The NT 2021-2022 Budget which has given a snapshot of directions for the NT. Unfortunately, there is limited new funding in the 2021-2022 budget that supports architects. In fact, there is limited opportunity outlined across the board which is certainly something we need to work with other industry bodies to address. We all need to look at recession busting projects and our direct advocacy will be on what was already planned for in the 2020-2021 as well as the 2021-2022 budget. Projects that have been awarded must be brought to fruition asap and work that has been tendered for needs to be awarded. This is critical as the built environment needs support and financial stability for long term sustainability. Please find the link to the budget papers and feel free to contact me directly if you would like to discuss further. https://budget.nt.gov.au/budget-papers
The 2021 NT Chapter Awards season is upon us and the event is open for registrations. This year we are at the Aviation Museum with the theme the golden age of aviation. BOOK HERE We also celebrate 90 years of the Institute of Architects so a double celebration of the Architectural Excellence and Institute milestones. We had a diverse entries this year so don’t forget to vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice VOTE HERE.
On Tuesday the 25th of May the Emerging Architect Prize (EAP) presentation is being held. Register here for the EAP event. This EAP is the 2020 winner which due to Covid the event could not be held last year.
The 2020 Gold Medal tour with John Wardle was really enlightening and motivating. For those who missed this in Alice Springs and beyond we have asked John to do a Q&A with his presentation so that we are more inclusionary of distance. It is a great opportunity to review his story through the ages and be able to talk with him personally through a zoom presentation with a YouTube presentation Register here
Advocacy issues addressed over the last couple of months including a submission on stage two Designing Better project is a suite of suggestions by the Northern Territory Planning Commission that specifically relates to apartment and mixed use buildings.
The project applies to: Zone MR (Medium Density Residential); Zone HR (High Density Residential); Zone CB (Central Business); and Zone C (Commercial).
There is substantial work which is inline with the Shergold Weir Building Confidence recommendations which is underway at the moment. In response to the building reform request we supported changes to the Act to support better outcomes for consumers. The areas for discussion were:
- Third Party Review of Structural Design of Complex Buildings with The Institute supporting the use of the National Engineering Register to identify engineers with relevent expertise to undertake third-party reviews.
- Continuing professional Development (CPD) for building practitioners The Institute supports the introduction of a CPD framework for all registered building practitioners.
- Practitioner Registration for commercial buildings The Institute agrees that all builders in the Northern Territory should be required to be registered regardless of the class of building they are constructing.
This is line with the National Registration Framework (NRF) recommendations we made last year as well as recommended changes to the Architects Act to include CPD, compulsory professional indemnity insurance as well as implementing a code of conduct.
