Protecting Australia’s construction industry during COVID-19

COVID and Construction

In response to COVID-19 threatening Australia’s economy, State Governments are working to protect the construction industry, recognising its vital role in Australia’s workforce. In offering stimulus packages, bringing forward projects and minimising tender costs, Australia is aiming to support and save local jobs. Furthermore, this work will provide Australia with much needed upgrades and developments across all states.

Australia’s Construction Industry

Diane Boyce from Hays Globalink is a construction recruitment specialist, and she provides some insight into the current Australian market;

“The NSW government plans to kick start the economy with a A$7.5B Project list in the wake of COVID-19, and the first tranche of “shovel-ready” projects will be confirmed within weeks, planning Minister Rob Stokes has said. Victoria has also fast-tracked approvals for a number of projects worth about $1.5B after establishing a planning task force in response to the crisis.”

Victoria

In Victoria, the plans to build Australia’s tallest tower have been approved for development, commencing in 2021. The ‘Green Spine’ building in Melbourne will have two twisting towers, with the tallest to hit 365m and the other reaching 253m. Moreover, the project is expected to create 4,700 construction jobs and provide $1 billion additional investment for Melbourne’s building industry. This tower is projected to take five years to complete. Two other substantial developments in Melbourne’s CBD and Flemington have also been approved, while Victorian premier Daniel Andrews presented this month a $2.7 billion construction stimulus.

Queensland

In Queensland, a development application has been lodged with Brisbane City Council to construct a proposed $450 million in upgrading Toowong Town Centre. Moreover, the Queensland Government plans to spend $100M to fast-track water pipeline construction.

South Australia

Meanwhile, South Australia is fast-tracking $120M of construction projects. The SA Government has announced a $12.9 billion infrastructure pipeline over a four year period, the largest in the state’s history. This money will be spent on key road and infrastructure projects, to deliver schools, hospitals and affordable housing to South Australia.

New South Wales

The New South Wales Government has announced a $396 million economic stimulus package to safeguard councils, jobs, local services and infrastructure. A project in Auburn worth $269 million has recently been approved and is set to create more than 700 construction jobs.

Western Australia

In Western Australia, Main Roads WA is also fast-tracking the tendering process for several large-scale road projects worth $2.37 billion and estimated to create 13,000 jobs. Additionally, Perth’s $4.1 billion rail programme Metronet will deliver 72km of new passenger rail and up to 18 new stations, generating thousands of jobs.

The Northern Territory

The Northern Territory is preparing to build the largest ship lift in Northern Australia, cementing Darwin as a major marine services industry hub and creating hundreds of jobs. Construction will begin in 2021. Meanwhile, at Charles Darwin University, construction of a new campus is anticipated to bring hundreds of new staff and thousands of students into the Darwin CBD, whilst also creating a significant number of construction jobs.

The Future of Construction across Australia

As COVID-19 continues to impact global movement, it is positive to see the constructions industry maintaining momentum, providing local jobs and strengthening Australia’s economy. If you are contemplating taking your career to Australia, you should consider assessing your visa eligibility and discussing your employability with Hays Globalink.

Read more about Taking your career to Australia.

See if you are eligible for an Australian Skilled visa.