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The Inala Infill Apartments, designed by Baber Studio, have been awarded House of the Year at the 2026 Greater Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards – the highest honour across all residential project categories. Source: Timberbiz The award recognises the project’s leadership in cross‑laminated timber (CLT) construction, low‑carbon delivery, and high‑performance social housing, outperforming expensive new house projects and large multi‑residential “green tower” developments recently completed in Brisbane. Led by Kim Baber, Principal Architect of Baber Studio and Project Leader / Chief Investigator within the ARC Advance Timber Hub, the project demonstrates how mass timber systems and modern methods of construction (MMC) can deliver cost‑effective, scalable and climate‑positive housing outcomes -without compromising architectural quality or resident wellbeing. Key project members include Free-Range Landscape Architects, Hyne Timber and XLam, and Kane Constructions. At the core of the project is the use of structural mass timber, with CLT forming the primary floor and roof system. Concrete and steel were deliberately limited to areas where they were functionally unavoidable, such as the ground slab, lift core and select structural elements. This material substitution reduced total carbon emissions for the project by 173.4 tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to taking 37 cars off the road for one year. The entire building required only two hectares of forest, which could be regrown in Australian plantation forests in approximately 18 minutes. The building incorporates approximately 247 m³ of engineered timber, including CLT, glue‑laminated timber (GLT) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Importantly, the CLT manufacturing process enables the transformation of low‑structural and/or appearance‑grade timber into high‑performance structural panels, maximising resource efficiency while supporting domestic timber supply chains. Inala Infill Apartments provides a clear example of how MMC and prefabricated timber systems can de‑risk delivery and improve productivity in mid‑rise residential projects. XLam CLT panels, manufactured to precise dimensions using computer numerical control (CNC), minimised waste and enabled rapid on‑site assembly. A key outcome was construction speed: installation of the CLT floor panels took just two days, compared with the six days originally programmed, allowing early removal of cranes and reducing overall construction costs and site disruption. These efficiencies highlight the commercial advantages of mass timber for projects operating under tight budgets and delivery timelines. Beyond embodied carbon and construction performance, the project demonstrates the health and wellbeing benefits of exposed mass timber. CLT ceilings are left visible throughout the apartments, reducing reliance on plasterboard and paint finishes and significantly lowering volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions at occupation. This contributes to improved indoor air quality and long‑term occupant comfort. The architectural design integrates biophilic principles through strong visual and physical connections between timber structure and landscape. Courtyards, walkways and close connections to gardens are coordinated with exposed timber surfaces, reinforcing nature‑based relationships and supporting resident wellbeing. The apartments are configured to maximise passive environmental performance, reducing operational energy demand. Each dwelling includes dual balconies, enabling effective cross‑ventilation and passive cooling. The layout supports “diurnal migration”, al-lowing residents to occupy cooler areas of the apartment throughout the day and reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The building is 100% electric, exceeds minimum insulation requirements, and was assessed using NatHERS, confirming performance beyond minimum energy‑efficiency standards. This demonstrates that mass timber and passive design strategies can be effectively combined in real‑world housing delivery. Recognised as an exemplar by the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works and the NSW Government Architect, the Inala Infill Apartments project has been included in government design guidance for the wider design community and general public. Showcased in the MMC Case Study – Inala Infill Apartments Queensland. It features in the Queensland Social Housing Design Guidelines. The project has also been incorporated into continuing professional education pro-grams, including the NSW Government Architect’s Talking Homes presentations. Inala Infill Apartments provides a replicable model for low‑carbon, mid‑rise housing. The project demonstrates that CLT and mass timber are no longer niche solutions, but commercially viable systems capable of delivering speed, certainty, sustainability and social value at scale. The House of the Year award reinforces a growing industry message: when combined with thoughtful design and modern methods of construction, mass timber can redefine how housing is delivered in Australia – for governments, developers and communities alike.  

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The New Zealand Institute of Forestry (NZIF) has welcomed the release of the Climate Change Commission’s 2026 National Climate Change Risk Assessment, particularly the recognition of forestry as one of New Zealand’s most significant climate related risks. Source: Timberbiz NZIF President James Treadwell said the report correctly recognises forests are already facing increasing pressure from climate change, including more severe storms, wildfire risk, drought, changing rainfall patterns, and increasing pest and disease threats. “Forests are long term assets. Decisions made today will influence how resilient our landscapes and communities are for decades to come.” said Mr Treadwell. “For commercial forestry this includes species choice, establishment, management and harvest planning but the long-term decision framework applies even more to the management of the conservation estate under changing conditions and the preservation of our native taonga.” “The report rightly highlights the need for stronger adaptation planning across the forestry sector.” NZIF represents professional foresters working across all forest types in New Zealand, including indigenous forests, production forests, farm forestry, permanent forests, protection forests and urban forestry. Mr Treadwell said forests play a critical role in New Zealand’s future, not only through carbon storage, but also through erosion control, biodiversity protection, water management, renewable materials, regional employment and landscape resilience. “It is important the national discussion does not frame forestry solely as a risk. Well planned and professionally managed forests are also a major part of New Zealand’s response to climate change.” NZIF supports the Commission’s call for improved long-term planning, better research and stronger coordination between central government, local government, iwi, re-searchers and the forestry sector. The Institute believes the next National Adaptation Plan should include development of a national forestry adaptation programme focused on: improving forest resilience to climate change, strengthening wildfire and biosecurity preparedness, supporting research into species suitability and genetics, improving land use planning for erosion prone land, integrating climate resilience into ETS and carbon forestry settings, recognising the role of professional forestry expertise in adaptation planning.   Mr Treadwell said adaptation policy must reflect the diversity of New Zealand forestry. “A one size fits all approach will not work. Different forest types, regions and ownership structures face different risks and opportunities.” “The forestry sector is ready to work constructively with government and communities to help build more resilient landscapes and a more climate prepared New Zealand.”  

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New South Wales Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, was in Coffs Harbour to advance plans for the Great Koala National Park. Source: Timberbiz The NSW State Government says that the creation of the park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to not only save vital habitat from extinction but build a world-class tourist destination that protects the environment while boosting tourism and the local economy. The final creation of the park is dependent on the successful registration of a carbon project under the proposed Improved Native Forest Management method. This is progressing following public consultation in January. The method is expected to be considered by the Commonwealth Government’s Independent Emissions Reduction Assurance Committee. The future park is rich with opportunities for recreation, and the government want these to be shaped by community voices at every step. Dozens of consultation sessions, from local market stalls to meetings with recreational groups, have drawn strong participation. More than 4,000 survey responses have explained how people want to protect the forests and develop recreation activities that will make the Great Koala National Park a must-see destination. “The Great Koala National Park is a landmark investment in the Mid North Coast, securing our unique environment while driving new local jobs and economic opportunities for our communities,” Minister for the North Coast, Janelle Saffin said. “By putting local voices at the heart of this process, we are ensuring the park’s creation delivers for everyone who lives and works here.” The Minister will meet with the Aboriginal Advisory Panel in Coffs Harbour. For the first time, the park will appoint NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Aboriginal cultural heritage rangers, embedding cultural knowledge and care at the heart of park management. Following extensive collaboration with Elders and Traditional Owners on the Aboriginal Advisory Panel, positions will be created for Aboriginal Rangers. The area is a significant cultural landscape for the Gumbaynggirr and Dunghutti peoples, including places of creation, ceremony and spirituality, traditional camps, resource gathering areas and pathways. Extensive preparation is underway to ensure the park is ready from day one, including: boosting firefighting capacity with the NSW Rural Fire Service and Forestry Corporation NSW through more fire fighters, new equipment like fire trucks and early detection technologies refining park boundaries for the best conservation possibilities and working with local tourism, council and other partners to unlock new visitor and rec-reation opportunities preparing legislation to reserve the Great Koala National Park in late 2026.   “The Great Koala National Park is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to protect one of Australia’s most important koala populations while recognising the deep cultural connection Traditional Owners have to this landscape,” Minister for the Environment, Penny Sharpe, said. “The Minns Labor Government has been working closely with the community to ensure planning delivers strong environmental protection, while driving nature based and recreational tourism on the Mid North Coast.”

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The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed key measures in the Federal Budget that will ease pressure on farmers and strengthen the nation’s food and fibre supply chains, with hard fought wins for farmers in the tax reforms, including primary production income being exempt from a minimum tax on discretionary trusts. Source: Timberbiz However, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) raised concerns about cuts to regional infrastructure, connectivity and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. NFF President Hamish McIntyre said the Budget landed at a difficult time for Australian agriculture, with farmers and fishers continuing to shoulder the impacts of global instability and supply chain disruption from conflict in the Middle East. “Farmers have been doing it tough, and so has the broader economy,” Mr McIntyre said. “The conflict in the Middle East has driven fuel and fertiliser costs through the roof and placed pressure on the production of the food and fibre Australians rely on every day. “When pressure builds on farm businesses, it doesn’t stop at the farm gate. It eventually flows through to all Australians at the checkout. “In that context, there are several measures in this Budget that are welcome and reflect the Government listening to the concerns the NFF has consistently raised on behalf of farmers.” The NFF welcomed changes ensuring primary production income will be exempt from the new 30% trust tax and confirmation there will be no changes to small business capital gains tax concessions. “There are around 40,000 trusts used in agriculture so these are significant wins for family farm businesses and reflect the case we have consistently put to the Treasurer about how these changes would impacted succession. “Family farms are generational businesses built over decades and often represent a family’s life savings and retirement plan. We are pleased the Government has listened.” The NFF welcomed the Government’s $10 billion fuel security package, designed to improve domestic fuel and fertiliser resilience with an emphasis on reducing the risk of supply shocks for essential users, including regional and agricultural industries. The permanent extension of the instant asset write-off was also welcomed, providing certainty for farm businesses looking to invest in equipment and technology. “We advocated hard for this to become a permanent feature of our tax system. It’s a simple and effective measure that helps farmers reduce costs and increase their productivity.” The NFF also acknowledged the new loss carry-back provisions, an $8.7m investment for the APVMA, along with the previously announced decisions to de-fer export cost recovery increases, and a $387 million boost to CSIRO and the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness. “These are practical investments we’ve advocated for because they strengthen resilience and innovation and help keep downward pressure on the cost of producing Australian food and fibre.” The NFF also welcomed additional resourcing for implementing EPBC reforms with a focus on establishing new entities (National Environmental Protection Agency and Environmental Information Australia) and improving assessment timeframes. However, the NFF still requires clarity on how this funding will support the difficult transition agriculture is experiencing under changes to continuous use provisions for agriculture. “Farmers need clarity and consistency, particularly around changes to continuing use provisions,” Mr McIntyre said. “We’ll continue working closely with the Government to ensure these reforms deliver environmental outcomes without creating uncertainty or unnecessary compliance burdens for producers.” However, the NFF has raised concerns about sweeping cuts across key areas impacting agriculture. This includes the Department of Agriculture, pests and weeds, Inland Rail Project and regional connectivity including the Regional Tech Hub. “There could not be a worse time to pull back investment in supply chains and regional connectivity,” Mr McIntyre said. “The Inland Rail was designed to strengthen supply chains, ease pressure on our highways and reduce the cost of moving produce from farm gate to consumers. “The Regional Tech Hub helped more than 75 regional people each day in 2025 alone. “Without continued support for this service, regional Australians may lose a trusted service that has helped thousands navigate major technology changes and stay connected. “This Budget contains some hard-won wins for agriculture, and we welcome them. We’ve had the opportunity to be at the centre of some of the most important discussions of this generation, around fuel and fertiliser supply and capability. “But if Australia is serious about building a stronger, more productive economy, this must be the starting point, not the finish line.”

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The Federal Budget will make Australia’s housing shortage worse by reducing the supply of new homes at a time when the country is already struggling to house a growing population, according to the Housing Industry Association. Source: Timberbiz The HIA says that even the Government’s own Budget papers admit that changes to negative gearing and capital gains tax will reduce the supply of new housing by around 35,000 homes over the next decade. HIA Chief Economist Tim Reardon said the Budget was attempting to solve a housing shortage by discouraging the investment needed to build more homes. “Australia’s housing challenge is simple. Consider it as if we are trying to fit 11 million households into around 10 million homes,” said Mr Reardon. “The solution to a housing shortage is to build more homes. This Budget does the opposite.” From 1 July 2027, negative gearing for residential property will be limited to new builds, while the 50% capital gains tax discount will be replaced with cost base indexation and a 30% minimum tax rate on capital gains. Treasury estimates the reforms will support around 75,000 additional owner occupiers over the next decade, but at the cost of reducing the supply of new homes. “The Government is stopping 35,000 private homes from being built in order to raise enough revenue to build around 4,000 public homes,” said Mr Reardon. “That is a terrible trade-off in the middle of a housing crisis.” Mr Reardon said the reforms misunderstood how housing investment supports new home building. “Investors are critical to funding new housing supply and commenced around half of all new home builds in the past,” he said. “If investors leave the housing market, fewer projects proceed and fewer homes get built. “The Government assumes investors will simply redirect their money into new homes, but housing investment doesn’t work like that. “If the overall attractiveness of residential investment falls, fewer investors participate overall.” HIA welcomed the Budget’s additional $2 billion investment in housing-enabling infra-structure, including water, sewerage and roads, intended to unlock up to 65,000 homes. “These infrastructure investments are important because the industry desperately needs more shovel-ready land,” said Mr Reardon. “But infrastructure and planning reform take years to deliver new homes. The adverse tax changes hit the market confidence immediately.” Mr Reardon said the tax changes risk worsening rental affordability over time by reducing the supply of future rental housing. “At a time when vacancy rates remain critically low, reducing the number of investor-funded homes being built will inevitably place upward pressure on rents,” he said. “The Government deserves credit for recognising that infrastructure, planning and approvals are barriers to supply. “But you cannot tax your way out of a housing shortage. “The only lasting solution to housing affordability is more homes.”

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AFPA has welcomed the Federal Government’s proposed change to negative gearing legislation for new housing developments in Australia, outlined in tonight’s 2026-27 Budget. Source: Timberbiz Under the plan, negative gearing will only be available for newly built homes and grandfathered for current investors holding negatively geared assets, which was previously recommended by AFPA. “In 2024, we called for this important change to tax concessions on negative gearing to expand the supply of housing as part of a Senate inquiry into Australia’s financial regulatory framework and home ownership,” AFPA acting Chief Executive Officer Richard Hyett said. “As we recommended in a submission, this change will help to increase much-needed investment in new housing development in Australia, which will address the shortage of new dwellings and our national housing crisis. “This reform will boost confidence in the construction sector, drive new investment, and improve housing affordability. “It will help to increase the use of sustainable timber in new homes and buildings.  There are many benefits of using Australian-grown timber for housing, especially as it’s a natural, trusted, durable and renewable resource that stores carbon and can be easily re-paired. “The Government could also leverage and achieve its climate goals if this were accompanied by policies that preference Australian timber in new housing.” AFPA also supports the Budget measure to introduce free public access to Australian Standards, which will remove housing and planning red tape, and increase support for modern methods of construction. “Having free access to these standards will reduce costs to builders, while helping to improve compliance and safety for the building industry,” Mr Hyett said. The allocation of $500 million to implement Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act reforms is also welcomed, as it will streamline approvals and increase investment in major projects. This includes $28 million over two years specifically for transitioning forestry to the new arrangements. “Given the tight timeframes around the new national environmental laws, this funding is critical to provide resourcing to help progress bilateral agreements with states and territories, and reduce red-tape duplication,” Mr Hyett said. “As part of this investment, state and territory governments will be encouraged to prioritise progressing and signing new assessment and bilateral agreements with the Commonwealth, which is critical for Australia’s sustainable forestry industry. “We look forward to working constructively with the Government to ensure certainty for Australia’s sixth largest manufacturing sector.”  

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