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This edition of FMA Online is proudly supported byFMXpert

Issue 35, May 2009Another year, another successful conference! I am extremely pleased to report that the feedbackI have received on ideaction 09 indicates that it was a resounding success. This is particularlypleasing given that ideaction 09 was also a celebration of twenty years of FMA Australia nationalconferences.

It would, however, be remiss of me not to acknowledge the fact that for many, this year isproving to be a very challenging one indeed as a result of the global financial crisis. We aredelighted that so many of you chose to attend ideaction 09, notwithstanding the many demandson your time and resources as a result of the current economic climate. Your presence here andthe growth of this event over the last 20 years is a testament to the resilience and determinationof our industry. I thank you for your tremendous support and trust that during the conferenceyou gained insights that will allow you to better manage the challenges of today and seize theopportunities of tomorrow.

As a member organisation, it is important that we acknowledge the challenges facing the FMindustry and we endeavoured to address these issues at ideaction 09, through the coverage of avariety of topics relating to the FM industry, such as aged care, change and innovation andtechnology.

We incorporated high calibre keynote sessions, such as that of Dr Keith Suter, focussing on theFM of the future, as well as a lively and thought-provoking industry debate. Bryon Price’skeynote, 21st Century Carbon Management gave us a strong facility management framework forreducing building carbon emissions and a wealth of ideas in action for one of the most criticalareas facing facility managers – reducing the carbon footprint of our built environment. We werealso honoured to have Tom Mitchell, Chairman Elect of IFMA, join us all the way from the USA togive us a US perspective of what the facility management profession will look like in the next fiveto ten years and the plans that IFMA has put in place to advance the industry.

Although we may not have resolved all of the issues, we do hope that the program gave you adifferent, and perhaps a more positive perspective on some of the challenges that we face in theindustry and that you took away some ideas and practical solutions that you will be able toimplement in your own facilities.

During ideaction 09, we were proud to launch inForM, a new initiative which we have beenworking on for some time and which I would now like to encourage you to get involved with.

At FMA Australia we are constantly looking for ways to offer our members new and excitingopportunities. Networking events, such as our national conference and regular branch eventsprovide an environment where FM professionals can get together in a relaxed atmosphere andbuild meaningful relationships. The objective of inForM is to provide these same networkingopportunities to younger FM professionals under the age of 35 who may be beginning their career

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and are yet to establish meaningful networks within the industry.

We have felt for some time that there is a need from the young FM community to be given theopportunity to meet in a more relaxed and comfortable environment, allowing them to mix withothers who are at the same stage in their careers, share experiences and identify futureopportunities.

We are very pleased to announce that Kingfisher Property Recruitment is the major corporatesupporter for inForM and we thank them for their support in developing this initiative.

The first inForM events will be held across all branches of FMA Australia in the coming six months.To assist with the running of events and to gain ideas on what is appealing to young FMs, FMAAustralia has formed a committee with representatives from all our branches. I’d like to take thisopportunity to thank these committee members, without whom initiatives like this would be thatmuch more difficult to achieve.

Whilst we are targeting young FMs, we do need the support of the entire industry, from universitygraduates up to senior management, in order for the group to work. I encourage you to spreadthe word and let people know about inForM. More information and event registration forms can befound at inform.org.au.

Until next time…David DuncanCEO

Issue ContentsEdition Supporter

fmXpert - Manage Your Resource Bookings with rmXpertMain Feature

FMA Australia’s 20th National Conference a Huge SuccessThe Building Services Brief of the Future

Branch NewsFMA Australia Branch News

General NewsNew Bushfire Building StandardsArchitects Act to Offer Certainty of ExpertiseCSIRO Partners Global Water Footprint NetworkGrowing our Green Collar WorkforceSmall Business and General Business Tax BreakFMA Australia Branch Committee Profile: Peter Mollison, ACT Branch ChairNew Member – Leesa Maxwell, Facilities Officer, Qld Bulk Water Supply Authority trading as

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Main FeatureFMA Australia’s 20th National Conference a Huge SuccessAt this year’s ideaction 09, FMA Australia set out to celebrate some of the great achievementsand initiatives of the industry and to give attendees some practical solutions that they could takeaway from the conference and implement in their own places of work. The focus of theconference was ‘ideas in action’ and a diverse range of topics were covered in the sessions, withthemes ranging from aged care to FM technology and of course, the ever-present issue of carbonmanagement.

The first day of the conference gave delegates the opportunity to experience some of Melbourne’smost iconic and celebrated buildings from a back-of-house perspective including FederationSquare, The Gauge, CH2, 40 Albert Road, Eureka Tower, the MCG, Southern Cross Station, TheArts Centre, Crown Casino and the Royal Women’s Hospital.

Attendees marvel at the uniquearchitecture that makes up FederationSquare.

Delegates enjoy a back-of-house tour of theMCG and a stroll out on to the turf

After a packed day of site visits, the Chairman’s welcome reception, sponsored by ProgrammedFacility Management, was the perfect excuse for delegates to relax, enjoy a drink and meet upwith friends and colleagues. The event was held at the Melbourne Convention Centre inconjunction with the opening of the ideaction 09 exhibition, giving exhibitors and delegates theopportunity to meet and make new contacts. A roving band, mime artists and a caricaturistprovided the entertainment and encouraged everybody to let their hair down. A few people eventried their hand at starring in their very own music video!

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Delegates get to know the mime artists atthe Chairman’s welcome reception.

The impressive work of caricaturist, GavinBell, at the welcome reception.

Getting into the spirit of things! Delegates make their own music video with DanceHeads.

One of the highlights of the conference came on day two with the opening keynote by Dr KeithSuter. Not only did Dr Suter manage to put a positive spin on the global financial crisis in relationto the FM industry, but he did it with good humour and managed to leave everyone with abrighter outlook for the future. Dr Suter’s opening keynote set the scene for what transpired tobe a most successful and enjoyable conference, helping to cement ideaction’s reputation as thepremier event in the FM calendar, a reputation that will surely be continued at ideaction 2010from 12-14 May in Perth.

Chairman of FMA Australia, Andrew McEwan, rubs shoulders with Dr Keith Suter.

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The Hon Bill Shorten MP, ParliamentarySecretary for Disabilities and Children'sServices, opens the conference on behalf ofthe Prime Minister

Tom Mitchell, Chairman Elect, IFMA

That evening, in the resplendent Savoy Ballroom at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne, the FMA Australiaannual ideaction gala dinner was held and it proved once again to be an occasion to remember.This year’s event, generously sponsored by GJK Facility Services, began with a few words ofwelcome and thanks from FMA Australia’s CEO, David Duncan. Guests were then invited to enjoya superb meal, during which a surprise appearance was made by the internationally acclaimed‘Three Waiters’. It certainly comes as a surprise when somebody who, five minutes earlier, waspouring your wine, suddenly breaks into a stirring rendition of Nessun Dorma. The Three Waitersheld the rapturous attention of the audience (particularly that of the ladies) whilst belting outseveral operatic classics, before the presentation of the annual FMA Australia Awards forExcellence and Recognition Awards commenced. Awards went to:

The fabulous Savoy Ballroom at the GrandHyatt Melbourne, location for the annualideaction 09 gala dinner.

Campbell Walker of UMS getting involvedin the entertainment during the galadinner.

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The band got everyone up on the dancefloor!

FMA Australia & Transfield Services Environmental Achievement AwardMichael Hardy for 66 Waterloo Road - Stockland.

FMA Australia & Programmed Facility Management Young Facility Professional Award Colin Pitsikas, Brookfield Multiplex

FMA Australia & Programmed Facility Management Facility Manager of the Year AwardCampbell Pfeiffer, The Arts Centre

FMA Australia & Rider Levett Bucknall Industry AwardDavid English – Programmed Facility Management.

The FMA Australia Recognition Awards were then presented by David Duncan. The recipientswere:

FMA Australia Branch Member of the Year

Victoria – Trish Ferrier

Western Australia – Gerald Stack

South Australia – Andrew Phillips

New South Wales – Dennis Fulham

Queensland – Sascha Carlyon

Australian Capital Territory – Alison Daley

FMA Australia Branch of the Year Victorian Branch

FMA Australia Corporate Supporter of the Year ISS Facility Services

FMA Australia National Member of the Year Mike O’Shea

Day three of ideaction 09 concluded with an entertaining address by Adam Elliot, creator ofOscar-winning short animation, Harvey Krumpet. His own tale of success was a reminder thatgreat heights can be achieved when you follow your passion and work hard to bring about yourdreams.

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Adam Elliot presents his pride and joy at theclosing of the conference.

Networking at the ideaction 09 exhibition

Exhibitors, Melt FM Delegates enjoy a spot of lunch

FMA Australia would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, supporters, exhibitorsand delegates, who made this world-class event possible. We look forward to seeing you all nextyear for ideaction 2010 in Perth.

SponsorsPlatinum sponsor

Diamond sponsors

Awards sponsors

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Gala dinner sponsor

Chairman’s welcome reception sponsor

Opening keynote sponsor

Site visit lunches sponsor

Keynote sponsors

Supporters

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Bill Bordass

The Building Services Brief of the FutureAt the Institute of Administrative Management’s Facilities Management Group’s conference inLondon in March 1989, building performance specialist Bill Bordass presented a paper entitledThe Building Services Brief for the Future. Looking ahead, the brief predicted the likelihood ofincreasingly flexible office spaces, a spotlight on energy consumption and the need for facilitymanagers to become better informed as their responsibilities became more critical.

This year, FMA Online's Melanie Drummond caught up with Bill to review how his predictionshave fared twenty years on, and to discuss how well the industry listened to the warnings whichwere already sounding some two decades ago.

Dr Bill Bordass first moved from science research into the building servicesindustry in the 1970s when the multi-skilled firm of designers – RMJM London– wanted someone with a scientific background to help with the briefing andclient requirements for laboratory buildings. He soon found himself involved inplanning, technical support, environmental assessment and integratingbuilding services engineers into architectural projects.

For the past 20 years Bill has run William Bordass Associates - offeringstrategy, monitoring, troubleshooting, research and technical writing for thebuilding services industry. He is also the research and policy adviser for TheUsable Buildings Trust (UBT), a UK charity which promotes better buildings

through the more effective use of feedback on how they actually perform. Results are used toinfluence those who can make a difference to the shape of the built environment: particularlyclients, designers, builders, managers, suppliers, government and education.

FMA Online: You’ve written and co-written a number of publications Bill, what wouldyou say is your key area of expertise? BB: In two words, building performance.

FMA Online: It’s been 20 years since your paper The Building Services brief for thefuture was released, what do you remember as being the key areas of concern backthen?BB: Offices were struggling to come to terms with information technology and there were bigproblems with building-related ill-health. Other concerns were adaptability, energy efficiency, newways of working and a feeling that offices were becoming over-specified, especially for heat gainsfrom office equipment.

FMA Online: Did you foresee the impact climate change would have on the buildingindustry? BB: In 1989 it was predominantly energy. Climate change and sustainability came to the fore afew years later, in particular during the Rio Conference in 1992. The problem for the buildingindustry is that the realisation has come far too slowly, and has still not sunk in fully. So over thepast 20 years, we have failed to develop nearly enough of the experience and expertise we reallyneed and as a result we have constructed wasteful buildings and infrastructure that will not serveus at all well in the future.

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FMA Online: In The Building services brief for the future you predict that an increasingproportion of office work would happen outside of the office, did you imagine ithappening to the degree that it is today? BB: The build up has been much slower than I had thought, so really we have been constructingmore commercial and public buildings than I think we will need in the future, and in the wrongplaces too.

FMA Online: How do you think that has impactedon building design? BB: Office workers – or at least some of them - nowwork in a wider range of settings. This tends to begood for occupant satisfaction, as the less tied downyou are to one place, the less important the conditionsin that particular place become.

FMA Online: You stated in The Building Servicesbrief that managers and users would becomebetter informed and more critical, demandingbetter performing buildings and buildingservices. Do you think that has happened? BB: Up to a point, but less than I had expected. At thetime of writing, we were entering a buyer’s market. From the mid-90s until very recently, it hasbeen mostly a seller’s market. Occupiers are now becoming more powerful and some arerequiring landlords to meet sustainability criteria before they will sign or renew a lease.

FMA Online: What do you think facility managers still need to improve on? BB: 20 years ago, facilities management was a very new profession in the UK. Now it is moreestablished, but it still has a long way to go with a lot of scope for doing things differently andbetter. There is an urgent need for FMs to work more closely with designers to get more robustand user-friendly solutions for buildings, refurbishments and fit outs. There is also still an awfullot of energy wastage – often exacerbated by outsourcing which is (perhaps inevitably) moreabout providing standard services than responding insightfully to the real needs of a particularoccupier.

FMA Online: In what areas do you think the most progress has been made in thebuilding industry? BB: In the 1980s “sick buildings” were becoming a big problem. This has received attention fromboth designers and facilities managers and the situation has improved, at least in the larger,more complex buildings, which were the most susceptible – particularly in the public sector,owing to its constrained budgets for maintenance and management.

In the 1980s, the “sick building” problem was mostly associated with air conditioning. However, amore fundamental reason was that buildings were poorly designed and insufficiently managed.This caused us to advocate Design for Manageability, which is just as important for “green”buildings, where the recent tendency has been to make them too complicated.

FMA Online: What developments haven’t occurred in the past 20 years that you wouldhave liked to see happen? BB: I had hoped to see new models emerging for commercial buildings which were more robust,more adaptable, more sustainable, using much lower energy, which could use natural light andventilation when, and with “plug and play” additional services, where appropriate. Instead wehave far too many energy-dependent over-glazed sealed boxes.

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FMA Online: In your paper you mention thattechnology may possibly move faster that ourability to handle it or manage it. Do you thinkthat has occurred with the development of newsmart buildings? BB: Yes, people are still talking about “intelligent”buildings, but still haven’t really delivered them.Technology always seems to be running ahead ofusability. The ergonomics of control systems is aparticular problem: the industry continues to “selldreams and install nightmares”.

FMA Online: Do you think buildings today are flexible enough today to cope with thechanging demands of tenants? BB: Not really. They tend to be too energy and services intensive and often lack true adaptability.Some of the “green” concepts that can work well with a known client have fared less well in therented market, where the occupier is unknown and may have very different attitudes andrequirements from those anticipated.

FMA Online: What issues do you think are facing facility managers today? BB: Probably retaining enough of a presence in the face of recession. They are always gettingdownsized and outsourced and organisations really shouldn’t outsource their feedback loops! Oneof our energy-efficient case study buildings had a superb in-house manager, who reallyunderstood the building and its occupants. In 2000, the occupier organisation decided tooutsource the management of all its extensive property portfolio to a FM company. The managerleft; and in the hands of the “experts”, the energy consumption doubled.

FMA Online: What are your thoughts on mixed mode buildings and more user control? BB: In the right climates and contexts, well-considered, mixed mode buildings look verypromising. They can respond to user needs (whichoften makes occupiers happier than in more closely-controlled buildings), make good of use natural light,ventilation and cooling and avoid running energy-consuming systems unless it is absolutely necessary.Research in several countries (including the UK,Australia and the USA) shows that appropriatesolutions can deliver higher levels of occupantsatisfaction at lower energy costs. But if you don’tthink things through clearly, you can get them horriblywrong and produce a mixed-up building instead. Weneed to develop more robust solutions.

Our occupant surveys reveal strong correlations between perceived control, comfort andproductivity. However, high perceived control is most easily achieved in relatively simple, shallow-plan buildings. In deeper plan buildings, it becomes more difficult, though good perceptions canalso be obtained where a building is appropriately designed and the management is responsive tothe needs of individual users. Occupant satisfaction is also higher if people have the opportunityto move about between different environments.

FMA Online: Do you think tenants are changing the way they view the internalenvironment of a building? BB: There is definitely a greater awareness of the role of a good environment in attracting andretaining staff.

FMA Online: What projects are you currently involved in? BB: I am now less directly involved in individual projects and more – through the UsableBuildings Trust charity - in encouraging people to tune in better to building performance in use,and in initiating, assisting or undertaking research. Recent work has included user interfaces for

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controls; encouraging building energy certificates in Europe that take account of actual (not justcalculated) energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, and making feedback and post-occupancyevaluation routine for clients and the building industry. We are currently working on a processcalled Soft Landings which will help designers and builders to do this.

FMA Online: What have been your findings from recent research? BB: There are massive credibility gaps between anticipated and actual performance for too manyallegedly low-energy and low-carbon buildings. We must manage expectations effectively throughthe briefing, design and construction process and on into use. You need to tune into outcomes toget control systems to work much better.The general rule is to keep things simple, do them well, follow them through. Only after you havedone that should you start to think about adding complications in the quest for betterperformance.

FMA Online: Any there any emerging trends that you see in building design?BB: Unfortunately people are being encouraged to make buildings too complicated through a tick-box approach to sustainability. Extra features do not necessarily map onto better outcomes. Weneed to pay more attention to getting the simple things right and making robust solutions.Prevention is better than cure!

FMA Online: What industry trends can you see emerging? BB: Given the constraints the world is now facing, we are going to have to find ways of makingmuch better use of what we have got. This will mean innovative adaptations to the existing stockand to the ways in which we use it, together with strategic interventions with new construction,to create much more sustainable outcomes.

FMA Online: What impact do you think the introduction of a low-carbon economy willhave on the building industry? BB: Buildings have been far too wasteful for too long and so have the practices of many of theiroccupiers. Both now need to get a lot better, very quickly. Society is expecting it. The industry willhave to become much more skilled at delivering the anticipated levels of performance. This willmean doing things very differently.

FMA Online: What areas do you think Australia needs to focus on in terms of industry?BB: A big problem seems to be how Australia generates electricity, from coal, at low efficiency,seldom using the waste heat.

FMA Online: What is the current situation of the building industry in the UK?BB: Dire. The recession is affecting it very badly. The government has set exacting targets forzero carbon buildings which would be difficult enough to deliver in some European countrieswhich are well ahead in the game, let alone with our own industry which tends to work to lowerstandards. Meeting these will be an enormous challenge, requiring a radical transformation in theway we do things.

FMA Online: What role do you see facility managers playing in the future of the buildingindustry? BB: Well-informed facilities managers are vital to close the feedback loop from performance inuse, back into briefing and design, and then to help manage design intent through thespecification, construction and commissioning process and on into use. Sadly, though, we havebeen saying this for two decades and it is taking a long time to build the skills in understandingand communication.

FMA Online: Any other predictions?BB: The main objective of the new building services brief for the future will be to deliver buildingsand refurbishments which are robust and stand up against a range of scenarios, allowingoccupiers to do useful things in tolerable conditions, whilst also minimising the demands made onthe external environment and infrastructure.

In 20 years’ time, the world is going to be very different and many of our preconceptions willhave been challenged. As my colleague Roderic Bunn puts it: “What we have got used to, we are

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not entitled to”. It will be tough, but some of the innovations will surprise us; and these will be asmuch social and cultural as technical. It will not only be about buying greener things andimproving efficiencies: we will need to question everything we do and the standards we apply,and probably in-source some of those outsourced services.

Branch NewsFMA Australia Branch NewsFMA Australia VIC Branch News

Bathing Boxes, Brighton Beach, Victoria

May News

ideaction 09, May 6 – 8Firstly, I would like to offer my congratulations to the FMA Australia Victorian Branch for the hattrick win of the Branch of the Year award at the 2009 Awards for Excellence. The win is testamentto the dedication and commitment of the branch members, who work tirelessly to bring FMAAustralia members the very best in industry events.

FMA Australia’s conference, ideaction 09, proved once again to be Australia’s leading facilitymanagement event of the year. Delegates that attended the event, held at the MelbourneConvention and Exhibition Centre, had the opportunity to hear from various industry leaders ontopics critical to facilities management. I also had the privilege of chairing two concurrentsessions - Health Check on your Space presented by Rosie Bonham, Sydney West Area HealthService and Ray Lodge, FM Innovations, and Prosper Not Perish – Managing your Business inTimes of Uncertainty presented by Rob Pillans of Shirlaws. Both presentations were informativeand offered unique and thought provoking perspectives on the industry.

Attendees at this year’s ideaction also had the opportunity to go behind the scenes at some ofMelbourne’s most outstanding facilities: The Crown Casino, The Gauge, Federation Square andthe MCG to name just a few. And of course, ideaction 09 also provided valuable opportunities torelax and network with industry peers. No doubt next year’s ideaction in WA will, once again,show FMA Australia’s leadership in moving the facility management industry forward.

April LunchAn encouraging response of enthusiasm was received from the one hundred and thirty-oneguests that attended April’s Lunch Forum. Attendees praised presenter Noel Sprague from

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Brookfield Multiplex who addressed the members and invitees about the new MelbourneConvention Centre and the twenty-five year Public Private Partnership (PPP) between PlenaryConventions and the State Government. Brookfield Multiplex was sub-contracted to PlenaryConventions for the facility management services at MCEC, which for the past twenty-five yearshas comprised the Melbourne Exhibition Centre and the new Melbourne Convention Centre. This particular PPP utilises the Brookfield Multiplex integrated model which saw Facility ManagerNoel Sprague provide active and comprehensive input toward the bid model, the design andconstruction phase, as well as assuming ultimate responsibility for facility operation.

The impressive project incorporated over four years of labour, which made for a hugecommitment of resources for Brookfield Multiplex — with little return — and marked the first timenationally that a facility manager was involved in every facet of the process.

Noel presented an exceptionally detailed presentation covering all phases of the MelbourneConvention Centre PPP, from the initial bid phase right through to the specialised operation plansheld for the new Convention Centre.

Feedback was extremely positive and I am sure some of our FM’ers relished the opportunity toconsider new angles of perspective, develop their industry knowledge further and apply their newideas proactively.

Noel Sprague, Brookfield Multiplex FMA Australia Members and Guests

Upcoming EventsThursday, 21st May – Casino & Cocktail FunctionOld Melbourne Gaol

Join us for a Vegas-style evening to remember at one of Melbourne’s most iconic landmarks, theOld Melbourne Gaol. This networking event with a difference combines the latest in casinoentertainment with the opportunity for you to step back in time and see what life was like behindbars for some of our most notorious criminals. Bring your friends, colleagues and clients along toenjoy a prime networking opportunity at a unique venue with first-class entertainment. We lookforward to seeing you there.

Thursday, 28th May – Women in FMBehind the Scenes: how to reduce the environmental impact of your office furnitureSpeaker: Michael Pitcher

Michael Pitcher from Schiavello follows the previous successful event, which looked at the generalprinciples of environmental performance by examining some typical products and exploring theenvironmental improvements behind them. This event will look at the expressions ofenvironmental design principles as they are manifested in products, using specific examples.

Friday, 12th June – FMA Australia VIC Branch LunchStaying Upbeat in an Economic Downturn: How a positive workplace can boost yourbottom lineSpeaker: Helen MacDonald, Mac Consulting

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This is not just about putting a smile on your dial. Recent research indicates that the key toincreasing profits, productivity, employee satisfaction and customer loyalty is not to work harder,but to make work more enjoyable. In tough times, this is even more important. Positiveworkplaces have been proven to have less labour turnover, fewer customer complaints, morecreativity and improved systems, without any additional programs needing to be implemented.

George StamasFMA Australia Victoria Branch Chair

FMA Australia SA Branch News

Rocks at Hallet Cove, Adelaide

May News

Events - FMA Australia ideaction 09The FMA Australia ideaction conference in Melbourne delivered, in my opinion, a very highstandard of information and several informative experiences. Although registration appeared tobe down due to the current economic climate, participation by those attending was excellent.

The site tour day was a very busy day; however, a high level of interest was maintained, which Ibelieve was directly related to the relevant and interesting sites visited. The opening keynotespeaker was exceptional and all other sessions were of a high standard.

The Melbourne conference was a great success and provided attendees with an excellent standardof information. The 2010 conference is to be held in Perth which I am sure will deliver anexceptional outcome.

Andrew Phillips SA Committee member

April Site Visit - It’s not easy being green!On Thursday 16th April a select group of FM professionals were treated to an extremelyinteresting and enlightening site visit to Parsons Brinckerhoff’s new premises at 1 King WilliamStreet, Adelaide. Numbers were limited and following the tour the 28 attendees enjoyed a greatbreakfast during which Project Manager, Ashley Manna, gave an in-depth insight into theobjectives, challenges and outcomes of the project.

The project involved a significant base building upgrade as well as the integrated fit-out of threefloors comprising approximately 3500 sq m. The initial development of the key objectives and

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principles was vital and, with PB being Environmental and Engineering Consultants, it wasimportant that as well as fulfilling all of their business goals, they remained “as green as possible”throughout the project. They hope to achieve a 5 star green star rating for the completed project.

The fit-out is superb and a credit to the Company and the Managing Contractor ISIS. Ashley alsoacknowledged the contribution of other key consultants Hassell, Design Inc, Bassett and RLB fortheir QS work. Together they have achieved a very functional workspace that utilises T5 lighting,relevant air conditioning, recycling and Cbus and AMX systems along with many, many more“green” initiatives. The client areas are very impressive, as is the staff amenities area whichcaptures the magnificent views available from many areas of the office. Another outstandingfeature was the unique central staircase linking all three floors. The environmentally themed openplan capacity is for 280 people with the clever use of “Ad Hoc” or quiet rooms and a variety ofmeeting rooms.

During his presentation, Ashley gave us an insight into the challenges of dealing with 240+ staffwith differing workplace requirements. Ultimately, with good communication and a “Your space –My space – Our Space” theme, they delivered a product to happy “clients”. The building ownerswere supportive and special mention was made of the support and input from the FM team at CBRichard Ellis led by Nick Mavropsi.

On behalf of the FMA Australia South Australia Committee and all of those fortunate enough toattend, I would like to thank Ashley Manna and Guy Tuck from PB for their informative tour andpresentation. The overview of the development of the business case and of the contractual andfinancial issues was outstanding.

We have set the bar high and I urge you all not to miss our upcoming events in 2009!

Upcoming eventsJune 16TH 2009 Luncheon at a venue TBA Speaker – Michael Small (Disability Rights Unit)Human Rights and Equal Rights Commission

Update on the Federal Government review of access provisions.

The House of Representatives, Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee is undertaking aninquiry into the Australian Government’s draft Disability (Access to Premises – Buildings)Standards. The draft standards were developed for the Federal Government by the AustralianBuilding Codes Board to make public buildings more accessible for people with a disability.Current Disability Discrimination Act legislative obligations to provide non-discriminatory accessto public buildings are enforced on an ad hoc basis driven by individual complaints and the newstandards aim to provide a platform for systemic improvements in access by clarifying buildingrequirements for owners, managers and developers. Submissions have been invited from relevantdisability and building industry representative bodies, state, territory and local governments andpeople with a disability.

It is expected that the Government will have released their comments on the submission in earlyJune and Michael will be outlining actions to date and potential outcomes/ expectations

Gary BeesleyCommittee Member, FMA Australia SA Branch

FMA Australia NSW Branch News

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Hyams Beach, Jervis Bay, New South Wales

May NewsLast week I had the pleasure of attending ideaction 09 in the cosmopolitan city of Melbourne. Theconference began with some exciting site visits that showed Melbourne’s spirit of the arts.

This year the speakers represented a true FM perspective in the area of aged care and trends inmanaging the built environment. Judging from conversations I had with people during the breaksit was clear that the level of expert speakers was a winner for this event.

It was good to see many familiar faces around the exhibition area, where our valued sponsorstook time to discuss their new products and innovative ideas.

The gala dinner is always the highlight of the event and even though speeches were kept to aminimum the evening went very quickly. The industry awards went to worthy winners and theBranch of the Year Award was once again awarded to Victoria. I know that with my newcommittee on board now, NSW will have a good opportunity to finally take out the coveted awardnext year in Perth.

I would like to personally congratulate Dennis Fulham from Movers and Shakers who wasawarded the NSW Branch Member of the Year Award for his continual support at each of theevents and more importantly, for his dulcet tones when calling an auction to raise funds forcharity, especially at the NSW Melbourne Cup Lunch. Dennis, on behalf of the NSW BranchCommittee, congratulations.

Robert IaconoFMA Australia NSW Branch Chair

FMA Australia ACT Branch News

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John Duve from Bassetts

Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra, ACT

May News

April Lunch Event - Accommodation for AIS Athletes eventOn 23 April at the ACT Branch lunch forum, theAustralian Sports Commission’s General Manager ofFacilities Services, Peter Mollison, outlined whyhydronic heating and cooling of the new AISResidences proved an energy efficient means ofmaintaining comfortable living conditions for some ofthe AIS’s elite athletes. Peter detailed how thecirculation of hot or chilled water throughpolyethylene pipes clipped to slab reinforcementmaintains the year round temperatures of 18 to 28degrees. The circulated water is supplied from acentral chiller unit or boiler depending on the season.The mechanical designer for the system John Duvefrom Bassetts also addressed a number of designaspects of the project.

The FMA Australia ACT Branch would like to thank John for making time to attend the forum.

We would also like to thank ISS Facility Services Australia Limited for being the sponsor forthis great event in particular, Antoinette Gomez and her team.

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Peter Mollison and event sponsorAntoinette Gomez from ISS FacilityServices.

A group of attendees enjoy the ACT Branchlunch forum

Peter Mollison FMA Australia ACT Branch Chair

FMA Australia WA Branch News

Cape Leuwin Lighthouse, Western Australia

May News

WA industry updatePrime Minister Kevin Rudd’s money has now well and truly hit the education and housing sectorsin WA. The stimulus packages have been developed and the Government is in the process ofplanning the expenditure to ensure value for money for the taxpayer while ensuring the benefitsare seen for generations to come. This is an extremely challenging time for the Government, andall this has to be completed within a very ambitious timeframe.

The education sector in particular will see some major improvements to their infrastructure andassets, which can only benefit the long term future (for our children) of WA. Although initially notall this work shall be in the FM industry, we as a profession will inherit the long term maintenanceand care of these new and refurbished assets. Although many of the assets will not be handedover for another year or two, we must plan for the care of billions of dollars of assets. A nicethought for FM’s in this gloomy climate!!

Upcoming Events22nd May 2009 - Golf Day, The Vines Resort and Country Club

A joint event between the Institute of Hospital Engineers Australia (IHEA), the Australian Instituteof Hotel Engineering (AIHE) and the Facility Management Association of Australia (FMA Australia).This aims to provide a fun day out with an excellent opportunity to network amongst like mindedprofessions. Some sponsorship is still available, and if you are interested please contact amember of the WA Branch committee for further details. Transport will be arranged from theBurswood Casino.

David English(Committee Member), FMA Australia WA Branch

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Willawong Bus Depot – Operations CounterFacility

FMA Australia QLD Branch News

Tropical Stream, Northern Queensland

May News

Events - ideaction 09The highlight of the ideaction 09 agenda was the gala dinner at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne,where the Queensland Branch Member of the Year was awarded to Sascha Carlyon. The awardrecognises Sascha's efforts as a member of the Queensland Branch Committee and her role inpromoting FMA Australia and actively contributing to increase the Queensland Branchmembership.

Willawong Bus Depot Site Visit

The Queensland Branch site visit to Willawong BusDepot attracted 20 registrants to the new BCC stateof the art facility. The group was briefed on theproject features by the Senior Project Architect,Angela Reilly from City Design.

Willawong Bus Depot is the first of four new busdepot facilities planned before 2016 as part ofBrisbane City Council’s Transport Plan for Brisbane2008 – 2026. The $35 million redevelopment of the6.3 hectare site in Brisbane’s west provides capacityfor 200 buses and approximately 300 staff. Thefacility includes a depot administration building, staffrecreational facilities, a garage and workshops, a re-fuelling and detailing building and associated carparking and hardstand for 200 buses. The busworkshops are designed for maximum safety andflexibility to deliver a wide range of maintenanceservices in house.

The development has incorporated a number ofsustainability initiatives including microclimateintervention, daylight optimisation, naturalventilation, passive cooling and heating, operationalenergy optimisation and integrated water cycle

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Landscaping not only improves aestheticsbut also acts as bio filtration of pavementrun off

management.

Our thanks to premium sponsor ISS Facility Servicesfor their support of the site visit. Watch the FMAAustralia website and email promotions for details ofcoming events and activities.

Murray WickhamFMA Australia QLD Branch Chair

General NewsNew Bushfire Building StandardsLast month, theAustralian BuildingCodes Boardunanimously agreedto adopt the newnational bushfirestandard forresidential buildings,replacing the 1999Standard referencedin the Building Codeof Australia.

The new standard,AS 3959-2009,which was finalisedby StandardsAustralia in March,takes a riskmanagement approach and aligns construction requirements more closely to the assessed level ofbushfire exposure for new building work. It introduces a science-based method for assessing thepotential level of bushfire attack at a building site, which is a more accurate and targeted way ofdetermining the likely risk to life and property.

The board chairman, Mr Graham Huxley, confirmed the board's policy intent to have thestringency of the new standard set at the highest option considered in its Regulatory ImpactStatement (RIS). The RIS found that this option would provide a positive net benefit and be morecost effective than current arrangements. The final RIS is available on the board's website atwww.abcb.gov.au. He asked that the new standard be published as soon as possible, noting thatStandards Australia's technical committee had finalised its work.

The board welcomed the Victorian Government's recent announcement regarding the RoyalCommission which will inquire into all aspects of the recent bushfires, including questions relatingto improving fire safety of housing and other buildings, and materials used in construction.

The board recognised that while construction standards for new houses are important, they areonly one factor in addressing bushfire risks. Other actions can be very important and a holisticapproach to bushfire risk is essential. Examples of other strategies include planning controls,vegetation management, community education, evacuation procedures and emergency response.

To facilitate early action by Governments, the board is ready to assist any State or Territory thatwishes to adopt the new standard prior to a formal change to the national Code when it is nextupdated in 2010.

For more information visit www.abcb.gov.au

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Architects Act to Offer Certainty of ExpertiseInformation provided by the Australian Institute of Architects

The title ‘architect’ has become protected by law, withonly qualified registered architects able to legitimatelycall themselves an ‘architect’ as a result of newlegislation covering South Australia’s architecturalservices.

The change offers greater certainty to consumersabout the architectural skills and expertise they arebuying, with allied professionals such as draftsmenand building designers now prevented from promotingthemselves as architects.

“To register as an architect, a person must havegraduated from a minimum five-year accrediteduniversity course, completed specific practicalexperience and passed the Registration Board’s exams,” said Timothy Horton, SA President of theAustralian Institute of Architects.

Lobbying for the changes for over a decade, the Australian Institute of Architects has workedclosely with the Minister for Urban Development and Planning to achieve the right balance in thefinal form of the Architectural Practice Act 2009.

Soon to follow are regulations expected to deliver guidelines for professional standards, includingmandatory professional indemnity insurance and a requirement for continuing professionaldevelopment by all architects. NSW and Tasmania are currently the only states mandating annualeducation for registered architects, to be joined by Western Australia and Victoria on July 1.

“South Australian consumers will have greater assurance that when they engage an architect,that person will be backed by professional indemnity insurance and ongoing research andlearning to keep them in touch with contemporary practices and professional standards,” said MrHorton.

“Architects have the qualifications, professional training, vision and experience to create liveableenvironments that can both inspire and enhance our lifestyles. Ongoing education equipsarchitects in their deeper understanding of building form; we design buildings that are moreenergy efficient, cheaper to operate and easier to maintain and adapt throughout their lifespan.”

The Australian Institute of Architects looks forward to working with the Architects Board of SouthAustralia and the Minister in implementing the new Act.

For more information visit www.architecture.com.au

CSIRO Partners Global Water Footprint NetworkAustralia ’s national scientific research agency,CSIRO, has joined a global network of private andpublic sector organisations which aims to promotethe sustainable, fair and efficient use of the world’sfresh water resources.

The Water Footprint Network seeks to advance theconcept of ‘water footprinting’ as a means ofunderstanding and addressing the negative impactson freshwater systems of the production andconsumption of goods and services.

As a Network partner, CSIRO has conducted a range

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Measuring the water footprint of foodproducts is critical to addressing globalwater and food security issues. Image: CarlDavies, CSIRO.

Refurbishing a significant quantity of officestock across Australia will grow Australia ’s‘Green Collar’ workforce.

of water footprint case studies on various products –including food products manufactured by MarsAustralia – and has been active in developing waterfootprint calculation methods.

CSIRO Principal Scientist, Dr Brad Ridoutt, saysstandardised and internationally agreed methods forproduct water footprinting are urgently needed.

“CSIRO will work toward agreed methods that willenable companies to start using water footprintingwith confidence for reporting, priority setting anddecision making,” Dr Ridoutt says.

Water Footprint Network Executive Director, DerkKuiper, says measuring the water footprint of foodproducts is a key development in addressing criticalglobal water and food security issues.

“Even companies situated where water is abundant may be exposed to the impacts of waterscarcity through their supply chains,” Dr Kuiper says.

“In order to adapt to increased climate variability and the pending world water crisis, companiesneed to understand these risks and develop appropriate management and growth strategies.”

Growing our Green Collar WorkforceInformation provided by the Green Building Council of Australia

A recent research report from Davis Langdon estimated that refurbishing a significant quantity ofoffice stock across Australia would create jobs for more than 10,000 people in the constructionindustry.

This translates to almost 27,000 new jobs across the broader economy.

The report, Retrogreening Offices in Australia, argues that, for every 'green collar job' created asa result of retrofitting the 81 per cent of our stock that is more than ten years of age, there is apotential annual saving of approximately 300 tonnes of greenhouse gas.

What's more, greening existing office buildings willprovide more value than the immediate impact onthe environment.

By creating job growth without needing to createadditional office stock it is possible to future proof ourexisting buildings, ensuring they perform closer tonew standards and addressing tenant expectationsfor green buildings.

But to ensure we fully capitalise on this green collargrowth, our industry must have the skills to deliver.

A vital part of the Green Building Council ofAustralia's (GBCA) role is to educate its members andthe broader industry on new trends and technologiesin green building.

Throughout May and June, GBCA will present half-day Green Star Masterclasses around Australiato provide both introductory and advanced learning on Green Star industry-specific tools.

The introductory classes give an overview of each respective Green Star tool and how they can beapplied to improve environmental performance, lower costs, and deliver health and productivity

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benefits for occupants.

The advanced classes are designed specifically for Green Star Accredited Professionals andprovide more detail on the technical and compliance requirements of each tool and the outcomesthey deliver.

To find out more visit www.gbca.org.au.

Small Business and General Business Tax BreakTo support jobs and Australian businesses – especiallysmall businesses - the Government will fund aninvestment tax break for all Australian businesses.This temporary business tax break will help Australianbusinesses boost business investment, bolstereconomic activity and support Australian jobs.

The $2.7 billion Business Tax Break is a key elementof the Government's $42 billion Nation Building andJobs Plan to support up to 90,000 Australian jobs.

The Small Business and General Business Tax Breakwill mean:

A small business that buys and installs a $2,000computer before the end of June 2009 can claim an additional $600 deduction in its 2008-09 tax return.A business that buys and takes possession of a $60,000 backhoe by the end of June 2009can claim an additional $18,000 deduction in its 2008-09 tax return.

Small businesses can claim an additional 30 per cent tax deduction for eligible assets costing$1,000 or more, that they acquire from 13 December 2008 to 30 June 2009 , and install by 30June 2010 .

For eligible assets costing $1,000 or more that they acquire from 1 July 2009 to 31 December2009 , they can claim an additional 10 per cent deduction where they are installed by 31December 2010 .

To benefit from this tax break a small business must have a turnover of $2 million a year or less.Other businesses can receive the same deductions for eligible assets greater than $10,000.

Assets that are eligible for the allowance are new tangible depreciating assets and newexpenditure on existing assets used in carrying on a business, for which a deduction is availableunder the core provisions of Division 40 (Capital Allowances) in the Income Tax Assessment Act1997.

For more information go to:

http://www.treasurer.gov.au/DisplayDocs.aspx?doc=pressreleases/2009/013.htm&pageID=&min=wms&Year=&DocType=0

FMA Australia Branch Committee Profile: Peter Mollison, ACT Branch ChairPeter Mollison is one of scores of dedicated volunteers across Australia whofreely gives up his time to serve on an FMA Australia State Branch committee.As Chair of the FMA Australia ACT branch, Peter ensures that ACT FMAAustralia members are offered the most industry relevant and enjoyablebranch events.

This month, FMA Online’s Melanie Drummond spoke to Peter about his

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Peter Mollison

Leesa Maxwell

hopes for the FMA Australia ACT Branch and greater industry at large, in theyear to come.

FMA Online: What is your current role?PM: I am responsible for the engineering and maintenance management ofthe Australian Sports Commission’s building and infrastructure assets, as wellas other property management services. The ASC’s facilities at Bruce, ACTinclude two 50m swimming pools, outdoor sporting fields including anathletics track, indoor sporting venues including the 4,500 seat AIS Arena aswell as laboratories, office accommodation and 500 bed hostelaccommodation with kitchen and dining facilities.

FMA Online: In terms of FM, what are your key areas of interest or expertise?PM: While I have delivered a number of large facility projects, I am very interested in theefficient and effective operation of buildings and ensuring that the facilities assist building usersachieve their operational goals.

FMA Online: How long have you been a member of FMA Australia?PM: I was first invited to some FMA Australia events about six years ago, and appreciated theopportunities to network and learn from other FM practitioners - so I soon joined the association.

FMA Online: What made you join the FMA Australia ACT Branch committee? PM: The events arranged by FMA Australia do not happen without a team effort and I wanted tojoin the committed group of people who were arranging the ACT program. I was attracted to theopportunities to work with other FM industry representatives with like-minded aims.

FMA Online: What do you like most about serving as the FMA Australia ACT BranchCommittee Chair? PM: I enjoy being involved with a group of dedicated FM people working though the challenges ofdelivering the ACT program.

FMA Online: What will be the main focus of the ACT Branch over the next 12 months? PM: The ACT Branch aims to provide an interesting and relevant FM program that will assist FMAAustralia members to address the challenging financial and environmental period that lies ahead.

FMA Online: What reasons would you give members for attending FMA Australia ACTBranch events? PM: The events planned for the ACT are aimed at increasing awareness of various aspects of theFM industry. In addition, attendance at events will provide excellent networking opportunities tokeep abreast of current FM issues and how they are being addressed.

FMA Online: Finally, what are you most looking forward to over the next 12 months? PM: Assisting the ACT branch deliver a program that is relevant and beneficial to our ACTmembers and contributing where possible to national objectives such as FM credentials.

New Member – Leesa Maxwell, Facilities Officer, Qld Bulk Water Supply Authoritytrading as SeqwaterLeesa Maxwell’s resume boasts an impressive employment history. She firstgained facilities management experience working for the esteemedPricewaterhouseCoopers before moving on a decade later to work forSeqwater (the Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority). Like most FMs,Leesa often finds herself wearing more than one hat on any given day. Notonly does Leesa manage the Seqwater FM team but she also finds time toserve as a consultant for 50 water treatment plants throughout South EastQueensland.

FMA Online spoke to Leesa about the challenges and rewards of working in abusy industry.

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FMA Online: Why did you join FMA Australia?LM: I joined earlier this year to receive insight into the latest developments within the FMindustry. It’s also a good chance to meet up with people who work in your industry.

FMA Online: What is your background in working in facilities? LM: I was employed by PricewaterhouseCoopers for close to a decade and I can say that it wasduring this period that I established my foundation in FM. I relocated from Sydney to Melbourneto establish a Client Services facility within the new Melbourne office building.

FMA Online: Can you tell us something about the company you’re working for? LM: The Queensland Bulk Water Supply Authority (QBWSA) , trading as Seqwater, manages andoperates bulk supply and water treatment assets throughout South East Queensland. These watersources supply quality treated water to the Queensland Bulk Transport Authority for distributionthroughout South East Queensland, as well as raw water to other stakeholders. In addition to thewater supply function, the authority also plays a major role in flood mitigation in the region.

QBWSA is also seeking opportunities to develop and deliver innovative water solutions outside ofits regulated business.

FMA Online: What does your current role involve?LM: I wear quite a few different hats in my current role at Seqwater. I manage the FM team ofthree, as well as Reception for the Head Office. I also consult for 50 Water Treatment Plantsacross South East Queensland.

FMA Online: What do you like most about your work?LM: I like the diversity of the role, the wide array of people that I liaise with on a daily basis andthe decisions I make that impact and benefit the staff and company.

FMA Online: What kind of challenges do you face in the working week? LM: The challenges are very varied. This week I am researching the relevant legislation and OHSpolicies for shower/locker-rooms and next week I am finalising the fire, mechanical and electricalcontracts.

FMA Online: What are some of the significant projects you have been involved with?LM: When I took on the role initially last year, I was the lead concerning the relocation to thecurrent Head Office in Brisbane ’s CBD. I also managed the refurbishment of all floors in thebuilding. On top of that, I was involved with building appropriate amenities, such as bathroomsand locker-rooms for cycling enthusiasts. I also worked as a consultant for the 50 WaterTreatment Plants throughout SE Queensland .

FMA Online: In your opinion, what are going to be the big issues facing the facilitiesmanagement industry over the next five years?LM: I believe that environmental issues will remain a focus. How to not only implement, buteffectively oversee processes regarding sustainability and green initiatives will be one of the keyareas that facility managers need to address.

FMA Online: Finally, as a new member of FMA Australia, what are you looking forwardto most in terms of your new membership?LM: I am looking forward to meeting new people in the FM industry, gaining insight and learningwhat others are doing in the industry and how their approach may differ to my own.

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