sbt designs

building design and detailing

Alpha Coal Project - Galilee Basin

Tue, May 29 2012 02:25 | Bowen, Mackay, alpha coal, environmental management plans, Abbot Point, Galilee Basin | Permalink

Deputy Premier, Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning
The Honourable Jeff Seeney



Alpha Coal Project given go-ahead
The Newman Government has given the green light to what will be one of Australia’s biggest mines, the $6.4 billion Alpha Coal Project in Queensland’s Galilee Basin.

Queensland’s Coordinator-General has provided conditional approval for the mine – the first in the untapped coal rich Galilee Basin.

Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney welcomed the decision and said the project would produce significant economic benefits for the state and nation.

“There’ll be an estimated $11 billion boost to the economy during the mine’s three year construction phase. 80 per cent of that will be retained in Queensland,” Mr Seeney said.

“Once operational, Queensland’s economy should see an economic boost of $1 billion per year from this mine alone.

“Australia can expect an $80 billion dollar rise in exports over the life of the mine.”

Mr Seeney said the Coordinator-General had approved the mine with strict conditions and the move was a major step towards opening up the Galilee Basin’s coal deposits.

“The proposal is for a 30 million tonnes per year open-cut coal mine and a 495km railway line from the mine to the Port of Abbot Point near Bowen,” he said.

The project is expected to generate up to 3600 construction jobs and 990 operational jobs.

The mine site is 130km south-west of Clermont and about 360km south-west of Mackay. The expected life of the mine is 30 years, with sufficient resources to potentially extend the project life beyond that time.

Despite the Coordinator-General completing Queensland’s assessment, the Federal Minister for Environment is yet to complete his assessment under Commonwealth environmental legislation.

“The Coordinator-General has thoroughly assessed Hancock Coal’s Environmental Impact Statement and associated materials, including 60 public submissions, and its Supplementary Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS),” Mr Seeney said.

Coordinator-General Barry Broe said his 393 page report contains 128 conditions.

“Conditions and recommendations in my report will ensure that impacts are well mitigated and managed through environmental management plans, environmental licences, development permits and a social impact management plan,” Mr Broe said.

The mine plan comprises six separate open-cut pits, with a total strike length of 24 km in a north-south direction.

Hancock Coal anticipates the construction period to occur between 2013 and 2016, subject to relevant approvals being granted for the project.

The Coordinator-General’s Report can be viewed at www.projects.industry.qld.gov.au 
Source : http://statements.cabinet.qld.gov.au/ & http://hancockcoal.com.au/
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ArchiCAD 16 is coming!!!

Mon, May 7 2012 04:15 | BIM, ArchiCAD 16, design, energy, architects | Permalink

ArchiCAD 16 – BIM Components at Your Fingertips
BUDAPEST, May 2, 2012 – GRAPHISOFT® announced today ArchiCAD® 16, the latest version of its premium BIM design software for architects. ArchiCAD 16 introduces a comprehensive ecosystem of solutions to ease the creation, sharing, and finding of custom BIM Components. Built-in Energy Evaluation turns ArchiCAD 16 into the “greenest” BIM solution available on the market today.
“Building projects – by their nature – contain numerous custom building components and structures that may require modeling capabilities beyond the standard BIM tools,” said László Vértesi, VP of Products at GRAPHISOFT. “ArchiCAD 16 introduces direct modeling capabilities and cloud-integration to help users create and find the custom objects, components, and structures they need to make their BIM models complete,” he continued.
MORPH TOOL – Redefining Modeling Freedom for BIM
Custom objects, components, and structures require a tool with extraordinary modeling flexibility. ArchiCAD 16 introduces direct modeling capabilities into the native BIM environment with its brand new MORPH™ tool. MORPH allows element creation with any custom geometry in an intuitive graphical way, featuring popular modeling techniques such as push & pull. MORPH elements can be created from scratch simply by drawing a 3D polygon or by converting any existing ArchiCAD BIM element. The MORPH tool is an optimal solution for creating custom BIM components, custom structures, and custom elements of the built environment as well as custom-designed building interiors.
BIMcomponents.com – Cloud-search for BIM Components
Building components is one of the most dynamically developing segments of the BIM industry. ArchiCAD’s parametric GDL technology has been a powerful tool for professionals to create “intelligent” building components. ArchiCAD 16 fundamentally changes the possibilities the average user has to obtain custom BIM Components for their BIM projects. ArchiCAD’s new modeling capabilities, connected with the cloud-based BIM Component database allow users to create, search, upload, and download custom BIM components of their choice. The fully-integrated web portal makes sharing BIM components a core community function.BIMcomponents.com also provides a central “marketplace” for all GDL objects to directly reach ArchiCAD users when they need those objects the most.
SUSTAINABILITY – Industry-first Fully BIM-integrated Energy Evaluation
In today’s environment, sustainability is an imperative for all building projects. Contrary to conventional wisdom, the main decisions influencing a building’s sustainability features are made by the architects and not by the building systems engineers. GRAPHISOFT continues to innovate in “green” as well, uniquely offering the best workflow for sustainable design, integrated in its BIM authoring tool. The built-in Energy Evaluation functionality of ArchiCAD 16 is similar to the former standalone EcoDesigner™ product, but is based on entirely new technology (e.g. zone-boundary based building model geometry analysis, analytic weather data input option, etc.). This technology allows architects to perform reliable dynamic energy evaluation of their BIM model within ArchiCAD, relying on BIM geometry analysis and accurate hour-by-hour online weather data of the building’s location.
Together with ArchiCAD 16, GRAPHISOFT also delivers important workflow and productivity updates to its growing portfolio of solutions. These include an upgraded BIM Server™, Cloud-integrated model sharing service for BIMx users with an active maintenance contract, and support for the IFC 2x3 Coordination View Version 2.0 for facilitating OPEN BIM. ArchiCAD 16 will be released on May 30, 2012, with shipment to customers beginning within a few weeks after the official release. Following a tight release schedule, all 26 local versions are planned to reach the market by the end of Q3 2012. For more information about ArchiCAD 16, please visit:http://www.graphisoft.com/archicad. For a live demonstration of ArchiCAD 16, please register for the upcoming “BIM Components at Your Fingertips” webinar on June 19, 2012.
About GRAPHISOFT
GRAPHISOFT® ignited the BIM revolution with ArchiCAD®, the industry first BIM software for architects. GRAPHISOFT continues to lead the industry with innovative solutions such as the revolutionary GRAPHISOFT BIM Server™, the world’s first real-time BIM collaboration environment, and the GRAPHISOFT EcoDesigner™, the world's first fully integrated building energy modeling application. GRAPHISOFT’s innovative solutions have fundamentally changed the way architects around the world design and collaborate. GRAPHISOFT® has been part of the Nemetschek Group, since its acquisition in 2007.
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Construction confidence grows

Sat, May 5 2012 08:14 | design, Building, Master Builders, construction | Permalink

CONFIDENCE in the outlook for the Queensland building industry and the Queensland economy continued to grow during the March quarter, according to the March 2012 Survey of Industry Conditions report released by Master Builders on Tuesday.
Master Builders director of housing policy Paul Bidwell said the latest report highlights rising confidence for the fourth quarter in a row.
"We believe a range of factors have contributed to this improvement, with relatively stable interest rates and speculation of further rate cuts in 2012 at the top of the list," Mr Bidwell said.
"Positive media commentary regarding domestic and global economies and the landslide Queensland state election result have also played a role.
"While this continued growth in optimism is welcome, as it makes businesses more likely to spend, hire and invest, it is unfortunately not matched by an improvement in trading conditions during the March quarter.
"In the three months to March conditions in the residential and commercial sectors weakened. Turnover and profitability were both down, along with work in progress and average contract prices.
"The industry is optimistic that a gradual recovery is under way but, unfortunately, many businesses are not seeing any meaningful improvement in their individual circumstances, even in the regions where the resources sector is booming."
"The boom is yet to have any significant impact on many residential and commercial builders.
"Not surprisingly, the most critical constraint on business growth was the lacklustre level of demand, with the same list of usual suspects contributing to the softness in demand - weak consumer confidence, the two-speed domestic economy, the ongoing concerns about a possible second GFC, stagnant/falling house prices, the looming introduction of the carbon tax and housing affordability."
Report highlights include:
  • Businesses are increasingly confident that the industry is now entering the recovery phase. Consistent with that view, the Profitability and Turnover Indexes are forecast to increase over the next three months.
  • The majority of businesses expect their staffing and apprentice levels to stabilise in the short term.
  • Wages growth is only a problem in Central Queensland and Mackay, as a result of the resources boom.
  • Low affordability continued to dampen new housing demand, with the vast majority of respondents (86%) of the view that low affordability was having a negative impact on new housing demand.
  • The outlook for housing affordability is expected to improve slightly over the next 12 months thanks to the softening of house prices in some areas of the state.

Source : http://www.sunshinecoastdaily.com.au/
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Restrictions on 'Design' ratings strengthen Green Star

Tue, May 1 2012 06:35 | green star, green, Building Design | Permalink



From 1 January 2013, Green Star – Design ratings will be valid for two years after a building's practical completion, as the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) introduces time restrictions to strengthen the robustness of Australia’s environmental rating system for buildings.
Speaking at Green Cities 2012 today, the GBCA’s Executive Director – Green Star, Andrew Aitken, announced that, from 1 January 2013, a Green Star – Design rating will only be valid for 24 months after a building’s practical completion.
“Green Star is an evolving rating system, and we are committed to ensuring it continues to adapt and respond to the industry’s needs.  Extensive stakeholder research has found that one of the best ways to reinforce the value of Green Star is to place an expiry date on Green Star – Design ratings,” Mr Aitken says.
This new policy will apply to any project registered for a Design rating from 1 January 2013 – irrespective of the rating tool used. The 24-month time restriction on Design ratings will not apply to projects registered before 1 January 2013.
“Green Star ratings have been instrumental in motivating Australia's property and construction industry to design and build green. Design ratings encourage project teams to consider Green Star from the initial stages of the project development by providing best practice benchmarks for sustainable design,” Mr Aitken explains.
“The ‘Design’ rating is seen as a promise within the industry, which then provides the groundwork for a Green Star – As Built rating. The As Built rating demonstrates that this promise has been delivered in construction, which in turn provides the foundation for an ongoing assessment of the building’s performance in operation.
“Many building projects are promoted as ‘Green Star-rated buildings’ long after they have been built – despite having no certification that demonstrates the Green Star design was reflected in the construction or in the performance of the building.
“This has created some confusion in the marketplace.  By limiting the length of time that building projects can market a Green Star – Design rating, we will strengthen the robustness of the Green Star rating system, and ensure that project teams that achieve As Built and future Green Star – Performance ratings are recognised and rewarded.
The new time restrictions on Green Star – Design ratings have already received positive support from industry.
“Introducing time-bound ratings for Green Star will help to ensure that completed buildings deliver on the Green Star promises made during the design phase,” says Stockland’s General Manager, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Siobhan Toohill.
“Once a building is constructed, our focus should be on what was actually built, not the design.  The GBCA’s new measure will support the uptake of more Green Star - As Built ratings, and ensure that green design translates into green buildings,” says Grocon’s Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Grollo.
“The industry’s leaders have been following up their Green Star – Design ratings with As Built ratings for some time, proving that they can deliver on the promise.  Our new policy is a natural step towards greater transformation of the industry,” Mr Aitken concludes.
Source : http://www.gbca.org.au/
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Thu, Apr 26 2012 08:27 | Permalink

Delays on huge mining projects all behind us now, says magnate Clive Palmer


  • BY:
    BILLIONAIRE mining magnate Clive Palmer claims his $8 billion China First coal project in the Galilee Basin has fallen a year behind schedule because of inaction by the outgoing Labor government in Queensland, but says he expects the project and its works will now be quickly facilitated.
Mr Palmer, who is the biggest donor to the Queensland Liberal National Party, still has to get the approval of the incoming Newman government for all three aspects of the project -- a coalmine in the Galilee Basin, a rail line to the port of Abbot Point and a wharf capable of exporting 30 million tonnes of coal a year.
An environmental impact statement on the project was available for public comment between September 24 and November 7 last year, and under Queensland legislation the Co-Ordinator General -- a statutory position in the state government -- has to publicly respond. "The delay we've had under the Labor Party would put the project back about 12 months," Mr Palmer said yesterday. "It's just the process was much more onerous and difficult.

Under the timeline of the previous government, the Co-Ordinator General's response was due about the middle of this year. Even if the project was approved, it would still need more environmental approvals on land use for the rail line and shipping issues for the port because of its proximity to the Great Barrier Reef."Our declaration as a project of state significance still stands. I'm sure we'll get an approval in the current environment."
Mr Palmer had been aiming to start exporting coal by 2014, but conceded yesterday this could go to 2015.
One issue is the mine, which covers part of the Bimblebox Nature Reserve. The LNP mining policy states that areas of high conservation value should not be mined, and conservationists say a nature reserve is such an area.
But Mr Palmer said yesterday a nature reserve constituted the lowest level of environmental protection, and mining was still allowed in such areas.
"This was classified as a bottom-level reserve, which allowed mining and normal activities to take place, because it was judged by experts, not by us, that it wasn't a critical environment condition to protect," he said.
Mr Palmer appeared to back away from claims last week that Greenpeace was funded by the CIA. He said yesterday he had provided a distraction that had helped Campbell Newman; asked if he believed Greenpeace was funded by the CIA, he said: "That's something I wouldn't say at this stage. A mistake doesn't become an error until you refuse to correct it, so I'm still thinking about it. But let me say I don't regret making that statement."
Another mining chief who is facing a vital decision from the new Newman government is Peter Bond of Linc Energy, whose underground coal gasification project near Chinchilla was placed under review by the Bligh government after allegations gas had leaked from another UCG project at Kingaroy.
The previous government had a review of the UCG industry due by the end of this year, and the fate of the proposed $1bn plant was to have been decided by this review. But this could change under the new government, which still has to indicate its view on UCG.

Source : ANDREW FRASER 
  • From
  • The Australian 
  • March 27, 2012
    • Comments

    Thu, Apr 26 2012 08:16 | Permalink
    Whitsundays - Perfectly Placed

    Comments

    Statewide annual valuations 2012 released

    Sun, Apr 1 2012 12:26 | valuations, Queensland property market, State land tax | Permalink

    Statewide annual valuations 2012 released

    28 March 2012
    Valuation notices today were posted to all landowners throughout Queensland’s 58 rateable local government areas.
    Queensland’s Valuer-General Neil Bray said more than 1.6 million valuations were completed in accordance with the Land Valuation Act 2010.
    “The valuations will take effect for local government rating, State land tax and State land rental purposes, where applicable, on 30 June 2012,” Mr Bray said.
    “As all local government areas were revalued in 2011, the 2012 valuations reflect any variations that have occurred in the 12 months since the last valuation.
    “Annual valuations avoid the significant movements in valuations that have occurred previously when valuations were not undertaken for a number of years.”
    Mr Bray said that with the exception of areas influenced by the growth associated with the mineral and gas resources industry boom the Queensland property market over the past 12 months had been generally subdued.
    “The volume of property transfers recorded with the Registrar of Titles has decreased by 22 per cent over the past 12 months and is at its lowest level for a decade,” Mr Bray said.
    “Value changes, both up and down, can be attributed to a number of factors including
    the strong  Australian dollar which has impacted on Queensland’s export industries, tourism and related industries; global financial volatility including tight credit conditions; growth associated with the resources industry boom and a moderation in Queensland’s population growth.”
    Mr Bray said the subdued nature of the market was evidenced by 32 local government areas recording an overall market movement of less than three percent in total rateable value.
    “The Gladstone Regional Council area recorded the largest increase of 19 per cent, reflecting the growth of mining activity in central Queensland,” Mr Bray said.
    “The Cassowary Coast Regional Council area which is still suffering the economic effects and damage caused by Cyclone Yasi in early 2011, recorded the largest reduction of 13.7 per cent.”
    Mr Bray said it was important that landowners realised that valuation notices were not rate notices. 
    “Rates are set under the Local Government Act 2009 and the City of Brisbane Act 2010 by local governments when they determine their annual budgets,” Mr Bray said.
    “The setting of rates is based on a number of factors - valuations are only one of those factors”.
    Queensland’s online valuation list for 2012 and property market data for major residential localities are available at www.derm.qld.gov.au until 26 June 2012. This information allows landowners to compare their valuations with others in their localities.  Hard copies of the land valuation listings are also available for inspection at selected Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) business centres and local government offices.
    Mr Bray said landowners who believed their valuation to be incorrect, and could provide information to support this, could lodge an objection to their valuation with the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) by 28 May 2012.
    To lodge an objection, landowners should obtain an objection kit which includes a step-by-step guide and the relevant objection form – these are available on the DERM website, www.derm.qld.gov.au, by calling 1300 664 217 or from local DERM offices.  More information including fact sheets, questions and answers and rural valuation maps is also available.

    Source : www.derm.qld.gov.au
    Comments

    Proserpine and Bowen cyclone shelters

    Wed, Feb 15 2012 04:34 | Whitsunday, Bowen, cyclone shelter, Building, Proserpine | Permalink
    Construction to commence on Proserpine and Bowen cyclone shelters next week

    Construction on the category five cyclone shelters in Proserpine and Bowen will begin next week, Minister for Tourism, Manufacturing and Small Business and Member for Whitsunday Jan Jarratt announced during a visit to the Proserpine cyclone shelter site today.
    Ms Jarratt said locals could expect heavy machinery on site mid next week in both Proserpine and Bowen, with work to begin shortly after.
    Premier Anna Bligh said these two shelters were among 10 being constructed in North Queensland as part of the $60 million cyclone shelter program jointly established by the Bligh Government and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
    “The start of construction on these projects represents another huge step forward for our $60 million cyclone shelter program,” the Premier said.
    “This government is getting on with the job of building these cyclone shelters for the people of North Queensland – the local community can expect to see these shelters complete by the end of November, weather permitting.”
    Ms Jarratt said Paynter Dixon Queensland Pty Ltd won the tender to construct both the $5.8 million Proserpine shelter and the $5.6 million shelter at Bowen State High School.
    “These cyclone shelters are extremely important to the people of Proserpine and Bowen,” Ms Jarratt said.
    “Not only will these facilities provide safe and secure shelters for the local community in the event of a category five cyclone, but they will also act as a multi-purpose sports facility for year-round use by the locals.
    “In addition, it’s an extremely welcome boost for the local construction industry.
    “The Proserpine cyclone shelter will support approximately 39 jobs over the life of the project, while around 38 jobs will be created in Bowen.
    “By using a select tender process we deliberately targeted local contractors, in turn maximising the opportunities for flow-on benefits to local suppliers, sub-contractors and the local community.
    “Having offices in both Mackay and Townsville, Paynter Dixon is very familiar with the local sub-contractors and suppliers in Proserpine and Bowen.
    “Through this project they have been able to stimulate the local construction industry and make of use of local resources.
    “I’m absolutely delighted to be here today to signal the start of construction on these two cyclone shelters, which will have such wide-reaching benefits,” she said.
    Minister for Government Services, Building Industry and ICT Simon Finn said the new buildings would be big enough to include multipurpose halls for sports such as netball and basketball.
    “Each facility will be greater than 1,500m2 in size, and will include a multipurpose hall for sports such as netball and basketball,” he said.
    “A sports lab classroom is also included as part of the structure for year-round use by the school – this classroom can also be used for refuge during a disaster, similar to the sports hall area,” he said.
    “There will also be office space built into the facilities, with the key purpose of providing communication facilities in the case of a cyclone – however throughout the year, it will provide office accommodation and staff amenities for teaching personnel.
    “The buildings will have 10 toilets and five showers, and two water tanks in the roof which are gravity fed to the toilets and showers during a cyclone.
    “They will also contain a kitchen, a generator room and a storage room for chairs that would be used during a disaster.
    “In the case of a cyclone, the town power supply may cease, in which case a generator will be activated – if the generator fails, emergency batteries stored in the cyclone shelter will commence operation,” Mr Finn said.
    Ms Jarratt said the shelters would ultimately make the Proserpine and Bowen communities more resilient.
    “These cyclone shelters will be constructed in accordance with the Design Guidelines for Queensland Public Cyclone Shelters and will be capable or withstanding winds of more than 300 kilometres per hour, as experienced in a category five cyclone,” she said.
    The Department of Public Works (DPW) is managing the delivery of the Proserpine and Bowen cyclone shelters, as well as the shelters in Ingham, Townsville, Port Douglas, Tully, Weipa and Yeppoon.
    The cyclone shelter in Mackay is being managed by the Department of Education and Training as part of the delivery of a new Eimeo State High School. The Edmonton cyclone shelter is being designed and delivered independently by the Cairns Regional Council through a grant funding arrangement with the State Government.
    “In total, the cyclone shelter projects are expected to support 400 jobs over the life of the program,” Ms Jarratt said.

    Source : www.cabinet.qld.gov.au
    Comments

    What buyers will pay more for in a new home

    Sat, Feb 11 2012 11:24 | Permalink

    MOST Aussies want real grass in their backyard and are prepared to shell out an extra $75,000 for a lawn, according to a national survey of real estate agents.
    The poll of agents by Turf Australia found in Sydney, where the average house costs $440,000, a lawn could add $83,000 to the price.
    Meanwhile in Melbourne, buyers could pay almost $80,000 more on an average $420,000 home for a real patch of green.
    Nationally, a lawn could add 18 per cent, or just over $75,000 in value on the average $420,000 home, the survey found.
    The survey of 114 agents, conducted between November and January for the body representing the turf industry, found Victorian lawns add 19 per cent of value to a home, ahead of NSW at 16 per cent, Queensland and South Australia, both 12 per cent, and Western Australia, 8 per cent.
    A third of agents said buyers believe a lawn adds to the look and feel of a home while almost three quarters say buyers want a safe playing area for the kids.
    But the benefit of having your own green turf is also seen by young couples and those wanting to upsize.
    Most buyers also want a backyard to be at least a third of the size of their property, the survey said.
    LJ Hooker chief executive Janusz Hooker said house hunters factor in having a lawn or backyard as part of their budget.
    "A townhouse or larger suburban home with an area of grass is still important in 2012," Mr Hooker said.
    "For sellers, the key is to put some time into making the lawn look well cared for and perfect for the new owners. That's how they'll capitalise on the added value a lawn can offer."
    A third of house hunters have a decent sized backyard in their list of top three requirements, along with a quiet street and more than one bedroom, according to agents.
    Landscaper and TV personality Jody Rigby said the survey shows most buyers feel their backyard should be real grass.
    "New types of grass are not as thirsty as many believe, and of course, all have environmental benefits," she said.
    "It's the Australian way of life to grow up running around in the backyard and it's not as hard as many think to keep a lawn looking beautiful and green, despite the kids' wear and tear."


    Read more: http://www.news.com.au/money/property/what-buyers-will-pay-more-for-in-a-new-home/story-e6frfmd0-1226268739194#ixzz1m6QYzmCN
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    Building Boost Extended !!!!

    Thu, Jan 12 2012 02:03 | Housing Industry Association, new homes, Building Boost Extended | Permalink


    Queenslanders building or buying new homes will have access to the state government's $10,000 building boost for an extra three months, amid slower-than-expected uptake.
    The grant offer, which began nearly six months ago, was due to expire at the end of this month.
    But Deputy Premier Andrew Fraser said the grant would continue until the end of April, following requests from the housing industry and an increase in applications in recent weeks.
    The decision comes as Mr Fraser prepares to unveil his Queensland budget update today, amid growing speculation of an imminent election.
    Mr Fraser said the original $140 million budget allocation earmarked for the building boost would cater for the time extension, with just 3700 people having applied for the grant so far.
    The one-off grant is open to home purchasers buying or building a new home worth less than $600,000.
    Mr Fraser's office last night released figures showing uptake was sluggish in the first few months of the grant but had increased in recent times.
    “Industry has come to me asking for an extension to the boost and that's what we'll provide,” Mr Fraser said in a statement.
    “They've said to me, and the recent application numbers show, that the boost is increasingly gaining traction with potential buyers.”
    Mr Fraser said the April 30 end date would give developers and builders extra time to market the boost and give the housing industry the kick-start it needed.
    “Every housing stimulus package always has a large increase in interest at the back end of the time period, with many applications coming in after the end date.”
    The Liberal National Party opposition has previously labelled the measure as a fizzer, saying with a month to the cut-off date applications had been received for just 22 per cent of the program’s $140 million funding.
    But Mr Fraser said the building boost was having an effect.
    “The (Housing Industry Association) Home Sales report shows that Queensland is the only state that has increased the number of new home sales each month from August to November, the most recent month data has been collated for,” he said.
    More information about the boost can be found at boost.treasury.qld.gov.au


    Source : www.brisbanetimes.com.au
    Comments

    Dulux Surf Club Project

    Wed, Jan 11 2012 11:47 | Dulux, surf life saving club, Weathershield, Australian conditions | Permalink

    Dulux Weathershield is Australia's toughest exterior paint. To prove it, we're helping to paint every surf life saving club in Australia.

    Follow the progress of the repaints here.

    Why Weathershield®

    • Tested for over 40 years in Australian conditions
    • Designed to withstand all types of weather, from extreme heat to heavy rain
    • Prevents UV damage and resists mould and stains
    • Backed by our Weathershield Promise
    • New Weathershield Heat Reflect reflects radiant heat lowering the surface temperature of your home by up to 15 degrees.
    Comments

    Build & Design Queensland Expo

    Wed, Jan 11 2012 10:15 | Build and Design Queensland, architecture, construction | Permalink

    Build & Design Queensland (BDQ) is the first dedicated architecture, construction and design trade expo focusing on the unique needs of Queensland building and design professionals.
    The inaugural expo, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 9 - 11 May 2012, is set to become home to the best in cutting edge build and design for the Queensland environment, in both the residential and commercial sector.  

    BDQ is committed to driving the growth and regeneration of Queensland by bringing the industry together to help shape the future of the state. The Build & Design Queensland exhibition will offer visitors a powerful combination of local and national suppliers, new product innovation and inspiring ideas, complemented by educational seminars.
    With the forecast spend of $10 billion on construction over the next two years* and the need for residential housing to accommodate the mining boom, BDQ will play a fundamental part in helping Queensland design and building professionals to drive the growth by securing new business and sourcing the right products.   
    BDQ is co-located with the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) National Architecture Conference and the CEDIA Expo.
    Source : www.bdqexpo.com.au
    Comments

    New home owners boost must be extended: economis

    Mon, Jan 9 2012 03:37 | HIA, interest rate, detached house, Queensland Building Boost Grant | Permalink

    New home owners boost must be extended: economist


    Comments

    Building Boost Grant Closing Soon!!

    Sun, Jan 8 2012 02:20 | Queensland Building Boost Grant | Permalink
    Apply for the $10,000 Boost to buy or build a new home. But hurry, the Boost closes 31 January 2012.


    Source : http://boost.treasury.qld.gov.au/?utm_source=qld_home&utm_medium=announcement&utm_campaign=phase_1
    Comments

    Fire Safety by Design

    Mon, Jan 2 2012 01:16 | smoke alarms, fire | Permalink
    Some very usefull guides for fire safety in the home.

    Industry smoke alarm advice booklet - selection, installation and maintenance


    Wake up to Photoelectric Smoke Alarms Brochure


    Smoke Alarm Laws - Your Questions Answered
    Comments

    Queensland Fire & Rescue - Photoelectric Smoke Alarms

    Sun, Jan 1 2012 01:30 | photoelectric, smoke alarms, fire | Permalink

    Queensland Fire & Rescue - Photoelectric Smoke Alarms


    Queensland Fire & Rescue Service position is "that all residential accommodation be fitted with photoelectric smoke alarms".
    You can buy them from hardware stores, electrical retailers, and through your electrician.
    There are two choices of smoke alarms:

    240 Volt Smoke Alarms (Also called hard-wired smoke alarms)

    A 240 volt smoke alarm is connected to a home’s electrical system and has battery back-up power supply.
    Advantages
    • Considered more reliable in the longer term
    • Early warning - occupants alerted in the shortest possible time
    • Uses a battery to provide back-up power if the AC power fails
    • Models can be interconnected which sound alarms in all connected units
    • Can come with a long life Lithium Battery - built-in and tamper proof
    • Power-on indicator
    • In some models a hush button - to stop nuisance alarms
    • Test button - to ensure correct operation
    • Tested by Scientific Services Laboratories to comply with AS3786
    • Some can be purchased with a rechargeable battery (non-replaceable)
    Disadvantages
    • More expensive
    • Need to be installed by a qualified electrician


    9 Volt Smoke Alarms (Also called battery operated smoke alarms)

    A 9 volt smoke alarm is stand alone and operated only by a battery.
    Advantages
    • Easy to install
    • Test button - to ensure correct operation
    • Low battery indication
    • In some models a hush button - to stop nuisance alarms
    • Battery missing indicator
    • Tested by Scientific Services Laboratories to comply with AS3786
    • Some models can be interconnected
    Disadvantages
    • Battery needs to be replaced regularly

    Smoke alarms can be installed either stand alone or interconnected. Interconnection allows all smoke alarms to sound simultaneously should any one alarm activate. All occupants are alerted, maximising the opportunity for escape. Children’s bedrooms should have a smoke alarm, and be connected to the parent’s bedroom because children sleep much sounder than adults. A significant percentage of residences fitted with smoke alarms remain unprotected due to depleted or missing batteries.
    The installation of smoke alarms in new residential properties became compulsory in Queensland in 1997. The ‘Standard Building Regulation 1993’ outlines that in Queensland, hardwired smoke alarms are required to be installed in all new properties and those properties that are being significantly renovated (i.e. renovations exceeding more than 50 percent of the original building, measured over the roof and the external walls).
    (Building Code of Australia, 1996 Vol.2 3.7.2).

    Photoelectric Smoke Alarms (also known as optical)

    These ‘see’ the smoke (optical). This type detects visible particles of combustion e.g. smouldering cigarette smoke. They respond to a wide range of fires, but they are particularly responsive to smouldering fires and the dense smoke given off by foam filled furnishings or overheated PVC wiring.
    Advantages
    • Good for smouldering fire and dense smoke
    • Not as prone to cooking nuisance alarms
    • Contain no radioactive material
    • Suitable for general use
    Disadvantages
    • Prone to nuisance alarms from dust and insects - must be kept clean
    • More expensive

    Your protection against fire increases with the quality and type of smoke alarm that is installed.  Research indicates that photoelectric smoke alarms are generally more effective than ionisation types across a wider range of fires experienced in homes.  For this reason, QFRS recommends that photoelectric smoke alarms be installed, especially if you are installing only one alarm.  If you already have smoke alarms installed, QFRS recommends that you supplement the existing alarms with photoelectric types, especially between sleeping areas and exits from your home (e.g. hallways); and at the end of the service life of existing smoke alarms, replace them with photoelectric types.
    It is expected that stocks of photoelectric alarms will become more readily available at retailers as demand increases.


    Other Smoke Alarm Options

    These include:
    • Alarms for deaf and hearing-impaired people
    • Alarms with emergency lights
    • Special models for kitchens and caravans
    • Inter-connectable models that sound alarms in all connected units


    What to look for?


    Queensland Fire & Rescue Service recommends you buy an alarm which carries the Standards Australia Mark or is Scientific Services Laboratory (SSL) labelled. According to legislation smoke alarms installed must comply with AS 3786-1993. Despite these requirements, some smoke alarms that do not meet the Standard are still available in some stores. The Office of Fair Trading has confirmed that the sale of these is not against the law.
    QFRS strongly recommends, when purchasing smoke alarms, people check that the smoke alarm they are buying complies with the Standard. The following labels will appear when smoke alarms complying with AS 3786-1993 are purchased.
    For further information go to CSIRO's Activfire website which provides consumers and fire safety advisers with details of smoke alarms that have been verified as conforming with requirements of Australian Standard AS 3786-1993 http://www.activfire.gov.au/smokeAlarms.asp 


    Source : www.fire.qld.gov.au
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    GINA RINEHART'S KEVIN'S CORNER COAL PROJECT EIS RELEASED

    Thu, Dec 8 2011 10:36 | Kevin's Corner, Housing, Hancock, Galilee Basin, Building Design | Permalink

     The Queensland Government has released theenvironmental impact statement for the Kevin's Corner coal project.
    It is now open for public comment.
    Deputy premier Andrew Fraser stated that this massive $6.6 billion coal project by Gina Rinehart's Hancock Galilee will create long term job opportunities for the state.
    "The development of the Galilee Basin as a major centre for coal mining, processing and export, is important to the future economic prosperity of Queensland," Fraser said.
    "This proposed project has the potential to operate for at least 30 years and is a massive vote of confidence in central Queensland and the resource industry here.
    "If the Kevin's Corner project proceeds, it could generate around 2500 jobs during the construction phase and another 1500 jobs during the life of the project. This is the public's opportunity to have a say on how this project might proceed and to raise issues they think may need to be addressed."
    Kevin's Corner is a thermal coal project located adjacent to Hancock's Alpha Coal project.
    "The project proposes to target thermal coal at depths suitable for both open cut and underground mining over the next three decades if it passes the strict environmental criteria.
    "The combined open-cut and underground mine would potentially produce up to 30 million tonnes of thermal coal for the international market each year," Fraser said.
    The Alpha and Kevin's Corner projects have a combined JORC compliant resource of 7.9 billion tonnes of coal, with ongoing drilling expected to increase these levels.
    "If the project has its required approvals in place, construction could start as early as 2012 with the first shipment of coal anticipated in 2014."
    It will ship coal through the Abbot Point Coal Terminal.
    The project's EIS will be available for public comment until 12 December. 

    Source : www.miningaustralia.com.au
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    DAM AND PIPELINE PROPOSALS FOR GALILEE BASIN

    Thu, Dec 8 2011 10:30 | Bowen, Galilee, Abbot Point, Moranbah, North Queensland | Permalink

    DAM AND PIPELINE PROPOSALS FOR GALILEE BASIN

    The Queensland government is looking at private sector proposals for the $4 billion development of a new wharf at Abbot Point and dam in central Queensland.
    The government said the projects were an important part of the development of the coal rich Galilee Basin in western Queensland.
    One of the major constraints to activity in the basin is its lack of water, which the Government hopes will be solved by the $2.6bn Connors River Dam and pipelines proposal
    The development will include a 49,500 megalitre dam and two pipelines.
    The first pipeline will run 133km from the dam to Moranbah and the second will run 265km from Moranbah to Alpha.
    Queensland Premier Anna Bligh said in a statement the projects would deliver water to the Bowen and Galilee coal basins as well as the Nebo, Moranbah and Alpha townships.
    “This massive project will underpin the water supply needs for the development of this resource industry corridor and the towns that support it,” she said.
    Abbot Point has been designated as the main coal port for the Galilee Basin, and there are at least two proposals for railways from Galilee to the port.
    It is also being upgraded to cope with extra coalmines in the Bowen Basin.
    Under the Bligh Government’s privatisation scheme Abbot Point was sold earlier this year for $1.8bn to Indian company Adani, which also owns coal tenements in the Galilee Basin.
    A report examining funding models and options for both projects is expected to be completed by the end of this year, with the Government possibly in a position to approach the market in early 2012.


    Source : www.miningaustralia.com.au
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    SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT FOR ASBESTOS INFORMATION

    Sun, Nov 27 2011 03:39 | Asbestos Awareness Week, asbestos | Permalink
    SINGLE POINT OF CONTACT FOR ASBESTOS INFORMATION
    A single point of phone contact and a dedicated website for government information on asbestos will be available from 1 January 2012, Minister for Government Services Simon Finn and Minister for Industrial Relations Cameron Dick announced today.
    Mr Finn said from the beginning of next year, the one-stop-shop phone contact would be provided through 13 QGOV (13 7468) and Queenslanders would be able to access the dedicated asbestos-related website at www.qld.gov.au/asbestos.
    “This announcement is particularly significant as Asbestos Awareness Week comes to a close,” Mr Finn said.
    “Asbestos Awareness Week is a time to commemorate those lives that have been affected by asbestos-related conditions.
    “It’s also an opportunity to highlight the dangers of asbestos, and that’s what this new one-stop-shop approach will do.
    “But more importantly, it will ensure the public can readily and easily access information and advice from a coordinated source.
    “The website and the 13 QGOV number will mean asbestos-related information from all Queensland Government departments, and from local governments with regulatory responsibility for asbestos-related matters, will be available in the one place.”
    Mr Dick said the single point of contact was developed by the Interagency Asbestos Group, which coordinates the Bligh Government’s response to asbestos-related matters.
    It adds to the Australian Government’s review into asbestos management, which will make recommendations for the development of a national strategic plan to improve asbestos awareness and management by 30 June 2012.
    “The Bligh Government takes the handling and management of asbestos very seriously and leads by example,” Mr Dick said.
    “We have introduced some of the most stringent asbestos regulations in Australia, and we have made the safe removal of asbestos from government buildings a priority.
    “In fact, since 1999, we’ve spent more than $180 million removing asbestos from Queensland Government buildings, including $142 million removing asbestos from schools.
    “This commitment has been reinforced by a further $25 million allocated in 2011-12 for asbestos removal works in Department of Education facilities.
    “All government buildings must also maintain an asbestos register detailing the presence of any asbestos.
    “In addition, we have the Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) asbestos unit which is working effectively.
    “This unit provides advice to government, employers and workers regarding asbestos safety, and its work has included the development of the Asbestos Work Health and Safety Action Plan 2011-16.
    “In 2010-11, WHSQ issued 188 improvement notices, 106 prohibition notices and 62 infringement notices for asbestos-related matters.”
    Mr Finn said the Bligh Government’s compulsory asbestos training for all contractors entering into arrangements for building trade services with QBuild was a benchmark for the rest of Australia.
    “QBuild’s Practical Asbestos Training (PAT) Program was nationally accredited in October 2010 and has been recognised as an industry leader,” he said.
    “More than 1,150 QBuild staff now hold a ‘B Class’ certificate.”
    Asbestos containing material was commonly used in Australian residential, commercial and industrial buildings between the 1940s and late 1980s until dangers of the substance became apparent.
    It can take as long as 40 years from the time of exposure to the development of an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma.
    Comments

    World Green Building Week

    Thu, Sep 15 2011 07:10 | Permalink



    89 countries, one cause: Industry unites for World Green Building Week



    The property and construction industries from 89 nations representing more than 30,000 organisations will unite this week for World Green Building Week.
    World Green Building Week aims to highlight the important role that buildings play in decreasing the global carbon footprint and saving money, while also creating jobs, reducing poverty and improving lives.
    According to the Chairman of the GBCA and World Green Building Council(WorldGBC), Tony Arnel, the case for green building has never been stronger.
    "As the world's nations transition from 'business as usual' to new 'green' economies, low carbon, sustainable buildings and communities can save money, support job growth and improve the health, wellbeing and general living conditions of millions of people," Mr Arnel says.
    The GBCA will be hosting a number of events, including a 'green leaders' reception at the 6 Star Green Star-rated Darling Quarter in Sydney. GBCA members will be hosting site tours of their Green Star-rated buildings, running workshops and launching sustainability reports.
    Chief Executive of the GBCA, Romilly Madew, says: "Australia can be very proud of its achievements in sustainable building. We have more than 4.2 million square metres of Green Star-certified space around Australia, our GBC is the second largest out of 89 around the world and we've trained 21,000 people in the industry on sustainable building practices. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index is overrun with Australian companies, with 7 out of 21 being Australian.
    "As Australia moves towards a price on pollution, we can expect green buildings to assume a central role in our new green economy, and in doing so deliver on the triple bottom line of people, profit, planet," Ms Madew adds.
    Buildings consume a third of the world's resources during the construction process, generate around 40 per cent of global energy use and up to 30 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions.
    Buildings also represent the single largest opportunity to mitigate climate change. The United Nations Development Program has stated that "no other sector has such a high potential for drastic emission reductions", and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has said that buildings offer some of the most cost-effective and expedient ways to reduce greenhouse emissions.
    "Until now we have failed to unlock this potential of our sector - the low hanging fruit is just out of reach," says Chief Executive of the WorldGBC, Jane Henley.
    "Governments are beginning to see that their national energy security, urban development and job creation priorities can all be achieved through green building. As governments face economic challenges and shrinking budgets, green building offers a way both to save money through efficiencies and to create jobs," Ms Henley concludes.
    Events and activities being held around Australia include:
    • Australand: 'Turn waste into art' competition
    • Australian Sychroton: Green building forum
    • BlueScope Steel: Presentations and panel discussion
    • City of Gosnells: Tours of Civic Centre Redevelopment Project, Perth
    • City of Vincent: Green roofs workshop and public lecture
    • Colliers International: Site tours, workshops and an online quiz
    • Good Environment Choice Australia: Open day at Sydney offices to showcase green fitout equipment
    • GPT Group: Site tour of MLC Centre, 19 Martin Place, Sydney
    • Green Building Council of Australia: Green Leaders in the New Green Economy cocktail party, Sydney
    • Green Building Council of Australia: Site tour and member evening at 100 Hutt St, Adelaide
    • Green Building Council of Australia: Site tour of Holmesglen TAFE Building 12, Melbourne
    • Green Building Council of Australia: Site tour of the Energex Building, Brisbane
    • Hansen Yuncken: Site tour of Metcash Industrial Distribution Centre, Sydney
    • NAWIC WA Branch: Presentation on 'green is the new black'
    • Stockland: Sustainability Report Launch
    • Yarra City and Moreland City Councils: Free green building advice to residents
    Source : http://www.gbca.org.au
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