QLD currently experiencing a massive infrastructure boom
Queensland is currently experiencing a massive infrastructure boom, with several major projects underway and more in the pipeline. More information >>

Freedom Tower Cornerstone Laid on July 4
In a patriotic ceremony on the morning of July 4, New York leaders laid the cornerstone for the 1,776 foot-tall World Trade Center Freedom Tower.
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Tougher checks, higher charges for renovators
Councils will be able to triple some building approval charges after changes which have been put forward by the State Government. Making sure those who check houses and renovations are correctly trained to identify unsafe buildings will protect home owners and businesses. The changes are related to the 2002 Campbell Inquiry into poor standards in the building industry. Councils will be able to increase the price of a building certificate from $70 to $210, which protects home owners whose renovations have not conformed to council-approved plans. (SMH 09/07/04)

National Student Biennale Winners Announced
The national winner of the 2004 RAIA & COLORBOND® steel Architecture Student Biennale competition was announced in Hobart today at the launch of the Biennale travelling exhibition of projects. More information >>

Builders still get nailed by insurance
Home warranty insurance remains an issue for builders, according to those who attended a special workshop on the issue at the National Small Business Summit. A recent survey polled builders in B-Fair and the Builders Collective, both which have long opposed the private warranty scheme and lobbied for a return to a government-run scheme similar to that in Queensland. Of these builders 96 per cent had lost work through warranty and 94 per cent still had limits on annual turnover. (Australian Financial Review 08/07/04)

State Set To Break $15b Barrier As Work Starts On Dock 5
Victoria’s building industry is set to smash another record, with building permit approvals for the 2003/04 financial year expected to hit $15 billion.
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Master Builders Back National Housing For Seniors Award
Australian homes should be built to adapt to the changing lifestyles and needs of their occupants and that is precisely the objective of the 2004 National Lifestyle Housing for Seniors Award launched today as a joint initiative between the Federal Minister for Ageing, the Hon Julie Bishop, and peak building and construction industry group, Master Builders Australia. More information >>