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MARCH 2015 NEWSLETTER

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Welcome to the March addition of our monthly newsletter. The overall vibe in the market is still very positive and with major civil projects poised to take off we are gearing up for an even busier year ahead. With the NSW talent pool shrinking, clients will have to look at interstate candidates and possibly international campaigns to service requirements.

Our market insight comes from Dan Kundi who is focusing on Civil Infrastructure projects, and we’ll hear from James Loomes on all things social..

Infrastructure Update with Dan Kundi, Principal Consultant

Over the last 18 months the civil construction industry have witnessed difficult conditions, notably the integration of Lend Lease, Abi Group & Baulderstones, plus the restructure of Leighton Holdings including the sale of John Holland and Thiess. All of these events have had an impact on market conditions. However good news is most certainly on the horizon, with a raft of $billion plus infrastructure projects soon to be rolled out across the state of NSW, notably, West Connect (Stage 1a, & 1b, Approx $6bn); Light Rail project in Sydney (Acciona, Alstom & Transdev) and the soon to be announced Woolgoolga to Ballina Pacific Highway upgrade ($5bn). There are also ongoing RMS regional road upgrades taking place with more exciting developments to be announced surrounding Sydney’s second airport.

Two weeks ago I attended the Civil Contractors Federation lunch and NSW CEO David Castledine raised considerable concerns over NSW Labor’s Infrastructure plans and very much hopes for a coalition led government here in NSW. “In simple terms, the Coalition’s plan can be understood. It is documented in detail, is time based and BIS Shrapnel have been able to assess it over the next ten years. They have not been able to do this assessment with Labor’s plan”.

As projects are awarded I expect to see a demand across all areas. Current candidate hotspots are for:

  • Project Directors
  • Construction Managers
  • Senior Planner with RMS experience
  • Estimators
  • Project Managers
  • Senior Project Engineers

CGC Update

Rory and Nick recently attended the RTAA field days in Clyde where a number of rail providers and contractors showcased their plant and services. It was an excellent opportunity to reconnect with some industry contacts and to meet some new faces. The impressive array of plant on display offered some real insights into the latest technologies in the industry and how projects are delivered on the ground.

RTAA Field Day 1

The social calendar within CGC HQ this month has been relatively subdued, however our very own Steve Morris and his better half Hannah were mixing it with the rich and famous at this year’s Australian Grand Prix. Steve reported an exciting race that saw Lewis Hamilton take the No1 place.

steve & hannah grand prix

Following on with the racing theme there is a sense of excitement within the office as CGC prepare for their very own Grand Prix. We’re going Go Karting to celebrate a record quarter for the business. The bookmakers are installing Glynis Macdonald as front runner at this stage but there is a strong pack behind her looking to take the top spot on the podium.

Watch this space for the full race results in next month’s newsletter.

Not to let St Patricks Day slip by, our token Irishman in the office, Mr David Thompson, celebrated in true style with a pint of the black stuff.

And last but not least, we have a new staff member! Please welcome Nic Maplestone, our specialist Architecture & Design recruiter. Nic has been living in Perth for the last 6 years after relocating from Wales with his family. Both he and his partner decided to relocate to Sydney for a fresh change of scenery. He is an avid Liverpool FC supporter and also enjoys playing football, cooking and socialising.

Specialist roles that Nic consults on include; Registered, Project, Senior & Mid-level Architects, Revit Architects & Technicians, BIM Managers, Modellers & Coordinators, Documentors, Senior & Mid-level Interior Designers, Urban Planners & Designers to name a few.

Nic Maplestone