunnels South Construction Manager, the first ever female TBM (tunnel boring machine) pilot. On top of being the world’s first female pilot, Piet will lead the first ever fully female TBM crew on what is one of the largest projects in the country. Piet hopes that the initiative will leave a legacy, while helping the female team members to begin their own stories in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Speaking of inspiring the next generation, an AI model developed in partnership with Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Civiltech Solutions is giving CDU postgraduate students invaluable experience applying their emerging knowledge to a real-world application. There’s hopes across the board that such technology, along with collaboration between data scientists and road authorities, could lead to even greater outcomes when it comes to road defect detection and maintenance.

Industry leaders also let us know what they’re keeping their eyes out for as we kick start the new year.

Happy reading!

Tom O’Keane tom.okeane@primecreative.com.au

JOURNALIST Jennifer Pittorino jennifer.pittorino@primecreative.com.au

HEAD OF DESIGN Blake Storey

ART DIRECTOR Bea Barthelson

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Brad Marshall brad.marshall@primecreative.com.au

CLIENT SUCCESS MANAGER Isabella Fulford isabella.fulford@primecreative.com.au

HEAD OFFICE

Prime Creative Pty Ltd 379 Docklands Drive, Docklands VIC 3008 Australia p: +61 3 9690 8766 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.

COVER IMAGE Komatsu

COPYRIGHT 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

ADDITIONAL FUNDING ANNOUNCED TO SUSTAIN INFRASTRUCTURE PIPELINE The additional funding aims to strengthen the existing national infrastructure pipeline.

Image: stock.adobe.com/FiledIMAGE.

The Federal Government is investing an additional $2.7 billion on infrastructure projects over the forward estimates in the 2024-25 Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook, with priority projects to

include road safety works as well as freight network upgrades.

This package aims to help sustain the current 10-year, $120 billion infrastructure investment pipeline by prioritising major projects.

$7.2 BILLION IN NEW FUNDING TO RAISE QUEENSLAND’S BRUCE HIGHWAY SAFETY RATING The Federal Government will provide an additional $7.2 billion to upgrade and fix the Bruce Highway in Queensland, to bring it up to a minimum three-star safety rating.

This funding is the single largest investment into the Bruce Highway and brings the Federal Government’s total outlay for the 1,673-kilometre road to more than $17 billion.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads has estimated $9 billion will achieve a minimum of three out of five-star safety rating for the entirety of the highway.

The Bruce Highway has an average Fatal and Serious Injury (FSI) crash rate three to five times higher than any major highway in New South Wales and Victoria.

As the major north-south corridor which connects Brisbane to the regional centres 6

ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

The additional funding will help to accelerate works on landmark projects, such as the Bruce Highway in Queensland, the North South Corridor in South Australia and the Carpentaria Highway in the Northern Territory.

Through this funding, the Federal Government is also aiming to boost and index road maintenance funding on the National Land Transport Network, to ensure the delivery of 53 already underway projects. This includes greater support for works from fixing potholes to road sealing.

A public transport focus is also aiming to get more people off the roads, by providing more affordable commuter options.

The Federal Government says it’s still committed to delivering nationally significant infrastructure projects that enhance productivity and resilience, improve liveability, and promote sustainability.

The upgrades will help to improve the long-term safety of the connection. Image: Queensland Government.

of Bundaberg, Rockhampton, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns, the highway is critical to the movement of passengers, freight and tourists across the state – supporting around 62 per cent of the population in Queensland.

The new safety package will fast-track critical projects along the whole corridor and will initially focus on priority sections north of Gympie that have been identified by stakeholders due to their higher-than-average crash rates.

Priority sections include Maryborough to Benaraby, Rockhampton to St Lawrence, Bowen to Townsville and Ingham to Innisfail.

Projects within the package may include

installing safety barriers, wide centre lines and audio tactile line marking; constructing wider shoulders; increasing run off areas, overtaking lanes and rest areas; and improving intersections, signage, and sight lines.

There will also be a focus on resealing and rehabilitating road surfaces for resilience to “Build Back Better”, thereby mitigating damage from increasing weather events.

The identification and prioritisation of projects funded under the package will be informed in consultation with the Queensland Government and the Bruce Highway Advisory Council, with works commencing in 2025.

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NEWS

New legislation and programs will aim to reduce the road death toll across New South Wales. Image: stock.adobe.com/Wirestock Creators.

TRANSPORT FOR NSW CALLS FOR SAFER DRIVING IN 2025 Transport for NSW is issuing a call to the 6.9 million drivers across the state to make the safest decisions on the road in 2025 and help reduce the annual road toll.

New South Wales recorded a total of 340 road deaths in 2024 – the same number of lives lost in 2023.

Speed remains the biggest killer on New South Wales roads. In 2024, 136 people died in crashes where speed was a factor.

The New South Wales Government is doubling the number of locations where mobile speed cameras can be positioned on state roads and has announced the upcoming trial of average speed cameras for private vehicles in two regional areas.

Similar to recent years, many deaths occurred in regional New South Wales.

In 2024, 234 people died on regional roads, which was down two per cent on the previous year.

Fatigue remains a problem, with 77 fatalities attributed to driver tiredness last year.

Alcohol and drugs are also preventable issues that factor in too many deaths.

However, in the first nine months of last year, the preliminary figures show a decrease from 2023 of 12 per cent for alcohol and 20 per cent for drugs.

As the New South Wales Government continues to invest in initiatives for all road users and the number of licence holders on the road continues to grow, there have been a number of areas of improvement in road trauma.

Deaths of bicycle riders have hit the equal lowest level in the state’s history since detailed records began in 1960, with five cyclists dying in 2024, and pedestrian deaths are lower than in previous years.

There has been a rise in deaths of

motorcyclists with 67 deaths, an increase of 34 per cent when compared to 2023 figures.

In response, the New South Wales Government is changing the Graduated Licensing Scheme for motorcyclists to improve novice rider training, testing standards, and licence requirements.

Also, legislation will be introduced in 2025 to enable mandatory drug and alcohol testing for drivers involved in a crash which results in grievous bodily harm.

The NSW Government will also continue to roll out around $1 billion in lifesaving infrastructure upgrades on regional and metropolitan roads through its Towards Zero Safer Roads Program and the joint federal/state funded Road Safety Program.

The NSW Government introduced a number of measures in 2024 which will continue or expand in 2025.

WESTERN HIGHWAY REPAIRS TO BOOST GRAIN TRANSPORT Rehabilitation works have begun on a onekilometre section of the Western Highway in Victoria, which forms part of the largest single year spend on road maintenance in the state’s history.

The rehabilitation works in Lawloit, between Kaniva and Nhill, will help to maintain an essential section of the highway for the transportation of thousands of tonnes of grain from farms to storage facilities at Nhill each year.

Crews will rebuild and strengthen the road over two months, which will help to support the long-term performance of the network, with larger and heavier

trucks hitting Victorian roads. The highway is also a major link between South Australia and western Victoria, enabling thousands of drivers and millions of tonnes to keep moving between Melbourne and Adelaide.

Additional works are aiming to increase the safety of the connection. In the 10 years to June 2024, there have been 174 crashes on the Western Highway, between Ballarat and Stawell, including 15 fatalities and 104 people seriously injured.

About 8000 vehicles travel the Western Highway west of Beaufort each day, including 2400 trucks.

Rehabilitation works will improve safety and efficiency for local traffic and freight.

Image: stock.adobe.com/suwichan.

To date, 55 kilometres of highway has been duplicated between Ballarat and Buangor.

There’s also more works on the way for the state, with crews expected to complete thousands of individual projects to rebuild, repair and resurface roads between now and June. roadsonline.com.au

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NEWS

ALLIANCE SELECTED FOR PIPELINE PROJECT DELIVERY The preferred proponent has been revealed to support the delivery of the 33.5-kilometre Alkimos to Wanneroo Desalination Pipeline Project in Western Australia.

Georgiou, with DM Drainage and Construction, have been announced as the preferred proponent to form an alliance with Water Corporation to deliver the project.

The scope of work to be delivered by the Alkimos Pipeline Alliance involves the design, construction and commissioning of the 1.6 metre-diameter, WA-manufactured, below ground water pipeline.

Once complete, the pipeline will transfer

The new pipeline will further contribute to Perth’s water security.

Image: stock.adobe.com/ungvar.

drinking water produced by the future Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant to Wanneroo Reservoir to be combined with Perth’s Integrated Water Supply Scheme.

With the first six kilometres of the pipeline already constructed in Alkimos, the Alliance will begin working on the remaining 27.5 kilometres in early 2025, with the project expected to be complete in late 2027.

The pipeline will be located mainly in road reserves and public areas. The final pipeline will be entirely below ground except for a small section crossing the rail line near Alkimos Station and some discreet access valves installed at intervals along the pipeline.

Alkimos is a coastal suburb of Perth, located about 42 kilometres northwest of Perth’s CBD.

WEST GATE TUNNEL WORKS RAMP UP West Gate Tunnel works continue as crews prepare to asphalt the new freeway and continue construction on the tunnel exit structure to prepare the West Gate Freeway for completion later this year.

Ramp closures will occur between the West Gate Bridge and Millers Road until Saturday, 8 March.

These works will deliver permanent road barriers, additional signage and smoother roads – along with new inbound express

lanes that will run between the M80 Ring Road and the West Gate Bridge.

The West Gate Tunnel Project will deliver a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge, widening the West Gate Freeway from 8 to 12 lanes and taking 9000 trucks a day off local roads.

The upgraded M80 interchange, new Hyde Street and MacKenzie Road ramps will also cater for larger trucks and allow a more efficient movement of freight as

well as taking trucks off local roads in the inner west.

The West Gate Freeway will be reduced to three lanes in both directions between Williamstown Road and Millers Road.

There will also be ramp closures in place at the West Gate Freeway outbound exit ramps to Millers Road and Grieve Parade – drivers who usually exit the freeway at Millers Road or Grieve Parade will need to exit early at Williamstown Road.

Works on the West Gate Tunnel are accelerating ahead of the project’s expected completion in late 2025. Image: Victorian Government.

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11

NEWS

WORKS BEGIN ON REGIONAL VIC STATION ACCESSIBILITY UPGRADE Early work is underway on an accessibility upgrade at Ballarat Station in Victoria, which is set to make it easier for all station users to use public transport.

Plans to improve accessibility at Ballarat Station include installing a pedestrian overpass with a passenger lift and stairs to both platforms, a new ramp and stairs to the northern station entrance, lighting and tactile upgrades, and landscaping.

Crews have begun site establishment and preparations ahead of the commencement of works, with plans for the new overpass to open in 2026.

To ensure crews can work safely while minimising the impact on commuters, temporary fencing and safety barriers has been installed around the project area, as works progress.

Local buses will be moved to a temporary location on Lydiard Street for the duration of the project and a temporary site compound will be installed nearby at the Ebden Street Reserve car park.

Work have also been completed on removing a section of fencing, concrete

paving and a section of metal roof sheeting between the bus interchange and northern platform in preparation for the lift and stairs.

A section of the southern station building will be removed to prepare for the lift and stairs on the southern platform. Crews will also start relocating communications services in the project area.

Final designs for the new overpass, lifts and northern entrance were released in late 2024, and incorporated further design

and architectural work and feedback from the community.

The updated designs reduce the visual impact of the new structure on the existing heritage station buildings without compromising the critical accessibility upgrades and were produced in consultation with Heritage Victoria and the Office of the Victorian Government Architect.

This will create a new design for Ballarat Station with elevated views of the station clock tower and train hall and better visual connectivity and safety for station users.

The new station will make it easier for people living with disability to catch public transport from Ballarat Station.

Image: Victorian Government.

$40M INTERSECTION UPGRADE FOR GILGANDRA

The upgrades will improve the safety of what is an essential transport route throughout the rural New South Wales town. Image: New South Wales Government.

Four existing intersections in Gilgandra, New South Wales will receive a $40 million upgrade to make them safer for heavy vehicle drivers and locals.

The Federal Government is contributing $32 million towards the project, with the New South Wales Government contributing the remaining $8 million.

The upgrades will be designed to open up bypass access for all heavy vehicles and reduce the number of heavy vehicles

passing through Hargraves Lane and Federation Street.

Currently, some larger heavy vehicles are unable to use Gilgandra’s heavy vehicle bypass because these intersections can’t be safely navigated, meaning some of the biggest and heaviest vehicles need to travel along the Castlereagh Highway (Miller Street) which runs through the town centre.

The New South Wales Government has

carried out preliminary investigations to determine the requirements for each of the key intersections and is currently consulting with Gilgandra Shire Council and other key stakeholders to refine the proposed improvements.

A Review of Environmental Factors (REF) and concept designs for the proposed intersection upgrades are expected to be placed on display for public feedback by late 2025. roadsonline.com.au

13

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NEWS

Programs such as this are helping to minimise the environmental footprint of infrastructure projects. Image: Victorian Government.

LEVEL CROSSING REMOVAL PROJECT UPS ITS SUSTAINABILITY The Level Crossing Removal Project is utilising sustainable solutions in an innovative way.

With sustainable construction practices and technologies playing an increasingly significant role in major infrastructure projects, Victoria’s groundbreaking Level Crossing Removal Project (LXRP) has found an innovative way to shrink its environmental footprint at a more personal level.

Since 2023, LXRP has partnered with textile recycling firm UPPAREL to divert old or unwanted personal protective equipment (PPE) away from landfill so it can be recycled in a sustainable way.

LXRP staff are required to wear PPE, including high-vis vests or jackets, hard hats, safety glasses, gloves and steel cap boots, on work sites. The PPE has a shorter wear-life than other clothing as it needs to be kept in good condition to ensure the safety of workers.

Since partnering with UPPAREL, LXRP has diverted more than a tonne of PPE textiles for recycling by installing

collection bins at project sites and offices.

Where items are not fit for wear, UPPAREL breaks down the textiles into categories depending on their material and the amount of decommissioning required.

The most common use of these textiles involves tearing them into a fine fluffy fibre called FillUP, which can be used to replace polyester fill for cushions and stuffed toys.

UPPAREL has developed a technique to further compress the material to create UPtex, a lightweight material that can be used for packaging, signage, homewares and other industrial applications.

Earlier this year, LXRP staff visited UPPAREL’s Cheltenham warehouse to get a better understanding of what happens to their donated PPE and uniforms.

The team was given a behind-thescenes tour of UPPAREL’s recycling

process and helped with the sorting and decommissioning of more than 8000 items, diverting 1250 kilograms of textiles from landfill and preventing more than 4200 kilograms of greenhouse gases.

LXRP Director of Delivery Adam Maguire said the collaboration with UPPAREL was a natural extension of the project’s commitment to drive down emissions across all its transport projects.

“LXRP is always looking for ways to innovate to improve sustainability outcomes across all touch points of our projects,” he said.

“While a lot of that innovation has revolved around the use of low-carbon materials and building practices, something as simple as recycling the protective clothing worn by thousands of our workers can have a huge impact in shrinking our environmental footprint, and in creating a circular economy that supports others.” roadsonline.com.au

15

FUTURE WITHIN GRASP WITH

KOMATSU

KOMATSU IS AHEAD OF THE CURVE WHEN IT COMES TO SMART CONSTRUCTION AND INTELLIGENT MACHINE CONTROL (IMC), CHANGING THE WAY PROJECTS ARE DESIGNED, PLANNED, AND EXECUTED. JAMES MUIR GENERAL MANAGER – SMART CONSTRUCTION EXPLAINS WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE COMPANY IN THIS EXCITING SPACE.

F

rom inventing the world’s first Autonomous Haulage System in 2008, developing an electric bulldozer capable of operating underwater, to conceptualising an excavator that can operate on the moon, Komatsu has long been a pioneer in construction machinery.

The company’s extensive range of digital and data-driven technologies are the culmination of more than a century of invention and creation, with its Japanese roots and strong Australian ties creating strong market penetration.

If you’ve operated any Komatsu kit in the past few years, there’s a chance that you’ve benefitted from one of these technologies.

Autonomous features, such as stop control, grade assist, tilt control and bucket precision are just a handful of calibrated features that have – for years – helped to reduce mistakes, damage and unnecessary rework. All the while making it easier, more efficient and more accurate for operators to carry out day-to-day works.

James Muir, General Manager, Smart Construction – Komatsu says the technology in construction is rapidly evolving, with

many companies across the sector pushing each other. The end users will be the ultimate beneficiary.

“There’s so many different solutions in the Smart Construction portfolio, some are moving faster than others, but the one thing that is consistent is that customers want to have immediate benefit, and a return on investment within 12 months,” he says.

“Demonstrating that value is our key focus.”

So how does Komatsu set itself apart?

Komatsu’s unique approach recognises that customers are likely to have different machinery types from different

Users can see and benefit from real-time data to improve their operation. Images: Komatsu.

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ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

COVER STORY

Komatsu’s smart construction options help to ensure that its customers can make the most of their equipment.

manufacturers, which is why the company set out to develop solutions that can be used universally.

Reflecting on this decision, Muir says there’s no priority greater than the demands and requirements of the customer.

“One of the key driving factors for the success we’ve had with our technologies is that they’re agnostic and will work with other OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and brands,” he says. “We export and receive data freely; we think that’s vitally important.

As much as we’d like customers to be completely in our ecosystem, that flexibility is very important to the customer.

“They want all their data centralised so they can utilise it across the entire project and make actions and decisions accordingly.

We want our customers to be able to work with us, no matter the tools or solutions that they’ve already invested in.”

Muir adds that the only way to build a product that fits all customer needs, is to incorporate learnings and feedback from the end user.

“The number one driving factor for us is the voice of the customer,” he says. “To a certain point we will keep products under wraps, for secrecy. But at some stage, the customers viewpoint always helps to mould the outcome.”

Just one example of this has been Komatsu’s new Smart Quarry Site platform.

The technology, which focuses on site management, production management, machine health monitoring, near real-time (30 second intervals) monitoring and increasing safety, was designed with customer input front of mind.

“It’s been built from the ground up from the voice of the customer and the quarry industry,” Muir says. “We wanted to see what they’d want from a productivity tool. That’s how we continue to develop and improve our products, with the voice of the customer resoundingly loud in our ears.”

Each piece of input, on each piece of machinery and equipment, helps Komatsu to establish a holistic package, tailored for the industries that it provides for.

“What we keep hearing, particularly for those major infrastructure projects, is that they need holistic solutions,” Muir says. “If you were to make one piece of equipment or one part of a project more efficient, it might help to make things finish faster in isolation, but then it just sits there.

“Unless you’ve got the entire value chain improving on every element of that project, you’re not achieving the overall productivity gains that you’re targeting or could be reaching, which would be around a 30-40 per cent improvement. That’s why it’s important to have agnostic and sharing of information.

The Tier Ones in particular want to be the masters of their own destiny by using data

effectively. That’s why we’re providing tools that meet that demand.”

GREENER OUTCOMES Greater productivity and efficiency are apparent positives of Komatsu’s Smart Construction and iMC portfolios. So are greener outcomes. But how does this translate to greater sustainability you might ask.

Komatsu machinery equipped with iMC technology can support more sustainable practices by minimising unnecessary material movement and emissions.

By using the semi-autonomous operation of iMC, operators avoid over-cutting and rework, thus reducing the volume of required ‘fix ups’ or re-runs, helping machinery to consume less fuel on each section.

Muir says he’s seen examples of businesses saving 30 per cent in fuel costs across their iMC fleet, and time application efficiencies of +20 per cent by minimising rework or unproductive idling of machines waiting for survey pick-ups. This all translates to tonnes of CO2 (carbon dioxide) saved over the period of a single project.

“Back to the Smart Quarry Site. It has a machine, peer to peer communication tool for loading. Say it’s an excavator, or a wheel loader in the back of a truck, you can get immediate payload feedback off the truck struts, so you can see the weight in real roadsonline.com.au

17

COVER COVER STORY STORY

time. When it comes to greener outcomes in quarry, we have examples of companies saving 81,000 litres of fuel and 217 tonnes of CO2 emissions in just one year, thanks to the efficiency gains provided by SQS,” Muir says.

“The distribution of the material in the tray of the truck is represented by a digital spirit level indicator, so you can get a nice even load. What that means is that the truck is going out at a maximum targeted capacity each time. That means real dollars, because you’re loading the truck more efficiently and it also, importantly, means there’s less trucks and less loading cycles required. Not to mention the productivity gains.”

These efficiency gains can also help to increase the safety of a construction site.

One example Muir uses relates to surveying.

“IMC is survey grade accurate, so it’s plus or minus 25 millimetres,” he says. “As a result, you’re not having to have a surveyor jump into a pit and do pick-ups all the time. You can easily, safely and quickly see ‘yes you’re on track’ for the digital design plan loaded into the iMC, or ‘no you’re not’, ‘you need to dig a little more over there’.

“You’re moving the person – who could be at risk – out of the pit, while also potentially increasing the efficiency of your operation by up to 20-30 per cent.”

Tying back to the sustainability side, Muir says Komatsu is actively engaging the market, as well as its business partners, to accelerate the development and uptake of sustainably fuelled machinery.

“We’re currently releasing tier four engines, but Australia itself is not mandating tier four.

In Europe they’ve already mandated the use of tier five, so we are lagging,” Muir says. “It would help if the government looked to adopt at least tier four, as the NOx (nitrogen oxides) reduction alone at that level is substantial.

“It’s an important issue to us as a company.

We’re committed to our own targets and on top of what we’re doing on the engine side, we’re producing electric excavators and electric wheel loaders. We’re also in the final testing stage with hydrogen fuel cells in Japan and in the US, so we’re adopting new products and methods that we hope to bring to Australia.”

STRONG SUPPORT Komatsu has recognised that an IT service is only as good as its IT support. That’s why the company has a strong focus on ensuring that customers, wherever possible, are talking to a real person who’s trained 18

ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

in the technology. Komatsu’s dedicated ICT Help Desk provides 24/7 support for its smart construction solutions and technologies.

Through this platform, support staff can remotely access machinery to best diagnose and treat any related issues.

Komatsu also provides a number of online ‘self-help’ resources, with instructional videos and articles helping customers to learn and troubleshoot issues.

“We also have customer technology advisors, who are like consultants that can go and help our customers to create an entire digital project site,” Muir says. “They can also go that one step further and be a part of that customer’s team to help them set up the entire digital solution.”

Formal training courses are also available through the company’s Komatsu Training Academy, where customers can learn how to effectively use and operate the Smart Construction technologies, both in a classroom setting and on the machines.

“We’ve recently acquired a company that’s allowed us to put operators into machinery simulators, that way they can learn in a closed environment, rather than a construction site, which could be more dangerous for someone jumping in who’s never operated a machine,” Muir says. “They can still get that time and experience regardless.”

FUTURE OUTLOOK When it comes to the future, Muir says autonomy is likely to become the preferred method of operation for construction and earthmoving equipment alike. He believes that popular held beliefs, such as that autonomous machines threaten the viability of a human workforce, are misplaced.

“It won’t just be artificial intelligence for the next generation of machinery, but also machine learning. Machinery is already learning from operators, so it’s clear that the cycle will ultimately tip towards autonomy in the future,” he says.

“We’re not moving towards autonomy to remove jobs. In fact, we’re finding them.

Autonomy creates a lot more support roles to make sure those machines continue to operate efficiently.

“Autonomous machines will be very accurate, very efficient and won’t fatigue, which means you can operate 24/7, as long as the machine is refuelled or charged. We see large infrastructure projects in the future becoming more and more resourceful. But

James Muir General Manager, Smart Construction – Komatsu.

again, you won’t be achieving those gains if only one or two machines have iMC or are Smart Construction enabled. That’s why we’re now working with larger contractors and design engineering firms to see that these benefits are realised across the entire project site.”

Komatsu recognises that customers can be overwhelmed with the vast amount of data generated by IoT, machine learning, and AI technologies. To address this, it’s focusing on providing customers with the right information at the right time, helping them to make more informed decisions without being inundated with data.

Komatsu already has new additions and developments set to be released in 2025 to answer this call, the biggest of which being the company’s iMC 3.0, the third-generation iteration of the semi-autonomous intelligent machine control.

This new version of iMC is expected to have additional capabilities and features, further enhancing the semi-autonomous and efficient operation of Komatsu’s construction equipment.

All of this is building to what Muir says will be an inevitable, but exciting conclusion.

“I think we’re still years away from seeing the first ever, fully autonomous construction site. They’ve got to have many sensors to see underground, to avoid obstacles, to tell the difference between an animal, obstacle and a human, so there’s still many hurdles and variables to overcome,” he says.

“But that’s what drives me and us as a company every day, it’s that excitement towards potentially achieving that vision.

We’ve been around for 100 years and what’s driven us for a century is building better engines, better machines and more reliable equipment.

“Our people are working side by side with our customers and the industry as we move into the next 100 years, with data and technology solutions being a key driver.”

CRUSHER & SCREEN SALES PTY LTD

IMS DISTRIBUTOR for Australia, Papua New Guinea and South East Asia

Specialist Manufacturers of Quarry, Mining & Recycling Equipment Irish Manufacturing Services Ltd | www.ims-ltd.ie

PM1200-20TB PUGMILL

IMS have added the new BP1200-48TB track electric twin power blender to its impressive collection of blenders and pugmills, the new BP1200-48TB has four separate feed hopper each five meters long holding 12m3 each. All feed hopper conveyors are fitted with belt scales and controlled by a PLC control and recording system that can be operated from an iPad or phone from its own Wi-Fi system from a loader or site office. A Cat C7 Generator powers the Nord electric motors all fitted with invertors offering variable speed to each feed hopper conveyor. The generator can be connected to mains power and could power an extra 24-meter radial stacker increasing the stockpile capacity.

A new IMS-PM1200-20TB Track Pugmill with twin 10m3 feed hoppers has just commissioned to Braeside Quarry on the New England Highway Warrick in Qld, the options the PM1200-20TB offered Braeside improved product management with the twin feed hoppers blending fines into roadbase to make spec or having two different products available ready for moisture control and CTB. The PLC control and recording system can be operated from an iPad in a loader managing all aspects of the operation including loading trucks and multiple trailers stopping when the required weight has been reached for each unit and recording the ID number of each load.

Twin separate feed hoppers Adding of two powders & liquids Fully Automated Production up to 500 tph JohnJohn Andersen +61(0)424 ChrisWong Wong +61(0)424 Andersen +61(0)424181 181 056 056 || Chris +61(0)424 180180 860 860 info@crusherscreen.com | www.crusherscreen.com Unit 4, 181 Sandy Creek QLD 4207 info@crusherscreen.com | www.crusherscreen.com | |Unit 4, 181 Sandy Creek RoadRoad Yatala Yatala QLD 4207 Crusher and and Screen Sales PTY Ltd | ABN: ABN: 55 55 150 150 600 418 418 Gold Crusher Gold Coast Coast QLD QLD 4220 || PO PO Box Box 144 144 Southport Southport QLD QLD 4215 4215

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abfisteel.com.au

73 Industrial Avenue Wacol Qld 4076 Australia +61 7 3271 2254 info@abfisteel.com.au

ROADS REVIEW

ROADS REVIEW THIS MONTH, WE ASKED THE INDUSTRY’S DECISION-MAKERS, WHAT FILLS YOU WITH OPTIMISM MOVING INTO 2025?

MELISSA LYONS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF TECHNOLOGY – AUSTRALIAN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION

Excitement is building for 2025, the AfPA team is gearing up for the 20th International AfPA Conference which will take place in Adelaide on 28 - 30 October. The conference promises to be an engaging event that will highlight innovative and operative pathways to creating more sustainable, future-ready pavements. One of our aims for the conference, and 2025 in general, is to foster collaboration between industry leaders and state and local governments.

This synergy aims to achieve optimal outcomes for maintenance and resilient infrastructure rehabilitation expenditure.

Image: AfPA

SARAH BACHMANN, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER – NATIONAL PRECAST CONCRETE ASSOCIATION AUSTRALIA

In 2025, the construction industry has a unique opportunity to reshape sustainability and material choice. Developers and builders can now focus on ensuring their projects contribute to a greener future while maximising efficiency and durability. Precast concrete leads this shift, reducing transportation emissions and on-site waste by up to 50 per cent through precision offsite manufacturing. Its ability to incorporate recycled materials and reabsorb CO₂ makes it an ideal choice for sustainable construction. By asking key questions, like “Where are the materials sourced?” and “How durable is the structure?”, professionals can unlock the full potential of precast concrete as a long-term, sustainable solution. Its high thermal mass, adaptability, and durability – often lasting over a century – make it a strong long-term solution for sustainable construction. In 2025, let’s encourage builders and developers to think holistically about material choices, helping build not just structures, but a sustainable future.

Together, let’s ask the questions that truly matter.

Image: National Precast

DANIEL ORRISS, EXECUTIVE GENERAL MANAGER – STABILISED PAVEMENTS OF AUSTRALIA At Stabilised Pavements of Australia, we always look forward with optimism due to the great team we have, and our ability to work with clients on identifying cost effective pavement solutions. We are encouraged by the growing demand for resilient and sustainable infrastructure in combination with recent political focus on improved funding for critical infrastructure.

Image: SPA

If you or someone at your organisation is an industry leader and would like to be a part of this monthly column in 2025, please get in touch with Editor, Tom O’Keane: tom.okeane@primecreative.com.au roadsonline.com.au

21

OLD IS

NEW AGAIN SAMI BITUMEN TECHNOLOGIES AND THE VSA GROUP HAVE PARTNERED TO TRANSFORM TRADITIONAL MICROSURFACING TECHNIQUES, PAVING THE WAY FOR A NEW ITERATION.

W

hether it’s crack sealing, joint sealing, pothole repair, or patching, methods of road rehabilitation continue to evolve and improve to keep up with Australia’s ageing road network.

Some of these methods are benefitting from both international innovation and collaboration between the best minds in the infrastructure sector. Microsurfacing, is just one of them.

Microsurfacing is a pavement preservation technique that involves applying a thin layer of a specialised mixture to the surface of a road. This mixture includes modified bitumen emulsion, water, aggregate, cement, and other additives. Microsurfacing is usually thinner than traditional asphalt overlays, usually between 3-10 millimetres, and is used to treat minor surface irregularities such as small cracks, while also improving the skid resistance of the existing pavement surface.

Designed to extend the service life of the pavement by protecting the underlying surface from further 22

ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

deterioration, it provides a cost-effective alternative to more extensive pavement rehabilitation or reconstruction projects.

Microsurfacing is a technique that’s been around for decades, but sustained innovation and research has led to improved processes. SAMI Bitumen Technologies has committed extensive resources and research towards further improving microsurfacing.

The company’s strong focus on sustainability has driven the development of products that last longer, reducing the overall energy consumption and carbon footprint required over a road’s lifespan. As such, microsurfacing plays a key role in the company’s road rehabilitation portfolio, as Brad Richards, State Manager Southern Region – SAMI explains.

“We are major players in an industry that is carbon intensive, so we feel that it’s our duty to do whatever we can to reduce our footprint on the planet,” he says.

“We’ve developed new emulsions which have a lower carbon footprint, some even have zero carbon footprint.”

To further test its advancements in bitumen emulsion, SAMI recently worked with the VSA Group (vsagroup.com.au), which has vast experience delivering sealing and asphalting services.

VSA identified that traditional road maintenance techniques using cold mix or jet patching were either prematurely failing or bleeding through the newly applied reseal. To address this, it launched its own dedicated road maintenance crew about 18 months ago to focus on pre-sealing preparation work.

In order to complete these works, the road maintenance crew acquired a specialised machine from Germany to conduct microsurfacing at a small scale. Something not commonly done in Australia.

Sylvain Clément, Business Improvement Manager – VSA Group, says microsurfacing requires compatibility between the emulsion, aggregates and the application process. As such, having a project partner such as SAMI was of significant benefit to the project.

SAMI and the VSA Group are using bespoke machinery to apply its microsurfacing technique.

The VSA Group has already had success with trials across a number of municipalities and regions.

“You need to have a good quality quarry on your side, but even more importantly you need to have good support from the bitumen emulsion manufacturers with you in the lab,” he says. “SAMI’s team has been instrumental in helping us to move forward.”

SAMI’s lab team provided support through testing and formulating, finding the right emulsion mix that would work with the aggregates from VSA’s Western Quarries. This close collaboration allowed all project stakeholders to jointly develop and refine the solution.

Clément believes that any sole attempt at such a project would only end in

failure, as such the sharing of resources and information was critical.

“If we worked with someone else other than SAMI, they probably wouldn’t have spent all this development time and effort on it, because it is small-scale and niche,” he says. “Whilst the productivity of our innovative maintenance crew is significantly higher than what can be achieved by traditional patching techniques, it does not consume high volume of material on a day to day basis.

“SAMI and our trusted quarry provider, Western Quarries, have been willing to invest time and resources to boost our joint research and development efforts.”

PROJECT DETAILS VSA, with SAMI’s support, has so far completed several projects across

Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, with particular success in the Golden Plains Shire (western Victoria), Naracoorte (South Australia) and Greater Hume (New South Wales) regions.

Microsurfacing was applied on a variety of road and surface types, including edge breaks, road shoulders, wheel path areas in need of regulation and lower level roads that were in poor condition.

Mark Natoli, Crew Supervisor – VSA says microsurfacing continues to grow, with the company adjusting and improving the process over time.

“The biggest selling point is having a solution to these problems that offers something better and a bit different,” he says.

“Over the past year and a half, we’ve gone from doing smaller edge breaks,

Both SAMI and VSA Group are owned by the COLAS group, enabling both companies to benefit from international best practice and research.

roadsonline.com.au

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Images: VSA Group.

INNOVATION

INNOVATION

SAMI worked closely with the VSA Group to deliver a new take on microsurfacing.

to large edge breaks, backfilling rut correction and pothole patching. The expansion has been great.”

This improvement is being led by customer feedback, Natoli adds.

“We’re always trying to improve the emulsion and aggregate modifications on the machine. That mostly comes from experience and dealing with customers,” he says. “We’ve gone from doing minimal works in terms of their overall maintenance budget, to looking at whole roads. It’s been massively rewarding.”

Clément says the positive feedback has resulted in additional works with the same municipalities and regions.

“We’ve had really positive feedback and one of the first things our customers bring up is the neat finish, especially when you’re talking about edge breaks.

This technique has a very neat and tidy appearance,” he says.

“One of our clients in the Naracoorte Shire gave us a week’s work. The CEO and the main engineering team came to see what the product looked like and how it performed, they were absolutely amazed. Then they gave us another job for the following week.

“Repeat customers is the best proof that your product works and that people are excited and pleased about the outcome.”

Even out in the field, Natoli says SAMI’s presence has been a constant, with their teams on standby to assist where necessary.

“Their support has been second to none,” he says. “We’ve got our own group chat, as soon as something happens, I’ve got SAMI R&D ringing me from the lab, sending test results, or 24

ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

whatever is required. It’s pretty much an instant response. Without their support, all of this wouldn’t have come together the way it has.”

Brad Richards, State Manager Southern Region – SAMI says the company sees its role as a supporter of innovation, helping the sector to adopt smarter and greener road treatment methods and products.

“We worked really hard with the VSA team to develop an emulsion that was stable and could provide the properties that they required. We had several variations, but it’s been a great

achievement to find a balance for what their equipment required, as well as what would perform on the road,” he says.

Richards believes the technique has a bright future. Now he’s shifting his focus to spreading the word.

“It’s a relatively new process. It’s only the second year that we’ve been doing it, but when we’ve returned to the year one sites, we can already see how well it’s stood up to the elements and against heavy traffic loads,” he says. “The next challenge we face is trying to educate our clients about the benefits of the product, to get more of it out there and increase its adoption to improve our rural road networks.”

From a VSA perspective, Clément says this particular take on microsurfacing is not only “exciting”, but potentially industry altering in its capability to transform what’s considered as standard for road treatments.

“Where I’m from, emulsion is used everywhere and microsurfacing is much more developed,” he says. “Traditional microsurfacing in Australia is only used to treat one kind of application, and we have the tyranny of distance. But there is progress being made, such as the outcomes that we’ve achieved so far.

“I would love to see emulsion evolve further in Australia.”

VSA is eyeing more projects and regions to apply its take on microsurfacing.

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BUILT TO CONNECT

Images: Civiltech Solutions

Khai Quang Thang, Joanne Carnall, Dr Cat Kutay, Omkar Gurung, Leigh Carnall, Dr Yakub Sebastian, Cong Do Le, Buu Dang Phan alongside a footpath-inspecting, bike-mounted Cyvl sensor. (Not in the picture: Dr Thuseethan Selvarajah, Van Phuc Vinh Ho).

AI LEADS

THE WAY

AN AI MODEL DEVELOPED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHARLES DARWIN UNIVERSITY AND CIVILTECH SOLUTIONS HAS THE CAPACITY TO REVOLUTIONISE ROAD SAFETY AND INFRASTRUCTURE MAINTENANCE IN THE NORTHERN TERRITORY.

I

n partnership with national civil engineering provider Civiltech Solutions, a team of Charles Darwin University (CDU) postgraduate students has developed innovative technology which accurately detects and classifies road signs.

Over the course of the three-month semester, four students utilised advanced computer vision techniques to accurately detect and classify road signs in a variety of challenging conditions, including low light, adverse weather, and Darwin’s various urban landscapes.

Cong Do Le, Khai Quang Thang, Van Phuc Vinh Ho and Buu Dang Phan were tasked with the project, which was completed as a thesis project for their Master of Data Science course at CDU. The students trained the AI model on extensive datasets of road signs in the Northern Territory, with Civiltech

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ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

Solutions providing the images.

According to Leigh Carnall, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Civiltech Solutions, the AI-powered solution offers a range of benefits.

“The model can aid in road planning by optimising sign placement and road layouts,” says Carnall.

“More importantly, the project allowed students to gain valuable real-world experience and solve realworld problems.”

Buu Dang Phan says it was an amazing opportunity to have real images to work with for this project.

“We began by receiving videos from Carnall and Civiltech Solutions which were recorded with a camera mounted on a vehicle that drove around Darwin,” says Phan.

From the 43 videos received, Phan and his three fellow team members began to

cut down the video into 60,000 images and select the ones which contained road signs.

From that huge selection, the team ended up with 3000 images. However, Phan says this was too small a dataset, so they chose to use several data augmentation techniques to get more.

“We used techniques such as image rotation, scaling, and colour adjustments to further enhance the model’s ability to handle real-world variations,” says Phan.

“As a result, we accumulated 8000 images in total. After running it through many different models, we were happy with one that achieved more than 90 per cent accuracy.

“This means when you use the model, it will detect road signs and recognise them in real time with a high probability.”

The students leveraged the state-ofthe-art YOLO (You Only Look Once) AI

INNOVATION

model version eight that is known for efficiently detecting objects from realtime video feeds.

They carefully curated thousands of high-quality road sign images from video feeds to achieve highly accurate image detection results through the AI model, which Phan says took a lot of hard work.

“We carefully selected the frames to make sure they all had traffic signs and we did this before using the YOLOv8 algorithm to detect and recognise the objects,” says Phan.

The project was monitored closely by Charles Darwin University’s academic supervisors Dr Yakub Sebastian, Dr Thuseethan Selvarajah and Dr Cat Kutay, who say an AI model is crucial for streamlining infrastructure maintenance.

“It is very important to be able to distinguish road signs from any other objects within the image,” says Sebastian.

“Once mastered, the images can be extended to a number of applications including road sign maintenance work.

By identifying damaged or missing signs, this model will allow for timely repairs and replacements.”

Sebastian says road signs are often defaced or vandalised in Darwin, which is why he believes this AI model will be well received by the community.

“We can use the AI model to detect those discrepancies and flag

that they need repairs or need replacing,” he says. “When deployed on individual vehicles, it may be used to enhance road safety by accurately detecting and recognising signs, preventing accidents caused by missed or misinterpreted signals.”

Although the model is currently programmed for use in Darwin, Phan says the program can easily be transferred between states.

“AI is very versatile depending on the data that goes into the model,” says Phan.

“If you feed it with a different set of road sign images from other states, it will be trained to recognise those road signs that might slightly differ from the Northern Territory imagery.

“With adequate training on varying conditions and signs, the model could work in any location in Australia.”

UNIQUE LEARNING With the aim to integrate data science with engineers, Carnall knew the project would not only benefit the students partaking, but also the wider Darwin community.

“We wanted to present how data scientists can solve real-world problems and help other professions to solve those problems,” says Carnall.

“It is important that civil engineering technicians are exposed to data science,

and likewise, data science technicians are exposed to real world problems.”

Carnall believes civil engineers should have an understanding of how data scientists operate, leading to a harmonious collaboration.

“We need to work with data scientists to get the best outcomes for our roads,” says Carnall. “We need to start partnering our civil engineers and the data scientists together to produce the best outcomes that are right and accurate for us.

“That was the powerful reason for engaging with the university and offering our system.”

Sebastian says the detection of road signage is just the first step in this process and is looking forward to seeing how the model expands.

“Certain things can only be achieved once you know how to detect road signs and differ them from other objects,” says Sebastian.

“This project was an important step for us and for the civil engineering industry.”

Carnall says it was an exciting first year for the collaboration, which CDU stepped up to with ease.

“We are looking forward to expanding it next year, so more CDU data science students can be exposed to real world engineering problems while exposing civil engineers to data science problems.”

A sign detection model visualisation from a street level video.

roadsonline.com.au

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Images: ABFI Steel Group.

On top of providing products, ABFI Steel Group can also assist with project logistics and management.

BUILT FOR

SUCCESS

ABFI STEEL GROUP HAS BEEN PUNCHING WELL ABOVE ITS WEIGHT FOR YEARS, SUPPLYING STEEL PILE CASINGS AND STRUCTURAL STEEL PIPES NATIONWIDE, FOR MAJOR AND MINOR PROJECTS. NONE OF THIS IS THE RESULT OF LUCK, AS GENERAL MANAGER JAKE BIENKE CAN ATTEST.

B

elow cost and on time. It’s the five words that every project manager, asset owner and everyone in between wants to hear after the dust has settled on their infrastructure project.

Working with businesses that focus on customer requirements and removing barriers for success sounds like a nobrainer, but these companies can be hard to find.

It’s rare that a company, on top of delivering its own product or service, can also help to plan, schedule, manufacture, expedite and deliver, while keeping its finger on the pulse.

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ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

It’s for these types of services that the ABFI Steel Group has become well known. The company specialises in the manufacture of structural steel pipes and steel pile casings to suit specific project needs, meaning products aren’t just off-the-shelf, but are designed and made for a singular application.

It’s one of the biggest reasons why the company only manufactures to order, instead of manufacturing blanket options, as its customised solutions cannot be sourced from standard suppliers.

This includes products across large diameter steel tubulars, as well as a full

suite of steel fabrication services such as transitions, depth markings, clutches, turning slots and more.

The ABFI Steel Group team has been a close-knit group from the beginning.

General Manager Jake Bienke was part of the first ever group of employees in 2012. As he explains, he’s far from being the only member who has stuck around to this day.

“Before they joined together, our directors had their own companies. They completed their trades together and had known each other for 20 years before deciding to join together. After that, the ABFI Steel Group was born.”

Bienke says there’s a strong camaraderie and passion among the team, with a deep underlying level of trust, all of which are transferred to the end customer.

“We have a very strong team with great communication, that’s something that’s come naturally. We’ve got a great understanding of each other, as we were already a developed team before the business even started,” Bienke says.

And while things have changed over the past 13 years, the company’s culture and commitment to quality has remained steadfast.

“Our capacity has grown massively over the past few years,” Bienke says. “We’ve constantly grown and increased our workshop space, machinery and output,

COMPANY PROFILE

while also fine-tuning our processes along the way. That applies from the front end of the business right through to our dispatching lines.

“One thing that hasn’t changed is our team culture. That runs strong throughout the business. By having an established team at the start, we’ve always had that respect and eagerness to work together, as a team.”

It’s a culture that’s centred around the company’s proud Australian-owned and operated heritage, with the company looking to support local projects and suppliers wherever possible.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICE Catering to projects such as bridges, ports, overpasses and other infrastructure projects, ABFI Steel Group applies more than 100 years of combined industry knowledge to deliver an optimal solution for projects of all sizes.

As Bienke explains, the company’s expertise extends much further than just its steel solutions.

“It’s not just our products either,” he says. “Our project management and support services mean we don’t just supply piling and that’s it. We support project managers to help them tackle any ongoing issues.

“Whether it’s delays, design changes, just in time deliveries or something else, we can help project managers optimise their project output and outcomes.”

This is part of the company’s focus

on delivering a holistic package for its customers.

The first step to achieving this, says Bienke, is taking the time to fully evaluate what the project requires, as well as the requirements of the asset owner.

The ABFI Steel Group team takes a proactive approach to identify potential issues or areas for optimisation, based on its industry experience, and works collaboratively with customers to find the best solution.

“We don’t design or engineer the projects, instead we work closely with our customers and are more than willing to raise any concerns or questions using our collective experience, rather than just waiting for the customer to raise issues,” Bienke says.

ABFI Steel Group’s customerfirst mindset has seen its products successfully implemented into a number of major projects, such as the Brisbane International Cruise Ship Terminal, the West Gate Tunnel and the first stage of the Coomera Connector North project.

For Bienke, a standout project has been the Harwood Bridge in northern New South Wales.

This new 1.5-kilometre bridge over the Clarence River required 116 piles, all of varying diameters, including 1200, 2000 and 2400 x 25-millimetre thick, with lengths up to 60 metres.

Bienke says projects such as this reflect the company’s ability to fully customise pile casings, not only to

ABFI Steel Group can provide products nation-wide, no matter the size or type of project.

adhere to project requirements, but also state-by-state regulatory requirements and specifications.

“We’re always transparent and open with our suggestions, as our main aim – whether it’s cost savings or preventing issues down the line – is to pass on those benefits to our customers,” Bienke says.

The Harwood Bridge project is also viewed as a major milestone internally, with the company making several expansions to cater for the contract.

This included the procurement of new machinery and moving to a larger premises to increase capacity.

“At that time, we’d never taken an order of that size,” Bienke says. “Once we had the confidence of our suppliers, we procured more machinery and more space, we all came together and delivered that project, and we haven’t stopped since.

“That was the biggest step for our growth. It just goes to show that there’s never been a job that we haven’t been able to deliver and take care of.”

FUTURE GROWTH Despite the challenges faced by the industry, such as inflated costs and supply chain issues, ABFI Steel Group’s experience and efficient operating model means it’s been able to weather the storm.

The company’s ability to adjust output without significantly increasing headcount allows it to remain agile and responsive to market conditions, as Bienke explains.

“We’re a relatively small team, but even when it’s quiet we still find a way to keep the wheels turning,” he says.

“Because we manufacture to order and not to stock, we are dependent on projects coming in. We can increase our output without increasing our number of employees.”

This focus on maintaining current strengths and capabilities, rather than pursuing major transformation, has set a sturdy foundation for ABFI Steel Group to build upon, as it looks ahead to 2025.

“That model has led to us growing every year,” Bienke says.

“We’re always working to improve our systems and our processes continually.

We don’t just sit dormant. We’re always changing the way we do things and looking to work smarter, not harder.” roadsonline.com.au

29

EXPANDING

REACH

STABILISED PAVEMENTS OF AUSTRALIA IS USING ITS EXPERTISE TO SUPPORT THE DELIVERY OF ENERGY AND RENEWABLES PROJECTS, AND ITS KNOWLEDGE TO AID ALL-WEATHER, LONG-TERM ACCESS TO THESE SITES. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE LEARNS MORE ABOUT WHAT IS AN EMERGING AND GROWING SPACE FOR THE COMPANY.

F

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ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

He says the civil construction aspect, including stabilisation, is often overlooked in renewable energy projects, with the focus more on the electrical and mechanical components. He adds that many people overlook items such as the access to site and the smooth running of the works throughout all seasons of the year.

“To ensure the best outcome, it’s important to be actively involved and engaged with the project consultants themselves. Some of these consultants don’t necessarily have the stabilisation expertise,” Hope says. “That’s where we come in.”

Without the option of stabilisation, weather events can cause catastrophic delays to these types of projects, leading to significant cost and time blowouts in the construction phase. Not to mention the risk of a breakdown of supply for electricity into major and capital cities if these sites were not able to be easily accessed for repairs and maintenance in wet weather events throughout the life of the farm.

While it isn’t a brand new technique, stabilisation can be a little known about or misunderstood concept in the renewables and energy sectors.

Images: SPA.

or 40 years, Stabilised Pavements of Australia (SPA) has been an integral figure in the roads and transport sectors, leading innovations in sustainable and cost-effective pavement solutions.

As the largest fully Australian-owned and operated stabilisation company, SPA is expanding its scope by recognising the growing need for stabilisation in access roads, hardstands, and blade finger pads.

These solutions play a critical role in supporting the development and maintenance of major energy and renewable projects, including battery, wind and solar farms Christopher Cleaton, Regional Manager, Victoria – SPA, says the sustainability benefits of stabilisation are generally well known but are even more impactful in an energy or resource project setting, mainly due to the relative remoteness of many of these sites and a lack of high-quality building materials.

“By incorporating stabilisation, the project can reduce the carbon footprint associated with traditional construction methods as stabilisation allows for in-situ soil improvement, minimising the need for hauling and handling new materials from offsite,” he says.

“This process not only considers the conservation of natural resources, but also enhances the longevity of infrastructure, with less maintenance over time, by weatherproofing these pavements.”

Despite the obvious benefits, methods such as stabilisation tend to fall down the priority list when it comes to early project development, says Mark Hope, BDM Resources and Energy – Stabilised Pavements of Australia.

“We’re building resilient roads to allow the contractors and providers to access deep into these renewable energy project areas. If these roads weren’t there, these projects would just come to a grinding halt, potentially for months throughout wet periods and times of flooding,” Cleaton says.

“Putting the effort into the stabilisation works up front gives confidence to the project in the construction phase and also allows maintenance teams to have access, even during severe flooding events.”

One example of the effectiveness of stabilisation has been SPA’s works on the Girgarre Solar Farm. The site, near Shepparton and Stanhope in Victoria, has an operational capacity of about 95 megawatts, capable of providing power to more than 40,000 homes annually. As such, access to and from the site for construction and maintenance was essential.

SPA was responsible for delivering about 10 kilometres of access track, which involved using scrapers to cut back the topsoil to the

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

Through stabilisation, contractors can ensure that they have adequate access to sites for construction, operation and maintenance.

clay and sandy sub-grade, stabilising the insitu materials and introducing a capping layer.

Shortly after completing these works in 2023 the area suffered a historic flooding event, which would later be described as a one in 100-year event.

The entire solar farm site, including entrance tracks to the solar farm, were underwater for weeks. Cleaton says that despite this extreme weather event, the stabilised tracks remained accessible, even as the floodwater receded, with the contractor having full access to the substation areas.

This allowed the project team to inspect the site and resume works, including access to piling rigs and necessary equipment for the installation of the remaining solar panels.

Cleaton says that without the stabilised tracks, the site would have been impassable for an extended period, even after the water had receded.

“As a method, stabilisation provides surety, knowing that you’re going to be able to have all-weather access for a 20-year period on these renewable project access roads. It just gives everyone security,” Cleaton says.

And why the 20-year period?

“In some instances the roads only need to withstand three or four passes of the cranes to build these large wind turbines. However, after that, there’s routine maintenance for the life of that asset for the next 20 years or so,” Cleaton says.

“Using traditional methods, you might be able to get away with putting a crane here or there throughout summer. Any longer than that and the risk of maintaining access and remaining on the critical path of construction reduces and you’re potentially looking at even more costs just to maintain your access.”

Both Cleaton and Hope emphasise that education is a crucial first step in making stabilisation a preferred construction method. This involves not only raising awareness of its environmental benefits but also highlighting its ability to reduce risks in construction.

Another is earlier engagement. Hope says that early collaboration is crucial to ensure sustainable construction practices are incorporated from the beginning.

“It will allow project teams to fully understand and leverage the advantages of stabilisation,” he says.

Cleaton adds that project teams need to move beyond the assumption that existing ground conditions will be suitable without stabilisation, especially in areas prone to wet weather. He says anticipating and planning for challenging site conditions from the outset will help to ensure the infrastructure is built to withstand them.

“As Mark mentioned, when these billiondollar projects are getting started and designed, most of the money and time is spent on the civil side, the number of

turbines, or the number of solar panels.

Thought goes to the electrical infrastructure and substations and more, but the actual pavement work and access roads are sort of overlooked,” he says.

Regardless, Cleaton says the growth of the space overall, and identification of potential future projects, shows there’s a bright future for the renewables market in Australia, as well as a clear pipeline towards sustainability.

Both are areas that SPA has excelled in for years, thanks to its expertise in sustainable pavement construction, rehabilitation and maintenance, with a strong focus on community.

“It’s encouraging to see Renewable Energy Zones being identified and earmarked for future developments in the region.

The ultimate goal is a reduction in the nation’s carbon footprint, and services like stabilisation will play a crucial role in both the fast construction and long-term maintenance of these renewable energy projects,” Cleaton says.

Hope says SPA is looking for more projects and project types, with stabilisation being the best path forward for sustainable infrastructure development.

“We see significant opportunities to grow our dedicated pavement design and stabilisation capabilities,” he says. “This will help to support the increasing number of renewable energy projects across the country.” roadsonline.com.au

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UNITED FOR

NET ZERO

IN AN EFFORT TO DECARBONISE THE TRANSPORT SECTOR, THREE INDUSTRY LEADERS HAVE JOINED FORCES TO HELP THE NATION ACHIEVE ITS NET ZERO TARGETS.

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ransport is Australia’s social and economic engine, meaning collaboration and a total system view will be necessary to achieve a sustainable and efficient transport system under net zero conditions.

In collaboration to accelerate Australia’s decarbonisation journey, three transport leaders hosted a National Decarbonisation Transport Summit in Canberra on 26 June 2024.

United by a shared commitment, the Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand (PTAANZ), Roads Australia (RA) and the Australasian Railway Association (ARA) came together with the support of ARUP to collaborate on decarbonising Australia.

To recap the outcomes from the event, the National Decarbonising Transport Summit Report was released to identify and discuss the immediate measures the group believes the Federal Government should take in relation to overall planning and funding.

Joeley Pettit, General Manager Sustainability, Australasian Railway Association (ARA), Ehssan Veiszadeh, Chief Executive Officer, Roads Australia (RA) and Lauren Streifer, Chief Executive Officer,

Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand (PTAANZ), discussed the decision to collaborate on the summit and report, as well as challenges facing the industry.

UNITED FOR A COMMON NEED Ehssan Veiszadeh, Chief Executive Officer, Roads Australia (RA) describes the report and summit as an unprecedented collaboration and a significant moment for the industry.

“To have three industry associations that are responsible for land transport and public transport to come together in this way, on an issue like this, it’s almost unprecedented,” he says.

“It represents the scale of the decarbonisation challenge that we are facing. It also reflects the level of maturity in the industry at this point in time and understanding that only through collaboration can we solve these big issues.

“We brought together some of the biggest, most influential leaders in the decarbonisation and land transport space to tackle this issue.”

The report states Australia’s transport greenhouse gas emissions are the nation’s third largest and fastest growing.

The delegates gathered at the National Decarbonisation Transport Summit in Canberra to discuss the future of the country’s net zero emissions.

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The National Decarbonising Transport Summit began with a crucial reminder.

Staying within a ‘safe operating space’ for people and planet relies on cutting total emissions to 43 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030, and net zero by 2050.

Veiszadeh and Pettit say it’s time for transformative change in the way Australia moves its people and goods.

Pettit says the collaboration is necessary, and without intervention, transport is going to be the nation’s biggest emitter by 2030.

“There are some really big challenges that we have to tackle with urgency, and no one part of the sector can do that alone,” she says.

“We recognise that we really need strong collaboration between all parts of the transport sector to achieve these decarbonisation goals.

“It has been really important for us to bring leaders together to start that conversation and to look at how we can fast track our progress by working together.”

CHALLENGES Challenges in decarbonising the transport

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

get the most out of it, as well as ensuring any new infrastructure enables multimodal, connected journeys.”

When looking at technology pathways for rail, Pettit says 90 per cent of the scope one and two emissions come from the electricity required to power trains in the rail industry.

This is a challenge, as Pettit says the sector needs to see the greening of the grids to ensure that passenger rail operations can be decarbonised.

“The harder challenge is the phasing out of diesel trains operating on our regional networks, both for regional passenger services and for freight,” she says.

“There are some really good technologies that can help us address that problem, but those technologies are developing, and it’s likely that we will need a mix of different solutions over the next couple of decades.”

Pettit asks for a nationally consistent and coordinated approach to planning for that phase, which considers how the industry rolls out supporting infrastructure on the rail networks.

“We need to ensure we have the right fuel and energy sources in the right places to support new technologies. This will ensure that we can collaborate on research and innovation to fast track our progress and adopt these technologies as soon as possible,” she says.

THE UPSIDE Although there are many challenges to come, Streifer, Veiszadeh and Pettit say there are many positive things being done in the industry.

“We see a lot of opportunities here, although it is going to be challenging, it is not all doom and gloom,” says Veiszadeh.

According to Veiszadeh, the biggest positive to come from the experience thus far is simply that people are committed to the cause.

“The biggest message we take away every time we have decarbonisation conversations at Roads Australia is that people are keen,” he says.

“They’re ready, they’re telling us they want the government involved in the conversations and they are up for the challenge.”

Veiszadeh says the level of collaboration between industry and government is also something to be proud of.

“It has been exciting to be part of

Images: Andrew Leung – RailGallery.

sector project differently for the three associations and their members, yet are felt equally across all sectors.

Veiszadeh says the numbers are “quite confronting” when assessing transport emissions on the country’s roads.

“Eighty-three per cent of Australian transport emissions come from road transport,” he says.

“If you dive into that more, 60 per cent of that comes from light vehicles, while 23 per cent is from heavy vehicles.”

Veiszadeh says these statistics demonstrate that if action is not taken in the roads sector, the net zero commitments will not be met.

“This is frightening because we have several challenges facing us, including having certain things expected from us,” he says.

“This could be how we design, deliver and operate infrastructure. It requires a complete mindset change to solve the challenge that has been set to us.

“It is critical that all levels of the supply chain understand and begin to embed that national policy into their operations and delivery.”

Money is also proving to be a challenge according to Veiszadeh, who says operating in a financially constrained environment is the biggest challenge.

“Constrained government budgets and escalating delivery costs are a reality for our sector, and the industry is seeing economic challenges on the horizon,” he says.

“We really need to focus on productivity and doing it in an efficient way by adopting the right kind of technology, the right kind of skills, taking up the data and optimising our assets.”

Although there is the opportunity to achieve an emissions reduction in the public transport industry, Streifer says there are still challenges.

“We have the opportunity to achieve a huge emissions reduction through mode shift,” says Streifer.

“People will not leave the car at home unless they have a convenient alternative that meets their needs.

“Governments must continue planning for mode shift alongside long-term land use and economic planning, to make sustainable travel options including public transport, walking and cycling the easy choice. That means being smarter about how we use our existing infrastructure to

From top: Joeley Pettit, General Manager Sustainability – Australasian Railway Association; Ehssan Veiszadeh Chief Executive Officer – Roads Australia; Lauren Streifer, Chief Executive Officer – Public Transport Association Australia New Zealand.

this decarbonisation journey with governments, because we can provide a cross section of views which leads to a very holistic view,” he says.

“It’s great to see the whole supply chain turn around and say they’re all up for it.”

Veiszadeh says he is proud that Roads Australia represents a diverse group of members.

“This goal is about building the communities together around mode shift,” he says.

“It is about getting us to that exciting roadsonline.com.au

33

Image: stock.adobe.com/FiledIMAGE.

ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY

A report was released following the summit, outlining the required next steps to push towards net-zero.

future that also creates value for our members and the community.

“This is a major shift in the economy and in the market, but there are lots of opportunities that our members are quite excited about.”

Pettit says watching the industry come together for a common goal is something to write home about.

“There is huge commitment from the industry to innovate and to challenge traditional ways of thinking when tackling this challenge, and that’s really exciting,” she says.

“I think it not only presents opportunities to reduce the emissions profile of the sector, but it also provides opportunities to look at solutions that have benefits in terms of productivity and efficiency.”

It does not go unnoticed by Pettit that praise is due for all parties involved on the report and summit.

“Whether that’s within the sector and looking at different industry partners or working together to solve some of these common challenges, the collaboration is everywhere,” she says.

“There is a really good understanding that we need to work together on these solutions in order to fast track our progress, and certainly that came through very strongly at the summit in June 2024.”

Streifer highlights that Australia can learn from its overseas counterparts.

“In London, around 65 per cent of journeys are currently made by sustainable modes including public transport, walking and cycling. And they’re aiming to increase this to 80 per cent by 2041,” she says.

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ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

“PTAANZ is working with our global network to connect Australian decision makers with experts from international jurisdictions that are successfully reducing carbon emissions from transport and creating significant mode shift so we can work out how best to achieve that here.”

TAKEAWAYS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The report and summit brought forward several major takeaways and recommendations for each sector.

Areas of importance included supporting the investment needed to have harmonisation across national standards.

“We need consistency around reporting requirements, and we need the transformation of data flow right across the supply chain,” says Veiszadeh.

“We must also have carbon considerations, which should be visible and weighted and should be part of the procurement process to drive sectorwide change.”

Veiszadeh says the good news is that the governments are committed to doing so.

“The Federal Government has the intent to do that, and the state governments are working towards that,” he says.

“But we do need to redesign procurement contracts, particularly at the state level to include decarbonisation at all stages of the life cycle.”

One of the key takeaway messages heard

by Veiszadeh and RA, was that all industry leaders represent different parts of the supply chain.

“In the past, different parts of the supply chain have been looked at in a siloed way

when it comes to carbon considerations,” he says.

“We need to consider us as several parts of a whole, and that starts from procurement and the design of those contracts.”

Three key recommendations from the report stood out to Pettit.

Mostly on why a mode-shift-first approach is needed.

“Mode shift is the area where we can really enact some significant emissions reductions quickly, by using existing technologies,” she says.

“While there are significant uplifts that we can achieve through better planning that drives behaviour change in the long term, any mode shift we can achieve in the short term will have a positive outcome on the emissions profile of the sector.”

The second focused on how all three leaders can best accelerate that transition to renewable technologies.

“In rail, that was looking at the rolling stock transition,” she says.

“This will require a coordinated approach between industry and governments to make sure that we are planning together to fast track our progress.”

Reduced carbon emissions were the third takeaway noted by Pettit.

“We looked at how we can build sustainable infrastructure to reduce embodied carbon across the transport network,” she says.

“There are some good opportunities to change how we build infrastructure to reduce the embodied carbon across the life of the project.”

BUY. SELL. HIRE.

AUSTRALIA’S NEW ONLINE PORTAL DEDICATED TO BUYING, SELLING AND HIRING MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT.

For advertising opportunities, contact ben.coleman@primecreative.com.au or call 0466 545 664

Scan the QR code to find out more.

Whether it’s a paver, dozer or roller, this is your one-stop-shop for buying, selling and hiring a variety of machinery and equipment from both dealers and private sellers.

Advertise on Roads and Infrastructure Marketplace to reach the right buyer.

Images: CEA.

The CAD70 is built for the toughest of jobs and conditions.

RHINO RANGE

HITS HOME DYNAPAC CEA HAS RELEASED THE RHINO RANGE OF DYNAPAC SOIL COMPACTORS TO AUSTRALIA, BUILDING ON THE ALREADY ESTABLISHED RANGE, OFFERING CUSTOMERS MORE ERGONOMIC CABS AND FEATURES DESIGNED TO INCREASE UPTIME.

D

ynapac CEA has proudly unveiled the highly anticipated Rhino range of Dynapac soil compactors – added to the existing range CA25D/PD, CA30 D/PD, CA35D/PD, the new CA50D/ PD, CA55D/PD, CA65D/PD and CA70D/PD. Powered by a Cummins six-cylinder engine, the Rhino range delivers up to 24 per cent more power.

Each model strikes a balance between power and precision, with weights ranging from 10, through to 22 tonnes.

Kerry McCauley, Dynapac CEA Brand Leader, says this makes the range the ideal solution for large-scale infrastructure projects where exceptional compaction performance is critical.

“The compact dimensions and turning radius of 3.5 metres makes manoeuvring 36

ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

easy, even in the most difficult conditions,” she says.

“The new range offers best-in class performance parameters. Dynapac also offers a standardised Traction Control System with four manual gears, providing the traction performance you need to get the job done.”

The Rhino range has been designed with all service points accessible at the ground level, making maintenance quick and easy.

McCauley says Dynapac underwent a great deal of work to focus on operator engagement with the machine.

“Ensuring it is powerful enough to do the job, with features that will allow operators to work in a wide variety of conditions, is just a small component of

the work being done by the engineering team on this new line-up,” she says.

“The large focus on operator comfort, safety and ease of use also makes it a standout among current competitive machines.”

COMFORT AND SAFETY In addition to its robust mechanical features, McCauley says the Rhino soil compactors set a new standard for operator comfort and safety.

“The ergonomically redesigned operator cabin boasts 35 per cent more glass area, improving visibility and facilitating safer operations in challenging environments,” she says.

The 60-degree seat rotation and powerful LED lighting ensures the

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

compactors excel in low-light conditions, making them suitable for all projects, day and night.

“Operators’ comfortability was front of mind for the Dynapac team when crafting the range, equipped with an upgraded colour display and more,” says McCauley.

“These features make it easier for operators to read detail at a glance.”

TAILORED FOR AUSTRALIA The Rhino range was unveiled during an event at the organisation’s Jet Park headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa in October 2024.

The Rhino CA50, CA55, CA65, and CA70 soil compactors were originally engineered specially for diverse soil types across Africa.

McCauley says these machines, specifically the CA50D, have also been designed to meet broader market needs around the world.

“The CA50D suits the Australian market and its requirement for machines which are easy to use,” she says.

“It has a simplified operation, with an intuitive machine interface that operators can quickly get up to speed

with, when operating the machine, making it ideal for the rental segment.”

These models feature three engine emissions standards, including Stage Four engines, enabling owners to get ahead on Australia’s environmental regulations.

With a focus on fuel efficiency, McCauley says these compactors are perfect for contractors, and rental business looking to minimise fuel costs and reduce their carbon footprint without compromising on performance.

“The Rhino range will ensure customers can safely and efficiently operate all equipment across a diverse range of different sites across Australia,” she says.

“The safety features ensure that no matter the conditions, performance will remain at an optimal level.”

The Dynapac CEA team is excited to release a new era of technology to the Australian market while paying homage to its predecessors.

McCauley says the Rhino range symbolises Dynapac’s ongoing commitment to developing world-class solutions that cater to the specific needs of its customers world-wide.

“The new lineup highlights Dynapac’s focus on customer needs, understanding where the market segments are headed and what customers are looking for in their machines for the future,” she says.

“As suppliers to the market for 90 years, Dynapac has a reputation for a quality build and aligning the product to the industry.”

McCauley says the new range of Rhinos will set the standard for compaction in the Australian market moving forward.

“We look forward to showcasing these new machines to customers as they arrive in the country over the coming months,” she says.

For more information, www.dynapaccea.com.au

“THE NEW RANGE OFFERS BEST-IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS. DYNAPAC ALSO OFFERS A STANDARDISED TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM WITH FOUR MANUAL GEARS, PROVIDING THE TRACTION PERFORMANCE YOU NEED TO GET THE JOB DONE.”

Comfort is key in the new Dynapac Rhino range, which is equipped with an ergonomic seat and spacious cabin.

roadsonline.com.au

37

PRECISION BLENDING CRUSHER SCREEN SALES & HIRE’S IMS PM1200-20TB PUGMILL HAS BECOME A GAMECHANGER FOR INCREASING ACCURACY IN ROAD BASE PRODUCTION.

D

espite only being introduced

by Crusher Screen Sales & Hire (CSSH) in 2023, the IMS PM1200-20TB pugmill has already left its mark, bringing high precision material processing to quarries across the country.

CSSH Manager John Andersen says the PM1200-20TB pugmill has been a hit with industry due to its accuracy and reliability.

“Crusher Screen Sales & Hire is the Australian distributor for IMS from Ireland and both companies have worked together to create pugmills and blenders suitable for Australian conditions, as well as the changing requirements for blended 38

ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

material in the quarry, construction and mining industry,” he says.

“Some quarries have difficulty meeting road base standards without blending fines into the product. There is also increased use in the industry of blending recycled products into virgin quarry products in order to reduce the amount of raw material being used, reduce the amount of waste to landfill and reduce transport movements on the road.”

This, he explains, is where the PM120020TB pugmill provides significant benefits to quarrying customers, due to its largescale throughput and ability to handle several additives at once.

“The new IMS PM1200-20TB track pugmill has two five-metre-long feed hoppers holding 10 cubic metres each, with separate hopper conveyors fitted with belt scales enabling the blending of two products with accuracy,” he says.

“The pugmill has the option of one or two powder hoppers and the ability to add two liquids. This is fully automated with a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and recording system that can be operated with an iPad in a loader or site office.”

The PM1200-20TB has a longer three metre pugbox to ensure a quality mix when blending high percentages of powder – like roller-compacted concrete.

A four-sided access platform with stairs gives complete access around the cement hoppers for maintenance and visibility of the feed hoppers.

Images: Crusher Screens Sales & Hire.

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

PM1050-16TB single hopper pugmill operating throughout Australia.

The PM1200-20TB pugmill with twin high production powder hoppers and three bulk silos on site at a major infrastructure project.

The new IMS-PM1200-20TB pugmill twin feed hopper blender.

PROVEN RELIABILITY A series of IMS-PM1200-20TB pugmills, along with the single-hopper IMS PM1050-16TB tracked pugmill, are working in quarries across Australia, blending road base for major new infrastructure projects.

Andersen says the ability of the IMSPM1200-20TB pugmills to blend two raw materials with the option of adding two powders and liquids has been a major draw for his customers.

“These machines also offer great serviceability, and the improved PLC control and recording system that can be monitored from an office and

our service department increases both safety and ease of maintenance,” he says.

“The PM1200-20TB pugmill stands out, as it is the only pugmill blender on the market that has two separate conveyors on both feed hoppers. Others have a dividing wall but only one conveyor belt, so you can only adjust the percentage of product from both sides with a front of hopper flow gate.

“The PM1200-20TB has a front of hopper adjustable flow gate, plus a variable speed conveyor belt fitted with belt scales and PLC control system, making it more accurate.”

It also has an improved Australian designed PLC with a full reporting program showing the percentages of each product used, along with a supporting graph for each batch and will auto stop if the blend is not making the programmed percentages.

It will also give daily totals of all the different products used for the day, which helps with the management of stock materials and ordering.

Alongside the IMS PM1200-20TB pugmill, IMS has also released the new BP1200-48TB track blender. This has four, five-metre-long feed hoppers, each holding 12 cubic metres, and is powered by a Cat C7 generator that can be connected to mains power.

The BP1200-48TB blender can work in conjunction with the IMS modular electric pugmill. roadsonline.com.au

39

“GO AHEAD AND DIG” FOCUS MACHINERY HAS POSITIONED ITSELF AS A TRUE PARTNER IN PROGRESS WHEN IT COMES TO THE EARTHMOVING AND INFRASTRUCTURE SPACES, THANKS TO ITS WELL-RESPECTED SERVICE AND INNOVATIVE MACHINERY HIRE RANGE.

I

n the high-stakes world of construction, where safety and efficiency are critical, Focus Machinery stands out as a trusted name when it comes to earthmoving expertise.

Offering a fleet of high-quality equipment for dry hire, Focus Machinery caters to the demanding needs of major infrastructure projects.

From humble beginnings 14 years ago, Focus Machinery has grown into a powerhouse with over 450 machines, including excavators (1–35 tonnes), posi-tracks, tip trucks, site dumpers, rollers, and more than 1000 specialised attachments. The fleet supports projects of all sizes, with a steadfast commitment to safety, reliability, and productivity.

Focus Machinery goes beyond a typical hire service, offering its customers a collaborative partnership to ensure the best possible experience.

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ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

The family company, which operates out of Bayswater, Victoria has over 200 years of combined technical experience and critical response capability, factors that have led to the company becoming a preferred provider for some of the biggest names in the infrastructure and earthmoving sectors.

RELIABILITY AND SAFETY ARE CENTRAL Downtime costs more than just time and money, it also compromises safety.

That’s why Focus Machinery ensures that

every piece of equipment in its range is site-specified, fully operational, and ready to work.

From leading brands such as Volvo and Caterpillar, the company’s machines are equipped with cutting-edge features that boost efficiency and reduce risk.

Volvo’s 35 tonne excavator, which forms part of Focus Machinery’s wider excavation range, is just one example.

Equipped with a tilt hitch and 3D GPS system, the reduced-radius Volvo excavator is designed for confined spaces

“FROM SELECTING THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT TO ENSURING OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE ON-SITE, WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU ACHIEVE YOUR PROJECT GOALS.”

and precise digging. GPS integration also minimises human error, saving time and enhancing on-site safety.

Jarryd Lockhart, Product Development Manager – Focus Machinery, says its machinery and features like this that can help to maximise efficiency for fleet and project managers alike.

“At Focus Machinery, our ethos is ‘Go Ahead and Dig®.’ It’s more than a tagline – it’s a mission to simplify earthmoving equipment operations for our clients,” he says. “This drives secure livelihoods, strong families, and prosperous communities.”

Focus Machinery recently partnered on the North East Link project in Victoria, one of the largest infrastructure projects in Australia’s history. For the works, Focus Machinery equipped 35-tonne excavators with Universal Total Station (UTS) machine control for underground excavations. This system enabled millimetre-accurate digging in areas where traditional GPS couldn’t function.

Lockhart says Focus Machinery’s “service excellence” means the company only hires the best equipment to optimise uptime and performance.

“Our commitment to project success was evident through equipment setup and operator training for both day and night shifts on the North East Link project,” he says.

For Focus Machinery, its responsibilities and support go beyond providing bestin-class equipment and attachments Jerry Nipper, Managing Director – Focus Machinery says the company ensures that equipment is set to customer specifications prior to dispatch, meaning customers can immediately get to work.

“At Focus Machinery, we’re more than a hire service – we’re your partner in progress,” he says. “From selecting the right equipment to ensuring optimal performance on site, we’re here to help you achieve your project goals.”

It’s one of the reasons why the company maintains close touch points with its customers, with the Focus Machinery team always working to improve its service offering. Whether it’s for short- or longterm hire, Focus Machinery’s response speed is matched with a knowledgeable team, making sure that on-site project challenges can be overcome quickly.

Carey Civil Contractors is just one of Focus Machinery’s loyal customers. As

Images: Focus Machinery.

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Focus Machinery’s equipment includes cutting edge features.

Focus Machinery prides itself on using the best equipment in the market.

one of the largest providers in Victoria’s civil industry for the past 20 years, the company’s requirements can change dramatically at short notice.

“We’ve depended on Focus Machinery for various equipment, which consistently delivers topnotch performance and durability.

Their responsive team minimises downtime and keeps our projects on track,” a Carey Civil Contractors spokesperson says.

OUTLOOK FOR 2025 Looking to 2025, Focus Machinery is gearing up for continued growth, fuelled

by innovation, an expanding fleet, and a dedicated team of ‘A-players’.

The company is setting its sights on upcoming projects and equipment releases, as part of its focus on remaining at the forefront of the dryhire sector.

Guided by its core values of a growth mindset, boldness, compassion, and a commitment to prosperity, the company is ready to lead the way in safety, productivity, and earthmoving excellence.

To find out more and discuss your project’s requirements, call the Focus Machinery team on (03) 9756 3950. roadsonline.com.au

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MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

A NEW CLASS

OF PAVERS THERE ARE MULTIPLE PAVERS AVAILABLE IN THE MARKET, HOWEVER, FEATURES LIKE VERSATILITY, COMPACT DESIGN, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY AND HIGH PERFORMANCE SHOULD BE KEY TO HELP WITH THE SEARCH. ASTEC TICKS ALL OF THESE BOXES.

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stec’s highway and commercial class pavers are renowned for power and functionality with nimbleness and manoeuvrability.

Its highway class equipment can be combined with a variety of reliable screeds that will serve customers well for a wide range of applications. Regardless of the project, Astec pavers produce a quality mat with precision and cost-savings.

Astec’s reliable and productive machines are ideal for a variety of applications and job sizes. Available in

multiple configurations; wheeled or tracked, 2.5-or 3 metres and starting at 74 horsepower and going up to 173-230 horsepower options, there is a paver for every operation.

Astec’s 2.5 metre-wide wheeled and track pavers are designed for increased manoeuvrability without sacrificing performance. All Astec pavers can tackle large jobs like highway and regional road works.

The Astec/Roadtec paver line works efficiently and effectively in a variety of sub-grades and is designed and manufactured with productivity and safety in mind.

For major highway paving operations, Astec recommends its popular RP-195fx (standard three to six metres paving width) or the RP-175fx (standard 2.5 to 4.59 metres paving width), with both having responsive engine power, as well as a steel reinforced rubber-track that provides even pressure along the track ensuring a smooth ride and superior mat quality.

The RP-175fx and RP-195fx series track pavers also have upgraded styling, simpler maintenance and enhanced operator experience, with both pavers featuring a

Images: Astec.

Astec’s highway class pavers are highly suitable and respected solutions for a range of project types and scales.

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Above: Astec has a range of optional accessories, as well as 24 hour support available to each of its customers.

fully oscillating track frame to provide a smooth ride and lay a quality mat.

They are also equipped with Astec’s exclusive anti-segregation design of the feed tunnel, discharge and rear augers.

The heavy-duty frame (US made), solid front axle and sturdy conveyors are engineered for durability. Seats on the dual operator stations can move hydraulically out beyond the sides of the machine to give the operator an excellent view down the sides of the paver.

Highway class paving requires pavers that are strong, powerful and productive.

These far-reaching, large-scale paving projects include highways and large road networks.

Highway class paving can range from one lane to multi-lane projects. That’s why these applications require pavers with large hoppers, wide paving widths and a broad scope of screed compatibility (RP195fx specifications: Paving Speed is 64 metres/minute – Travel Speed is 12 kilometres/hour – Standard Paving Width three metres to six metres).

Both pavers have a redesigned track system for improved durability and ease of maintenance. When it comes to hydraulics, the new track pavers have fewer connection points, easing maintenance tasks. All Astec pavers offer a choice of industry renown Carlson screeds.

Astec can assist with quotes and pricing reviews related to your projects, with many options across its product range, including an automated lubrication system, non-contacting screed automation, or even Astec blade light system to consider. Customers can also get the advantage of Astec’s ongoing, 24 hours after-sales support and training for Asphalt pavers. For more information, please visit www.astecindustries.com or contact Jorge Boil on 07 3714 8800.

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Images: Suburban Rail Loop (SRL).

Isolde Piet, the first female TBM pilot in the world, will be leading the first allfemale TBM team on a large Victorian project.

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FIRST

A TUNNEL BORING MACHINE (TBM) TEAM UNIQUE TO MELBOURNE, AND THE WORLD, WILL SET THE PRECEDENT FOR DIVERSIFYING THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY MOVING FORWARD.

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he Victorian Government will make history by recruiting the first ever allwomen tunnel boring machine (TBM) team during construction of the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL).

The transport and urban planning project will set the scene for the world-first team which will be led by the first female TBM pilot in the world, Isolde Piet, SRL East Tunnels South Construction Manager.

It has been 26 years since Piet found her way into the construction industry, beginning her career as a civil engineer in the Netherlands.

Almost three decades later, after working on a multitude of roles across multiple milliondollar projects in several different countries, she says she looks forward to helping this group of women begin their own stories.

“I hope that we leave a legacy at the end of this project, where they can transition into other projects which will have a lasting legacy on their careers,” says Piet.

There is capacity for about 25 highly skilled roles on the team, including the TBM operator, gantry and segment crane operators, grouters and support roles. It will be one of eight crews operating the four TBMs digging the SRL East twin tunnels between Cheltenham and Glen Waverley.

SRL is a 90-kilometre orbital rail line that will help transform the way Melbourne grows, improving travel efficiency for more than 80 per cent of Melburnians by taking more than 600,000 cars off roads every day.

With the TBMs launching in the coming years, Piet says there is plenty of time to run a thorough recruitment process and find the best of the best for the demanding roles.

“It will be a very physical job, so we need to look for the right people for the right roles, because, above anything else, we want them to succeed,” says Piet.

“We want to give them the opportunity to present themselves, and the best way to get in to the team is to show your drive for the industry.”

Her advice to other women looking to break into the industry, is to first and foremost remember to stay true to personal passions, which will be clear to recruiters.

“When applying for any job, it needs to be something that you want to be doing on a day-to-day basis,” says Piet.

“The fact that it’s an industry that doesn’t have a lot of women in it should not be a barrier for women to do it.

“I believe that females are just as capable of males in that space, they should just go for it and don’t think too much on the ‘what if’ scenarios.”

Regardless of gender, Piet says everybody will have to prove themselves equally due to the demanding nature of roles found on the TBM crew.

“Contenders are always going to have to prove themselves and demonstrate they can do the role, I wouldn’t say it is different for males and females,” says Piet.

“However, I would say there is some bias within the industry with the existing crew, where you do feel like you have something to prove. Because ultimately, they do see you as different. But that is something that will change over time.”

The all-female TBM team is a powerful step forward in diversifying the construction

PROJECT REPORT

industry, Piet says, and will help to accelerate change.

“When I started 26 years ago the balance was the same as it is today, which proves that the process is moving very slowly,” she says.

“Developing this concept is fast tracking the diversification process because it will create a platform for females to enter the industry.

“If you want to hire for experience, there is not much out there. By giving women a platform to succeed we’re also diversifying and strengthening the employment pool.”

The team’s primary focus will be on-thejob training and equipping women with transferrable skills they can use throughout the industry.

Piet says this will create a group of females with differing levels of experience and seniority who will be able to walk away at the end of the project to continue in other projects.

“If we get this group out there, we hope that moving forward the process of getting a better balance will move faster,” she says.

“This experience should take away the barrier for others to enter the industry and show that it is actually better for everyone to have a mixed gender workforce.”

THE ROAD TO TBM PILOT This will be Piet’s first time with an all-female TBM crew; however it will not be her first time working with TBMs. Piet’s prior job titles have included Junior Engineer, Senior Engineer, Project Manager, Construction Manager and TBM Pilot.

Piet recently contributed to early works for the North East Link in Melbourne, where

she worked with micro TBMs for pipe jacking and trenching.

Overseas, Piet has a wide range of civil engineering experience including in the Netherlands and Turkey.

It was in Holland, during her high school years, when Piet discovered she was interested in pursuing a civil engineering career.

“The whole concept of building big things that are going to be there for the next 50 or 100 years or more and having the ability to improve your living environment was appealing to me,” she says.

Years later during a study trip to Japan, Piet visited an underground site for the first time, reinforcing her passion for construction.

“Before that I didn’t really have a concept of what tunnelling would look like,” she says.

“Having different disciplines and groups of people with differing backgrounds working together to deliver one common goal to build one thing is what attracted me. So ever since then, I’ve been following jobs where I can do some of those works.”

In Holland, Piet worked on a range of sites demonstrating conventional cut and cover techniques, TBM tunnelling and precast segments for tunnelling. She landed her first gig as a TBM pilot on the high speed rail tunnel in Holland with a combination of persistence, courage and knowledge.

“I was already working on the project as a Site Engineer where I worked on the launch shaft,” she says.

“I then transitioned to an office-based role for the tunnelling team, where I gained experience by learning on the ground for close to a year.

This gives the person an understanding of how

the machines work, as well as the intrinsic knowledge about all the concepts to build a tunnel.”

It was at this stage that Piet had two options for her next move. She could either be a shift boss or TBM pilot.

“I saw other engineers moving around and going on the ground and I was still stuck in the office,” she says.

“It took a bit of talking and convincing, I pushed really hard at that point to show that I really wanted to do it.”

Although the managers displayed some hesitance with her being the only female on the ground, reassurance from Piet landed her the role to being trained as a pilot.

“We discussed potential barriers and how we would address them, once that was sorted, someone trained me for a few weeks and then I was thrown into the deep end by myself,” she says.

Although this transitional period displayed its challenges and was a steep learning curve, Piet says it was the best experience.

“I quickly learnt the importance of being on a team who works together. You are going to hit roadblocks, you’re going to get into some issues, you have to sort them out together,” she says.

“The first couple of weeks were a bit scary, I felt like I was under a magnifying glass, and everyone was expecting me to stuff up. I felt like I had to work three times as hard to get the same amount of recognition.

“But, further down the line everybody accepted that I was there and that I was doing a good job at it, and they were happy with it.”

The world’s first female TBM team is expected to be ready to go in 2027. After being appointed this year, they’ll undergo thorough training before operating as their own crew.

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DRIVING CHANGE: INSIGHTS FROM AFPA’S FORUM ON LOW CARBON INNOVATIONS ON NOVEMBER 19, 2024, THE AUSTRALIAN FLEXIBLE PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AFPA) HOSTED ITS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED FORUM ON LOW CARBON INNOVATIONS IN NEWCASTLE, NSW. ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDES A FULL RUNDOWN OF THE EVENT.

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KEY INNOVATIONS PRESENTED The forum featured a series of insightful presentations showcasing the latest innovations in sustainable road construction. These included practical applications of low-carbon materials, advanced asphalt technologies, and sustainable procurement practices. Key takeaways from the event highlighted the industry’s ability to address carbon challenges through technological innovation, policy-driven change, and collaborative efforts.

he event brought together 50 inperson attendees and 100 virtual participants, showcasing cutting-edge approaches to sustainable road construction and maintenance. Industry leaders, government representatives, and technical experts delivered engaging presentations on actionable solutions for achieving Net Zero targets in road infrastructure.

The forum’s success was marked by its relevant content, high-calibre speakers, and strong attendee engagement, reinforcing its value as a platform for advancing the industry’s sustainability agenda.

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Images: AfPA.

ADDRESSING THE INDUSTRY’S CARBON CHALLENGE Road infrastructure is a critical public asset, connecting communities and driving economic growth. However, the materials and processes used in road construction and maintenance contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. For instance, bitumen, asphalt, cement, and steel – essential components in road projects – account for up to eight per cent of embodied carbon emissions in infrastructure.

Recognising this challenge, the forum provided a platform to discuss how the industry can pivot towards a circular economy and reduce its carbon footprint while maintaining resilient and durable road networks.

Tony Aloisio, Interim CEO of AfPA, opened the event by underscoring the importance of innovation and collaboration in addressing these challenges. He highlighted the critical role of circular economy principles, which aim to eliminate waste, circulate materials at their highest value, and regenerate natural systems.

“To truly meet Net Zero targets, we need to turn good ideas into business-as-usual practices,” he stated.

WARM MIX ASPHALT (WMA) Warm Mix Asphalt emerged as a proven low-carbon alternative to traditional hot mix asphalt. By reducing production temperatures, WMA decreases energy consumption and associated emissions. A notable success story was the 12-year journey in Queensland, where a strategic alliance between AfPA and government stakeholders resulted in the widespread adoption of WMA. The collaboration demonstrated the power of leveraging procurement processes and technical specifications to drive change, making WMA an industry standard.

The forum helped to identify and find solutions to barriers for sustainable material use.

LOW CARBON ASPHALT (ECO5) The forum spotlighted ECO5 asphalt, a groundbreaking material tested in a demonstration trial on Richardson Road in Raymond Terrace, New South Wales. ECO5 incorporates recycled materials such as reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP), recycled crushed glass (RCG), and low-carbon binders, alongside warm mix technologies.

This innovative mix delivered a 30 per cent reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional asphalt, all while meeting or exceeding performance expectations. The trial highlighted the scalability of such solutions, with the potential for broader implementation across New South Wales.

HIGH RAP MIXES High RAP (Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement) mixes were another focus, illustrating the environmental and economic advantages of using higher percentages of recycled asphalt in new pavement. While concerns about quality and binder performance persist, advanced testing and rejuvenation techniques have resolved these issues.

of low-carbon materials. By prioritising lifecycle performance and environmental impact in procurement decisions, road asset owners can incentivise innovation and accelerate the transition to Net Zero.

AfPA’s advocacy for performance-based specifications and circular economy principles aligns closely with this approach. These frameworks ensure that sustainability is embedded in every stage of the project lifecycle, from material selection to end-oflife management.

AfPA’s Forum on Low Carbon Innovations aims to introduce and reinforce sustainable solutions as primary sources of transport infrastructure development.

RAP management plans ensure consistency, allowing up to 40 per cent RAP in asphalt mixes. This innovation not only reduces reliance on virgin materials but also supports the circular economy by maximising the value of recycled content.

CARBON NEUTRAL PRODUCTS Viva Energy introduced its opt-in carbonneutral bitumen, which offsets lifecycle emissions through certified carbon credits.

Clients can tailor their carbon offset strategy to align with sustainability goals, offering a practical step towards decarbonisation while longer-term technologies are scaled up. This approach demonstrates how the industry can take immediate action to address carbon emissions while exploring transformative solutions for the future.

ADVANCED ASPHALT TECHNOLOGIES (EME2) High modulus asphalt, or EME2, was highlighted for its ability to create thinner yet stronger pavement layers, reducing material usage and embodied carbon. A case study from the Hume Highway rehabilitation project demonstrated that EME2 achieved a 49 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional asphalt, while maintaining superior durability. The inclusion of up to 30 per cent RAP further enhanced its sustainability profile.

INNOVATIVE ADDITIVES AND REPURPOSED WASTE The forum explored the use of innovative materials, such as recycled rubber, bio-based binders, and RCG, to replace traditional non-renewable inputs in asphalt production.

For example, recycled rubber enhances asphalt flexibility and durability, while bio-

based binders act as carbon sinks. These advancements demonstrate that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand, offering viable alternatives to conventional materials.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES AND DRIVING COLLABORATION While the forum celebrated significant progress in low-carbon innovations, it also acknowledged the challenges of scaling these technologies. Regulatory hurdles, material classification inconsistencies, and cost barriers were identified as key obstacles.

However, collaboration between industry and government emerged as a recurring theme for overcoming these challenges.

For instance, Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and the NSW EPA were instrumental in streamlining trial approvals for emerging technologies like ECO5 asphalt. Their willingness to engage with industry stakeholders and adapt testing frameworks has set a precedent for future collaboration. Similarly, strategic alliances, such as the one that facilitated the adoption of WMA in Queensland, highlight the importance of partnerships in driving systemic change.

The forum also stressed the need for education and training to support the adoption of innovative practices. Investments in research facilities and knowledge-sharing platforms will ensure that industry professionals are equipped to implement sustainable solutions effectively.

THE ROLE OF PROCUREMENT IN SUSTAINABILITY Sustainable procurement was a recurring theme throughout the event. Speakers emphasised that policy-driven procurement practices are essential for normalising the use

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS AND ENGAGEMENT The forum’s success was evident in the strong engagement from both in-person and virtual attendees. Questions during the Q&A sessions reflected the audience’s keen interest in practical applications and scalability of the technologies presented. The high-calibre presentations resonated with participants, providing actionable insights and fostering meaningful discussions.

AfPA’s ability to curate relevant content and bring together industry leaders contributed to the event’s positive reception. Attendees left the forum with a clear understanding of the tangible steps the industry can take to reduce its carbon footprint while ensuring durable, resilient pavements.

LOOKING AHEAD As the road construction industry continues to face mounting pressure to decarbonise, forums like this play a vital role in driving innovation and collaboration. The AfPA Forum on Low Carbon Innovations demonstrated that sustainable solutions are within reach, but achieving widespread adoption requires systemic change, supportive policies, and a commitment to ongoing education.

By embracing the principles of the circular economy and leveraging advancements in low-carbon technologies, the industry has the opportunity to lead the way in sustainable infrastructure development. The success of this event underscores the importance of continued dialogue and collaboration, ensuring that the flexible pavement sector remains at the forefront of the transition to Net Zero.

The AfPA Forum on Low Carbon Innovations was a resounding success, providing a platform for showcasing the latest advancements in sustainable road construction and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. With strong engagement from attendees and actionable insights shared by industry leaders, the event reaffirmed its value as a catalyst for positive change in the infrastructure sector. roadsonline.com.au

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BUILDING

A SAFER SHORE and its community for the next 50 years and beyond.

DESIGN AND FEATURES At the core of the clubhouse’s transformation is its architectural design, combining innovation with functionality.

The standout feature is the use of precast concrete, specifically tailored to meet the club’s unique requirements. The precast wall panels, manufactured by National Precast member Fine Form Precast, play a pivotal role in the building’s aesthetic and functional qualities.

The standout feature of these precast panels is their curved design, enhanced by a rich timber grain finish. This finish brings a contemporary yet inviting feel to the structure, seamlessly integrating with the surrounding natural environment.

Forster’s new Surf Lifesaving Club has been designed in precast to achieve greater durability.

Images: National Precast.

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he Forster Surf Lifesaving Club has been a vital part of the Mid North Coast community in New South Wales for over 70 years, dedicated to ensuring the safety of beachgoers. With its long history of service, the club is set to elevate its lifesaving capabilities through the construction of a new $8 million clubhouse. This facility, designed with both the club’s operational needs and the broader community in mind, will feature upgraded amenities such as refurbished clubrooms, additional storage spaces and versatile function areas.

The new clubhouse will provide dedicated training spaces for surf lifesaver education, plus a welcoming café for both members and visitors, and multifunctional areas for community events. Designed in precast concrete to stand the test of time, the building will serve the club

Additionally, the balcony panels have been supplied, pre-installed with electric lights and power conduits, to reduce on-site construction time and ensure high-quality installation. These integrated features make the precast concrete elements not only visually striking, but also immensely practical.

EFFICIENT CONSTRUCTION PROCESS Fine Form Precast was selected for this project due to its proven relationship with A W Edwards, the head contractor, along with an ability to deliver high-quality precast solutions. The off-site manufacturing of the precast elements was a critical factor in the project’s success, offering significant time and cost savings. The ability to achieve a deep timber finish in the factory ensured that the material would be delivered in perfect condition, ready for quick and easy installation on-site.

The streamlined construction timeline allowed for earlier completion and use of the facility, a crucial factor for the surf lifesaving team, as it relies on the clubhouse for training and operations.

PROJECT TITLE: Forster Surf Lifesaving Club House PRECASTER: Fine Form Precast HEAD CONTRACTOR: A W Edwards PROJECT LOCATION: Forster Beach, Mid North Coast, NSW

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CHALLENGES AND RESOLUTIONS Despite careful planning during the design phase, the transportation of the uniquely shaped precast panels posed some logistical

The new clubhouse features curved precast panels in a rich timber grain finish to blend seamlessly with its surrounds.

challenges. To overcome this, transport specialists were engaged to ensure the safe delivery of the panels. With careful coordination and strategic planning, all materials were delivered undamaged, on time and ready for installation.

A PERFECT CHOICE FOR THE COMMUNITY The new Forster Surf Lifesaving Clubhouse is more than just a building – it’s a testament to the community’s commitment to safety and resilience.

The use of precast concrete was the ideal choice for this project. The material’s inherent durability ensures that it can withstand the harsh marine environment, where salt and moisture would quickly degrade other materials. Precast also allowed for bespoke designs, like the curved panels, while integrating features such as lighting and electrical conduits.

This not only reduced on-site work but also enhanced the building’s safety and efficiency. With its modern, functional design, the clubhouse will support the club’s patrol programs, ensuring the safety of swimmers and beachgoers for years to come. It is a shining example of how a community project can harness the versatility and durability of precast concrete to create something beautiful and lasting.

Using precast panels allowed for earlier completion.

FORSTER SURF LIFESAVING CLUB: A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY SAFETY The Forster Surf Lifesaving Club has played a key role in protecting the Mid North Coast for many years. The addition of this new clubhouse will further enhance the club’s legacy, ensuring that its volunteers are better prepared to safeguard the local community both in and around the water. Supported by a blend of community backing and local government funding, this project reflects the resilience and teamwork that underpin the club’s mission.

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SERVING THE

SECTOR

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE MAGAZINE SPEAKS WITH MUNICIPAL WORKS AUSTRALIA CEO PETER ALI TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION’S UPCOMING ANNUAL CONFERENCE, SET TO SERVE THE MUNICIPAL WORKS SECTOR FOR YEARS TO COME.

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stablished in 1936, Municipal Works Australia (MWA) fosters excellence in providing municipal works and services by facilitating professional growth, fostering camaraderie, and organising networking events and career development programs. Its members include people providing frontline maintenance, engineering, and operational support services for councils.

Peter Ali, MWA Chief Executive Officer says he can see first hand the positive impact that the association has made on those new and old throughout the sector.

“To be in a position where you can influence and support those in the industry who may need assistance is very rewarding and a real privilege,” he says. “The MWA is going through a really great growth phase at the moment. We’re offering services and programs that we’ve never offered before.”

MWA is the pre-eminent national collaborative platform for local government employees and companies supplying products and services within the municipal works sector.

It’s also a not-for-profit, memberbased association established to uphold and assist individuals and organisations operating in the industry.

With over 1500 members, MWA is one of Australia’s most prominent local government associations.

A key representation of this is the MWA’s upcoming 31st National Municipal Works and Engineering Conference.

The conference brings together individuals and companies working in the municipal works sector around Australia in Bendigo, Victoria.

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maintenance work experts, exhibitors, giveaways, and a networking event over two days. It features demonstrations and presentations of new product and service solutions, as well as presentations from the next generation of leaders in municipal works.

MWA’s 2025 Municipal Works and Engineering Conference in Bendigo, Victoria, from 20-21 March 2025, is where local government works professionals intersect with the companies servicing the industry to learn about the latest municipal engineering and maintenance innovations. Now in its 31st year, the annual event is considered Australia’s premier gathering of engineers, municipal works staff, and the companies that supply and support the city works industry to exchange innovative ideas and best practices in municipal works.

This year’s “Sharing Solutions” conference will focus on collaborative approaches to address the pressing challenges cities and communities face worldwide. Sharing solutions in municipal works is crucial for fostering innovation, improving efficiency, and addressing common daily challenges faced by municipal works practitioners.

In 2024, over 75 exhibitors demonstrated the latest products and service offerings from every aspect of municipal works, including fleet and machinery, asset management, road maintenance, road infrastructure, parks and gardens, drainage and stormwater, street sweeping, and sports turf. There is something for everyone who has an interest in the industry.

A distinguished panel of keynote speakers – each a leader in their respective

Municipal Works Australia’s 31st National Municipal Works and Engineering Conference will be held in Bendigo.

fields – complements the exhibitions and demonstrations. Among them is Nicole Livingstone OAM, a renowned sports administrator and media commentator who represented Australia at three Olympics, winning a silver medal and two bronze medals, and former AFL footballer Shane Crawford, who will touch on his life journey and career.

Attendees will also hear presentations from municipal officers who have successfully implemented innovative solutions in areas such as road safety, asset management, civil infrastructure maintenance, and community engagement, as well as a debate-style panel session organised by the association’s NextGen team. You can find the complete program and the list of exhibitors on the conference webpage.

“It’s a place where we can all get together in one place and meet nationally. There’s going to be speaking programs, technical programs, informative programs. It’s got

EVENTS

Technical and informative sessions will be held at the association’s upcoming 31st National Municipal Works and Engineering Conference.

Images: MWA.

everything. It’s a very diverse event and you get to see all this and more in just one spot,” Ali says.

Ali himself says he’s “extremely optimistic and excited” for the sector’s future, as well as the continued growth of the organisation.

“The association is on a major growth path, and we’ll soon be getting larger in terms of our membership. That’s great because it’ll allow us to give more back to the industry. The bigger we are, the more that we can provide,” he says.

“We’ll be looking to face challenges head on so we can continue to best support our members while they negotiate any changes in the sector”.

And for those that aren’t already members, Ali says the first steps are simple.

“We have a free membership option and it’s great to be involved in the sector in which you work. All you have to do is visit our website and learn more. You’ve got nothing to lose,” he says.

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CONSTRUCTION’S ONE-STOP-SHOP WANT TO SEE WHAT THE FUTURE HAS IN STORE FOR THE INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR? THEN WELCOME TO CONVERGE.

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onverge is a brand-new expo that for the first time will bring together Municipal Works and Commercial and Civil Construction, to provide attendees a glimpse at Australia’s infrastructure future.

Set to be held in September 2025, Converge will be the one-stop-shop for SubContractors, Project Engineers, Council Fleet Managers, and Large-Scale Construction Contractors focused across the municipal works, civil construction and infrastructure space.

Attendees and exhibitors will have the chance to come together to exchange concepts and solutions to empower not only the construction sector, but also the municipal works industry to ensure that adequate infrastructure can meet demand for decades to come.

From the construction site to the boardroom, Converge will be the new home for important discussions and knowledge exchanges around the development of essential infrastructure projects, big and small.

This and much more, involving a wide intersection of stakeholders from across every step of the building process, will be showcased.

Siobhan Rocks, Converge General Manager says the event will cover everything that’s 52

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required to successfully deliver infrastructure works, including equipment right through to planning and management software.

“Unlike other events, Converge covers the entire infrastructure sector and will showcase equipment and demonstrations right on the expo floor,” she says.

“It’s the perfect opportunity for businesses that have clients from Tier One and Two contractors right through to smaller operators and council departments to connect with those companies in one place, at one time.

We know that nothing like Converge currently exists within Australia.”

Sarah Bachmann, Chief Executive Officer – National Precast Concrete Association Australia, says the event will likely present an ideal opportunity for the precast sector to connect with other areas of the market.

“At Converge, civil and infrastructure precast manufacturers can benefit from interactive networking sessions as well as attending and presenting at educational sessions on changes to sustainability requirements, the trend towards offsite construction, regulatory updates, design solutions, quality control and case studies. Topics also might include digital tools like BIM, how AI (Artificial Intelligence) can be used in the industry and insights into economic trends,” she says.

“Precast concrete manufacturers in Australia face challenges including adapting to evolving

Image: stock.adobe.com/Summit Art Creations.

CONVERGE:

regulations, meeting sustainability demands, managing supply chain disruptions and addressing skilled labour shortages.

Technological integration and market competition also pose issues, along with project-specific requirements and economic fluctuations. Overcoming these concerns requires staying current with industry trends, investing in technology and developing strong stakeholder relationships.”

BUILDING AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE, TOGETHER A major segment of Converge will be dedicated to civil construction and road maintenance. In partnership with Roads & Infrastructure and Infrastructure magazines, this area will offer Tier One through to Tier Three contractors a view of the latest equipment and technology available on the market.

The dedicated construction technology space will include a stage featuring live demonstrations of the latest software that is transforming commercial construction projects.

A dedicated conference area will also welcome leaders from major civil works projects to share knowledge on Victoria’s Big Build projects as well as the 10-year, $120 billion infrastructure pipeline for the state, offering unprecedented access to decision

EVENTS

Converge will provide a sneak peek into the future of the construction sector, showing off innovative materials, machines and methods.

makers in this space.

“We want to ensure that we’re providing the opportunity for thought leadership and provoking conversations about the future of the Australian infrastructure sector,” Rocks says.

“Converge will feature an Inside Construction summit, focused on project updates from Tier One construction companies. The summit is designed to connect C-suite leaders with other project

Municipal Works Australia, says Converge will give councils and local municipalities a chance to see what’s in store for the future.

“Our local government officials operate in a rapidly expanding field. Converge will give them access to products they may not know exist and offer solutions to the issues they face daily,” he says.

“Converge closely aligns with our core purpose, which is to provide opportunities

“WE WANT TO ENSURE THAT WE’RE PROVIDING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THOUGHT LEADERSHIP AND PROVOKING CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR.” managers and those responsible for largescale projects, so that we can benefit from shared learnings and experiences.”

A niche area for councils and asset managers to see the latest tools available in municipal works will also feature. From horticulture equipment through to road maintenance, and larger-scale trade equipment, the area will act as a onestop-shop for council fleet managers and sub-contractors to see the latest tools on offer, with a special focus on zero emission technology.

Peter Ali, Chief Executive Officer –

for people working in municipal works to learn about the latest innovations in municipal practices and expand their professional network.

“The event’s scale looks impressive, and it will be great to see numerous people sharing a common interest in civil infrastructure all in one place.”

THE BEST EXPOSURE Converge attendees and exhibitors can also benefit from extensive media coverage in the lead-up, during and after the event, with exposure to an accumulated audience

of decision makers of more than one million people.

Both Roads & Infrastructure and Infrastructure magazines will be joined by other renowned titles including Earthmovers & Excavators, Earthmoving Equipment, Utility Magazine, Inside Construction, Council Magazine and Tradie Magazine.

For those who are interested in showcasing the very best that they have to offer, exhibition space is currently available, as Rocks explains.

“We have a range of options available, from floor space through to walk-on packages. Our team can also work on bespoke offerings to ensure that your needs are being met. Our company purpose is to grow organisations and industries by delivering outstanding events. We are so excited to be supporting the broader infrastructure sector,” she says.

Whether you’re an Engineer, Asset Manager, Project or Procurement Manager, or even a Sub-Contractor, Converge is the event for you.

Converge will take place on September 17-18, 2025, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

For more information on exhibiting and attending, visit convergeexpo.com. au to download the prospectus, or contact our team directly on +61 3 9690 8766 or converge@primecreative.com.au roadsonline.com.au

53

EVENTS

PNG EXPO 2025:

MINING’S PREMIER EVENT

54

ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

The 2025 PNG Expo will once again bring together all sectors of the industrial, mining and resources industries into one location.

Image: stock.adobe.com/ChaoticDesignStudio.

T

he highly anticipated PNG Industrial and Mining Resources Exhibition and Conference (PNG Expo) will return in 2025, following the resounding success of the show in July last year.

To again be held at the Stanley Hotel in Port Moresby from July 2–3, the 2025 PNG Expo is set to be bigger and better than ever.

Aimed at supporting mining, resource and infrastructure though strategic connections, PNG Expo will once again feature its highly regarded conference, giving experts in the sector the chance to highlight best practice to tackle ongoing challenges.

Opportunities in the local industry will be further highlighted through a networking reception, as well as an official dinner, giving attendees the chance to forge connections in a relaxed setting.

The exhibition space at the Stanley Hotel is at capacity, with each exhibitor showcasing unique technology and methods applicable worldwide from leading companies in the industry.

One of these is TriCab, a premium supplier of high-performance flexible cable and accessories.

After booking its spot as a silver sponsor of the 2024 event, TriCab has renewed its sponsorship for 2025, with the company keen to showcase its commitment to supporting and growing the booming PNG sector, as TriCab Queensland State Manager Shane Plumridge explains.

“We pride ourselves on supplying premium, high-performance flexible cable and accessories that reflect our values of innovation and quality,” Plumridge says.

“Providing engineered cable solutions, which save our customers time and cost, is where we make our difference. At TriCab, we listen and respond to a range of customer needs, remaining innovative in our operations to ensure we can meet demands of all markets, existing and emerging.”

Plumridge adds that the 2024 show gave the company the ability to demonstrate its capabilities in the growing mining market in PNG. He also encourages those involved in the mining and industrial sectors to attend the 2025 event.

“Events like the PNG Expo are vital in bringing like-minded consumers and suppliers together in the one space where it is mutually beneficial to all parties, in a relaxed and safe environment,” he says.

designed to connect buyers with suppliers, with a carefully curated floor plan, as well as an impressive slate of industry specific conferences.

“Holding the event at a luxury business location like the Stanley Hotel means our delegates can spend more time building lasting industry connections and less time travelling between locations,” she says.

“Our delegates can make the most of their time knowing that once they arrive, we will bring the industry to them.

“EVENTS LIKE THE PNG EXPO ARE VITAL IN BRINGING LIKE-MINDED CONSUMERS AND SUPPLIERS TOGETHER IN THE ONE SPACE WHERE IT IS MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TO ALL PARTIES, IN A RELAXED AND SAFE ENVIRONMENT.” “The ability to see people from the local area in the one place, all with the same values, who were looking for new and innovative products and services, was a tribute to the organisers.

[They’ve] created a concentrated group of suppliers in a safe and easy-going atmosphere, where the cream of the mining supply chain providers are showcasing innovative products.”

Rebecca Todesco, Prime Creative Media’s Marketing Manager of Mining Events, says the event is specifically

Locating everything in the one place not only means more contact between our buyers and suppliers but also means we can prioritise the welfare of our attendees.”

Now you have a chance to see what the future of the industrial, mining and resources industries has in store.

If you wish to attend or exhibit at the premier event that brings together all of these sectors into one location, creating a marketplace where business is done, visit: pngexpo.com

WWW.PNGE XPO.COM

LEARN MORE

THE STANLEY HOTEL, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 2-3 JULY 2025

A premier meeting place for industry trade

PRESENTED BY:

EVENTS

ONE STOP-SHOP FOR TRENCHLESS TECHNOLOGY THE 2025 NO DIG DOWN UNDER CONFERENCE, THE LARGEST TECHNOLOGY EVENT IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE, WILL PROVIDE THE SECTOR WITH MODERN SOLUTIONS TO TACKLE ISSUES ASSOCIATED WITH MAJOR INFRASTRUCTURE WORKS.

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ROADS FEBRUARY 2025

He adds, “Pipe Core’s suppliers align with key sustainability themes such as cutting singleuse plastics, minimising energy consumption, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing social impact, all of which contribute to environmental and social responsibility.”

Marshall says Pipe Core has worked closely with suppliers to ensure best practices across all areas.

“Especially with manufacturers like SAERTEX multiCom GmbH, who offer products with a technical service life of 100 years,” he says.

The No-Dig conference promises to bring attendees the very latest information about products designed to make trenchless installation and rehabilitation easier and more efficient.

A range of training courses on trenchless methods will be presented prior to the conference and will be led by industry leaders from Australia and overseas, providing value to anyone who encounters trenchless technologies as part of their roles.

The technical program invites speakers from around Australia and the globe to present papers covering case studies, new and emerging technologies, challenging projects and environments, industry skills and training, risk management and more.

The training courses and technical program are supported by an exhibition hall extending over 4500 square metres, featuring exhibitors

from all sectors of the industry. Finally, three sponsored social functions will be held, including the prestigious Australasian Society for Trenchless Technology (ASTT) Gala Dinner and Awards Evening, providing attendees with networking opportunities in a variety of settings with industry professionals.

Organised in partnership with the ASTT, NoDig Down Under has grown over the years to become the second largest no-dig technology event in the world and is now considered a ‘must-attend’ for all industry professionals.

The ASTT is the peak body for trenchless technology in Australasia, providing advocacy, leadership, support and educational opportunities for organisations and individuals involved in trenchless technology.

For 30 years, the ASTT has provided members with access to the latest technological advancements, technical information, and educational opportunities through Trenchless Australasia magazine, the No-Dig Down Under conference, as well as providing access to industry tools, technical forums and webinars.

Gold sponsors have already been announced, with Pipe Core, Rob Carr and Vermeer Australia leading the way.

Now you have the opportunity to sponsor or exhibit at the event, which is set to be the largest yet.

To find out more about the upcoming NDDU Conference, visit: nodigdownunder.com The No Dig Down Under Conference will return in 2025.

Image: Prime Creative Media.

N

o-Dig Down Under is the southern hemisphere’s only large-scale conference and exhibition dedicated to trenchless technology and it’s set to come back even bigger and better in 2025.

Trenchless technology is important for installing new services, as well as rehabilitating and maintaining existing pipelines and infrastructure, without having to dig multiple trenches, disturbing traffic, business and residential locations.

With major utilities located underground and requiring ongoing upkeep and extension, No-Dig Down Under is a crucial event for local government representatives and those involved in planning decisions for major infrastructure projects.

Trenchless renewal technology provider, Pipe Core, is proud to be a gold sponsor of the event, consistently making waves as an industry leader in this space.

Pipe Core distributes premium CIPP pipe relining equipment and consumables, including drain cleaning, inspection equipment, as well as cutting-edge UV technologies.

Leading the initiative is Jason Marshall, who joined Pipe Core in 2023 as Chief Executive Officer.

“Our customers range from plumbers and drainers, lining contractors, infrastructure specialists to asset owners,” he says.

“With technology constantly changing, No-Dig Down Under is an efficient way to connect and communicate with the market, allowing us to share what we’re doing and the innovation we are bringing to the industry.”

Marshall says attendees can look forward to the numerous exhibitors discussing their sustainability practices.

“Trenchless technology is an inherently sustainable renewal option,” says Marshall.

“Pipe Core will leverage the No-Dig Down Under platform to support these initiatives and highlight its supplier partnerships, where sustainability practices are independently adopted.”

Building Australia’s Future – together.

Over the next 10 years, the Australian Government is investing more than $120 billion in infrastructure development.

Will you be a part of it?

17–18 SEPTEMBER 2025 Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre

LEARN MORE Find out how you can take part in Australia’s premiere event for the municipal works, commercial and civil construction industries.

convergeexpo.com.au

BROUGHT TO YOU BY PRIME CREATIVE MEDIA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

CONTRACTS & TENDERS

CONTRACTS IN BRIEF

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE PROVIDES AN UPDATE ON SOME OF THE CONTRACTS AND TENDERS RECENTLY AWARDED OR PUT TO MARKET ACROSS THE AUSTRALIAN INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR. NEW SOUTH WALES Design contract awarded for $200M Sydney road upgrade

Transport for New South Wales has announced the successful tenderer for detailed design works on the Henry Lawson Drive Section 1B project, in south-western Sydney. The design works, awarded to WSP, will aim to improve the efficiency of the corridor by delivering shorter travel times, while increasing safety for both motorists and pedestrians. Stage 1B will provide two lanes in each direction between Auld Avenue and the M5 Motorway. It will also improve traffic flow and connectivity to Bankstown Airport, industrial and residential areas in Milperra, and the wider road network in south-western Sydney. The $200 million upgrade has already seen a number of changes inspired by community feedback. Requests were made by locals following the display of the Review of Environmental Factors. As a result, one of the proposed changes is to modify the shared path to minimise tree removal, while two shared path crossings at Auld Avenue and Keys Parade have been changed to pedestrian and cyclist priority crossings to further improve safety. The revised proposal also improves traffic flow by including lane widening on Keys Parade and Raleigh Road near the planned roundabout connecting the two roads. This work builds on the improvements made in the Georges Hall section of the upgrade that was completed last year, along with the progress being made on the Section 1A upgrade at the intersection with Henry Lawson Drive and Milperra Road.

JV signs ECI agreement for Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Storage project.

A joint venture of Gamuda and Ferrovial has signed an Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) agreement with Alinta Energy for the multi-billion-dollar Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Storage project, in New South Wales.

The Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Energy Storage project is an ‘off-river’ pumped hydro energy development located adjacent to the Macleay River between Armidale and Kempsey in New South Wales, within the New England Renewable Energy Zone.

When complete, the Oven Mountain Pumped Hydro Storage project will significantly contribute to this target, producing up to 900 megawatts of electricity and able to store enough water

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for up to eight hours of dispatchable, reliable energy at full generation. The ECI will take approximately several months to progress the project design and constructability, using Gamuda’s extensive tunnelling and civil engineering expertise coupled with Ferrovial’s proven capability in delivering hydro and dam projects.

The project is being wholly developed

by Alinta Energy, one of Australia’s largest energy retailers, generators, investors and developers, and is expected to inject more than $40 million into the regional economy, employ up to 800 people during construction, and generate up to 95 direct and indirect jobs once operational. The Gamuda and Ferrovial joint venture is currently delivering another piece of major infrastructure in NSW, the Coffs Harbour Bypass project.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Construction partners announced for SA water infrastructure delivery The South Australian Government has announced three successful specialist pipeline companies for tendered works to support the delivery of SA Water’s record $3.3 billion capital program.

BMD, Diona and Leed Engineering and Construction will share in up to $700 million worth of work over the next four years. Infrastructure projects will primarily target Adelaide’s northern growth front, including areas such as Angle Vale, Riverlea and Roseworthy to maximise the number of new houses enabled through this investment. The three companies will increase SA Water’s capacity to deliver this infrastructure, which requires a significant volume of pipeline to duplicate and upsize existing trunk mains, with its supply chain already including three major framework partners.

Beyond housing growth infrastructure, the specialist pipelayers will deliver a range of other projects across SA Water’s capital program, such as upgrades to the Beetaloo and Port Pirie South major trunk mains. More than 250 industry members, including peak bodies such as the Civil Contractors Federation and Master Builders Association, have been briefed on four tender opportunities to support the delivery of critical infrastructure across the state. This includes tenders for SA Water’s Water Main Relay (Metropolitan), Extensions and Connections, Engineering panel, and Capital Delivery Professional

Services panel. Collectively, these new tenders represent $398 million worth of direct work across the remaining three years of the utility’s capital program, commencing from 1 July 2025. SA Water has also shared its two year capital project plan going forward, which provides plenty of subcontracting opportunities through its existing construction partners. Across these approximately 120 projects, which include the delivery of new infrastructure to support housing growth and an upgrade of the Morgan to Whyalla Pipeline, there will be $799 million in opportunities for subcontracting work via SA Water’s partners.

This work will cover specialist disciplines such as concrete rehabilitation, earthworks, metal fabrication and structural steelwork.

VICTORIA Businesses encouraged to register for Inland Rail packages

Local and First Nations companies are being encouraged to register their interest for upcoming supplier opportunities for works packages in Victoria for the Inland Rail Project. Inland Rail construction partner John Holland is seeking businesses to provide a variety of different services ahead of construction commencing on the Beveridge to Albury Tranche Two section in 2025. Tranche Two works include replacing road bridges, lowering rail tracks and station modifications to enable the safe operation of double-stacked freight trains across eight B2A project sites between Wandong and Benalla. John Holland is constructing Inland Rail at eight sites in Benalla, Euroa, Broadford, Seymour, Tallarook and Wandong. These packages include supply and delivery of handrails and balustrades, mechanical works, painting works, scaffolding works, security guards and vehicles, supply and installation of roofing.

Other packages include line marking, supply and installation of soil nails, prestressed anchors and rock bolts.

THE DYNAPAC RHINO RANGE SUPERIOR CONTROL & COMFORT

Experience a new era of compaction excellence with the groundbreaking Dynapac Rhino range. Engineered to deliver exceptional performance and efficiency, the newly updated Rhino series sets the benchmark in compaction technology.

Featuring: • Powerful Cummins engines for exceptional performance and fuel efficiency.

• Advanced operator cabin with enhanced visibility and ergonomic controls.

• Uncompromising reliability for long-lasting durability and minimal downtime.

• Industry-leading compaction technology for superior results.

• Versatile to suit a wide range of compaction projects.

With its unparalleled power, precision, and reliability, the new Rhino range from Dynapac is the perfect choice for contractors who demand the best in compaction equipment.

Experience the new Dynapac Rhino difference today!

www.dynapaccea.com.au

1300 788 757

INTRODUCING THE ALL NEW

ATLAS COPCO

HILIGHT BI+4 LIGHTING TOWER

WHERE AUTONOMY MEETS EFFICIENCY

UP TO

7

TONNE CO2

*

REDUCTION*

UP TO

19

OF BATTERY

AUTONOMY

Per year & unit

SERVICE

INCREASED PERFORMANCE UP TO *

HOURS

40%*

vs LED diesel light towers

INTERVAL*

1500

HOURS * 1500 hrs of lighting

ELECTRIC MAST

ROTATION AND

HYDRAULIC

LIFTING MAST

The all new HiLight BI+4 is an innovative and easy-to-use light tower that delivers energy-efficient light coverage helping boost operational productivity, minimise environmental impact and meet stringent safety standards.

Featuring lithium-posphate batteries the BI+4 provides up to 600 hours of autonomy and has the capacity to operate in four modes offering users maximum flexibility, while covering an area of up to 4,000m2 with an average of 20 luxes of brightness ensuring a brighter, safer and more productive site.

LIKE TO KNOW MORE? SPEAK TO OUR TEAM TODAY PH: 1800 733 782 www.atlascea.com.au

We know the shape of all projects and manage our own supply and distribution to ensure our customers have more control of their timelines.

And if things don’t line up, our logistics expertise will stop you going round the bend.

ROADS & INFRASTRUCTURE AUSTRALIA

Our way and the highway

FEBRUARY 2025

Learn more at sami.com.au

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