Overview
- Infrastructure Australia reports a five-year public works pipeline of $242 billion, led by $129 billion in transport, utilities doubling to $36 billion, and building rising to $77 billion, alongside substantial private investment including $163 billion in renewables.
- The sector is 141,000 workers short today and the gap is projected to approach 300,000 by mid-2027, with a current workforce just over 200,000 that would need to reach roughly half a million without efficiency improvements.
- Regional areas face the steepest strain, with shortages forecast to jump from about 38,200 now to 181,000 by 2027, while capital-city shortfalls rise modestly to 148,000 before easing as major urban projects wind down.
- The agency urges productivity-boosting changes such as modern construction methods, better procurement that rewards innovation, cultural improvements to attract and retain workers, streamlined environmental approvals, and targeted upskilling for the energy transition.
- Governments’ apprenticeship, migration and licensing measures are helping but need stronger coordination, material cost pressures are easing in places, and imported fabricated steel is up to 50 percent cheaper than domestic product as policymakers move to shore up steel supply including at Whyalla.