Boost to building

GROWTH in engineering construction has hit a fresh high, helping to bolster overall construction activity despite a continuing decline in apartment building, polling suggests.

The Australian Industry Group’s performance of construction index, compiled with the Housing Industry Association, has climbed 4.3 points, clocking in at 57.5 last month.

Ai Group head of policy Peter Burn said the increase in activity came despite the fact there had been a decline in apartment building nationally.

“Activity in the construction sector accelerated further in November as higher activity levels in both engineering construction and house building were backed up by a surge in commercial construction.”