p publications, impacting building design practices, with actionable insights for your professional work.
ESSENTIAL UPDATES
Shifts in urban planning and housing policy continue across Australia this week. Major themes include Victoria's ambitious housing reforms, infrastructure investment prioritisation, innovative housing typologies, and evolving regulatory frameworks The news cycle highlights an industry navigating the balance between accelerating housing delivery, maintaining community character, and addressing housing affordability through streamlined approval processes and strategic development initiatives.
27 Feb 2025
In this newsletter you can expect:
Victorian housing reform and suburban development Infrastructure investment and major projects
Future housing innovations and design trends
Building regulations and industry challenges
VICTORIAN HOUSING REFORM AND
Victoria's housing policy landscape is evolv significant reforms announced this week T government has modified its initial suburb reducing height limits for medium-density buildings across Melbourne's middle subu the boundaries of areas earmarked for acc development. This recalibration aims to ba housing supply with suburban amenity, pa stations (The Age).
In a bold move to accelerate housing deliv Jacinta Allan and Planning Minister Sonya introduced a 'townhouse code' designed to storey developments that meet specific de initiative aims to cut planning approval tim with the Premier expressing her desire to m townhouse capital of Australia" (Herald Sun
The government has also released final cou capacity targets, warning local councils p wealthy inner areas that they will lose pla they fail to meet their allocated housing ta approach has sparked debate, with opposi describing it as stripping residents of hous councils of their ability to block inappropri (Sourceable, Herald Sun).
The February 26 "Ask a Planner Series" with Ashley Thompson focused on "What's changed in planning in Victoria over the past 12 months". Missed it? No worries. Get the recording here!
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND MAJOR PROJECTS
Infrastructure develo momentum across A significant announce and development pro Anthony Albanese ha billion toward Melbou Airport Rail link, emp accelerate this critica (Herald Sun).
In Tasmania, the stat unveiled its 10-year in featuring 442 project approximately $30 bi term investment in t development (The M
Meanwhile, property market observers are noting broader economic trends, with real estate funds giant Charter Hall reporting that while the property market upswing has begun, fewer new buildings are being constructed as costs continue to soar (The Australian).
In Western Australia, economic challenges are evident with new figures showing company collapses have surged 24%, with construction companies among the hardest hit sectors, indicating ongoing volatility in the building industry (WA Today).
Project Management Connection
The Contract Administration Workshop series (starting April 12) provides essential skills for building designers to confidently manage projects within this complex environment of rising costs, infrastructure initiatives, and economic pressures.
FUTURE HOUSING INNOVATIONS AND TRENDS
Forward-looking housing solutions are emerging as designers and planners envision the future of Australian homes. The Herald Sun reports on potential 'dramatic' changes coming to Victoria's housing by 2050, including three-storey houses, car-free streets, and centralised solar batteries in new growth areas.
In Canberra, a $260 million development in Red Hill demonstrates how new construction can successfully blend into a century-old suburb, offering insights into contextual design approaches that respect heritage while meeting contemporary needs (Canberra Times).
The potential for smaller dwellings to address housing challenges is also gaining attention, with Architecture & Design exploring whether small homes might offer a solution to Australia's housing crisis, particularly for young people seeking independence and older Australians looking to downsize.
Industry voices are also highlighting the transformative potential of architectural practice, with The Fifth Estate featuring thought-provoking perspectives on their podcast from architects like Jane Cassidy on the profession's capacity to drive meaningful change in the built environment.
March 11 "Ask an
Energy Assessment for Better Client Outcomes" workshop addresses the integration of forward-thinking energy solutions into residential design directly relevant to the emerging trends toward more sustainable housing typologies highlighted in this week's news.
IREGULATORY FRAMEWORKS AND INDUSTRY CHALLENGES
Regulatory evolution continues across multiple jurisdictions. In Tasmania, the government has announced plans to tighten regulations to crack down on "dodgy builders," with new tools for regulators to better enforce standards (The Mercury).
In the ACT, strata management has come under increased scrutiny as apartment living becomes more popular. The government has pledged to appoint a Building and Strata Commissioner to oversee the sector, following similar models in NSW and Queensland (ABC News).
Victoria's newly established "automatic approvals" system for qualifying townhouses and low-rise apartment developments has sparked intense debate, with opposition critics describing it as "stripping community rights" while the government defends it as necessary to address housing supply challenges.
The Victorian Audit Office has also highlighted concerns about major project accountability in its "Major Projects Performance Reporting 2024" review, noting persistent transparency gaps in how public entities report on project performance (Audit Victoria)
Regulatory & Climate Response Connection
The March 12 & 19 NCC 2022 Condensation Provisions workshops offer critical guidance on navigating technical building requirements. Additionally, the March 12 Climate Safe Design workshop addresses complementary adaptive approaches to building resilience in extreme weather conditions both essential as regulatory frameworks evolve and climate challenges intensify.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AND FUTURE WORK
The discourse around architectural leadership is gaining prominence, with The Fifth Estate publishing thought pieces on "the potential of architects to change the world" and featuring industry leaders discussing the profession's evolving role. These conversations highlight how architects are positioned to drive transformation while navigating competing
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR
March Highlights
Mar 6: Women of DMN Catch Up at Northside Wines
Mar 7: Women of DMN Catch Up at Next Door
Mar 11: Ask an Assessor: Strategic Energy Assessment
Mar 12 & 19: NCC 2022
Women in Design Connection
As the industry navigates these changes, the March 6 & 7 Women of DMN networking events in Melbourne, and the March 21 "Networks of Success" lunch and panel discussion in Perth provide valuable platforms for women in design to share perspectives and build supportive professional relationships during this period of industry transformation.
UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH 2025
Women of DMN Catch Up at Northside Wines
Date: Mar 6
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Northside Wines, 543-545 High St Northcote, Melbourne VIC 3070
Status: 7 day/s till Registration closes
Women of DMN Catch Up at Next Door
Date: Mar 7
Time: 12:30 PM
Location: Next Door At Omar & the Marvellous Coffee Bird, Melbourne VIC 3185
Status: Hurry! Limited Places Remaining
Ask an Assessor Series
Date: Mar 11
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Live, Online & Interactive (AEDT)
Topic: Optimise your 7-Star Designs - Strategic energy assessment for better client outcomes
Presenter: Tim Adams & Jeremy Spencer
Status: Registrations Closing Soon!
NCC 2022 Condensation Provisions - Design Considerations and Practical Applications PART 1
Date: Mar 12
Time: 1:00PM (AEDT)
Location: Online
Duration: 2hrs
Status: Registations Closing Soon!
NCC 2022 Condensation Provisions - Design Considerations and Practical Applications PART 2
Description: Join this important workshop examining adaptive thermal comfort and resilient design approaches for extreme weather conditions. Features presentations on successful climate-responsive housing projects from the Pilbara to Geelong, including the innovative Climate Safe Rooms initiative. Includes interactive yarning circles focused on building design, retrofitting existing structures, and overcoming barriers to implementation.
Upskill Now Masterclass (Thermal)
Date: Mar 20
Time: 12:00PM (AEDT)
Location: Online
Duration: 4hrs
Status: Registrations Closing Soon!
Women of DMN: Networs of success - Lunch + Q&A Panel
Date: Mar 21
Time: 12:00PM (AWST)
Location: Caesarstone Showroom, Homebase
Duration: 2 5hrs
Panelists: Sarah Urbani | Cara Little | Debbie Bute | Anne Courtney Bennett
Status: Registrations Closing Soon!
DMN 2025 South Africa Study Tour Briefing
Date: Mar 25
Time: 2:00PM (AEDT)
Location: Online
Duration: 1hr
Presenter: Mike Tuzee | Impact Events
DMN 2025 South Africa Study Tour Info Evening
Date: Mar 25
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 1 Queens Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
Status: Registrations Closing Soon!
Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Services Overview -- WA
Members Only
Date: Mar 27
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Online (AWST)
APRIL 2025
Contract Administration Workshop
Date: Apr 12
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenter: Geoff Hoare
MAY 2025
Member Breakfast and Tour of 555 Collins
Date: May 6
Time: 8:00 AM
Location: 555 Collins St, Melbourne
Ask a Surveyor: What Constitutes a Cadastral Survey?
Date: May 15
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Online (AEST)
Building a Successful Career: Winning Work & Keeping Clients
Date: May 26
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Online (AEDT)
Presenter: Britta Siggelkow
JUNE
2025
FirstRate5 LIVE: Model Class 2 MultiDwellings (v3.2)
Date: Jun 20
Time: 12:00 PM
Location: Online (AEST)
Contract Administration Workshop
Date: Jun 28
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenter: Geoff Hoare
SEPTEMBER
2025
Building Practitioner Pre-Registration Course for VBA
