Australian building approvals take another hit
It’s a mixed bag across the country as Queensland’s approvals are the hardest hit
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The number of dwellings approved across Australia has continued to fall, the latest data reveals.
Information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics released today shows the total dwellings approved fell -8.1 percent in April, seasonally adjusted, following a decline of -1 percent in March. In the private housing market, seasonally adjusted estimates fell -3.8 percent in April to 7,939, following a -3.7 percent decline in March.
Across the states, Queensland has been hardest hit with total approvals dropping b y -22.8 percent, followed by Victoria (-18.6 percent) and WA (-5.8 percent).It’s better news in South Australia, where total approvals rose by 19.8 percent, NSW (12.5 percent) and Tasmania (3.5 percent).
Daniel Rossi, ABS head of construction statistics, said: “Total dwellings approved fell to the lowest level since April 2012. The overall decline was driven by a fall in approvals for private sector dwellings excluding houses, which fell 16.5 per cent, to the lowest level since January 2012.
“Private sector house approvals also continued to decline, falling 3.8 per cent in April, following a 3.7 per cent decrease in March.”
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Four one-off Cullinan commissions draw on the design language of yachting, blending marine craftsmanship with Rolls-Royce’s signature bespoke detailing.
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Rolls-Royce has revealed a new series of bespoke Cullinan motor cars inspired by the world of yachting, with four individually commissioned vehicles reflecting the materials, movement and design codes of life at sea.
Presented at Goodwood in the UK, the Cullinan Yachting collection comprises four one-off vehicles themed around the cardinal directions, North, South, East and West, each expressed through distinct exterior finishes and interior detailing.
The commissions lean heavily into maritime influence, a space Rolls-Royce says is closely aligned with its global client base.
Each vehicle features marine-grade teak, hand-painted fascia artwork inspired by the wake of a tender cutting through water, and intricate marquetry compass motifs made from more than 40 individual pieces of wood veneer.
Hand-painted elements have become an increasingly sought-after feature among Rolls-Royce clients, with the brand employing dedicated artisans to develop bespoke interior compositions.
For the Cullinan Yachting series, the painted wake effect required months of experimentation to achieve a natural sense of movement.
Inside, the vehicles are finished in Arctic White and Navy Blue leather, with hand-stitched detailing designed to echo the structure of nautical ropework. A signature Rolls-Royce Starlight
Headliner has also been reimagined, with fibre-optic constellations arranged to reflect Mediterranean wind patterns.
Each car’s exterior colour has been developed to align with its directional theme, ranging from lighter blue tones evoking northern waters to deeper hues referencing warmer southern seas and storm-lit horizons.
Rolls-Royce said the collection reflects a longstanding relationship between the marque and the world of yachting, dating back to its co-founder Charles Rolls, whose family owned a steam yacht and travelled extensively through the Mediterranean.
The release underscores the growing demand for highly personalised vehicles among ultra-high-net-worth buyers, with Rolls-Royce increasingly positioning its cars as part of a broader luxury lifestyle that extends beyond the road.
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