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Login to see content specific to ACT and Southern NSW

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ACT and Southern NSW

Keeping you up-to-date with the latest news, insights and advice across your region.

ACT and Southern NSW

Keeping you up-to-date with the latest news, insights and advice across your region.

Earlier this month the ACT saw the commencement of the new City and Environment Directorate (CED). This new entity will take on the functions of the old Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate (EPSDD), Transport and City Services (TCCS) and Access Canberra.

In last year’s ACT election campaign HIA called for the creation of a housing super portfolio, arguing for the consolidation of both ministries and directorates responsible for construction activities. So we were pleased to see this view supported by the government.

The ACT has been struck with chronic delays and inefficiencies that have led to slower and more expensive building, and we believe that consolidating the decision makers and approval processes should improve transparency and provide benefits to the industry and community.

The new Directorates activities will be broken up into a number of business units including:

  • Business, licensing and regulation
  • Planning, development and infrastructure
  • Transport and road network
  • Environment, water and heritage
  • City and public services

It is somewhat disappointing that this process has not progressed at a quicker pace, given these changes were foreshadowed many months ago. While the CED officially started on 1 July 2025, a number of important details around structure and leadership positions are yet to be finalised.

Responsible Ministers are Chris Steel (transport, planning and development, heritage), Tara Cheyne (city and ACT Government services) and Suzanne Orr (climate change, environment, energy, and water).

HIA looks forward to working with the new Directorate, and will advise of any further details as they become available. Find out more about the City and Environment Directorate.

Greg Weller
Greg Weller
Executive Director
ACT and Southern NSW

Latest news
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15 Aug
New home sales remain at near three-year high

“The cycle of ongoing growth in new home sales was broken in July, with a 6.4 per cent fall compared to June,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Maurice Tapang.

15 Aug
Roundtable must declare a battle on red, white and green tape

“If the Economic Reform Roundtable is serious about developing meaningful and lasting change to boost productivity and the economy, then the number one priority must be on cutting the excessive regulation that is crippling businesses,” said HIA Managing Director, Jocelyn Martin.

13 Aug
Investors vital to increasing housing supply

“Investors were responsible for 41 per cent of new homes financed for construction in the past year,” stated HIA’s Chief Economist, Tim Reardon.

12 Aug
Home building gaining momentum

“The RBA delivered the third rate cut of this easing cycle, bringing their benchmark cash rate down from 3.85 per cent to 3.6 per cent,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.

Spotlight

President's report

We deliver stories that make you feel part of a vibrant community of like-minded industry professionals, ...

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Apprentices

There’s no better time than now to employ an apprentice and help them build the foundation for a long and...

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Member stories

Hear from our members, in their words, about their day to day challenges and highlights in work and life.

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Your myHIA account


  • Manage your membership
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National Construction Code 2022

Keep up-to-date with the evolving changes for your region. Check out the NCC 2022 hub with all the latest info, courses and seminars.

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Join the conversation

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Awards & events

Upcoming events
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19 Aug
Webinar: Hitting 7 Star; tips and tricks to get it right.

Now that the NatHERS 7-Star requirement is well underway in New South Wales, what have we learned so far?

19 Aug
New Planning Scheme Presentation

A series of workshops or seminars that offer an in-depth look at industry and policy changes that could impact on your business and how HIA can help you.

19 Aug
Industry Outlook Breakfast

Hear the latest economic forecasts and trends to help you make better business decisions, featuring key presenters from HIA’s Economics Team as well as guest speakers.

20 Aug
Building Women Lunch with Rachael Robertson

You’re invited to connect with other women in the building industry and gain valuable insights from a uniquely experienced leader at the next HIA Building Women lunch!

HIA Awards

HIA Awards provide home builders and designers the opportunity to receive recognition, and showcase their work to the broader industry. Winners and finalists not only receive extensive media promotion for their business, they also get the opportunity to promote themselves as an industry leader.

2024 Award winners

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Home of the Year

Winner: Classic Constructions (Aust)

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Display Home

Winner: Exceed Homes and Arkitex

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Spec Home

Winner: Rydgeport Constructions

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Careers & learning

Learning a new skill or adding to your existing knowledge is the best way to advance your career and help reignite your passion for getting up in the morning and doing a job that you love. It's not just about what you can learn but also how you can use your new found knowledge to reach the next step in where you want your career to go.

Upcoming training
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18 Aug
Silica Awareness

Find out more about what silica is, how to work safely with products containing silica, what tools and systems exist, as well as where to get further information

21 Aug
NCC 2022: AS1684 Timber Framing Changes

Gain an overview and understanding of the changes to AS1684 Timber Framing Code.

25 Aug
Understanding HIA Building Contracts

This workshop provides a detailed understanding of domestic building contracts, using the relevant HIA contract for your region as an example. The contract is explained in full, describing each schedule and clause.

25 Aug
NCC 2022: Condensation Management

Learn about the essential details of the NCC 2022 changes to condensation mitigation.

Support for your business

Building it right

HIA’s experienced Building and planning services team can help you navigate residential building legislation and keep your project on track.

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Getting approval to build

Most new homes and renovations to existing homes require a development approval (DA) before they can be built. A DA will normally be granted by the local council.

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Managing your safety

We have been helping businesses like yours for over a decade by offering safety checks and site-specific safety systems designed to meet current workplace health and safety requirements.

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Managing your business

HIA’s expert workplace advisors can offer you bespoke support to help you navigate the maze of compliance in the building industry.

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