The Construction Road Ahead: Victoria's Path to 2028
It was an early start for the Property Council of Australia Victoria event The Construction Road Ahead: Looking Towards 2028, but for those who made the effort, it was well worth it. Held at Zinc at Federation Square (Cnr Princes Walk & Russell St, Melbourne), the discussion painted a picture of Victoria’s construction industry that, while still facing challenges, is showing signs of stability and optimism.
Victoria has had a tough run, with insolvencies, supply chain issues, and economic uncertainty causing roadblocks.
However, speakers Sarah Tozer (General Manager, Strategy & New Business Building, John Holland), Ewen McDonald (Director, Rider Levett Bucknall), and Nemesia Kennett (Senior Development Director, Development Victoria) emphasised the need for collaboration between developers, builders, contractors, and government to prevent a race to the bottom.
With a projected workforce need of 162,941 by 2034, strategic planning is more critical than ever.
The Road to Stability
The past few years have been bumpy, but I’m seeing signs of modest growth, with residential projects leading the way. Predictions indicate a steady increase in activity across the sector, although factors like interest rates and global trade policies (including potential US tariffs) could influence costs and supply chain dynamics.
With insights from The Australia Report and the AUS Crane Index, the event provided a data-driven outlook on where we’re headed beyond 2025. Here are some key takeaways:
- Workforce shortages need to be addressed. The industry must focus on attracting and retaining skilled professionals to meet demand.
- High-density and infill development will drive growth. As Melbourne continues to expand, strategic urban planning is essential.
- Agility is key in the face of global trade shifts. Businesses need to stay adaptable to manage costs and material availability effectively.
The Optimism Factor
Despite the headwinds, the mood at the event was more ‘looking up’ than ‘doom and gloom.’ If I could tell the future, I’d be very rich, but it seems the general sentiment is stability and a shift towards growth.
With a renewed focus on strategic planning, industry collaboration, and workforce development, Victoria’s construction sector is positioning itself for a more stable and sustainable future. Here’s hoping for more green shoots and for Melbourne to continue picking up steam!
Let’s Talk About Your Future Needs
With optimism returning to the market, now might be the perfect time for engineering clients and candidates to reach out to me for a chat about future needs. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your team or explore new opportunities, having the right connections in place now could set you up for success in the years ahead.
Let’s talk about how we can navigate the road ahead together!
Event Partners
A big thank you to our event partners, Procore Technologies and Rider Levett Bucknall, for supporting this important industry discussion.
Contact Nick
If you would like to have a conversation about talent you need for your business or regarding your next career move, give Nick a buzz or drop him a line via:
📧 nick@vividrecruitment.com.au
You can also connect with Nick on LinkedIn or follow the Vivid Recruitment LinkedIn page for more industry insights, news, jobs and general chit chat and tips!
