Introducing Nearmap for Post-catastrophe Response
Post Catastrophe Imagery and AI-derived property damage and condition data unite to help insurers process customer claims more efficiently.
Post Catastrophe Imagery and AI-derived property damage and condition data unite to help insurers process customer claims more efficiently.
Above: The renovation of the Royal Hobart Hospital in Hobart, TAS, set to be completed this year. Captured 6/3/2018.
2019 is here, and the pace of infrastructure development across Australia is showing no signs of slowing down. State transport initiatives dominate the landscape, along with expansion of essential services like hospitals and nationwide projects like the Inland Rail.
According to Infrastructure Australia's Planning Liveable Cities report, Australia's population is set to increase by over 11 million people by 2047; most of that growth will take place in the five major cities. The continued liveability and efficiency of our urban centres will depend in large part on the success of the infrastructure we’re currently building. And the success of those projects will greatly depend on the quality of the technology used to support them.
Having the right technical tools to plan and execute large-scale, multi-year infrastructure projects can mean the difference between delivering projects on time and to budget or getting delayed in fixing mistakes, revising plans, and waiting for additional funding.
With so many projects critical to the liveability of our future cities — along with the huge financial and human investments that bring them to life — it's vital that government and industry leaders incorporate current, accurate aerial imagery from project inception to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Here's a basic checklist to determine the suitability of your current aerial imagery solution for large infrastructure projects:
Whatever your state of imagery readiness, start thinking big with this overview of the significant infrastructure developments planned for 2019 across Australia.
Cedar Grove, QLD, part of the corridor for the Inland Rail. Captured 6/11/2018
In December, the ceremonial first ground breaking for the construction of the Inland Rail took place in outback NSW, with a formal ceremony in Parkes. Bringing much needed decentralisation of communities and employment and associated service delivery to the bush, the Inland Rail is a massive infrastructure undertaking that will require best-in-class technical tools to plan and execute. The first trains will be operational in 2025, with double-stacked 1,800 metre trains connecting west to Perth and Adelaide, and along the east coast between Melbourne and Brisbane.
The Pacific Park stop on the Newcastle Light Rail, set to open this year. Captured 8/12/2018.
The NSW Government’s $80 billion infrastructure pipeline is slated to commence major projects in 2019. Over the next four years, $43 billion of investment will see Australia’s largest transport infrastructure well underway, connecting new and existing residential areas with universities, recreation and sporting precincts, and leisure and cultural facilities.
Contracts were awarded in December for construction of Stage 1 of the $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail. The major infrastructure project will comprise a 12km two-way track connecting Westmead to Carlingford.
Contracts for $840 million of construction and $536 million to supply and operate the network, and build the depot, light rail stops, and power systems have been awarded, with work slated to begin in this year.
NSW has several other major and local infrastructure programs due for completion in the next few years. Some of the key projects include:
As Tasmania maintains the fourth-strongest economic performance in Australia, several major infrastructure projects including hotels, health facilities, and bridges will begin or move towards completion in 2019.
The $689 million redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital is due to be completed mid-year, as is Hobart's Remembrance Bridge and the pedestrian bridge over the Brooker Highway. A slew of significant hotel developments will be built in Hobart and Launceston, as well as major improvements to shopping, leisure, and entertainment precincts.
The Melbourne Airport Rail Link moved a step closer to breaking ground with the selection in December 2018 of a technical advisor and commercial advisor from over 100 tenders. The Western Rail Plan is part of the overall picture, and detailed investigations of infrastructure upgrades, costs, and train requirements to deliver fast rail to the regions as part of the Airport Rail Link are now underway. With the VIC Rail Loop and Northeast Highway Linkprojects also forging ahead, the future of urban and regional development in Victoria is bright.
The May 2018 federal budget confirmed the Federal Government’s projected $3.2 billion infrastructure spend in Western Australia.
Slated projects listed for Federal funding include:
An additional $188.9 million is set aside for WA hospital infrastructure development flowing from the GST restructure promised in the 2018 budget.
In late 2018, the Federal Government announced a promise to fast track $395 million for infrastructure programs in SA. The deal contains $177 million for the Regency Road to Pym Street project, $220 million for electrification of the Gawler rail line, and $160 million on the duplication of the Joy Baluch Bridge in Port Augusta.
Another development of interest is the redevelopment of the former Royal Adelaide Hospital Site – now known as Lot 14. Placing Adelaide up with the world’s leading innovation cities, the seven-hectare neighbourhood will create an entrepreneurial ecosystem including corporations, startups, mentors, researchers, and investors. Space, experience, and talent will be shared and nurtured, moving Adelaide towards becoming a destination city for some of the world’s fastest growing industries, including AI, cyber security, smart sensor networks, robotics, defence, space technologies, and media and creative industries.
Want to learn more about how aerial imagery plays a role in planning and building major projects?
