Overview

Across Australia, resilient infrastructure plays an essential role in supporting safer communities, stronger connectivity and long-term economic growth. DuluxGroup’s protective coating technologies contribute to the durability and lifecycle performance of critical assets exposed to harsh environments and heavy public use. From bridges and rail stations to ports, these projects demonstrate how advanced coating systems help extend asset life, improve maintenance efficiency and support more sustainable infrastructure outcomes.

Reducing Maintenance Burden and Extending Concrete Life

The new Bridgewater Bridge in Hobart is a significant change for the state’s transport infrastructure. It features new interchanges, a 3-meter-wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists and modern safety features. With the bridge now open, the project is progressing towards its completion later in 2026.

Collaborating with McConnell Dowell, Dulux Protective Coatings played a crucial role in the bridge’s construction, specifying coating systems to provide anti-graffiti protection on the new concrete surfaces. For colored anti-graffiti and anti-carbonation protection, the coatings used included a first coat of Dulux Durebild STE followed by a topcoat of Dulux Weathermax HBR. A clear anti-graffiti surface treatment of two coats of Dulux Surfaceshield HD was applied.

These solutions help reduce cleaning requirements, preserve appearance and extend the service life of concrete infrastructure.

Tailored Coating Design for Efficient Material Use

As part of Perth’s major transport infrastructure upgrades, Dulux Protective Coatings was enlisted to ensure the long-term durability of steel components at two new train stations. The METRONET Thornlie–Cockburn Link is transforming public transport in Perth’s southeastern suburbs by connecting the Armadale and Mandurah lines and adding two new stations at Nicholson Road and Ranford Road.

Given the scale and complexity of the steel structures, Dulux Protective Coatings specified coating systems tailored to suit varying environmental conditions. For exposed mild steel in medium environments, a three-layer system was used: Dulux Zincanode 402, Dulux Duremax GPE MIO for barrier durability, and Dulux Weathermax HBR for UV and color retention as a topcoat. In harsher C5-M marine environments, the same system was applied with increased film thickness for added resilience. Galvanized steel in external atmospheric corrosive environments received a primer of Dulux Durepon EZP, followed by the same intermediate and topcoat layers.

These tailored solutions demonstrate how environment-specific coating design can improve durability while supporting efficient material use.

Reducing Application Steps in Extreme Conditions

Sun, sweltering heat and cyclones – Anderson Point Wharf in Port Hedland, WA, experiences some of the harshest weather in the country. The application of Dulux Protective Coatings is safeguarding the critical infrastructure at the wharf and ensures the long-term durability of its steel infrastructure.

Fortescue Metals Group (FMG) engaged Total AMS to undertake coating remediations, beginning with abrasive blasting and cleaning of the existing coatings. This preparation was crucial to achieve optimal adhesion and curing of new protective layers. Two coats of Duremax GFX, a high-performance coating from Dulux Protective Coatings specifically designed for harsh conditions, were applied to the steel surfaces and finished in FMG’s corporate colors – neutral gray and navy blue – removing the need for additional topcoats.

By eliminating extra topcoat steps while maintaining durability, this solution supports more efficient application and long-term protection.

To learn more about DuluxGroup’s sustainability initiatives, click here.

DuluxGroup: Sustainability