p y developments curated from various publications, impacting building design practices, with actionable insights for your professional work.
ESSENTIAL UPDATES
The housing policy landscape continues to evolve rapidly across Australia this week. Major themes include Victoria's continuing housing reforms with the announcement of 25 new Activity Centres, planning challenges in NSW, emerging quality control measures, and ongoing debate about tax reform's role in housing development. The news cycle highlights the tensions between accelerating housing delivery, maintaining community character, and addressing housing affordability through streamlined approval processes.
06 Mar 2025
In this newsletter you can expect:
Victorian housing activity centres and planning reforms
NSW planning policy developments
Building quality and consumer protection Tax reform and housing viability
VICTORIAN
HOUSING ACTIVITY
CENTRES AND PLANNING REFORMS
The Victorian government has announced the final 25 areas where it will seize planning controls to increase housing density, including affluent suburbs such as Prahran, South Yarra, and Windsor. Additionally, Melbourne and Yarra local government areas have been named "city-wide activity centres" for rezoning under-utilised areas (The Guardian).
This marks a significant step in the government's ambitious plan to add 300,000 homes across 50 centres by 2051, focusing on development near high-frequency train lines and busy tram corridors.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny emphasised that these new controls will be designed alongside councils and communities, while preparing Melbourne's innercity for future growth (Victorian Government Media Release).
Opposition to these plans has emerged, with Shadow Minister for Planning Richard Riordan describing the announcement as "re-drawing Melbourne without consultation" and arguing that the government is avoiding addressing the real barriers to housing supply: "crippling taxes and over-regulation" (Opposition Media Release).
Industry experts have voiced similar concerns, with The Age reporting that property consultants, industry groups, developers, and urban planners believe the Victorian government's plans won't deliver more homes until the property tax burden rendering most developments financially unviable is addressed.
Designers interested in efficient project delivery within evolving planning frameworks should consider our April 12 Contract Administration Workshop.
This session provides essential skills to navigate complex approval processes and manage client expectations increasingly critical as planning policies shift across jurisdictions
NSW PLANNING POLICY DEVELOPMENTS
Sydney's planning fra undergoing significan Sydney Morning Hera key planning docume of Sydney as a region "quietly deleted" by th
Meanwhile, controver state's "missing midd with accusations that putting "politics over these contentious refo among Sydney electo
In more positive deve new housing designs commissioned for the New South Wales Housing Pattern Book, aiming to expedite home delivery Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully states the pattern book has received the "stamp of approval" from the Government Architect NSW, though some architects have expressed concerns about a potential "one-size-fits-all" approach to housing solutions (ABC News).
The pattern book initiative comes amid industry frustration over lengthy, complex approvals processes that developers say are adding years to project timelines –sometimes up to seven years – making it harder to meet Sydney's housing demand (The Urban Developer).
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
INFRASTRUCTURE AND POPULATION PLANNING
Infrastructure Victoria has warned that the state will need to build another 60 government schools by 2036 to keep up with demand as the population grows by more than a million every decade. The report suggests classrooms in schools may need to be "crammed" to accommodate the surge in population (The Age).
The Tasmanian Government has made significant infrastructure commitments, releasing an independent review of the Tasmanian Planning Scheme's residential standards that recommends modernizing requirements for housing approvals across the state Minister for Housing, Planning and Consumer Affairs Felix Ellis welcomed the report's recommendations, stating: "Making the planning rules more pro-growth is key to getting more homes built, faster" (Tasmania Government Media Release).
In Victoria, the government has approved the Officer South Precinct Structure Plan and opened consultation on three further precincts, aiming to deliver land for more homes, backyards, and jobs in Melbourne's west and southeast. Officer South is set to become a major hub for business growth and investment, supporting 22,000 new jobs and 1,600 homes (Victorian Government Media Release).
HOUSING QUALITY AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) has published two informative videos addressing common building compliance issues. The first video explains why siting details for Class 1 single dwellings and Class 10 buildings must be clearly outlined in allotment plans, covering critical elements such as impermeable surfaces, car parking spaces, private open space, and nearby structures.
Watch the video: Siting of Class 1 single dwellings and Class 10 buildings
For more information, refer to Building Practice Note: Siting of Class 1 Single Dwellings, Class 10a Buildings, and Fences (SI 01).
The second video addresses the process for amending building permits when design changes occur after a permit has been issued It emphasises that these changes must be submitted to the relevant building surveyor for an amended permit before work begins, with potential significant penalties for non-compliance.
Watch the video: Amending a building permit for design changes
For more information about building permit requirements, refer to Building Practice Note: Building Permits and Other Exemptions (BP 01).
Seeking registration with the VBA either now or in the near future?
Register for our Building Practitioner
Pre-Registration Course for VBA
Looking to stay compliant with building regulations while managing increasing quality assurance expectations? Our March 12 & 19 NCC 2022
Condensation Provisions
Workshops offer critical guidance on meeting technical building requirements
These workshops address the practical application of condensation provisions particularly relevant as consumer protection measures intensify across the industry
In related developments, the Allan government has announced measures to enhance consumer protection for new home buyers. Developers will be required to pay a bond covering apartment defects, and claiming domestic building insurance will be simplified under the government's attempt to reform the building industry (The Age). However, criticism has emerged claiming the government is trying to "quietly slug developers with an extra charge on home builds" under this consumer protection law overhaul (Herald Sun).
An opinion piece in The Age provides personal insights into Melbourne's urban development challenges, with the author describing their experience living in "what's been called Melbourne's worst development." The writer points out how the absence of shops and restaurants within massive urban renewal projects undermines the appeal of urban living, offering a "lesson in what not to do" for future developments.
For designers looking to stay compliant with building regulations while managing increasing quality assurance expectations, our March 12 & 19 NCC 2022 Condensation Provisions Workshops offer critical guidance on meeting technical building requirements These workshops address the practical application of condensation provisions particularly relevant as consumer protection measures intensify across the industry.
TAX REFORM AND HOUSING VIABILITY
Industry experts continue to emphasise that tax reform is essential for housing initiatives to succeed According to The Age, the Victorian government's plans for more apartments, townhouses, and units in Melbourne's established suburbs are unlikely to deliver more homes until the property tax burden that has rendered most developments financially unviable is addressed.
This perspective is echoed by economist Ross Gittins, who argues in the Sydney Morning Herald that Australia's housing industry has stagnated over the past 30 years, stating: "While most of our industries have improved greatly over the past 30 years, the housing industry hasn't. If anything, it's getting worse." He suggests that red tape is only part of the problem in an industry that's "going nowhere fast"
In Western Australia, WAToday offers a detailed analysis of the state's housing crisis, examining what has changed since Labor took office in 2017 and providing key housing metrics that illustrate the escalating challenges in the state's housing market.
Our May 26 Building a Successful Career: Winning Work & Keeping Clients workshop provides valuable strategies for designers seeking to remain commercially viable despite challenging economic conditions.
The session with Britta Siggelkow offers practical approaches to business development within the context of Australia's complex housing market and regulatory environment.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AND
PROFESSIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
The building and construction industry mourns the loss of a significant leader with the passing of Brian Seidler AM, the long-standing Executive Director of Master Builders Association of NSW. Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn acknowledged his 40-year devotion to ensuring the industry's voice was heard: "The building and construction industry is in a better place because of Brian Seidler" (MBA Media Release).
Meanwhile, Master Builders Australia is launching its Federal Election campaign, putting all parties and independents "on notice to stop the talk and deliver real action to end the housing crisis." The campaign, "More Homes For Aussies," focuses on key areas to ensure adequate housing supply and supporting infrastructure across the housing spectrum (MBA Media Release).
The industry continues to adapt to technological advances, with Sydney-based Software Combined Group acquiring Hero Software, a Brisbane company offering NatHERS compliance measuring and advisory Hero Software provides an "easy to use" energy modelling platform for building assessors and raters, helping determine whether dwellings meet the 7-star energy efficiency ratings required by the National Construction Code (The Fifth Estate)
On the equity front, Australia's Workplace Gender Equity Agency (WGEA) has released its gender pay gap data for 2023-2024, revealing gender pay gap information of architecture and landscape architecture firms (Architecture AU).
ALTERNATIVE HOUSING MODELS
AND REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Australia is experiencing a cultural shift toward smaller, more central dwellings, according to housing experts cited by ABC News. They suggest that increasing numbers of people want to live in smaller, more central dwellings and argue for more two to three-story apartment buildings in regional cities to help address the housing crisis.
The article notes that councils are being urged to consider if their development approval processes match changing community sentiment, suggesting a potential path forward in addressing housing affordability challenges. .
WOMEN OF DMN NETWORKING EVENTS
This week we're excited to host our Women of DMN Catch Up events!
Northside: Tonight, March 6, 7:00 PM at Northside Wines, 543-545 High St Northcote, Melbourne
Southside: Tomorrow, March 7, 12:30 PM at Next Door At Omar & the Marvellous Coffee Bird, Melbourne
There's still time to register if you haven't already the more the merrier! These events provide excellent opportunities to connect with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed setting.
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 DesignsStrategic 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
Date: Mar 19
Time: 1:00PM (AEDT)
Location: Online
Duration: 2hrs
Status: Registrations
Closing Soon!
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 Info Evening
Date: Mar 25
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: 1 Queens Rd, Melbourne VIC
3004
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
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)
Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Services
Overview -- WA Members Only
Date: Mar 27
Time: 2:00 PM
Location: Online (AWST)
Building a Successful Career: Winning Work & Keeping Clients
Date: May 26
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Online (AEDT)
Presenter: Britta Siggelkow
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 PreRegistration Course for VBA
Date: Sep 17
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenter: Geoff Hoare
Contract Administration Workshop
Date: Sep 27
Time: 8:30 AM
Location: Online (AEST)
Presenter: Geoff Hoare
SOURCES IN THIS ISSUE
The Guardian, The Age, SMH, Herald Sun, ABC News, The Urban Developer, Architecture AU, The Fifth Estate, WAToday, Victorian Government Media Release, Opposition Media Release, Master Builders Australia Media Release
