Creating Your Brisbane Backyard Retreat
The Step-by-Step Masterclass to Brisbane Landscape Planning and Design
Introduction: The 2026 Landscape – The “Sanctuary” Premium
In 2026, the Brisbane backyard has evolved into something far more significant than a patch of lawn behind the house. It has become a sanctuary — a private retreat, a lifestyle space, and one of the most valuable components of a modern property. Across suburbs like Paddington, Ashgrove, Bardon, Camp Hill, Holland Park, Carindale, and the rapidly developing South East corridor, homeowners are no longer treating their outdoor areas as an afterthought. They are recognising them as high-value assets that shape how they live, how they relax, and the long-term value of their home.
Brisbane’s property market has shifted dramatically over the past decade. With rising density, smaller blocks, and soaring demand for usable outdoor space, the backyard has become a premium commodity. A well‑designed landscape can add 5–15% to a home’s value — not through superficial upgrades, but through engineered, functional, climate‑ready design. Buyers are no longer impressed by a lawn and a few shrubs. They want outdoor rooms, privacy, shade, smart irrigation, engineered drainage, and gardens that look better every year, not worse.
But beyond the financial return, something deeper is happening. The modern Brisbane homeowner is craving sanctuary. After years of global uncertainty, rising work demands, and the fast pace of urban life, people are turning to their homes as places of restoration. A backyard is no longer just a space — it is a refuge. A place to breathe. A place where children play barefoot on cool grass, where families gather around fire pits on winter nights, where couples unwind under soft lighting after long days. It is where memories are made, where stress dissolves, and where the noise of the world fades into the background.
And this shift is not just aesthetic — it is psychological. Research continues to show that natural environments reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and support emotional wellbeing. In Brisbane’s subtropical climate, where outdoor living is possible almost year‑round, the backyard becomes an extension of the home’s interior — a second living room, a wellness space, a place to reconnect with nature without leaving the property. When designed correctly, it becomes a daily source of calm, grounding, and joy.
Yet a true sanctuary is not created with guesswork.
It is engineered. Brisbane’s landscape is beautiful, but unforgiving. Highly reactive clay soils, intense UV exposure, tropical storms, steep blocks, and strict council regulations mean that a backyard cannot simply be “made” — it must be planned. It must be mapped, measured, drained, irrigated, and structurally supported. A luxury outdoor space is not built with a weekend of DIY enthusiasm; it is built with the same precision and foresight as the home itself.
That is why this guide exists.
This masterclass breaks down the professional process of transforming a sloped, tired, or underperforming yard into a world‑class retreat. It reveals the engineering behind the beauty — the drainage systems that prevent failure, the irrigation technology that keeps plants thriving, the soil management that protects your home’s foundation, and the plant selection strategies that ensure your garden matures gracefully over decades.
Because a backyard is not just for now. It is for the future.
A well‑designed landscape becomes part of your family’s story. It is where birthdays are celebrated, where children grow, where pets roam, where quiet mornings begin, and where long days end. It is a space that evolves with you — from young adulthood to parenthood to retirement. And when the time comes to pass your home to the next generation, your outdoor sanctuary becomes part of the legacy you leave behind.
In suburbs like Red Hill, Wilston, Tarragindi, and Mount Gravatt East, we are seeing families invest in landscapes not just for lifestyle, but for longevity. They want gardens that will outlast trends, withstand Brisbane’s climate, and remain structurally sound for decades. They want outdoor spaces that future buyers will value, future children will enjoy, and future generations will inherit with pride.
This guide will show you how to build that kind of landscape — one that is engineered, beautiful, resilient, and deeply personal.
Whether your yard is sloped, compact, sun‑baked, or simply outdated, the principles in this masterclass will help you understand what truly matters: structure, drainage, irrigation, climate‑appropriate planting, and long‑term maintenance. These are the foundations of a backyard that doesn’t just look good on day one — but looks even better in year five, year ten, and year twenty.
Your backyard is more than a space.
It is a sanctuary.
It is an investment.
It is a legacy.
And when built correctly, it becomes one of the most rewarding assets you will ever create
Step 1: The Landscape Designer Blueprint – Why Every Oasis Starts with a Plan
The biggest mistake homeowners make is starting with a shovel. A professional retreat begins with a Landscape Designer.
Spatial Flow
We don’t just look at plants; we look at how you move. A designer creates the “flow” from your kitchen to your fire pit, ensuring the layout feels natural rather than cramped.
Micro-Climate Mapping
We map how the sun hits your site in January vs. July. This ensures your “relaxation zone” isn’t a heat trap during a Brisbane summer.
Council Compliance
Any major change to levels or structures (like decks or walls) requires a professional eye to navigate BCC rules, protecting you from future legal headaches.
In Brisbane, you aren’t just dealing with “dirt”, you are dealing with Highly Reactive Clay.
The “Hydraulic Relief” System
Water is the silent killer of landscapes. Before any plants go in, we install a multi-stage drainage system — using 100mm slotted Ag-pipes and geotextile liners — to ensure your oasis doesn’t turn into a swamp after a tropical deluge.
Retaining & Levelling
We create the “usable flat land” that defines a luxury yard. Whether using concrete sleepers or sandstone blocks, these structures form the permanent skeleton of your garden.
Step 3: The Life Support System – Installing Smart Irrigation
A true retreat should be a place of relaxation, not a weekend of chores. In Brisbane’s climate—where summers swing between scorching heat and sudden tropical downpours—your garden needs a reliable, intelligent “Life Support System” built into its foundations.
3.1 Why Irrigation Matters in Brisbane
Brisbane’s subtropical weather is both a blessing and a challenge. Plants grow vigorously, but they also stress easily during the dry winter and “shrink” under the intense summer heat. Without a well-designed irrigation system, even the most beautifully planned landscape can struggle to survive.
A smart irrigation system ensures your garden receives the right amount of water at the right time—automatically, efficiently, and invisibly.
3.2 Automation: The Brain of the System
Modern irrigation is no longer a simple timer on a tap. We install Wi‑Fi‑enabled, app‑controlled irrigation controllers that adjust watering schedules based on real‑time Brisbane weather data.
If it rains in the morning, the system stays off.
If humidity spikes, watering is reduced.
If a heatwave is forecast, the system prepares by increasing the frequency of deep watering cycles.
This level of automation protects your plants from stress and prevents over‑watering— one of the most common causes of plant decline in Brisbane gardens.
3.3 Sub‑Surface Precision: Watering Where It Counts
By placing irrigation under the mulch and soil, we deliver water directly to the roots.
Sub‑surface drip irrigation offers several advantages:
- Minimal evaporation — critical during hot summers
- Reduced fungal issues — leaves stay dry
- Consistent soil moisture — roots grow deeper and stronger
- Lower water bills — up to 50% less water usage compared to sprinklers
This method also keeps your garden looking clean and uncluttered—no visible hoses, no trip hazards, no spray drift onto paths or fences.
3.4 Zoning: Custom Watering for Every Area
A professional system divides your garden into “zones,” each with its own watering needs:
- Turf zones — deeper, less frequent watering
- Garden beds — moderate, consistent moisture
- Feature trees — slow, deep soak cycles
- Edible gardens — gentle, regular hydration
This ensures every part of your landscape thrives without wasting water.
3.5 Filtration & Pressure Regulation
Brisbane’s water supply can contain sediment that clogs drip lines. A proper system includes:
- Inline filters
- Pressure regulators
- Flush valves
These components keep the system running smoothly for years with minimal maintenance.
3.6 Smart Irrigation = Smart Investment
A well‑designed irrigation system:
- Protects your landscaping investment
- Reduces water costs
- Saves hours of manual watering
- Keeps your garden looking lush year‑round
- Increases long‑term property value
In short, irrigation is not an optional extra—it is the backbone of a truly low‑maintenance, high‑performance Brisbane backyard retreat.
3.7 The Moisture Shield – Why Mulching Is Essential in Brisbane
Mulching is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools in landscape design, especially in Brisbane’s climate. While your irrigation system delivers water, mulch helps keep it where it belongs—deep in the soil.
Moisture Retention
Mulch acts like a protective blanket, reducing evaporation by up to 70%. This means:
- Your soil stays cooler
- Your plants stay hydrated longer
- Your irrigation system runs less often
This directly reduces your water bill and extends the life of your irrigation components.
Soil Health & Temperature Control
Brisbane’s sun can bake exposed soil, damage roots and kill beneficial microbes.
Mulch:
- Insulates the soil
- Encourages earthworms
- Improves soil structure over time
- Healthy soil = healthy plants
Weed Suppression
A good layer of mulch stops sunlight from reaching weed seeds, which means far fewer weeds:
- Less maintenance
- Less competition for water
- Cleaner, more polished garden bed
Aesthetic Appeal
Mulch instantly elevates your garden's look, giving it a finished, professional appearance.
Protecting Your Home
Brisbane landscapes must consider termite safety. Using inert mulches (stone, gravel, or hardwood chips) near the home reduces termite risk while still providing moisture benefits.
Step 4: The Living Canvas – Selecting Species for the “Brisbane Squeeze”
Plant selection in Brisbane is both an art and a science. The goal is to create a lush, modern, low-maintenance landscape that thrives in humidity, heat, and unpredictable rainfall.
4.1 Understanding the “Brisbane Squeeze”
Brisbane’s climate creates a unique challenge:
- High humidity in summer
- Dry, cool winters
- Intense UV exposure
- Occasional flooding or waterlogging
- Reactive clay soils
Your plant palette must be resilient, water-efficient, and architecturally striking.
4.2 The Three-Layer Planting Strategy
A professional landscape uses a three-layered approach:
Structural Layer (Trees & Feature Plants)
These create height, shade, and long-term value. Examples:
- Frangipani
- Magnolia ‘Little Gem’
- Chinese Tallowwood
- Pandanus
- Olive trees (for a coastal-Mediterranean look)
Mid-Storey Layer (Shrubs & Textural Plants) These create volume and softness. Examples:
- Heliconias
- Viburnum
- Philodendrons
- Japanese Box
- Bird of Paradise
Ground Layer (Low Plants & Fillers)
These tie everything together. Examples:
- Lomandra
- Liriope
- Blue Chalksticks
- Native violets
- Mondo grass
4.3 The Termite-Safe Strategy
Garden beds near the home must use inert materials such as:
- Concrete sleepers
- Rocks
- Pavers
- Stone mulch
And avoid termite-attracting species like softwood shrubs or timber edging.
4.4 Colour & Texture Theory for Brisbane Gardens
A premium landscape uses contrast:
- Dark greens against light stone
- Silver foliage against timber decking
- Large tropical leaves paired with fine grasses
This creates depth and a “designer” look.
Step 5: Case Studies
Case Study: The Ashgrove Modern Coastal Garden
Project Overview
Ashgrove is one of Brisbane’s most sought-after suburbs, known for its charming Queenslanders, leafy streets, and sloping blocks. But with character homes often comes character challenges — especially in outdoor spaces. This Ashgrove property belonged to a couple who dreamed of a Modern Coastal retreat: clean lines, breezy textures, sculptural plants, and a low-maintenance garden that could withstand Brisbane’s heat.
Their existing yard, however, was working against them. Narrow, exposed, and suffering from poor drainage, the space felt more like a forgotten side strip than a usable outdoor sanctuary. They wanted a garden that felt intentional, modern, and calming — something that looked like it belonged in a boutique Sunshine Coast resort.
THE PROBLEM: A Narrow, Harsh, Underperforming Yard
The site presented several challenges that made it difficult to enjoy or even maintain.
- Narrow, Confined Space: The yard was long and narrow, creating a “corridor effect.” This made the space feel tight, uninviting, and visually unbalanced. The clients struggled to imagine how such a confined area could ever feel open or relaxing.
- Full Sun Exposure: The yard faced harsh western sun, meaning:
- Plants are regularly burnt or dried out
- The soil overheated
- The space was uncomfortable in the afternoons
- Watering demands were high
- Poor Drainage: After heavy rain, water pooled along the fence line, creating muddy patches. The soil was compacted and hydrophobic in places, making it difficult for plants to establish.
- Lack of Structure or Focal Points: The yard had no visual anchors — no feature plants, no defined zones, and no hardscape elements to create interest. It felt flat and unfinished.
- High Maintenance Without Reward: Despite the clients' efforts, the garden never looked lush or cohesive. They wanted a landscape that looked good year-round without constant work.
THE PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT
Our team conducted a full site analysis, including:
- Sun and shade mapping
- Soil testing
- Drainage assessment
- Spatial flow evaluation
- Style and material compatibility
The conclusion was clear: This garden needed structure, contrast, and a climate-smart irrigation system to survive Brisbane’s conditions.
The narrow layout wasn’t a limitation — it was an opportunity to create a sleek, coastal-inspired linear garden with strong architectural plants and clean, modern hardscape.
THE DESIGN STRATEGY: A Modern Coastal Oasis
We developed a design strategy built around four core principles:
- Structure — using sculptural plants to create height and form
- Contrast — pairing bold foliage with soft, flowing grasses
- Cooling — reducing heat through plant selection and ground materials
- Low Maintenance — ensuring the garden thrives with minimal effort
The goal was to create a space that felt open, breezy, and intentional — despite the narrow footprint.
THE SOLUTION: Engineering Meets Coastal Design
1. Drainage & Sub-Surface Irrigation
Before any planting could succeed, we needed to fix the drainage issues. We installed:
- A sub-surface drainage system to redirect stormwater
- A multi-zone drip irrigation system beneath the mulch
- Moisture-efficient watering cycles tailored to full sun exposure
This ensured the garden stayed hydrated during Brisbane’s dry spells while preventing waterlogging during summer storms.
The irrigation system was Wi-Fi enabled, adjusting automatically to Brisbane’s real-time weather — a crucial feature for a full-sun garden.
2. Structural Planting: Pandanus & Olive Trees
To break up the narrow space and create height, we introduced Pandanus and Olive trees — two species that thrive in Brisbane’s climate and embody the Modern Coastal aesthetic.
Why Pandanus?
- Sculptural form
- Salt and heat tolerant
- Creates instant “beachfront” atmosphere
Why Olives?
- Silvery foliage softens harsh light
- Mediterranean feel
- Low water requirements
Together, they created a striking architectural backbone for the garden.
3. Textural Contrast: Lomandra & Blue Chalksticks
To complement the structural plants, we added a textural mid-storey and ground layer:
Lomandra
- Hardy, drought-tolerant
- Soft, flowing movement
- Excellent for narrow spaces
Blue Chalksticks
- Bold silver-blue colour
- Low-growing and sculptural
- Perfect contrast against white gravel
This combination created a layered, designer look with minimal maintenance.
4. Hardscape Finishes: White Gravel & Hardwood Edging
To complete the Modern Coastal aesthetic, we used:
- White gravel to reflect light and brighten the narrow space
- Hardwood edging to add warmth and natural texture
- Clean lines to elongate the garden visually
The white gravel also helped regulate soil temperature and reduce evaporation — a practical and aesthetic win.
THE RESULT: A Low-Maintenance, Coastal-Inspired Retreat
The transformation was dramatic.
- A Breezy, Modern Coastal Look: The combination of Pandanus, Olives, Lomandra, and Blue Chalksticks created a clean, sculptural, resort-style garden.
- A Cooler, More Comfortable Space: The new plant palette and white gravel significantly reduced heat retention, making the yard usable even in the afternoon sun.
- A Garden That Thrives Year-Round: Thanks to the smart irrigation system and climate-appropriate plants, the garden now flourishes with minimal upkeep.
- A Visually Balanced Narrow Yard: The structured planting and hardscape elements created depth, movement, and visual interest — turning a once-awkward space into a highlight of the home.
- A True Outdoor Sanctuary: The clients now enjoy a calming, low-maintenance retreat that feels like a slice of the Sunshine Coast — right in the heart of Ashgrove.
The Handover – Long-Term Maintenance and Growth
A professionally planned garden is designed to look better in five years than it does on day one.
The 50-Year Philosophy
Your landscape is a living asset. We design it to mature gracefully, not decline. This includes:
- Seasonal pruning
- Soil conditioning
- Irrigation checks
- Mulch top-ups
- Pest monitoring
- Fertilising schedules
The “Low-Maintenance Doesn’t Mean No-Maintenance” Rule
Even the best-designed garden needs:
- 10–20 minutes of weekly care
- Quarterly tune-ups
- Annual shaping and fertilising
This keeps everything lush and healthy.
Case Study: The Paddington Hillside Garden
Project Overview
Paddington is known for its character homes, steep terrain, and challenging soil conditions. While the elevated views are a major drawcard, the sloping blocks often come with a hidden cost: erosion, instability, and unusable outdoor space. This particular Paddington property was no exception. The homeowners — a young family with two children — loved their home but felt disconnected from their backyard. The slope was so steep that the children couldn’t play safely outside, and the garden was in constant decline.
They approached us with a simple brief: “We want a safe, beautiful, low-maintenance garden that grows with our family.”
What followed was a complete transformation of a failing hillside into a stable, thriving, multi-level outdoor retreat.
THE PROBLEM: A Slope That Was Slowly Failing
The original backyard was a textbook example of what happens when a steep Brisbane block is left unmanaged.
1. Severe Slope & Erosion: The yard sloped sharply away from the house, creating:
- Soil slippage during heavy rain
- Exposed roots
- Washed-out garden beds
- Bare patches where nothing could grow
The homeowners reported that after every storm, they would find soil piled against the fence line.
2. Highly Reactive Clay Soil: Paddington’s hills are notorious for reactive clay — soil that swells up when it’s wet and shrinks back down when it dries out. This caused:
- Cracking in old garden edging
- Movement in existing pathways
- Poor drainage
- Difficulty establishing plants
3. No Usable Flat Space: The family had nowhere to entertain, relax, or let the kids play. The slope was so steep that even mowing was dangerous.
4. Water Runoff Issues: During storms, water rushed down the slope, pooling near the back fence and creating muddy, unusable areas.
5. Failing Plants: Because of the poor soil structure and inconsistent moisture, most plants were struggling or dying. The homeowners were frustrated. They had invested in plants and DIY fixes over the years, but nothing lasted.
THE PROFESSIONAL ASSESSMENT
Our team conducted a full site analysis, including:
- Soil testing
- Drainage mapping
- Sun and shade analysis
- Structural assessment of existing retaining elements
- Long-term movement patterns in the slope
The conclusion was clear: This garden needed structural intervention before any planting could succeed.
Aesthetic improvements alone would not solve the underlying issues. The slope required stabilisation, controlled drainage, and engineered terracing to create safe, usable spaces.
THE PROFESSIONAL SOLUTION: A Multi-Stage Engineering & Landscape Strategy
To transform the hillside, we implemented a four-part strategy: Retain → Drain → Plant → Maintain.
1. Retaining Walls: Creating Usable Terraces
The first step was to stabilise the slope with a series of engineered retaining walls. These were designed to:
- Hold back the reactive clay
- Prevent erosion
- Create flat, functional terraces
- Improve safety
- Provide structure for future planting
We used concrete sleeper retaining walls due to their durability, termite resistance, and long lifespan — essential in Brisbane’s climate.
Terrace Design
We created three distinct levels:
- Upper terrace: A small lawn/play area
- Middle terrace: A seating and viewing platform
- Lower terrace: A native garden zone for privacy and cooling
This terraced approach transformed a once-dangerous slope into a series of usable outdoor rooms.
2. Drainage & Irrigation: Controlling Water, Not Fighting It
Once the retaining walls were in place, we installed a comprehensive Hydraulic Relief drainage system, including:
- 100mm slotted Ag-pipes
- Gravel backfill
- Geotextile liners
- Surface drains
- Sub-surface drip irrigation
This system ensured:
- Water was captured and redirected safely
- Soil movement was minimised
- Garden beds stayed hydrated without oversaturation
- The reactive clay remained stable
The irrigation system was divided into zones to accommodate the different microclimates created by the terracing.
3. Deep-Rooted Native Planting: Stabilising the Soil Naturally
With the structure and drainage complete, we moved to the planting phase. The goal was to create a low-maintenance, drought-resistant, soil-stabilising plant palette.
Key Species Used
- Lomandra longifolia — excellent for erosion control
- Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides) — hardy shade tree
- Native grasses — deep roots for soil anchoring
- Callistemon varieties — bird-attracting and resilient
- Grevilleas — low water use and high visual impact
These plants were chosen for:
- Deep root systems
- High tolerance to Brisbane’s climate
- Low maintenance requirements
- Ability to thrive in clay soils
The planting design also softened the retaining walls and created a lush, layered aesthetic.
4. The 12-Month Maintenance Plan: Ensuring Long-Term Success
A hillside garden requires careful monitoring in its first year. We implemented a structured maintenance plan that included:
- Quarterly irrigation checks
- Seasonal pruning
- Soil conditioning
- Mulch replenishment
- Weed control
- Plant health assessments
This ensured the garden established strong root systems and adapted to the new microclimates created by the terracing.
THE OUTCOME: A Thriving, Stable Hillside Garden With Minimal Upkeep
After 12 months, the transformation was remarkable.
1. Stability & Safety
The slope is now fully stabilised, with no signs of erosion or soil movement. The children can safely play on the upper terrace, and the pathways are secure and easy to navigate.
2. Usable Outdoor Spaces
The family now enjoys:
- A play lawn
- A shaded seating area
- A private native garden
- Safe access paths
What was once a dangerous slope is now a series of functional outdoor rooms.
3. Lush, Low-Maintenance Planting
The native plants have flourished, providing:
- Shade
- Privacy
- Colour
- Habitat for birds and pollinators
4. Reduced Water Usage
Thanks to the smart irrigation system and mulching, water usage has dropped significantly.
5. Increased Property Value
The homeowners now have a structurally sound, beautifully landscaped yard that adds long-term value to their property.
FINAL SUMMARY
The Paddington Hillside Garden is a perfect example of how engineering, drainage, and intelligent design can turn a failing slope into a safe, beautiful, low-maintenance retreat. By addressing the structural issues first, we created a garden that continues to grow strong and healthy for many years to come.
Step 6: The Future-Proof Factor – Designing for Climate, Technology & Resale Value
Brisbane’s climate is changing — hotter summers, more intense storms, and longer dry spells. Your landscape must be built for the future.
6.1 Climate-Smart Design
This includes:
- Drought-tolerant species
- Shade trees
- Water-efficient irrigation
- Permeable surfaces
- Stormwater management
6.2 Technology Integration
Modern landscapes use:
- App-controlled irrigation
- Solar lighting
- Smart sensors
- Automated pool systems
These reduce maintenance and increase efficiency
6.3 The Resale Advantage
A professionally designed landscape can add 5–15% to your home’s value.
Buyers look for:
- Usable outdoor zones
- Low-maintenance gardens
- Quality materials
- Privacy
- Shade
- Irrigation systems
Your backyard becomes a selling point, not an afterthought.
Conclusion: Build Smart. Build Safe. Build Your Sanctuary.
A Brisbane backyard retreat isn’t just a lifestyle upgrade — it’s a long-term financial strategy. When you design with structure, climate, and technology in mind, you’re not simply creating a beautiful space for today; you’re building an asset that will continue to increase in value for many years to come.
Future‑proofing your landscape means understanding how Brisbane’s environment is changing and ensuring your outdoor space is engineered to adapt. From reactive clay soils to tropical downpours, from scorching summers to shifting council regulations, a modern landscape must be resilient, efficient, and intelligently designed. Smart irrigation, climate‑appropriate planting, engineered drainage, and durable hardscape aren’t luxuries — they are the foundations of a landscape that performs year‑round.
A well‑planned garden matures like a fine investment. Plants grow into their architecture, shade increases comfort, maintenance decreases, and the entire outdoor space becomes more functional, more beautiful, and more valuable over time. Buyers increasingly prioritise usable outdoor zones, privacy, sustainability, and low‑maintenance design — all of which directly influence resale value. A professionally documented landscape can add 5–15% to your home’s market appeal, making it one of the most rewarding investments you can make.
Your backyard is more than soil and plants — it’s an engineered ecosystem. When built correctly, it becomes a sanctuary that supports your lifestyle, protects your home, and enhances your property’s long‑term worth.
Secure your investment by choosing specialists who deliver engineered earthworks and drainage systems built for Ǫueensland’s climate — compliant, stable, and designed to perform for decades.
Legal Notice: This guide is provided for general educational and informational purposes only. Information regarding construction materials, technical processes, and the requirements of regulatory organisations—including local councils and utility providers—is subject to change and to site-specific variables.
Compliance & Professional Standards: The planning and execution of works discussed in this guide often involve complex regulatory overlaps, such as building approvals, engineering certifications, or permits for building over assets. We strongly recommend engaging a licensed professional to navigate these requirements. Queensland Landscape Builders accepts no responsibility for actions taken by unlicensed individuals, nor for any works or planning conducted in breach of the National Construction Code (NCC), Australian Standards, or current local and state building regulations.