The Tech Talks series at ARBSQLD was a popular new addition to the conference program.
The free, 20 to 50 minute seminars were well attended with topics ranging from Indoor Air Quality to fire safety systems.
It was standing-room only for some of the sessions presented on day one of the program.
For example, engineering firm KUSCH did a presentation on smarter structural design for mechanical services which was packed.
It was a lesson in streamlining HVAC projects through prefabrication and compliance-ready designs that account for seismic, wind, gravity and thermal forces.
Eurofast Global director of engineering, Dale Carr, did a session on day two which was an update on seismic design requirements under AS1170.4 (2024) including key changes and best practices for contractors.
Queensland businesses were well-represented at the two-day exhibition with AAPT Group project engineer, Lindsay Pelser, providing information about the use of hydrocarbon refrigerants in air-conditioning, heat pumps, and refrigeration systems.
Pelser said using hydrocarbon refrigerants requires technical expertise as well as strict adherence to compliance standards.
He said the AAPT GROUP is Queensland’ s foremost authority on this subject in an industry where safety, efficiency, and compliance are non-negotiable.
“Unlike standard licensing, which is limited to 1.5kg, AAPT GROUP hold a specialised 10kg hydrocarbon licence—the only company in Queensland with this capability,” Pelser said.
“This unique capability ensures that clients receive comprehensive support for systems that exceed standard licensing thresholds, covering both certification and complex repair requirements.
“As a central resource for compliance advice, AAPT GROUP is well known for its expertise and assistance to manufacturers, contractors, operators and other stakeholders.
“We ensure hydrocarbon systems are both safe and legally compliant nationally and internationally.”
“This is an industry where safety, efficiency and compliance are non-negotiable.”
Skills shortage
Australia has a serious skills shortage that has created a climate of uncertainty for private investment.
Despite an increase in infrastructure spending and housing, BuildSkills Australia executive director for research & planning, Robert Sabyra, said industry is scared labour shortages will hinder project delivery.
Speaking at ARBSQLD, Sabyra said the building industry is working hard to deliver 1.2 million homes by 2029.
“Australia hasn’t seen this much construction and housing action since World War Two, it is a huge challenge.”
Sabyra said the unemployment rate is currently sitting at four per cent and it is not budging.
“We need more sustainable productivity growth, specifically more output with the same amount of workers. We cannot keep throwing more people at the problem,” he said.
BuildSkills Australia was established by the federal government last year to tackle Australia’s skills shortage in the built environment.
The organisation was tasked with developing Australia’s first workforce plan for the construction, property and water industries.
“We really need to be looking at every lever at our disposal to mobilise the workforce,” he said.
Shifting the focus to Queensland, Sabya said it has been evident over the last five to 10 years that economic growth has been heading north to the Sunshine State.
Although recent conversation has been reduced to the 2032 Olympics, he said there is so much more to talk about.
Sabya said the organisation is looking to identify the workforce needs of Queensland as well as
identify occupational mobility opportunities.