Latest news with #Croft
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
David Croft absent from Austrian GP as Sky Sports F1 commentator replaced
Sky Sports F1 lead commentator David Croft is absent from the Austrian Grand Prix this weekend with viewers set to hear the voice of Crofty's understudy instead Sky Sports viewers will hear a less familiar voice on commentary at this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix. That is because, for the second time this year, usual lead broadcaster David Croft will not be in attendance at the Formula 1 race. 'Crofty' is part of the furniture at Sky Sports, having served as lead commentator ever since the broadcaster secured the rights to show F1 in the UK and Ireland in 2012. And for many years, he was ever-present at all races while the presenting and punditry team around him would rotate. But these days the F1 calendar is larger than ever with 24 races per season. And so, in 2024, Croft took the decision to miss three races in the season to recharge and spent more time with his family and has repeated that plan this year. He sat out the Emilia Romagna, Austrian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix last season, and chose to skip the same trio of events this term. On each occasion, Harry Benjamin has been called up to fill in and he is behind the microphone again for this weekend's race in Spielberg. Benjamin is less experienced in motorsport broadcasting but has been covering F1 for BBC Radio 5 Live since 2022. The year before, he was hired as the lead presenter for F1's support series including Formula 2, Formula 3 and the Porsche Supercup. He debuted for Sky's F1 coverage at the 2023 Hungarian Grand Prix as they put on an alternative, kid-friendly broadcast of that event, in partnership with Formula One Management. Croft was still commentating on the main feed on that occasion, alongside long-time partner Martin Brundle. But it was when Croft opted against a trip to Italy for the 2024 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix that Benjamin received his first call-up to commentate on Sky's main coverage. He returned for the Austria and Azerbaijan races that year and is set to complete the same trio this term. That means this is Benjamin's second appearance of the year on the Sky feed, having already appeared at the Imola race in May. He is likely to return for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ins September. Croft said last year of his plans to take some breaks: "I'm not getting any younger. I've given up and sacrificed a lot for my career. I want to give a bit of time back to my family and not be on the other side of the world." His decision to skip the Austria race means he will be able to spend more than a month at home in the UK since returning from the Canadian Grand Prix. His next appearance will be at Silverstone next weekend and he won't need to get on a plane again until the last week of July when he will head to the Belgian Grand Prix.
Toronto Sun
23-06-2025
- Toronto Sun
'I can't stop crying' — Windsor woman relives chaotic moment police killed her dog
Trevor Wilhelm Published Jun 23, 2025 • Last updated 4 hours ago • 4 minute read Zeus, the Pitbull shot and killed by Windsor police on Thursday, June 19, is shown in a photo provided by the dog's owner. Photo by Photo provided / Windsor Star There are bullet holes in Michele Croft's floor and wall after police shot her dog four times in crowded quarters. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account Croft said a bullet bounced around the room after one of many officers who had crowded into her small second-floor apartment killed the dog during a struggle with her nephew. Despite what Windsor police stated in a media release, Croft said the officer did not try less-lethal tactics prior to going for his gun. 'Out of nowhere, the cop pulled out his gun and shot him four times,' Croft told the Star. 'Four bullets ripped into him.' 'I'm so traumatized from this. I can't stop crying. I cannot believe this happened in Windsor, Ontario.' Michele Croft points to what she says is a bullet hole in her wall on Friday, June 20, 2025, after Windsor police shot and killed her dog the previous day during a struggle with her mentally ailing nephew. Photo by Trevor Wilhelm / Windsor Star Michele Croft points to what she says is a bullet hole in the floor of her apartment on Friday, June 20, 2025, in the aftermath of a shooting of a dog involving Windsor police the previous day. Photo by Trevor Wilhelmd / dd Windsor police did not respond Friday to a request for comment about Croft's version of the story. But police said earlier in a media release that shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday, officers responded to a call about a person in crisis at an apartment in the 2800 block of Tecumseh Road West. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Croft said that person is her nephew, who has been staying with her since about Christmas, after his mom died. The dog, a roughly 60-pound pitbull named Zeus, was his. But it quickly became hers, too. 'I got very close to the dog,' Croft said the day after the shooting. 'Even today, every time I put my key in the door now, I'm waiting for him to come running up to the door, because he would jump on me.' Zeus, the pitbull shot and killed by Windsor police on Thursday, June 19, is shown in a photo provided by the dog's owner. Photo by Contributed photo / Windsor Star Police said officers tried to apprehend the 45-year-old man, who was experiencing 'a mental health crisis.' The man resisted. Police said he physically assaulted one officer and threatened to kill another. During the struggle, police said he ordered his pitbull to bite. The dog then attacked the officers, who shot it after non-lethal efforts were ineffective, according to police. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. They used a conducted energy weapon, commonly known as a Taser, to gain control of the man. Police apprehended him under the Mental Health Act. He was also charged with assaulting a police officer, uttering threats to cause death, and failure to comply with a release order. Croft said Friday her nephew was under watch in the hospital. But she has a different account of what happened with Zeus. Two officers initially showed up, Croft said. When her nephew wouldn't go with them, they called for backup. 'All of a sudden there was like 18 of them,' said Croft. Shortly after that, things escalated. 'When they all started coming in, two by two, my nephew kept saying get the (expletive) out of my house,' said Croft. 'And they were like, 'No, you're coming with us. It's a welfare call and we have to take you to the hospital.'' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. He still refused to leave. Croft said officers huddled on the other side of the room discussing what to do. 'I said, 'What are you guys planning, what are you going to do?'' said Croft. 'And it happened.' She said several officers lunged at him. 'They pulled him down to the ground.' He put up a fight. Croft said the situation quickly turned chaotic. 'There were probably nine of them that it took to get him down,' said Croft. The security latch for her apartment door was busted during the melee. The closet door was caved in. 'That's when the dog was just barking and jumping,' she said. 'That's all he was doing. He was jumping on me.' Michele Croft is shown in her living room on Friday, June 20, 2025, where Windsor police shot and killed her dog the previous day during a struggle with her nephew. Photo by Contributed photo / Windsor Star Her nephew continued fighting with officers on the ground. Croft said one officer who had been on top of him rose to his feet and pulled out his gun. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. She said the officer shot Zeus once, and the dog slumped onto his side. After the wounded dog was down, Croft said she heard 'bang, bang, bang.' 'I was hysterical. I was screaming, 'Why couldn't you Taser him or billy club him?' Something just to push him away. All they needed to do was just push him away.' Making the harrowing experience even scarier, Croft said she was so close to the firearm that gunshot residue sprayed her arms. 'We could have gotten shot ourselves,' she said. 'I was within two feet.' She said at least one bullet ricocheted around her tiny living room, leaving a hole in the floor where the dog died and one in the wall across the room, before landing on the couch in another corner. Croft said there was a 'bent bullet' sitting on her sofa after the shooting, but police took it. Read More A day after the incident, there was what appeared to be a bullet hole in the hardwood floor of her living room and one in the cement wall. 'He had absolutely no reason to shoot the dog,' said Croft. 'The dog did not nip at anyone. He did not bite anyone. I was standing with him, two feet from him, trying to coax him into the bedroom. 'But there was too much going on.' twilhelm@ Toronto & GTA World Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Blue Jays Toronto & GTA
CNBC
23-06-2025
- Business
- CNBC
How high oil could go if Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz, according to Goldman Sachs and others
Investors should not ignore the risk that Iran could disrupt Middle East oil supplies and trigger a substantial price spike, energy analysts warned Monday, even as the market largely dismissed the threat. Surprisingly, oil prices are little changed Monday after the U.S. bombed Iran's key nuclear sites over the weekend. The market seems to believe that Tehran will not target regional energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf because it would likely provoke a major U.S. military response that could imperil the regime. But Barclays analysts warned that the worst-case-scenario, in which Iran attempts to block the Strait of Hormuz, is far from priced into the market right now. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman is the crucial chokepoint for the global oil market, with some 20 million barrels passing through it daily. "Above all, we would caution against the knee-jerk 'the worst is behind us' hot take at this stage," Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told clients in note. Brent surge Goldman Sachs estimates global benchmark Brent would briefly surge to $110 per barrel if oil flows through the strait fell by 50% for one month, and if oil shipments were curtailed by 10% over the following 11 months. Oil prices would then fall to an average of $95 per barrel in the fourth quarter as U.S. and OPEC countries release more crude into the market, according to Goldman. UBS, another investment bank, said Brent prices could soar north of $120 per barrel if the strait is closed. "In the case of a closure, we would be looking at a very material disruption to global oil markets, of a greater magnitude than the recent loss of Russian supply in 2022," following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, UBS analysts led by Henri Patricot told clients in a note. Goldman and UBS both believe the probability is low that Iran will move to close the strait, given it's used to transport the Islamic Republic's own crude exports. But Iran does not have to conduct a very complex operation to cause ships to avoid the strait right now, Croft said. The Joint Maritime Information Center has already urged vessels to remain vigilant if they traverse the strait. "We do not believe it is a 'full closure or nothing' scenario when it comes to the waterway," Croft said. "Iran may deploy their asymmetric capabilities to raise the economic cost of the combined U.S./Israeli operations." Shipping threat Iran has a number of ways it can disrupt traffic in the strait, Danske Bank chief analyst Minna Kuusisto told clients in a note, possibly by targeting vessels with drones or missiles, although the U.S. Navy would likely mitigate that threat in a few days. The disruption would last longer if Tehran mined the strait or sank a ship passing through the waterway, the analyst said. "If Iran declared the strait mined, no insurance company would allow vessels to navigate there," Kuusisto said. The U.S. could maybe clear enough mines to open a safe corridor near the coast of the United Arab Emirates in about a week, she said. "Even then, insurers might not be happy." "A more extensive mine-clearing would likely take weeks," Kuusisto said. "Gulf producers' storage capacity would hit maximum at some point, and they would need to cut production." Closing the strait is likely Iran's last option because it would provoke a strong military response, but "desperate times lead to desperate action," the Dankse analyst told clients. "If the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei felt that he had nothing to lose anymore, he might choose to go all in," Kuusisto said.
Glasgow Times
20-06-2025
- Glasgow Times
'Teens are carrying larger weapons', warns Glasgow police chief
Glasgow Chief superintendent Emma Croft described the behaviour as 'challenging' for police but said overall, youth violence figures are down. The worrying trend comes after a number of alleged knife crime incidents involving young people. Kayden Moy, 16, died after a disturbance on Irvine beach last month, and in a separate incident, Amen Teklay, 15, died in Maryhill in March after sustaining serious injuries. Speaking at yesterday's Safe Glasgow Partnership meeting on crime statistics, Chief superintendent Croft said 'there is clearly a focus on youth related violence as a consequence of the incidents in Glasgow and Ayrshire over the last several months,' but she added that 'incidents of youth violence are still down over the five year average.' READ NEXT: 'Sense of excitement building' over Glasgow's George Square work The Greater Glasgow Divisional Commander added: 'What we are seeing, however, is a change of posture – potentially intent – with youths carrying unfortunately larger weapons motivated by social media and are travelling across Scotland to gather. 'This is a challenging picture for police to map and prevent. Our national violence work is therefore focused on the sharing of information of trends and locations. "The input of partners here is critical – in particular schools, educational and youth work and diversionary settings who my teams have been working with tirelessly.' Chief Superintendent Croft said work continues with partners including the 'Common Ground Programme, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service, youth workers and many others to target areas where we see incidents of youth and related violence and disorder at the weekends.' READ NEXT: Plans approved to transform Admiral Pub site in Glasgow Last month, Police Scotland urged young people not to carry knives, following the death of Kayden Moy. Explaining prevention work taking place, Partnership superintendent Ryan McMurdo said school engagement officers work in 39 schools in the Glasgow area delivering programmes including the No Knives Better Lives and the Pitchin' In Programme to reduce youth crime. Other efforts include the Common Ground Youth Project in the city centre and the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers, which has over 100 people involved. Figures presented to the Safe Glasgow Partnership showed overall violent crime has increased this year to date by 1.8 per cent compared to the previous year to date. A total of 12,060 violent crimes were recorded this year to date, compared to 11,844 for the previous year to date in the Glasgow city area. The meeting heard there is a reduction in serious assaults, homicides, attempted murders and robberies compared to the previous year to date. There has been an increase in common assaults.
The Advertiser
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Aussies turn to alternative models for modern and affordable housing
Australians are increasingly looking beyond the traditional detached home to meet their housing needs, as affordability pressures, changing lifestyles and sustainability goals drive innovation in the housing sector. Simon Croft, Chief Executive - Industry & Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), said the shift toward alternative housing models reflects a broader rethink about how Australians live. "We're seeing stronger interest in a much wider range of housing options," Croft said. "Kit homes, tiny homes, granny flats, container builds, earthships and fully off-grid homes are all part of a growing landscape that offers flexibility, affordability and choice." The range of alternative housing options in Australia showcases the diverse possibilities of modern home ownership and hints at what the future may look like. Customisable and cost-effective, kit homes are delivered as pre-cut materials, allowing buyers to assemble with minimal construction costs. They also lend themselves well to off-grid living as many can be outfitted with solar panels and rainwater tanks for eco-conscious buyers. "Kit homes are often more affordable to purchase and quicker to build, offering a solution for regional or remote areas where labour shortages or transport costs make conventional builds challenging," Croft said. Often built on trailer platforms, these compact yet efficient dwellings offer mobility and freedom. Despite their small size, they are cleverly designed to maximise storage and functionality and are especially attractive to younger buyers and retirees seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle. "Tiny homes have captured attention for their low cost of ownership, smaller environmental footprint and suitability for those seeking to simplify or downsize," Croft said. "However, in many areas, planning schemes have not yet caught up to accommodate tiny homes as a mainstream option and they face regulatory challenges." Prefabricated models and innovative designs make these secondary dwellings cost-effective and quick to install. Being self-contained they can serve as guest accommodations, rental investments or independent living spaces for family members. "Granny flats - or secondary dwellings - are increasingly popular as state governments ease restrictions and provide fast-track approvals," Croft said. "They offer multi-generational living options, support ageing-in-place and can generate rental income. They also help maximise land use in areas where new greenfield sites are limited." Repurposing shipping containers into homes is not only sustainable but also offers a modern, industrial aesthetic. Buyers can combine multiple containers to create unique layouts or opt for a single unit for a compact, budget-friendly home. Insulated and weatherproofed, these homes are well-suited to Australia's diverse climate. "Recycled shipping containers offer a flexible, fast construction method with sustainability appeal," Croft said. "But they do require careful design to ensure comfort, insulation and long-term durability, as well as understanding the regulatory requirements controlling their use." Built with natural or recycled materials, these homes often incorporate features like thermal mass construction, solar energy and water harvesting systems. "These homes sit at the leading edge of environmentally sustainable living, aiming for complete water, waste and energy self-sufficiency," Croft said. "They appeal to those wanting to dramatically reduce their footprint, but come with higher upfront costs, site limitations and ongoing maintenance needs." --- While alternative housing solutions are gaining momentum, Croft believes they won't replace traditional homes but rather complement them. "Australia faces the enormous task of delivering 1.2 million new homes over the next five years," he said. "A more diverse housing mix will help meet that target, but it's critical governments work to remove regulatory red tape and provide clear, nationally consistent planning frameworks." Australians are increasingly looking beyond the traditional detached home to meet their housing needs, as affordability pressures, changing lifestyles and sustainability goals drive innovation in the housing sector. Simon Croft, Chief Executive - Industry & Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), said the shift toward alternative housing models reflects a broader rethink about how Australians live. "We're seeing stronger interest in a much wider range of housing options," Croft said. "Kit homes, tiny homes, granny flats, container builds, earthships and fully off-grid homes are all part of a growing landscape that offers flexibility, affordability and choice." The range of alternative housing options in Australia showcases the diverse possibilities of modern home ownership and hints at what the future may look like. Customisable and cost-effective, kit homes are delivered as pre-cut materials, allowing buyers to assemble with minimal construction costs. They also lend themselves well to off-grid living as many can be outfitted with solar panels and rainwater tanks for eco-conscious buyers. "Kit homes are often more affordable to purchase and quicker to build, offering a solution for regional or remote areas where labour shortages or transport costs make conventional builds challenging," Croft said. Often built on trailer platforms, these compact yet efficient dwellings offer mobility and freedom. Despite their small size, they are cleverly designed to maximise storage and functionality and are especially attractive to younger buyers and retirees seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle. "Tiny homes have captured attention for their low cost of ownership, smaller environmental footprint and suitability for those seeking to simplify or downsize," Croft said. "However, in many areas, planning schemes have not yet caught up to accommodate tiny homes as a mainstream option and they face regulatory challenges." Prefabricated models and innovative designs make these secondary dwellings cost-effective and quick to install. Being self-contained they can serve as guest accommodations, rental investments or independent living spaces for family members. "Granny flats - or secondary dwellings - are increasingly popular as state governments ease restrictions and provide fast-track approvals," Croft said. "They offer multi-generational living options, support ageing-in-place and can generate rental income. They also help maximise land use in areas where new greenfield sites are limited." Repurposing shipping containers into homes is not only sustainable but also offers a modern, industrial aesthetic. Buyers can combine multiple containers to create unique layouts or opt for a single unit for a compact, budget-friendly home. Insulated and weatherproofed, these homes are well-suited to Australia's diverse climate. "Recycled shipping containers offer a flexible, fast construction method with sustainability appeal," Croft said. "But they do require careful design to ensure comfort, insulation and long-term durability, as well as understanding the regulatory requirements controlling their use." Built with natural or recycled materials, these homes often incorporate features like thermal mass construction, solar energy and water harvesting systems. "These homes sit at the leading edge of environmentally sustainable living, aiming for complete water, waste and energy self-sufficiency," Croft said. "They appeal to those wanting to dramatically reduce their footprint, but come with higher upfront costs, site limitations and ongoing maintenance needs." --- While alternative housing solutions are gaining momentum, Croft believes they won't replace traditional homes but rather complement them. "Australia faces the enormous task of delivering 1.2 million new homes over the next five years," he said. "A more diverse housing mix will help meet that target, but it's critical governments work to remove regulatory red tape and provide clear, nationally consistent planning frameworks." Australians are increasingly looking beyond the traditional detached home to meet their housing needs, as affordability pressures, changing lifestyles and sustainability goals drive innovation in the housing sector. Simon Croft, Chief Executive - Industry & Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), said the shift toward alternative housing models reflects a broader rethink about how Australians live. "We're seeing stronger interest in a much wider range of housing options," Croft said. "Kit homes, tiny homes, granny flats, container builds, earthships and fully off-grid homes are all part of a growing landscape that offers flexibility, affordability and choice." The range of alternative housing options in Australia showcases the diverse possibilities of modern home ownership and hints at what the future may look like. Customisable and cost-effective, kit homes are delivered as pre-cut materials, allowing buyers to assemble with minimal construction costs. They also lend themselves well to off-grid living as many can be outfitted with solar panels and rainwater tanks for eco-conscious buyers. "Kit homes are often more affordable to purchase and quicker to build, offering a solution for regional or remote areas where labour shortages or transport costs make conventional builds challenging," Croft said. Often built on trailer platforms, these compact yet efficient dwellings offer mobility and freedom. Despite their small size, they are cleverly designed to maximise storage and functionality and are especially attractive to younger buyers and retirees seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle. "Tiny homes have captured attention for their low cost of ownership, smaller environmental footprint and suitability for those seeking to simplify or downsize," Croft said. "However, in many areas, planning schemes have not yet caught up to accommodate tiny homes as a mainstream option and they face regulatory challenges." Prefabricated models and innovative designs make these secondary dwellings cost-effective and quick to install. Being self-contained they can serve as guest accommodations, rental investments or independent living spaces for family members. "Granny flats - or secondary dwellings - are increasingly popular as state governments ease restrictions and provide fast-track approvals," Croft said. "They offer multi-generational living options, support ageing-in-place and can generate rental income. They also help maximise land use in areas where new greenfield sites are limited." Repurposing shipping containers into homes is not only sustainable but also offers a modern, industrial aesthetic. Buyers can combine multiple containers to create unique layouts or opt for a single unit for a compact, budget-friendly home. Insulated and weatherproofed, these homes are well-suited to Australia's diverse climate. "Recycled shipping containers offer a flexible, fast construction method with sustainability appeal," Croft said. "But they do require careful design to ensure comfort, insulation and long-term durability, as well as understanding the regulatory requirements controlling their use." Built with natural or recycled materials, these homes often incorporate features like thermal mass construction, solar energy and water harvesting systems. "These homes sit at the leading edge of environmentally sustainable living, aiming for complete water, waste and energy self-sufficiency," Croft said. "They appeal to those wanting to dramatically reduce their footprint, but come with higher upfront costs, site limitations and ongoing maintenance needs." --- While alternative housing solutions are gaining momentum, Croft believes they won't replace traditional homes but rather complement them. "Australia faces the enormous task of delivering 1.2 million new homes over the next five years," he said. "A more diverse housing mix will help meet that target, but it's critical governments work to remove regulatory red tape and provide clear, nationally consistent planning frameworks." Australians are increasingly looking beyond the traditional detached home to meet their housing needs, as affordability pressures, changing lifestyles and sustainability goals drive innovation in the housing sector. Simon Croft, Chief Executive - Industry & Policy at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), said the shift toward alternative housing models reflects a broader rethink about how Australians live. "We're seeing stronger interest in a much wider range of housing options," Croft said. "Kit homes, tiny homes, granny flats, container builds, earthships and fully off-grid homes are all part of a growing landscape that offers flexibility, affordability and choice." The range of alternative housing options in Australia showcases the diverse possibilities of modern home ownership and hints at what the future may look like. Customisable and cost-effective, kit homes are delivered as pre-cut materials, allowing buyers to assemble with minimal construction costs. They also lend themselves well to off-grid living as many can be outfitted with solar panels and rainwater tanks for eco-conscious buyers. "Kit homes are often more affordable to purchase and quicker to build, offering a solution for regional or remote areas where labour shortages or transport costs make conventional builds challenging," Croft said. Often built on trailer platforms, these compact yet efficient dwellings offer mobility and freedom. Despite their small size, they are cleverly designed to maximise storage and functionality and are especially attractive to younger buyers and retirees seeking an affordable, low-maintenance lifestyle. "Tiny homes have captured attention for their low cost of ownership, smaller environmental footprint and suitability for those seeking to simplify or downsize," Croft said. "However, in many areas, planning schemes have not yet caught up to accommodate tiny homes as a mainstream option and they face regulatory challenges." Prefabricated models and innovative designs make these secondary dwellings cost-effective and quick to install. Being self-contained they can serve as guest accommodations, rental investments or independent living spaces for family members. "Granny flats - or secondary dwellings - are increasingly popular as state governments ease restrictions and provide fast-track approvals," Croft said. "They offer multi-generational living options, support ageing-in-place and can generate rental income. They also help maximise land use in areas where new greenfield sites are limited." Repurposing shipping containers into homes is not only sustainable but also offers a modern, industrial aesthetic. Buyers can combine multiple containers to create unique layouts or opt for a single unit for a compact, budget-friendly home. Insulated and weatherproofed, these homes are well-suited to Australia's diverse climate. "Recycled shipping containers offer a flexible, fast construction method with sustainability appeal," Croft said. "But they do require careful design to ensure comfort, insulation and long-term durability, as well as understanding the regulatory requirements controlling their use." Built with natural or recycled materials, these homes often incorporate features like thermal mass construction, solar energy and water harvesting systems. "These homes sit at the leading edge of environmentally sustainable living, aiming for complete water, waste and energy self-sufficiency," Croft said. "They appeal to those wanting to dramatically reduce their footprint, but come with higher upfront costs, site limitations and ongoing maintenance needs." --- While alternative housing solutions are gaining momentum, Croft believes they won't replace traditional homes but rather complement them. "Australia faces the enormous task of delivering 1.2 million new homes over the next five years," he said. "A more diverse housing mix will help meet that target, but it's critical governments work to remove regulatory red tape and provide clear, nationally consistent planning frameworks."
