Master Builders Australia (MBA) is predicting a big year coming up for builders based on a rise in approval numbers. [ + ]

The Balladonia Road House in Western Australia uses diesel generators to power the air conditioning in the guest rooms and the cooking appliances in the lunch bar. [ + ]

Australian company simPRO Software has stepped up its international expansion plans with the opening of a new office in the Cambridgeshire town of St Ives, in the United Kingdom. [ + ]

In an unsurprising move, some of Australia's largest unions have released statements of support for the Labor Party's commitment to a sharp reduction in carbon emissions, should they succeed in the 2016 federal election. [ + ]

The CSIRO and the Energy Networks Association (ENA) have partnered to develop a 10-year transition plan for the electricity sector which is focused on customers and developed with stakeholders. [ + ]

A new law that takes effect on 12 November 2016 will protect small businesses from unfair terms in standard form contracts. [ + ]

The National Road Safety Partnership Program (NRSPP) is trying to uncover the effects of stress and driving. A seemingly understudied topic, the Headspace project aims to shed light on the connection between the two — how stress and negative events impact on a driver's state of mind, or headspace, which in turn may impact on his or her ability to drive safely. [ + ]

A shift from time-based assessment of apprentices to competency-based progression has demonstrated a positive impact on engineering trade apprentices and their employers, according to a new report by the Australian Industry Group. [ + ]

Bosch has announced it has formed a new subsidiary that will focus on the company's smart home activities. [ + ]

Australian Construction Industry Forum (ACIF) released its latest forecasts late November, with a detailed analysis of major variations since its last forecasts were published in July. The forecasts outline the changes in demand for the next decade for residential and non-residential building and engineering construction — and therefore the employment prospects of the 1 million Australians working in the industry. [ + ]

nbn has issued authorisation to registered cablers to move, remove or alter certain nbn-owned copper network cabling and assets. [ + ]

The nation's top winners of NECA's National Excellence Awards have been announced for 2015. [ + ]

A home energy storage safety guide and safety report released by the Clean Energy Council and CSIRO explore what is in store for Australia's energy future. [ + ]

Mitsubishi Motors Australia is advising owners of the Triton 16MY MQ — fitted with genuine accessory tow bar (kits) part numbers MZ350452 and MZ350552 — that the Compliance Label does not comply with the marking requirements in either ADR 62/02 or AS4177.1. Specifically the towing loads do not match the specifications for 16MY MQ Triton. [ + ]

Global enterprise applications company IFS has announced a $2 million agreement with Service Stream, provider of essential network services to the Australian telecommunications and utility industries. [ + ]