Trenchless Technology in Victoria continued to steadily grow again throughout 2013-14.
Infrastructure projects of all sizes have continued to support trenchless technologies across all sectors.
It is expected that investment in infrastructure will continue in the foreseeable future given the Victorian Government’s budget predictions as shown in the following extract from a budget media release.
Investing in transformational infrastructure
Record program of investment up to $AU27 billion in new infrastructure will create jobs, boost productivity and improve liveability for all Victorians.
- The Coalition Government will deliver the Melbourne Rail Link – including the delivery of the Airport Rail Link – creating 3,700 jobs during the peak of construction
- Building the East West Link – Western Section, in addition to last year’s announcement of the eastern section, at an estimated cost of $AU8-10 billion, will create 3,000 jobs during the peak of construction
- Transformational infrastructure will drive economic growth and better connect Melbourne, its regions and wider Victoria to our export markets.”
It is expected that growth in trenchless solutions will continue as a necessary part of all capital works programs to ensure sustainable solutions to ageing infrastructure continue to provide value to Victorians.
The highlight of the Trenchless calendar for 2013 was the 10th No-Dig Down Under in conjunction with the 31st ISTT No-Dig conference.
The Sydney technical committee, ISTT and GSP once again executed a well-run conference with an interesting and well-rounded conference program. Social events and the awards dinner were well supported and enjoyed by all. In combination, all elements of this event contributed to another successful event for the ASTT.
The Victorian water industry in 2013 focused on implementation of the new Water Plans with the emphasis on development of investment strategies for the new five-year Water Plans.
A period of re-tendering term contracts by some authorities has been followed by continued growth in renewal of both water and sewer assets with key trenchless projects being highlighted by individual authorities across the state.
Efficiency of investment will be the focus of new Water Plans with all authorities investigating new delivery models and potential productivity improvements.
New high profile projects in the rail and road sectors are planned that will continue to see the commencement of new tunnelling projects and rehabilitation of existing infrastructure in close proximity.
Smaller scale trenchless projects are also expected as part of the current program of infrastructure investment.
The challenges for 2014 will be focused on achieving efficiency gains across current programs of asset rehabilitation across the electricity, gas, water and wastewater networks. This will no doubt see new innovative processes and products being implemented across all sectors of Trenchless Technology.