News
The Western Australian government has announced a significant expansion of its Housing Plan, with support for over 5,500 new dwellings across the state. This initiative aims to address both immediate and long-term housing needs in WA. A substantial $16.37 million has been allocated through the Infrastructure Development Fund to support…
Gender-Neutral policies quadruple dads – Multiplex
Construction company Multiplex has reported a four-fold increase in the number of men taking primary carers leave compared to five years ago, signaling a culture shift in how parenting responsibilities are viewed and shared. According to data supplied to the Workplace Gender Equality Agency (WGEA), 34 men took primary carers…
Winners of world’s largest built environment photography competition announced
Dutch photographer Roman Robroek has made history by winning the Chartered Institute of Building's (CIOB) Art of Building photography competition for the second time, showcasing the enduring beauty of architectural structures. Robroek's winning entry, titled "Fresco School," captured an abandoned school in a remote Italian village. The image resonated strongly…
SafeWork NSW launches investigation into Burwood building collapse
SafeWork NSW has initiated an investigation into a partial building collapse that occurred on 22 January 2025 at a demolition site in Burwood, Sydney. The incident, which took place around midday at 52-56 Railway Parade, involved the collapse of a section of a multi-storey commercial property and affected scaffolding. Strong…
CTBUH announces winners of 2024 Mass Timber Student Design Competition
The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) has revealed the winners of its 2024 Mass Timber Student Design Competition, sponsored by Think Wood. The competition challenged students to design multi-storey buildings using mass timber, with a focus on affordable housing and rapid development. The first-place project, "T-LINE," was…
Western Australia launches major social and affordable housing initiative
The Western Australian government has opened expressions of interest for community housing providers to own and operate up to 1,000 new social and affordable homes across the Perth metropolitan area. The initiative is part of a $443 million investment in partnership with the federal government. Suitably qualified community housing providers…
Australian builders caution against Free TAFE Bill amid labour shortage concerns
The nation's peak building and construction industry association has urged caution regarding the Free TAFE Bill 2024, warning of potential unintended consequences and citing a lack of data to support its effectiveness. Master Builders Australia, while generally supportive of fee-free vocational education and the government's skills agenda, argues that legislating…
Civil contractor fined $33,750 for ignoring EPA clean-up notice
A Parramatta Local Court has fined Rahme Civil Pty Ltd $33,750 for failing to comply with an EPA clean-up notice and information requests following the dumping of asbestos-contaminated soil at a rural property in Fernances Crossing, Cessnock area. The incident occurred in 2023 when the company delivered contaminated fill material…