Intersect, February 2020

ED23 FEBRUARY 2020



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Issue 23



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Contents Why Intersect?

01. Project Matters

- Village House

- Beaumaris Residence

4

02. Planning Matters

15

03. Industry Matters

19

04. Job Matters 35

Thank you to our sponsors

Intersect is taken from the word Intersection – a point at which two lines or surfaces meet, and represents: + The INTERSECT-ion of disciplines + The INTERSECT-ion of past, present and future + The INTERSECT-ion of form and function + The INTERSECT-ion where industries meet.

of Victoria appreciates the support and assistance of our sponsors.

Sponsors Matter Design Matters appreciates the support and assistance of our sponsors and partners.

Bushfire Directory We have created a directory of our members who have offered their services pro-bono in the rebuild process post the recent devastating bushfires. The rebuild process will take some time to commence.

DISCLAIMER

If you would like to be added to the Bushfire Rebuild Directory please email us at info@designmatters.org.au

Publication of an article or inclusion of an advertisement in this edition does not infer that Building Designers Association of Victoria Inc trading as Design Matters agrees with the views expressed, or message conveyed, nor does it imply endorsement of products. In addition, Design Matters does not accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. No content may be reproduced without the written permission of Design Matters. Requests should be lodged to The Editor, at info@designmatters.org.au. ďťż

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Issue 23

01.

Project Matters: Village House



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“Village house was built for purpose and designed with garden and landscaping in mind.

It is an example of biophillic design at one with nature.”

01. Project Matters: Village House

Winner Residential New House $600K - $1M Construction Cost + Designed for a growing family, this home exemplifies the use of cladding and makes the most of natural light and its expansive views + Double glazing and strong insulation are featured, but not at the expense of aspect, so residents can open the house up to enjoy the outdoors + 3D computer modelling allowed the client to “walk” into each room and test the views before the build commenced Designing a home for avid gardeners was no easy feat - what’s outside the house is just as important as what’s inside and sustainable measures make the house comfortable and reduce the long term enironmental impact.

Village House, by GLOW Design Group, is a rural retreat located on a new estate close to Woodend in Victoria. The Eastern aspect is a view to Mount Macedon. It was sited to the Southern aspect of the land to allow optimal use of Northern aspect to enjoy. Garage and services were placed to the South and activity zone to the North.

Generally cool conditions for most of the year meant that the design was looking at warmth and retaining solar heat gain in winter.

Though the estate lots are very large, this build is one of the first in the estate, so the design needed to look to the future to avoid views and sustainability features being blocked with further development in the estate.

The design response considered client needs for rooms and spaces, designing to their lifestyle and avid love for gardening.

There was a set amount of rooms they required, for a growing family, and to allow for visitors from overseas.

The aspect was a prime concern in locating rooms. The aim was to have an easy travel from the garage to the butler’s pantry to unload groceries, connected straight into the kitchen. They desired a lounge separate to the main kitchen dining area, giving more intimate space. Bedrooms are in their own wing to keep sound out from the busy kitchen zone.



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01. Project Matters: Village House Open to all but the southern aspect, every room of the home interacts with the lush garden and its views of Mount Macedon including the Bi-fold bathroom windows that allow the residents to bathe in sunlight, while the living and dining spaces spill on to an expansive veranda making it a perfect space for entertaining.

The house was designed as a three-dimensional computer model with garden and trees included. The estate was looked at, the land mapped. Potential views and possible future building was studied before the commencement so that the design would allow for future screening of development.

The 3D computer modelling allowed the client to “walk” into each room and test the views and aspect, even do sun studies on the model so all the potential challenges were thought out before the house went to build.

To address the clients’ need for a home which pays homage to their affinity for gardening, the choice of materials was carefully considered. Materials excellence is demonstrated through the use of lightweight Hardieflex cladding and ‘Board & Batten’ style of hiding the joints.

The Hardieflex captures the sun’s rays to create shadows in unique ways to give the home a depth that would have otherwise been missing.

Sustainability Considerations Woodend is in one of Victoria’s coolest climates, so thermally greater insulation needed to be provided.

The house was designed to aspect, using computer modelling of light and space to have larger volumes to the North and take in the sunlight. Designed to provide warmth in a cool climate.

The warmth is assisted by use of exposed slab acting as thermal mass to the North. The heat is then retained through vast insulation R6 in ceiling, under slab insulation all windows double glazed with U value 3.5.

Very large litre water tank and vegetables are grown on site.

Trees were chosen for their ability to screen in future and local species have been used.

GLOW Design Group has effortlessly designed Village House around the property’s outdoor elements, ensuring that its layout takes full advantage of its views while maintaining separate wings for future family members.

Village House was the winner of the following 2019 Design Matters Building Design Awards: •

Residential Design New House $600K-$1M Construction Cost

•

Excellence in Use of Lightweight Materials

•

James Hardie Award

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Designer:

GLOW Design Group

glowbuildingdesign.com Builder:

Boyd Homes

Energy Rater:

Green Energy Ratings

Structural Engineer: ARX Dusan Bosnjak Landscape Designer: KM Landscape design Photographer:

Jack Lovel

MAJOR SUPPLIERS FOR THE PROJECT

Hardieflex AWS Windows Bluescope

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Issue 23

“Village House showcases what can be done with a durable, energy efficient material to achieve an interesting and beautiful design outcome for its residents. This new family home is unique, perfectly suited to its owners and built to last.”

GLOW Design Group Village House



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01.

Project Matters: Beaumaris Residence ďťż

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Issue 23



“Excitement and fun can be used skilfully to provide a much desired and aesthetically pleasing design.”

01. Project Matters: Beaumaris Residence

Winner Residential Interior Design + A modern, vibrant home reflecting the owners outgoing and worldly personalities, catering for entertaining their family and friends. + Everything in this house was built to last, breaking the trend of cheap and quick makeovers that require constant upkeep In a world of neutral and minimalistic design, the Beaumaris Residence is a refreshing change of pace with its bold artworks, intricate detailing and bright colours. This new interior project was born from a couple who live and breathe ‘coolness’. Both nearing retirement, the couple wanted to create a home that left a mark and legacy.

Having lived most of their lives in the culturally vibrant area of St Kilda and with a love of music, books, fine wine, family and friends – the creative direction was clear - bring the vibe of St Kilda to Beaumaris, but capture the essence of both.

STUDIOMINT were able to spend a number of hours getting to know the client and understand their needs. The client shared their hospitality and stories about their life adventures to help build a picture of what they wanted to see in the final outcome.

The pre-design discussions included construction methods as well as the finer details and applications of surfaces to ensure practical and manageable solutions were developed. The client’s hands on approach was a blessing for the project, as they were happy to dedicate more hours in refining details and perfecting the quality of the home.

Add to the fact that the owner was a builder, no challenge was too tough - and with that in mind, STUDIOMINT were able to capture the couple’s imagination and create a space that is inviting for all.

The dwelling is located on a relatively narrow sub divided block, in a typical suburban street of Beaumaris. At the time of engagement for the interior design, the frame was up and lock up was weeks away. Having the framework already in place, much of the spatial arrangement and configuration of the home was pre-established.

Being restricted by an envelop is not uncommon to interior designers, and so with a few internal tweaks that didn’t affect the sound structure, a design that met the modern vision and created a space that was striking was achieved.

The biggest inspiration for the project derived from a visit to the clients’ favourite hangout, which suggested an industrial aesthetic paired with unusual use of materials. The space was designed with a layered effect achieved through the application of artwork/photos, and use of patterns that resonated with client.

Walking up to the entrance, residents and visitors are greeted by a bright purple door. The entry void and volumes of natural light shining through the glazed facade, it sets the tone for the design of the house.

A breathtaking minimalist staircase is beautifully accentuated by a timber clad feature wall.

Inside the home, a beautiful feature wall made from sustainablysourced natural timber draws you in, creating a warm and inviting entry.

The most important aspect of the design exercise was the location and design of the kitchen, which in their family – is the heart of the home. The kitchen was big and practical - a natural extension of the living space. The long continuous bench leading into the butler’s pantry, and each utility carefully rationalised, is not only incredibly practical but is unique in design.

Featured on the ground floor is the alfresco and pool area. Compact in size, its striking graffiti feature wall and contemporary artwork on sliding doors provided a visual relief, reminiscent of the urban scape of St Kilda.

Everything in this house was built to last, including sustainably sourced natural timbers, breaking the trend of cheap and quick makeovers that require constant upkeep. Almost every component was manufactured on site, or in Melbourne which minimised the carbon footprint associated with shipments. 

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Issue 23

“This project is a win for us. Working with great open-minded and progressive clients, with a clear brief and unlimited imagination (but not budget), we were able to create a space that you want to come back to and enjoy a friendly bottle of red, listen to Nick Cave and share travel stories.”

STUDIOMINT Beaumaris Residence



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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Designer:

STUDIOMINT

studiomint.com.au

Interior Designer: Alla Delion

Harry Nguyen

Photographer:

Rachael Derel



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Issue 23

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02.

Planning Matters

ďťż

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Issue 23

Little bits that can make a big difference to your town planning outcomes Department

g change

Planning Policy Framework (state and local) Plan Melbourne and Regional Grow th plans

All the very best for 2020 Housing Strat egy

Clause 1 Planning is very proud of our long association with Design Matters (and the BDAV). We wish all members a safe, prosperous and joy-filled 2020.

PPN90 sets out the key planning policy from the Victorian Planning Provisions and sets out the planning processes which inform strategic planning for housing change, including: •

the Housing Strategy which identifies the extent of future housing including supply and demand types; and

•

the Neighbourhood Character Strategy which assists in identifying valued characteristics of areas that need to be considered when identifying the preferred future character for residential areas.

Perhaps of more interest to practitioners, the practice note provides a hierarchy of planning provisions which refer to the minimal, incremental and substantial change areas, noting that: •

Minimal change areas equate to the Low Density Residential Zone and Township Zone – to protect neighbourhood character;

•

Incremental change areas equate to the Neighbourhood Residential and General Residential Zones – to consolidate existing urban areas; and

•

Substantial change areas equate to the Residential Growth Zone and Mixed Use zone – to plan for intensification.

Planning autho rities play a critical role in location and guiding the form of housin g and settle patterns to meet ment the needs of Victoria’s growin population. g

Figure 1: Plann ing for housin

Residential zones

The first is Planning Practice Note 90: Planning for Housing (PPN90), provides guidance to Councils on how to plan for housing growth and protect neighbourhood character to ensure a balanced approach to managing residential development in planning schemes. For practitioners PPN90 also explains the planning framework as it relates to housing and residential development.

and Planning

Housi

ng change is an inevitable process. Tensio and ongoing ns can arise between housin neighbourhood g and character objec tensions are tives. If these not adequately managed this uncer tainty creates about future developmen t outcomes.

Planning Tid Bits

The State Government has recently released two new Planning Practice notes that provide practitioners with interesting insight in how Council planners are encouraged to apply neighbourhood character considerations and assess application for change.

, Land, Water

Housing and local area pla nning

02. Planning Matters

Understanding how Council’s plan for housing growth & use residential zones

of Environment

Housing change

Municipal Plann ing Strategy

Neighbourh ood character strate gy Residential development framework

4

Planning Practi

ce Note 90

Planning for housin

Other VPP tools

g

PPN90 clarifies that the Residential Development Framework is the output of a Council’s Housing Strategy, their Neighbourhood Character strategy and other features or constraints such as heritage, environmental and landscape considerations. It is this framework which seeks to balance competing objectives of housing growth and respecting neighbourhood character, by prioritising preferred development outcomes for different areas (being the Minimal, Incremental and Substantial change areas). Local policy in Sections 21 and 22 of each planning scheme usually allocates these categories to residential land within that municipality.

The Practice Note provides guidance on the intensity of new residential areas within each character-type noting: Minimal Housing Change – areas which have special characteristics that distinguish them from other parts of the municipality and should be protected. These areas are generally unsuitable for future housing growth and are often covered by an overlay which reinforces constraints; Incremental Housing Change – areas where housing growth occurs within the context of existing or preferred neighbourhood character. These areas have a capacity for growth, but new development should respect the existing or preferred neighbourhood character; Substantial Housing Change – areas close to jobs, services, public transport and areas which are to facilitate housing growth. It is expected that these areas will result in a new built form and neighbourhood character.



16

PPN90 provides guidance on the interpretation of neighbourhood character, noting that respecting neighbourhood character does not mean protecting neighbourhood character or preventing change. It does not mean mimicry and pattern book design but rather designing in response to the features and characteristics identified in the neighbourhood.

The PPN90 includes a preference that the three categories of housing change are illustrated in each Planning Scheme in map form, as are the areas where preferred neighbourhood character statements apply.

Department

of Environm

ent, Land, Wate

r and Planning

Gumnut Resid Gumnut res ide

ential Zones

ntial zones app

Application

lication

UGZ1

NRZ3

NRZ3 NRZ1

Planning Practice Note 91: Using the residential zones (PPN91) is to be read with Planning Practice Note 90: Planning for Housing. PPN91 provides information and guidance about how to: •

use local policies and overlays with the residential zones

•

make use of the key features of the residential zones.

The practice note provides strategic Council planners with strategic advice about how residential zones may be allocated to land, and other tools which may be used to implement strategic work on housing change including: Neighbourhood Character Overlays (NCOs) which may include demolition controls. Areas chosen for a Neighbourhood Character Overlays are areas which have special characteristics which need to be protected but are unlikely to have enough protection under Clause 54 and 55 (ResCode) provisions and local planning policy

•

Local Planning Policy and character objectives

•

Variations to standards of Clauses 54 and 55 (ResCode) plus garden area, subdivision lot size, maximum building height

•

Heritage Overlays, Design and Development Overlays and some other overlays.

•

The mandatory Garden Area and Maximum Building Height Provisions of the General Residential Zone, Neighbourhood Residential Zone and Residential Growth Zone, Township Zone and Mixed-Use Zone (as applicable).

For practitioners PPN91 includes insight into the structure and various components of the Residential Zones, plus useful tables for summarising the features of each residential zone and of the operation of maximum building height controls for each zone, and the parameters for strategic planners making variations to ResCode standards in the schedules to the zones.

GRZ2

GRZ2 NRZ1

PPRZ Gumnut Park

use the residential zones to implement strategic work

•

•

NRZ1

GRZ1

GRZ1

NRZ1

NRZ3 ACZ1

Zones

RGZ1

NRZ1

 ACZ1  RGZ1  GRZ1  GRZ2  NRZ1  NRZ2  NRZ3  LDRZ1  UGZ1  PPRZ  LGA bounda

NRZ1

GRZ1

NRZ2

PPRZ

NRZ2

LD RZ 1

NRZ2

PPRZ

UGZ1

NRZ2

ry

New Zoning Figu re 3: Gum ACZ1 GRZ1

Rememb GRZ2 er LDRZ1 Applying the

nut resid NRZ1enti al zone UGZ1 s app NRZ2

licationLGA Boundary

NRZ3 PPRZ RGZ1

residential zone

s should:

Disclaimer The State of Victoria does not warrant the in this publicati accuracy or complet on and any person the basis that the State of Victoria using or relying upon such eness of information for any errors, information does shall bear no faults, defects responsibility so on or omissions or liability whatsoe in the informat ver ion. © The State of Victoria Departm ent of Environm ent, Land, Water and Planning 2019

ü be consistent with the

residential Planning Information Services development Job ID: gis343-4 -1 Gumnut Res framework plan Print Zones Applicat 16/12/2019 ion ide ü prov and Author:Date: implement the greater cert planning.gis@de lwp.vic.gov.au ainty to the identified hou 0 authority and planning sing cha areas 1 nge 0.5 the commun ity about futu Kilometres development re in an area ü not undermine the inte nt of the hou facilitate long ü

change area sing -term housing s grow th and diversity as well as protecti on of neighbourho od character in the right locations.

N

Planning Prac

tice Note 91

Using the resid

ential zones

9

If you are looking for some bedtime reading, both Planning Practice Notes are available via the DELWP website at: www.planning.vic.gov.au

These tid bits are part of the regular contribution made by Clause 1 Planning to Intersect. For more information visit www.clause1.com.au

Ph: 03 9370 9599 www.clause1.com.au 

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Issue 23



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03.

Industry Matters

ďťż

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Issue 23

Understanding Council performance can help when communicating with your clients 03. Industry Matters

Know your council “Know your Council” initiative is a resource designed to improve transparency and accountability of Council.

It provides data on 66 measures and a governance and management checklist of 24 items which together build a comprehensive picture of individual Councils performance.

So how can this help building designers? As Council is a major stakeholder in the planning process for building developments, understanding how a particular Council performs in terms of Statutory Planning can help you manage your clients expectations and help you plan your work schedules.

An individual Council can be compared to the average across all 79 Victorian Councils, Councils of similar size, or against up to three selected Councils.

This measure is a percentage of VicSmart planning application decisions made within 10 days and regular planning application decisions made within 60 days. The higher the % the better the council is in making decisions within the required timeframes.

•

Service Cost: Cost of statutory planning service per planning application This is the average cost of a planning application for a Council. Lower or decreasing costs suggest an improvement in the cost-efficiency of application processing and decisions.

•

Decision Making: Percentage of Council planning decisions upheld at VCAT Reported as a percentage of planning applications decisions subject to review by VCAT that were not set aside. This could be in favour or not in favour of the Applicant depending on what the original decision was. For example an Applicant may go to VCAT because it was not originally approved by Council and the decision gets overruled… ie the decision to NOT approve an application is reversed so the application goes through. This measure provides an indication of whether decisions are consistent with the local planning scheme.

The 4 key measures under Statutory Planning are: •

Timeliness: Time taken to decide planning applications This is the median number of days taken between receipt of a planning application and a decision on an application.

Low or decreasing time suggests an improvement in the appropriateness of application processing and decisions.

This information can be helpful to plan your schedules.

Councils with a higher median timeliness score typically take longer to approve planning applications. The data in this measure includes new applications + amended + combined.

•

Service Standards: Planning applications decided within required time frames

Design Matters has updated practice note MN027-2020 Know Your Council to reflect the current data. The practice note is available in the Member Area of the Design Matters Website www.designmatters.org.au Are Statutory Planning services offered by Councils improving?

In the next issue of Intersect we will take a deeper look into the trends for Councils to see how they are performing over time.

Know Your Council has been developed by Local Government Victoria (LGV) within the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP). Mandatory performance reporting became a requirement for local government from the 2014-15 local government annual budgeting and reporting cycle onwards.



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Issue 23

The following tables provide a summary of the 4 key measures by Council name.

SHIRE NAME

TIMELINESS

SERVICE STANDARDS

SERVICE COST

DECISION MAKING

Alpine Shire

36

71.90%

$1,345.53

100.00%

Ararat Rural City

57

60.00%

$2,976.70

N/A

Ballarat City

68

64.48%

$2,106.34

71.43%

Banyule City

55

62.96%

$2,407.86

40.91%

Bass Coast Shire

81

78.45%

$2,201.09

80.00%

Baw Baw Shire

99

50.78%

$2,319.89

50.00%

Bayside City

41

70.47%

$3,089.86

51.79%

Benalla Rural City

23

88.39%

$1,554.14

N/A

Boroondara City

N/A

N/A

N/A

40.79%

Brimbank City

120

61.77%

$2,808.12

52.63%

Buloke Shire

30

96.43%

$1,886.33

0.00%

Campaspe Shire

41

92.28%

$1,573.76

90.91%

Cardinia Shire

104

78.85%

$1,715.34

100.00%

Casey City

90

69.33%

$3,416.18

51.85%

Central Goldfields Shire

93

32.11%

$2,875.51

100.00%

Colac Otway Shire

86

73.22%

$3,367.43

N/A

Corangamite Shire

41

82.58%

$2,179.40

0.00%

Darebin City

124.5

27.70%

$3,413.72

44.90%

East Gippsland Shire

38

85.66%

$2,278.66

25.00%

Frankston City

84

48.29%

$1,965.89

32.00%

Gannawarra Shire

35

83.22%

$2,028.48

N/A

Glen Eira City

66

70.39%

$2,695.71

72.41%

Glenelg Shire

28

93.92%

$2,050.38

100.00%

Golden Plains Shire

68

83.80%

$1,679.15

0.00%

Greater Bendigo City

53.6

71.23%

$2,906.32

58.33%

Greater Dandenong City

98

76.70%

$3,785.03

35.71%

Greater Geelong City

84

68.50%

$2,415.62

64.00%

Greater Shepparton City

55

58.29%

$3,147.81

50.00%

Hepburn Shire

84

57.35%

$1,643.38

50.00%

Hindmarsh Shire

72

52.78%

$4,139.56

0.00%

Hobsons Bay City

114

46.92%

$4,222.51

53.06%

Horsham Rural City

55

76.72%

$2,770.27

50.00%

Hume City

134

44.25%

$3,941.54

40.00%

Indigo Shire

38.5

81.52%

$2,434.74

33.33%

Kingston City

90

58.63%

$2,450.47

41.18%

Knox City

65

73.66%

$1,951.76

33.33%

Latrobe City

56

95.57%

$2,477.90

40.00%

Loddon Shire

40.5

72.45%

$1,922.90

100.00% 

22

SHIRE NAME

TIMELINESS

SERVICE STANDARDS

SERVICE COST

DECISION MAKING

Macedon Ranges Shire

106

58.10%

$3,136.22

58.33%

Manningham City

74

81.08%

$2,007.09

52.46%

Mansfield Shire

63

66.84%

$2,192.49

50.00%

Maribyrnong City

116

71.74%

$2,703.72

75.00%

Maroondah City

34

81.63%

$1,869.80

90.24%

Melbourne City

101

66.41%

$2,383.38

52.78%

Melton City

83

67.45%

$2,627.45

40.00%

Mildura Rural City

56

79.80%

$3,068.34

83.33%

Mitchell Shire

104

76.74%

$2,163.90

25.00%

Moira Shire

57

69.45%

$1,474.46

75.00%

Monash City

74

74.78%

$2,441.72

47.97%

Moonee Valley City

75

68.75%

$2,680.04

53.33%

Moorabool Shire

77.55

53.50%

$2,952.76

33.33%

Moreland City

116

60.09%

$3,365.93

47.14%

Mornington Peninsula Shire

90

63.62%

$3,536.39

32.35%

Mount Alexander Shire

28

84.68%

$1,531.61

50.00%

Moyne Shire

72

74.26%

$3,068.80

33.33%

Murrindindi Shire

60

69.52%

$1,630.19

100.00%

Nillumbik Shire

96.5

68.98%

$2,265.07

61.54%

Northern Grampians Shire

79

66.32%

$6,503.68

0.00%

Port Phillip City

78

56.53%

$2,617.25

72.22%

Pyrenees Shire

50

97.44%

$3,143.50

N/A

Borough of Queenscliffe

75

65.83%

$1,922.18

50.00%

South Gippsland Shire

72

78.99%

$1,772.53

80.00%

Southern Grampians Shire

35

77.30%

$1,805.41

N/A

Stonnington City

86

66.00%

$4,053.98

48.00%

Strathbogie Shire

45

89.08%

$2,432.81

N/A

Surf Coast Shire

63

83.93%

$2,909.65

46.15%

Swan Hill Rural City

47

82.63%

$2,540.06

0.00%

Towong Shire

64

56.63%

$2,402.91

0.00%

Wangaratta Rural City

53

82.49%

$2,412.42

66.67%

Warrnambool City

37

93.20%

$1,928.14

50.00%

Wellington Shire

39

97.58%

$1,857.42

100.00%

West Wimmera Shire

65

6.82%

$4,619.69

N/A

Whitehorse City

67

37.97%

$2,288.70

56.90%

Whittlesea City

55

77.07%

$2,106.39

43.75%

Wodonga City

45

87.20%

$3,942.24

100.00%

Wyndham City

90

78.56%

$2,513.57

52.94%

Yarra City

127

46.88%

$3,810.36

61.04%

Yarra Ranges Shire

109.5

57.93%

$3,444.54

42.42%

Yarriambiack Shire

16

88.00%

$1,731.25

N/A ďťż

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Issue 23

Working an environmentally friendly vision into the overall concept, design and final product.

03. Industry Matters

Sustainability starts with precise documentation

By Emma Green, NATSPEC Communications It’s been several months of reading, watching and listening to news about bushfires. The real consequences of climate change are too great – and too devastating – to ignore.

Reports come in: the area burned is larger than Belgium, than Denmark, than Scotland. These comparisons can make the situation seem abstract, or impossible. But Australia, though it may be a land that stretches far and wide, cannot afford such a loss. The bushfire season is just that – a season that comes and goes and comes again.

If fires become increasingly destructive and increasingly difficult to manage and fight, our way of life must change. For many, it already has. This means redesigning and rebuilding.

This does not only apply to people living in fire-prone areas; as we’ve seen, parts of major cities can be affected by fires. It may be necessary to expect and prepare for fire seasons that are even more dangerous in the future. This summer set of a string of record breaking phenomena – high temperatures, low rainfall, drought, fire – that took us out of the domain of living memory and written records. It is a new era, and if the earth’s climate continues to change as predicted, we have to be ready for it.

The predicted changes in weather might look minimal on paper. In 2015, for example, the CSIRO published data predicting that, before the end of this century, Melbourne’s average temperature would increase by 3°C and its annual rainfall decrease by 9 per cent. That’s within the lifetimes of children born since 2000, and the effects of climate change will continue to be felt well before they reach old age.

Unprecedented heat will become a new normal – if it isn’t already.

So how do we redesign and rebuild how we live to reduce our impact on the planet and mitigate the harmful consequences of decades (even centuries) of burning fossil fuel, driving cars, travelling by planes, leaving the lights switched on and blasting the air conditioning? This last one is crucial. After all, on a hot day, it can be hard to resist setting the indoor temperature to 15, maybe even 20°C lower than the air outside.

Building designers have an essential role to play. The built environment is inseparable from a 21st Century lifestyle. According to a 2013 report by Planet Ark, 1 in 3 people spend, on average, less than 18 minutes per day doing outdoor recreational activities. As the report astutely points out, this is about the same amount of time it takes to hang out a basket of washing. This means that an enormous

proportion of our time is spent enjoying the great indoors, using heating, air conditioning, lights, water, televisions, computers – all of which contribute harmful emissions to the atmosphere.

People are not the only culprits in this scenario, but also the buildings themselves, which makes their sustainable design and construction all the more important. Operational carbon emissions are a good measure of sustainability, as the bulk of a building’s carbon emissions are generated from its operation, rather than its construction.

Therefore, building designers and other building professionals must concentrate on sustainable goals and techniques – like passive cooling – from the very beginning of their process. They can work their environmentally friendly vision into the overall concept, design and final product.

NATSPEC specifications allow building designers to do exactly that, offering peace of mind by providing clear documentation as well as enabling a direct contribution to constructing a sustainable future.

With the National Building Specification, building designers can stipulate the quality and durability requirements for each of the products used in their design, giving them greater control over the final construction. The specifications are updated twice yearly, which means they align with the latest changes to the NCC, Australian Standards, legislation and industry practices. The customisable documentation allows building designers to prescribe requirements such as the reuse and recycling of materials, and energy and water efficiency.

As a result, buildings designed with the help of NATSPEC documentation and with a sustainability vision in mind have a tremendous opportunity to be part of the worldwide push to improve sustainability in urban and regional areas. It might just be only one house – or one part of one house – but each effort adds up. Small changes can set off much bigger changes, which is precisely what we need to reduce the devastation of future fires.

NATSPEC is a not-for-profit, government- and industry-owned organisation. It maintains the National Building Specification for Australia and has been a valued part of the construction industry for 45 years.

For more information, visit www.natspec.com.au.

24

Continued Over 

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Issue 23

In s ul at i o n

How will you deal with

thermal bridging after 1

st

May 2020?

National Construction Code (NCC) 2019 adoption is looming and from May 1st 2020, thermal bridging needs to be addressed and architects & designers could be forced to build thicker walls.

Section J, thermal envelope calculations need to be considered from an early stage of building design.

Thermal bridging is a big change in Section J & will result in significant implications to building design and thermal requirements. In many cases, it will affect the size of the windows and doors, forcing designers to reconsider thermal design and performance.

Specify Kingspan KoolthermÂŽ products, which easily address thermal bridging. Kingspan KoolthermÂŽ is thermally efficient with a slim profile, helping you save real estate space while keeping the building thermally efficient.

Call Kingspan Insulation for technical assistance at 1300 247 235.

Image Courtesy Australian Building Codes Board

Kingspan Insulation Pty Ltd Tel: 1300 247 235 Email: info@kingspaninsulation.com.au

www.kingspaninsulation.com.au Authorised Stockists: Eureka Sustainability Group Pty Ltd | Primo Building Services Pty Ltd | PlastaMasta Melbourne City | PlastaMasta South Side | Network Building supplies | Hume Building Products | Archiclad Building Products Pty Ltd | Archiclad Pty Ltd | Melbourne Building Supplies | 4 Corners Insulation

26

Yarrabilba will be Australia’s first circular economy community that integrates social, economic and environmental values 03. Industry Matters

Designing a circular economy community A circular economy is the opposite of today’s linear economy where we extract raw materials to manufacture products, use those products once or only for a short amount of time and then discard them as waste. In contrast, a circular economy is where we keep resources in use for as long as possible, extract the maximum value from them whilst in use, then recover and regenerate products and materials at the end of each service life. managing waste, energy and transport have been substituted for creative closed loop systems intended to “design out waste.

The Queensland town of Yarrabilba is expected to be the first circular economy community in the country but you wouldn’t guess it from walking down the street.

The site, which is under development by Lendlease, is located in the Logan local government area, 40 kilometres south of Brisbane. Once the 30-year development is finished, it will be home to around 45,000 people and have 17,000 homes.

The real magic happens “under the bonnet”. Although it will look like any other greenfield development, the conventional linear methods of

T RAD I T I ON AL LI NEAR EC ONOMY DEVELOP MENT MODEL Raw materials

Make

Use

Dispose

CI RCU L AR EC ONOMY DEVELOP MENT MODEL Social capital

Make/ remake

Use/ re-use

Replace raw materials by redefining products and services

Wa

te r,

Extend the life of products

e n e rg y a n d w

a st

Minimise leakage

Dispose

e

Economic capital Natural capital

Continued Over 

27

Issue 23

The drawing below provides an illustration of what a circular economy could look like in a community like Yarrabilba. There are a range of opportunities for waste, energy and transport. As the circular economy works to transform our systems, it presents opportunities for all of society – from homeowners to corporations – to act on small and large scales. It is not one action, but the actions of many and the interconnectivity of these actions that creates a circular economy.

Source: More than wast: A Circular Economy Strategy Overview for the Yarrabilba Community, QLD – 2019

Solar PV panels Water awareness campaign with schools

Collaborative design with schools

Local recycled water storage at the treatment plant

Education and engagement

Potable and recycled reservoirs

Cycle network

Solar LED lighting

Encouraging low energy rating buildings

Autonomous buses

Investigate peer-to-peer trading of energy

Small-scale digesters Pressure sewer technology

Uptake of solar PV Smart water meters linked with smartphones

Drinking Home offices

AquarevoTM

Charging electric vehicles using solar PV

Alternative kerbside waste collection service

Rainwater Recycled

HydropanelTM

Resource collection

Stormwater harvesting from road, houses and commercial buildings

Develop material catalogue Demo model house equipped with water efficient devices

Large-scale commercial composting Leasing of appliances Materials Processing and Trade Centre

Anaerobic digestion Waste treatment – modular multi-use resource precinct

Mobility as a Service

Community resource centre 

28

Alternative water utility mechanism

Local storage of recycle water for irrigation and undeveloped land Energy storage systems Smart precinct • Technology blueprint • Smart communities 2.0 strategy •

City design Shared spaces

Waste in construction

Local grid

Shared offices

CCTV, mobile, digital infrastructure for data processing, WiFi, fibre

Energy efficient construction

Transport sharing scheme

Electric vehicle infrastructure Development of smartphone mobile apps to manage energy, water, waste and recycling use

Community engagement plans on resource reduction

Market-scale gardens

Plastics in roads

Pongamia pinnata plantation

Glass in roads

Biomass fuels

Yarrabilba resource map

Develop Yarrabilba eco materials list

Recycled fence posts and amenity construction materials

Construction crops

Research and development

Bio-economy hub



29

Issue 23

Changes to the NCC to reduce the operational energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions of buildings 03. Industry Matters

Energy Efficiency: NCC 2022 and beyond The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has been directed by the Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) to investigate possible changes to the National Construction Code’s (NCC’s) energy efficiency provisions, with an emphasis on residential buildings in NCC 2022.

This work is to be carried out in consideration of the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Energy Council’s Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings (the Trajectory). The Trajectory proposes incremental changes to the NCC to reduce the operational energy use and associated greenhouse gas emissions of buildings.

To commence this process, the ABCB released a Scoping Study titled, Energy efficiency: NCC 2022 and beyond, for public comment. The Scoping Study outlined a possible approach and scope of the project, with a particular focus on the 2022 version of the NCC (NCC 2022).

The Scoping Study was prepared in consideration of the overarching objectives of the Trajectory, which include reducing energy bills; improving the reliability of energy networks; reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and to providing industry with certainty about future regulatory changes.

A total of 135 submissions were received on the Scoping Study from a broad range of individuals and groups. The largest number of submissions came from respondents who identified themselves as specialists in energy efficiency, designers, product suppliers, builders and engineers. A quantitative and qualitative analysis of the submissions was undertaken to inform this report.

For residential buildings, the two options proposed in the Scoping Study attracted similar levels of support. However, questions were raised about their feasibility, particularly Option 1, which proposes net zero annual energy use (NZRE) for the regulated building services.

A whole-of-house approach, which allows trading between building elements, was well supported on the proviso that there remained a minimum level of thermal comfort that could not be traded.

The proposed quantified Performance Requirements for residential buildings were well supported by respondents. However, a number of respondents raised concern about their complexity, as well as the complexity of the residential changes in general. Concern was raised that this could increase the need for specialist energy fficiency consultants. The proposal to apply a threshold to the elemental DTS Provisions also attracted considerable attention, although opinions were divided, mostly between having a smaller 120 m2 threshold and none at all. There was also support for extending the elemental DTS Provisions to Class 2 sole-occupancy units (SOUs).

Respondents overwhelmingly supported the recommended baseline levels of energy efficiency for residential building services specified in the Trajectory. There was also support for the current Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) compliance pathway, as well as its possible expansion to accredit whole-of-house tools. The NSW Building Sustainability Index (BASIX) also received relatively strong support as a whole-of-house tool.

For both commercial and residential buildings, provision for the future installation of on-site renewables and electric vehicle (EV) charging was supported. The concept of the NCC being technology and fuel neutral attracted differing views, with some respondents arguing that gas should be phased out. There was also some concern raised about the impact of increased uptake of on-site renewables on the electricity network.

For commercial buildings, respondents expressed broad support for further investigating the areas identified in the Scoping Study. This included the use of future climate data, expanding the Verification Methods, refining the thermal bridging provisions, accommodating vertical shading, and reviewing the role of on-site renewables.

Responses were, however, divided on the treatment of commercial buildings with low volume-to-surface area ratios, but the other areas identified were all generally supported, albeit with some caveats.

Information was provided by a number of respondents about current market behaviour, particularly in relation to residential buildings. Some respondents suggested there is no need for further regulation given the current and likely uptake of energy efficiency and on-site renewables. It was also suggested that the regulation impact analysis of any proposed changes must consider split incentives, property rights and equity issues. The increasing size of dwellings was also raised as working against efforts to increase energy efficiency.

The responses to the Scoping Study will inform the investigation and development of the NCC energy efficiency provisions in 2022 and beyond. For NCC 2022, the specific approach outlined in the Scoping Study, as modified by applicable responses, is repeated below.



30

Residential buildings

Commercial buildings

For residential buildings (houses and apartments), two sets of NCC provisions (or options) will be developed and tested through regulation impact analysis to determine the appropriate option for adoption in NCC 2022. The two options are as follows:

Given that substantial changes were made to the commercial building energy efficiency provisions in NCC 2019, and with other priorities now taking precedence, the ABCB will investigate more moderate changes in NCC 2022. This may include work that will complement the residential energy efficiency provisions such as research into the grid impacts of increased uptake of on-site renewable energy and research into provisions that accommodate the future installation of on-site renewable energy and EV charging.

Option 1 involves a set of provisions which would result in residential buildings having a level of thermal comfort equivalent to 7 stars NatHERS and NZRE, (based on the societal cost of energy) for the regulated building services, i.e. space conditioning, heated water systems, lighting and pool and spa pumps.

Option 2 involves a set of provisions which would result in residential buildings having a level of thermal comfort equivalent to 7 stars NatHERS and a moderate amount of annual energy use for the regulated building services.

The two options will enable a ‘whole-of-house’ approach to be used to achieve compliance. In particular, compliance through Verification Methods (or whole-of-house tools) and, to a limited extent, the elemental DTS Provisions will allow some trading between the energy efficiency of building services, and allow limited offsetting with on-site renewable energy.

Testing the two options will enable the ABCB to identify the most appropriate provisions for adoption in NCC 2022 and whether a transitional period should be applied. If the less stringent Option 2 is chosen, the development of Option 1 will nevertheless provide industry with an indication of the provisions that may be adopted in a future version of the NCC.

More substantial changes for commercial buildings may be considered in NCC 2025. This may involve the same approach used for residential buildings in NCC 2022, i.e. the development of two possible options with one being net zero.

Next steps In addition to the Scoping Study process, further opportunity will be provided for comment throughout the development of the proposed changes to NCC 2022.

In developing the proposed changes to NCC 2022, the ABCB will also undertake a holistic review of the residential energy efficiency provisions.

This will include considering related issues, such as condensation and heat and cold stress. The ABCB will also ensure the residential energy efficiency provisions take account of regional differences.

Design Matters will continue to provide input throughout the consultation process.

DESIGN MATTERS GOLF DAY 2020 6 March 2020 at Woodlands, Mordialloc

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Issue 23

Aspirations of young and older Australians are framed around different experiences and goals 03. Industry Matters

Do younger and older Australian households want the same kind of housing?

The housing aspirations and desires of young adults (aged 25–34) and older Australians who have retired (aged 65–74) are framed around quite different housing and employment experiences and long-term goals.

Two recent AHURI reports have looked at the housing aspirations of younger and older Australians and found some similarity in housing preferences despite the large age gap between the groups.

In terms of similarities, both groups aspire to home ownership at 77 per cent (25–34 years old) and 81 per cent (65–74 years old) respectively. More than half of both groups want to live in a detached house and generally aim to have 3 or 4 bedrooms in that home.

TENURE TYPE

25–34

65–74

Ownership (full, joint, shared equity, shared with family/friends)

77%

81%

Rental (incl. in shared dwelling)

15%

4%

Social housing

2%

3%

Within a lifestyle or retirement village

1%

8%

Other/No preference

5%

4%

DWELLING TYPE

25–34

65–74

Separate (detached dwelling)

56%

69%

Attached dwelling (semi-detached/terrace/townhouse etc.)

12%

11%

Apartment (less than 4 storeys)

10%

8%

Apartment (more than 4 storeys)

11%

4%

Ancillary dwelling/granny flat

3%

2%

Caravan or other temporary structure

1%

0%

Other

3%

2%

No preference

5%

2%



32

NUMBER OF BEDROOMS

25–34

65–74

1

4%

2%

2

18%

25%

3

33%

52%

4

36%

19%

5+

8%

2%

No preference

1%

There are, of course, also great differences in how these two age groups see their housing futures. The great majority of older Australians (75%) want to stay in their home in the short term (1–2 years), while, in contrast, only 41 per cent of 25–34 year old households wanted to live in their current home over the next one to two years.

Nevertheless, large proportions of both younger and older Australians want to stay living in the same or a nearby neighbourhood, with 73 per cent of younger and 87 per cent of older Australians wanting to stay where they are or live within 10 kilometres of their current home.

INTENTION TO MOVE OR STAY

25–34

65–74

Stay

41%

75%

Move within 10 km

32%

12%

Move within region further than 10 km

16%

4%

Move to a different part of current state/territory

5%

6%

Move to a different state/country

6%

3%

100%

100%

There are also noteworthy differences in where older Australians and 25–34 age groups want to live.

While the ‘middle/outer suburbs of a Capital City’ were the most popular location for both groups, the younger households are much more interested in living in the CBD or inner suburbs of a capital city—44 per cent of younger respondents said they would like to live there compared with 21 per cent of the older group. Indeed, the next most popular location for the older group (after the middle/outer suburbs of a capital city) was living in a small regional town—a location that was popular with only 10 per cent of the younger households.

IDEAL LIVING LOCATION

25–34

65–74

The CBD of a Capital City

16%

3%

The inner suburbs of a Capital City

28%

18%

The middle/outer suburbs of a Capital City

28%

36%

A large regional city or town

14%

16%

A small regional town

10%

21%

A remote community

2%

2%

Other

1%

1%

No preference

2%

2%

Full reports can be found at Younger Australians and the housing aspirations gap: www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/318 Older Australians and the housing aspirations gap: www.ahuri.edu.au/research/final-reports/317



33

Issue 23

The ideal cost control tool from the inception of a project to completion 03. Industry Matters

Digitally Better… 2020 Rawlinsons Australian Construction Cost Books Industry leaders, Rawlinsons (W.A.), are construction cost management professionals. Established 67 years ago they are also the proud creators and editors of the Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook and Construction Cost Guide, the most comprehensive and current library of construction pricing information and data sources in Australia.

Digitally better

Who uses the book?

At a time where the world is focusing on climate change and reducing carbon footprints, going digital is fast becoming the preferred, ‘green’ option. All Rawlinsons publications are available to purchase through an electronic platform that require a small, free downloadable application to be installed on the host machine to access the encrypted cloud server. The software is compatible with both Windows and MAC workstations although mobile devices are not supported. Whilst printing, copying and snipping functions are disabled as a security measure, the publications are available offline and are optimised for quick response time. The 2020 editions also include an extra level of bookmarking, assisting in swift movement to each sub section.

Traditional hardcopies are available for those who prefer a physical book.

Not just limited to Quantity Surveyors and Estimators, a plethora of construction industry professionals use the publications, including architects, engineers, designers and builders. Many government bodies, state and local government departments, insurance companies, valuers and educational establishments also purchase Rawlinsons cost publications.

What is in the publications?

There is an enormous amount of data contained in these annual publications and, with two to choose from, there is a book for everyone. The Handbook deals with projects of a more complex nature covering values over and above $1.5 million. If your project is of a more domestic nature with a smaller project value that is below $1.5 million, the Cost Guide is more appropriate, also including a renovation section.

Additionally, Rawlinsons offers a Process Engineering Handbook, which has been developed as an aid to the experienced estimator or project manager for large infrastructure and process engineering projects.

Aside from the use of the cost guides for estimating, the publications also contain a vast array of sundry information on construction topics such as contractual procedures and conditions of contract, estimated construction timeframes, information on current tax depreciation regulations and requirements, replacement insurance valuations and environmentally sustainable costs.

“Correctly used, the Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook and Construction Cost Guide becomes a cost control tool from the inception of a project to the project completion and handover.”

The 2020 editions are available to purchase now through an easy to use online store. Rawlinsons offer student discounts and bulks discounts are available for orders over 5 of the same title.

For more information head over to : www.rawlhouse.com.au or call Rawlinsons office on 08 9424 5800



34

35

Issue 23

Bupaoffers offers the the value value you Bupa youneed need

Discoverthe thebenefits benefitsof of being being a a Bupa inin addition to to your Discover Bupa member, member,which whichyou youget get addition your corporate benefits, to help you take care of your health and wellbeing and live a corporate benefits, to help you take care of your health and wellbeing and live a healthier,happier happierlife. life. healthier, Pay nothing for dental check-ups

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covers.

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covers Age-based discount on all Domestic Hospital Corporate cover with great benefits Bupa have teamed up with your employer so you can access Discover the18-29, benefits of Bupa member, which you get in addition to a Bupa range of health and wellness services as well as your unique covers If you’re aged you could bebeing entitled toareceive an agehave teamed up with your employer so you can access corporate benefits. Join your colleagues on your corporate

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To support our members, we pay towards the cost of both psychology and counselling, at recognised providers, under our mental health category on most Extras and packaged covers.

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Taking care of your mental health

Bupa have teamed up with your employer so you can access a range of health and wellness services as well as unique corporate benefits. Join your colleagues on your corporate health plan to take advantage of these benefits, including discounted health insurance premiums that may be available to you.

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Only for new customers on selected combined corporate Hospital and Extras cover issued by Bupa HI Pty Ltd ABN 81 000 057 590 who join on direct debit or payroll deduction (if available) between 01/09/2019 and 31/10/2019 and who mention the phrase “Get Bupa corporate six weeks free” upon joining. Offer excludes Overseas Student Health Cover and Hospital products combined with Orange 50 or Orange 60 Extras products.

Members must maintain a combined corporate Hospital and Extras cover for 30 consecutive days from the join date to be eligible to receive the six weeks free offer. 2 and 6 month waiting period waiver commences from the join d ate and only applies to selected Extras. Other waiting period s apply. Yearly limits, fund and policy rules apply. Not available with other offers. See the full terms and conditions here: https://www.bupa.com.au/ health-insurance/campaigns/6-weeks-free-terms 2Available to Bupa members who have selected combined Hospital and Extras cover that includes general dental. Excludes Your Choice Extras 60 when general dental 3 1  36 notnew selected and Orange 50 and combined Orange 60corporate prod ucts. Hospital Yearly limits, period issued s, fund by andBupa policy apply.

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Thededuction age-based (if d iscount is calculated at 2% for Onlyisfor customers on selected and waiting Extras cover HIrules Pty Ltd ABN 000 057 590 who join on direct debit or payroll available) between 01/09/2019 and each year aremention aged under when youBupa first purchase Domestic Hospital cover.joining.

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Bupa HI Pty Ltd ABN Members must maintain a combined corporate Hospital and Extras cover for 30 consecutive days from the join date to be eligible to receive the six weeks free offer. 2 and 6 month waiting period waiver commences from 81 000 057 (BKQY-VQS6) the join d ate and590. only applies to selected Extras. Other waiting period s apply. Yearly limits, fund and policy rules apply. Not available with other offers. See the full terms and conditions here: https://www.bupa.com.au/

health-insurance/campaigns/6-weeks-free-terms 2Available to Bupa members who have selected combined Hospital and Extras cover that includes general dental. Excludes Your Choice Extras 60 when general dental

07. Job Matters + Experienced Architectural Draftsperson Required Full Time Position We are seeking an experienced Architectural Draftsperson to join our Warrnambool office. Candidates will possess relevant qualifications and have experience in documentation of residential and commercial building design. Our work includes a wide variety of custom design for new homes, extensions and renovations as well as commercial designs for offices, hospitality and accommodation, healthcare and the like. Experience using ArchiCAD is preferred as well as other 3D visual packages but not essential.

You should have a sound knowledge of the Building Regs and NCC. Be proficient in preparing schematic, town planning and working drawing documentation with a positive, enthusiastic attitude and passion for good design outcomes. The role requires someone that is flexible to work autonomously or as a team member across several projects, have good communication skills being able to assist with clients and colleagues alike.

Please forward your CV and folio to CS Design admin@csdesigns.com.au.

+ Experienced Architect/Documenter Exciting opportunity to work with some of Melbourne’s best architectural and interior design firms! Detail 3 are a collective of architectural professionals that provide assistance by secondment to architectural and interior design studios.

Due to increased demand we are looking for passionate and enthusiastic mid-senior documenters (5+ years experience) to join our team. This unique role requires someone that is flexible and able to work across a variety of sectors. Someone that is a team player but can also work autonomously. In this unique role you will: get to work in a variety of organisations on a variety of projects; make great connections in the industry; support some of the top design firms; be someone that is non-political, open-minded and friendly, but also able to contribute when required and be experienced in Revit. If you are someone that enjoys new challenges, meeting new people, and working in a team environment, this is the perfect role for you.

No two days will ever be the same!

Please send your cover letter, CV and portfolio to Felicity via email at d3@ detail3.com.

Town Planning Consultants

Where Your Vision is Our Purpose 435 Nepean Highway Frankston Victoria 3199 03 8765 2455 info@townplanningco.com.au townplanningco.com.au

+ Seeking a Draftsperson/Building Designer Successful building/development company seeks a new Draftsperson/ Building Designer to join the in-house team. We are a Builder/Developer based in Brighton VIC, completing all aspects of design and construction work for high-end apartment and townhouse developments.

The successful applicant will gain a great opportunity to learn all aspects of building design and construction/project management. We will consider entry level applicants as well as Building Designers with some experience. High level of skill in REVIT and AUTOCAD is a must. Some onsite experience is beneficial but not a requirement.

Please email your CV and Portfolio to Pietro at pietro@theedgegroup.com.au.

+ Experienced Building Designer Required Design and Drafting practice located on the Mornington Peninsula is seeking an experienced AchiCAD operator. Applicants must have experience and be proficient in planning documentation, working drawings and have a high attention to detail.

Initial engagement is to assist in work overflow, however this may lead to a more permanent role in the near future. Students with experience are encouraged to apply.

Please email your resume along with some examples of your work to Matthew Hecker at matt@hekkdesign.com.

+ Part Time Sustainability Consultant A Sustainability Consulting Firm located in the south-eastern suburbs is looking for part time energy rater/sustainability consultant. Successful candidates will have experience and skills in producing one or more of the following sustainability reports - FirstRate5 reports, JV3, BESS reports, Section J reports etc. Graduates with architectural and/or drafting background will also be considered and training can be provided.

Email your CV to energy@tul.net.au.



37

Issue 23

What is the difference between Income Protection, Trauma and TPD Insurance ?

04. Job Matters

Choosing the right protection

By Aspect Underwriting Choosing the right type of insurance to cover for a potential medical emergency or incapacity can be challenging.

If you’re under 30, have no dependant family or major obligations and are fit and healthy, the idea of taking out insurance against your future earnings has probably not even crossed your mind.

But income protection insurance might not be the only consideration you should make. The reality is that accidents happen and people do get unexpectedly ill, even when young and healthy.

While it’s true that income protection insurance will cover your earnings for a period of time in the event of a major illness or injury, the reality is that most income protection claims cover for a period of one to two years before the insured person returns to work – if you’re young, that might be a risk you’re prepared to take.

However, what if you incur an injury that results in you not ever being able to go back to work? Or what if you suffer a serious illness that results in significant medical costs as well as reduced work capacity?

In these instances, there are other insurance products that might be worth considering and, if you’re young, will be quite affordable – specifically Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) and Trauma or Critical Illness insurances.

Here are some statistics to help you in your considerations: •

Around 786,000 Australians experienced a health condition resulting in time off work and income support from a government or private source during the 2015/16 financial year.

•

To put that into context, this was about 50,000 more than the number of unemployed people as at June 2016.

•

At least a further 6.5 million people accessed sick leave for short-term illness.

So, what are the differences between these insurance products?

Income Protection Insurance Income Protection insurance will replace the majority of your income if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury. Protecting regular income is at the heart of sound financial planning. The reality is that you are likely to suffer a health condition at some point in your working career that may take you to a financially challenging place. The question then becomes, can you afford to go for a period of time with no income? If you are not able to, having your income protected provides you with significant peace of mind so that you can focus on getting better.

Total and Permanent Disability Insurance Total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance provides lumps sum cover if you are totally and permanently disabled. It will help cover the costs of rehabilitation, debt repayments and the future cost of living.

TPD insurance will usually apply either if you can’t work again in any occupation, or can’t work in your usual occupation. Each insurer has different definitions of what is and isn’t considered to be totally and permanently disabled so it pays to scrutinise the policy in detail.

Trauma Insurance Trauma or critical illness insurance is designed to pay you a lump sum to cover immediate medical expenses and other financial needs in the event of a defined group of the most critical illnesses.

The most common claims are for cancer, heart attack, coronary bypass, and stroke although most policies will also cover a longer list of other serious illnesses. www.canstar.com.au/life-insurance/trauma-whats-covered/ In the event a significant trauma did occur, there are significant potential financial implications over and above the medical costs.



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Trauma or critical illness cover does not rely on your ability to work in order for a benefit to be paid. This is particularly relevant when people may be going through cancer treatment but are not completely disabled or disabled from working enough to satisfy an income protection waiting period.

It is also worth considering that, even if you do have income protection insurance, it will only cover a proportion of your income and may take some weeks to start paying. Trauma insurance pays a lump sum at the point of diagnosis without any waiting periods.

Other issues may be if your partner has to give up work to support or care for you, or if your treatment requires substantial travel and accommodation costs. Similarly, there can be significant outgoings for equipment or even home renovations.

In Conclusion Being young, confident, healthy and feeling bullet proof is a marvellous thing. But the reality is that no one is unsusceptible to a serious illness or injury that can derail your life plans.

The above three products fit well together and compliment each other for the vast majority of circumstances.

•

Trauma Insurance can provide immediate financial aid regardless of whether you miss work;

•

Income Protection provides financial aid for the relative short-term (1-2 years); and

•

TPD provides long-term protection

“Even if you think income protection or TPD insurance aren’t for you, consider trauma insurance

and hedge against the unpredictable.”

Trauma insurance can be bought for a much smaller premium that IP/TPD. For example, a 30 year old female office worker would pay as little as $18 p/month for a $50,000 Trauma benefit.

04. Job Matters

6 crucial employee awards and legislative changes to look out for Legislation and individual awards around employee entitlements change regularly however a new suite of major changes to employee awards and legislation will come into effect this year.

Here is a summary of the changes to watch out for in 2020:

1

From 1 January 2020, employers are required to pay super on an employee’s gross rate of pay – including on any salary they have sacrificed.

It will no longer be possible for an employer to pay super only on the reduced salary of an employee with a salary sacrifice agreement. This is one of two superannuation guarantee (SG) changes that will affect employees who employ on a salary sacrifice arrangement from January 2020 onwards.

2

Salary sacrifice cannot contribute to mandatory super contributions. 1 January will also mark the end of employers utilising a salary sacrifice to make up all, or part, of their compulsory SG contributions.

This is the second component of the SG changes. It ensures that any proportion of an employee’s salary that is ‘salary sacrificed’ cannot be put into a super fund as part of the mandatory 9.5 per cent in super contributions that should be contributed by the employer.

3

From 1 March 2020, employers will need to notify employees in writing of their annualised salary and their maximum ordinary working hours outside of the 38-hour week.

Under 22 modern awards, if an employee works any hours in excess of a 38-hour working week, the employer must ensure that they don’t earn below the minimum wage overall. This forms the first part of the Fair Work Commission’s recent decision to change annualised salary provisions under 22 modern awards from March 2020 onwards.

4

Employers must keep records of the start, finish and break times of their employees.

This means that any excess hours worked in each roster or pay period must be paid to the employee as overtime, if their annual salary does not pay them at or above the minimum wage for their total hours.

Importantly, records must also be signed, or acknowledged as correct, by employees for each roster or pay cycle.

5

From 1 March, each year employers must pay employees for overtime worked if their salary does not cover that overtime.

If an employer finds that their employee received less pay on their annualised wage agreement than if they were paid under the award, they need to pay the employee the difference. Any shortfalls must be paid to them within 14 days. This process needs to occur every 12 months, even upon the termination of a contract.

6

Employers will need to self-correct any unpaid superannuation, under the proposed SG amnesty.

The SG Amnesty bill passed the House of Representatives in November and has now moved to the Senate. The bill, which is likely to be passed, will provide a one-off amnesty for employers to self-correct any unpaid super contributions, and will grant employers six months from the date of royal assent to come clean to the Australian Taxation Office. After the amnesty period, higher penalties will be applied – up to 200 per cent.

Further updates on these changes will be provided to Members through the Design Matters weekly eNews update. 

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