Jo-Anne Harrison

Victoria's push for fast-tracked apartment development risks compromising liveability due to delayed design standards. As planning controls focus on building heights and setbacks, apartment quality and urban design concerns grow. Andrew Spencer, Senior Associate at SGS, says, "Victoria suffers from an assumption that dwelling yield should be maximised on every building site, which is often detrimental to quality and amenity." Read the full article in The Age: https://lnkd.in/gnMa_Wiy

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It was a great pleasure to join Wellington City Council yesterday to celebrate the launch of their pioneering new Underground Asset Register. With representatives from over 40 wellington-based firms, and many more from further afield, it was standing room only for the release of the Council’s new map-based register: the first of its kind in New Zealand. Barbara McKerrow, WCC Chief Executive, began by setting out the aspiration to make construction “faster, safer, with improved time and cost certainty” and “in a way that we hope can ultimately be rolled-out across the motu”. There could be little doubt that the launch represents a notable achievement. Several countries have identified the same problem and set out to tackle the lack of precise information about exactly what is underground and where it is. Learning from their examples, New Zealand’s capital city has taken the initiative and achieved in little over two years what has elsewhere taken fifteen years or more. Having played a small role through the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, I am struck by the potential to benefit not only the development industry but ordinary, hard-working Kiwis. It’s a conclusion which Greg Skelton, CEO at Wellington Electricity, had also reached. “Hitting an electricity cable is a big concern”, he said, but “at the end of the day, it’s the affordability of these assets that affects our customers”. Denise Beazley, WCC Programme Director, stressed the extent to which “it’s not about the platform, it’s about what the platform enables us to do”. Her message wasn’t lost on Dave Philipson, General Manager for Strategy at contractors GP Friel. “What we’re really trying to change is not the data but the culture”, he announced, “we’ve spent the last 20 years telling our digger drivers that ‘we know things aren’t great just do your best’, but we’re here now to say that we’re going to make a change and do things differently”. “I’ve worked in the construction industry for 20 years and everyone knows our records aren’t very good”, he continued, “I think this initiative has the potential to address that root cause”. It can be easy to overlook the mahi of local government: it treads lightly in its successes and tends only to attract attention when things go wrong. This shouldn't distract us from recognising when initiatives and officers demonstrate real leadership in the public interest. In my opinion, the Wellington Underground Asset Register ticks both boxes.

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Congratulations to Australian Sustainable Finance Institute on the launch of the first round of public consultation on the development of an Australian sustainable finance taxonomy. Being involved in the Construction & Built Environment Advisory Group, I can only begin to describe the level of collaboration, consultation, and hard work that's gone into designing and developing an Australian sustainable finance taxonomy that is credible, usable and internationally interoperable, while reflecting the Australian economy and context. Now it's over to you, and in particular, the built environment & construction industry, to have your say. ASFI is seeking feedback on: - the draft headline ambitions for the Australian taxonomy’s environmental objectives, and - the draft climate change mitigation criteria for the first three priority sectors under development (electricity generation and supply, minerals, mining and metals, and construction and the built environment). This public consultation process will run from 9:00am Tuesday 28 May 2024 until 9:00pm Sunday 30 June 2024 (AEST). The development of an Australian taxonomy cannot be done well without First Nations people, ASFI particularly encourages First Nations people to provide feedback.

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Have you had your say on the Second Emissions Reduction Plan? It's not too late to get your submissions in before they close 25 August! Speaking at our recent Green Property Summit, the Minister of Climate Change Hon. Simon Watts encouraged our sector to get involved and present our vision to support climate action. The built environment presents huge opportunities to slash emissions quickly, and cost-effectively. With the draft ERP2 containing just a line or two about buildings, there's a large gap to fill. Suffice to say, our response is a whole new chapter in itself.   Our key recommendations include: ✅ Improving the Building Code to deliver lower-carbon homes and buildings ✅ Phasing out fossil gas in homes and buildings, including ending new residential gas connections from 2026. ✅ Requiring energy labels on homes and buildings ✅ Correcting the ERP modelling to align with MBIE’s production forecasts. ✅ Removing the reliance on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) ✅ Strengthening ETS pricing ✅ Expanding the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme to subsidise electrification of home heating and cooking from 2027, converting 25,000 homes a year. ✅ Implementing a concerted programme, building on the successful replacement of coal boilers in schools and hospitals, to subsidise 10% of commercial buildings per year from 2026 to electrify space and water heating. ✅ Incentivising improved home insulation and home solar generation. The recommendations aim to reduce emissions, reduce ongoing costs for families and Kiwi businesses. Many of our recommendations and policies were laid out in our recent report ‘Closing the gap: Hidden emissions and untapped potential of buildings to reduce costs and deliver for carbon budgets’ -https://bitly.cx/VV9nG Read our full submission, and feel free to use it for your own - https://lnkd.in/gQV9xDMc

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Spotlight on Governance: Our new report “Pathways to Governance: Enhancing Food and Fibre Sector Governance for Greater Impact.” highlights the need for strategic support at all stages of the governance journey. With input from over 27 seasoned and emerging directors as well as key stakeholders, this report is not only a collection of insights but a call to action for groups to consider where and how they can collaborate in the development of governance talent to support more effective decision-making across the sector.

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AGMARDT's latest report is a must-read for those in food and fibre governance, aspiring to governance, or working with new and established directors. The report underscores the critical governance challenges and opportunities in New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. AGMARDT (The Agricultural and Marketing Research and Development Trust)’s comprehensive study calls for collaborative efforts to foster governance talent, enhancing decision-making and resilience across the sector. 

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Development Red Zone and Plan Change 12: What will it mean for investors?   Set to come into play early next year, Plan Change 12 will limit in-fill developments in some parts of Hamilton, due to existing infrastructure limitations – particularly waste and stormwater systems in some suburbs.   The Government has set these rules to guide growth in New Zealand’s main centres and the changes are not optional, but councils can decide to some extent how to ‘zone’ areas to factor in environmental integrity, land use, heritage area protection, etc.   For Hamilton, this will broadly mean development may become restricted in our central suburbs (aka, ‘red zones’), with areas to the north and south of the city (e.g. Rotokauri, Peacocke) able to accommodate higher densities due to planned infrastructure (aka, ‘green zones’).    What will this mean for investors? It’s all to do with availability. Popular areas to invest in, such as central suburbs (‘red zones’) will likely yield less listings available over time, and with more competition, prices will be under pressure to rise.   The best time to invest in property is yesterday, but today is just as good. If you’re seriously considering investing in Hamilton, there really is no better time than now to beat these planned zoning restrictions, and the inevitable competition that’s sure to get hotter as the year draws to a close.   Check out the zoning map here to see how your suburb could be affected: https://lnkd.in/gbdxXFaD

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Prof. Mathew Aitchison, CEO Building 4.0 CRC shared his views in a recent column for the The Courier-Mail. Embracing innovation holds the key to revitalising the industry. The global housing crisis is complex, influenced by labour shortages, supply chain disruptions and rising costs, but its core issue lies in decades of declining productivity due to inadequate investment in research and development (R&D). With only 1-2% of turnover allocated to R&D compared with sectors like automotive and tech investing up to 10%, the building industry is ripe for innovation. We're embracing new materials, efficient building systems and streamlined housing delivery approaches, including prefab and modular solutions. Initiatives like Building 4.0 CRC's $4m R&D program in Australia are paving the way, aiming to revolutionise social housing with modern construction methods. Let's seize the opportunity to lead in sustainable, efficient housing solutions—investing today for a brighter housing future! Read the full column here: https://lnkd.in/grFV6Yzg #housinginnovation #buildingindustry #prefabhousing #modularconstruction #researchanddevelopment #construction #building #MMC #research 

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Interesting update from Build Australia that looks at how Australian building codes will need to incorporate climate resilience measures. Read the article at https://lnkd.in/gS2vKjyD What do you think? Comment below.

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SUSTAINABILITY // Built Environment Key Sector in Transition to Circular Economy The Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group's interim report highlights the built environment's crucial role in Australia's transition to a circular economy. Despite its potential for circularity, barriers like fragmented policies and limited information on recycled materials exist. Recommendations include integrating end-of-life considerations into building codes and promoting circular practices in public procurement. This follows a CSIRO study revealing Australia's circularity rate lags behind the global average. Additionally, a new Environmentally Sustainable Procurement Policy will require sustainability outcomes for businesses bidding on large government construction projects starting July 1st 2024, including circularity. Read more here: https://hubs.li/Q02zMv5n0 #Fairview #CountonFairview #Sustainability #BuiltEnvironment #CircularEconomy

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The property development outlook for KwaZulu-Natal is inspiring, fuelled by strategic infrastructure projects and an ever-growing demand for residential and mixed-use developments in key areas…. https://lnkd.in/gajyRmKz

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Treasurer Chalmers handed down his third Federal Budget amidst increasing cost-of-living pressures, a housing crisis and an international environment that encourages national self-reliance. In this video and article, 2024 Federal Budget: Easing pressures today and investing in a better future, Richard McClelland and Megan Wylie take a look at consideration for superannuation and investment portfolios. Find out what these measures are and what they mean for you and your family. Click the link to view the video: https://lnkd.in/ecqaAVg7

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Results released in the last week show that Cromwell made significant progress towards our long-term ESG targets in FY24, including sizeable reductions in Australian scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Cromwell Head of Property Operations, Tessa Morrison, said ongoing delivery of ESG initiatives was being undertaken in close partnership with building users to deliver tangible positive impacts. “We’ve seen a massive shift towards an ESG focus by tenants in the past 18 months – it’s always been strategically important to us as a business, but it is increasingly becoming a key consideration for occupiers in their decision making as well,” said Ms. Morrison. “By meeting tenant ESG demands – through the implementation of environmental, social, and governance policies to produce tangible results – we’re working to maximise rental yield, reduce waste, and retain tenants at the same time.” Cromwell’s ESG progress has been released as part of the business’s FY24 ESG Report. The full report can be found here - https://lnkd.in/gd7eavRB

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NEW REPORT OUT TODAY: “Australia’s housing affordability “crisis” will continue to worsen with a “significant shortfall in supply”, according to the government’s own expert council. “In its first-ever state of the housing system report, the National Housing Supply and Affordability Council described Labor’s target of building 1.2m new homes over five years as “suitably ambitious” because it projects only 943,000 will be built in that time.” Faith Housing Alliance CEO Rose Thomson and Chair Rob Stokes will be at the Council’s report launch this morning and we’ll share more insights from the report throughout the day. #housingcrisis #socialhousing #affordablehousing #housingforall

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Yesterday, among my hosting tours of one of my previous major urban projects. A consortia I initiated won worldwide registration against over 90 registrations fully integrated with the world's most significant light railway infrastructure. Among my guests yesterday was the previous Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Ted Baillieu AO, who, in a sense, contributed to Melbourne Central's staggering success as Australia's #1 Big Gun 2024 Retail tourism destination by introducing "free city circle" tram services. Yesterday, the City of Melbourne's light railway infrastructure was packed with people all day, and tourism was very high. Melbourne Central has its light railway tram stops at either side of the project. I fully integrated this world-leading public transport into the double-decker underground heavy railway called Melbourne Central Station. Melbourne Central has become Australia's most successful CBD retail and tourism destination because of my initiative to create a sense of place. This year's expected footfall of 40m annual visitors is up despite the CBD of Melbourne footfall being down over 500,000 per week, with Australia's highest occupancy levels of office space headed for basket case status. By saving the Historic "Shot Tower" in our planned major urban project long before the Heritage Authority jumped on the bandwagon, trying to save with no imagination of what could be achieved, just creating mass hysteria instead of being constructive, a similar situation is happening across Metropolitan Melbourne with lack of inclusive residential-grade mid-rise apartments within 400m walking distance radius of each tram stop in Metropolitan Melbourne over 1,600 outside the City of Melbourne underutilised. As a proven Placemaker over the decades, Melbourne Central is a testimonial to my reputation for respecting historic overlays with "no mandatory requirements" through my initiative and sense of social responsibility. Well before Melbourne Central as a proven Placemaker, my respect for Historical Overlays was demonstrated in the City of Adelaide as one of the pioneers in the revival of back-to-the-city living in various projects like Brougham in Brougham Place North Adelaide, one of Adelaide's most exclusive addresses and a further exclusive address on the corner of East Terrace and Halifax Street East Adelaide. The beer promotion and banners have been removed, which I agree with as inappropriate given the Heritage Authority's angst. Today, Melbourne Central, built in a previously neglected precinct of the City of Melbourne, has become Australia's largest urban renewal project; Melbourne Central has transformed this previously derelict precinct of the City of Melbourne as a catalyst project for over $9bn of new investment into a thriving destination. #MelbourneCentral #FormerPremier #Harropfactor #Placemaker #SocialResponsibility #Inclusiveness #ShotTower

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🌟 Future Trends in Melbourne’s Real Estate Market 🔍 What’s next for Melbourne’s real estate market? Explore emerging trends and predictions for the future of property investments in blue-chip suburbs: 1. Sustainable and Green Developments: As environmental consciousness grows, there is increasing demand for eco-friendly homes and buildings. Expect more green developments featuring energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials. 2. Technological Integration: Smart homes are becoming more popular, with advanced security systems, automation, and energy management solutions. Properties with integrated technology will attract tech-savvy buyers and renters. 3. Work-From-Home Spaces: The shift towards remote work continues to influence property designs. Homes with dedicated office spaces, high-speed internet, and adaptable layouts are highly sought after. 4. Urban Densification: In blue-chip suburbs, there will be a trend towards higher density living with mixed-use developments. This approach maximises space and offers a blend of residential, commercial, and recreational facilities. 5. Infrastructure Investments: Ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects will significantly impact property values. Areas benefiting from new transport links, schools, and recreational facilities will see increased demand and growth. 6. Affordability Pressures: While blue-chip suburbs remain desirable, affordability challenges will push some buyers towards neighboring areas. This trend will create new opportunities in suburbs adjacent to high-demand locations. 💡 What Does This Mean for Investors? Staying ahead of these trends can help investors make informed decisions and capitalise on future opportunities. Whether you’re considering new investments or managing your current portfolio, understanding these dynamics is essential. Let’s connect to discuss how these future trends can align with your investment goals and strategy. Alana Prideaux Lou Lihari #FutureTrends #MelbourneRealEstate #PropertyForecast #InvestmentOpportunities #RealEstateInsights #SustainableLiving #SmartHomes #BuyersAgent

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𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐧   As part of the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework, the Shire of Carnarvon has developed an Asset Management Plan to ensure the sustainable delivery of essential services and maintenance of community assets. This initiative is in line with Section 5.56 (1) of the Local Government Act 1995, which requires a Strategic Community Plan and a Corporate Business Plan as part of the future planning for local governments. The Asset Management Plan is an informing strategy within the integrated planning framework. It is designed to provide the Shire with a plan for managing infrastructure and other assets, enabling the delivery of services at an agreed level. This plan plays a pivotal role in guiding decision-making processes related to the acquisition, renewal, and replacement of assets. The importance of the Asset Management Plan cannot be overstated, as it highlights the current depreciation rate of Shire assets, which collectively amount to approximately $9.2 million each year. This level of depreciation presents a significant challenge, given the current revenue and expenditure levels, making it difficult to fund the maintenance and renewal of these assets fully. This challenge is not unique to the Shire of Carnarvon. Many small to medium-sized Shires across Australia face similar issues, especially those without financial support from mining or other large economic development activities. This situation places the Council in a challenging position, balancing the need to maintain existing service levels and asset conditions while managing community expectations for new facilities. However, the Asset Management Plan outlines several measures aimed at improving current asset management practices to bridge the gap between financial constraints and community needs. The Shire has already commenced work on enhancing asset inspection systems and implementing early interventions to prolong the life of existing assets. Furthermore, there are encouraging signs of increased economic development within the Shire. The Shire of Carnarvon remains committed to facilitating economic growth, which is beginning to generate positive outcomes. However, reversing the current asset management challenges is a long-term effort that requires ongoing dedication and strategic focus. The Shire of Carnarvon’s Asset Management Plan is available on the Shire’s website at https://lnkd.in/gmebk3NZ

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