Dr Robert Lang

What's the role of the Commonwealth Government in setting urban policy? The topic is being explored again, as many in the housing and planning systems will know, with workshops happening nationwide on the draft National Urban Policy. For many, this may feel like déjà vu, given past interventions in the space. Others would argue that now is the time. Wherever you sit on the matter, it will be interesting to see where the Feds land on this topic. My read on what's been produced so far is that it's a little bit ‘passive’ and maybe not as instructive as a valid national policy should be in this space. I would love to know what you think if you've had a chance to read the material. Some other questions include where will this policy sit in the pecking order, for example with the National Housing and Homelessness Plan soon to be released, and other infrastructure plans in place, where does the hierarchy place it? You can find more about National Urban Policy here: https://lnkd.in/gdPUsRcc The consultation report’s available here: https://lnkd.in/ghEJtQ9U (📷 Tonights workshop in Brisbane). Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts National Shelter Q Shelter #National #Urban #Policy #Development #Australia

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Jumped on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) this afternoon to discuss the LNP’s housing plan, released today. Also, considered points of convergence between the Labor and LNP plans, both in focus this state budget week. Check it out, hopefully it offers some interesting analysis. https://lnkd.in/gPiqp-RE #StateBudget #BudgetReply #Queensland #HomeMatters #BetterTogether

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Materials & Embodied Carbon Leaders’ Alliance members might be interested in an upcoming MECLA briefing on ASBEC's Issues Paper on Upfront Embodied Carbon Project. The issues paper has been released and ASBEC is seeking feedback on whether the most important issues have been captured as part of a comprehensive policy framework being developed for the built environment around reducing embodied carbon. Here more about the issues paper and have your say. Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC) https://lnkd.in/gveG8dQM

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I am not anti-National or anti- NZ First and ACT used to have a clear logic underlying its politics, but the total rejection by this coalition government of an evidence-based approach (demonstrated by yet another Minister) leading to decisions that are only reasonable or rational in the context of a paradigm that any agreements you make in order to attain power are morally just, regardless of the consequences, is not something with which i am comfortable and should be of concern to any professional. But given its rejection of evidence and the views of its expert advisors at least it is transparent as to where the buck stops. https://lnkd.in/g7ATw9CR

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Cities need to adapt to uncertain futures. Join us for this webinar, where Australia's urban experts will discuss how best to negotiate this change and what the game changers will be for a more sustainable urban outcome. Presented by Swinburne University of Technology and the Centre for Urban Transitions, keynote speakers include: 👉 A/Prof Sorada Tapsuwan: Natural capital accounting and the value of urban environmental assets. 👉 Dr Olamide Shittu: How governments can embrace and adopt Circular Economies. 👉 A/Prof Magnus Moglia: Urban sustainability game-changers for the 21st Century. 👉 Dr Stephen Glackin: The shifts required in urban planning for greater livability. Register here: https://lnkd.in/ddmDc6nE

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Victorian councils understand the urgent need for all levels of government to address the deepening housing crisis in Australia. Because every single Victorian deserves access to affordable and suitable housing. We acknowledge that targets, as part of a range of responses, can be a useful tool in driving the creation of new homes in our State. But the road to target-driven outcomes must be paved with collaborative planning and the recognition of local realities. Today’s news that the State Government could remove planning powers from councils that fail to meet targets is worthy of discussion, but a more constructive idea is to recognise the value of partnership and collaboration.    Local governments hold invaluable local knowledge and insights that are an essential input into effective housing strategies. As the closest tier of government to the community, councils are uniquely positioned to translate housing targets into meaningful local developments that respect and enhance the character and needs of each area. We steadfastly believe the community is best served by a shared approach, where the State Government and councils work hand-in-glove to address the housing deficit together.  Stripping councils of their planning powers is not the solution. Instead, we should focus on strengthening the capabilities of local councils to work in line with the State Government’s objectives, bolstering their role in planning decisions and ensuring there is meaningful community engagement in the process. As we move forward, the MAV is committed to this partnership model as part of an approach that champions the expertise of local governments and nurtures the cooperative spirit that has always been present when we have solved big problems like this in the past. I invite the State Government to join us in ensuring a future where the creation of new housing is not just a mandated metric, but a collaborative effort between governments to get us out of the housing mess we’ve been in for far too long. #HousingCrisis #CommunityFirst #LocalGovernment #Victoria #UrbanPlanning #Collaboration

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Government Grant funding between $80,000 and $400,000 to support projects which prevent technology facilitated abuse of women. Projects should be focussed on the prevention of online harm and enhanced safety for women and children. For example projects may: - Aim to change community attitudes and behaviours, - Focus on the perpetrators of technology-facilitated abuse, or - Seek to protect and support women and children. Up to $600,000 of the total funding is allocated to organisations delivering projects that focus on prevention of tech-based abused of First Nations women. Eligible applicants must: - Hold an ABN. - Be registered for GST. - Have an Australian bank account. - Be a legal entity. - Be a non-government organisation, NFP or charitable organisation registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profit commission. - Be financially viable. Eligible applicants for priority funding as a First Nations focussed project must: - Be an Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisation (ACCO), or - Be an organisation that is primarily focussed on achieving outcomes for First Nations communities, or - Be an organisation that is partnering with one of these eligible entities. Applications must be submitted by rpm (ACT local time) on 16th December 2024. For more information and to access the online application form follow the link below. If you need assistance with your application or an independent review to increase your potential for success please contact GrantSmart vie direct message.

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  In October 2021, the Government Policy Statement on Housing and Urban Development (GPS-HUD) was released. https://lnkd.in/dBsNcrP7 At the time, then-Minister Megan Woods stated that the GPS-HUD would provide clarity to all those working within the system about how Government policies and investments would align to tackle the acute challenges of the housing crisis. The GPS-HUD was designed to guide policy decisions and investments to deliver a shared, consistent, and enduring set of outcomes in the long term. The GPS-HUD and its corresponding implementation plan set out four key action areas: 🔹 Reduce barriers to building 🔹 Build homes where people need them 🔹 Help people into affordable homes 🔹 Help people in urgent housing need Due to wider system changes at the time, the GPS-HUD flew under the radar for many. However, as we approach the three-year mark of the GPS-HUD, I wonder what the future holds for this mechanism in the system. The Act that establishes the GPS-HUD, alongside Kāinga Ora, is clear that Ministers must review the GPS-HUD at intervals no more than three years apart. So, if and when the GPS-HUD is renewed, what needs to be front of mind for its next stage? While we can expect any revised GPS-HUD to reflect the current Government’s housing objectives and work programme – with Going for Housing Growth likely to be a prominent feature – will there be any wider changes and reflection? For example, will there be a reflection on the purpose, and influence that the GPS-HUD has had on the housing and urban development system? How can tools like this be improved? What lessons can be drawn from other GPSs we have across the system, including those that aim to provide system-wide direction? What do you think needs to be front of mind when the GPS-HUD is reviewed?

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The Planning Programme at Massey University made a joint submission for the Fast-Track Approvals Bill to the Parliament's Environment Committee. We agree that the planning system must be updated to deliver economic, environmental and socio-cultural outcomes. However, we find that the Fast-Track Approvals Bill is problematic for the following reasons: 1) Transparency and accountability: We oppose the lack of transparency and accountability and centralising power mechanisms currently suggested in the bill. 2) Speed vs deliberation: We oppose the bill’s restrictions on participation, consultation, and appeals mechanisms (core democratic and natural justice principles). 3) Social-ecological justice:  We oppose the anti-environment character of this bill, which will inevitably lead to irreversible ecosystemic losses and drive climate change, vulnerability, and exposure even further. 4) Environmental knowledge infrastructure: We believe Aotearoa New Zealand’s environmental data system is ad hoc, opportunistic and uneven and cannot support sound Fast Tracked consenting. 5) Faux engagement of Māori and Te Tiriti o Waitangi: We oppose the multiple layers of limitation on Māori in the bill, ranging from the narrow way in which tangata whenua affected by activities are identified to the exclusion of Treaty principles. We recommend that this bill be significantly reviewed through a strategic cross-party approach to attain robust political and societal support. 

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It’s been terrific to work alongside the Municipal Association of Victoria’s Housing Taskforce as we prepared a comprehensive paper for the State Government’s engagement process to inform a Plan for Victoria. When tackling significant challenges, setting ambitious goals can be a valuable strategy in devising solutions. In preparing a Plan for Victoria it's crucial for the Victorian government to leverage the expertise and insights of councils to address the housing crisis effectively and foster sustainable communities in the long term. The MAV Housing Taskforce submission builds on the previous papers prepared by the Municipal Association of Victoria late last year in partnership with SGS Economics and Planning, ‘Shaping Metropolitan Melbourne ’ and ‘Shaping Regional & Rural Victoria.’ This submission by the MAV Housing Taskforce is informed by an evidence base prepared by RMIT Centre for Urban Research and focuses on the recent housing targets and the need for a comprehensive statewide Housing Strategy. Our recommendations highlight additional factors requiring attention and emphasise that growth must enhance liveability. This involves actively engaging councils in planning processes and ensuring all levels of government invest in local amenities and infrastructure to meet community needs. The MAV is committed to strengthening partnerships between local, state, and federal governments and the private sector to collaboratively tackle Victoria's housing challenges. I extend my gratitude to all MAV Housing Taskforce members for their timely engagement in this critical work. Together, we can shape a future where everyone can thrive in vibrant, sustainable and inclusive neighbourhoods. Libby Porter Rob McGauran Harriet Shing Sonya Kilkenny Patrick Fensham Planning Institute of Australia Dan Hill 🗺 Bonnie Shaw Kat Panjari James McLean Carmel McCormack Jane Keddie Council of Capital City Lord Mayors Australian Local Government Association Linda Scott (GAICD) Andi Diamond Kelvin Walsh Ron Torres Evan Counsel Evan King Scott Barber Andrew McMaster Stephen Wall Helen Sui Brett Luxford Rebecca McKenzie Rachel Dapiran Emma Appleton Johnathan Guttman Stephen Swart Luke Connell Celia Haddock Sanjay Manivasagasivam MAICD Tennille Bradley-Ow Rachel Sarah Lunn MRICS Dr. Marjan Hajjari Jacqui Weatherill

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The UK Net Zero Carbon Building Standard is out! It is probably the most advanced NZC standard in the world. It remains voluntary and some of the rules need industry testing, but it is a giant step in the right direction and there is more to come. I will be talking about this at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) Conference today. Do get in touch with me, or with Andrew Moore, Carolina Caneva, Anna Tsoumi to find out more. #netzerocarbon #climateemergency #inthistogether #UKNZCBS Hilson Moran

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The AHO are excited to announce applications are now open for the 24/25 Sector Capability Grants. Applications will close at 5pm on 27th September 2024. Providers that are NRSCH/NSWLS registered and providers who are scheduled, or undertaking registration with the Registrar of Community Housing, are invited to apply. There are two categories of funding available to individual applications. The maximum funding categories are: Up to $50,000 and Up to $100,000. Sector Capability Grants are designed to support ACHP business growth and self-sustainability, including achieving or maintaining NRSCH and NSWLS registration compliance and supporting tenants by providing culturally appropriate and responsive housing to Aboriginal people across NSW. These grants provide an opportunity for the Aboriginal housing sector to increase their capacity and capability. If you are interested in applying for the FY 24/25 Sector Capability Grantshttps://lnkd.in/gN93FQ-p

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The relationship between local and central government is make-or-break for successful policy implementation. However, over the past decade, the central-local relationship has become increasingly strained. A new government offers a chance to rebuild and reset this relationship. In the final part of our Prioritising Public Services series, we explore how central and local government can work together to achieve this. While collaboration sounds simple, it's far more complex in practice. Our experience shows that effective bridge-building is essential. By fostering trust and understanding between partners, and focusing on real people, rather than just processes, bridge-builders can help create the conditions for successful public service delivery. To read on about resetting the relationship between central and local government, including harnessing the power of bridge-building, download our short overview: https://lnkd.in/g3eY9tRj For further insights into our six priorities for public service reform, visit our website: https://lnkd.in/eYygY85V #NewGovernment #PrioritisingPublicServices #CentralGovernment #LocalGov #Community

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Coming into a chair role in September this course was invaluable about really exploring and understanding and engaging with: - what is our members reality right now -what was it that didn't make them sticky? on boarding, mis-matched expectations, friction points, offerings. - what is keeping them up at night so we can support and help them -how can we be more specific with our way of supporting our members. - will AI be a factor and if so, how can we embrace it to make our profession more efficient. And the big one - we are always doing alot behind the scenes - but we very rarely convey WHAT we are doing to our members. It was strategy on steriods, and ONZ will be in a much better place strategically to move forward.

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Great guidance from the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Highly recommended reading for all NFP Directors, Boards and Management. I think the “Checklist for Smaller NFPs” is a particularly useful resource for smaller not for profits which may not have the resources to invest in Director training and facilitated Board days. Also great to see the Institite recognising the complexities of governing NFPs. #notforprofit #governance #directors #directorsduties

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It’s been great to have had the opportunity to lead the development of this reporting over the last few years - it’s all about transparency and visibility of public investment in planning and delivery, to encourage robust strategic investment and asset management planning, collaboration and enable early intervention where appropriate. It’s been such a privilege to work with so many agencies to really understand the challenges and opportunities to improve public investment outcomes for New Zealand. Looking past the ‘warning’ headline of this article, it’s about us all working together to improve living standards #publicinvestment #investmentmanagement #infrastructure #assetmanagement

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