THG News and Articles Feed

Inflation Still on the Rise

Australia experienced its highest rate of inflation for 15 years in 2007; predominantly as a result of international increases in oil and other commodity prices; but also as a result of domestic growth and demand. Latest figures released by the Reserve Bank of Australia indicate that after an increase of 1.5 per cent for the June quarter, inflation has continued on this upward trend to increase to 4.5 per cent for the 2007/08 financial year.

The Pursuit of Design

This great quote from George Nelson’s ‘How to See: A Guide to Reading our Man Made Environment’ describes how we think about design.

“The pursuit of design is not about the way things appear, bit rather about the way things have meaning, and how these things add or detract from the human experience.”

Petrol Prices Affect More Than Your Hip Pocket

It looks like the price of petrol isn’t just damaging to your bank balance, it’s also affecting your health.

Fertility Rates and How We Live

On July 17, the Queensland Government’s Planning Information & Forecasting Unit (PIFU) presented the findings of the 2008 (sixth edition) Gold Coast City Broadhectare Study, which essentially involves measuring the capacity of the future residential land supply to accommodate the City’s anticipated population growth.

Gold Coast Broadhectare Study

The presentation focussed firstly on population and demographic projections for the Gold Coast and then on the results of the Broadhectare Study.

The Magic 40

It’s official. SEQ’s dams have reached that magical number of 40%. That elusive capacity volume where our current Level 6 water restrictions (Target 140) are lifted and we move to Target 170 - High Level Restrictions.

How do you define 'place'?

We came across a great definition for ‘place’ in the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art magazine the other day, promoting their ‘Place Makers: Contemporary Queensland Architects‘ exhibition.

THG Awarded for Excellence in Spatial Sciences

THG was honoured at Spatial Science’s night of nights, taking out the award for ‘Resources and Environment’ at the Queensland Spatial Excellence Awards.

Integrating Constructed Wetlands

Constructed wetlands for the treatment of stormwater and wastewater form an important part in WaterSensitive Urban Design (WSUD). With careful planning and implementation, a wetland will achieve the desired outcomes for water quality improvement, as well as socio-economic and biodiversity goals.

Piano Tops and Urban Design

“If you are in a shipwreck and all the boats are gone, a piano top … that comes along makes a fortuitous life preserver. But this is not to say that the best way to design a life preserver is in the form of a piano top. I think that we are clinging to a great many piano tops in accepting yesterday’s fortuitous contrivings.”

Holding Costs & Housing Affordability

One factor widely held to impact housing affordability is holding costs.

Housing Affordability: The Impact of Rising Housing Costs on Mortgages

The true impact of cost increases in housing can be effectively demonstrated by calculating the additional monthly mortgage repayment required to cover the additional costs, and determining the impact this has on household disposable income.

Regulatory Assessment Impacts on Housing Affordability

The Queensland Housing Affordability Strategy calculates that development holding costs typically add at least $15,000 to $20,000 per dwelling, for greenfield developments.

The Significance & Complexity of Housing Affordability

The availability of affordable housing is central to supporting a decent life.

Fish Kill Events and Habitat Losses of the Richmond River, NSW Australia: An Overview

Early February 2001, the Richmond River, Northern NSWAustralia, suffered an immense fish kill, affecting over 35 kilometres of riverine and estuarine habitat, and the surrounding coastal ecosystem. A flood, combined with summer heat, pasture grasses, drainage channels, and sediment, triggered a chain reaction that left the coastal river devoid of oxygen and life.

The Northern Economic Triangle

A look at the factors that will shape the economic future of Northern Queensland.

The Conceptualisation, Sensitivity and Measurement of Holding Costs and Impact on Housing Affordability

Housing affordability issues are gaining increasing prominence in the Australian socio-economic landscape, despite strong economic growth and prosperity. The need to provide affordable housing to meet the expectations of burgeoning populations, particularly young people, first home owners and the socially disadvantaged, is fundamental to maintaining stability of families and households and supporting an acceptable standard of living.

Valuation of Land Amendment Act 2008: Value Definition Re-defined

The recently passed Valuation of Land Amendment Act (2008) in Queensland has significant implications for developers since the basis on which unimproved land is valued has changed.

Economic Needs Analysis – An Increasing Requirement for Supporting Development Applications in Queensland and Eastern Australia

This article looks at the growing trend of assessing bodies requiring Economic Needs Analysis to support Development Applications.

The Ecology and Inter-Relationship Between Housing and Health Outcomes

Living conditions are widely acknowledged as a major contributor to the health and well being of particular population groups, with strong relationships existing between environment and human physical condition. The evidence suggests poor health is directly linked to poor housing and housing infrastructure. People with unmet housing needs tend to be socio-economically disadvantaged, experience higher death rates, poor health, and are more likely to have serious chronic illnesses.