Building at new highs

CONSTRUCTION across Australia has expanded at its fastest-ever pace and is now at its highest level in more than a decade.

Ai Group head of policy Peter Burn said national construction has remained strong with infrastructure, commercial construction and residential building combining to offset the mining-related wind-down.

“The buoyancy of the sector is evident in strong levels of current activity and employment growth, and growing order books,” Dr Burn said.

According to the Ai Group and the Housing Industry Association, the Performance of Construction Index rose 4.5 points in July to 60.5.

Dr Burn said the pick-up in commercial construction over the past three months was particularly welcome.

“In light of the anticipated wind-down in apartment building …, (the PCI) suggests that the national construction industry will continue to play a leading role in the economy for some time to come,” he said.