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Episode Description

Melissa Neighbour, Founder and Principal Director of Sky Planning, takes us inside Australian council planning and residential development. She explains how state policies, council approvals, and incentive-based strategies shape projects, explores the shift from quarter-acre blocks to apartments and low-rise infill, and shares insights on sustainability, community-focused design, and navigating bureaucracy.

Episode Covers

• The evolving Australian dream: apartments, terraces, dual occupancies
• State vs council planning and non-discretionary standards
• Incentive-based planning: FSR and height bonuses for sustainable, high-quality design
• Affordable housing integrated into luxury developments
• Planning complexity and how expert planners help navigate approvals
• Sustainability, environmental resilience, and community-focused urban design
• Propinion: knowledge-sharing platform for planning professionals

Episode Highlights

• State laws override restrictive council controls, easing approvals
• Low-rise mixed-use and dual occupancy developments are increasingly feasible
• Incentives encourage sustainable design and higher-quality outcomes
• Affordable housing bonuses improve supply in high-value areas
• Well-designed communal spaces and public transport critical for density
• Green facades and Nightingale-style apartments show functional, vibrant communities
• Engaging a planner streamlines approvals and maximizes property potential
• Propinion platform enables industry-wide knowledge-sharing
• Melissa advocates better integration between planning and the NCC, with AI as a future tool

Perfect For

• Builders, developers, and pre-construction consultants
• Urban planners and residential designers
• Anyone interested in sustainable, community-focused housing

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Episode Description

John, Managing Director of Bowens, shares the story of a family-owned business founded in 1894 and his leadership journey since becoming Managing Director in 2005. We discuss how Bowens has grown through innovation, automation, and a focus on quality, speed, and ease of doing business.

The episode explores timber and building supplies, expansion into claddings and linings, the importance of local manufacturing, supply chain reliability, and Bowens’ commitment to sustainable building and high-performance homes

Episode Covers

• Bowens’ history and family legacy
• Leadership, innovation, and automation
• Timber and expanding product ranges
• Local manufacturing and supply chains
• Sustainable building and collaboration

Episode Highlights

• Bowens’ evolution from 1894 to today
• Investment in automation and innovation
• Supporting sustainable, high-performance homes
• Industry challenges and future opportunities

Perfect For

• Builders and construction professionals
• Sustainable building and timber advocates
• Industry leaders and innovators

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Episode Description:
In this episode, we sit down with Simon Croft, Chief Executive of Industry and Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), to explore the current state of Australia's housing market. Simon shares his extensive experience in construction, policy, and building, delving into the pressing challenges of housing affordability and supply shortages. With the government targeting the construction of 1.2 million homes in the next five years, Simon discusses the obstacles in meeting these ambitious goals, particularly the need for long-term planning and a sustainable workforce. He also highlights the regional housing boom and how millennials are driving the shift away from metropolitan areas in search of more affordable living options.

As we dive deeper into the construction industry, Simon explains the impact of escalating construction costs and the industry's need for stabilization. With a focus on government policies, regional housing development, and industry workforce solutions, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of what it will take to meet Australia's housing demands and build a sustainable future for all.

Episode Covers:

• The challenges of building 1.2 million homes over the next five years
• Regional housing growth driven by millennials and remote work trends
• The impact of construction costs and the ongoing need for industry stabilization
• The importance of long-term planning for Australia’s housing strategy
• Diverse solutions required for varying regional housing needs

Episode Highlights:

• Insights on Australia's housing shortage and supply chain issues
• The government’s role in addressing construction workforce gaps
• Navigating policy changes and innovative solutions to meet housing targets
• How regional areas are shaping the future of housing development

Perfect For:

• Builders and tradespeople
• Policy makers and industry advocates
• Anyone interested in the future of housing and construction in Australia

This episode offers a detailed exploration of the challenges facing Australia's housing market and the steps necessary to overcome them. Tune in for a candid conversation about the future of housing affordability, supply, and the workforce, and how these factors intersect with broader policy and sustainability goals.