The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) has released its Foundations and Frontiers 2026 (FF26) Post Event Report. It finds that Australia's best-performing projects succeed because of trust, early planning and shared outcomes, not any single innovation or contract model.
The report identifies five messages that defined the event:
- Trust drives performance. Trust, culture and behaviour are core drivers of productivity, not "soft" issues.
- Go slow to go fast. Time spent upfront on the right issues is not delay. It is risk management.
- Good decisions deliver good designs. Clear accountability and early engagement reduce rework and improve productivity.
- Innovation requires courage. International examples show what is possible with manufacturing-led construction and modern methods.
- Shared outcomes beat defensive positions. Collaboration is a practical delivery tool, not an aspiration.
ACA CEO Peter Colacino said the most encouraging takeaway was the level of alignment between industry and government.
“FF26 showed the industry does not suffer from a lack of ideas. Clients, contractors, consultants and government all pointed to many of the same solutions. Now the opportunity ahead is to scale them,” said Mr Colacino.
“The projects on stage proved that when everyone aligns around a shared outcome and is empowered to solve problems together, great things happen. Our job is to make that the norm, not the exception.”
The conversation began the day before FF26, when around 100 senior representatives met at Lendlease's Barangaroo offices for the Leaders' Exchange. Participants submitted 33 case studies, including 11 client challenges and 22 industry solutions. Attendees then lodged 268 comments, questions and observations during FF26, with trust and good behaviours the most frequently referenced topic.
NSW Treasurer Daniel Mookhey and NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison both addressed the forum. They outlined the NSW Government's commitment to better project development, earlier industry engagement and safe, respectful workplaces.
ACA will compile the client challenges and industry solution case studies submitted for the Leaders' Exchange into a publicly available resource. It will showcase proven approaches and help accelerate their adoption across the industry. ACA will also use the insights to advance its work across its four priorities: restoring trust and integrity; setting up projects for success; a fair, safe and productive industry; and a future-ready industry.
ACA is now calling for more solution case studies to grow this resource. Contractors, consultants, suppliers, clients and asset owners are invited to share a recent initiative, reform or project that has demonstrably improved delivery outcomes.
The post event report and case study template are available at www.foundationsandfrontiers.com.au/movement
About us:
The Australian Constructors Association is the only representative body for contractors delivering vertical and horizontal construction projects, as well as undertaking infrastructure asset management. Our members construct and service the majority of major infrastructure projects built in Australia every year. Our goal is to create a more sustainable construction industry.
Contact details:
Megan Anderson, Head of Media and Communications
ph: 0475 978 478 / e: [email protected]
