ACA highlights data utilisation & announces FF24 event in Sydney
The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) has released a discussion paper titled "Data-rich Future" as part of the Foundations and Frontiers 2024 (FF24) event.
This paper addresses the stagnation in productivity growth within the Australian construction industry, drawing on statistics from the Australian Bureau of Statistics. It identifies the complexity and inaccessibility of current productivity metrics and calls for easily understandable measures to benchmark and track performance improvements effectively.
ACA CEO Jon Davies highlighted the issue of underutilised data in the construction sector. "Despite the wealth of data generated by construction projects - including engineering calculations, project costs, equipment usage and weather conditions - most of this information remains underutilised," he said. "It often ends up in obscure storage or is only referenced in contractual disputes, leaving a critical gap in opportunities for process improvement, forecasting, and design refinement," added Davies.
The discussion paper envisions a transformative approach where both historical and real-time data drive decision-making processes. Davies explained the potential benefits, stating, "Predicting project completion dates and costs with high accuracy, comparing design options quickly and effectively—these are just some of the opportunities in reach if we get this right."
As part of its broader effort to address critical issues in the construction industry, the ACA has announced a new tripartite construction industry forum called Foundations and Frontiers (FF24). Set to be held on 8 August in Sydney, the event aims to emulate the Conference of the Parties (COP) Summit, providing a platform for collaboration among government, industry leaders, and unions.
Jon Davies emphasised the forum's significance, stating, "Much like COP and the World Economic Forum, FF24 will provide a unique platform for all construction stakeholders to address the sustainability of the industry, collectively pave the way forward, and commit to changes that will secure the industry’s future."
Invitations have already been extended to over 100 influential figures from government, industry, unions, and academia. Attendees will participate in exclusive breakout discussions, which are expected to lead to significant industry announcements. "This event isn’t just for leaders. All of the industry will have the opportunity to see and be involved through the plenary sessions with exposure to the exclusive breakout room discussions," Davies noted.
The conception of FF24 was driven by the need for a large tripartite forum that spans all jurisdictions. It builds on the model of the National Construction Industry Forum to address the industry's challenges in an inclusive yet action-oriented manner. "In its current form, the construction industry is not able to deliver the infrastructure and projects that are needed, when they are needed, and at a price that can be afforded," explained Davies. "The gap between the available workforce and the workforce needed is growing whilst productivity is stagnating and costs increasing," he added.
Davies likened the situation to the threat posed by global warming, stating, "In a similar way to the threat posed by global warming, this is a matter of national importance that requires a coordinated national response."
The ACA is calling for the entire industry to rally in support of necessary changes. FF24 is intended to be more than just an event; the ACA envisions it as a legacy for all of Australia and a first for global construction.
