Roseville is poised for a wave of new apartment development following the NSW Government's rezoning of land around Roseville Station under its Transport Oriented Development program.

The new planning controls have unlocked significant development potential within walking distance of the station, with a number of sites expected to be amalgamated and redeveloped in the coming years as developers seek to take advantage of the increased density allowances.

One of the more restrained developments in the precinct, and set among the first to be delivered having commenced well before the recent changes, is Hyecorp's Juliet. The boutique apartment project is already well under construction and remains on track to welcome residents by the end of the year, offering a markedly different proposition to many of the larger-scale developments now likely to emerge across the suburb.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278194]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/juliet-roseville-64-pacific-highway-roseville-nsw-2069">Juliet</a> will comprise just&nbsp;34 one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments opposite Roseville Station. For Hyecorp, which has delivered projects across Sydney's Lower North Shore for more than three decades, Roseville presented a rare opportunity to address a growing gap in the market.

"<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/roseville-nsw-2069">Roseville</a> has long been one of the North Shore's most tightly held and desirable suburbs, offering a unique combination of village charm, established greenery, excellent transport connections, and proximity to some of Sydney's best schools and lifestyle amenities," Hyecorp said.

"We recognised a growing demand from local homeowners seeking to downsize without leaving the community they have built their lives around. The location presented a rare opportunity to create homes that cater specifically to that buyer profile."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278196]

The six-level development has been designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/pbd-architects">PBD Architects</a> as a collection of residences that feel more like homes than apartments. The brief centred generous floorplans, abundant natural light, quality finishes, and strong connections to outdoor space.

PBD Architects drew inspiration from Roseville's established garden suburb character, creating a building that sits comfortably within its surroundings rather than dominating them. The architecture incorporates natural materials, soft forms, layered landscaping, expansive balconies, and generous setbacks to strengthen the connection between residents and the suburb's leafy environment.

"The focus was on designing spacious, house-like residences for discerning owner-occupiers and downsizers who wanted to remain on the North Shore without compromising on comfort, privacy, or design," PBD said.&nbsp;

"Every apartment was to feel considered, timeless, and highly functional."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278195]

Inside, residences feature engineered timber flooring, stone kitchen benchtops and splashbacks, integrated Fisher &amp; Paykel appliances, ducted air conditioning, and large outdoor entertaining areas designed to take advantage of district and treetop views.

Residents will also have access to a rooftop barbecue and lounge area, alongside practical amenities including parcel lockers, EV charging capability, bicycle storage, a dog wash bay, and a basement car wash facility.

The majority of purchasers so far have been local owner-occupiers from Roseville, Lindfield, Chatswood, Killara, and the broader Upper North Shore, many of whom are transitioning from larger family homes.

"Buyers are looking for spacious, house-like apartments that allow them to downsize without feeling like they are sacrificing comfort or functionality," Hyecorp noted.

"They value large kitchens, generous living areas, ample storage, quality finishes, secure parking, lift access, and low-maintenance living."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=7395 project_image_fid=278204]

Juliet sits directly opposite Roseville Train Station and within walking distance of Roseville Village, while Chatswood's retail and dining precinct is only minutes away. The development is also surrounded by some of Sydney's most established schools, including Roseville College, Ravenswood, Pymble Ladies' College, and Knox Grammar, as well as nearby parklands and golf courses.

Juliet is currently more than 75 per cent sold ahead of its anticipated completion in late 2026.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=7395]

Joel Robinson

Juliet to sit quietly amid Roseville apartment boom

Sherpa Property Group has unveiled the third instalment of its Flourish series, securing full approval for the two-tower, $500 million Flourish Soleira development in Palm Beach.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/flourish-soleira-1150-1154-gold-coast-highway-palm-beach-qld-4221">Flourish Soleira</a> will rise from a prominent site in the commercial heart of Palm Beach, the long-time home of Cash Converters and a range of local retailers.

The project will introduce a new retail and dining precinct at ground level, beneath 286 apartments.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370959]

“We’re very committed to not only providing affordable residential offerings that are much needed in Palm Beach, but also delivering a vibrant new commercial heart that complements the extraordinary growth of the southern Gold Coast,” Sherpa Property Group founder Christie Leet said.

The development will sit under Sherpa's Flourish brand, which is aimed at providing a pathway into the beachside suburb for locals, first-home buyers and downsizers. In a move designed to assist first-home buyers entering the market, Sherpa has reserved all one and two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments exclusively for eligible first-home buyers.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=370964]

“Our vision through Flourish is to create a vibrant retail and lifestyle focal point within the Palm Beach centre zone, delivering thriving communities underpinned by lifestyle-rich locations,” Leet said.

“So far, Flourish has been an incredible success, and we hope to carry this momentum as we progress the next two Flourish projects in Palm Beach.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=150017 project_image_fid=371430]

Located across 1150-1164 Gold Coast Highway and 3 Sixth Avenue, the development will comprise two towers. The northern tower will deliver 154 apartments, while the southern tower will add a further 132 residences, helping address ongoing demand for new apartments in the tightly held coastal suburb.

Flourish Soleira will also feature the most extensive rooftop amenity offering ever delivered in Palm Beach.

The two towers will be connected by a skybridge, with residents gaining access to a rooftop recreation deck featuring a full-width swimming pool, hot and cold plunge pools, wellness spaces, a gymnasium, private dining facilities, massage treatment rooms, barbecue areas, a basketball court, golf simulator, indoor and outdoor dining spaces, sun lounges and extensive landscaping.

LPS Group is expected to start construction later this year.

Sherpa is already well advanced on construction of its debut Flourish project, Flourish Amargo, located just around the corner from Soleira. Meanwhile, Flourish Oasis, positioned opposite Amargo, recently commenced construction and has nearly sold out its collection of 47 apartments.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=150017]

Sherpa unveils $500m mixed-use Palm Beach precinct, Flourish Soleira

Are mortgage holders set to get a reprieve from the RBA in 2026?

Big Four bank NAB believes so. They are now expecting the next move from the RBA to be a cut, rather than a hike, which they had pencilled in for August. They are unsure of the timing of the cut however, they note in their latest&nbsp;NAB Economics RBA Watch.

NAB Chief Economist, Dr Sally Auld, said recent data suggests the economy has lost momentum and the outlook for rates has shifted, noting that the broader economic backdrop has changed since earlier in the year.

“The next move in the cash rate is likely to be down, but the timing is uncertain," Dr Auld said.

"In February, growth was above trend, the economy was operating above capacity and there was uncertainty over the restrictiveness of rates. None of these conditions exist today,” she outlined.

Dr Auld said recent data pointed to softer momentum across the economy while acknowledging that at the same time, uncertainty remains a key feature of the outlook.

“Both Q1 GDP data and the NAB business survey suggest momentum in the economy has slowed, meaning that growth has likely peaked for the cycle. That said, we are cognisant there is still considerable uncertainty around the outlook, both with respect to activity and inflation.”

Dr Auld said inflation risks and labour market outcomes would be important to watch.

“On the prices side, we are still forecasting above target core inflation through to mid-2027. Margins will compress and weaker labour market outcomes are a risk.”

She said tighter financial conditions are expected to weigh on housing and activity.

“Tighter financial conditions will be reflected in a slowing in house price growth and housing credit growth. In summary, we have greater conviction that the next move in rates is down, but less conviction on the timing.”

Mortgage relief? NAB forecasts RBA rate cut, not hike, after softer economic conditions

A local downsizer has splashed $6.5 million on a penthouse in Perifa's Alex &amp; Willow development in Crows Nest. 
&nbsp; 
The purchaser sold their long-held family home in the area before embarking on a six-month search for the right apartment. After inspecting a range of options across the Lower North Shore, the buyer returned to <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/alex-willow-crows-nest-82-90-alexander-street-crows-nest-nsw-2065">Alex &amp; Willow</a>. 
&nbsp; 
The buyer profile reflects the project’s broader purchaser mix. <a>Alex &amp; Willow</a> has attracted predominantly local downsizers looking to transition from larger homes without compromising on space or quality, alongside a smaller cohort of upsizers and investors drawn to the project’s location and design credentials. 
&nbsp; 
The milestone sale comes as the project, developed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/perifa">Perifa</a>&nbsp;and delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/versatile-made-construction">Versatile Construction</a>, both part of Versatile Group, reaches 60 per cent sold.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=371325] 
&nbsp; 
Eddie Mansour, Managing Partner of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/ray-white-projects">Ray White Projects</a>, said the result demonstrates not only a headline price but also depth of demand. 
&nbsp; 
“This is an exceptional outcome and a clear reflection of sustained buyer demand for premium, well-located downsizer product,” Mansour said.

“We’re seeing a consistent pattern of local homeowners selling family residences and reinvesting into high-quality apartments that allow them to remain within their community. Alex &amp; Willow has resonated strongly with this group because it offers genuine scale, thoughtful design and immediate proximity to the village.” 
&nbsp; 
The sale reflects a broader and consistent trend of local downsizers actively seeking high-quality, low-maintenance residences close to established village centres. Agents report that demand for this product type has remained resilient, particularly where developments offer a rare combination of scale, design quality and walkable amenity. 
&nbsp;&nbsp; 
Fabrizio Perilli, Managing Director of Perifa and Versatile Group, said the sale marks a defining moment for the project. 
&nbsp; 
“The penthouse sale is a strong endorsement of the quality we have delivered, alongside our partners, and the clear demand from local downsizers for premium, boutique residences in this location,” Perilli said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
“Most importantly, we’re proud to see the Alex &amp; Willow community beginning to take shape. As we move closer to completion, we’re looking forward to welcoming residents and seeing the project come to life.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=6680 project_image_fid=338516] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/nettletontribe">Nettleton Tribe</a> with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/richards-stanisich">Richards Stanisich</a>, Alex &amp; Willow is a boutique collection of generously sized two- and three-bedroom residences in the heart of Crows Nest village.&nbsp;

Completion is slated for early 2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=6680]

Alex & Willow, Crows Nest penthouse sells off the plan for $6.5 million

Fresh from launching the first stage of its Wollongong precinct, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-wollongong-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, builder-developer Urban Property Group has unveiled plans for the next phase of the masterplanned community.

Now on public exhibition through the NSW Government's Housing Delivery Authority pathway is a State Significant Development Application for a further 657 homes on the prominent gateway site opposite Beaton Park.

The proposal comprises three buildings, including two build-to-sell towers rising 25 and 30 storeys, delivering 391 apartments, alongside a 12-storey co-living building with 266 residences, making it one of the largest co-living proposals currently planned in regional New South Wales.

Of the apartments proposed in the build-to-sell towers, the majority, 310, are two-bedroom dwellings. The balance comprises 44 one-bedroom apartments and 37 three-bedroom residences. Apartment sizes range from around 50 sqm for one-bedroom homes to approximately 90 sqm for three-bedroom apartments.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="19347059-1612-41a0-9c74-b86a657237f8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%2010.02.18%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=sWXnaCcA.cIC6N8YT1dg5pJ2e1V3Z6z7" />

The submission says the proposal has evolved significantly from its original Housing Delivery Authority application following extensive consultation with the State Design Review Panel and Wollongong City Council.

The final scheme has been designed to align with the emerging vision for the Flinders Street Precinct, an area identified by Council as a future high-density mixed-use neighbourhood capable of accommodating substantial housing growth close to transport, employment and community infrastructure.

According to the design report prepared by COX Architecture, the development aims to "deliver a built outcome consistent with the future character of the Wollongong CBD while responding to the site's unique constraints and opportunities."

"Our vision for the next phase of the site evolution in Wollongong is grounded in three design pillars that guide the design response: place, natural environment and celebration," COX said.

"Inspired by its surroundings and grounded in the stories of place on Wodi Wodi Country, the design proposal acknowledges the established character of its setting while creating a unique and timeless identity that sits harmoniously within it.

"The design proposal responds to its specific site conditions, acknowledging the vegetation, climate, wind conditions and solar access of the site."

The architecture responds directly to the site's position between Wollongong's urban core and its natural landscape setting.

COX identified views towards Mount Keira and the Illawarra Escarpment as defining features of the site, while the upper levels of the towers will also capture expansive views across the city and out to the Pacific Ocean.

The design team has positioned the tallest buildings closer to the rail corridor, where overshadowing impacts can be better managed while establishing a landmark built form on the northern approach into the city.

<img alt="Smith St" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="79580d5b-500c-4ebf-9629-797146a4a694" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202026-06-10%20at%209.51.59%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=WbTB1EKSG.KDfsfz0F3wp1QVa2oCMGR5" />

Urban Property Group secured the 11,000 sqm Smith Street site in 2022 and has since progressed plans for the broader Keira Place precinct.

Construction recently commenced on the first stage of Keira Place, which will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, alongside activated ground-floor retail and commercial space.

Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the commencement of construction marked a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected the developer's long-term commitment to regional cities.

"Today's groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong's city centre," Elias said.

"Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection."

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/nsw/groundbreaking-marks-start-of-construction-at-keira-place-in-wollongong-cbd">Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD</a>

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Urban Property Group unveils trio of towers for next stage of new Wollongong precinct, Keira Place

Construction

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
Understanding the chain which leads to future property supply is an important consideration before deciding to invest in to a market.
Forecasting future property supply is arguably the single most difficult task for property analysts.
Analytically-minded property investors enjoy statistics. While statistics do play an important role for property analysts, some statistics have greater relevance than others. And then there's the skill in being able to interpret statistics. Building approval statistics play an important role in understanding property markets.
Building approvals are a lead indicator for future property supply. ‘Approved’ does not mean ‘built’. The property supply chain is such that lot owners must (first) apply to the local government authority and have the application approved, (then) secure the necessary funding, and (finally) begin construction. The time lag from building approval through to completion of construction often ranges from six months to two years.
Building approval statistics are relevant for property investors because they have a direct impact on that relationship between demand and supply.
<img src="/images/2014/07/16/building%20approvals.jpg" alt=""> 
Generally speaking, when there are a large number of buyers (demand) at a time when the levels of supply are low, increased competition is created; price growth then occurs. Conversely, when supply is high buyers have more choice and prices are discounted.
A lot of property investors don't understand the lag affect that building approvals have on property values. An investor might purchase in to a market a buoyant market and neglect to study the supply chain. Supply might be tight at the time of purchase however there might also be a large volume of new properties literally 'on the drawing board' and slated for construction completion in the near future. A much softer market might be just around the corner.
Take a look at Western Australia's building approval graph (remembering that 75% of WA's population is based in Perth). The volume of building approvals eased during 2010 and 2011. The lag affect of the declining number of new properties coming on to the market was one significant reason why Perth experienced above-average price growth in 2012 and 2013.
A significant rise in building approvals in Perth during 2013 means that a lot more supply is hitting the market this year.
Property developers will always find a way to build (their livelihood demands on it). A healthy construction industry generally means a healthy economy however there will always be a fine line to building too much. And statistics will only enable us to look so far in to the future.
Forecasting future property supply is arguably the single most difficult task for property analysts.
Simon Pressley is managing director of <a href="https://www.propertyology.com.au/" target="_blank">Propertyology</a>, a full-time property market analyst, accredited property investment adviser, and Australia’s (REIA) Buyer’s Agent of the Year (2012+2013+2014).
</body></html>

spressley-sBoeMhannA

The property supply chain: The effect of building approvals on property values

<html><body>
In recent weeks, data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has revealed that the number of loans taken out for the purposes of construction has increased to the highest level in around four and a half years.
If we smooth the numbers out on a rolling annual basis, we can see that while an upturn is entrenched, the uptrend still remains relatively shallow at this stage, and there is much more lifting to be done here:
<img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tqj0YZO7Kec/U8oJqJk0eXI/AAAAAAAAOmc/BmOyCPYotp0/s1600/constr1.jpg">
With dwelling prices having risen over time the total value of construction loans on a rolling annual basis is getting set to break new record highs:
<img src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBdi5yNpAsg/U8oJqNmc-fI/AAAAAAAAOmY/NcXlcmhEXo4/s1600/consrt2.jpg">
Importance of this?
It's worth noting here why this is considered to be important.
Dwelling construction been extensively researched by the ABS in years gone by, and the data uncovered showed the construction industry to have a very strong multiplier effect on the economy.
One of the more depressing things about visiting Britain over the past six or seven years - apart from the ongoing under-performance of the national sporting teams, that is - has been the near total lack of cranes on the horizon. 
That's rarely a sign of a thriving economy.
Things have been picking up strongly for UK construction of late, but it's been a moribund period indeed for the construction industry.
<a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/Ausstats/abs@.nsf/94713ad445ff1425ca25682000192af2/ed6220072793785eca256b360003228f!OpenDocument" target="_blank">Here's the ABS</a> on the effect of construction on the multipliers on the wider economy in terms of output and employment in Australia:
"For every $1 million spent on construction output (houses, non-residential buildings, etc.) in 1996-97, a possible $2.9 million in output would be generated in the economy as a whole, giving rise to nine jobs in the construction industry (the initial employment effect), and 37 jobs in the economy as a whole from all effects.
"These flow-on effects are made up as follows. The initial effect of the additional construction is $1 million. The first round effect for this additional construction would be the increased value of activity of around $0.5 million in those businesses manufacturing the materials needed for the additional construction, such as concrete and steel frames.
"The businesses supplying and servicing the concrete and steel frame businesses, such as aggregate quarrying and raw steel production, experience an increased demand for their products and services. This industrial support effect is estimated to be an additional $0.4 million.
"As activity has increased in the construction industry, as well as in the suppliers to that industry and the suppliers to the suppliers, there is an increase in wages and salaries to employees in this chain. The spending of these wages and salaries induces a further round of consumption effects in other areas of the economy totaling an additional $1 million."
Multiplier of three for construction
So, there you have it: construction in Australia has a multiplier effect of close to three. That is, for every $1 million invested, an additional $3 million is generated in the economy as a whole. 
Now let's put this in its wider context.
Below is what has happened in Aussie construction over the long run. Note the gargantuan boom in engineering construction driven by the resources building boom.
This sector is set to tail off quite nastily over the coming few years, although it's not yet entirely clear how quickly that will happen. Note how construction has become overwhelming dominated by mining and resources:
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4H062eDXc9U/U8oKjO5YRII/AAAAAAAAOms/774bYa3YBso/s1600/cons3.jpg">
In terms of other building work done, the split between residential and non-residential building has tracked as follows:
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gtWrJsICYfs/U8oKvGB0FQI/AAAAAAAAOm0/-JrUJyQa-WU/s1600/CONS4.jpg">
We don't need to get bogged down too much in the headline numbers here, other than to note that if mining capital expenditure falls by 20% in the 2015 financial year (which <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/Latestproducts/5625.0Main%20Features3March%202014?opendocument&amp;tabname=Summary&amp;prodno=5625.0&amp;issue=March%202014&amp;num=&amp;view=" target="_blank">forecasts suggest</a> may well eventuate), and does something similar again in the following financial year too, this leaves a monster hole in the Australian economy to somehow be filled.
Only one shining light exists in the state economies at the moment for infrastructure and dwelling construction, that being New South Wales, which is busily tackling its infrastructure and dwelling deficit:
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GSjRk0aOP2A/U8oPWO50R4I/AAAAAAAAOnI/YQx8kQ8oq0o/s1600/NSW+cwd.jpg">
Article continues on the next page. Please click below. 
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
States which need to rebalance?
The implication of the mining and resources construction boom detailed on the previous page is that the Aussie economy has gotten itself quite dramatically out of balance.
In the March 2014 quarter the total value of engineering construction seasonally adjusted at around $31,850 million was way, way bigger than the total value of building at closer to $21,750 million.
This means that some states are going to face very significant challenges when the mining construction drops away.
The quarterly engineering construction figures by state clarify which which states - Queensland and Western Australia in particular - are going to face an uphill struggle in the coming years.
Those two states have benefited greatly from the boom, so they face more of a challenge from the forthcoming downturn:
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o2yTIzIBqpE/U8ouGvfyJNI/AAAAAAAAOnc/-GshYS_mTcY/s1600/BWDa.jpg" style="line-height: 1.3em;">
This is especially so because when you look at the uplift in building work done in this cycle only New South Wales to date has shown any real sign of thriving. These figures are not seasonally adjusted so the next seasonal uplift will be key, but it's clear that Western Australia has hit a plateau, Victoria's house building boom was last decade's news and something is not working as it should be in Queensland in terms of building work. South Australia and the minnow states are floundering, and in any case they aren't going to add much value in chain volume measures terms:
<img src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-maZf5-kXmds/U8ouGnGYKhI/AAAAAAAAOnY/q4Z8QSzDQ-w/s1600/BWD1.jpg">
This something to be wary of when commentators start talking up the Brisbane property market with the usual hyperbole this year, stating that it is "due for a boom".
Look, maybe, yes, and the general consensus is that Brisbane offers relatively good bang for the buck and the outlook for the property markets over the the next few years appears bright. But equally it always pays to be careful of the shallow property market commentary which takes little (or more typically zero) account of what is actually happening in relation to these huge structural shifts in the Aussie economy. Yes, there is an argument for dwelling prices to rise strongly in response to low interest rates, but as a general rule people don't buy property when they don't have jobs, and there is a major rebalancing challenge lying right ahead in the Aussie economy, especially in the mining states. You'd need rocks in your head to call a sustainable property boom while taking no account whatsoever of what the wider economy and labour markets are up to. It's one to watch carefully. Rates to fall lower still 
The charts detailed above show quite clearly that the hole left by mining construction can't readily be filled only by building more houses and a moderate level of infrastructure.
Net exports need to increase, which they indeed have been doing, albeit in the face of lower commodity prices. Household consumption needs to increase, which it was doing quite nicely, but then appears to have stalled again post-budget.
With the economy looking likely to tread water in Q2 (the unpredictable effect of inventories left aside), futures markets are quickly getting around to realising that the next move in interest rates must be down. To me another rate cut is looking more and more likely by the week. Pencil in a likely interest rate cut before Xmas, for my money.
You can visit <a href="https://allenwargent.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">AllenWargent</a> property buyers (London, Sydney) or Pete's <a href="https://petewargent.blogspot.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">blog</a>.
His latest book is '<a href="https://www.bigskypublishing.com.au/Books/General-Interest/Four-Green-Houses--and-a-Red-Hotel/1015/productview.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Four Green Houses and a Red Hotel</a>' .
</body></html>

pwargent-M4siyDbqQY

Why residential construction is so important to the Australian economy

<html><body>
Australia's top 20 hotspots for both population growth and residential construction have been identified by the Housing Industry Association Economics Group in their Population and Residential Building Construction report.
To make the list, suburbs were required to have a population growth rater faster than the national average, as well as approved residential building work in excess of $100 million, for regions in New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria and Western Australia, or in excess of $50 million for South Australia. The Northern Territory and ACT were required to record over $20 million. In Tasmania the threshold was $5 million.
The report notes that with such a high population growth at a national level, or 1.8%, just 698 suburbs came above this, with just 50 falling into the required building work level.
“In terms of building work approved, the Waterloo-Beaconsfield area in Sydney’s inner south recorded the greatest value of new residential work approved with $513.2 million during the year. Being an area with a relatively large population already, the 4.6% growth in the population in 2012/13 is impressive but is not sufficient to rank among the top 20 hot spots nationally,” the report explains.
“Three new suburbs in the ACT took out the top three spots on the list this year, with Crace leading the way followed by Bonner (top of last year’s list) and Casey. All three of these areas recorded population growth in excess of 40% in 2012/13. The high rate of growth reflects a stage in the emergence of a new suburb whereby households are moving into their new homes in an area which had previously been unoccupied vacant land.”
This is therefore an irregular situation seeing ACT take out the top three spaces, and if they had not then Victoria’s Brunswick East, Craigieburn-Mickleham and Queensland’s Clinton-New Auckland would have achieved bottom spaces on the top 20.
Their top 20 hotspots (Statistical Area Level 2):
<ol>
<li><a href="/news">Crace</a> ACT (58.1%) </li>
<li><a href="/news">Bonner</a> ACT (43.3%) </li>
<li><a href="/news">Casey </a>ACT (40.6%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Melbourne </a>VIC (22.7%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Abbotsford </a>VIC (19.7%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Forrestdale</a>/<a href="/news">Harrisdale</a>/<a href="/news">Piara Waters</a> WA (19.1%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Cranbourne East</a> VIC (16.5%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Baldivis </a>WA (15.8%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Docklands </a>VIC (15.3%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Yanchep </a>WA (14.8%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Parklea</a>/<a href="/news">Kellyville Ridge</a> NSW (13.3%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">South Morang</a> VIC (12.6%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Truganina </a>VIC (11.0%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Cobbitty </a>– <a href="/news">Leppington </a>NSW (10.8%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Ellenbrook </a>WA (9.3%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Homebush Bay</a>/<a href="/news">Silverwater </a>NSW (9.2%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Epping </a>VIC (9.1%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Deeragun </a>QLD (8.9%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">North Lakes</a>/<a href="/news">Mango Hill </a>QLD (8.8%)</li>
<li><a href="/news">Point Cook</a> VIC (8.7%)</li>
</ol>
Source: HIA
Interestingly, the report also notes that there have been strong leading indicators of activity in New South Wales and Western Australia, as well as improving signs for Queensland.
These developments, however, are past this report’s cut off and will perhaps alter the list in next year’s.
</body></html>

jduke-EHk3XBmHkn

List of the day: Top 20 building and population hotspots

<html><body>
The Housing Industry Association’s Housing Scorecard report has found that New South Wales is a strong performer, having rapidly turned around over the past six months.
HIA chief economist Harley Dale said that the rapid turn of fortunes for New South Wales is evident.
“Six months ago we noted there was momentum building in NSW and this has been confirmed by the latest analysis. NSW is now the second strongest residential building market in the country, having been ranked number five only six months earlier,” said Dale.
“Much of the recovery in NSW can be attributed to the surge in activity in the multi-unit sector, but the detached home market in NSW ranks among the strongest in the country. The renovations market remains a soft spot for NSW, but there are signs that conditions in this part of the market are improving,” he said.
Western Australia topped the overall ranking, ahead of New South Wales, and these two states hold the lead strongly.
However, while it’s positive news for New South Wales and Western Australia, it remains less so for Tasmania – recording the weakest residential building sector in the country.
“This is an unenviable position the state has now held for six consecutive quarters. There have been some signs of improving conditions in the Tasmanian economy, but we are yet to see this flow through into the residential building sector,” he said.
The ACT, Victoria and the Northern Territory are very close in the middle of the group, with South Australia and Queensland seeing improvement but remaining just slightly more subdued.
</body></html>

New South Wales detached home building strongest in country: HIA

<html><body>
It's time once more to take the pulse of Melbourne's development scene, with another installment of the Apartments.com.au Crane Census. Akin to the <a href="http://rlb.com/publications/rlb-crane-index-4th-edition-2014/" target="_blank">RLB Crane Index</a>, the Apartments.com.au version assesses the location of tower cranes throughout metropolitan Melbourne as opposed to the RLB Crane Index which concentrates on Melbourne's inner suburbs, hence providing a more comprehensive report of what is being built and where.

By pooling varied resources and conducting a physical count, we believe the census to be accurate to within 1-2 units.

<h2>By the numbers: The Apartments.com.au crane census</h2>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width: 100%">
<thead><tr>
<th>Locality</th>
			<th>All</th>
			<th>Residential</th>
			<th>Commercial</th>
			<th>Health/Institutional</th>
		</tr></thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne CBD</td>
			<td>14</td>
			<td>10</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne LGA / Docklands</td>
			<td>12</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne Southbank</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Melbourne Carlton/Parkville</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>5</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Port Phillip</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>4</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Stonnington</td>
			<td>16</td>
			<td>13</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Boroondara</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>3</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yarra</td>
			<td>15</td>
			<td>13</td>
			<td>-</td>
			<td>2</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Manningham / Whitehorse</td>
			<td>7</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>1</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>North &amp; West</td>
			<td>8</td>
			<td>6</td>
			<td>2</td>
			<td>-</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>South &amp; East</td>
			<td>11</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>5</td>
			<td>1</td>
		</tr>
<tr>
<td>Total</td>
			<td>107 (100%)</td>
			<td>75 (70%)</td>
			<td>20 (19%)</td>
			<td>12 (11%)</td>
		</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h2>Highlights</h2>

<ul>
<li>Ten tower cranes currently on health related projects with five alone for the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.</li>
	<li>The equivalent count last year saw residential projects account for 67% or tower cranes in use.</li>
	<li>The current figure has increased to 70% as tower cranes become more common on smaller scale residential projects, and is expected to continue growing.</li>
	<li>Commercial tower crane use has risen marginally from 17% to 20% over the equivalent period.</li>
	<li>The breadth of tower crane placement has never been greater, from Tullamarine to Ringwood to Frankston.</li>
</ul>
<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7325.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="The most recent arrival, Caelli's Eastland lifter"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="416" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7325.jpg?itok=CuhM9NnP" title="The most recent arrival, Caelli's Eastland lifter" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>The most recent arrival, Caelli's lifter for Probuild's Eastland redevelopment</figcaption></figure><h2>All in the timing</h2>

Melbourne's large crane count is a reflection of the success of relatively new tower crane operator, Clark Cranes. This half yearly census shows that in excess of 20 Raimondi tower cranes with Clark Cranes' blue and yellow trim are distributed throughout greater Melbourne, with only two of their tower cranes found within City of Melbourne.

Having been a mobile crane operator for some time, Clark Cranes evidently read the tea leaves perfectly and entered the tower crane hire market a few short years ago at a point when low and mid-rise residential projects were proliferating throughout greater Melbourne. The niche service they provide in smaller scale tower cranes for predominantly residential projects has clearly resonated with many of Melbourne's smaller builders.

<figure><a class="colorbox colorbox-insert-image" href="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/pictures/article-images/img_7363.jpg" rel="gallery-all" title="A typical Clark Cranes project - Blu Apartments Edithvale"><img alt="" class="image-article-full-width-580px" height="395" src="/sites/urbanmelbourne.info/files/styles/article_full_width_580px/public/pictures/article-images/img_7363.jpg?itok=0ss0ReGw" title="A typical Clark Cranes project - Blu Apartments Edithvale" width="580"></a>

<figcaption>A typical Clark Cranes project - Blu Apartments Edithvale</figcaption></figure><h2>Looking ahead</h2>

As has been the norm for some years there's no shortage of upcoming projects warranting tower cranes of all sizes. Over the months to come hubs of construction such as Doncaster, Box Hill and Fitzroy can expect additional cranes while Clayton can expect a potential count of 5-7 tower cranes by year's end due to imminent residential, education and health projects.

Within the CBD a number of cranes will continue their upward journey while a batch of new cranes will grace the cities skies for large-scale projects such as Light House, Victoria One Melbourne and 35 Spring Street. This new wave will emerge into the new year, just in time for the next Apartments.com.au crane count.
</body></html>

silvermb

The biannual Urban.com.au crane census - July 2014

<html><body>
Not long before the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released building approvals data for May 2014, the Reserve Bank Governor (RBA) Glenn Stevens completed a presentation in Hobart.
Within that presentation Glenn Stevens stated: “It would in my opinion be good, for a range of reasons, if it did persist for a while. If the next couple of years saw an unremarkable performance on prices, and construction staying at the higher levels that will clearly be reached over the coming year, it would be an outcome that would contribute to a balanced growth path for the economy and to housing more people at manageable cost.”
This was made in the knowledge that home values rose by 10.1% over the 20-13/14 financial year and following three consecutive monthly falls in dwelling approvals between February and April 2014.  Luckily the May data which was released last week showed a 9.9% rise over the month.  Dwelling approvals are now 14.3% higher year on year.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3440" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Chart-1.jpg" alt="Chart 1" width="500" height="181">
After three consecutive monthly falls in dwelling approvals it was looking as if the much vaunted rebound in housing construction was running out of puff (approval is the initial step before construction can commence).
Of course, we don’t want to get too carried away with a one month bounce but it was encouraging to see that the fall in dwelling approvals has, at least for the moment, not continued. Total dwelling approvals in May were 14.3% higher than a year ago with house approvals 14.0% higher and unit approvals 14.5% higher.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3441" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Chart-2.jpg" alt="Chart 2" width="500" height="180">
The data is inherently volatile on a month to month basis so I like to also note the annual number of dwelling approvals. Over the 12 months to May 2014, there were 191,088 total dwelling approvals, 107,291 of which were for houses and 83,799 which were for units. 
The annual number of dwelling approvals is at their highest level since there were 192,614 dwelling approvals over the 12 months to December 1994.  Let’s not understate this, the rebound in dwelling approvals is strong and much needed after years of ongoing insufficient supply additions. 
The challenge from here will be what proportion of these approvals actually end up moving to construction and then ultimately completion.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3443" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Chart-31.jpg" alt="Chart 3" width="500" height="180">
Focussing on the capital cities, it is encouraging that there has been a significant rise in dwelling approvals across these areas where supply issues are generally most dire. 
On a rolling annual basis, there were 141,845 capital city dwelling approvals over the 12 months to May 2014.  Of these approvals, 68,455 were for houses while 73,390 were for units.  Note that at a national level dwelling approvals for houses still outnumber units however units outnumber houses in the capital cities highlighting the direction that new development is heading in most of our capital cities.
The annual number of capital city house approvals as at May 2014 was 19.6% higher than over the corresponding 12 month period in 2013. Capital city house approvals are at their highest level since the 12 months to February 2011 when 69,524 houses were approved.  
Capital city unit approvals are 23.4% higher than they were a year earlier and are only slightly lower than their record high level of 73,835 unit approvals over the 12 months to March 2014.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3444" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Chart-4.jpg" alt="Chart 4" width="500" height="183">
Across individual capital cities the annual number of dwelling approvals is higher across each city except for Darwin. The greatest annual lift in dwelling approvals has been recorded in Brisbane and Sydney. Anyone that has visited either of these cities recently would have seen plenty of residential construction taking place and it seems that there is a significant additional pipeline of residential construction to come.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3445" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Chart-5.jpg" alt="Chart 5" width="500" height="180">
As you can see from the above chart, across each of the major capital cities there has been an upswing in dwelling approvals.  The most significant upswing has occurred in Sydney and Brisbane however, the number of approvals remains much higher in Sydney and Melbourne than in all other cities. 
The number of dwellings approved for construction is at an all-time high currently in Perth, is very close to its record high in Sydney and at its highest level since the 12 months to June 2004 in Brisbane.
<img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3447" src="https://blog.rpdata.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Chart-61.jpg" alt="Chart 6" width="500" height="180">
We mentioned earlier about the shift towards unit approvals as opposed to house approvals which is much more prominent in capital cities than nationwide. 
The above chart highlights the proportion of dwelling approvals which are for units as opposed to houses over time.  As already noted over the 12 months to May 2014, 51.7% of all capital city dwelling approvals were for units.  In Sydney (69.4%), Melbourne (52.4%), Brisbane (57.2%), Darwin (58.6%) and Canberra (62.9%) a majority of approvals are for units rather than houses. 
In the remaining three cities 31.1% of approvals are for units in Adelaide, 23.9% in Perth and 13.6% in Hobart. I have little doubt that particularly in Perth we will see a growing proportion of approvals for units rather than houses over the coming years.
The May dwelling approvals data showed an encouraging rebound following three consecutive monthly falls.  Keep in mind that Glenn Stevens wants to see higher construction levels over the next few years and that will be the real challenge. 
If consumer sentiment continues to languish and if and when home value growth slows there will be much less certainty around the viability of new residential developments.  Maintaining high levels of new residential approvals (and construction) over the next few years will be no easy feat.
</body></html>

ckusher-ujnxiKuFQs

Encouraging rebound in dwelling approvals, but how many will end up being constructed?

<html><body>
New home sales fell 4.3% in May, according to the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
The decline, recorded in HIA’s New Home Sales Report, which surveys Australia’s largest volume builders, is the first recorded this year.
<img src="/images/2014/06/30/hia-juune-30-one.gif" alt="">
According to Harley Dale, HIA’s chief economist, new home sales may have reached their peak for the current cycle.
“The overall profile for new home sales is a healthy one, given that May marks the first decline in new home sales this year,” said Dale.
“Sales grew by 3.8% over the three months to May 2014 to be up by 21.0% compared to the same period in 2013.
“Further upward momentum may be a challenge and it is a distinct possibility that new home sales have peaked for the cycle,” he said.
“The volume of new home sales nevertheless remains consistent with further growth in detached house building and the continuation of historically elevated levels of multi-unit construction in 2014/15.
“Detached house construction has the potential to grow faster in 2014/15 than in 2013/14, but land supply constraints are again being exposed in this current upcycle, including a shortage of titled land in Sydney and Perth,” noted Dale.
“Inadequate land supply is one prominent example of supply side constraints preventing new home construction reaching its full potential, highlighting the need for a focus on housing policy reform.”
Sales for detached new houses decreased by 2.2% nationally over May, but were up by 5.7% for the quarter to May. Multi-unit sales also fell for the month, by 16.1%. For the three months to May, multi-unit sales were down 6.2%.
In Victoria, detached house sales were up by 3.3%, and 0.5% in Queensland for May. On a monthly basis, detached house sales were down 6.7% in Western Australia, 5.8% in South Australia and 5.4% in New South Wales.
</body></html>

jrichardson-uRX5hFdKfN

Current cycle peak concerns as new home sales down for first time in 2014: HIA

<html><body>
The number of people running businesses in the construction industry rose slightly in the year to February 2014, following a dramatic drop in the previous year.
Around the country, 242,500 people ran construction industry businesses in February 2014, 0.5% more than at the same time last year, according to the Bankwest Business Trends Report, which analysed Australian Bureau of Statistics labour force data.
The increase coincided with a rise in dwelling approvals, with the Australian Bureau of Statistics reporting a 23.2% increase in dwelling approvals over the year to February 2014. However, approval rates have slowed since then with the latest ABS data revealing a 5.6% drop in approvals from March to April, following a 3.5% decline between February and March.
The increase in the number of construction sector businesses came as a result of growth in Victoria and Queensland, the Bankwest Report found.
There was a 9.8% increase in the number of workers running construction industry businesses in Victoria over the year.
“Victoria is a much sought-after place to live, with trends showing that more Australians are moving into the state every year. That has huge implications for development which has helped deliver significant growth in the construction industry,” said Bankwest executive general manager of business banking Sinead Taylor.
In Queensland, 49,600 people ran their own construction industry business in February 2014, up 1.5% compared with the same time in 2013. This was still 23.5% lower than five years ago.
The establishment of 1200 new construction businesses in the year to February 2014, did little to make up for the 21,250 drop in the number of construction sector businesses over the previous year.
While the construction industry still accounts for the largest number of business owners around the country, with 23.9% of workers who run their own businesses engaged in that sector, numbers are down by 12.4% over the past five years and 2.8% over the past decade.
The number of construction industry business owners in Western Australia fell by 4% in the year to February 2014. In NSW, there were 2.8% fewer business owners in the sector, while in South Australia there was a 1.4% decline in construction sector businesses.
More young people established construction sector businesses in the year to February 2014 with an additional 2,280 workers aged 15-24 running their own construction businesses. That represented an increase of 18.1% compared with the year before.
Across all sectors, 1,160,300 people ran their own business in February 2014, either as an own account worker or an employer. That was down by 6% compared with five years earlier, the Bankwest Report showed.
</body></html>

zfielding-GvX3Uq9KTa

Construction businesses starting to multiply after dramatic drops in 2013

<html><body>
GUEST OBSERVATION
It is often <a href="https://theconversation.com/factcheck-does-building-hospitals-schools-and-airports-cost-more-in-australia-than-in-the-us-16540" target="_blank">argued</a> that Australia’s construction sector productivity is lower than most other developed countries, such as the US.
While there are many factors involved, Australia’s overall productivity growth is declining, something that is not economically sustainable.
A 2010 Australian government-funded <a href="https://www.acilallen.com.au/cms_files/acgbuildingsproductivity2010.pdf">report</a> concluded that accelerating the adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the building sector could improve productivity by between 6 to 9%. It also found that concerted government support for the use of BIM by architects, engineers, builders, contractors, owners and facility managers involved in a building’s life cycle would increase BIM adoption in 2025 by 6 to 16% and produce an economic benefit equivalent to A$5 billion added to Australia’s GDP.
More recently the Productivity Commission, in its draft <a href="/news">report</a> on public infrastructure, recommended government clients look to BIM to help lower bid costs, and require tender designs to be submitted using BIM to reduce overall costs.
What is BIM?
Building Information Modelling has a wide range of definitions depending on its application, but one <a href="https://www.canbim.com/about-canbim-0/faq-1">agreed</a> definition is: "a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility. BIM is a shared knowledge resource for information about a facility forming a reliable basis for decisions during its life-cycle; defined as existing from earliest conception to demolition."
<img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/50213/width668/zpsnqtf2-1401858403.jpg" alt="">
A Building Information Model linking 3D with the project schedule leads to 4D. 5D consists of 4D together with cost modelling. More dimensions such as facility management, safety and environmental impacts can be added to create nD. Xiangyu Wang
BIM offers a shared platform where people can collaborate with each other horizontally and vertically along the different stages of the project lifecycle. It allows all members of a construction team to generate the characteristics and functionalities of their building, plant or road network virtually, so as to pinpoint errors before they happen on the real construction site.
The construction process at some level can be regarded as an information flow process. This is especially true for mega-construction, such as hospitals, highways, and LNG facilities.
In Australia, there has been successful use of BIM for <a href="https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/new-royal-adelaide-hospital-will-help-to-build-south-australias-future/story-fni6uo1m-1226828337517">hospitals</a>, tunnels, highways, airports, petrochemical plants, and office and residential buildings. But there is an identified industry need for BIM guidelines and case studies in the infrastructure sector in Australia, and these are currently being developed by the Australasian Joint Research Centre on BIM.
BIM has the potential to become more innovative and powerful by being integrated with other technologies such as RFID, barcode, laser scanning, augmented and virtual reality, energy and structural analysis tools, GIS/GPS, and mobile and cloud computing, Big Data analysis, and so on.
Article continues on the next page. Please click below.
<hr class="system-pagebreak">
How is BIM being used in Australia?
Australia is a laggard in terms of using BIM in the building and infrastructure sector, but we are catching up quickly. For oil and gas, we are leaders, as the oil and gas sector adopted 3D engineering and modelling decades ago, and has been continually improving its understanding and use of BIM over time.
A good example is Project Echo.
Initiated by Woodside Energy, Project Echo is a collaboration between Curtin University, Woodside and about 20 other partners representing government, clients, contractors, consultants and technology providers, with the aim of enhancing technology-enabled productivity for the entire (LNG) industry.
Through the research and innovation, it is envisaged a productivity improvement of 30% is very achievable. While Project Echo is focused on the energy sector, the research will also provide flow-on benefits to mining and infrastructure construction.
<img src="https://62e528761d0685343e1c-f3d1b99a743ffa4142d9d7f1978d9686.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/files/50204/width237/f5fzyx5v-1401857603.jpg" alt="">
Woodside Smart Tag. Xiangyu Wang
One example of how Project Echo is making an impact right now is the Woodside Smart Tag project. The new Smart Tag is not just an ordinary RFID tag, but a tag that can be integrated with other technologies including augmented and virtual reality technologies, allowing a user to communicate with equipment for the first time. The technology displays a 3D model of the component and where it fits in the construction path.
It also allows the user to locate any item, obtain background information about that item, how to assemble it, inspect it, or if necessary order a new item on the spot. This is break-through technology, because by interacting with an intelligent tag the user can communicate with each component. Each component can speak for itself, so to speak, thereby creating a smart work site.
Xiangyu Wang is professor, Woodside Chair at Curtin University.
Xiangyu Wang received funding from Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Grant (2013-2016): "Transforming liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant construction productivity through mobile computing technologies." Chief Investigators: Xiangyu Wang, Kok Lay Teo, Ryan Loxton, Martijn Truijens, awarded amount $500,000.
This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com" target="_blank">The Conversation</a>.
</body></html>

jake-cSmGT7VXVf

What is BIM and is it the future of construction?

<html><body>
A decision to bring the National Construction Code and Building Code of Australia online, for free, from 2015 has been welcomed by the Housing Industry Association.
The decision, made by the Building Minister’s Forum, will cut red tape and is a necessity for everyone in the building industry, said HIA's senior executive director building development and environment, Kristin Brookfield.
“The building code should always have been freely available online in the same manner as other state and territory regulation,” said Brookfield.
“To require builders and plumbers to pay for access to the most important compliance document for the industry is contrary to achieving the delivery of affordable housing at the highest possible standard.”
At present, a new building code is required to be purchased each year. According to the website, the cost for a hard copy and digital access is just short of $400. Online 12 day access can cost $70.
Details are expected to be finalised in coming months.
Interested in currently available online resourceS? Observer Cameron McEvoy details <a href="/expert-insights/investing/five-online-investor-resources-to-help-find-your-first-property-cameron-mcevoy">five useful tools that you can use to find your first investment property</a>.
Genworth also <a href="/news/genworth-australia-launches-free-online-lmi-toolkit">previously launched a free online toolkit</a>.
</body></html>

Construction

Editor's Picks

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News

Construction

Editor's Picks

Receive the latest news stories to your inbox

Have something to contribute?

Developments

New apartments

New townhouses

News