Advocacy media releases in 2013

Attorney Generals Department Fitout, SA. Department for Infrastructure and Transport (SA). 5 Star Green Star – Interiors v1.2.

As the nation's authority on green buildings and communities, the GBCA has a powerful voice on a range of advocacy issues. Media releases issued in 2013 include:

A green phoenix rises from the ashes

Monday 2 December A Green Star rating for the new Dunalley Primary School demonstrates visionary leadership and a commitment to ‘build it back green’.

Just how efficient can NSW Government offices become?

Tuesday 1 October The NSW Government's decision to draw on the expertise of the industry to deliver more efficient building management is welcome.

New government, new opportunities for a more productive, healthy, liveable Australia

Tuesday 10 September The GBCA congratulates the Coalition on its election victory, and looks forward to working together towards better built environments.

Where are the costed policies and initiatives for Australia's buildings, communities and cities?

Monday 2 September “We’re still waiting” is the message from the GBCA, as it calls on all political parties to outline their costed policies and incentives. 

A Minister for Cities will help build Australia's future

Friday 30 August 2013 Prime Minister Rudd’s commitment to appoint a Minister for Cities, if re-elected, has been welcomed by the GBCA. 

Multiple initiatives, not billion dollar initiatives, the key to a smart, sustainable built environment

Monday 26 August The GBCA welcomes the Victorian Government’s commitment of $3.59 million to improve the energy efficiency of commercial office buildings. 

How will Australia's political leaders build sustainable cities? 

Monday 26 August All parties must outline their policies to boost productivity and support liveability, resilience and sustainability in our cities. 

A NSW plan for energy efficiency can save billions

Wednesday 21 August Now is the time for the NSW Government to lead by example and capture the benefits of more energy-efficient buildings, says the GBCA. 

Improved energy efficiency could cut federal government's energy spend by $35 million a year

Monday 19 August 2013 The GBCA calls on all political parties to outline their policies to improve energy efficiency of buildings. 

The pathway to a more productive Australia: $2 billion a year boost for federal governmentMonday 12 August 2013 Improving the performance of the federal government’s building stock could boost public sector productivity by almost $2 billion a year. 

Decision to defer welcome, but government must still scrap the cap

Wednesday 7 August 2013 The GBCA welcomes the federal government's decision to defer the introduction of a $2000 cap on tax deductions for self-education until July 2015. 

Let's not gamble with Sydney's sustainable future

Thursday 11 July 2013 The proposed $1.3 billion Crown casino and resort is a once-in-200-year opportunity for Sydney to build a sustainable landmark, says the GBCA.

Government cap on self-education: earning from your yearning for learning

Tuesday 9 July 2013 The GBCA has joined the chorus of industry groups calling on the Australian Government to reject the proposed $2,000 cap on tax deductions for self-education.

Currambine Community Centre design gets green building tick of approval

Monday 8 July 2013 The City of Joondalup is the first local government in West Australia to achieve a 4 Star Green Star – Public Building PILOT rating, signifying ‘Best Practice’, from the GBCA.

South Australia to secure a sustainable future

Thursday 4 July 2013 The South Australian Government is the first in Australia to seek Green Star – Communities ratings for two renewal projects. 

Parramatta sets its sights on a sustainable future

Tuesday 2 July 2013 Parramatta City Council is the first local government in Australia to seek a Green Star – Communities rating, and is also the first local government to specify Green Star ratings for each building across an entire precinct.

Efficient, affordable and sustainable option for NT's public housing redevelopment program

Friday 28 June 2013 The Northern Territory Government must seize the opportunity to invest in efficient, affordable, sustainable public housing projects, says the GBCA.

High performance buildings deliver high returns

Tuesday 18 June 2013 Times may be tough, but there is no sign that sustainability is disappearing from the property and construction industry’s agenda in Queensland, says the GBCA.

Smart and sustainable space for learning

Monday 17 June 2013 A Green Star rating gives local governments confidence that their community’s assets will deliver ongoing operational efficiencies and long-term value, says the GBCA.

Sydney sets its sights on a sustainable future

Thursday 13 June 2013 The City of Sydney’s new Renewable Energy Master Plan – the first of its kind in Australia – has been welcomed by the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA).

A sustainable solution to NSW Health's spiralling energy costs

Tuesday 4 June 2013 The solution to NSW Health’s spiralling energy costs is more efficient, sustainable buildings, says the GBCA.

Will the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games deliver a lasting legacy?

Friday 31 May 2013 The design and construction of the 2018 Commonwealth Games Village is Australia’s opportunity to build on past triumphs and ensure a lasting legacy for the Gold Coast community.

There's a tiny little light at the end of the tunnel for Australia's urban infrastructure

Wednesday 15 May 2013 The funds earmarked for the next wave of ‘nation building’ projects in the 2013 Budget may begin to address the $500 billion backlog of infrastructure projects, but will not provide for better learning environments or support a more resilient Australia.

Green Star rating tool for public buildings helps keep budgets in the black

Tuesday 14 May 2013 Public buildings such as community centres, libraries, law courts, theatres, museums, art galleries and places of worship can now demonstrate better outcomes for the economy, the environment and the community.

Start of a new, national conversation about a sustainable Australia

Thursday 9 May 2013 A new report, released today by the National Sustainability Council, marks the start of a new, national conversation about sustainability, says the GBCA.

A new deal for urban infrastructure

Thursday 2 May 2013 A new coalition of built environment groups, which includes the GBCA, wants a ‘new deal’ for Australian cities.

Community engagement the key to better cities

Thursday 18 April 2013 A new strategic and streamlined approach to planning in NSW can deliver better communities and cities, but it requires a genuine commitment to community engagement, says the GBCA.

New WA Department for Communities a welcome step

Friday 12 April 2013 The GBCA welcomes the West Australian Government’s decision to establish a Department of Local Government and Communities.

Melbourne leads the nation in sustainable planning, but the 20-minute city may remain a dream

Wednesday 10 April 2013 The City of Melbourne’s new planning amendment will ensure building and development brings long-term financial benefits to building owners and long-term health and productivity benefits to building tenants.

Can WA build a resilient and sustainable future?

Tuesday 19 February 2013 The GBCA has called on the political leaders of Western Australia to strengthen their commitment to more efficient, productive, resource-friendly and sustainable buildings and communities.

Policies please, not posturing

Friday 1 February With the date for the federal election now set, the GBCA calls on all political parties to outline the policies and programs that will drive productivity and sustainability in Australia’s built environment.