Shifting focus: What the latest Infrastructure Market Capacity Report means for Engineers

Released on 23 December, Infrastructure Australia’s 2024 Infrastructure Market Capacity Report reveals significant transformation in Australia’s infrastructure landscape. For the engineering profession, these changes present a mix of challenges and opportunities that call for agility, collaboration, and innovation.?

A pronounced shift in public infrastructure investment towards Northern Australia is reshaping the profession’s focus. Queensland and the Northern Territory's pipelines have expanded by $16 billion, while New South Wales and Victoria have reduced by $39 billion. For engineers, this geographical redistribution calls for mobility and adaptability, with skills increasingly needed in regions experiencing growth.?

Although the major public infrastructure pipeline has decreased by 8% compared to last year’s projections, demand remains substantial. The focus is shifting towards energy and building projects as transport investment softens. Private infrastructure investment, particularly in renewable energy, is set to drive labour demand as Australia advances its net zero goals.?

As the transition to renewables accelerates, Engineers Australia has outlined pathways that enable engineers to seize new opportunities. Building transferable skills, pursuing adaptable training and leveraging coordinated policy support are central to meeting Australia’s net zero ambitions.?

While projected infrastructure workforce shortages have softened - down by 32,000 compared to last year’s forecast - a shortfall of 197,000 workers remains across infrastructure roles, with engineers, scientists, and architects accounting for 111,000 of these. Encouragingly, shortages in this group appear to have peaked, reflecting a shift in projects from design and planning to construction phases.?

Government and industry initiatives, such as Engineers Australia’s Global Engineering Talent (GET) Program, have begun to address the issue. With 21 participants across three states and its first cohort graduating in 2024, GET highlights the potential of tapping into underutilised migrant skills. Expanding such programs to regional areas could strengthen workforce resilience and diversity.?

However, systemic challenges remain. Australia must not only attract more engineering students and graduates but also improve retention rates within the profession. This requires nurturing the talent through education, migration, and innovative workplace solutions.?

The report also highlights the critical role of workplace culture in addressing productivity challenges and retaining talent. The Construction Industry Culture Taskforce’s work to tackle long hours, poor work-life balance, and the challenges of combining work with parenthood, which cost the Australian economy roughly $8 billion a year.?

With 64% of construction workers logging over 50 hours per week and nearly 60% dissatisfied with work-life balance, we must create healthier workplace environments. Engineers Australia’s collaboration with the ACT government to implement cultural standards on projects is one promising step towards inclusive and supportive workplaces.?

Engineers Australia’s professional standards framework continues to support engineers throughout their careers, ensuring ongoing upskilling and professional development. This focus on lifelong learning and wellbeing will help drive retention and enhance the sector’s capacity to innovate.?

As Australia’s infrastructure priorities evolve, engineers must rise to meet these challenges. From navigating regional shifts in investment to driving decarbonisation and improving workplace culture, the profession is at the heart of shaping a sustainable, resilient future.?

With the right policies, programs, and professional support, engineers can not only adapt to these changes but lead the way in transforming the nation’s infrastructure landscape. Now is the time to invest in skills, innovation, and collaboration to ensure the profession thrives in 2025 and beyond.?