Geotab launches AI telematics and asset trackers
Geotab has announced AI-powered telematics, video safety systems and satellite-capable asset trackers, and has previewed upgraded GO devices and GO Anywhere solutions to enhance fleet visibility, incident prevention and remote asset monitoring in Australia and New Zealand.
NTC consults on Rail Safety National Law reforms
The National Transport Commission has released a C-RIS proposing 12 amendments to the Rail Safety National Law to enhance interoperability, transparency and governance, and has sought industry input to refine options ahead of final recommendations to ministers.
Engineering resilience for Defence infrastructure
The article has outlined Defence infrastructure priorities, including $3.8bn northern base upgrades within a $19bn strategic review, hardening and layered resilience measures, modular and digital construction, and greater industry-government collaboration with enhanced data security and Early Contractor Involvement.
Southwest Metro testing advances ahead of planned opening
Commissioning of the Southwest Metro has included a second loaded test train, completion of more than 1,200 of 9,000 testing hours and 13,000 of 30,000 kilometres, 80% of station conversions, and continued M1 integration.
Mordialloc project adopts hybrid generator for construction
The Mordialloc level crossing removal project has introduced a solar-capable hybrid generator, has reduced diesel consumption by 83 per cent, has cut emissions by up to 70 per cent and has continued to supply power as construction has progressed.
Main South Road duplication opens to traffic
The Federal and South Australian governments have completed the duplication of Main South Road between Aldinga and Sellicks Beach and have opened it to traffic, delivering safety, active‑transport links and capacity improvements under the $810.4m Fleurieu Connections Project.
Apprentices Begin Roles at Port of Mackay
Local apprentices have commenced plumbing, electrical and horticulture roles under NQBP’s 2026 apprenticeship programme, gaining nationally recognised qualifications and on-the-job experience while supporting port maintenance operations and regional workforce capability.
West Gate Tunnel records over one million trips
More than one million trips have been recorded through the West Gate Tunnel since its December opening, with over 20 per cent by trucks. Authorities have reported reduced local heavy-vehicle movements and improved freight access to the Port of Melbourne.
Site investigations begin for Seaford level crossings
Site investigations have begun in Seaford to support planning for removal of two Frankston Line level crossings. Armstrongs Road has been scheduled for closure, and findings have been set to inform concept and final designs ahead of 2027 construction.
Port of Townsville berths three and four upgraded
The Queensland Government and Port of Townsville Limited have extended the reach of the Liebherr ship‑to‑shore crane across berths three and four, have improved vessel turnaround times, have strengthened trade capacity and have delivered economic benefits to North Queensland.
Value management for housing affordability in Australia
CQUniversity has embedded value management in postgraduate education and industry training, and Dr Ahmed Farouk Kineber has promoted its application to improve housing affordability and sustainability; he has reported over $600 million in validated international savings.
ATA urges rejection of Productivity Commission fuel tax plan
The Australian Trucking Association has called on the government to reject a Productivity Commission proposal to phase out fuel tax credits, has warned it would raise operators' and households' costs, and has proposed targeted decarbonisation support.
Tonkin + Taylor appoints Richard Hancy as Australia CEO
Tonkin + Taylor has appointed Richard Hancy as Australia chief executive and Tim Chadwick has remained on the company’s Australian board; Hancy has been tasked with aligning go-to-market strategies across Tonkin + Taylor, Chadwick Geotechnics and Bligh Tanner.
Gantry Delivered for Devonport Berth 3 Project
Work at Devonport's Berth 3 has reached a milestone with the delivery of a 50-metre gantry, and the project has been reported to be on track for an October completion while remaining within a previously announced $493 million budget.
V-set intercity trains withdrawn after 55 years
Sydney's V-set intercity trains have completed their final passenger service after 55 years and have been replaced by the Mariyung fleet as part of an A$458 million modernisation programme, and selected carriages have been retained for heritage purposes.
Austroads publishes nine technical specifications
Austroads has published nine technical specifications to standardise construction and maintenance of road and transport infrastructure, covering earthworks, stormwater, traffic facilities and safety barriers.
Jumps park opened beneath CityLink, West Melbourne
Jumps park beneath CityLink in West Melbourne has opened, converting underutilised space into a recreation hub that has delivered jumps, pump and skills tracks, seating and enhanced active-transport links via new ramps and bridges under the West Gate Tunnel Project.
Sydney Trains records largest apprentice intake
Sydney Trains has welcomed 96 apprentices, increasing its cohort to 270 under the NSW Government’s 1,000 Public Sector Apprentices and Trainees Programme, and has increased female and Indigenous participation while maintaining a 92% completion rate over five years.
Adelaide Aquatic Centre opens after $135m build
The $135 million Adelaide Aquatic Centre has opened, has enrolled over 2,000 in learn-to-swim and squad programs, has secured 1,700 health memberships, has supported more than 1,500 full-time equivalent jobs and has been designated for operation by YMCA Aquatic.
Gadigal Station awarded Prix Versailles interior prize
Since opening in August 2024, Gadigal Station has been awarded the Prix Versailles Special Prize for Interior, has recorded average daily patronage of about 15,700, and has anchored adjacent commercial and build-to-rent developments.
Decade of level crossing removals in Victoria
Victoria’s Level Crossing Removal Project has reached ten years and has removed 88 of 110 crossings since 2016, has reduced boom‑gate downtime, has prevented an estimated 117 annual crashes and near misses, and has delivered transport, environmental and employment benefits.
Rainbow Creek Bridge replacement in Gippsland
Victorian and Commonwealth governments fund replacement of the 1947 Rainbow Creek Bridge in Gippsland with a reinforced concrete structure, A$11.25 million funding, completion expected late 2026; temporary traffic controls planned.
Road works near WSI Airport: January–February 2026
Planned road works around WSI Airport from 27 January to 26 February 2026 will impose lane closures and a 40 km/h limit, with daytime and overnight shifts requiring traffic controls.
Pedestrian refuge to be installed on Illawarra Highway
Transport for NSW will install a central pedestrian refuge on Illawarra Highway at Albion Park, with lighting, kerb and signage; A$485,000 jointly funded, works from 27 January with traffic changes.
Manufacturer’s Monthly Endeavour Awards 2026 nominations open
Nominations are open for the 2026 Manufacturer’s Monthly Endeavour Awards; submissions must meet Australian eligibility criteria, include required images and documentation, and close 13 February 2026.
Final bridge pile installed on M1 extension
Foundation works for 11 bridges on the M1 extension were completed, enabling the next construction phase; the $2.24bn project is federally and state-funded and includes Hexham Straight widening.
Anzac Avenue three-kilometre safety and resurfacing upgrade
A$5.6 million upgrade will resurface and repair a three-kilometre section of Anzac Avenue, improving safety and durability; works begin late January and conclude in 2026, weather permitting.
Parramatta Light Rail marks first anniversary
Parramatta Light Rail completed its first year after recording about 3.2 million passenger trips, seven-minute peak frequencies and safety reviews following several vehicle collisions.
Automated SRL East trains to be manufactured in Melbourne
A global consortium won the A$6.7bn Linewide contract to deliver and maintain SRL East automated trains and systems, to be built in Dandenong with local jobs and 2035 entry.
Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive upgrades
Intersection upgrades between Marion Road and Sir Donald Bradman Drive completed, improving access to Adelaide Airport. $85m jointly funded project supports c.125 FTE and resumes early 2026.
ACA CEO Jon Davies to Depart in June 2026
The Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies will leave in June 2026 after six years; the board has begun a recruitment process amid ongoing industry reform initiatives.
West Gate Tunnel opens, enabling freight bypass and paths
The West Gate Tunnel opened on 14 December, offering direct Port of Melbourne access, dedicated freight bypasses, new no-truck zones and expanded walking and cycling infrastructure.
Nominations open for 2026 Endeavour Awards
Manufacturers' Monthly has opened nominations for the 2026 Endeavour Awards, to be held at the Westin Brisbane on 13 May 2026, featuring new categories including Advanced Manufacturing Excellence and Sustainability.
Dixon Veloway 2.5km elevated cycleway opens
A 2.5 km elevated, two‑lane Dixon Veloway opened in Melbourne, providing a 4m-wide off‑road cycle link, including lighting and CCTV; delivered as part of the West Gate Tunnel Project.
ABB opens Traction Centre of Excellence in Maryborough
Queensland government-funded A$9 million facility in Maryborough will manufacture traction converters, motors and battery services to support rail programmes, strengthen supply chains and create skilled local jobs.
Construction begins on Beveridge Intermodal Precinct
Site works have started for the $1.62bn Beveridge Intermodal Precinct, a national freight hub intended to shift freight to rail, increase capacity and support employment and regional logistics efficiency.
Ocean Drive duplication completed in Port Macquarie
The $123 million Ocean Drive duplication in Port Macquarie created a four‑lane 3.2‑kilometre corridor, improving capacity, safety and utilities while supporting regional transport planning.
Procurement readiness for digital transformation
Examines how procurement must evolve culturally, procedurally and technologically to support digital transformation, highlighting automation, analytics, supplier connectivity and skills development to maintain competitiveness.
RSK Group acquires Civil Geotechnical Consultants
RSK Group has acquired Civil Geotechnical Consultants, adding 35 geotechnical engineers and regional offices in Australia to expand service offerings for infrastructure projects.
AI and digital engineering for Australian infrastructure
AI and digital engineering are being adopted across Australia’s infrastructure lifecycle to improve planning, construction and operations, but scaling from pilots to portfolio-wide deployment remains the principal organisational challenge.
Construction begins on NSW Hydrogen Centre of Excellence
NSW has commenced construction of a Hydrogen Centre of Excellence at Glenwood, backed by A$25 million, to train about 8,250 plumbers and gasfitters and support over 500 construction roles.
Professor Chen named ITS Australia Woman of the Year
Professor Chen, Executive Director of UTS Data Science Institute, received 2026 ITS Australia Woman of the Year award for work on data-driven transport projects with Sydney Trains, V/Line and AEMO.
Tunnelling complete at Westmead for Sydney Metro West
TBM Dorothy completed a 9-kilometre tunnelling drive to Westmead using autonomous controls. The 39-metre-deep station box was reached; the Sydney Metro West project targets a 2032 opening.
Design approved for A$200m Homebush intersection upgrade
Federal and NSW governments unveiled a design for an A$200 million signalised upgrade at Homebush; construction is due to start in 2027 and take two years.
Progress on national road-user charging framework
State and Territory Treasurers have agreed to progress a federally led national road‑user charging framework, aiming for fairness, simplicity and funding for road and EV charging infrastructure.
Watsons Road bridge opens; 88th level crossing removed
Victoria opened Watsons Road bridge, removing the 88th level crossing on the Sunbury line, reducing boom-gate delays and aligning with increased services from Metro Tunnel integration.
Century Yuasa localises DC system manufacture
Century Yuasa's Power Systems Division manufactures Intelepower DC systems in Brisbane, integrating VRLA batteries with local engineering, testing to AS4044:2024 and ISO9001:2015 and offering nationwide life-cycle services.
BlueScope releases updated guides for steel bridge design
BlueScope and partners published two technical guides for composite and weathering steel bridge design in Australia, aligning with current standards and supporting preliminary and detailed engineering decisions.
