News

  • Architects' wellbeing supported by new guides amidst industry concerns

    NEWS

    Architects’ wellbeing supported by new guides amidst industry concerns

    A recent survey revealing a lower-than-average quality of life among architecture workers in Australia has prompted the development of a series of guides aimed at supporting the wellbeing of architects. Led ... more

  • Victorian budget allocated to accelerate supply of critical sand and hard rock

    NEWS

    Victorian budget to accelerate supply of critical sand and hard rock

    In a bid to ease cost pressures on Victoria's housing and infrastructure projects, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia (CCAA) has lauded the state's budget allocation towards expediting the approval and ... more

  • NSW govt implements new standards for development cost estimates

    NEWS

    NSW government applies new standards for development cost estimates

    The New South Wales government has announced significant changes to the estimation process for development costs in Council Applications exceeding $3 million. Effective immediately, these applications must i... more

  • Infrastructure overhaul to bridge urban-rural divide in regional Australia

    NEWS

    Infrastructure overhaul to bridge urban-rural divide in regional Australia

    In Australia, regional and rural communities have long faced challenges stemming from the urban-rural divide, including limited access to services and opportunities. However, a significant change is underway... more

  • Architects’ wellbeing supported by new guides amidst industry concerns
    14 May, 2024
  • Victorian budget to accelerate supply of critical sand and hard rock
    14 May, 2024
  • NSW government applies new standards for development cost estimates
    14 May, 2024
  • Infrastructure overhaul to bridge urban-rural divide in regional Australia
    14 May, 2024
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
WA govt invests $21.5 million to expand GTO apprentice program

WA govt invests $21.5 million to expand GTO apprentice program

The WA government is investing an additional $21.5 million to expand the Group Training Organisation (GTO) Wage Subsidy Program — immediately creating 150 new apprentice positions for the building and construction industry. The program — a joint effort of the Department of Training and Workforce Development and the Construction Training Fund — helps address skilled labour shortages in the sector. The initiative aims to accelerate home construction by providing up to $135,000 for a four-year apprenticeship, covering the average award wage for full-time apprentices in the building and construction in... more