Sledgehammer taken to housing affordability
The State Government has taken a sledgehammer to the construction industry, introducing the Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 which will push the cost of building a home up by as much as $30,000 ... Shadow Assistant Minister for Planning and the Building Industry, Wayne Farnham, said the bill was just the latest example of Labor siding with fringe parties instead of backing Victorian families.
Australia Post works behind scenes on Narrandera Post Office location
Australia Post is working to establish ongoing arrangements for its Post Office in Narrandera and is grateful to locals for their patience and understanding.
Homes on hold
Joanna Tucker. At least 1000 proposed homes across Yorke Peninsula are being delayed due to a lack of infrastructure within the SA Water network, according to Copper Coast Council. Chief executive Dylan Strong said the issue is not unique to the Copper Coast, but delays in SA Water’s trunk upgrades are affecting local developments.
Mid Murray’s economic growth potential highlighted
Christine Webster. Swan Reach, west of Morgan, plus Truro and Mannum, have been suggested as having the most potential for accommodating development in a draft Growth Management and Housing Strategy for the Mid Murray ... The draft strategy said the River Murray Dark Sky Reserve presented significant economic development opportunities across several industries...
Land sharing, affordable housing and community
Jeni Kendell. Each May, the Nimbin Aquarius Foundation is planning to put on an event to celebrate the original Aquarius Festival in 1973 which helped reawaken and renew our wonderful town of Nimbin and ripple out in so many ways to far corners of this country. This annual event will resemble the ‘Festival of Dangerous Ideas’ that has become a landmark for people thinking outside the square.
Work has commenced on Allora precinct
There's a light at the end of the tunnel for Allora's Town Precinct with workmen on site at the Senior Citizens Rooms. When completed the Library will move into the old Senior Citizens Rooms with entry to the library down the side of the Museum via the double glass doors.
Changing of the Guard: Celebrating 75 years
From a little Ford truck to a multi-million-dollar fleet of Kenworths and high-tech earthwork equipment, Naracoorte’s Bull Bros Pty Ltd this year celebrates 75 years in business. Driving further enthusiasm and longevity into the esteemed company which employs around 30 people, a fourth generation is stepping up.
Wel.Co breaks ground on $100M Gracewood community in Mallala
Wel.Co has officially commenced construction on the $100M Gracewood residential community in Mallala, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of much-needed housing in regional South Australia.
Braidwood turns to tiny homes amid housing crisis: Adapt Homes
Agritourism and tiny home stays could be key to securing the future of Braidwood, a heritage-listed rural town near Canberra, which is grappling with housing shortages and the growing impact of climate change on farming. Home to 1,700 people, Braidwood became NSW’s first heritage-listed town in 2006, a status that locals say brings charm and challenges.
Long-term timber demand shored up by increased supply: ABARES
Today’s publication of the Wood Volumes Analysis indicates Australia has reliable access to structural forest and wood products to meet future demand. The report provides an analysis of the long-run supply of and domestic demand for wood products in Australia, particularly those used in construction.
Report praises outdoor staff
An independent roadworks report, which found the Naracoorte Lucindale Council only met four of 15 key performance indicators, also found the ire of outgoing CEO Trevor Smart. After winning a $68,000 tender from five other applicants with higher and lower quotes, Wheaton Enterprises—a highly qualified construction and civil engineering firm—praised the participation of the council’s outdoor field and administration staff in its 89-page report.
Darlington Point’s new residential subdivision named ‘River Red Gum Estate’
Murrumbidgee Council is pleased to announce the new residential subdivision in Darlington Point will be called 'River Red Gum Estate'. The name was chosen to honour the iconic river red gum, a tree species that is deeply intertwined with the region's natural landscape, environment, and cultural heritage.
A dream ’10 years in the making’
Hugh Schuitemaker. The decade-long dream of a well-known Waikerie Football Club figure has been realised with the completion of a major new community facility ... “They say it takes a village to bring up a child. It has taken much more to get this facility funded and built”: WFC Build Committee chair Brendan Sidhu.
For developing workforce accommodation – transmission company seeks public input
Community members in the Buloke Shire are encouraged to share their interests and concerns with Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) to help shape the development of workforce accommodation for the VNI West project. Recognising that many areas in the VNI West project corridor face housing availability and affordability challenges, we’re inviting input on our approach to developing workforce accommodation.
What’s our strategy?
Future developments in the district must be thoughtfully planned with harmony, taste, and understanding, rather than solely focusing on “chasing rate dollars”. This was the key message from mayor Patrick Ross to the Naracoorte Lucindale Council as elected members began discussions on a crucial issue—the draft housing strategy—last week.
Inmates helping build futures
A partnership between Serco, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) and the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) is providing Clarence Correctional Centre (CLA) inmates with valuable employment qualifications and skills through the construction of 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom modular houses for locations around the state.
Millari Group expands with acquisition of JUKEN, Gisborne, boosting Australian timber supply
Millari Group Australia has entered into a sale and purchase agreement to acquire 100 per cent of JUKEN Gisborne, NZ Facilities, including LVL and Plywood manufacturing lines and Sawmill ... ARR.News asked Millari Group some questions about the acquisition, including opportunities for the Australian industry.
Council applies for funding to create more housing options
West Wimmera Shire Council is taking proactive steps to address the critical housing shortage across the region. Council is applying for $5 million from the State Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund – Round 2.
Opinion – Timber framing is safe and reliable in bushfire-prone areas: Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia
Kersten Gentle, CEO, FTMA. The debate on the “right” materials to use when building homes in bushfire-prone areas often sparks fierce opinions and misguided claims. While some advocate for alternative materials, timber framing remains a viable, safe, reliable and effective option when designed and built in accordance with modern practices.
France’s timber lesson
On the first anniversary of the Victorian state government’s closure of Gippsland’s native forest industry, France’s rebuilt historic Notre-Dame Cathedral has been completed in all its glory – and French timber was at the heart of this historic project. The oak hardwood timber used came from trees in French forests between 80-150 years old, with some more than 200-years-old.
NSW Independent Forestry Panel process
In August 2024, the NSW Government announced the appointment of an expert panel to lead consultation on a Forestry Industry Action Plan. The final report of the Independent Forestry Panel has been provided to the NSW Government. Whether the report will be made publicly available and the shape of the future Forestry Industry Action Plan is a matter for the Government.
Justification and priority assessment determines Kaniva lake not feasible
West Wimmera Shire Council has concluded that construction of a man-made lake in Kaniva is not feasible at this time, following a thorough investigation and cost analysis. Council investigated constructing a 200m by 400m lake at the Kaniva Racecourse Reserve after receiving the idea from the community.
