Jack Bowen

Bowens – The Builders Choice

Firstly, my congratulations to Greg and all the team of TimberTrader News - what a success story this magazine has been. The industry is grateful for the contribution TimberTrader News makes to our ‘timber’ lives!

Over the next two years there are ‘huge challenges but also huge opportunities for our industry’.

Those of us who have been in the industry for a long time seem to always look to the future with THAT sort of statement in our minds!

The main positive (and it has always been this way from when I started 42 years ago) is that we are still a relatively young country with plenty of space for growth plus a good environment and a stable government - all of which is conducive to BUILDING, and developments of all kinds.

The economy, both local and overseas, will waiver at different times and effect us - but good businesses that respect the ‘fundamentals’ know how to weather any temporary storms.

What we all need to be aware of though is the effect of technology and changes that may occur in both the way we build, and certainly changes in the products we use for building.

Nothing we do or use today can be ‘assumed’ as permanent and on-going.

We continue to experience the rapid changes in Information Technology and we see how that technology moves through to touch many aspects of our lives.

Computers have made it easier to ‘model’ new ideas and new designs, plus breakthrough technology has created raw products and composites that will replace some conventional materials.

The fact is though:- people will always require shelter with an ageing population wanting (or having) to move to something new and young people (hopefully families) still wanting three bedrooms, ensuites, family rooms and outside decks.

Traditional values and ‘wants’ will ensure that much of the way we live today will continue and any ‘change’ will need to win approval.

I still see wood-based products playing a big role in construction in the years ahead.

Yes, man made-made materials will gain some ground, but the environment needs trees.

As we need to grow more trees to help us breathe, we also then provide a safe and renewable resource that will continue to be used in building.

Softwood timber in particular will always have a place because of its environmental ‘friendliness’ and because it will always be cheap compared to metal and plastic based products.

Specifically I see Melbourne and Victoria moving ahead with developments of ‘all sorts’ happening both regionally and within the city and suburbs of Melbourne.

Our population will continue to grow - and this growth will drive our Industry.

We have the land - we just need some commonsense coming out of government and out of the planning departments that govern what and how we design and build.