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Introducing the August CGC newsletter (already it’s the end of August?!). It has been a month of celebrations with birthdays, anniversaries and our EOFY functions which you can read more about in the CGC Social summary presented by Spencer Williamson. George Hvid also provides an insight into the industry he operates in and talks all things Sydney Rail below. We have another busy month ahead at CGC with both Brisbane and Sydney offices finding the market starting to boom for the second part of 2019.  

Rail Industry Overview, George Hvid

Sydney Metro Northwest, Newcastle Light Rail and Canberra Metro projects

Uncertainty from both state and federal elections, coupled with the successful delivery of major projects such as the Sydney Metro Northwest, Newcastle Light Rail and Canberra Metro projects all lead to a relatively quiet 12 month period in the NSW rail sector (including a significant tender period). This has certainly changed, and we have entered the next cycle of major projects.

The vast majority of these projects are at the front end of development, but with programs lasting up to 2024 there is real confidence in the rail industry. To name a few, we have the $2.4bn Parramatta Light Rail (complete 2023), circa $2-3bn Regional Rail (complete 2024), $10bn, 1,700km Inland Rail (complete 2024/25), Digital Systems, More Trains More Services, TAP3 and PSU moving along.

Then there’s the next phase of Sydney Metro which has an estimated $12.5bn compared to the $8.3bn of phase one. This project extends the now operational North West metro line 30km under the harbour, through the city and South West from Sydenham to Bankstown, with a number of high-profile station developments at the likes of Martin Place, Central Station and Pitt Street. What makes this phase even more complex and challenging are the interfaces and the brownfield nature of CBD work.

For candidates, the present is a great time to have front-end project/commercial or design skills. We are still forecasting a tough 6-12 months for delivery, installation and commissioning candidates but be assured that this will change drastically, and Sydney’s railway industry will be busier than it was at the heights of when the Sydney Metro NRT and Sydney Light Rail were at full scale.

In summary, a great time to be involved in NSW railway as we embark on the next 5 year cycle of major projects.

CGC Social

Electrical engineer on fixing the post

It has been an incredibly social affair for the CGC staff this month with some key events and milestones taking place.

CGC Sydney wrapped up & celebrated a great 2018/19 financial year by having our end of year conference at the new Taronga Zoo auditorium, built by Taylors construction. The day was a great success with formalities taking place in the morning. Well done to Prashilta Prahalad, Rory Todd & Team Property on their awards. After the wrap up formalities and some great presentations, we headed out to the Wild Ropes course where we put our ‘Monkey Skills’ to the test. Safe to say some of us were more purpose-built than others. This was followed by a great lunch back at Epicure within the Taronga Centre, some games and a ferry ride to our next venue, the Squires Landing.

Brisbane celebrated their end of financial year with a lunch and their own version of Mario Kart! It was a great day with Jamie ‘Peach’ Madden taking out Brisbane’s No.1 Driver award, with the likes of David ‘Wario’ Hope and Rory ‘Toad’ Todd in close pursuit.  It was a rewarding day celebrating the success of individuals and teams for the 2018/19 financial year and welcoming in the year to come!

CGC was out and about in Noosa last week as a reward for the high achievers. It was a 3-day trip full of activities, culinary experiences and memories made.

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A special mention to the following staff members for reaching their CGC anniversaries:

  • Glynis – 6 years
  • Matt W – 4 years
  • Will – 3 years
  • John – 2 years
  • Henry – 1 year

And finally we'd like to wish Karl French a Happy Birthday for the 31st of August!

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