The number of dwellings in Australia approved for construction has risen by 9.3% in October 2010 having previously fallen for six consecutive months, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

ABS revealed that New South Wales saw a 14% rise in dwelling approvals, followed by South Australia with 6.1%, Victoria at 4.6% and Western Australia 2.3%, while Queensland reported fewer dwelling approvals with a 0.7% decrease.

The total value of buildings approved rose by 4.1% in October 2010 in seasonally adjusted terms, while the value of total residential building rose by 8.2% with non-residential building falling by 3.8%.