Improved demand drives construction growth

The construction sector is forecast to grow at a higher rate in the next two years with infrastructure and resource‑related construction underpinning growth.

According to the latest Australian Industry Group/Australian Constructors Association Construction Outlook survey, total turnover from construction work will lift by 4.1 per cent (current dollars) this year (following growth of 2.7 per cent in 2009), and 7.4 per cent next year.

The Ai Group/ACA survey of Australia's leading construction companies predicts that engineering construction will lead the way, with growth of 6.5 per cent forecast this year and 8.9 per cent next year.  

Non-residential work is expected to begin to recover next year and the apartment building sector is also expected to recover by 15 per cent in the same period.

Ai Group Chief Executive, Heather Ridout, said: "Overall, the survey is good news for the Australian construction industry although the availability of finance continues to drag on private sector building.  

“A continued strong commitment to infrastructure by state governments – particularly road, rail and water – has provided a stable base for industry recovery as the resources sector regains momentum.”