National restructure of the Australian Institute of Steel Detailers (AISD)

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The AISD has restructured its organisation so that there is now only one, national governing body.

Previously, the AISD consisted of 5 separate entities with a common name, each registered in their home state. The two most significant factors driving this change were;

  • the difficulty state-based bodies were having finding members willing to volunteer for management committee positions
  • the duplication of effort required for compliance and administration tasks that each separate state group needed to carry out.

The plan to amalgamate the state bodies was discussed at every National Steering Committee meeting for the last 4 years as well as numerous phone conversations and emails between the management committees.

The agreed option for the restructure was to establish a new, not-for-profit corporation limited by guarantee, then invite each state group to wind up or cancel the registration of their existing association and transfer their assets and members to the new entity.

This option achieves our intended goals by eliminating the need to separately operate the state entities, greatly reduces total running costs and eliminates duplication of management tasks.

Winding up – Each state management committee had to review the constitutions of their association in order to determine exactly how the entity could be wound up. Generally speaking, the processes between states are very similar and should not take long to work through.

A notice of a meeting would need to be issued for each association, the process for winding up outlined in each constitution would need to be complied with, the management committee would lodge any necessary forms with state and territory regulators, final accounts had need to prepared for each association and the assets of each association would need to be transferred to the new national entity.

Each association only had cash assets from membership fees, so no tax or duty issues should arise in transferring the assets of each state entity to the new company.

Governance of the new company – To ensure that each state is engaged in management, the new company includes provisions in the constitution that provide for board representation from each state jurisdiction.

We also provide for different classes of membership based on jurisdiction to ensure that the members of each state can vote on jurisdiction-based matters – such as their board representative and be involved in the planning and delivery of local events.

The management committee of the Queensland AISD assumed the roles of the inaugural board members for the new company (the Foundation Board). The Foundation Board will oversee operations of the new company for 2 years while other states and territories transition to the new structure. After this period, at least one person from each state/territory would be elected as a director.  There would be a board cap to ensure that the board does not reach an unmanageable size.

By-laws and policies

The new company will design and implement policies or by-laws for dealing with matters such as the election of a president or chairman and the management of funds.

In relation to the election of a president or chairman, the board will allocate these positions once elected.

As discussed between the state AISD leaders, each jurisdiction will be able to maintain some autonomy and segregation of their members funds; by-laws will outline how this should be attended to. Once the initial, roll-over funds are received, the board of directors will determine how to apply any further segregation of ACMA balances.

Key differences between previous, incorporated association structures and the new public company

There is no real difference in liability for members or directors – it’s just that the obligations of directors are more regularly codified in legislation compared to the duties of officers of incorporated associations.  However, common law (being law from court decisions), imposes very similar obligations on officers of incorporated associations when compared to legislation applicable to directors of companies.

Next steps

As a public company we will need to hold an annual general meeting (AGM) yearly.

The AGM will be held at the Australian Steel Convention. The Convention is delivered by the Australian Steel Institute (ASI) and is held at a different capital city each September.

This year, the Convention is scheduled for Sydney from Sunday the 15th to Tuesday 17th of September. The ACMA AGM will be conducted on Tuesday 17th September from 4pm.

Please see separate article relating to this event. Notices advising of the AGM will also be sent to all current ACMA member 30 days prior to the event.

Perth News | DBM/PDC Stirling Ranges Trip 2019

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This last weekend saw a group of DBM/PDC work colleagues descend on Western Australia’s Great Southern region for their annual hiking trip in the Stirling Ranges

The Stirling Ranges boasts some of the best hiking trails in WA and walks that cater for all capabilities from easy walking grade hillside trails, to 2 to 3 hour rock scrambling, steep incline mountain type hiking

PDC have continued this weekend away as a tradition for many many years and this year celebrated its 20th year anniversary with a fantastic attendance by 25 of the Perth staff plus a special guest Phil Shanks from Steelcad Qld who had in the past also attended and was invited to this special anniversary

This year also saw the first ever year that they had timed the weekend to fall when the expected extreme cold weather was to have snow falling on the high mountain tops, giving them to rare chance for West Australians to experience snow on top of Bluff Knoll, one of WA’s highest peaks

The weekend was attended by varying staff members from general managers, senior management, admin staff to junior and new team members

Everyone enjoyed the time away from work bonding in a relaxed team environment, and also enjoying sharing many a story around the campfire of the walks undertaken during the day. Many had already signed up for next year’s trip before the weekend was over

Well done to PDC and we hope they do continue this fine tradition for many more years to come.

The Funny Bone

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New $158 million International Cruise Terminal for the Port of Brisbane

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Port of Brisbane has announced the principal contractors for its $158 million Brisbane International Cruise Terminal, paving the way for construction to begin in the coming months.

Wharf construction will be undertaken by Brady Marine & Civil, a specialist marine infrastructure and engineering contractor headquartered in Brisbane.

The civil works and terminal building will be delivered by Hindmarsh, a leading Australian construction company.

This project is expected to contribute $1.3 billion in net expenditure into the Brisbane economy over the next twenty years with an estimated 245 jobs during construction.

Queenslanders are eagerly awaiting the opening of the terminal next year, which will be ready for the 2020 cruising season.

Port of Brisbane CEO Roy Cummins said the tender process had attracted a high-quality field, but ultimately the successful contractors provided the right mix of expertise, capabilities and value for money for the project.

Hindmarsh has a strong track record for innovation and project delivery, together with the proven experience and capabilities required to deliver this world-class cruise facility.

Click here to view the Hindmarsh website.

Mr Cummins said early preparation for the wharf had already begun, with ABFI Steel Group (a local Brisbane-based company) undertaking the task of manufacturing 105 piles, up to 45m long, needed to support the wharf.

Piling is expected to commence soon, with wharf construction to follow.

Visit Port of Brisbane’s website for more information.

 

New QPAC Theatre Design

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The Queensland Government has unveiled the concept design of the $150 million new theatre to join the stage at the Queensland Cultural Centre at South Bank.

Michael Rayner said Blight Rayner + Snøhetta were honoured to be chosen to design the most significant cultural project in Brisbane in over a decade.

The new theatre will be constructed at Queensland Performing Arts Centre and will deliver a new world-class facility for the state, supporting more than 100 jobs during construction and more than 40 new full time jobs upon completion.

The new venue will make QPAC the largest performing arts centre in Australia.

It’s expected to deliver capacity for an extra 260 performances annually with the potential to welcome an additional 300,000 visitors every year.

The new theatre’s innovative design will ensure the Cultural Centre continues to be a much-loved destination for locals and visitors, and that’s good news for jobs and our cultural economy.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said the winning design was selected following an international design competition and a rigorous evaluation process.

Another key milestone in the development of the new theatre is the announcement of the shortlist of tenderers for Managing Contractors: Multiplex Constructions QLD Pty Ltd, Watpac, CPB Contractors and Lend Lease.

The winning tender, to be announced later this year, will manage and participate in the design process and manage the construction.

Multiplex Wins Main Works Contract for Queen’s Wharf

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Queen’s Wharf Brisbane will transform the CBD with four new luxury hotels, more than 50 new bars and restaurants, 2,000 residential apartments and the equivalent of 12 football fields of public space when the $3.6 billion development is complete.

Destination Brisbane Consortium has awarded preferred contractor status to Multiplex for the major construction works at the Queen’s Wharf Brisbane Integrated Resort Development.

The appointment follows a comprehensive tender process and represents a significant milestone in the delivery of the overall project where $3.6 billion will be invested into the CBD site. The works contracted are in line with the overall project budget.

Destination Brisbane Consortium Project Director Simon Crooks said the contract still required finalisation and remained subject to DBC board approval and State Government endorsement and includes the integrated resort development shell and core and the iconic Sky Deck – with initial works to start within months.


“The works that Multiplex will deliver include the shell and core works covering the basement, base services, tower structures and the facade of the main integrated resort,” Mr Crooks said.

“It includes the integrated resort high-rise tower shells ready for later fit-out works, the podium level nestled between the towers and the iconic Sky Deck that will sit 100 metres above street level.

Works will commence mid-2019 with construction works expected to reach George Street level in late-2020 and the first stage of the IRD ready for completion in late-2022.

In addition to the integrated resort development construction activities, maritime work has now commenced in the Brisbane River for construction of the piled suspended concrete slab that will eventually provide 6,500m2 of new public space.  These works are being undertaken by Probuild.

For construction, employment or supply opportunities please contact;

Probuild direct on 1800 676 329 or email: queenswharf@probuild.com.au

Multiplex direct on 1800 931 760 or email queenswharfbrisbane@multiplex.global

Cross River Rail

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The Queensland Government has announced the companies that will build the transformational $5.4 billion Cross River Rail Project.

The 10.2-kilometre rail line will run from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills, with a 5.9-kilometre twin tunnel under the Brisbane River and CBD, four new underground stations and upgrades to existing stations. Following a comprehensive evaluation process, the project’s major works packages will be delivered by the following consortia:

  • PULSE – the Tunnel, Stations and Development (TSD) public private partnership

The PULSE consortium is led by CIMIC Group companies, Pacific Partnerships, CPB Contractors, and UGL with international partners DIF, BAM and Ghella.

  • UNITY – the Rail, Integration and Systems (RIS) alliance

UNITY Alliance brings together CPB Contractors, UGL, AECOM and Jacobs, and partners HASSELL, RCS Australia, Acmena, Martinus Rail and Wired Overhead Solutions.

  • Hitachi Rail STS – the European Train Control System (ETCS).

The European Train Control System (ETCS) will be delivered by Hitachi Rail STS.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said Cross River Rail would be ready to service the South-East by 2024.

The Queensland Government has also recognised ACMA member, PDC for their delivery of major project Building Information Modelling (BIM) / Digital Engineering implementation.

A Digital Network Approach (DNA) has been initiated by the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority (CRRDA) to develop a common digital project environment. To undertake this, the CRRDA have engaged PDC to implement the DNA. The PDC BIM team lead a consortium of client side consultants to deliver the Digital Engineering strategy and implementation, that includes the disciplines of spatial database implementation (Meta Moto) and gamification of the projects model (V2i).

PDC and their partners are extremely proud to work alongside the CRRDA and to be referenced in the Queensland Government’s Policy – Digital Enablement for Queensland Infrastructure – Principles for BIM Implementation.

“Our leading approach to the digital design and delivery of Queensland’s public infrastructure is front and centre, particularly for our number one infrastructure project – Cross River Rail,” Cameron Dick, minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning, detailed about how eager the government are to improve the way infrastructures projects should be designed and constructed.

Terry Rossitto, chair of the Infrastructure Association of Queensland (IAQ), also explained that the release of the BIM principles policy gives the industry confidence to invest in education and training opportunities.

“An example of this is the good work progressed by the Cross River Rail Delivery Authority in developing a digital model illustrating the value these practices can bring to major infrastructure project delivery,” he said said.

For more information on this major project you can go to https://crossriverrail.qld.gov.au/

Australian Steel Convention 2019

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BEYOND THE PIPELINE
15 – 17 September 2019
The Westin Sydney

Many questions are being asked of Australia’s steel industry. What does our future look like? Do we have the capability & capacity to deliver on the nation’s needs? Can Australian steel remain a world leader, adapting in the fast-changing industrial landscape?

The reality is, Australia’s steel future has never looked brighter. Through continual evolution, we’re building on our proud history of delivering high-quality infrastructure and projects that stand the test of time. Our workforce is rapidly expanding its skills and abilities to meet new challenges while reimagining and reshaping steel’s potential.

The Australian Steel Institute’s 2019 Convention looks at current infrastructure opportunities and beyond the project pipeline, focussing on forging deeper and more meaningful commercial links that will see our industry continue to grow and thrive.

Convention sessions will examine:

  • Achieving on-shore production growth goals
  • The increasing size and scope of infrastructure demand
  • Why we can confidently invest in steel’s future
  • Understanding the different viewpoints, capabilities and challenges facing industry stakeholders
  • Global investment trends
  • Delivering quality and mitigating risk
  • Supply chain transparency and integrity
  • Emerging market opportunities

The Australian Steel Convention is the industry’s premier event. Bringing together:

  • Australian manufacturers, distributors, fabricators, roll-formers
  • Australian design and structural engineers
  • Detailer/modellers and constructors
  • Key supply chain partners and suppliers
  • Key decision-makers and influencers in local infrastructure projects
  • Federal and State Government policy and decision makers

For the opportunity to see beyond the pipeline and stay ahead of the game, the Australian Steel Convention is the 2019 event not to be missed.

2018 Australian Steel Convention – Park Hyatt Hotel, Melbourne

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The message

The Entertainment

The Western Australian Contingent

Brisbane detailers

Meet and Greet

The NSW representatives

Steel Detailers Forum

 

National Forum highlights

Present:

Chris Anderson Revision – Zero
Brad Backer BDS Vircon
Shaun Brown Haywards
Steve Cox Demcox
David Dawson PDC
Rick Dembiany Demcox
John Gardner ASI (Minutes Secretary)
Peter Lawrence van der Meer Consulting
John Lyons PDC
Jason Nankivell PDC
Russell Neal Revision – Zero
Scott Peeler Building Point
Tim Rachow BDS Vircon
Clayton Roxborough Steelcad
Phil Shanks Steelcad
Dardo Uteda Steelforce
Chris Velovski EDC Consultants
  1. Introduction and welcome
  • Clayton Roxborough (ACMA Chair), welcomed the delegates and reviewed key achievements and activities of the AISD in Queensland prior to the formation of ACMA. These included member tours of steel industry facilities such as galvanizers, Webforge, Monowills, construction sites etc, providing assistance to the Galvanizers Association of Australia (GAA) to produce venting & draining wall charts, steel detailer qualification framework and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) Awards.
  1. Agenda Discussion Topics

AISD National Amalgamation

  • The AISD has been dissolved and ACMA has been formed as a not for profit company limited by guarantee. ACMA a corporation and has a Board of Directors.
  • It was agreed that the ACMA AGM will be held at future ASI Steel Conventions.
  • It is planned that the new ACMA website will allow ACMA members to share information online.
  • Membership certificates will be provided to all ACMA financial members.

 

Review of Steel Detailers Handbook

  • ACMA Secretary, Phil Shanks has been leading the revision of the Australian Steel Detailers Handbook and work is progressing well. He advised that information on cold-formed steel sections including purlins and girts will need to be included in the new edition of the Handbook. The ASI and ACMA logos will be included on the drawings provided as part of the Handbook.   It was agreed that ASI would produce the final table of contents for the Handbook.   The revision of the Handbook is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2019.

 

Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)

  • BIM in New Zealand (BIMinNZ) at https://www.biminnz.co.nz/ is also active in promoting early engagement by the project supply chain.
  • ACMA “IPD rules of engagement “are needed to guide participants in the IPD process and set boundaries.
  • An ACMA web-based portal could be set up in order to share IPD news and activities between ACMA members.
  • Next month Phil Shanks will be presenting an IPD case study on a steel walkway project being built in the Katharine Gorge in the Northern Territory. The case study presentation will include a video showing the construction model.  It was agreed that the case study will be shared with ACMA members.

 

IPD Awards – State and National

  • To assist in holding the ACMA IPD Awards in all states, it was agreed that the Queensland IPD Awards framework should be shared with all States for eventual national roll-out.

 

Industry News

  • Chris Velovski (AISD NSW) reported that government funding is available to assist Construction Modellers to undertake projects that benefit their business and the wider ACMA community. AusIndustry is a major provider of dollar for dollar grants for small business.  Chris advised that his company, EDC Consultants, has applied for 2 grants, one of which will support a Masters in Construction degree student at the University of Newcastle to carry out research into the benefits of early project engagement with Construction Modellers.  Chris agreed to share the grant application information with ACMA members.

 

Networking Business Opportunities that come with membership

  • The formation of ACMA provides an excellent opportunity to expand the membership of ACMA to a wider range of individuals and companies involved the construction supply chain. Engineers interested in BIM and IPD would be suitable ACMA members as well as Construction Modellers working in the precast concrete sector.

 

Engagement with the Australian Steel Institute (ASI)

  • Agreed that engagement with the ASI in all states would benefit the association.

 

  1. Other Business
  • A new 3D model of a 12 storey steel framed building is being prepared by ACMA member company, Steelcad, for use by the ASI in the course materials for the updated, Queensland University of Technology 4th Year Engineering Degree in design of a multi-storey composite steel framed building.
  • Software piracy continues to be a serious issue even though compliance has increased by software providers. One of the challenges is addressing the problem of some companies using pirated software being “off grid” and not connected to the internet.  Modelling of some projects can begin overseas by companies using pirated software and then be completed in Australia by companies using licensed software.   The names and locations of those companies caught using pirated software needs to be shared with ACMA members so that they can avoid forming a business relationship with them.