Top Capital Works Projects Under Construction in Australia

Cherie Gozon
Cherie Gozon
March 4, 2024

Australia is witnessing a significant transformation, with numerous capital works projects under construction nationwide. These projects are pivotal for economic growth and community development, from infrastructure and transportation enhancements to cultural landmarks and environmental conservation efforts.  

Let’s take a sneak peek at the 10 of the most highly anticipated capital works projects, each in various stages of construction yet not operational, showcasing their significance, expected impact, and future contributions.

1. Sydney Metro West

Location: Sydney, NSW
Project Manager/Construction Firm:
Infrastructure NSW
Year Started:
2020
Target Completion Date:
Late 2020s
Project Budget:
Over A$20 billion

A rendered image on how the Sydney Metro West Project would look like.

The Sydney Metro West project is a cornerstone for sustainable urban transport solutions in Sydney, marking a significant capital works project under construction. It promises to halve travel times between Parramatta and the Sydney CBD, facilitating economic opportunities and bringing communities closer.  

This project is about enhancing connectivity and redefining public transport with fully automated trains and state-of-the-art stations, embodying a leap into the future of urban mobility in Australia.

2. Melbourne Airport Rail Link

Location: Melbourne, VIC
Project Manager/Construction Firm:
Rail Projects Victoria
Year Started:
2022
Target Completion Date:
Early 2030s
Project Budget:
A$10 billion

The Melbourne Airport Rail Link aims to make travel seamless and hassle-free.
The Melbourne Airport Rail Link aims to make travel seamless and hassle-free.

A transformative infrastructure project under construction, the Melbourne Airport Rail Link is Melbourne's gateway to the world, offering a direct link between Melbourne Airport and the city's CBD. This project is crucial for Melbourne's infrastructure, easing road traffic and providing a sustainable travel option.  

With seamless integration with existing networks, it is a testament to visionary planning in Melbourne's public transport system, enhancing the city's global connectivity and urban development.

3. Brisbane Cross River Rail

Location: Brisbane, QLD
Project Manager/Construction Firm:
Cross River Rail Delivery Authority
Year Started:
2019
Target Completion Date:
2024
Project Budget:
A$5.4 billion

A glimpse at what the Brisbane Cross RIver Rail Project would look like once finished.

The Brisbane Cross River Rail project, a 10.2-kilometre rail line including a tunnel under the Brisbane River and CBD, is a game-changer for Queensland's capital. It represents a significant investment in Brisbane's public transport infrastructure, aimed at creating a more connected community and catalysing urban renewal.

This capital works project under construction is eagerly anticipated for its transformative impact on urban mobility and the daily commute for thousands.

4. Western Sydney International Airport

Location: Sydney, NSW
Project Manager/Construction Firm:
Western Sydney Airport
Year Started:
2018
Target Completion Date:
2026
Project Budget:
A$5.3 billion

The Western Sydney International Airport is aiming to come a major aviation hub in Australia.
The Western Sydney International Airport is aiming to come a major aviation hub in Australia.

Set to become a major aviation hub, the Western Sydney International Airport project is a pivotal capital works project under construction in Sydney. It is expected to boost the region's economy and create numerous jobs, with a focus on sustainability and community engagement. Upon completion, the airport will alleviate pressure on Sydney's existing airport through a new era of air travel characterised by efficiency and sustainability.

5. Adelaide City Deal - Lot Fourteen

Location: Adelaide, SA
Project Manager/Construction Firm:
Government of South Australia
Year Started:
2019
Target Completion Date:
2023
Project Budget:
A$551 million

Soon to rise is Adelaide's innovation hub.
Soon to rise is Adelaide's innovation hub.

As part of the Adelaide City Deal, Lot Fourteen is transformed into a leading innovation district, making it a critical project in Adelaide's development. This space is designed for high-tech industries, fostering collaboration and sustainability. Lot Fourteen represents Adelaide's future as a global innovation hub, creating a dynamic ecosystem for entrepreneurs, researchers, and students.

6. Perth City Deal - Edith Cowan University City Campus

Location: Perth, WA
Project Manager/Construction Firm:
Edith Cowan University & Government of Western Australia
Year Started:
2021
Target Completion Date:
2025
Project Budget:
A$695 million

Urbanising the educational experience with the upcoming Edith Cowan Univeristy City Campus.
Urbanising the educational experience with the upcoming Edith Cowan University City Campus.

The new Edith Cowan University City Campus is a significant part of the Perth City Deal, which aims to revitalise Perth's CBD by integrating educational facilities into the urban core. This project will enrich Perth's cultural and social fabric, making it a beacon of innovation, creativity, and learning in Western Australia. It underscores Perth's commitment to enhancing its educational infrastructure and fostering a dynamic urban community.

7. Canberra Light Rail Stage 2

Location: Canberra, ACT
Project Manager/Construction Firm:
Canberra Metro Consortium
Year Started: 2021
Target Completion Date:
Late 2020s
Project Budget:
A$1.9 billion

Canberra's Light Rail Network Stage 2 is creating a more sustainable mode of transportation in the community.
Canberra's Light Rail Network Stage 2 is creating a more sustainable mode of transportation in the community.

Extending Canberra's Light Rail Network, Stage 2 is critical to the city's sustainable urban development strategy. This project under construction underscores the importance of environmentally friendly transport options, promising improved mobility and access to key destinations.

It reflects Canberra's commitment to reducing the city's carbon footprint and enhancing the quality of urban life.

8. North East Link

Location: Melbourne, VIC
Project Manager/Construction Firm:
North East Link Project
Year Started:
2020
Target Completion Date:
Late 2020s
Project Budget:
A$15.8 billion

The North East Link provides a more efficient route for commuters.
The North East Link provides a more efficient route for commuters.

The North East Link project is designed to complete the missing link in Melbourne's freeway network, significantly reducing travel times and improving freight efficiency. This capital works project under construction is of great significance to Melbourne's transportation infrastructure, promising a more reliable and efficient route for commuters and freight alike.

9. Tasmanian Renewable Energy Projects

Location: Tasmania
Project Manager/Construction Firm: Multiple firms
Year Started: Varies by project
Target Completion Date: Varies by project
Project Budget: Multi-billion dollars

Harnessing wind energy to power the city.
Harnessing wind energy to power the city.

Tasmania's renewable energy projects are pivotal for Australia's energy security and environmental sustainability. These capital works projects under construction aim to position Tasmania as a renewable energy powerhouse, contributing significantly to Australia's energy capacity and highlighting the state's commitment to sustainable development.

10. Queensland Water Grid - Southern Queensland Pipeline

Location: Queensland
Project Manager/Construction Firm: Queensland Government
Year Started: 2021
Target Completion Date: 2025
Project Budget: A$1.2 billion

Australia's National Water Grid Project aims to increase water security with the Queensland Water Grid in the works.
Australia's National Water Grid Project aims to increase water security with the Queensland Water Grid in the works.

The Southern Queensland Pipeline is a significant initiative to secure water supply for the region's growing population, highlighting the importance of sustainable water management. This project under construction will enhance water security, supporting both agricultural and urban development, and is a vital part of Queensland's strategy for resilience against climate variability.

Building the Future of Infrastructure in Australia

Each of these projects demonstrates Australia's commitment to innovation and sustainable development and displays the country's ability to undertake large-scale, transformative capital works projects under construction. Through strategic planning, engagement with project consultants, and rigorous client side project management, these initiatives are set to deliver significant benefits, marking a new era of infrastructure development in Australia.

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