THE Housing Institute of Australia claims the move by the Reserve Bank to raise official interest rates will hurt the construction industry in WA.
The HIA said the interest rate rise would dampen business and consumer confidence.
HIA WA executive director John Dastlik said the reliance on interest rates to stop the economy overheating was damaging, not only for the housing industry, but to the thousands of businesses involved in manufacturing.
“The housing sector is two very different sectors. Growth in the price of established homes has been well publicised, but it is the new home building industry that has kept prices under control, rising by only 2 per cent last year,” Mr Dastlik said.
“It is the new home building industry and the associated manufacturing industry that puts money back in the economy and provides jobs growth.”
Academy award
THE West Australian Police Academy has been awarded the George Temple Poole Award at the WA Architecture Awards, presented by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects.
The academy’s design was commended for setting a new standard in accommodation and amenities for a State Government facility.
The architect for the project, Peter Hunt and Daryl Jackson Architects, also received a Department of Housing &Works Public Institutional Award.
The challenge for Peter Hunt and Daryl Jackson Architects was to ensure the academy’s philosophy to serve the public was reflected in the design of the building.
In all, 102 entries were received for the awards this year, the biggest number since 1988.
