Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) official figures show construction activity dropped 1.9 per cent in the first quarter of 2019 and total construction worth is now at $50,787.9 million.
In that time, civil construction activity dropped back nearly four per cent compared to last quarter, engineering work fell nearly four per cent this quarter, while commercial building grew by 3.6 per cent.
“Unfortunately, the decline in civil construction activity during the opening quarter of this year will not be a surprise to the industry. The time taken for government infrastructure announcements to translate into real, visible activity on the ground is often far too long,” Master Builders Chief Economist, Shane Garrett said.
He said the re-election of the Morrison Government will boost confidence in the industry and will be welcomed by the hundreds of thousands of small firms active in building and construction.
Despite growing populations around the country every state has experienced construction work decline.
In the Northern Territory construction work done has fallen for the past six quarters.
Both New South Wales and Victoria have also seen construction work fall for the past two quarters.
Master Builders are hopeful that the Government’s renewed mandate will drive new energy to get more projects started.
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