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
UDIA 2024 Awards: celebrating urban development excellence

UDIA 2024 Awards: celebrating urban development excellence

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) recently held its annual National Awards for Excellence, honouring outstanding achievements in urban development across the country. The 2024 awards program, which featured 16 award categories, aimed to celebrate quality and innovation in urban development. UDIA members from across Australia participated in the awards program, with each state division nominating one project to compete at the national level. The awards programme, which opened for submissions in early April and closed at the end of July 2024, recognised excellence in various aspec... more
Queensland govt approves venue changes for Brisbane 2032 Olympics

QLD government approves changes for Brisbane 2032 Olympics

The Queensland government has approved the majority of recommendations from the independent Sport Venue Review for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Premier Steven Miles expressed gratitude to the independent panel, stating: “No one wants to see money spent on facilities that are only needed for four weeks. Instead, this new direction will deliver decades of benefit to local schools, community athletics programs and Olympic and Paralympic athletes in 2032 and beyond.” The review, led by former Brisbane Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, received over 900 submissions and held 130 meetings with stake... more
Building industry faces labor shortage amid housing crisis

Building industry faces labour shortage and drop in apprentices

The building and construction industry is experiencing a critical labour shortage, according to Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn. Wawn highlighted the urgent need for more apprentices to start and complete their training to address the industry's growing demand for skilled workers. Wawn stated: “Over the year to September 2023, a total of 42,333 new apprentices started in the building and construction industry. This represents an appalling 25 per cent reduction on the previous 12-month period.” She emphasised that despite being the largest employer of apprentices in Australia, the buildin... more
Legislation passage to affect housing supply goals

Legislation passage risks investment in city building projects

The passing of the Treasury Laws Amendment (Making Multinationals Pay Their Fair Share - Integrity and Transparency) Bill 2023 through the Australian Senate has sparked concerns in the property sector, particularly regarding its potential impact on housing projects. The bill aims to amend Australia's thin capitalisation rules, with key changes including requiring Australian public companies to disclose subsidiary information and limiting debt deductions for multinational entities. The Senate Economics Legislation Committee recommended passing the bill with government amendments. Some of the key amendm... more
Flinders University develops sustainable concrete formula to combat ASR

Flinders University develops new concrete formula to combat ASR

Researchers from Flinders University and international institutions have developed a sustainable concrete formula that resists alkali-silica reaction (ASR) — a common issue in concrete made with recycled materials like glass and concrete aggregates. The formula, using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and fly ash as binders, mitigates ASR effects, maintaining mechanical properties and durability. Dr Aliakbar Gholampour, an expert in sustainable construction materials at Flinders University, explained: “The results of this study point to the significant potential of combining fly ash and GGBS ... more
Queensland strengthens state health and safety laws

Queensland strengthens state health and safety laws

The recent enactment of new health and safety laws marks a significant milestone in bolstering worker protection and representation in Queensland. These laws are a result of recommendations from the Review of Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the national 2018 Review of the Model Work Health and Safety Laws. The new laws introduce pivotal reforms aimed at empowering Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs). Notable changes include granting HSRs the autonomy to select their training provider and ensuring full remuneration for training attendance. Additionally, HSRs now possess clarifi... more
ITECA secures amendments to vocational education legislation

ITECA secures amendments to vocational education legislation

The Independent Tertiary Education Council Australia (ITECA) has achieved a significant milestone in its advocacy efforts, securing amendments to the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Act 2011 (Cth) through the National Vocational Education and Training Regulator Amendment (Strengthening Quality and Integrity in Vocational Education and Training No. 1) Bill 2024. These amendments prevent the Australian government from imposing a permanent ban on the establishment of new Registered Training Organisations (RTOs), a power proposed in the original bill. ITECA Chief Executive Troy Williams hi... more