Public infrastructure stories
Cashflow support and clearer contract rules could help keep builders employed and speed New Zealand's economic recovery after the lockdown.
COVID-19-driven revenue losses could force councils to cut infrastructure spending, hurting local economies and slowing recovery.
One-third of construction jobs are at risk as firms brace for insolvencies and shift training and services online to survive the lockdown.
New roads, rail, schools and hospitals should help address years of underinvestment, though critics question whether USD $12 billion is enough.
Fresh funding and planning reforms could speed up roads, water and housing delivery as New Zealand seeks to ease infrastructure bottlenecks.
Contractors still need project-by-project details, with major transport work due to wind down within 18 months and risking industry capacity gaps.
Civil contractors say the Government must back already designed transport works quickly to protect jobs as big projects finish.
Researchers say both plans favour congestion relief and global image over health equity, leaving outer suburbs short-changed.
Australia faces a 1 percent of GDP infrastructure gap as rapid city growth, labour shortages and slower productivity strain new projects.
Poor housing outcomes and pressure on infrastructure could deepen unless councils, central government and industry align on urban growth planning.
New procurement rules could ease contract risk and cut legal costs, if agencies shift from lowest price to outcome-led construction deals.
The deal should improve certainty for contractors and could cut costs as Watercare pursues long-term savings and sustainability goals.
Three-quarters of industry leaders want central and local government to overhaul how they work, amid warnings that infrastructure delivery is lagging.
Uncertainty over project timing is hampering hiring and investment, with 77% of contractors wanting a clearer pipeline of government work.
Christchurch’s regeneration was underscored as Tūranga won the Supreme Award, while 10 other projects were named category winners.
Thousands of New Zealanders could be spared waterborne illness as a new regulator extends oversight to all suppliers and tighter standards.
Sydney and Brisbane are set for a wave of transport works, as state budgets channel billions into roads, rail and hospitals despite softer revenues.
A national pipeline could help civil contractors avoid boom-bust cycles and invest with more certainty, the industry says.
The Treasury’s new pipeline forecast could help contractors invest in staff and kit by giving clearer visibility of future government work.
An Invercargill electrical contractor has been fined after a worker suffered serious burns in an arc flash during switchboard work at a pumping station.
