Cam Stanfield

INSIGHT | South Australian Construction Industry: Rising Costs & Payment Difficulties, Reminder of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009 (SA) The South Australian construction industry faces rising costs and a skilled labour shortage. Increasing insolvencies highlight the importance of understanding the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 2009 (SA) for cash flow management. Andrew Robertson, Partner, Ben Tollner-Atkinson, Senior Associate and Angelina Kyriacou, Law Clerk discuss this issue. Read the complete article here: https://lnkd.in/gg8jGUVU #ConstructionIndustry #SouthAustralia #SOPA #BuildingAndConstruction #PiperAlderman

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Seeksta (S.T.A): What does the acronym stand for? T = Transport Access to and from significant work hubs is critical in understanding long-term capital growth for property. Houses near train stations tend to produce good capital growth globally, especially as cities become increasingly congested with vehicle traffic. Removal of Level Crossings is also critical to improving traffic flows in certain pockets. They are ugly, dangerous, and old-fashioned. Only good comes from this. However, they are costly! We at #Seeksta understand the fundamentals of the drivers behind property values, be it for investing or owner-occupied. The relationship between transport and a specific property is critical to understand. These types of projects for South East QLD are all contributing to a more liveable city, creating strong competition for Sydney and Melbourne. Not that #Brisbane needs help... like in beating a #Sydney team at a #Melbourne dominated sport (#AFL) 🤣 . I'm sure you'll be using this line in your marketing now, Jason Akermanis 💪

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Lendlease has worked with NEXTDC and Reds Global to reintroduce biodiesel to power commercial construction cranes and generators on a South Australian project for the first time since 2017. The NEXTDC A1 project in the Adelaide CBD has been using a blend of 20% biodiesel and 80% mineral diesel, called B20, to power high diesel consuming machinery like cranes since July 2023, saving 61.3 tonnes of carbon emissions - an equivalent to yearly carbon sequestration of approximately 3050 trees.  This opportunity was sparked by the NEXTDC A1 project team investigating opportunities to reduce carbon emissions during construction, in line with the Lendlease global Mission Zero strategy. Lendlease is a 1.5°C aligned company with ambitious science-based emissions reduction targets, which aim to reach Net Zero carbon by 2025 for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, and Absolute Zero carbon for Scopes 1, 2 and 3 emissions, within the Lendlease-defined boundaries, without the use of offsets.  With the support of our clients such as NEXTDC, we have set construction operations in Australia the goal of eliminating fossil fuels such as mineral diesel in construction and transitioning to Fossil Fuel Free. We’re doing this by prioritising the use of electric construction equipment and machinery and the use of biodiesel and renewable diesel where electric options are not available.  Over the past two years we have made significant progress, having successfully trialled fossil fuel free construction initiatives, including using biofuels such as biodiesel and renewable diesel across some of our projects.  Availability of biodiesel in certain regions, such as South Australia, has previously proven challenging.  However, having supplied other regions with biofuels, we’ve worked hard with our local subcontractors to secure new biofuel supply chains into the South Australian market. Alongside supporting decarbonisation, additional benefits of shifting to biodiesel include increased fuel security by reducing reliance on global oil supply for refined fuel imports and reduced pollutants which improve air quality. Footnotes:  1.       Biodiesel is made from used cooking oil and tallow in Australia and is used as a blended fuel with mineral diesel.  2.       1 tonne of CO2 is equivalent to 50 trees on an annual basis - https://lnkd.in/eMPVeXWG  Want to know more about NEXTDC’s Sustainability Objectives?  https://lnkd.in/eABxeWSP

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The construction sector performed remarkably well during the pandemic, managing to keep worksites open despite facing major hurdles. The mega projects we are all enjoying today, including Sydney Metro, simply would not have been delivered otherwise. Now as we emerge out of the pandemic, the sector faces a significant challenge to build the infrastructure our nation needs particularly as we prepare for growth in energy, defence and housing. Our ability to deliver these projects will hinge on our ability to lift our productivity. We need to be honest with ourselves about the challenge ahead - productivity in the sector has not improved in 30 years. Overall, Australia currently ranks 16th in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) for productivity – our lowest in 60 years. We also recently slipped from 14th to 16th in the World Digital Competitiveness Ranking. The good news is there is a great deal of appetite from industry to partner with government to support productivity growth and there is an equal ambition from government to collaborate more with industry. Meaningful productivity growth will take time but there is no shortage of practical ideas that we can implement quickly and collaboratively. Thanks to Infrastructure Magazine for continuing to shed light on this challenge.

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Recent price wars in the EV sector has been tough to watch, with Mcap retracement of my favs Tesla, BYD & NIO. However, affordability is key to adoption. Early adopters face challenges with range and infrastructure, but this partnership gives us hope to better the former in Australia. Certainly manufacturers are solving the range. Once both solved, early & late majority will will take off and overcome current slumps to achieve our carbon emissions targets through EV adoption. Will be great to have fast charging stations in shopping malls, work places, hospitals, schools, everywhere. Great job Stockland & Ampol #Sustainability #EV

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Dover Heights: The Hidden Gem with Massive Growth Potential Discover why Dover Heights is one of the best-valued suburbs with untapped growth opportunities. We analyze the latest stats and the proximity to Bondi, highlighting why this area is under the radar and poised for significant development. Don't miss out on this real estate goldmine! #DoverHeights #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyGrowth #SydneySuburbs #HiddenGems #BondiBeach #InvestmentOpportunity #GrowthPotential #RealEstateMarket #SydneyLiving

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Dover Heights: The Hidden Gem with Massive Growth Potential Discover why Dover Heights is one of the best-valued suburbs with untapped growth opportunities.#DoverHeights #RealEstateInvesting #PropertyGrowth #SydneySuburbs #HiddenGems #BondiBeach #InvestmentOpportunity #GrowthPotential #RealEstateMarket #SydneyLiving

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During August - the 2nd half of the holiday season 😎 - those in the office, manning the fort here at RP Towers, have been progressing a range of residential, commercial, education, retail and rural related planning applications. Decisions/ progress is slower during this period but there have been successes (a sample of which are below).   Additionally, other things have happened which help to make the job of managing planning applications easier…meetings with planning officers (yes actual physical meetings)! This has unfortunately become more of the exception rather than the rule (especially since COVID), but it is really pleasing to now be having more of these. Also phone calls/ Teams meetings…Yay! 💻 All better than death by email. A site visit and/ or meeting enable all parties to properly see/ discuss the site/ issues. Plus, it ensures Planning Officers realise we consultants are not the ‘two headed monster’ who joined the dark side (!) - we are all from the same Planning Schools working towards delivering good schemes that we can drive past in years to come and proudly say “I was part of that”. 🏗 🏢   On the subject of driving, one of the attractive things about being a consultant is the ability to see the world. Whilst some of these places aren’t glamorous (the back end of an industrial estate in North London being a prime example), recent visits to new sites in South Yorkshire and Lincolnshire allow a bit of head space away from the office and also the opportunity to see different parts of the Country. If that isn’t an advert for a career in planning, then we don’t know what is.   As mentioned above, we oversaw some interesting successes this month, including:   Firstly, Working with DuCroz architects, we successfully secured planning permission for a replacement dwelling and outbuilding in the North Wessex Downs AONB in West Berkshire. The permission followed a proactive pre-application process and despite changes of personnel at the Council during the determination process, we successfully secured permission and negotiated conditions to provide a welcome outcome for the applicant.   Next up.. an appeal win! We secured planning permission for a new dwelling in Bristol. After the application was refused by Bristol CC for three reasons relating to design, residential amenity and vehicle access, we were able to overcome all three reasons as the appeal was allowed.   If you would like to get in touch with any of our team then please do so either through here, via our website or through our new dedicated enquires inbox: [email protected] https://lnkd.in/epeCnEw7 #planning #bristol #appeal #success #planningconsultant #Rackhamplanning

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Following the launch of the Australian Half-Year Construction Market View, Matthew Mackey FRICS, Executive Director Cost & Commercial Management, recently featured on Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to discuss the ongoing challenges the construction industry is facing. Regarding the substantial housing targets set by the state and federal governments, Matt said: "When you look at what's been delivered over the last few years - what's been approved, started on site and actually delivered - those stats are well below the thresholds we're talking about in terms of current housing targets. Even with the market responding as it normally would, the targets would still be considered very ambitious. And with the issues we’ve got at the moment with rising labour costs, skills shortages, rising insolvencies and constrained capacity and supply chains, it's going to be very interesting to see if we can get anywhere near the targets." Watch the full interview here: https://okt.to/UyolzW Download the Half-Year Construction Market View report here: https://okt.to/KqQ49F #Construction #Australiantrends #Infrastructure #Property

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The electrical contracting industry is facing a lot of challenges, at a time of many opportunities. Workforce shortages, spiraling costs & regulatory changes impact all businesses in our industry. On major projects in Qld we are also facing an increasingly complex industrial environment due to government policies, with flow-on consequences for smaller businesses. We need strong electrical businesses to build the housing, hospitals, schools, and energy projects needed. We also need improved productivity (with less unnecessary disruption and delays) on construction projects. And we need to grow our skilled workforce. There are contractual, legal and policy mechanisms that can help - we need to get together and agree on action to minimise the challenges and embrace the opportunities. Master Electricians Australia will be part of the solution. And as part of that I will be joining the discussion at #FF24 https://lnkd.in/gnxJT3_4

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📢 Housing & Productivity Contribution - Need to know: 💡 From 1st October 2023 the Torrens subdivision and strata subdivision of residential accommodation is subject to payment of the Housing and Productivity Contribution (HPC). 💡 The Contribution rate of $12,000 for Torrens Subdivision and $10,000 for Strata Subdivision applies for every additional Lot created, as indexed. 💡 A 50% discount applies to the Contribution if paid before 1st July 2024. 💡 A Subdivision Complying Development Certificate (CDC) needs to be issued in order for payment of the Contribution to be enabled in the NSW Planning Portal. 💡 For Subdivision CDC enquiries, please email [email protected] #housingandproductivity #contribution #development

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🏥 BUILDING SURVEYORS CAUTIONED: The Building Services Board has found a Perth building surveying firm and its director engaged in misleading conduct while certifying a medical facility’s design and construction. The Board’s caution against the building surveying contractor and its nominated supervisor has prompted Building and Energy to emphasise that certifications must be thorough and accurate, particularly when there are changes to a building’s classification. #buildingsurveyor #certification #buildingcompliance #westernaustralia

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Today is World Stroke Day. Most of you will know that I’m a stroke survivor, and that I’m passionate about stroke prevention and Health15 which we co-founded with Stroke Foundation of New Zealand for the construction sector. This year's theme is Let’s get active! A reminder to take action every day to reduce our stroke risk. According to the World Stroke Organisation, 1 million strokes a year are linked to physical inactivity. In New Zealand, less than half of adults are physically active – meaning a huge number of Kiwis at high risk of stroke. Just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 25%. Brent Thomson and I are taking on a special physical challenge in 2025 to raise funds and awareness for Stroke NZ – more to come on that later… Your challenge: Sit less, move more. Being active helps maintain healthy blood pressure. Aim for 30 mins of moderate exercise (enough to make you slightly warm and a little out of breath) on most days of the week, even 10-mins chunks will help. Try: 🥾Walking 🪴Gardening 🪩Dancing 🤿Swimming 🚲Cycling 🧹Doing housework 😅Using stairs instead of the lift Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eypzi84W Stroke Foundation of New Zealand Health15 The Building Intelligence Group Joanna Lambert

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ENHANCING SAFETY WITH MANDATORY INSPECTIONS AND ESSENTIAL SERVICES FOR CLASS 2-9 BUILDINGS IN WESTERN AUSTRALIA In the dynamic landscape of Western Australia's construction industry, ensuring the safety and compliance of buildings is paramount. Currently, regulatory practices are evolving, with a focus on introducing mandatory inspections limited to Class 2 and 3 buildings. However, the scope and extent of these inspections remain unclear. This is particularly important when considering the essential services critical to the safety and functionality of Class 2-9 buildings, which include apartments, commercial buildings, and public buildings. While there is an emphasis on auditing certifiers for documentation errors during the approval process, there is less focus on comprehensive post-occupancy compliance checks. Once a building receives its Occupancy Permit, essential services such as fire safety systems and other critical infrastructures often do not receive the necessary ongoing scrutiny from a statutory compliance perspective. Comparative Insights from NSW and Victoria New South Wales: NSW mandates routine maintenance and certification of essential fire safety measures. The Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation requires building owners to submit annual fire safety statements, which must be endorsed by accredited practitioners. This ensures that all fire safety systems, such as alarms, sprinklers, and emergency lighting, are regularly inspected and maintained. Victoria: Victoria's Building Regulations 2018 stipulate that owners of Class 2-9 buildings must prepare and submit an Annual Essential Safety Measures Report. This report includes details on the maintenance and operational status of essential safety measures, ensuring that critical systems like fire doors, hydrants, and smoke alarms are functioning correctly. To align with best practices seen in other states, such as NSW and Victoria, it is important for Western Australia to introduce/expand its mandatory inspection requirements to encompass all Class 2-9 buildings comprehensively. This expansion should cover both the initial construction phase (mandatory inspections) and continuous compliance checks post-occupancy for essential services. Implementing such measures will ensure that essential services, including fire safety systems and structural components, are regularly reviewed and maintained, thereby enhancing overall building safety and compliance. By learning from the established practices in NSW and Victoria, Western Australia can significantly improve its building safety standards, ultimately protecting the well-being of its occupants and the broader community. We look forward to further guidance and direction from DMIRS as the regulator on this topic.

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Interesting article discussing Richard Crookes’ construction’s recent recapitalization by its owners. Richard Crookes is a high quality, Sydney-based contractor building schools, PBSA projects and apartments. The slow delivery of projects it reports is due to loss-making contracts with sub-contractors going bankrupt- older jobs bid on too low a margin before the surge in inflation of the past 3 years. It’s PBSA pipeline is a matter of concern, with some discussions around whether to go ahead (despite the low beds-to-student ratio in Australia) among stakeholders. This is the essence of Australia’s housing crisis: nothing is getting built, even for the students that are blamed for causing the tight metal market. https://lnkd.in/gK6cV5x8

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As a busy professional, your time is precious, and the real estate market can feel overwhelming. Let me simplify the journey and guide you to high-performing properties that secure your future without the stress. Ready to make your next smart investment? 📲 Book a game plan session now to start building wealth! #SydneyRealEstate #PropertyInvestment #WealthBuilding #BuyersAgent #SydneyProfessionals #RealEstateSydney #SmartInvestments #TimePoorInvestors #FinancialFreedom #StressFreeInvesting

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