The recent QMCA’s Queensland’s pipeline forecast is valued at over $127 billion in major projects over the next five years, a 22% increase on last year, with transport accounting for 28% of the share.
It’s no surprise that the pipeline of works ahead will test all sectors of the construction industry.
While this is promising for the industry, it also comes with a critical challenge: productivity. Delivering this scale of work will require the industry to lift output by more than 150% compared to current levels, all while managing rising costs, supply chain limitations, and a chronic shortage of skilled labour.
The average construction workforce required for major projects is projected to rise to nearly 41,000 by 2030. Attracting, training, and retaining a diverse workforce, including women, Indigenous Australians, and young people, will be critical to meeting the pipeline’s needs.
Supply chain resilience is also a key concern. With global and domestic supply chains under pressure, companies are being forced to rethink procurement strategies, diversify suppliers, and invest in local manufacturing and logistics solutions to ensure the steady flow of essential materials like steel, aggregates, and precast elements. Building greater resilience into the supply chain will be vital to avoid costly delays and keep projects on track.
These realities raise pressing questions for Queensland’s transport sector. How are companies planning to grow with these opportunities? Strategic partnerships, workforce development programs, and regional capability building will be essential to meet demand. How are businesses positioning themselves to contribute to delivery? Collaborative contracting models and smarter procurement strategies are emerging as key enablers to manage risk and accelerate timelines. And how are companies adapting new technologies to improve productivity? Digital engineering, automation, and AI-driven processes will no longer be optional, they are becoming a way of life, and embracing and adapting to new ways of working will be critical.
Queensland faces intense competition for resources and skills, compounded by cost escalation predicted to exceed 37% by 2029. In this environment, companies that embrace technology, invest in workforce capability, and adopt flexible delivery models will thrive.
The question remains: How are you going to position yourself and play your part in delivering this?
