Sustainable Builders Yak

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Episode Description
Melissa Neighbour, Founder and Principal Director of Sky Planning, takes us inside Australian council planning and residential development. She explains how state policies, council approvals, and incentive-based strategies shape projects, explores the shift from quarter-acre blocks to apartments and low-rise infill, and shares insights on sustainability, community-focused design, and navigating bureaucracy.
Episode Covers
The evolving Australian dream: apartments, terraces, dual occupancies
State vs council planning and non-discretionary standards
Incentive-based planning: FSR and height bonuses for sustainable, high-quality design
Affordable housing integrated into luxury developments
Planning complexity and how expert planners help navigate approvals
Sustainability, environmental resilience, and community-focused urban design
Propinion: knowledge-sharing platform for planning professionals
Episode Highlights
State laws override restrictive council controls, easing approvals
Low-rise mixed-use and dual occupancy developments are increasingly feasible
Incentives encourage sustainable design and higher-quality outcomes
Affordable housing bonuses improve supply in high-value areas
Well-designed communal spaces and public transport critical for density
Green facades and Nightingale-style apartments show functional, vibrant communities
Engaging a planner streamlines approvals and maximizes property potential
Propinion platform enables industry-wide knowledge-sharing
Melissa advocates better integration between planning and the NCC, with AI as a future tool
Perfect For
Builders, developers, and pre-construction consultants
Urban planners and residential designers
Anyone interested in sustainable, community-focused housing

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Episode Description
John, Managing Director of Bowens, shares the story of a family-owned business founded in 1894 and his leadership journey since becoming Managing Director in 2005. We discuss how Bowens has grown through innovation, automation, and a focus on quality, speed, and ease of doing business.
The episode explores timber and building supplies, expansion into claddings and linings, the importance of local manufacturing, supply chain reliability, and Bowens’ commitment to sustainable building and high-performance homes

Episode Covers
Bowens’ history and family legacy
Leadership, innovation, and automation
Timber and expanding product ranges
Local manufacturing and supply chains
Sustainable building and collaboration

Episode Highlights
Bowens’ evolution from 1894 to today
Investment in automation and innovation
Supporting sustainable, high-performance homes
Industry challenges and future opportunities
 Perfect For
Builders and construction professionals
Sustainable building and timber advocates
Industry leaders and innovators

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Episode Description:
In this episode, we sit down with Simon Croft, Chief Executive of Industry and Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), to explore the current state of Australia's housing market. Simon shares his extensive experience in construction, policy, and building, delving into the pressing challenges of housing affordability and supply shortages. With the government targeting the construction of 1.2 million homes in the next five years, Simon discusses the obstacles in meeting these ambitious goals, particularly the need for long-term planning and a sustainable workforce. He also highlights the regional housing boom and how millennials are driving the shift away from metropolitan areas in search of more affordable living options.
As we dive deeper into the construction industry, Simon explains the impact of escalating construction costs and the industry's need for stabilization. With a focus on government policies, regional housing development, and industry workforce solutions, this episode provides a comprehensive overview of what it will take to meet Australia's housing demands and build a sustainable future for all.
Episode Covers:
The challenges of building 1.2 million homes over the next five years
Regional housing growth driven by millennials and remote work trends
The impact of construction costs and the ongoing need for industry stabilization
The importance of long-term planning for Australia’s housing strategy
Diverse solutions required for varying regional housing needs
Episode Highlights:
Insights on Australia's housing shortage and supply chain issues
The government’s role in addressing construction workforce gaps
Navigating policy changes and innovative solutions to meet housing targets
How regional areas are shaping the future of housing development
Perfect For:
Builders and tradespeople
Policy makers and industry advocates
Anyone interested in the future of housing and construction in Australia
This episode offers a detailed exploration of the challenges facing Australia's housing market and the steps necessary to overcome them. Tune in for a candid conversation about the future of housing affordability, supply, and the workforce, and how these factors intersect with broader policy and sustainability goals.

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In this episode:
We sit down with Saul Griffith to explore his journey from metallurgy to MIT, Silicon Valley, and now leading work in policy, engineering, and sustainability. Saul shares insights on electrification, zero-emissions infrastructure, and how tradespeople are central to building a clean energy future. We also dive into innovative ideas for long-lasting homes, smarter energy markets, and practical ways Australians can trade and generate electricity.
Episode Covers:
Electrification and the role of tradespeople in a zero-emissions future
Reforming the electricity market to empower households
Improving the National Construction Code and building “thousand-year homes”
Sustainable construction materials: bricks, timber, and hybrid approaches
Cost savings, public health, and community benefits of clean energy
Challenges and opportunities in clean tech supply chains and domestic manufacturing
Saul’s productivity rituals and a sneak peek at his upcoming book
Episode Highlights:
Saul criticizes star ratings for homes and proposes energy efficiency measured in kilowatt hours per square meter per person
Discussion on Australians trading solar power peer-to-peer
Vision for long-lasting, durable, zero-emission homes
Fun rapid-fire questions: favorite sports teams, snacks, and music preferences
Insights into upcoming book and Substack updates
Perfect for:
Sustainability enthusiasts and clean energy advocates
Tradespeople and engineers interested in electrification
Policy makers and innovators in energy and infrastructure
Anyone curious about practical solutions for a zero-emission future

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In this episode, Jennifer Snyders, President of the Bamboo Society of Australia, shares her journey from indifference to advocacy for bamboo in sustainable construction, environmental restoration, and carbon reduction. Born into a bamboo legacy—her father founded House of Bamboo in 1972—Jennifer explains how this fast-growing, renewable material can transform Australia’s building landscape.
Simon Clark highlights bamboo as a potential solution to construction supply challenges, noting its impressive CO₂ sequestration, rapid growth, and soil remediation. Jennifer also explores the development of structural bamboo in Australia, showing how engineered bamboo (CLB/LVB) could be a faster, sustainable, termite-resistant alternative to traditional timber.
Growing and Using Bamboo in Australia:
Bamboo seeds rarely (once every 100–150 years); propagation is usually through cuttings.
Species thrive in diverse climates—from snow to temperate cities like Melbourne.
Clumping bamboo prevents uncontrolled spreading.
Bamboo is ideal for screens, landscaping, carbon offset, and building materials.
The Bamboo Society (bamboo.org.au) lists growers and suppliers nationwide.
Barriers to Adoption:
Outdated perceptions, regulatory gaps, and misconceptions about bamboo as “non-structural” are slowing its uptake. Jennifer emphasizes engineered bamboo, performance-based standards, and carbon reduction targets to drive mainstream adoption.
Episode Highlights:
 From bamboo newbie to advocate for sustainable building
Carbon storage, oxygen boost, and soil/water remediation benefits
Fast-growing, termite-resistant structural bamboo for construction
Works with timber machinery and plantations—collaboration potential
Tackling perception, scaling, and regulatory hurdles
Bamboo is a fast-growing, sustainable solution for construction, landscaping, and environmental restoration. Jennifer’s insights reveal its untapped potential and how performance-based engineering could make bamboo a mainstream building material in Australia.
Brought to you by:
Thermotek (Platinum sponsor), Binq and Live Life Build (Gold sponsors)