Solving Site Complexity on Australia’s Biggest Builds

For more than 75 years, John Holland Group has helped shape Australia’s built environment through the delivery of complex infrastructure, transport, and building projects. With a portfolio that spans rail networks, hospitals, energy projects, and major urban developments, the business continues to evolve alongside the increasing demands of modern construction. Central to that evolution is John Holland’s commitment to digital engineering and embracing new digital tools to help build better on site. The adoption of the cmBuilder platform has been key to strengthening visual project planning, communication, and delivery outcomes.

In a recent discussion, Warren Allan, Digital Engineering Manager at John Holland, shared how digital tools are reshaping the way projects are planned and executed, particularly when it comes to site logistics and early decision making.

“Once people get in there and dip their toe into cmBuilder, everyone wants to jump right in.”

- Warren Allan - Digital Engineering Manager at John Holland

Using Digital Models as a Planning Advantage

At John Holland, digital models are far more than visual references. They are used as a forward-looking planning tool that enables teams to identify risk, test assumptions, and understand how design decisions affect construction outcomes.

Warren describes project data and models to look into the future and improve certainty across the delivery lifecycle.

“Being able to use visible geometry and data to assess risk and plan projects properly means the build runs smoother and the outcomes are better for everyone involved.”

- Warren Allan - Digital Engineering Manager at John Holland

As project complexity increases and timelines become more fluid, this ability to connect design intent with real world delivery constraints has become increasingly important. John Holland places strong emphasis on constructability, access, safety, compliance, and operational requirements to ensure projects are built as intended, not just designed on screen.

The Growing Importance of Site Logistics and 4D Planning

One of the most critical areas of focus for John Holland is site logistics planning. According to Warren, effective 4D planning is about much more than producing polished animations or marketing visuals.

“4D planning is a communication and planning tool. It needs to show how people, materials, traffic, and site conditions interact at any point in time.”

- Warren Allan - Digital Engineering Manager at John Holland

By visualising construction sequencing, temporary works, access routes, and boundary interfaces in 3D, teams can communicate complex scenarios clearly to clients, councils, and delivery teams. This level of clarity is particularly valuable on constrained urban and brownfield sites, where traditional 2D documentation often falls short.

cmBuilder as an Enabler of Better Decisions

John Holland’s adoption of cmBuilder has played a key role in enabling this approach. The platform allows teams to explore construction methodologies, test logistics strategies, and compare design options without waiting for formal model revisions.

This has proven especially valuable during tender stages, where teams can rapidly communicate different scenarios and approaches using a shared visual environment. On live projects, cmBuilder has also supported practical planning activities such as vertical transport assessments, clearance testing, and site setup validation.

According to Warren, once teams begin using the platform, the benefits quickly become clear.

“When people spend the same amount of time in cmBuilder instead of marking up 2D drawings, the quality increases and the process is far more efficient and repeatable.”

- Warren Allan - Digital Engineering Manager at John Holland

Real World Impact on Project Delivery

A strong example of cmBuilder’s impact can be seen on the Waterfront Brisbane project, where John Holland used the platform to plan and communicate pedestrian diversions during the removal and reconstruction of the Riverwalk.

By presenting the sequence in an immersive 3D environment, stakeholders were able to clearly understand how the works would affect public access and traffic interfaces. This approach eliminated confusion, accelerated approvals, and improved confidence across all parties involved.

“When people can see the environment in 3D and understand it spatially, the message is clear without needing extensive explanation.”

- Warren Allan - Digital Engineering Manager at John Holland

Leading the Industry Through Practical Innovation

John Holland’s approach to digital engineering is grounded in practicality. While the company continues to adopt advanced technologies such as prefab construction and site capture tools, the focus remains on usability and real-world value.

As Warren explains, digital engineering is ultimately about helping people succeed, not about technology for its own sake. By combining experienced teams with intuitive platforms like cmBuilder, John Holland is setting a strong example of how digital planning can deliver safer, more efficient, and more predictable project outcomes across the Australian construction industry.

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