Inside Construction

Komatsu and Atlassian Williams F1 Team have extended their global partnership beyond 2026, with the agreement expanding technical collaboration between the two organisations. Under the extended partnership, Komatsu will become Williams’ Official Hydraulic Innovation Partner, drawing on its experience developing hydraulic systems and other technologies for construction, mining and forestry equipment.

The Australian Government has appointed professor Eva Hanly and Christopher Rayner as members of the High Speed Rail Authority (HSRA) Board. Hanly is a strategic adviser and non-executive director with nearly three decades of experience procuring, delivering and operating complex infrastructure projects across the transport, mining and energy sectors.

Infrastructure investment in New South Wales is reaching levels rarely, if ever, seen before. From transport and housing to renewable energy, defence and data centres, the scale of work ahead presents enormous opportunity for the construction industry. But as projects become more complex, the pressure to deliver with greater productivity, certainty and consistency is growing too.

Commercial and industrial builder Sagle Constructions is expanding its Victorian industrial footprint, with repeat work from national clients. Sagle has commenced construction of a $3.55 million warehouse and office for HVAC Consolidated in Truganina. The development will include a 2,470sqm warehouse, 195sqm mezzanine office, ground-floor staff amenities and 1,350sqm of concrete hardstand designed to accommodate laden semi-trailer loads, with construction expected to take six months.

Australian engineers have developed a strong and lightweight titanium material that can float even after sustaining severe damage, with potential uses in marine infrastructure. Research led by RMIT University shows the 3D-printed titanium lattice – made up of hollow, interconnected struts filled with foam – not only floats but also withstands seawater exposure. It is also stronger than stainless steel or high-density plastic currently used in jetties, buoys and floating sensors.

Melbourne Build Expo will return to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on 25 to 26 November 2026. The construction and design event will bring thousands of industry professionals, government representatives, architects, engineers, developers, contractors and suppliers together for two days of conference sessions, exhibitions and networking.

Construction has begun on the $287.5 million transformation of the RNA Showgrounds and surrounding precinct, with crews moving in to demolish Machinery Hill following the 150th Ekka. The project forms part of preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, with the future Brisbane Athlete Village to overlook the showgrounds and accommodate thousands of athletes and officials.

Converge Expo will focus on how Australia’s construction industry can successfully deliver the next wave of major projects when it returns to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 15 to 16 September 2027. Bringing together the civil and commercial construction sectors, the event will give industry professionals a place to share knowledge, discover practical solutions and address issues affecting project delivery.

The $194 million Ison Road project will open to traffic today in Melbourne’s west, three months ahead of schedule. The project includes the new $114 million bridge over the Melbourne-Geelong rail line jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian governments, and the connecting $80 million Ison Road extension funded by Wyndham City Council.

Fulton Hogan has appointed Simon Barnes as chief executive officer, Australia, as the contractor prepares for its next phase of growth. Barnes brings more than 30 years’ experience across infrastructure, construction, energy and mining, having held senior leadership roles with major construction and engineering firms across Australia. He joins Fulton Hogan from Decmil East, where he served as managing director.