In the media
Commonwealth
7 factors behind the demand for new TOD
projects
What does the city of the future look like? As Australia's
population increases to 35 million to 42 million by 2040, transit
oriented developments (TODs) are vital to managing social and
economic growth challenges (29 January 2016).
More...
Major project investment slump to deepen:
Access
The amount of capital spending in the pipeline has fallen by $177
billion in the past three years and is set to slump even further in
the coming year or two, according to the quarterly Investment
Monitor report released by Deloitte Access Economics (DAE) (29
January 2016).
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Timber set to rise to eight storeys (and cut costs)
under National Construction Code changes in May
A two-year consultation and research process spearheaded by
industry group Forest and Wood Products Australia (FWPA) will see
the local industry join leading international markets in allowing
timber construction in taller structures (28 January 2016). More...
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Mineral sands miner Iluka says increased demand is being
driven by steady property development in China
Mineral sands miner Iluka increased sales and revenue in the 12
months to December last year. A spokesman for the miner said the
growth was thanks to steady property development in China, and
sustained demand in other significant markets such as Europe (28
January 2016).
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Regulatory failure – the biggest risk to a
sustainable gas market?
Contrary to views that fossil fuels will fade from the energy
scene, Australia's east coast gas resources are taking on an
ever-more important role, underlining the need for durable policies
and regulations to meet the needs of supply investors, consumers
and the environment (28 January 2016).
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Renewables sector on verge of revival: EY
The renewable energy sector is on the cusp of a $10 billion revival
as infrastructure players from around the world get ready to pour
funds into new wind farms and solar projects, according to
professional services firm EY (25 January 2016).
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Residential construction surges to fresh
record
The latest ABS housing figures show new dwelling commencements
reached a fresh high in the September 2015 quarter says the Housing
Industry Association (20 January 2016).
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Victoria
Improved licensing and registration process to launch on
1 February 2016
From next week, the VBA will be implementing an improved system of
registration and licensing for plumbers and builders. The new
process is designed to deliver better outcomes for Victoria's
building and plumbing industries and consumers.
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BBP new Strip Out Waste Guidelines out for
comment
The Better Buildings Partnership has released a draft of its Strip
Out Waste Guidelines for comment. The guidelines aim to assist
tenants, building owners, property managers and demolition
contractors to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill from
defit projects by setting out a general methodology for best
practice (27 January 2016).
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VBA demands rectification on dangerous Footscray
excavation site
An inspector from the Victorian Building Authority's (VBA)
proactive inspection team has helped avert a potential disaster
discovered during an inspection of a building site (28 January
2016).
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New South Wales
New South Wales leads in large-scale solar as
Australia's two largest solar plants go online
The NSW Government provided almost $65 million to support
construction of the plants, as part of the Solar Flagships program.
The Division has worked closely with the projects' proponents,
AGL and First Solar, to help facilitate construction of the plants,
delivering Action 9 of the Renewable Energy Action Plan (REAP) (27
January 2016).
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New South Wales housing reform to create "building
bonanza"
NSW Public Housing Minister Brad Hazzard says reforms to the
sector will bring about a $22 billion "building bonanza"
and redress long-term estate neglect (25 January 2016).
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Queensland
Building confidence in Queensland's construction
industry
Everyone concerned about being paid in full and on time, every time
in the construction industry, are being urged to attend Security of
Payment consultation sessions and contribute to upholding
confidence in a key industry (28 January 2016).
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Practice and courts
Announcements, Draft Policies and Plans released 2015
New South Wales Parliament: This month in
committees
Inquiries receiving submissions.
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Queensland: Have your say on the Security of Payment
discussion paper
The Security of Payment discussion paper has now been released and
is available for detailed feedback. This aims to improve security
of payment for subcontractors in the building and construction
industry. Submissions close on 31 March 2016.
More...
Master Builders: Improving security of
payments
The Department of Housing & Public Works is organising a series
of meeting across the state for the industry to discuss how best to
safeguard payments. Members are encouraged to attend the sessions
and provide feedback to the Department. Consultation Sessions are
outlined here (28 January 2016).
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Cases
Medallion Homes Pty Ltd v Lares Homes Pty Ltd
[2016] FCA 12
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – application for an interlocutory
injunction restraining the reproduction of house plans by the
respondent – where the applicant alleged that the respondents
had copied its house plans in infringement of the applicant's
copyright in the plans – where the applicant alleged that the
respondents represented that the plans were original works –
whether the applicant had made out a prima facie case –
whether the balance of convenience weighed in favour of the
injunction. held: Application dismissed. Australian Consumer Law
(Schedule 2 to the Australian Competition and Consumer Act
2010) (Cth). Copyright Act 1968 (Cth) s 35;
Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). More...
Milburn Lake Pty Ltd v Andritz Pty Ltd [2016]
VSC 3
PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE – Injunction – Construction
dispute – Payment claims –Enforcement of adjudication
determination – Building and Construction Industry
Security of Payment Act 2002 (Vic), Division 2B, s 3, s 28
– Serious question to be tried – Balance of convenience
favours granting of injunction. More...
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.