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Roads Australia releases Industry Confidence survey

A critical skills shortage remains the number one concern of transport infrastructure leaders, according to a new Roads Australia industry survey.

The Roads Australia Industry Confidence Outlook shows while short-term confidence is running high, industry leaders believe there’s an urgent need to take strong collective action to attract and retain the skilled workers needed to deliver projects beyond 2020.

Results are based on responses from 50 senior executives from contracting and consulting firms and industry suppliers.

Of those polled, 87 per cent said they have confidence to invest in plant, people and equipment in Australia over the next year.

According to a Roads Australia statement, on a scale of one to 10, the average confidence rating is 7.6, across those who responded positively.

Additionally, 89 per cent of those surveyed expect to increase or maintain staff levels in the next 12 months, with only 11 per cent anticipating a decrease.

Roads Australia President David Stuart-Watt said the lack of a skilled worker pipeline and ‘fit-for-purpose’ procurement processes rated as highest areas of concern.

“Skill shortages are the number one risk to delivering Australia’s record infrastructure pipeline and if not addressed may lead to cost blowouts, delays and unprofitable projects,” Mr. Stuart-Watt said.

“Government and industry need to work together to identify strategies to encourage more women and young people into the industry. Gender diversity, in particular, remains a very big problem in our industry and we need to redress it far more quickly than we’re doing at present.”

Mr Stuart-Watt said the survey also shows current procurement processes as a potential blockage on industry’s ability to deliver future work on time and budget.

“There are a lot of inefficiencies and inconsistencies that add to the overall cost of bidding, and which could be addressed through greater standardisation of contracts and processes,” Mr. Stuart-Watt said.

“Industry and government also need to find the middle ground on project risk. We need to come up with a more balanced, partnership-based approach.”


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