Construction & Infrastructure - What's News - 18 December 2013

In the media

Changes to the National Construction Code could lead to more cost-effective and safer buildings Building Ministers representing the Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments have signed off on a scheme to improve the National Construction Code. The Code contains the technical building and plumbing standards for the design and construction of all buildings and plumbing systems in Australia (11 December 2013). More...

Master Builders backs call for tougher industry watchdog The Senate Education and Employment Committee's Report on the Government's draft legislation to re-establish the ABCC found that the Australian community has a direct interest in the rule of law being applied on building and construction sites (11 December 2013). More...

Report: scope to fix regulatory framework for major projects There is substantial scope to improve Australia's development assessment and approval regulatory framework for major projects, according to a report by the Productivity Commission. The Commission proposes limits on the use of 'stop-the-clock' provisions; separation of regulators from policy institutions; limits on merit review of non-Ministerial decisions; and better access for third parties to enforce conditions on approvals (10 December 2013). More...

NSW

North West Rail Link contract proposals revealed The Minister for Transport has announced a major milestone has been reached on the $8.3 billion North West Rail Link with two proposals formally received for the contract to operate the new rail line. The two consortia, made up of almost 30 companies, are Northwest Rapid Transit; and TransForm (10 December 2013). More...

Queensland

Games Village moves a step closer The Newman Government has taken the next step towards delivery of the Commonwealth Games Village on the Gold Coast with the announcement of Grocon as the preferred developer (13 December 2013). More...

Government to seek private sector infrastructure investment The Newman Government announces it will investigate private sector infrastructure funding for state-owned electricity transmission and distribution businesses. The government will engage an investment bank to undertake a market sounding in relation to a hybrid security instrument called a non-share equity interest (NSEI) (12 December 2013). More...

Abbot Point and Curtis Island projects approved Environment Minister has completed the approvals process for four Queensland projects under National Environmental...