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ABS reveals trajectory of engineering construction work in Australia

A mobile crane powered by diesel works on a construction site.

The value of engineering construction work completed in Australia has recorded a sharp rise thanks to various infrastructure jobs across the country.

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In data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the value in Australia has risen by 4.1 per cent to contribute $31,667.4 million to the Australian economy.

According to the ABS, works in the public sector contributed $14,659.7 million recording 6.6 per cent growth when compared to the previous quarter, with the private sector accounting for the remaining $17,007.6 million to post 2.0 per cent growth.

On the flip side, however, the value of engineering construction work commenced fell by 2.7 per cent, with the private sector dropping in value by 17.2 per cent. The public sector, however, saw a rise in the value of work commenced of 17.7 per cent, with Master Builders Chief Economist, Shane Garrett, saying the civil and engineering construction is one of the strongest performing areas of the Australian economy.

“During 2023, a total of $133.3 billion worth of civil and engineering construction work was done across Australia,” he said. “This means that the civil and engineering construction market is 17.1 per cent bigger than a year ago.”

“Economic growth in Australia is weak right now,” he continued. “Were it not for the strong performance of civil and engineering construction, the economy would be fairing even worse.”

Master Builders Australia is the nation’s peak building and construction industry association, developing a membership of over 32,000 businesses in the country across its 130 years of existence.

The full data from the ABS can be viewed here.

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