DM WEEKLY ROUNDUP ISSUE 4

The Weekly Roundup

ISSUE #4

DESIGN MATTERS NATIONAL

Welcome to your weekly industry news roundup. Our analysis focuses on developments curated from various publications, impacting building design practices, with actionable insights for your professional work.

27 Feb 2025

In this newsletter you can expect: Victorian housing reform and suburban development

ESSENTIAL UPDATES Shifts in urban planning and housing policy continue across Australia this week. Major themes include Victoria's ambitious housing reforms, infrastructure investment prioritisation, innovative housing typologies, and evolving regulatory frameworks. The news cycle highlights an industry navigating the balance between accelerating housing delivery, maintaining community character, and addressing housing affordability through streamlined approval processes and strategic development initiatives.

Infrastructure investment and major projects

Future housing innovations and design trends Building regulations and industry challenges

VICTORIAN HOUSING REFORM AND PLANNING POLICY Victoria's housing policy landscape is evolving rapidly with significant reforms announced this week. The Allan government has modified its initial suburban high-rise plans, reducing height limits for medium-density apartment buildings across Melbourne's middle suburbs and shrinking the boundaries of areas earmarked for accelerated development. This recalibration aims to balance increased housing supply with suburban amenity, particularly near train stations (The Age).

In a bold move to accelerate housing delivery, Premier Jacinta Allan and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny introduced a 'townhouse code' designed to fast-track threestorey developments that meet specific design criteria. This initiative aims to cut planning approval times by up to 60%, with the Premier expressing her desire to make Victoria "the townhouse capital of Australia" (Herald Sun, View.com.au).

The government has also released final council housing capacity targets, warning local councils—particularly those in wealthy inner areas—that they will lose planning powers if they fail to meet their allocated housing targets. This approach has sparked debate, with opposition figures describing it as stripping residents of housing choice and councils of their ability to block inappropriate developments (Sourceable, Herald Sun).

The February 26 "Ask a Planner Series" with Ashley Thompson focused on "What's changed in planning in Victoria over the past 12 months".

Missed it? No worries. Get the recording here!

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT AND MAJOR PROJECTS Infrastructure development is gaining momentum across Australia, with significant announcements for transport and development projects. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has committed $7 billion toward Melbourne's long-awaited Airport Rail link, emphasising the need to accelerate this critical infrastructure (Herald Sun).

In Tasmania, the state government has unveiled its 10-year infrastructure pipeline featuring 442 projects valued at approximately $30 billion, signaling longterm investment in the state's development (The Mercury).

Meanwhile, property market observers are noting broader economic trends, with real estate funds giant Charter Hall reporting that while the property market upswing has begun, fewer new buildings are being constructed as costs continue to soar (The Australian).

In Western Australia, economic challenges are evident with new figures showing company collapses have surged 24%, with construction companies among the hardest hit sectors, indicating ongoing volatility in the building industry (WA Today).

Project Management Connection The Contract Administration Workshop series (starting April 12) provides essential skills for building designers to confidently manage projects within this complex environment of rising costs, infrastructure initiatives, and economic pressures.

FUTURE HOUSING INNOVATIONS AND TRENDS Forward-looking housing solutions are emerging as designers and planners envision the future of Australian homes. The Herald Sun reports on potential 'dramatic' changes coming to Victoria's housing by 2050, including three-storey houses, car-free streets, and centralised solar batteries in new growth areas.

In Canberra, a $260 million development in Red Hill demonstrates how new construction can successfully blend into a century-old suburb, offering insights into contextual design approaches that respect heritage while meeting contemporary needs (Canberra Times).

The potential for smaller dwellings to address housing challenges is also gaining attention, with Architecture & Design exploring whether small homes might offer a solution to Australia's housing crisis, particularly for young people seeking independence and older Australians looking to downsize.

Industry voices are also highlighting the transformative potential of architectural practice, with The Fifth Estate featuring thought-provoking perspectives on their podcast from architects like Jane Cassidy on the profession's capacity to drive meaningful change in the built environment.

Innovative Design Connection The March 11 "Ask an Assessor: Strategic Energy Assessment for Better Client Outcomes" workshop addresses the integration of forward-thinking energy solutions into residential design—directly relevant to the emerging trends toward more sustainable housing typologies highlighted in this week's news.

IREGULATORY FRAMEWORKS AND INDUSTRY CHALLENGES

Regulatory evolution continues across multiple jurisdictions. In Tasmania, the government has announced plans to tighten regulations to crack down on "dodgy builders," with new tools for regulators to better enforce standards (The Mercury).

In the ACT, strata management has come under increased scrutiny as apartment living becomes more popular. The government has pledged to appoint a Building and Strata Commissioner to oversee the sector, following similar models in NSW and Queensland (ABC News).

Victoria's newly established "automatic approvals" system for qualifying townhouses and low-rise apartment developments has sparked intense debate, with opposition critics describing it as "stripping community rights" while the government defends it as necessary to address housing supply challenges.

The Victorian Audit Office has also highlighted concerns about major project accountability in its "Major Projects Performance Reporting 2024" review, noting persistent transparency gaps in how public entities report on project performance (Audit Victoria).

Regulatory & Climate Response Connection The March 12 & 19 NCC 2022 Condensation Provisions workshops offer critical guidance on navigating technical building requirements.

Additionally, the March 12 Climate Safe Design workshop addresses complementary adaptive approaches to building resilience in extreme weather conditions— both essential as regulatory frameworks evolve and climate challenges intensify.

INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AND FUTURE WORK The discourse around architectural leadership is gaining prominence, with The Fifth Estate publishing thought pieces on "the potential of architects to change the world" and featuring industry leaders discussing the profession's evolving role. These conversations highlight how architects are positioned to drive transformation while navigating competing priorities and addressing the erosion of traditional architectural roles.

The implementation of Victoria's housing policy reforms will require skilled design professionals capable of delivering quality medium-density housing that meets both regulatory requirements and community expectations—presenting both challenges and opportunities for building designers.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT CALENDAR March Highlights Mar 6: Women of DMN Catch Up at Northside Wines Mar 7: Women of DMN Catch Up at Next Door Mar 11: Ask an Assessor: Strategic Energy Assessment Mar 12 & 19: NCC 2022 Condensation Provisions Workshop Mar 20: Upskill Now Masterclass (Thermal) Mar 21: Women of DMN: Networks of Success (Perth) Mar 25: DMN 2025 South Africa Study Tour Briefing Mar 27: SBDC Services Overview (WA Members)

Women in Design Connection As the industry navigates these changes, the March 6 & 7 Women of DMN networking events in Melbourne, and the March 21 "Networks of Success" lunch and panel discussion in Perth provide valuable platforms for women in design to share perspectives and build supportive professional relationships during this period of industry transformation.

UPCOMING EVENTS MARCH 2025 Women of DMN Catch Up at Northside Wines Date: Mar 6 Time: 7:00 PM Location: Northside Wines, 543-545 High St Northcote, Melbourne VIC 3070 Status: 7 day/s till Registration closes Women of DMN Catch Up at Next Door Date: Mar 7 Time: 12:30 PM Location: Next Door At Omar & the Marvellous Coffee Bird, Melbourne VIC 3185 Status: Hurry! Limited Places Remaining Ask an Assessor Series Date: Mar 11 Time: 2:00 PM Location: Live, Online & Interactive (AEDT) Topic: Optimise your 7-Star Designs - Strategic energy assessment for better client outcomes Presenter: Tim Adams & Jeremy Spencer Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

NCC 2022 Condensation Provisions - Design Considerations and Practical Applications PART 1 Date: Mar 12 Time: 1:00PM (AEDT) Location: Online Duration: 2hrs Status: Registations Closing Soon!

NCC 2022 Condensation Provisions - Design Considerations and Practical Applications PART 2 Date: Mar 19 Time: 1:00PM (AEDT) Location: Online Duration: 2hrs Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

Climate Safe Design: What Works Date: Mar 12 Time: 10:00AM - 5:00PM Location: Deakin Waterfront Campus, 1 Gheringhap St, Geelong VIC 3220 Description: Join this important workshop examining adaptive thermal comfort and resilient design approaches for extreme weather conditions. Features presentations on successful climate-responsive housing projects from the Pilbara to Geelong, including the innovative Climate Safe Rooms initiative.

Includes interactive yarning circles focused on building design, retrofitting existing structures, and overcoming barriers to implementation.

Upskill Now Masterclass (Thermal) Date: Mar 20 Time: 12:00PM (AEDT) Location: Online Duration: 4hrs Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

Women of DMN: Networs of success - Lunch + Q&A Panel Date: Mar 21 Time: 12:00PM (AWST) Location: Caesarstone Showroom, Homebase Duration: 2.5hrs Panelists: Sarah Urbani | Cara Little | Debbie Bute | Anne Courtney Bennett Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

DMN 2025 South Africa Study Tour Briefing Date: Mar 25 Time: 2:00PM (AEDT) Location: Online Duration: 1hr Presenter: Mike Tuzee | Impact Events

DMN 2025 South Africa Study Tour Info Evening Date: Mar 25 Time: 6:00 PM Location: 1 Queens Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004 Status: Registrations Closing Soon!

Small Business Development Corporation (SBDC) Services Overview -- WA Members Only Date: Mar 27 Time: 2:00 PM Location: Online (AWST)

APRIL 2025 Contract Administration Workshop Date: Apr 12 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

MAY 2025 Member Breakfast and Tour of 555 Collins Date: May 6 Time: 8:00 AM Location: 555 Collins St, Melbourne Ask a Surveyor: What Constitutes a Cadastral Survey?

Date: May 15 Time: 2:00 PM Location: Online (AEST)

Building a Successful Career: Winning Work & Keeping Clients Date: May 26 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Online (AEDT) Presenter: Britta Siggelkow

JUNE 2025 FirstRate5 LIVE: Model Class 2 MultiDwellings (v3.2) Date: Jun 20 Time: 12:00 PM Location: Online (AEST) Contract Administration Workshop Date: Jun 28 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

SEPTEMBER 2025 Building Practitioner Pre-Registration Course for VBA Date: Sep 17 Time: 6:00 PM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

Contract Administration Workshop Date: Sep 27 Time: 8:30 AM Location: Online (AEST) Presenter: Geoff Hoare

SOURCES IN THIS ISSUE The Age, Herald Sun, The Australian, WA Today, The Mercury, Canberra Times, Architecture & Design, The Fifth Estate, ABC News, Sourceable, View.com.au, Audit Victoria

View all upcoming CPD opportunities Access our online learning resources

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