From the ACT Chapter President

2015 is well underway, and the ACT Chapter will continue to be actively participating and acting on issues, policies and implementation strategies that improve the quality and sustainability of our built environment. On the agenda in the short term we will be focusing on the following:

  • proposed changes to the Building Act, related legislation and regulations and a ‘Building and Construction Industry business meeting’ to be held on the 12 February;
  • new Planning Policies and Planning Regulation with a ‘Planning and Development Forum’ on 24 February;
  • sustainability initiatives and the quarterly ‘Climate Change Adaptation Workshop’ to be held on dates yet to be advised;
  • industry conditions, activity and the Director-General of the Environment and Planning Directorate, Chief Executives quarterly Reference Group; and,
  • with Consult Australia, we have commenced a review and comment on the ACT Government Procurement and Capital Works Draft Building Construction Project Functional Design Brief.

Gender Equity – new policy – proactive change is necessary to achieve gender equity in the profession and the building industry. The Institute has recently adopted a Gender Equity Policy. Its aims have been reinforced by the establishment of the National Committee for Gender Equity (NCGE), chaired by WA based Emma Williamson.  See more here.

ACUMEN – get involved –  The Institutes Acumen Content Review Panel is convened to update and maintain the relevance of the professional Advisory Notes. These are a fundamental body of knowledge that distinguishes architects knowledge from all others. The Acumen website has templates for the submission of suggestions or ideas regarding its content. These are able to be submitted by anyone: subscribers, members, committees and others.  Currently, there is a request for suggestions about content gaps or refinements on the Acumen home page, together with a link to a template for providing input on content.  I encourage the Chapter Council, Chapter Committees and members to contribute through this mechanism to keep this valuable resource relevant and up to date for the profession.

Members participation in all areas of advocacy is necessary to ensure accurate and effective representation. I encourage all members to make input into the above, or any other ‘issue’, throughout the year.

With your help, I look forward to great outcomes this year!