They look like some prehistoric creatures towering over Canberra.
The six cranes working near Parliament House on the new National Security Office Precinct make for a pretty awesome sight.
And they are set to be a part of Canberra's skyline for quite some time.
The cranes are also "fully electric", so less prehistoric, more cutting edge.
The cranes are owned by Lendlease and working on the National Security Office Precinct at York Park in Barton.
The precinct, due to be completed in late 2028, will have tenants including the Office of National Intelligence and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
The finished offices will accommodate up to 5000 workers, who are expected to start moving in, progressively, from 2029.
The area will also include retail and hospitality spaces and a childcare centre.
A Department of Finance spokesperson said the precinct was the biggest Commonwealth construction project in Canberra since the development of the new Parliament House, which opened in 1988.
Lendlease Construction general manager ACT Richard Yarad said the build started in early 2025 for the Department of Finance.
The six soaring cranes are now a fixture of the site.
"With six cranes now a prominent feature of the Barton skyline, construction is well under way on the National Security Office Precinct," Mr Yarad said.
"This major project will support more than 10,000 jobs over its five-year build, including over 200 apprentices, helping to grow the next generation of skilled workers.
"Once complete, the precinct will provide a permanent accommodation solution for several Commonwealth agencies."
The cranes are often lit up at night. But they're not there to look pretty. Each crane can lift up to 24 tonnes.
"The cranes are positioned to provide coverage across the site and designated loading zones to maximise material handling to support the construction through all phases of the project," Lendlease said.
As part of the project, a multi-level car park was constructed adjacent to the John Gorton Building in Parkes. It was opened in February, 2025, replacing parking lost at York Park.
The cranes were mentioned in Senate estimates in an aside between Liberal Senator Dave Sharma and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher.
Senator Sharma said: "I noticed those six brightly-lit cranes when I drove here".
Senator Gallagher replied: "I mean, some contractors in Canberra have told me it's over-craned but I'm not experienced enough to know whether that is a legitimate criticism. And I have noticed the cranes".
The car park cost $82.1 million. The federal government says the overall cost of the precinct is "not for publication due to the commercial-in-confidence and national security sensitivities".
Under questioning by Senator Sharma, Senator Gallagher told estimates the full cost would eventually be revealed publicly
"It will be fully accounted for," she said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Finance also said the development of the precinct "will not impact the York Park Oak Tree Plantation which is included on the Commonwealth Heritage list".
