Advocacy and Awards – May/June Update
It’s been a big couple of months – full of travel, conversations, and pushing ahead on key initiatives. From regional awards and lunches to advocacy around Olympics planning, housing, and climate resilience, there’s a lot happening. Here’s a snapshot.
Regional Awards & President’s Lunches
Amongst Australian states, the depth and breadth of our two-tiered awards and committee structure is unique. It’s been deeply impressive seeing how our regional committees have engaged members, clients and allied professions in the awards programs: this is no mean feat, requiring a level of energy and dedication to organise and drive engagement. I want to call out all the regional chairs and co-chairs for their exceptional work; all names everyone should know can be found on our council and committees page.
The work showcased through the regional awards is clear evidence of the strength and quality of practice in regional Queensland, work that inspires and has positive impact. All regional awards results are now available on the Queensland Chapter’s awards page. Now it all comes together at the State Awards on June 27th link, I look forwards to seeing you there.
The President’s Lunches in Townsville, Rockhampton, Toowoomba and Cairns have been illuminating. Rather than a ‘presentation’ style event, the regional chairs opted for forum style discussions. These have certainly helped me to understand the challenges of regional practice, and where we need to double our efforts to support our regional colleagues.
Advocacy- A Central Focus
When I stepped into this role, I made a commitment to elevate our voice within government and the media – particularly on Queensland’s big challenges of the housing crisis, the Olympics and climate resilience, all areas where architects have a pivotal role to play. There have been good opportunities to speak on the radio and in the print media on these topics. In addition, l’m pleased to share some progress on other advocacy initiatives below:
Olympics – Putting Architects at the Heart, Not the Edge of Key Decision Making.
With Olympic delivery now gathering pace, we’re preparing to actively engage with GIICA and the State Government to champion the role of architects. In the context of time pressures, unprecedented skills shortages, cost escalation and high community expectations to deliver positive city legacy, we need deep architectural expertise guiding both client and delivery teams, properly placed in the chain of project influence. A key focus is strengthening the role of the Office of the State Government Architect, drawing on Sydney 2000 as a precedent. A detailed advocacy paper will be released this week.
We also lodged a submission to Parliament opposing the repeal of planning safeguards for Olympic projects, particularly given the implications for Barambin/Victoria Park and Centenary Pools. With legislation now repealed, our advocacy will centre on ensuring heritage, First Nations and environmental values are upheld.
Together with the Australian Institute of Landscape Architects, Planning Institute of Australia, Design Institute of Australia and Engineers Australia, we’ve been advancing the Green Pathways Gold Places initiative. Last week’s multidisciplinary ‘Green Grid’ design workshop proposed high quality, shaded and green public realm to connect the venues and ultimately create more walkable and connected city precincts. See images from the workshop below. These outcomes will shape our next phase of advocacy, including in regional areas.
Affordable Housing – Collaborating for Impact
We’ve continued working with QShelter’s Housing Diversity and Affordability Community of Practice (CoP). This CoP has broad industry membership including the Masters Builders Association, the Local Government Association, the Community Housing Industry Association and the Property Council; industry stakeholders we need to collaborate with to address both supply and design issues, and we will soon be announcing an event to bring all our members together – stay tuned.
At the invitation of the Minister for Housing and Public Work’s office, we’re now preparing policy proposals focused on infill and ‘right sized’ housing, and advocating for the role of architects in local government.
Climate Resilience – Partnering for Change
As Queensland faces increasing climate risks, architects have a central role to play in community resilience. A major cross-Institute event is in planning phases – aimed at growing design skills and knowledge across the profession, building on the success of last year’s City Resilience event.
Looking Ahead
Beyond these initiatives, of course there is so, so much more going on in the Chapter, as you know from your weekly emails. I look forward to sharing more on the work of our committees and Chapter Council, and on the initiatives above, soon.
Warm regards,
Caroline Stalker
President, Queensland Chapter
