An Australian startup building homes from hemp has secured $2 million in NSW government funding to scale its manufacturing from a facility in Toormina, near Coffs Harbour. The investment aims to shift the construction industry away from carbon-heavy materials while supporting the state’s agriculture sector.

Globally, buildings are responsible for a massive share of energy and material consumption. Sustainable building movements are trying to change this, some by going back to the past, and some by diving head-first into the future.

Labor is calling for the NSW Liberal-National party led government to provide $45 million COVID-19 grant program for the North Coast while the Master Builders Association (MBA) is calling for the Queensland Premier to come to the negotiation table.

Border closures are having significant impacts on different industries in the Northern Rivers with the construction industry suffering on multiple fronts while the tourist industry appears to be bouncing back to seme degree.