New summit aims to set benchmarks and drive change in Australia’s construction industry

The Australian Constructors Association is calling on the construction industry to help shape a vision for the sector’s future as it prepares to launch a new annual event modeled on high-profile global forums.

Foundations and Frontiers 2024 (FF24), to be held this August, is set to become the construction equivalent of the COP climate summit or the World Economic Forum’s Davos meeting, setting goals and tracking progress for the industry each year.

The event will bring together 100 of the industry’s most senior leaders for invitation-only roundtables, with a further 800+ attendees participating in interactive main arena discussions.

To kick off the conversation ahead of FF24, the Australian Constructors Association has released a discussion paper titled ‘Defining good… and how to achieve it’.

Association CEO Jon Davies said the paper was intended as a thought-provoking conversation starter rather than a prescriptive solution.

“We’ve intentionally set the scene without prescribing solutions because we want the entire industry to contribute to the vision of what good looks like and collaboratively pursue that goal,” Mr Davies said.

“FF24 is more than just a platform for discussing challenges; it is dedicated to finding solutions and improved ways of working together within the industry.”

The association is inviting all stakeholders to engage with the questions raised in the discussion paper and help shape the future of Australia’s construction industry.

Mr Davies said FF24 would mark the start of a new industry movement, with the event set to become an annual focal point for driving change and measuring progress.

The discussion paper can be downloaded from the FF24 website, with more information available at www.foundationsandfrontiers.com.au.

The construction industry is a key pillar of the Australian economy, employing around 1.2 million people and contributing over $200 billion annually. However, it has faced challenges in recent years including skills shortages, supply chain disruptions and rising costs.