Sonya Harrison

As we head into the weekend, it’s a good moment to reflect on the key decisions facing us in the upcoming ACT election. In collaboration, Engineers Australia Engineers Australia Canberra Division, the Planning Institute of Australia, the Australian Institute of Architects (ACT Chapter), and the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) have come together to put forward a unified voice on critical issues shaping our future. This joint effort emphasises the importance of planning, design, and engineering in creating a sustainable, resilient, and thriving community. Our collective asks focus on policies that prioritise sustainable urban development, infrastructure that serves the needs of all Canberrans, and a clear commitment to climate-responsive design and construction practices. #engineersaustraliacanberradivision #AILA #PIA #AIA #EACBR

14

4 Comments

A mega-project with ~15% cost escalation compared to a price index escalation of 28% over the pandemic period and subsequent supply chain issues - while keeping to programme? Sounds like a success to me whichever way you cut it. I had the chance to interrogate the team at Watercare Services Limited Central Interceptor project to see what factors may have contributed to the outcome observed. I could have spent pages going into detail on all the things I saw, but there are three key factors I identified: ·       Project budgets were set realistically, and the project was given spending autonomy ·       An ongoing commitment to high-trust relationships between client and contractor ·       The team’s response was that of incident management, not contract frustration. If you want to learn more about how a mega-project managed to navigate the uncertainty of COVID and subsequent turmoil to come out the other side relatively unscathed, then have a read of the full case study  available here:

119

6 Comments

State and territory building ministers met recently to discuss a range of topics including the shift towards achieving net zero, NCC 2025, and pre-fabricated housing. The discussion about pre-fabrication is particularly noteworthy, especially since it coincides with the Prime Minister's recent announcement regarding advanced manufacturing in Australia. 🏗️ 🏠 https://lnkd.in/gj3JaNEV Property Council of Australia chief, Mike Zorbas pointed out that industrialised construction is an excellent opportunity for Australia, but requires scalability. He emphasised the need for innovation, investment, and secure demand pipelines, especially during a time of increased construction, land, and capital costs. We agree. There are already many early adopters in #MMC here in Australia, but to capitalise on this opportunity at scale, we need greater support for industry now. This requires further government subsidy, support, and investment, just like any other innovation curve. It also requires further demonstration and pilot projects at key sites across the state and the country to prove what's possible, both in terms of volumetric and prefabricated components. This can be achieved either through direct investment, subsidies and incentives in design and procurement, or a combination. 🏡 What are the benefits right now? Speed. Not cost. 🏠 🏡 What are the benefits long term? Speed, cost, diversity of workforce, security over delivery timeframes. Just to name a few. It’s certainly an exciting space, and if we end up at the forefront of it, presents a significant opportunity to tackle future housing supply challenges. At the very least, it will enhance the supply chain resilience and responsiveness. Something we have witnessed the fragility of since covid. Footnote for those who often ask what is MMC: Modern methods of construction is a process which focuses on off-site construction techniques, such as mass production and factory assembly, as alternatives to traditional onsite building. #building #construction #offsite #modern #methods #housingsupply #residential #development #future #focussed #advanced #manufacturing Q Shelter Master Builders Queensland Building 4.0 CRC Property Council of Australia Queensland

40

7 Comments

The Australian Constructors Association (ACA) has published a thought-provoking paper (linked below) as a conversation starter for their upcoming high-powered Forum, FF24. The conference aims to address the challenges facing the construction industry and find solutions to improve collaboration and performance. One of the key questions posed in the paper is "Defining good... and how to achieve it." As someone passionate about the construction industry, I have joined my voice in answering these questions in weekly nuggets. You can find previous comments here: Primarily, for delineation, I believe defining good will also include the need to train on subconscious biases which are prevalent in the industry, i.e. gender, race etc which starts from the recruitment phase through to employment. To truly achieve "good" in the industry, we must also address the subconscious biases that perpetuate negative perceptions and hinder progress. To combat these biases, we must actively promote the positive aspects of the construction industry, such as: 🌟 Showcasing the diverse career options and the opportunity to work on iconic projects around the world 🤝 Highlighting the chance to meet and collaborate with a wide range of people from various backgrounds 🌇 Emphasizing the satisfaction of seeing tangible results and contributing to the built environment 📈 Promoting the potential for personal and professional growth within a dynamic and evolving industry I believe this is one of the indicators of what good could mean for Construction. What does good mean to you in construction? I invite you to join the conversation and share your thoughts on how we can redefine "good" in the construction industry and work together to achieve it. #ConstructionIndustry #FF24 #RedefiningGood #CollaborationIsKey #PositiveChange #EPIC

15

🔔 Attention South Australian Architects 🔔 We’ve recently received significant updates from the South Australian Government and SA HIA regarding the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022. To help you navigate these changes, I’ve just published The Ultimate Guide to Navigating the South Australian National Construction Code (NCC) for Architects. This guide breaks down the most critical updates and exemptions that will affect your projects in the coming years. We have received further clarity regarding some of the more well-known exemptions such as, exemptions relating to the date of both planning and development applications, allotment size and geographical exemptions. But... The newest, biggest and most surprising announcement came on the 2nd of August 2024. "The Malinauskas Labor Government has provided greater certainty to the building and construction industry by ensuring there won’t be any further changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) for the next decade following the implementation of the new standards." These updates, but in particular this announcement, will no doubt kick-start significant discussions within our local industry. I invite you to read the full guide and share your thoughts. https://lnkd.in/g6D6bRab How do you see these changes impacting your projects and the future of architectural design in South Australia? ARKATA #architecture #energyefficiency #healthyhomes #sustainability #sustainablehomes #resilienthomes #comfortablehomes #sustainablearchitecture #betterbuilding #energyefficienthomes

11

10 Comments

Unannounced DBP audits of buildings under construction is not just for class 2 buildings, we're also looking at class 3 which is boarding houses. On a wet & windy day the Building Commission NSW team dropped in on a class 3 project that was less than 6 months from applying for an Occupation Certificate. The risk modelling which chose the project for audit was accurate as we observed a number of post-DA variations that weren't shown on the plans, including a electrical switch room that contained solar power battery storage panels. This was particularity concerning from a #firesafety perspective as the boarding house was not required to be sprinklered therefore totally reliant on passive measures. It also goes against the two of the most critical aspects of constructing under the #DBP - that the current set of declared (IFC) designs should always align with what's being built and variations need to be approved by the relevant #designers and #certifier. In response to those sorts of issues our DBP compliance team will consider issuing two Orders. First a Building Work Rectification Order to rectify the defects. Second, they also consider if there is potential for serious damage to occur as a result of the defects and if so they might also issue a Stop Work Order. Stopping also provides the necessary reset to bottom out the compliance issues and get the project back on track. The team will also will be looking into the involvement of relevant designers (#fireengineer, #electricalengineer), the type of approvals and inspections done by the #certifier, and considering whether their is a role for disciplinary action against the #builder.

321

21 Comments

Kia ora koutou, In February, Te Ao Rangahau released the Kimihia Rangahaua strategy with the goal of embedding Te Ao Māori into the organisation and the engineering profession. I was asked to write an article for the EG Magazine June addition about how mātauranga Māori can be included into the work we do as engineers. A key part of my message is the importance for engineers to be directly involved in engagement with mana whenua. Often this is undertaken by clients and others and the engineers are passed on information from these processes. For meaningful change in the outcomes requires mātauranga Māori to be integrated within the engineering processes throughout all stages of a project. Therefore the best way to achieve that is through a strong relationship of respect and trust to develop between engineers and mana whenua and from that the sharing of ideas and knowledge. The article has just been posted on Engineering NZ website if you missed it in the Magazine. I am always interested in the thoughts and inputs on this issue from others. https://lnkd.in/gyC5wkFA Ngā mihi

26

1 Comment

Ever wondered what makes Australia’s capital cities consistently rank as some of the world's 'most liveable cities'? One secret ingredient is active transport. Our years of experience in civil engineering and urban precinct planning has taught us the importance of active transport in successful urban design. This infrastructure creates safe routes for pedestrians and cyclists, reducing road congestion while promoting healthier and more sustainable commuting options. Mixed-use or low-speed vehicle areas are not just helping people focus on their health and wellbeing during their commute, but also building a more connected community. And with e-bikes gaining popularity, active transport is now an accessible option for an even wider community. Alex Seip, Associate Civil Engineer, takes us on a journey to explore how we’re shaping healthier and more connected cities of the future. #Beca #BecaAustralia #MakeEverydayBetter #ActiveTransport #Sustainability

45

As our city continues to grow towards a population of over 9 million by 2050, we have an opportunity now to collectively explore research data that may help us collectively steer a course to maintain our enviable reputation of being a liveable and loveable destination to visit, do business or call home. Next week GHD will dive into our global research exploring intergenerational equity through an infrastructure lens. Viewed from multi-generational perspectives, we will learn from other jurisdictions about global concerns of balancing sustainability aspirations, cost of living pressures and transportation challenges. If you are in any way curious about what we may learn from other global regions, please register to join our Crossroads webinar next week. #FutureCommunities #Crossroads #Mobility #PowerofCommitment

12

👷‍♀️👷‍♂️The Australian Government is committing $1.9 billion towards 14 new #infrastructure projects and additional funding for existing projects in #WesternSydney, #NSW. The new investments include #construction projects, as well as #planning projects, including: - Mamre Road Stage 2 Upgrade - Elizabeth Drive – Priority Sections Upgrade - Garfield Road East Upgrade - Memorial Avenue Upgrade - Appin Road – St Johns Road Intersection Upgrade 💡The Government will invest $147.5 million for planning for roads and rail across greater Western Sydney to ensure that road infrastructure can keep pace with a growing population. 💲$20 million will be invested to partner with the NSW Government to expand the scope of the South West Sydney Rail Planning – Business Case to include consideration of extending the line to the Macarthur region. Read more on our website: https://lnkd.in/eTTUVJh3 #consultanz #civilengineering #construction #engineeringjobs #constructionjobs #australia

4

We know many planners across Queensland are now embarking on strategic planning projects and/or drafting new or amending planning schemes. We have some really well-timed and in-depth training courses for Queensland's strategic planners focused on effective strategic planning and mastering planning scheme drafting. Fill in those training forms, and join us for these expert courses in June! First up - Effective Strategic Planning 📅 Thurs 6 June, 9am - 1pm 👩‍🏫 Amanda Taylor MPIA Do you really know what strategic planning is and what an effective strategic planner does? This course covers the fundamentals and principles of strategic planning and provides an overview of the skills necessary for effective strategic planning.   1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of strategic planning and learn how to effectively engage in its process.   2. Learn fundamental concepts by exploring core principles and characteristics of strategic planning, equipping yourself with these essential skills and insights.   3. Stay updated with emerging practices by discovering new trends and evolving skills, including cutting-edge technologies and collaborative tools. Enroll in this course here >> https://lnkd.in/gQaSTmQQ Next up - Mastering Planning Scheme Drafting 📅 Wed 12 and Thurs 13 June, 9am - 1pm 👩‍🏫 Jenny Roughan MPIA (Life Fellow) Designed to assist you in creating comprehensive and efficient planning schemes, this training program will help you avoid common pitfalls and unnecessary mistakes.   1. Get expert guidance based on over 30 years of experience in scheme drafting, providing you with valuable insights and practical tips.   2. Learn how to evaluate and manage challenges associate with planning scheme drafting, draft schemes that achieve better planning outcomes, and avoid unintended consequences of policy changes.   3. Covers essential topics such as the use and challenges of planning schemes, common weakness, legal requirements, stakeholder management, policy coherence, and more. Enroll in this course here >> https://lnkd.in/gst4UzRv

37

At time of general housing unaffordability, rental shortages, fuel, energy and food cost inflation banning owners from camping on their own land is un-Australian. Are these kind of rules applied to indigenous community shelters & settlements? Are those dwellings up to current building standards? I don't think so. People are doing the best they can to get along and live with what they have available to them. Local government and governments at all levels are meant to serve and help vulnerable people. Assistance is not the same as bullying. You can't kick-out people using temporary camp sites (on their own land) because they need more time saving to build low cost permanent structures. Ask a builder about building materials cost inflation. https://lnkd.in/e23tgPd7

2

Sydney Opera House - 50 years on The The Institution of Structural Engineers history group, of which I am a member, were looking for blog articles on parts supreme award-winning projects. I immediately snaffled the Sydney Opera House (or SOH if you prefer). The SOH is, of course, an iconic, if not defining project for Arup, both the man and the company. What is perhaps less appreciated is that it was also the first building to use computers as the primary analytical tool. Computers in the early 1960s were primitive, but Arup having conducted a number of experiments, knew that the SOH would not be possible without automation. Finite Element Analysis enabled the Sydney Opera house. In addition, the geometric complexity of the glass walls lead to possibly the first parametric model and digital workflow in the construction industry. With no commercial programs available, Arup staff had to write the code themselves, including a young graduate named Peter Rice. This led to the formation of the Arup Computing Group, which in turn birthed Oasys Software when we started selling our programs to the rest of the industry. It’s fascinating to think that there is a direct lineage from Oasys GSA right back to the Sydney Opera House over 60 years ago. #finiteelementanalysis #structuralengineering #computeranalysis #engineeringexcellence #wearearup

187

6 Comments

Whole of life is so part and parcel of the total picture.

2

Things are getting very close to the final phase. It's an honour being part of a project that will have such a significant impact on Auckland society. 🚂 #railways #railengineering #infrastructure #railwayinfrastructure #railsystems #undergroundrail #construction

38