RLB CRANE INDEX®

The RLB Crane Index fell by six index points to 197 points in Q1 2025. The index value of 197 points is equivalent to 840 cranes across the country, down from the record high of 882 reached 18 months ago in Q3 2023.

In the last six months, 290 new cranes were added to new projects, and 313 cranes were removed from buildings nearing completion.

The large number of cranes observed correlates with national construction activity. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, construction activity within Australia increased by 2.7% (or $7.6 billion) in CY 2024 compared to CY 2023. Residential activity across the country rose by 2.7%. Non-residential activity was slightly below 2023 results, while the civil/engineering sector continued to grow by 5.8%.

The residential crane index fell from 159 index points in the last edition to 157 index points. The index represents 487 cranes, down from 492 in the last count. A total of 174 cranes were added to residential projects, with 179 removed from sites.

The non-residential index declined to 307 index points. There are 353 cranes on non-residential sites, a decrease of 17 cranes over the past six months. Non-residential cranes now account for 42% of all cranes across the country, down from the 43% recorded in the last count.

Nationally, only three cities—Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, and Wollongong – experienced a rise in cranes, while six cities recorded lower crane numbers for Q1 2025.

Sydney recorded the largest volume of changes in crane numbers, with a decrease of more than ten cranes.

On a state level, most cities (including Melbourne and Brisbane) experienced moderate changes or remained stable. Sydney, Perth, and Canberra faced a decline. Overall, the total net movement across all cities reflected a slight overall decline.

The analysis of sector movements between Q3 2024 and Q1 2025 shows significant growth in data centres and mixed-use sectors. In contrast, education, commercial, and civil sectors faced notable declines, indicating a significant contraction in these areas. Other sectors, including residential, experienced moderate changes or remained stable. These trends highlight the dynamic nature of sector movements, with some areas experiencing growth while others face challenges.