30 May 2013

In May 2013 GANA convened in the Old Treasury Building in Melbourne with representation from 7 different states.

Attendees:
Alastair Swayn (ACT), Peter Poulet (NSW), Lawrence Nield (NT), Robert Foote (NT), Ben Hewett (SA),
Kirsteen Mackay (SA), Sharon Mackay (SA), Geoffrey London (VIC),
Jill Garner (VIC), Steve Woodland (WA), Patrick Ford (WA).

Guest speakers:
David Parkin, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).
Ralph Horne, RMIT.

State Updates:

ACT:
Role still funded by University of Canberra at 1 day / week, embedded in one place of government with limited whole-of-government overview.

New South Wales:
Strategically the NSW OGA will move away from the traditional role towards partnering with private sector and government.

Northern Territory:
Lawrence Neild was recently appointed as Northern Territory’s Government Architect. 
Contract for direct reporting to Chief Minister.

NT Government supports agenda of ‘Cool Cities’, ‘Cool Character’, ‘Cool Hospitals’

Queensland:
The QLD GA now sits within the Building Industry and Policy Unit – noting the building industry may be a potential ally for the GA.

South Australia:
The Integrated Design Commission SA wound up December 2012 and the Office for Design and Architecture South Australia (led by the Government Architect) formerly commenced January 2013. The office has moved from Department of Premier and Cabinet to the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure.

Victoria:
Office of the Victorian Government Architect moved from the Department of the Premier and Cabinet to the Department for Planning, Transport & Local Infrastructure.

Victorian GA seeking to develop SEPP 65 – like requirements.

Researching the idea of establishing a Centre for Design (to be used also
as a city planning tool).

Western Australia:
Better Places and Spaces’, Built Environment Policy was endorsed by Cabinet and formally launched in Western Australia.

‘Design Standards’ continue to be in high demand for Design Review and Brief development purposes. With Policy now in place, overall framework of Standards and Guidance documents is very strong and something to build on.

General discussion:

The GANA Draft Charter to be developed for review at next meeting.

David Parken provided update on Australian Institute of Architect’s strategic planning, policy activity and market forecasting.

Ralph Horne presented the ‘Evidence Based Design Research proposal’. A Project Reference Group will be formed and will include NSW (Peter Poulet), SA (Ben Hewett) and VIC (Geoffrey London).

Urban Design Protocol:

AUDP has been very popular. 250, 000 downloads since launch and 60 
‘champions’ identified across Australia.

Malcolm Middleton noted the 20^th Anniversary of the Urban Design Taskforce and encouraged revisiting the ‘Urban Design in Australia Report’ to review outcomes.

2 & 3 August 2012

In August 2012 GANA met in the Chan Building in Darwin with representation from 5 different states.

Attendees:

Peter Poulet (NSW), Helen Lochhead (NSW), Peter Mould (NSW), Steve Thorne (NT), Robert Foote (NT), Ben Hewett (SA), Geoffrey London (VIC), Steve Woodland (WA), Melinda Payne (WA)

Guests:
Robin Mellon from Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA)

Update from States:

New South Wales:
Peter Poulet appointed New South Wales Government Architect.

Northern Territory:
Steve Thorne commenced works as UDAP chairperson in 2010. UDAP meets every 5-6 weeks.

South Australia:
Ben Hewett provided update on South Australia’s Design Review Program. State Government, through the Development Assessment Commission (DAC), has taken development approvals away from Council for developments in the city and for projects of $10 million or more in value. The Government Architect’s position has been made a “Mandatory Referral Body” to DAC, who ‘must have regard’ to the advice (formed with support from the Capital City Design Review Panel).

Victoria:
Geoffrey London advised the Victorian Government supported the ‘Research & Education – Infill Housing Study’ through Monash University and Melbourne University. Additional case study to be developed.

General discussion:

The role of GANA was defined and it was agreed that GANA endorsement of members’ State based policies, programs or projects to be given when:

• National significance
• Cultural/social significance
• Rigorous research

Robin Mellon presented to GANA on the primary goals of the GBCA. Discussion of the relationship of Government Architect led design review and GBCA requirements.