Weekly Building Gossip - More Homes, Rising build costs and Silica Issues

Weekly Goss – April 23, 2026 Matt and Hamish are back from Adelaide to discuss the latest housing developments in Canberra, a major safety crackdown on silica dust, and the importance of representation in the trades. In This Episode: The Canberra Housing Deal: The ACT and Commonwealth governments have signed a $250 million deal to deliver 4,900 homes, with over 1,700 reserved for first-home buyers. The Rising Cost of Building: A look at the staggering 74% increase in building costs since 2009 and the impact of global events on the industry. Silica Safety Crackdown: South Australia is leading a massive compliance campaign targeting silica dust. Any material with more than 1% silica (including cement sheeting, bricks, and tiles) is under the microscope. Health & Prevention: Matt shares a personal story regard i ng silicosis and emphasises why tradespeople must prioritise using vacuums and wearing masks, even when under pressure. Design Responsibility: Why architects and designers should be conscious of the materials they specify to reduce on-site cutting risks. Women in Trades: A shout-out to Sophie (@sister.carpentry) on Instagram for her work in encouraging women to join the construction industry. Key Resources & Mentions: Guest Spotlight: Follow Sophie @ sister.carpentry on Instagram. South Australia Hosts: Huge thanks to Climasure, Pro Clima, and Endurobuilders for hosting the team in SA. Alternative Products: Mention of Weathertex and magnesium board as safer cladding alternatives. Upcoming Events: SBA Retrofit Playbook (May 7th): Featuring experts like Sarah from Coogee and Dylan from Orlin Construction. Tickets are roughly $30–$40 . Passive House Conference (June 25-26, Victoria): Matt and Hamish will be hosting a breakaway room for builders and architects. Promo Code: Use themindfulbuilder for 10% off your tickets