HIA Media Release
Approvals Drop in Month of First Rate Rise
Building approvals fell in November 2003, the month the Reserve Bank of Australia began a tightening interest rate cycle. More information >>

Building approvals fall from 2003 high
The November fall in building approvals from the high October level is a sign of things to come as the impact of tighter monetary policy is felt, according to Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry.
More information >>

Architects and Engineers Needed to Design Housing for Victims of Iran Earthquake
Architecture for Humanity, a nonprofit organisation founded to promote architectural solutions to humanitarian crises is currently identifying relief agencies to help provide long term transitional housing for residents left homeless. The agency is putting out request for any architects, designers and engineers, preferably locally based, to lend design services on a pro bono basis. More information >>

High-rises exempt from home warranty insurance
As of the 1st of January 2004 a builder who begins work on a project above four storeys does not need to have a home warranty insurance certificate.
An inquiry by the State Government found that the home warranty insurance scheme was too expensive and many builders had long delays in obtaining the cover. (Illawarra Mercury 01/01/04)

Draft code released for NSW architects
The NSW government has released a new draft form, code of professional conduct where architects will be told how to run their practices and how to deal with clients. If architects do not meet the standards set out in the code they will face professional discipline, which will include fines, fee refunds and cancellation of their registration. (Financial Review 05/01/04)

National Survey of Building & Construction
Master Builders Australia has released a National Survey of Building and Construction for the December quarter 2003. For more information go to the following link. More information >>

Building jobs hit in collapse
Major construction company, Austin Australia Pty Ltd, has been put into voluntary administration. Many sub-contractors, on over 26 building sites, have ceased work until they receive payment for the work already done. (The Daily Telegraph 09/01/04)