There is an expectation of an upturn in construction later this year, predominately on the back of Defence related projects.
Laing O’Rourke’s HMAS Coonawarra and Larrakeyah Barracks upgrades are well and truly underway and packages are still being released and advertised through ICN Gateway.
Whilst parliamentary processes are still in progress, Lendlease is proceeding with early works packages as part of a substantial upgrade to the Tindal Airforce Base. Hopefully, we will see some on-ground activity during the second half of the year.
The Defence projects awarded to Sitzler late last year will have a longer lead time, however, early work packages have been published for both projects with some of the early packages for the Air 7000 project already marked as awarded.
Considerable lobbying has taken place over the last few years, with great success, to ensure these Defence projects provide greater opportunities for businesses in the regions where the facilities are located. We cannot, however, allow ourselves to fall into the trap of therefore assuming we have a right to this work.
Neither the Defence Department nor these companies will compromise on the requirements around accreditations and work practises associated with these projects. No matter where businesses fall within the supply chain, the expectations are high and due diligence is required. We have been in a lull for several years and if the work is coming we need to understand and adhere to expectations.
Kevin Peters
Chief Executive Officer
Read the newsletter here.
