IPWEA Vic Blog

A private company in Shanghai used 3D printers to print 10 full-sized houses in just one day.

Take a look at this video on YouTube:   http://youtu.be/SObzNdyRTBs

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2014/15 State Budget Overview and Budget papers can be found at this url http://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/State-Budget

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Reference: Department of Planning, Transport and Local Infrastructure

The Infrastructure Contribution Plan (ICP) is a new tool with which development contributions will be levied in priority growth locations. The ICP will be prepared by a Planning Authority in consultation with relevant stakeholders. It will provide the strategic justification for the application and allocation of the development contributions levy to a specific precinct or site. It will align with the Precinct Structure Plan, structure plan or similar planning framework that applies to a Strategic Development Area.  It is expected that consultation on infrastructure projects, priorities and delivery will occur as part of setting the strategic framework for locations of growth and change and that this will inform the ICP.

The ICP will:

The ICP will identify if a Standard Levy, a Supplementary Levy or both is applicable. A Supplementary Levy will be rarely used as most infrastructure should be adequately funded through the Standard Levy.

Standard Levy: standard monetary contribution to infrastructure that meets a local needs and is ‘basic and essential’ for a growing/changing community.

Supplementary Levy: variable monetary contribution for an exceptional infrastructure item that can not be funded by the Standard Levy or is required to unlock growth in a specific location.

The infrastructure that may be funded by a Standard Levy and Supplementary Levy will be set out in a list of ‘Allowable Items’ for each development setting.

The ICP will be implemented in the planning scheme through a new Infrastructure Contributions Overlay, schedule and map that will make clear where an ICP applies. The Planning Authority may seek the Ministers approval of the ICP and associated planning scheme amendment either as a full planning scheme amendment process where appropriate or request the Minister to use his powers under Section 20(4) or 20(2) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987.  This may be appropriate where an ICP is developed in conjunction with a Precinct Structure Plan or similar strategic plan that has been subject to consultation.

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AS 1657–2013 Fixed platforms, walkways,stairways and ladders – Design,construction and installation. ($194.66)
This standard supersedes the 1992 edition.  It includes single stile ladders, access to roofs, removed references to the regulatory authorities, requirements relating to a particular form of access (e.g. stairways, ladders) when grouped together, a broader scope of testing of products and more test methods, slip resistance issue highlighted and testing of a wider range of products introduced where verification by engineer’s analysis is not available.

Information courtesy of NATSPEC SPECnotes April 2014 edition download full article HERE

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AGPD03/14 – Guide to project delivery – Contract management.
This part of the Austroads Guide gives guidance to project delivery practitioners on the use of contracts for the delivery of projects. It defines contracts, and the documentation required to establish and administer a contract and also covers appropriate standards of practice and procedures for the management of contracts.

Information courtesy of NATSPEC SPECnotes April 2014 edition download full article HERE

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Take a look at the submission by IPWEA to the Productivity Commission’s Public Infrastructure Inquiry.

IPWEA’s submission is focussed on three aspects:

1. the role and use of debt in local government

2. engineering skills shortage

3. national registration of engineers

Download submission HERE

IPWEAQ also submitted a submission to the productivity inquiry into public infrastructure focused on engineering registration.  Download the IPWEAQ submission HERE

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IPWEA is pleased to announce a new Land Development Engineering Community of Practice.

This new practice area will be of interest to development control engineers, planners, consultants, subdivision construction & development inspectors, directors and many others.

A new discussion forum is being launched as part of the new community – so register your interest and join our newest community now so you don’t miss anything!

We encourage active discussion, loading sample documents into the library, downloading presentations from LDE forums, and much more.

***Register your interest to join the new LDE Community now!***

The new Land Development Engineering webpage is at www.ipwea.org/LAND.

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Recycled Mixed Plastics Purchasing Toolkit

ECO-Buy has developed a toolkit to provide buyers with independent information on the features, uses and specifications for recycled plastic products. It was developed in response to buyers questions about what products are available, the environmental and cost benefits, and how to get the best results when using the products.

 Mixed plastic waste is often difficult to sort and recycle, leading to a high likelihood that material will be sent to landfill. Local manufacturers have developed a range of innovative products made from recycled mixed plastic waste to suit a wide range of applications and help reduce waste to landfill.

The toolkit includes a number of factsheets covering:

• How recycled plastics can save you money.
• How to design successful projects using recycled plastic products and materials.
• Why recycled plastic is a low toxic and environmental preferable alternative.
• Tips for getting buy in from other staff in your organisation to the use of recycled plastic products.
• Some great examples of innovative organisations closing the loop by buying recycled content plastics.
• A list of suppliers.

ECO-Buy also developed a unique downloadable Life Cycle Costing Tool that you can use to compare the cost of using recycled plastic with that of other materials. You can add your own data and calculate cost benefits and payback times.

The Recycled Mixed Plastics Purchasing Toolkit was developed with the support of the Australian Packaging Covenant (APC), Zero Waste South Australia and Sustainability Victoria.

You can access the Toolkit, and download the factsheets, and other resources here: http://ecobuy.org.au/recycled-plastics-toolkit

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In February 2014, the Government released a new Unsolicited Proposal Guideline for welcoming proposals from the private sector to deliver a project or service which offers something genuinely unique and the best value for Victorians.

More information is available from Department of Treasury & Finance website http://www.dtf.vic.gov.au/Infrastructure-Delivery/Unsolicited-proposals

Take a look at the guidelines here

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Hosted by the Resource and Energy Recovery Division of the Waste Management Association of Australia, the National Energy from Waste Symposium -Exploring opportunities and synergies for today and the future – will bring together Councils, government and waste managers along with the manufacturing, finance and energy industries to consider the future of the Australian waste industry and its role in the renewable energy market.

This leading-edge conference will explore opportunities for the energy from waste industry in Australia through policy and planning, investment opportunities, collaboration/ partnerships and the use of innovative practices and technologies. Participants will have the opportunity to share their expertise and knowledge, showcase their innovative ideas, learn from industry experts and network with their industry peers.

The conference will be held on 23 and 24 of July 2014 at Mantra Lorne on the Great Ocean Road in Victoria. During the conference, an industry submission will be developed for presentation to the respective State and Federal Government agencies about future opportunities for this rapidly developing industry.

Go to www.energyfromwaste.com.au for more information

More info here

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