Thereafter, a fall of 2.4% is expected in 2010 driven by a reduction in investment in the resources sector, declines in mining related infrastructure projects, and weaker private sector commercial building activity.
Despite this, the total value of construction work done by the private sector is expected to remain at a high level overall, with a forecast value of $91.2 billion in 2010, to be 20.8% above the level of 2007, and to represent an almost 4-fold increase on the previous low point of 2001.
ACA President, Wal King, said: “The significant slowdown in construction growth during 2009 and the contraction forecast for 2010 will place significant pressures on firms already facing intense competition for available work and tighter profit margins.
“Nevertheless, there are still significant projects either underway or in the pipeline which should help to prevent a more substantial decline during 2010. Moreover, the Federal and State Government’s infrastructure plans, the Building Australia Fund and the fast tracking of funds directed at infrastructure from the Education Investment Fund and the Health and Hospital Fund are expected to continue to stimulate construction opportunities,” King said.
Ai Group Chief Executive Heather Ridout said: “The survey confirms the weakening outlook for Australia’s engineering and commercial building industry as activity continues to be undermined by investment funding constraints, weak business confidence and the downturn in global demand.
“The survey highlights the importance of the Federal Government’s stimulus package. The significant public sector spend is expected to provide an important bridge for the industry until we see some bounce in private sector investment. The timing of the recovery will be all important as work-in-hand volumes diminish. As well, the fact that the activity does not look set to deteriorate to levels of previous downturns is encouraging,” Ridout said.
Key Findings:
- Engineering and commercial construction work is forecast to fall sharply to a 2.3% growth rate in 2009 and then fall by 2.4% in 2010.
- The most marked contractions in activity in 2010 are forecast in mining projects, heavy industrial resource based projects, and “other” civil projects (including bridges, terminals and port facilities).
- Engineering construction, is however, expected to gain support from continued growth in the oil and gas sector, transport infrastructure, electricity generation and supply and sewerage and water supply projects.
