Economy
World-leading Automation and Robotics Test facility coming to Perth Northern Suburbs
October 5, 2021
With work now started on the Australian Automation and Robotics Precinct in Neerabup, WA is to leverage its position as a world leader in automation to create jobs. This precinct will form one of the biggest test facilities of its kind in the world. The 51-hectare precinct, around 40km north of Perth, will be a major hub for testing and research into the latest developments in automation, remote operation and robotic systems. A broad range of industries including mining and resources, defence, oil and gas, agriculture, space, logistics, construction, advanced manufacturing and the education sector are expected to use AARP. …
Annual home prices in Australia soaring at fastest level since 1989
October 1, 2021
House prices in Australia have continued to rise and have grown by more than 20 percent compared to last year, the fastest pace since mid-1989. And while CoreLogic’s national home value index rose by 1.5 percent in September, this is just over half the rate in March. According to Research Director Tim Lawless of CoreLogic, the slowing growth conditions are caused by higher barriers to entry for non-homeowners and fewer government incentives to enter the market. Despite rising housing values, household income has remained the same, which results in potential buyers having difficulty in raising money for deposits. Lawless stated …
METRONET – Midland Station preferred proponent announced
August 25, 2021
Midland Junction Alliance (McConnell Dowell Constructors, Georgiou Group, Arcadis Australia and BG&E) has been chosen to deliver the new METRONET Midland Station. The project includes decommissioning and demolishing the existing 53-year-old train station and the design and construction of a new facility between Helena and Cale streets. The design will incorporate three platforms catering for up to six-cars, a publicly accessible pedestrian overpass connecting both sides of the railway, a bus interchange and cycling facilities. The station is expected to have 3,300 daily boardings, with a projected growth of 3,700 in 2031. Passengers will now have a 25-minute, two-zone journey …
Western Australia to have the nation’s longest electric highway by 2024
August 18, 2021
The longest electric highway in the country will be developed in Western Australia, with 45 spots to make up the electric vehicle fast charging network. This will include up to 90 fast charging stations and back-up charges in locations stretching as far north as Kununurra, south to Esperance and east to Kalgoorlie, which an average distance of 160km between charging stations. According to the WA government, most electric cars run for at least 400km, and is expected to improve further in the next couple of years. Charging station locations were chosen to encourage tourists to spend time in regional towns. …
Major Road and Rail projects to face skills shortage – Roads Australia/Australian Railway Association
June 3, 2021
In a joint submission to the Federal Parliament’s inquiry into skilled migration in March 2021, Roads Australia (RA) and the Australian Railway Association (ASA) has sent a request to include specialist skills critical to the delivery of major road and rail construction projects in the Priority Skilled Occupations List. According to RA and ASA, these sectors will be impacted by the lack of access to skilled overseas workers and will impede the delivery of major transport infrastructure projects. Road Australia CEO, Michael Kilgariff emphasized that governments rely on the delivery of transport infrastructure projects to stimulate post-Covid economic activity. He …
Australia backs world-leading clean hydrogen projects
May 18, 2021
The Morrison Government has approved three large-scale hydrogen plants in Western Australia and Victoria which will be among the biggest in the world. The government through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency’s (ARENA) Renewable Hydrogen Deployment Funding Round has awarded three companies more than $100 million of conditional funding. Out of all the applications sent, the three companies selected are: Engie Renewables Australia Pty Ltd (Engie) – up to $42.5 million towards a 10 megawatt (MW) electrolyser project to produce renewable hydrogen in Yara Pilbara Fertiliser’s existing ammonia facility in Karratha, Western Australia; ATCO Australia Pty Ltd (ATCO) – up to …
Iron Ore price surge drives warning over labour shortage
May 18, 2021
Industry and analysts have warned Western Australia could face a shortage of skilled workers to keep up with demand in the mining sector as the price of iron ore soars to eye-watering highs. Iron ore prices have increased to a record high of $US215 per tonne on Monday and reached around $US240 a tonne, which is more than WA Treasury’s mid-year revised 2020-21 iron ore price assumption of $US104. Daniel Hynes of ANZ stated that Chinese infrastructure projects were increasing the demand for iron ore which is mainly imported from Australia. Hynes expects the increase in demand for the commodity …
WA’s $1.3B pipeline of infrastructure projects
May 7, 2021
Western Australia has been allocated a budget of $1.3 billion for major infrastructure projects. Prime Minister Scott Morrison stated that investments into infrastructure projects would make WA roads safer, improve public transport and reduce travel times while creating more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs across WA. Some of the main projects funded include: $347.5 million for METRONET: Hamilton Street-Wharf Street Grade Separations and Elevation of Associated Stations, including Queens Park Station and Cannington Station and an enhanced METRONET Byford Rail Extension project, with new grade separated rail crossing at Armadale Road and an elevated station at Armadale; $200 million …
$215M Mitchell Freeway extension underway in WA
April 28, 2021
The $215 million Mitchell Freeway extension is underway with investigative works, geotechnical investigations and surveying being conducted. The project is expected to extend the Mitchell Freeway 5.6 kilometers north from Hester Avenue to Romeo Road and will have two lanes running in each direction. This aims to reduce congestion and improve connectivity in Perth’s north-west corridor. The project is also aiming to see a cycle network and Principal Shared Path built on the western side of the freeway. The Mitchell Extension Joint Venture (MEJV), on behalf of Main Roads, has been appointed to design and construct the extension project with …
Construction Tradies and Professionals in Massive Demand
April 14, 2021
The Department of Education, Skills and Employment has published the Job Vacancy data which shows higher vacancy levels for many trades than they were before the COVID outbreak. Vacancy levels for electricians, have risen for eight consecutive months and now stands at 1, 958-the highest level on record since October 2019. The vacancies for plumbers are also at their highest levels since June 2018 whilst demand for painting trade workers stand at three-year highs. Vacancies for architects, construction manager and various engineering roles are almost back to pre-COVID levels. Although current levels of construction employment are below those seen during …
