Dr Keith Hampson; Chief Executive Officer of CRC for Construction Innovation

July2007

By Dr Keith Hampson
Chief Executive Officer
CRC for Construction Innovation

Construction Innovation extends its industry research

Construction Innovation has been successful in being granted a one year extension by the CRC Programme to extend our Centre to 30 June 2009. Our industry-driven Extension Program will engage our new and existing partner network and position us for a strong CRC renewal bid in 2008. The Extension Program will focus on:

Construction Safety building on our CRCs existing successes to ensure Australia benefits from a fundamental improvement of work safety culture and a nationally consistent approach to safer practice
Integrated Digital Solutions developing a manual for consistent digital models and improving industry skills in digital modelling and its applications
Dispute Avoidance and Resolution bringing together the delivery team to minimise litigation in our industry to more effectively deliver the critical infrastructure for Australias future.

Our expanded partner network includes significantly strengthened private industry investment. Never before have research users in this sector provided such significant support. The increased level of support for the extended CRC is built on the confidence and track record that our CRC has establishedand the magnitude of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Construction Innovation has to date achieved much and we continue to receive national and international acknowledgement for our applied research efforts.

In April, our CRC partner Arup, in conjunction with JPW Architects and our CRC for Construction Innovation won the American Institute of Architects Technology in Architectural Practice - Building Information Model Awards, for its work on the Sydney Opera House. Construction Innovation undertook the IFC exchange component of this project
In May, Construction Innovation was awarded the Facility Management Association of Australia Industry Award for Excellence in showcasing innovation in the FM industry through the Sydney Opera House FM Exemplar Project
In June, our Safety Researchwon the Victorian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Buildings Professional Excellence Award, and
Minister for Employment and Workplace Relations, the Hon Joe Hockey, will launch a major Construction Innovation and Engineers Australia project to develop a voluntary code of practice for safer construction in Canberra on 12 September.

I congratulate all individuals involved in these successful projects.

We are committed to continuing our quality research program and building a strong CRC renewal bid in 2008 to ensure Australias property, design, construction and facility management industry is serviced by a dedicated national research and implementation centre. I look forward to your ongoing support.

Best regards, Keith