Adelaide has reached a new high in construction activity, with the latest RLB Crane Index showing 29 cranes across the city and a record score of 483.
The figure puts Adelaide ahead of every other capital city in the country. Canberra recorded a score of 440, while Sydney sat at 214, Melbourne at 178, Perth at 93 and Brisbane at 88.
The latest count marks the second consecutive time Adelaide has broken its own crane record, rising from 26 cranes in the previous survey to 29. New projects are spread across residential, commercial, defence, education and hotel developments.
Housing remains the main source of activity, with 13 cranes, or 45 per cent of the city’s total, focused on residential projects. Commercial projects have risen from five cranes to seven, while the health sector has increased from five cranes to six.
Fresh additions since the last count include projects at Edinburgh RAAF Base, Festival Tower Two, Adelaide Airport and residential developments in Glenside, Bowden, Glenelg and the CBD.
One of the newest projects is Wirra Mikangka in Eastwood, where a new crane has been installed since the index was released. The $85 million build-to-rent development will include 151 apartments across a nine-storey and a five-storey building overlooking the Park Lands on the edge of the CBD.
The project is being delivered by Housing Choices South Australia and built by Hindmarsh Construction.
Of the 151 apartments, 121 will be set aside for people on low and moderate incomes, including those on the SA Single Housing Register, while 30 will be offered at market rent. The development will replace older walk-up flats and include retail and hospitality space at ground level.
Residents are expected to move in from late 2027 under a 49-year ground lease arrangement involving the SA Housing Trust, the Housing Choices South Australia and the Australian Government.
South Australia’s wider construction sector also posted strong results. Total construction work completed in the state in 2025 reached $20.7 billion, up 13.3 per cent from the previous year. Residential construction rose by 16.3 per cent, non-residential activity increased by 12.8 per cent and engineering work climbed by 11.6 per cent.
Nick Champion said the crane count showed Adelaide was leading the nation in construction activity and argued that increasing the supply of homes remained the clearest way to ease housing costs.
Mark Hayward said Wirra Mikangka reflected how construction activity could be turned into more housing close to the city, particularly for low and moderate income residents.
Dr Catherine Earl said the development would replace older housing stock with better quality homes and could help reduce pressure on the private rental market by adding below-market rental options.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
