The Need for Quantity Surveyors in Australia
Quantity Surveyors play a crucial role in the construction industry in Australia by managing all costs on construction and engineering projects. The demand for Quantity Surveyors or locally known in Australia as Contract Administrators, Cost Engineers, or Estimators is driven by the robust growth in construction, infrastructure development, and continued urban expansion.
Australia’s construction industry is experiencing significant growth, with large-scale infrastructure projects and urban development initiatives driving the demand for skilled professionals. The Australian government’s commitment to infrastructure development, including road, rail, and airport projects, creates a high demand for quantity surveyors.
Urban Expansion: With the population of major Australian cities expanding, there is a constant need for residential, commercial, and industrial construction. Quantity Surveyors are essential for managing the costs of these developments.
Infrastructure Projects: Major projects like the Sydney Metro, Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop, and the Western Sydney Airport require extensive cost management and financial planning. Quantity Surveyors ensure these projects are completed within budget and on time.
Sustainable Construction: The shift towards sustainable and green building practices necessitates the expertise of quantity surveyors to manage the higher initial costs associated with sustainable materials and methods while ensuring long-term financial savings.
Data Centres and Renewable Energy: The rise of the digital economy and the governments move towards sustainable construction and renewable energy construction projects.
The role of quantity surveyors in Australia is indispensable to the construction industry. Their expertise in cost management, contract administration, contract management and value engineering ensure the successful completion of projects within budget and to the required standards. As Australia continues to grow and develop its infrastructure, the demand for skilled quantity surveyors is set to remain strong, highlighting their critical role in the country’s economic and urban development.
Working as a quantity surveyor in Australia on the large volume of projects means that there is a major skills shortage which includes Quantity Surveyors on the Australian standard Classification of occupations. Which basically means if you tick all the relevant boxes on eligibility allows relocation to Australia once you have obtained the relevant visa. Professional accreditation from bodies like the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS) will enhance your Australian career prospects and help. Continuous professional development for a Quantity Surveyor could also mean completing the RICS.
Jackson Scott is currently recruiting for our clients within Australia for Cost consultancies, Dispute Resolution Consultants along with main contractors across multiple locations throughout Australia.