While the value of building and construction in the non-residential sector could decline by as much as 15 per cent this year across the country, the ongoing mining boom sees engineering construction continue to climb, according to construction industry forecasts to be released in April.

The April update of the ACIF Forecasts indicates that it may take some years for the rate of work in the non-residential sector to return to pre-GFC levels. However, according to ACIF, there are still bright spots for this sector in specific locales and markets across Australia.

The critical housing shortage facing the country remains, despite attempts by state governments to address structural problems. Housing approvals have been in decline for three years, and a recovery in apartment buildings is patchy.

Still the hope of the industry, business is looking better for engineering construction, particularly in WA or Queensland. Mining has well and truly resumed its sharp trajectory following the temporary lull of the GFC. Telecomms are also strong, explained in part by the NBN and partly by other related activity.

Generated by the industry peak body Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF), the next update to the renowned ACIF Forecasts will be released at ACIF’s industry meetings in April. The Forecasts anticipate the future for the construction industry, forecasting demand across all sectors.

ACIF announced that the industry is showing highly variable times are ahead. The big question, they say, is how long will the good times last? What will reduced growth targets in China mean for us? The big picture drivers of demand will be addressed at the ACIF Briefings 2-5 April 2012 in cities around Australia, with analysis from the Allen Consulting Group and Deloitte Access Economics.

Support from a new Platinum Sponsor Cbus means information included in the April update will be extended to include detailed information on capital cities and key regional markets, providing new visibility and credible business planning information for businesses of all sizes.

“This is the best possible time to so significantly extend the ACIF Forecasts,” says Peter Barda, ACIF Executive Director.

“International volatility and overall economic concern has affected all parts of the community, and our industry’s ability to withstand some changes and rise on the back of others relies upon accurate information. Cbus’s generous support right now gives vital new information that will help businesses large and small navigate through the variable times ahead.”