We’re marking a milestone of our own. This is the 4th edition of The Civil Debrief. Hard to believe we’re nearly at a full month of writing already. A big thank you to everyone who has subscribed so far, and if you’re joining us for the first time, welcome aboard!

This week the spotlight turned to productivity, with Roads Australia releasing a major new report calling for practical reforms to cut delays and boost efficiency across infrastructure delivery. At the same time, milestones rolled on in roads, resources, and residential builds, while individual civil leaders were recognised with industry awards.

⏳ This week’s edition should take between 5 minutes 27 seconds and 6 minutes 18 seconds to read at an average pace (or slightly less if you skim the hiring section - we won’t judge).

Only got 30 seconds? Here’s the TLDR:

📊 Roads Australia launches productivity reform report on delays and cancellations
🏅 Civil talent recognised with industry awards across Victoria, NSW, and academia
🛣️ Symal opens Bulleen Road in key North East Link milestone
⚙️ Civmec named finalist for Innovative Mining Solution at Dampier Salt
🏗️ Hutchinson pours first concrete at Sea Glass tower on the Gold Coast
📍 Green Civil appointed head contractor for Solus Industrial, Byron Bay
📢 Hiring: East to West Plant Services (Sydney), Zinfra (VIC/NSW/QLD), Sydney Civil (Sydney)
📰 Headlines: $50M Cressbrook Dam upgrade, QPC calls for industry reset, $1B Olympic cost blowout

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Did you know that over the last 10 years, the $21 Billion lost on Australia’s Infrastructure due to delays and cancellations, you could build around 1400 new primary schools?

We certainly didn’t.

But thanks to the latest report from Roads Australia, titled Rethinking Transport Infrastructure Delivery: Practical Reforms to Boost Productivity we now know the true scale of the problem.

And the best bit is this report is only the start of a call to action for better productivity across the sector.

Keep an eye out 👀 We’ll publish a detailed blog article soon exploring practical takeaways for the industry, but here are three areas that stand out where delays can be reduced:

For civil contractors, the message is clear: tackling delays head-on will deliver faster, more cost-effective projects.

For now, you can access the full report here: Download the Roads Australia report.

Plenty to celebrate across the industry this week with some standout individual achievements:

👏 Congrats to all great to see hard work and talent across civil getting recognised.

Traffic is flowing through the first permanent section of the new Bulleen Road interchange, a key milestone for Victoria’s Eastern Freeway Upgrades and the broader North East Link project.

Delivered by Symal Group, the work involved installing over 100 Super T beams to form a critical foundation for upcoming tunnel works. It’s one of the most complex builds in the state to date.

👏 Hats off to the Symal team for getting it done.

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Civmec, in collaboration with Rio Tinto and EonCoat Australia, has been named a finalist in the 2025 Prospect Awards for their work at Dampier Salt. The recognition comes under the Innovative Mining Solution category.

The team trialled a protective steel coating system designed for harsh marine environments aiming to reduce corrosion, cut maintenance costs, and boost sustainability. It's a promising shift toward longer-life asset protection in the Pilbara.

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Construction is officially underway at Sea Glass, a 25-storey residential tower at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast. Hutchinson kicked things off with the Basement 1 slab pour, over 1,600m³ of concrete placed in a single coordinated effort.

Developed by DVR Projects and designed by Rothelowman, Sea Glass will include 29 luxury apartments, full basement parking, a private wellness retreat, and sweeping ocean views.

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Green Civil Australia has been named Head Contractor for the next phase of the Solus Industrial project in Byron Bay, a key industrial precinct by Hannas.

The scope includes bulk earthworks and infrastructure delivery across the development. Green Civil brings deep regional experience across NSW and QLD and will now lead delivery of this stage on-site.

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East to West Plant Services is hiring a HSEQ Co-ordinator in Sydney. Based in Mascot, this full-time role will lead the company’s WHS, Environmental, and Quality performance across civil construction operations. The position is suited to someone with at least 3 years’ experience in HSEQ within the civil sector and a solid understanding of ISO standards (9001, 14001, 45001).

Key responsibilities include developing and delivering induction programs, coordinating audits and risk assessments, managing incident reporting, and leading continuous improvement in HSEQ systems. Strong communication, attention to detail, and proficiency in MS Office and WHS software are essential. A White Card and valid driver's licence are also required.

👉 Apply here

Zinfra is hiring Apprentices and Trainees for its 2026 intake across VIC, NSW, and QLD. Roles include 2 x Trainee Asset Inspectors (Keysborough), 3 x Gas Distribution Apprentices (Sydney Metro), and 1 x Gas Transmission Apprentice (Gladstone).

The program combines paid hands-on experience with classroom training, industry mentoring, and support for long-term career growth in Australia's energy infrastructure sector. Open to school leavers and career changers ready to build practical skills in a supported environment. Applications close 20 September 2025.

👉 Apply here

Sydney Civil is hiring Project Managers, Project Engineers, and Site Engineers across their civil infrastructure projects in Sydney. The company is seeking candidates ready to contribute to impactful urban works and be part of a growing delivery team.

To apply, send your resume directly to: 📧 [email protected]

Queensland has committed $50 million towards the $266 million upgrade of Cressbrook Dam’s spillway near Toowoomba. The works address long-delayed safety improvements and link to a $38 million pumped-hydro study at the site.

Why it matters: Dam and hydro upgrades create opportunities for contractors in water infrastructure and heavy civil works.

👉 Full story on Courier Mail: Read here

The Commission recommended scrapping Best Practice Industry Conditions (BPICs), arguing they inflate costs and slow delivery. Reform is considered essential to meet housing demand and deliver Olympic infrastructure on time.

Why it matters: Removing BPICs could lower costs, speed procurement, and open doors for more contractors in upcoming projects.

👉 Full story on The Guardian: Read here

Queensland’s 2032 Olympic infrastructure program is now forecast to exceed its $7.1 billion budget by at least $1 billion, driven by inflation and scope changes. New planning laws are being introduced to accelerate delivery despite tighter budgets.

Why it matters: Contractors will face increased cost pressures and tighter delivery schedules, but pipeline certainty remains strong.

👉 Full story on The Australian: Read here

Thanks for reading this weeks edition of The Civil Debrief. We’re still just getting this rolling, so if you’ve got thoughts, feedback, or ideas hit reply, we’d love to hear them.

Also, if you’re working at a civil subcontractor and want to tighten up your delay claims, we’re opening up early access pilots to DelaySolve for 3 companies.

You’ll get:

👉 Get Early Access : www.delaysolve.com

Talk soon,

The DelaySolve Team