News Bulletin
Will you plant a tree this Sunday?
In the news this week, National Tree Day hopes to make a difference; the man who had a retirement village all to himself; and how many brickies does it take to build a house?
One for me, one for you
A million new native trees and shrubs planted this weekend - it's not such as big task, according to National Tree Day organiser Planet Ark.
Planet Ark, in conjunction with Toyota, is calling on all Australian families to give back to the environment and offset a year of their home's average lighting needs by getting involved in National Tree Day on Sunday 1 August.
Outlook takes pressure down
Building commencements are unlikely to rise much over the next few years, according to industry analyst and economic forecaster, BIS Shrapnel.
The company's Building in Australia 2010 report shows that as the positive effect of fiscal stimulus programs fades, there will be less upward pressure on interest rates.
Still not enough brickies
Things are improving, but there are still not enough skilled tradespeople in the residential sector to boost the supply of new homes, according to the latest trade availability figures.
The June 2010 quarter HIA-Austral Bricks Trade Availability Index shows a continuing shortage of skilled tradespeople in eight of thirteen skilled trades.
Sustainability Awards deadline extended
Due to strong interest, the submission deadline for the 2010 BPN (Building Product News) Sustainability Awards has been extended to August 13.
Now in its fourth year, the BPN Sustainability Awards reward designers and builders for best practice in sustainable projects across Australia. In 2009, a record number of submissions were received, with the focus on sustainable building continuing to grow as issues like climate change gain further importance.
Kitchen needs a makeover?
Spruce up tired kitchen cupboards quickly by painting just the front panel of the doors and adding some new handles. Stenciling or painting motifs to the front of the cupboard doors will also give them a completely new look.
If you decide to replace the kitchen units, consider just buying new cupboard doors, as the frames are often standard.
One-man-town
Everyone likes having the house to themselves now and then, but is an entire village too much? A pensioner who has been the sole inhabitant of a luxurious gated retirement village for three years is finally rolling out the welcome mat for new neighbours.
When Les Harrington and his late wife first moved into the village, they looked forward to a busy social life, the UK Telegraph reported recently. However, as the financial market chilled and deals collapsed, the village was left a ghost town.
Since the death of his wife, Les has spent his days working on a novel, in the gym, the restaurant or strolling the carefully manicured gardens.
After three years of quiet, he jokingly welcomes the possibility of noisy neighbours with televisions and stereos blaring.
"I like to go outside and have a pipe of an evening and especially in the winter, it was quiet - it will be nice now to see a light and hear people," he told the Telegraph.