In the media
Pace of new construction work slows across Asia-Pacific
region
The rate of new construction projects slowed slightly in
the third quarter of 2021, with new infrastructure works making up
falls in new residential and commercial projects, according to a
survey of experts and professionals working in the construction
sector across the Asia-Pacific region by the Royal Institution of
Chartered Surveyors (11 November 2021). More...
Joint statement: Industry to recharge before delivering
massive infrastructure pipeline
Key industry groups involved in delivering the Australian
Government's record $110 billion investment in infrastructure
projects are calling on public and private sectors to close live
procurement processes over the end-of-year holiday period, and
commence new procurement processes on or after Wednesday 5 January
2022 (11 November 2021). More...
Australian and New Zealand professions launch Charter
for Climate Action
Engineers Australia has joined a diverse group of
Australia and New Zealand's most distinguished professional
bodies to officially launch the Global Professional Bodies Climate
Action Charter in Australia and New Zealand (11 November 2021).
More...
Building trades shortage worsens
The HIA Trades Availability Index deteriorated further in
the September 2021 quarter indicating that the industry is
experiencing the most significant skills shortage since the
inception of the Report in 2003 (05 November 2021). More...
Building approvals remained elevated in September
"Detached building approvals continue to suggest
there is still strong demand for housing six months after the
HomeBuilder stimulus ended in March," stated HIA Economist Tom
Devitt (03 November 2021). More...
New South Wales
Darling Harbour to get greener and more connected
A new public park spanning the Western Distributor and
connecting Sydney's CBD to Darling Harbour is part of a $891
million retail and office tower idea for Sydney's famed and
vital Darling Harbour (10 November 2021). More...
$75 million Resources for Regions round eight delivering
projects for mining towns
Mining communities across regional NSW are set to benefit
from infrastructure and programs that will improve economic
opportunities, local amenity and create positive social outcomes,
thanks to Round Eight of Resources for Regions (08 November 2021).
More...
Second contract awarded for tunnel plans
A second contract has been awarded to carry out
investigation work for the feasibility of Australia's longest
road tunnel project as part of the Great Western Highway upgrade
between Katoomba and Lithgow (04 November 2021). More...
New M12 Motorway plans open for public comment
The NSW Government is opening up the new $2 billion M12
Motorway design, place and landscape plans for public consultation.
The M12 project is jointly funded by the Federal Government and NSW
Government on an 80:20 basis, and is expected to support up to
2,400 jobs during construction (03 November 2021). More...
Latest infrastructure grants deliver big boost to
communities
The NSW Government's Infrastructure Grants program is
investing $4.1 million into 41 projects to strengthen local
communities. Minister for Digital and Customer Service Victor
Dominello said the grants would boost the economy, provide local
jobs and help businesses as the State reopens (01 November 2021).
More...
Queensland
Energy Queensland seeks battery suppliers in EOI
Energy Queensland is calling for expressions of interest
from supply companies to be part of a preferred supplier panel, for
possible future supply of large batteries suitable to be connected
to the distribution network (11 November 2021). More...
Interstate tradies build on Sunshine state numbers
Tradies have flocked to the Sunshine State over the past
18 months, with the QBCC experiencing its biggest jump in licensee
numbers in more than five years (11 November 2021). More...
Hidden asbestos danger sparking a warning
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is to use Asbestos
Awareness Week later this month (22-28 November) to show
householders and tradespeople where they can find asbestos in homes
and what they should do to stay safe (09 November 2021). More...
Green light for Spit funding set to boost local
construction
A four-year works program worth $16.95 million has been
approved by the Palaszczuk Government, giving the green light to a
series of job-creating infrastructure projects on The Spit (04
November 2021). More...
Work begins on $850m Brisbane's Yeerongpilly Green
Riverside
Work has begun on the first stage of the $850-million
Yeerongpilly Green Riverside community. The first stage includes 83
apartments, 10 terrace homes, a Woolworths, dining precinct,
commercial offices and retail space. The Yeerongpilly Green
Riverside masterplan includes 1200 homes and 2ha of parkland, and
will create about 6600 construction jobs (04 November 2021).
More...
Victoria
We get knocked down: Melbourne the nation's house
demolition capital
Melbourne has become the knockdown and rebuild capital of
Australia in the past five years, new data from the Australian
Bureau of Statistics reveals, with some suburbs adding four new
homes for each one lost to the wreckers since 2016 (12 November
2021). More...
Construction sector warned of email scams
Building and plumbing practitioners should be on the alert
for cybercriminals targeting construction companies and their
customers, the Victorian Building Authority warns (11 November
2021). More...
Building the long-awaited Melbourne airport rail
Planning and delivery of Melbourne Airport Rail is being
overseen by Rail Projects Victoria, which is also assisting in the
delivery of other major rail infrastructure projects such as the
Metro Tunnel, Sunbury Line Upgrade, Regional Rail Revival and
Geelong Fast Rail (08 November 2021). More...
Practice and courts
HIA Submission
Proposal to increase residential buildings energy
efficiency requirements - consultation RIS
8 November 2021 - HIA has made a substantive submission to the
Australian Building Codes Board Consultation Regulation Impact
Statement (RIS) on the NCC 2022 Energy Efficiency
changes.
Adoption of NCC 2022 to be delayed
The delayed adoption will also see adjustments to key
dates in the amendment cycle process for NCC 2022 to allow
stakeholders time to participate. These adjusted dates
include:
May - July 2021: NCC 2022 Public Comment Draft released for public
consultation
May 2022: NCC 2022 Preview published at ncc.abcb.gov.au
If you have any questions regarding the delayed adoption of NCC
2022, please submit an online enquiry.
New South Wales
Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and
Enforcement Powers) Act orders register
Orders are issued by the Building Commissioner under the
Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers)
Act 2020. The register is updated to 22 October 2021. More...
Dams Safety legislative changes come into effect 1
November
Declared dam owners are reminded that new requirements
under the Dams Safety Act 2014 and Dams Safety Regulation 2019 come
into effect on Monday, 1 November 2021. More...
Guide for design practitioners and engineers
Consult Australia, Engineers Australia and the Australian
Institute of Architects have joined forces to develop the Guide for design practitioners and
engineers to help their members tackle the recent NSW Building Confidence reforms. There are
multiple new obligations on design practitioners, engineers and
building practitioners throughout the life of a building under the
NSW Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 and the Design and
Building Practitioners Regulation 2021.
Infrastructure grants program opens
To be eligible for funding, applications must meet
eligibility conditions including, the project location, the
applicant and project benefit, purpose and development status.
There is also a requirement for local government applicants to
match funding. Applications are open from 1 November to 22 November
2021. More...
Queensland
QBCC: Don't risk being unlicensed
Apply now. If you wait, there may be insufficient time to
process your application by 31 December 2021. Lodge your
application form online with myQBCC
at?my.qbcc.qld.gov.au/s/licence-app For 'how to' use:??myQBCC Mechanical services licence application
user guide or you can complete an?application form (01
November 2021). More...
Next round of QBCC reporting
It's time to start preparing to submit the next round
of QBCC Annual Reporting information. You can submit your
information online via the myQBCC
portal or via the dedicated QBCC form. Contracting
licensees must submit Annual Reporting by the due date: 31 December
2021 - Category 1- 7; 31 March 2022 - SC1
and SC2. No need to wait for the due date, the myQBCC
portal is open and accepting your submission now!
Draft State Infrastructure Strategy
The Queensland Government has released the Draft State Infrastructure Strategy and
the Queensland Government Infrastructure
Pipeline.
The draft vision anticipates the
State's infrastructure needs over the next two decades and will
be supported by seven regional infrastructure plans.
The QGIP is a detailed program of the Government's four-year $52.2 billion
infrastructure spend and also outlines the potential future proposals currently under
consideration by the Queensland Government.
Consultation on the draft strategy closed on 21 October 2021.
Feedback will be used, alongside other engagement, continued
research and further analysis, to inform the final strategy planned
for release in early 2022.
Reminder: Building Industry Fairness (Security of
Payment) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2020
To advise that the commencement of section 125A of the
Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) and Other
Legislation Amendment Act 2020 has been postponed. As a result
of the regulation, section 125A will not commence until late
July 2022. More...
QBCC reminder: Extension to PI insurance cladding
exemption
The Building (Professional Indemnity Insurance) Amendment
Regulation 2020 commenced on 18 September 2020, giving effect to
the extension of the external cladding exclusion. Now, certifiers
can continue to obtain a licence to operate with PI insurance
containing exclusions in relation to non-compliant external
cladding until 30 June 2022. More...
Build-to-Rent update - Approved
projects
The Queensland Government has approved two Brisbane-based
affordable housing projects by developers following a Request for
Detailed Proposals from shortlisted applicants from the Expression
of Interest Phase of the Pilot Project. It is anticipated
construction will commence mid-2021 following the finalisation of
designs for the projects, with operations expected to commence in
2023. More...
Victoria
VBA: Plumbing compliance certificates protect your
work
When plumbing work, including labour, materials,
appliances and fixtures, is valued at $750 or more, plumbers must
issue their customers a signed compliance certificate within five
days of completing the work. The VBA has an online consumer
resource portal with information for anyone who experiences issues
with builders or plumbers. To find a licensed or registered
practitioner, visit here (2021).
VBA: Revised AS/NZS plumbing standards -
transition period
The VBA has applied a transition period for plumbers to
familiarise themselves with revised AS/NZS standards, before they
need to be applied to plumbing practices on 1 September 2022.
More...
VBA: Carpenters selected for first stage of trades
registration
Carpenters will be the first group of trades registered
under Victoria's recently developed trades registration
framework. Provisional registration and licensing for carpenters is
expected to commence in mid-2021. For more information and answers
to frequently asked questions, refer to the Engage Victoria website.
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.