News

  • Designing for Community: The Future of Build-to-Rent

    NEWS

    Designing for Community: The Future of Build-to-Rent

    As the housing crisis in Australia continues to intensify, the build-to-rent (BTR) sector has been identified as a housing option that may relieve the rental market. With BTR set to become the most significant ... more

  • Shortlist announced for 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards

    NEWS

    Shortlist announced for 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards

    The Australian Institute of Architects has unveiled the shortlist for the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards, showcasing the best architectural projects in the state. With a record number of entries from all... more

  • Clean up completed at Minihans Reserve following asbestos discovery

    NEWS

    Clean up completed at Minihans Reserve following asbestos discovery

    The City of Casey has completed clean-up works at Minihans Reserve — in Melbourne, Victoria — after a small sample from a mulched garden bed tested positive for asbestos. A clearance certificate has been... more

  • Sydney remains Australia's priciest city for construction

    NEWS

    Sydney remains Australia’s priciest city for construction

    Sydney continues to hold the title of Australia's most expensive city for construction, according to the 2024 International Construction Costs report by Arcadis. The report, covering 100 large cities worldwi... more

  • Designing for Community: The Future of Build-to-Rent
    24 Apr, 2024
  • Shortlist announced for 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards
    22 Apr, 2024
  • Clean up completed at Minihans Reserve following asbestos discovery
    22 Apr, 2024
  • Sydney remains Australia’s priciest city for construction
    22 Apr, 2024
Major shake-up at VBA as board members' terms expire

Major shake-up at VBA as board members’ terms expire

The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has undergone a significant shake-up as the terms of several board members expired on 6 April 2024. Chief Commissioner Michelle McLean, Carmel Coate, Sam Torre, Yvonne von Hartel, and Julia Cornwell McKean have now left the VBA. The decision by the Victorian government not to extend the terms of these board members has reduced the size of the VBA board to only a handfull of members. The changes are said to be part of a broader review and reform package for the Victorian building industry, following industry issues. Scrutiny of the VBA intensified in March 2023 ... more
NSW govt invests $62.5m in housing

NSW government invests $62.5m in housing infrastructure

The NSW government has announced a $62.5 million funding boost to accelerate housing-related infrastructure in key growth areas across the state. The funding — part of the State Voluntary Planning Agreement (SVPA) program established in 2010 — will use developer contributions to deliver state and regional infrastructure in growing areas. This latest round of funding will support projects in 12 local government areas across the Lower Hunter, Illawarra, North West and South West Growth Areas, Wollondilly, and the Central Coast. These projects are expected to support up to 135,000 new homes forecast to... more
NSW govt invests in Women in Construction Program

Gender diversity promoted through Women in Construction Program

The NSW government is increasing its support for the NSW Women in Construction Program, aiming to drive a significant shift in the construction industry by promoting greater gender diversity. As part of this initiative, several projects are testing increased targets for women in trades and non-traditional construction roles across the state. The Women in Construction Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program, currently underway, has strategically allocated funding for 16 project officers on 19 government infrastructure projects statewide. These projects include the Powerhouse Parramatta, Wentworth Point New ... more
wildfires

Protecting construction sites from wildfires

Like many parts of the world, Australia is experiencing a concerning uptick in the frequency and severity of wildfires. If the 2019–2020 bushfire season is anything to go by, it will only worsen. Since construction sites are at risk of igniting and experiencing the negative effects of wildfires, project managers and crews must take preventive measures. Why are construction sites at risk of wildfires? Construction sites are particularly vulnerable to wildfires for multiple reasons. On-site fire hazards The heavy equipment, lighting, power tools and electrical wiring present at construction sites... more
Changes to plumbing rules in WA

Changes to plumbing rules in WA take effect

Changes to Western Australia's plumbing rules are now in effect, with further reforms set to roll out next year. Building and Energy has published an industry bulletin detailing the first stage of amendments to the Plumbers Licensing and Plumbing Standards Regulations 2000. It is now an offence for someone without a plumber's licence to advertise or imply that they can carry out such work. This includes individuals not authorised to perform specific plumbing tasks. Other changes relevant to the plumbing industry now apply to definitions, licence types, recordkeeping, certification, and fees. Further ... more
Mal Lanyon APM to lead NSW Reconstruction Authority

Mal Lanyon APM to lead NSW Reconstruction Authority

NSW Police Force Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon APM has been appointed to act as the Chief Executive Officer of the NSW Reconstruction Authority. This move comes as Simon Draper PSM, the previous CEO, steps down from his role to solely focus on leading the public service as Secretary of the Premier’s Department. Deputy Commissioner Lanyon, known for leading flood recovery efforts in the Northern Rivers as the Northern NSW Recovery Coordinator in 2022, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. With an extensive career in the NSW Police Force, Deputy Commissioner Lanyon is well-equipped to lead the... more
WHS ministers finalise engineered stone prohibition implementation

WHS ministers finalise engineered stone prohibition

On 22 March 2024, WHS ministers from Commonwealth, state, and territory governments reached several key decisions regarding the upcoming prohibition on the use of engineered stone, which is set to be implemented in most jurisdictions from 1 July 2024. Chaired by the Commonwealth Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations Hon Tony Burke MP, the meeting focused on finalising implementation details for the prohibition. The agreed-upon changes include amendments to the model WHS laws to clearly define the prohibition's scope, excluding sintered stone and porcelain products that do not contain resin. ... more