2014 Master Builders Queensland Magazine Jun-Jul

June/July 2014

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Commonwealth Games

Masterplan revealed

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Contents

3730

574039

volume 51 NUMBER 6

Published by

Master Builders Queensland417 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane Queensland 4000Phone: 3225 6444Fax: 3225 6545Email: [email protected] www.masterbuilders.asn.au

Editor: Christine Barton, [email protected] Graphic Design: Paula Morphew,[email protected]: Ken Lane, Crowther Blayne Media Specialists, 5553 2804,[email protected]: PrintcraftDistribution: Stand and Deliver

Master Builder is the offi cial magazine of MasterrBuilders Queensland. Master Builders is the peak industry association representing building andconstruction in Queensland since 1882. We arethe voice of the industry. Our services support members to operate professional and profi table businesses that deliver superior quality outcomes to their customers.

All advertising and editorial material must adhereto the Master Builders Advertising & EditorialPolicy. A copy of the policy can be found atwww.masterbuilders.asn.au.

Privacy: Master Builders Queensland has adoptedthe Australian Privacy Principles published by theoffi ce of the Australian Information Commissionerand operates in accordance with those principles. A copy of Master Builders privacy policy can be found at www.masterbuilders.asn.au.

Disclaimer: Any advice or information included inthe publication is given in good faith, but strictlyon the understanding that neither Master Buildersnor the Editor or any other person or organisationcontributing to the publication are to incurany responsibility or legal liability whatsoever(including liability for negligence) should theadvice or information be incorrect, incomplete, inappropriate or in any other way defective and allliability is therefore disclaimed. Articles publishedin this magazine do not necessarily refl ect theopinions or policies of Master Builders, its offi cersand staff .

© This publication is copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, copied, stored on a computer, published,broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication,or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium without prior permission from the Queensland Master Builders Association.

Policy & advocacy

13 New infrastructure charges

14 Right of entry reforms

20 Pre-budget slip for housing

fi nance

Feature

16 Hutchies shares renewed

focus on safety

Reports & statistics

19 Building recovery not to be

taken for granted

Building & planning

24 Changes to slip resistance

26 National Construction Code

2014

Projects

32 Commonwealth Games Village

revealed

Health, safety & environment

34 WHSQ campaign results are in

36 Sediment and erosion control

Training & licensing

38 Upskilling for success

Community projects

42 New project to help young

Aussies

Spotlight on

43 Fresh faces for membership

team

Mastering your business

52 Digital divide between SMEs

54 Top tips for tax time

People & events

46 Did your photo make it in?

Front cover: Commonwealth Games masterplan – Grocon

Switching to the Waterstop

Streamline system has been a Switching to the Switching to t

fantastic result for the company.Streamline system hastreamlin y

It ticks all the boxes by being

modern, sleek, easy to install It ticks all the box y gticks all the box y g

and failsafe. sleek, yk, y

Costly repairs associated with

leaking shower trays are now a Costly repairs assCost y p

thing of the past. g shower tr yg show y

Luke Pearce

QLD Construction Manager, Devine Homes

For more information, visit www.waterstopstreamline.com.au

Phone 07 5426 3700

Hear what our customers are saying about Waterstop Streamline

to use Waterstop Streamline.

py g my recommenday g y recomme

It is the only modern looking product that I have seen that positively

y dern looking produy dern looking prod

connects the shower screen to the

n that positivelyat positively

waterproofing in a completely leak free way...

g a compg

Mr Albert Aeberhard Builder, Hotondo Homes Group ACT

Using Waterstop Streamline in all

our shower areas has made life easy Using Waterstop St

for waterproofing and our tilers.ur shower areas has yr shower

They are so simple to install and

always look very professional.hey are so simpy are s p

I recommend to all my clients

to use the Waterstop Streamline I recommen ymm y

system in their shower areas.

Mr Kerry Blake

Director, Blake’s Waterproofi ng

With so many new products

on offer in our industry it With so many new produc

With so many new prod

is difficult to find time to on offer in our industry

on offer in our indust y

investigate them all.

We are very glad we made

time for this one.are very glad w

are veryg

Mr Dennis Wright

Building and Project Manager, Beazley Homes

By using Waterstop Streamline

I know the shower will be using Waterstop

Stusing Waterstop

perfect every time. It has

to be, because this product is perfect every

time. Irfect every

time

designed to dictate place

ment

of all of the other components designed to dict

ate placem

esigned to dictate pla

to make up the complete shower.

It’s virtually impossible to

stuff it up.tually pu y

Mr Glen Whitehead

Managing Director, BJM Developments

rapidly since we started using

y usiness has expanded

y siness has expandedthe Waterstop Streamline

y since we started usi

y since we started hob and now I have tilers voluntarily recommending the

Waterstop system – and me –

tarily recommending th

rily recommendinto other builders.

p system – andp system –

Everyone that uses it loves it.Mr Fred Meddings Managing Director, Watertight Australia

(Waterproofers)

Waterstop Streamline – Why would anyone use anything

else to build a shower?

anyone use anytnyone use anyt

At last someone has got a product together that not only works,

someone has got a producmeone has got

but it looks good and is so easy

g her that not only works,

g that not onfor every trade to work with. It

t looks good and is so easy

t looks good and is so easyeven comes with step by step

y trade to work with. Ik withinstructions on the protective tape.

mes with step by stepmes with step by step

Mr Andrew ShailerAndrew Shailer Tiling

Waterstop is easy to order with efficient delivery.

p y dep y

It has given us the edge on our y

competitors and is our preferred

g dge on ourg g

method of waterproofing and

p preferre

tiling showers.p

IF YOU ARE ONE OF OUR COMPETITORS READING THIS AD

PLEASE IGNORE.

Tony GloverTony Glover Tiling & Waterproofi ng


Proposed changes to the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004 will improve the effectiveness of this legislation and provide a much needed boost to cash fl ow for the building and construction industry.

Announced by the Minister for Housing andPublic Works, The Hon. Tim Mander MP, in April,(see page 7 for his view) the bill includes three key reforms which are strongly supported byMaster Builders.

The three key areas of reform include:

1. The appointment of adjudicators by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

2. A reduction in the timeframes for makingpayment claims after the project has been completed.

3. The introduction of a dual model for largeand complex claims in excess of $750,000.

Master Builders has lobbied on these issues and strongly supports the reforms. Webelieve they will provide fairer processes for the claimant and the respondent, with morerealistic timeframes that assist all parties in thecontractual chain.

The reforms are also important as they reduce the likelihood of ambush claims and provide disincentives for this type of behaviour.

The direct appointment of adjudicators bythe QBCC is also a logical step and eliminates the perception of bias that radiated from the old system. This shift will also allow the appointment of specialised adjudicators based entirely on their skill, experience and nature of the claim.

All in all, these reforms are a win for ourindustry. We look forward to the scrutinythey will undergo in parliament later this year, with the view to their introduction andapplication to all contracts signed after 1September 2014.

Have your say – provide us with feedback

on these issues or others you believe are

impacting the industry right now. Email us at

[email protected].

Grant Galvin

Executive Director

Message from theExecutive Director

Proposed BCIPA changes supported by industry

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Master Builders strongly supports the amendments to the Work Health and Safety Act announced in February by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, The Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP.

The changes will require unions to provide 24 hours’ notice for entry on health and safetygrounds. These changes are consistent withentry for industrial purposes under the FairWork Act and do not prevent unions fromentry to sites provided the correct notice is given.

The current laws were defi cient and union offi cials simply entered sites under the guiseof an alleged health and safety issue withoutany prior notice. Building unions often createdfalse safety issues in the pursuit of other industrial objectives, with site stoppages and

Derek Pingel

President

Message from thePresident

Stronger right of entry laws a positive step

unlawful industrial action taken to put pressureon principal contractors.

The culture of unions sitting everybodydown for minor issues has to stop and theamendments will do this by preventing unionsfrom entering work sites without properauthority or prior notifi cation. They will alsoensure legitimate safety issues are addressed without the need to unnecessarily halt work on construction sites.

Master Builders has been advocating for these changes for some time and believes legitimatesafety issues can be managed onsite with all workers able to cease work if they feel they are exposed to imminent risk. This includes the legal right for any worker to cease work if they believe they are exposed to imminent risk to health.

Workers and contractors can also involve Work Health and Safety Inspectors in the event thatsafety issues cannot be resolved.

Builders will also need to be aware of theirnew obligations under the recently revised Queensland Government Code of Practiceand Implementation Guidelines. The newgovernment agency set up to monitor and report on unlawful industrial action will be directly involved in overseeing compliancewith these amendments.

Master Builders believes these changesare a positive step for the industry and ourcounterparts at Master Builders Australia willbe calling for similar provisions to be adoptedby other state and territory jurisdictions. Formore information on the reforms, see page 14.

Have your say – provide us with feedback

on these issues or others you believe are

impacting the industry right now. Email us at

[email protected].

june/july 14 [ 7 ] mb

The Queensland construction industry has received another boost with the government unveilingchanges that will make the process of resolving disputes fairer and more transparent.

The building and construction industry contributes around $26 billion to Queensland’s economyeach year so it’s essential that we have a fair payment system in place.

The Building and Construction Industry Payments Act (BCIPA) was created in 2004 to provide an talternative way for industry participants to resolve payment disputes, but a recent review found

Tim Mander

Minister for Housing and Public Works

Opinion

BCIPA changes a boost for builders

widespread dissatisfaction with the wayadjudicators were appointed and with whatwas felt to be unreasonable timeframes for responding to claims.

Under the proposed changes, the QueenslandBuilding and Construction Commission will take on the role of registering adjudicators and will appoint them to cases based on their skills, knowledge and experience.

The changes also recognise the diff erencebetween large or complex claims and thesmaller more straightforward ones, by off eringdiff erent timeframes for responding to theseclaims.

In the past a one-size-fi ts-all approach meant the same timeframes applied whether thedispute was over $500 or $5 million.

Under the new rules, respondents to largeor complex claims where the sum involved ismore than $750,000 will be given extra time torespond.

For more information on BCIPA, visit

www.qbcc.qld.gov.au or

www.bcipa.qld.gov.au or you can email any

queries directly to [email protected]

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The dangers of asbestos continue to bepresent in many homes, workplaces and other structures in Queensland, due to the extensive use of asbestos containing materials (ACM) inconstruction between the 1940’s and late 1980’s.

Workers in a broad range of trade-based occupations may be exposed to risk from asbestos fi bres if removal or disturbance is not carried out safely during maintenance, removal,renovation and demolition of asbestos-containing structures.

To minimise the risk of inadvertent exposure to asbestos fi bres at workplaces, domestic premisesand in the natural environment, the QueenslandGovernment developed the Statewide Strategic Plan for the Safe Management of Asbestos inQueensland 2014–2019.

This plan, which was launched on 3 April 2014,provides government with a strategic and coordinated approach to the regulation andmanagement of asbestos in Queensland.

This comprehensive strategy will mean safer workplaces, safer homes and safer communities.

The plan was developed in response to a report from the Queensland Ombudsman on the wayasbestos was being managed and regulatedby State Government departments and local councils. The Ombudsman found there wasa high degree of confusion and a lack of planning and coordination at both the state and local government level.

Right now, the handling of asbestos complaintsand issues is administered by four diff erent StateGovernment departments, 77 local councils and numerous other government agencies.

A simple agreement over who does what clears

the way for faster, more eff ective responses and that’s just one piece of our overhaul.

The report recommended that a whole-of-government strategic plan for themanagement and regulation of asbestosbe developed by the agencies with responsibilities for asbestos.

The Strategic Plan sets out initiatives to be achieved by the government over the life of theplan, which fall in one of three priority areas.

The fi rst priority is to minimise the risk of exposure to asbestos, by ensuring that regulation is robustand eff ective. The second is to provide seamlessand integrated government service deliveryby ensuring there is clarity about the roles andresponsibilities of each government agency; and the third is to improve community education andawareness about asbestos, by providing accurate, clear and consistent information.

Better education will also be a major part of this new strategy. A range of educationalmaterials will be rolled out, including aseries of short fi lms which will explain to businesses and DIY home renovators theirlegal obligations for managing and removingasbestos containing materials.

There will be no excuse in the future for people disposing of asbestos illegally or not having the correct licenses or safety equipment. Those who don’t comply will face consequences.

Other initiatives include:

• A review of the suitability of existingpenalties and enforcement tools availableto WHS inspectors

• Strengthening the administration of asbestos licensing, including a process

for suspending or cancelling an asbestos licence where a licence holder contravenesthe legislation

• Create a public online register of WHSasbestos license holders so Queenslanderscan check the licensing and compliance records of contractors

• Publish a register of waste sites that acceptasbestos material.

The Strategic Plan will be supported by a Multi-agency Asbestos Incident ResponseMemorandum of Understanding, which setsout how state government agencies and local governments with responsibilities for asbestoswill respond to and manage asbestos incidents.

It provides examples of situations and which agency will take the lead in responding to the situation.

For example, where a renovation at a house conducted by a builder results in asbestosdebris, Workplace Health and SafetyQueensland will be the lead agency to takeaction against the worker, and the local counciland the Department of Health may also beinvolved to determine the public health risks.

Together the Strategic Plan and Memorandumof Understanding will reduce gaps and overlaps in government responses, reducing the risk of exposure to asbestos and improvingsafety outcomes for Queensland.

The state government is committed to makingQueensland workplaces the safest in Australia and this new strategy will go a long way toachieving that.

For more information on the strategy, visit

www.qld.gov.au/asbestos, or call 13 QGOV.

Jarrod Bleijie

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice

Opinion

Launch of the Statewide Strategic Plan for the Safe Management of Asbestos in Queensland 2014–2019


Since the election of the Abbott government,Master Builders Australia has been clear thatthere is no magic wand the government canwave over the economy.

Rather, we urged the government to take theopportunity to change the policy narrative of the previous six years and put the economyon the right path so that the building and construction industry can be confi dent in their ability to build profi table businesses andcreate jobs in the long term. But we also set the crucial test that the roadmap to structural budget repair must not be at the expenseof home-buyers, investors and businessconfi dence.

In a budget that is broadly positive for ourindustry, the federal government has mostlypassed these tests – but not without pain.

The Infrastructure Growth Package announcedin the Federal Budget will result in $50 billion being spent on major roads and some freight rail projects in Queensland. Thisincludes funding for new projects and will fast track completion of those already in the pipeline. The package will support billionsin construction work and is a particularlywelcome budget outcome.

Unfortunately, roads are not all our industryneeds. Master Builders is calling on the government to ensure that infrastructureinvestment is broadened to include urban infrastructure in the post-budget period.

We have also been front and centre in pointing out the negatives for our industryfrom the budget. Master Builders Australia isdeeply concerned about the negative impactof several initiatives for the building andconstruction industry.

The cessation of funding for the National Rental Aff ordability Scheme (NRAS) is

disappointing and we are calling on the government to work closely with our industryto fi nd more eff ective ways to tackle the lack of housing supply.

The cessation of funding for the Tools For Your Trade program is also disappointing, althoughto some degree is off set by the Trade SupportLoans for apprentices.

The phasing out of skills programs like theApprenticeship Mentoring Program and theNational Workforce Development Fund is another disappointment which will place pressure on the government to implement a viable apprenticeship reform program toguarantee a skilled workforce for the future.

The increase in the fuel levy will also drive up costs for the industry.

So while our industry understands the needfor reforms to ensure that, as a community,we live within our means, we are looking forthe government to answer the questions the budget raises.

The reality for our industry is that when business, home buyers and investors areconfi dent, they build; when confi dence is missing, they don’t.

This has important implications for the economy, as the building and constructionindustry is a key driver of investment. Boosting the confi dence of home buyers, investors and business will help grow a stronger economy sowe are better placed to meet the challengesahead of us.

But while the government’s spending prioritiesare vital to the health of the economy, so tooare other policy measures which address policy challenges facing the economy, business andthe community, which fi scal policy can’t fi x.

The Federal Budget by itself cannot fi x our

housing aff ordability and supply problem. Onlystructural reform which sees the regulatoryimpediments and tax burdens removed, canachieve this.

The Federal Budget also won’t fi x our industrialrelations problems – only fundamental reformsto the Fair Work Act can.t

The Federal Budget alone cannot help thethousands of small businesses in our industry fl ourish – we are relying on micro economic reforms that cut red tape and lift the burden of regulation to do that.

Reforms to cut red and green tape are alsoimportant in this context, but together withMaster Builders Queensland, we want tosee the federal government working morecohesively with the states to lighten the burden of regulation.

Master Builders Australia is working closelywith Master Builders Queensland and pressing the Abbott government to put in place the reforms necessary to achieve these outcomes.

Tinkering at the edges can only ever beregarded as a short term, structural reform.Structural reforms are diffi cult but necessaryif our industry is going to grow the economy, employ more people and provide more aff ordable housing and better infrastructurefor our community.

Only strong, profi table, fl ourishing businessescan create wealth and jobs for the nation.

Wilhelm Harnisch

Chief Executive Offi cerMaster Builders Australia

Opinion

How the Federal Budget will impact building and construction


News

Revitalised onlinesearch working harder for members

The Find a Master Builder search is an online search facility designed to match consumers who are rlooking to build or renovate with Master Builders’ members. After receiving feedback from search users and members, the site recently underwent a refresh that makes it much easier to use.

What’s changed?The entire site has been overhauled, with a much more visually pleasing design now in place. Thebiggest change to the search facility is that users are no longer required to complete their details. The previous search, which required a lengthy registration process and produced a limited listof members, reduced the number of ‘tyre kickers’, but it also proved to be a barrier to using thesearch.

For users, the search is now a simple process of entering the postcode and some simple detailsabout the job. The search fi lter then generates a random list of all members who fi t the searchcriteria. Users can choose to contact as many (or as few) builders or tradies as they wish.

Registering for the searchAll members are not automatically registered for the search. For privacy reasons, you must opt-in for your details to appear. If you haven’t registered, you can follow these simple steps to ensureyou are not missing out on potential jobs.

1. Log in to Master Builders’ website (if youhaven’t got a password, you must generate one fi rst) at www.masterbuilders.asn.au/my-details

2. Once you are logged in, click on ‘My

details’ and ‘Update my Find a Master

Builder details’.

3. Agree for your details to be listed in

the search by choosing ‘Yes’ in the drop

down menu.

4. Complete your contact details and

register for the search categories and

locations relevant to you. You can choosemultiple categories, but you must hold the correct licence to work in all of thesecategories. You must also be willing to work in any locations you nominate for – please don’t register for locations that are outside your immediate vicinity if you aren’tprepared to perform work there. Master Builders will verify these details before your listing is made live.

5. Click submit. Once you submit, Master Builders will verify and approve your listing.

It’s that easy! Already registered for the search?

If you are already registered for the search,there is nothing you need to do – the changes do not impact the type of work or locations you are registered for. However, it is a goodopportunity to check your registration detailsto ensure they are still correct. Follow theinstructions above to check that your listingremains current.

For more information about the

Find a Master Builder search, call 1300 30 50 10

or visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au

A recent refresh of Master Builders’ online member search facility has improved navigation for users and ensures it works harder for members who are registered for work.


Changes to credit reporting

The new Credit Reporting Privacy Code was introduced in May 2014 and has the potential to disadvantage small and micro businesses in the building and construction industry. Infact, if you are more than fi ve days late on arepayment, you may be at risk of having ablack mark on your credit history.

Missed payments on a credit card or loan may now be recorded on your credit record for two years. This can have a signifi cant impact on your business and your ability to raise money when needed.

The new credit reporting standards make more information available to lenders to assesscredit worthiness of applicants. Previously, only signifi cant events such as defaults andbankruptcies, were recorded. However, from12 March 2014 the comprehensive credit reporting system will also include positive events, such as a record of payments on a loan.

This additional information will enable fi nancialinstitutions to closer assess your capacity torepay loans.

Unfortunately, the building industry mentality of ‘paid when paid’ may now have a negative impact on applications for a credit card, trade account, overdraft, investment loan or home loan.

The previous industry practice of paying a bitlate wouldn’t have aff ected your credit rating, with only a long string of missed payments or a default showing on your credit report.

Some research suggests that by collectingthis new, additional credit information, some borrowers in non-traditional occupations may have increased access to credit rather thanmaking access to loans harder.

With up to one in ten people missing apayment in January or February for more than fi ve days, this alone is unlikely to aff ect

Managing your cash fl ow to avoid problems with your credit history just became more important following recent changes to the Privacy Act.

the credit rating of someone who otherwisehas a good record. However, consistent latepayments of credit cards, loans and overdrafts will impact on your record.

Payments on bills for mobile phones, gasand electricity are not included in the newcomprehensive reporting standards, althoughdefaults, i.e. a payment of more than $150 thatis at least 60 days overdue and for which you have been served with at least two noticesrequiring payment, are included.

A free copy of your credit report is available toyou each year. The credit reporting body mustprovide your credit report within 10 days of your request for free. The main credit reporting bodies in Australia include:

• Dun & Bradstreet (Check Your Credit) –www.checkyourcredit.com.au or 1300 734 806

• Experian Australia Credit Services – www.experian.com.au or 1300 784 134

• Veda – www.veda.com.au

For more information on the new reporting

standards, visit www.creditsmart.org.au

News

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Industry groups help guide building reforms

Last year the Queensland Government formed the Queensland Building and ConstructionCommission (QBCC) and revealed a 10 point action plan to overhaul the industry watchdog.

Minister for Housing and Public Works, Tim Mander, said it was important that relevant stakeholderswere involved in the reform process.

“The reforms in our 10 point action plan represent the biggest change to the industry regulator in more than 20 years so it’s important we keep contractors and consumers involved every step of theway,” Mr Mander said.

“Unlike the Labor Party, the LNP Government is committed to cutting red tape and unleashing thefull potential of the construction sector.”

Industry Reference Group members include the Housing Industry Association, Master Builders,Master Plumbers and Engineers Australia.

The Consumer Reference Group includes the Insurance Council of Australia, Ethnic Communities

Consumer groups and industry peak bodies will have the opportunity to contribute to the reform of the building industry in Queensland to help realise the full potential of the sector.

News

Council of Queensland, the QueenslandConsumer’s Association and the Offi ce of Fair Trading.

The Industry Reference Group providedits members with a great opportunity to contribute to the policy debate on issues that have a major impact on builders and tradecontractors across Queensland.

The Government’s reform agenda would result in signifi cant changes to contractor licensing,Home Warranty Insurance, building contracts,and the way disputes are resolved.

The Industry Reference Group gives usconfi dence that we have the ear of the QBCC and allows us to work with the QBCC in shaping the policy and legislation that willfollow.

From the fi rst meeting, it’s clear that the QBCCis keen to fi x many problems that have plagued the industry over the past decade.

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New infrastructure charges

Since July 2011, local government charges for trunk infrastructure (water, sewerage, transport,stormwater, parks & recreation) have been capped.

For example, the charge for one and two bedroom dwellings was $20,000; three bedroomdwellings $28,000; offi ces $140/m² GFA; retail $180/m² GFA.

While the current capped charges have not been reduced, the outcome is still positive forthe building industry. Where councils opt in to the new regime, infrastructure charges for builders/developers will drop by 10% and 15% respectively for residential and non-residentialdevelopment. However, the sticking point is whether councils opt in to the new regime.

One of the key elements in the new regime is a revised defi nition of the trunk infrastructure that councils can charge for – dams, ferry terminals and park facilities are now excluded, although councils will still be able to charge for what is defi ned as ‘essential infrastructure’.

Independent analysis demonstrates that with a narrower defi nition of essential infrastructure the capped charges should be lowered.

But rather than forcing councils to reduce the current charges (Master Builders’ position), the stategovernment intends to entice them to opt in to a new regime, by providing access to funds forselective infrastructure projects.

For several years, Master Builders has been pushing government to reduce the current level of charges, with Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney recently announcing a new regime to commence from 1 July 2014.

Policy & advocacyPaul Bidwell – Deputy Executive Director

Councils that opt in to the new regime, aswell as accessing additional funding for infrastructure projects, will be restricted inwhat they can charge builders/ developers for trunk infrastructure.

The new charges are less than the currentcapped charges. For example, $15,000 and $18,000 for one and two bedroom dwellings(compared to $20,000); $25,200 for a threeor more bedroom dwelling (compared to $28,000), $119/m² for commercial offi ce developments (compared to $140/m²); $153/m² GFA for retail (compared to $180/m²).

Councils that do not opt in to the new regimewill not be able to access this new funding but they will be able to continue with the current, higher capped charges.

The state co-funding will only apply to projectsthat can be demonstrated as generating or facilitating major economic development. Builders/developers will also be able to apply for the co-funding – another win for the industry.

On the face of it, this new regime is good news for the industry, providing all councilsopt in. However, it is likely that some councils (perhaps most) will baulk at opting in to thenew regime given the lack of detail about howit will work. For example, the criteria for thestate government to assess proposals, how theco-funding will work, how much is on off er and the timeframe for deciding to opt into the new regime.

For more information, contact

Master Builders on 3225 6419 or

email [email protected]


Policy & advocacy

Recent reforms to laws surrounding right of entry for union permit holders demonstrate that access to sites is a privilege and not an unconditional right.

Master Builders’ role and recognition as the leading organisation for the building industrywas confi rmed by the recent changes to the work health and safety (WHS) union right of entry laws in Queensland.

By any measure, Master Builders’ advocacy eff orts have resulted in the crucial reformsto right of entry laws, which will ensure

fairer and more equitable workplaces for allconcerned.

Introduced in April 2014 by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, The Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP, the changes includeamendments to the Workplace Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld), including a requirement for union permit holders to provide 24-

RIGHT of entry reforms

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Policy & advocacy

hour written notice to the person with management and control of the workplace (typically the builder) and the person conducting abusiness or undertaking (PCBU – the subcontractor), before entering a construction site.

The new laws prevent union permit holders from entering worksiteswithout proper authority or prior notifi cation.

Mr Bleijie said the WHS reforms restored balance to the system,protecting workers from unsafe practices and employers from militant industrial activity.

“Under these reforms, construction unions will also no longer be able touse loopholes in the system to force their way onto worksites and lock workers out,” Mr Bleijie said.

Previously, union permit holders could access sites at will, without noticeand with little details as to the alleged safety reason for entry. Buildingunions often created spurious safety issues in the pursuit of otherindustrial objectives, with site stoppages and unlawful industrial actiontaken to put pressure on principal contractors.

These are serious issues that require leadership and commitment toforge change.

Master Builders’ submissions to the state government and theParliamentary Committee to review the draft laws were forthright aboutensuring legitimate safety issues could be addressed, without the needto unnecessarily halt work on construction sites.

In doing so the organisation faced intense hostility from building unionswho had, under the previous laws, enjoyed almost unchecked access tobuilding sites.

“Last year a major contractor and its employees lost 42 days of work dueto illegal strike activity in the fi rst year of their enterprise agreement,” MrBleijie said.

“WHS inspectors have responded to 57 right of entry disputes since July 2011 and found the majority of the safety issues raised were notimmediate or imminent risks to workers.

“While a Royal Commission into union governance and corruption, recently announced by the federal government, will shine a light on similar problems, our reforms put Queensland ahead of the game intackling them.”

Master Builders believes legitimate safety issues can be managed onsite and this includes the legal right for any worker to cease work if theybelieve they are exposed to imminent risk to health.

The follow-through on this important reform is already evident.

Master Builders has assisted state government agencies in identifyingcompliance issues in respect to current enterprise agreements. This inputhas ensured there is consistency in advice on the new requirements.

Companies covered by the National and State Codes of Practice and Guidelines must comply with those provisions as they relate to right of entry procedures or risk the ability to tender for future government work.

These discussions have also enabled Master Builders to prepare accuratefact sheets, checklists and training packages to assist members inadministering the new right of entry requirements.

For more information about the right of entry reforms, contact

Master Builders on 3225 6407 or email

[email protected]


Hutchies shares a renewed focus on safety

The critical incident occurred in 2010 on a Hutchinson Builders construction site and saw them enter into an Enforceable Undertaking with the Queensland Government. This signifi cant incidentaff ected many members of the Hutchinson Builders’ worker family and as such, their commitmentto providing safe workplaces for their workforce has never been stronger.

Since then, with collaboration from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland and industry bodies like Master Builders, they have produced a DVD and guide available for use by industry, in thehope that other contractors can also make safety, particularly when working at heights, a priorityand ensure the risk of this kind of incident is minimised.

Hutchinson Builders’ employee, Jimmy Walsh, was injured after falling when they were the principal contractor engaged to refurbish a bowling alley south of Brisbane. The bowling alley

After a critical incident on site in 2010 that saw one of their workers severely injured, Hutchinson Builders has emerged with a renewed company focus on safety when working at heights and delivered a valuable educational tool that will benefi t the entire industry.

Feature

was to be converted into a Supa IGA plus eightspeciality shops.

The scope of works entailed soft demolitionof the existing building, bricklaying, civil construction, plumbing, electrical, multiplefi nishing trades and roof works. Extensiveworks to the existing roof structure were required as a part of the initial construction phase which involved re-sheeting, fl ashing and general roof rectifi cation works.

How the incident occurredOn the day of the incident workers at theconstruction project were carrying out tasks onthe roof of the existing complex. In the course of this work Jimmy Walsh fell three metres through a pre-existing skylight to the concretefl oor below.

The working environment consisted of an


Feature

existing roof, a new roof structure, which hadalready been constructed at a lower level, but was attached to the existing roof and a second existing roof, which adjoined the existing roof and contained three skylights.

Hutchinson Builders’ workers were cleaningthe existing roof on the original building inpreparation for the construction of the fl ashingsubstrate. During this process, Jimmy, who was one of the workers on the roof, stumbled and, in an attempt to regain balance, steppedbackwards onto a pre-existing skylight. As aresult of this sudden impact the skylight broke, and he fell approximately three metres to theconcrete fl oor below.

The investigationA thorough investigation established that a number of factors contributed to the incident, including that the skylight had suff ereddegradation due to old age, weather impactsand overhanging trees. An assessment of the skylight’s integrity was not carried outprior to the roof works. The other factor thatimpacted the situation was inadvertence in not identifying the possible risks associated with working in proximity to skylights made of brittle materials.

The risks associated with weathered skylightshave generally been overlooked by industry. However, typically ageing skylights are brittleand fragile. As a result, work was performed around the skylights without any additionalcontrol measures being implemented.

Unfortunately, Hutchinson Builders, in thisinstance, failed to foresee the risks associatedwith the existing skylights and therefore didnot implement adequate controls.

Avoiding this scenario in the futureImmediately following the incident,Hutchinson Builders fi tted ply boxes overthe three existing skylights and removed the skylights from the roof structure. As a long-term solution for the project, metal fl ashingwas placed over the penetrations. Further to this, Hutchinson Builders’ Safe Work MethodStatement for working at heights was amendedto include the assessment and identifi cation of brittle roofi ng materials, and this risk is now assessed on all relevant projects.

New safety education materials Hutchinson Builders’ Health & Safety team,in conjunction with its Training & Workforce Development team, have since developed 11 internal Health & Safety Training modulestargeted at high risk areas – these moduleswere rolled out company-wide during March

2013. The team then ensures training occurs on an as required basis in accordance with theHutchinson Builders’ ‘Training Needs Analysis’ and corporate procedures.

This key deliverable has helped to ensure that Hutchinson Builders’ staff understand and identify all risks on its construction projects, and implements appropriate control measures in accordancewith their Health and Safety Management System.

Hutchinson Builders also engaged a Brisbane-based interactive learning company to create an industry guide and DVD, Safe Work on Roofs, which is now available.

To demonstrate our support of this important initiative Master Builders has 100 free copies

of the DVD and guide available for industry. Call Master Builders on 3225 6517 or email

[email protected] to request your copy.

This signifi cant incident aff ected many members

of the Hutchinson Builders’ worker family and

as such, their commitment to providing safe

workplaces for their workforce has never been

stronger.


Minimise risk and improve safety at your worksite. Take advantage of Master Builders’ team of industry expertswho can provide specialist advice and assistance in:

• Safety management plans

• Workplace plans and contractor work method statements

• Documentation, reporting and records

• Emergency planning and incidentmanagement

• Management of subcontractors

• Hazardous substances and personal protectiveequipment

• Site set-up including amenities, boundaryprotection and signage

• Plant and equipment.

Let Master Builders assist you to make WH&S

a priority• Tradies have a 3rd highest risk of serious

workplace injury*

• Contruction is always in Australia’s top 4 most high-risk industries*

Get your complimentary DVD guide to a

‘Safe work at Heights’ site.

Call 3225 6517 e [email protected]

MB-

1853

3 0

5-14

This service is off ered as part of your membership. Make the most of it today.*Hutchinson Builders, Safe work on roofs, 2008–2011© 2ae

Jimmy’s story – it can happen to anyone

Feature

Jimmy Walsh was the Hutchinson Builders’ employeewho fell three metres – but was fortunate to live to tellthe tale. Tragically, other workers in this scenario havenot been so lucky. However, despite this luck, recovery and rehabilitation have been a long, hard and oftenpainful road for Jimmy.

Jimmy sustained multiple injuries as a result of hisfall, including a traumatic brain injury, skull fractures,ear canal fractures, collar bone and shoulder bladefractures, loss of taste and smell, fractured ribs andinternal bleeding. Almost three years since the incident, Jimmy has been left with an acquired brain injury which inhibits his short term memory, abilityto return to driving and the workplace and hassignifi cantly impacted his family life.

Jimmy spent four months in the PA Hospital BrainInjury Rehabilitation Unit and has continued with carers, occupational therapists, and physiotherapy since the injury. Jimmy will never return to work on a construction site in a full time capacity; however, with incredible support from his wife, Monica, andregular contact with the team at Hutchinson Builders, he currently works four hours a week at HutchinsonBuilders’ School of Construction on the Gold Coast, educating students about his injury and previousexperiences.

With the support of his wife, Monica, Jimmy educates students at the Hutchinson Builders’ School of Construc on about his injury and previous experiences.


Building recovery not to be taken for granted

A 3.3% drop in the total number of dwellings approved in Queensland from 2,959 in February2014 to 2,861 in March 2014 (seasonallyadjusted) is a timely reminder that the building recovery cannot be taken for granted.

This is the second consecutive month wherebuilding approvals have fallen away.

A slump in approvals for multi-unit dwellingswas largely responsible for the March drop,with the sector struggling to maintain the highlevels achieved in the later part of last year.

While Master Builders still retains a positive outlook for the industry for 2014 and beyond,we are viewing this faltering in approvals as an early warning for the pipeline of newconstruction work, and are looking to thestate government for support as it fi nalises the budgets in this month.

We see new housing construction as being unduly weighed down by governmenttaxes and charges and believe all levels of government must address this issue if we are

The latest building approvals fi gures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics for March reveal a faltering of new construction work.

Reports & statisticsPaul Bidwell – Deputy Executive Director

serious about ensuring the construction sectoris the driver of long-term economic growth.

At a regional level, the south east cornercontinues to be the centre of construction activity. Far North Queensland was the stand out performer in March, coming off a very low basein anticipation of future tourism investment.

Region Mar 13 Feb 13 Mar 14% change

Feb 14 to Mar 14

% change

Feb 14 to Mar 14

Brisbane 1,200 1,307 1,307 8% 18%

Gold Coast 450 187 377 102% -16%

Sunshine Coast 127 237 212 -11% 67%

Darling Downs & South West Qld 119 173 190 10% 60%

Burnett Wide Bay 83 140 102 -27% 23%

Central Qld 259 107 85 -21% -67%

Mackay & Whitsunday 312 150 82 -45% -74%

North Qld 131 260 104 -60% -21%

Far North Qld 40 74 84 14% 110%


Pre-budget slip for housing fi nance

Housing fi nance data showed a 2% drop in the number of dwellings fi nanced in Queensland, from 10,074 in February 2014 to 9,857 in March2014 (seasonally adjusted).

While these fi gures actually translate to a 1%increase over the March 2014 quarter anda 10.3% increase on the March 2013 quarter (which puts the industry in a stronger position than last year), this recent drop is a timely reminder that we cannot take the housingrecovery for granted.

Despite the disappointing monthly result, Master Builders is still positive about the outlook for the housing sector. However,the focus is now fi rmly on the QueenslandGovernment as it puts the fi nishing toucheson the state budget to be announced in June2014.

The lack of demand for new construction has been keenly felt by contractors in the residential and commercial sectors right acrossthe state. The most recent Master Builders’ Survey of Industry Conditions again highlights a lacklustre level of demand as the number oneconstraint on the industry.

Master Builders applauds the QueenslandGovernment’s progress in reforming thestate’s property, development assessment and planning systems together with facilitatingmajor projects. A number of eff ective stepshave already been taken to reduce the cost of construction in the housing sector, including scrapping the mandatory requirements forrainwater tanks and greenhouse effi cient hot water systems in new homes.

While signifi cant progress in driving building activity has been made, more needs to be done to ensure the construction sector is asignifi cant driver of the Queensland economy

– and Master Builders will be looking formeasures in the budget that drive activity inboth sectors.

Housing sectorFor the residential sector this means shiftingdemand for housing away from established tonew construction. New housing construction continues to be weighed down unduly by government taxes and charges. A report by URBIS in 2011 found that government taxesand charges account for 14 to 16% of an infi ll

A slight drop in the latest housing fi nance fi gures reinforces that the Queensland Government must consider the building and construction industry in the State Budget 2014.

Policy & advocacy

development and 17 to 22% of a greenfi eld development. This also distorts housing investment decisions in favour of existing houses, further pushing up house prices.

One of the levers that the state government has control of is transfer duty. Transfer duties discourage the turnover of housing and distort choices between renting and buying. Master Builders believes that changes are necessary to lower this burden and refocus housing demand.

Now is the time to look to signifi cant changesto the transfer duty arrangements for all new residential development (detached orattached/multi-unit):

• Transfer duty should only be paid once on the land.

• The cost of construction should be exemptfrom transfer duty.

Commercial sectorFor the commercial sector, Master Buildershas called on the Queensland Government to increase capital investment. Increasedgovernment expenditure in infrastructure and other capital assets at this time is important as the industry moves out of the resource investment boom. It will help smooth the damaging swingsof chronic under and overinvestment, especiallyin regional Queensland.

Master Builders acknowledges that forgoing transfer duty revenue and providing additionalfunding for the capital program is problematic for the 2014–15 State Budget, particularlygiven the challenges the government faces in repairing the state’s balance sheet. However, these measures must be considered a priorityin the interests of stimulating economic growth and employment.

To fund these initiatives Master Builders supports the government divesting itself of assets and channelling the revenue from these sales into expenditure on infrastructureand other capital works across the state. They are vital for increasing demand for new construction and creating a wave of investment and jobs. They will also ensure Queensland willalso be in a stronger position to attract more investment from interstate and overseas.

For more information, download a copy

of Master Builders’ pre-budget submission

at masterbuilders.asn.au/publications-and-

resources/policy-submissions,

call 1300 30 50 10 or email

[email protected]

Don’t leave steel compliance

to chance.

• Whether you’re an engineer, certifier, builder or supplier – using and signing off on non-compliant steel is simply a chance that’s not worth taking.

• If the integrity of your structure fails, loss of reputation and financial liability could just be the beginning of your problems.

• Building with steel that appears less expensive could also mean it doesn’t comply with Australia/New Zealand Standards for construction.

• ACRS Certificates of Product Compliance help check compliance to Australian/New Zealand Standards and the Building Codes.

• How do you know your building or construction is safe if you don’t know if the materials are compliant?

• Understanding how you can protect yourself is critical. You have the power to refuse to use non-compliant steel.

• So ask yourself this – is it worth building without an ACRS certificate?

It’s not a risk worth taking.

Contact ACRS on (02) 9965 7216 or [email protected] or visit www.steelcertification.com


Confi dence levels remained high despite a climate of weaker employment and consumer sentiment, and the reality of the end of the resources boom in some regional areas. Despite the challenging economic conditions in the residential and commercial sectors, it is very reassuring to see that a relatively high level of confi dence has been maintained for over six months.

Conditions in the residential and commercial sectors improved during the March quarter although they are still far from satisfactory, particularly for commercial builders across the state, who are dealing with the continued wind down in public expenditure and the ongoing softening in resources-related activity.

Activity in both of these sectors was constrained by weak demand and the risk-averse attitude of many consumers and businesses – with regional areas particularly hard hit. Unfortunately, there is still a worryingly high proportion of businesses reporting lower levels of

work in progress, with turnover and profi tability declining over the quarter.

The results reinforce Master Builders’ view that a building recovery cannot be taken for granted. While a positive outlook for the building industry for 2014 and beyond is maintained, Master Builders is still calling on state government support as the state budget is fi nalised and announced in June. See page 20 for more details on Master Builders’ pre-budget submission.

Consideration must be given to the construction industry, which plays an essential role in any return to times of economic growth. Not only does each dollar invested in new housing have a multiplier eff ect to the rest of the economy, the construction industry is the number one provider of full-time jobs in Queensland. This latest survey demonstrates that the industry is still struggling and jobs continue to be lost, with 27% of businesses reporting a reduction in the size of their workforce.


Confi dence remains high despite softening of building approvalsMaster Builders’ Survey of Industry Conditions for the March 2014 quarter revealed that builders remain optimistic about what lies ahead, despite a softening in the construction work pipeline seen in March building approvals numbers from the Australian Bureau of Statistics.



Other key points from the survey included very few businesses reporting skills shortages andthe most critical constraint on business growthbeing the lacklustre level of demand – which has been the biggest drag on the constructionindustry since the June 2011 quarter.

Regional summaryAs in the previous quarter, most of the keybusiness benchmarks, including profi tability and work levels, were less than satisfactoryacross nearly all regions of the state. The south east corner continues to lead the way,albeit at a more modest level than in theprevious December 2013 quarter. The resourceregions of Mackay & Whitsunday and Central Queensland continued to struggle as mininginvestment and activity continues to fall.

The key constraints across most regions wereonce again the level of demand, planningapproval processes, and fi nance availabilityand cost. Labour costs are a growing areaof concern, especially in regions with a lessfl exible labour market, dominated by the resource sector. Central Queensland andFar North Queensland also dealt with achallenging Queensland summer.

Despite the challenges, respondents from across much of the state retain a positive outlook for the future.

Master Builders’ Survey of Industry Conditions

report provides information and analysis

on industry expectations and business

performance, based on a survey of Master

Builders’ members across Queensland. For

copies of the reports, visit www.masterbuilders.

asn.au/publications-and-resources/reports-

and-statistics

Region

Building

industry

outlook

Turnover Profi t EmploymentAverage

wages

Capital

expenditure

Level of

work

Brisbane 66.0 50.7 50.7 47.5 52.7 56.4 47.6

Gold Coast 69.7 53.2 43.6 46.0 46.3 52.8 42.0

Sunshine Coast 68.0 52.4 48.8 49.3 49.3 49.3 51.8

Darling Downs and South West Queensland 66.9 50.8 49.2 51.6 54.2 54.8 49.3

Burnett Wide Bay 54.8 41.7 38.5 34.1 40.0 36.9 44.8

Central Queensland 51.3 39.5 36.8 42.2 48.4 41.7 38.9

Mackay 46.0 29.0 28.2 31.3 39.8 36.6 29.8

North Queensland 52.8 36.5 37.8 30.5 36.4 34.8 34.5

Far North Queensland 63.8 40.0 38.2 42.4 50.0 48.0 31.8

Queensland 62.9 46.6 44.9 44.0 48.6 46.3 44.5

Hot topic: non-conforming productsThis quarter’s hot topic sought to determinethe extent and nature of non-conformingproducts in the building industry supply chain.

Non-conforming products do not meet regulatory, Australian or industry standards.They are not fi t for purpose, are not of acceptable quality, contain false or misleadingclaims or are counterfeit.

Master Builders has been receiving regular reports of the widespread proliferation of non-conforming products across the builder supply chain. The survey results confi rm that non-conforming products are a signifi cant problemin the building industry.

Just over 40% of respondents reported that they have had experience with non-conforming products on their projects. Fortunately, the issue is still rare, with only 1.7% of respondents coming across non-conforming products regularly.

Non-conforming products were most likely to be sourced from Australian based retailers. 50.8% from large retailers such as a Bunnings or Masters and 30.2% from a specialistconstruction industry supplier.

While anecdotally the problem is often reportedas being one of ‘cheap imports’, this is not the whole story, with 15% of respondents reportingthat the non-conforming product was purchased directly from an Australian manufacturer.

The problem is far reaching with non-conforming products being found across everybuilding product category. The two mostcommon areas were plumbing and drainage and metal fi xings (screws, bolts, etc.). Worryingly,electrical non-conforming products, which are heavily regulated through the ElectricalEquipment Safety System, were also common.

In the majority of cases, the builder or the trade contractor is left with the responsibility

for rectifying any problems that arise as a resultof non-conforming products. Rarely is themanufacturer held responsible.

Strategies to minimise risk

The extent to which builders have been able to limit their exposure to non-conforming productrisk is in part the result of a conservativeapproach to product procurement. A signifi cantmajority manage risk by seeking to stay withthe same suppliers for the same products and almost 20% of respondents regularly seek out new products and new suppliers. A growingprevalence of non-conforming products in the market place could be expected to increasethis conservatism, limiting opportunities forinnovation and effi ciency gains.

The majority of respondents also reported that they operated a detailed checking process as a means of managing their risk exposure. This ranged from formal quality assurance processes to individual builders personallychecking everything that comes on site. Thisadds time and cost to the build project andrelies heavily on the experience and know-how of the builder or trade contractor.

Another strategy is to seek to manage the liability. Many respondents required thatmanufacturers, suppliers and trade contractorsprovide guarantees and warranties that allmaterials supplied are to Australian Standards.Similarly, many are placing their trust in the accreditation markings and certifi cationpaperwork that accompanies products.

A number of respondents are relying on government regulators such as the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC)and the Offi ce of Fair Trading as well as relevantindustry associations (such as Master Buildersand Master Electricians) to notify them of anynon-conforming products.

Nearly a third of respondents are exposed tosignifi cant risk with no system in place to check for non-conforming products.


Slip resistance – transitional changes 2014–15

In the past, individuals were left to make uptheir own minds on what the terms mightmean or how they were applied. Over time thishas caused confusion, resulting in expensive solutions or unsafe situations, causing injuriesand potential liability for the contractor.

Clarifi cation was obviously necessary and the revised Australian Standard AS 4586 – 2013 Slip resistance classifi cation of new pedestriansurface materials will now become a referenced standard within the BCA to address this issueand make clear the testing and classifi cationrequirements.

As a contractor it is important that youunderstand the new means to quantify slipresistance and the documentary evidencenecessary to confi rm the product/installation compliance to the satisfaction of the building certifi er.

Presently, the clauses within the BCA with references to ’slip resistant‘, ’non-slip‘ and ’non-skid‘ are in the following provisions:

• DP2 of Volume One for stairways and ramps

• D2.10 of Volume One for pedestrian ramps

• D2.13 of Volume One for stairways

• D2.14 of Volume One for stairway landings

• Specifi cation D3.10 of Volume One for ramps, zero depth swimming pool entry and around a swimming pool sling

• P2.5.1 of Volume Two for stairways andramps

• 3.9.1.3 of Volume Two for stair treads.

There will be no change to the performancerequirements of BCA Volumes One and Two.However, the deemed to satisfy provisions will change by the inclusion of reference tablesthat state a location, the wet or dry conditionand the applicable compliant slip resistance rating.

Specifi cation D3.10 Accessible Water Entry/Exit

for Swimming Pools has been excluded fromany reference to AS 4586 as those areas relate to the Commonwealth’s disability standards.

It is anticipated the next review of the disability access standard will give further clarity on slip resistant requirements to those areas.

Upon that basis, the changes for slip resistancewithin the BCA commenced from 1 May 2014and will only apply to stairs (including landings, treads or nosings) and ramps on all buildingclasses.

Presently there is no intention to widen the slipresistance requirements to any other part of a residential or commercial building.

Work health and safety issues are addressedunder separate legislation and codes of practices for slip resistance.

As the new changes for products and installation practices are unchartered territory,especially for the residential sector, Master Builders requested that the introduction of the slip resistant requirements for residentialbe delayed until 1 May 2015. That request wassuccessful.

For this reason the BCA slip resistancerequirements will apply to all class 2 – 9 buildings per Volume One of the BCA as at 1May 2014.

The BCA slip resistance requirements will notapply to class 1 – 10 buildings per Volume Twoof the BCA until 1 May 2015.

What are the slip resistance ratings?The Australian Standard AS 4586 – 2013 Slipresistance classifi cation of new pedestrian surface materials contains fi ve methods toquantify a rating.

The BCA will only use two of these methodswhereby acceptable ratings are given as a ‘P’ or

‘R’ classifi cation for a particular location.

The wet pendulum test is used to measure the frictional characteristics of the pedestrian

The Building Code of Australia contains various references to the terms slip resistant, non-slip and non-skid, with levels of slip resistance or the difference in these terms never quantifi ed. This is about to change.

Building & planningTony Mitchell – Manager Building Services

surface and is carried out on a horizontalsurface, where possible. The test results arestated as a slip resistant value which is then given a P classifi cation. For example, the P5 classifi cation equates to a slip resistantvalue of greater than 55, which is good. The P0 classifi cation represents a slip resistantvalue less than 12, which is therefore less slip resistant.

The oil wet inclining test also measures the frictional characteristics of the pedestrian surface by using the oil wet application with specifi c footwear on an inclining platform. The test results are given an R classifi cation, which correlates to the inclination angle for when theperson was likely to slip on the inclined testplatform.

For example, the R13 classifi cation equates to an inclination angle greater than 35 degrees,which is good. The R9 classifi cation relates to an inclination less than 10 degrees and is notas slip resistant.

With this in mind, the BCA will now state the minimum slip resistance for new elements in the wet condition (where the element isin an outdoors area or an indoor wet area) and the dry condition (where the elementis in an indoor dry area) by using a ’P‘ or ’R‘ classifi cation value suitable for a particularlocation.

The BCA references the ‘P’ and ‘R’ classifi cationsrequirements for slip resistance as follows.


Building & planning

Volume One, class 2 – 9 (a fl oor surface of a ramp, a surface of a tread or the nosing strip on the tread, and a surface of a landing or thestrip at the edge of the landing) must have a slip resistance classifi cation not less than that listed in Table D2.14

Table D2.14 slip resistance classifi cation

ApplicationSurface conditions

Dry Wet

Ramp steeper than1:14

P4 or R11 P5 or R12

Ramp steeper than1:20 but not steeper than 1:14

P4 or R11 P4 or R11

Tread or landingsurface

P3 or R10 P4 or R11

Nosing or Landingedge strip

P3 P4

• Volume Two, class 1 and 10 (any stairwayor ramp) must have slip resistant walkingsurfaces on ramps, and on stairways treads or near the edge of the nosing with a slipresistant classifi cation not less than thatlisted in Table 3.9.1.1

Table 3.9.3.1 slip resistance classifi cation

ApplicationSurface conditions

Dry Wet

Tread surface P3 or R10 P4 or R11

Nosing strip P3 P4

What should you do now?As a contractor you need to determine what slipresistance methods are required for the ramps,landings, treads or tread nosings throughout the structure before you tender, quote or enter into a contract to perform any building works.

Further to this, there are the test methodrequirements as per AS 4586 which are a highlydetailed process. A test method report which nominates the slip resistance classifi cation of a product must be reported in accordance withthe requirements of the standard.

It is not your responsibility to do the report. However, it is a good idea to start asking forevidence of suitable reports to support your choice and use of a particular product.

A typical test method report for the wet pendulum would include:

• Identifi cation of the test sample

• Date and location of test

• Name(s) of the personnel that conducted the test

• A description of the test sample, including identity of test surfaces or designation, manufacturer, product, quality class (where applicable), colour and dimensions

of products used for the surface (if thisinformation is known) and any surfacecoating, grouts or treatments and, for carpetor ‘carpet-like’ surface materials, the presenceof any underlay, condition of the surface and whether the surface was tested wet or dry

• Type of test, including whether the specimen is tested loose or fi xed in situ, the direction of test and slope of specimen

• If appropriate, extent and type of cleaning performed on the specimens

• The air temperature, in degrees Celsius, and relevant environmental conditions

• The type of slider used and its method of preparation

• If testing in situ, a description of the sitecondition, including any contamination,coatings or wear and slopes

• The mean BPN for each test specimen, including the direction of test and slopecorrected values, where appropriate

• The SRV for the sample, accurate to the nearest whole number, and after temperaturecorrection in the case of Slider 55 being used

• Classifi cation achieved in accordancewith Table 2. Reference to this Australian Standard and test method, i.e. Appendix A, AS 4586–2013.

It is also important to note that the testingcan only be performed by a Registered TestingAuthority, Accredited Certifi cation Body that complies with the BCA Part A2 and 1.2Acceptance of Design and Construction.

Upon that basis it is recommended that you:

• Identify all ramps, landings, treads or treadnosings throughout the project where slipresistance classifi cations will now apply.

• Ask for documentary evidence up front. You will need evidence of test reportsperformed in accordance with AS 4586-2013 for the product you choose.

• Do not assume that a stamp on the side of box stating “Complies with AS 4586-2013” is acceptable. It is simply not good enough.If a problem were to occur you will need to provide the test report documents as adefence.

• Do not order and install products without the documentation to support compliancewith the standard.

• Be prepared to provide a Form 15 and 16 for each product and the ‘as constructed’ slip resistant works throughout the project to a building certifi er. No building fi nal will mean no payment to you from the client.

• Before you start – confi rm the process and documentary evidence required with your

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building certifi er before you commence the works.

SummaryCompliance with the new slip resistance requirements is a statutory requirement, which commenced on 1 May 2014 with the residentialrequirement transitioned to apply from 1 May2015.

You should determine the extent of slipresistant requirements before you price andperform any works.

Always seek documentary evidence to supportthe products’ claim of compliance with thestandard.

If in doubt, ask Master Builders fi rst and avoid a costly mistake on slip resistance issues.

Copies of the BCA can be purchased through the Australian Building Codes Board at www.abcb.gov.au and copies of Australian Standard AS 4586 – 2013 Slip resistanceclassifi cation of new pedestrian surface materials can be purchased via Master Builders’ website at masterbuilders.asn.au/eshop

For more information on slip resistance, call

Master Builders’ Technical team on 3225 6419,

email [email protected] or

visit masterbuilders.asn.au/slipresistance


National Construction Code 2014 – important changes

The National Construction Code Series (NCC) is an initiative of the Council of AustralianGovernments, developed to incorporate allon-site construction requirements into a singlecode.

The 2014 edition of the NCC took eff ect from1 May 2014 in Queensland and is published in three volumes:

• Volume One: Building Code of AustraliaClass 2 to 9 buildings

• Volume Two: Building Code of Australia Class 1 and 10 buildings

• Volume Three: Plumbing Code of Australia/Technical Provisions & Product Certifi cation

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) andPlumbing Code of Australia (PCA) are given legal status in Queensland by reference in the Building Act and the Standard Plumbing andDrainage Regulation.

The annual changes and amendments tothe NCC are intended to improve clarity of provisions, upgrade referenced documents and

refl ect the results of research and improved technology.

It is important that you perform works in accordance with the applicable version of the NCC, as failure to do so is a breach of yourstatutory and contractual obligations.

What has changed for 2014?Early response fi re alarm systems

For many years the BCA has required smokealarms and, in some cases, heat detectionalarm systems to be installed throughout residential buildings.

To allow occupants ample time to respond, these alarms are situated at or near theceiling, in positions such as hallway-adjacentbedrooms or each part of a dwelling containing bedrooms and the remainder of the dwelling.

For example, in a class 1b building, such asa boarding house, guest house, or hostel, a smoke alarm must be installed at or near theceiling in every bedroom, in every corridor or

With the new edition of the NCC taking effect in May, you need to know what the changes mean for your business.

hallway associated with a bedroom, or in anarea between the bedrooms and the remainderof the building.

The design of these residential buildings will often mean that a varying number of alarms can be distributed throughout the building.For this reason a fi re in one particular locationwhich triggers an alarm would not necessarilywarn the other occupants in the premises thata fi re event was occurring.

In order to increase the occupants’ awareness of such an event, the BCA will now require that in a class 1 building and within sole occupancy units of a class 2 or 3 building and in a class 4 part of a building, alarms must now be interconnected.

Therefore, when one alarm is activated, it will activate all other alarms in the occupancy.

Exit signs options

The running man exit sign is a common image used throughout class 2 to 9 buildings. It is arequirement that these buildings are provided with adequate lighting upon failure of normal artifi cial lighting during an emergency, and with adequate means to identify exits and paths of travel to an exit.

There has been an emerging trend over time in some countries to allow the use of photoluminescent (PL) exit signs as an option to the commonly used internally illuminatedexit signs.

Photoluminescence describes thephenomenon of visible light emission from any form of matter for a period of time after theabsorption UV rays. The subsequent innovationof this quality has provided a PL exit sign proven to glow for suffi cient time to identify exits and paths in case of an emergency.

The use of a PL exit is now an option underthe BCA and is dependent upon certain specifi cations being met.

As part of the new deemed to satisfy provisions for PL signs, a new specifi cation has beenincluded that sets out minimum illumination, luminance and duration for the performance of a PL sign. The specifi cation also covers sign colour, borders, pictorial elements and viewingdistances and must:

• Be maintained in a continuously chargedstate by a minimum illumination of 100luxat the face of the sign by a dedicated light

Building & planningTony Mitchell – Manager Building Services


source with a colour temperature not less than 4000K

• In the event of a power failure continue toprovide a minimum luminance of 30mcd/m2 (millicandelas)

• Pictorial elements where the colour white is used, be replaced with aphotoluminescent material

• Must not be less than 1.3 times larger thanspecifi ed for standard sign

• The maximum viewing distance must notbe more than 24 metres.

Fire hose reels

Dangers associated with fi re hose reels in class2 and 3, and class 4 parts of buildings has been an ongoing concern for some time now.

These are essentially buildings containing twoor more sole occupancy units, residential partsof buildings such as boarding houses, hotel, motels, and accommodation for the aged,children or people with disabilities.

It is highly unlikely that an occupant who fi ndsthemselves having to use the fi re hose would

have been adequately trained or appreciatethe dangers of extinguishing diff ering types of fi res with water.

The use of water as the extinguishing mediumis extremely dangerous when directed at electrical, fat and oil fi res that can readily occur in these type of buildings. It has also been observed that the fi re hoses have, at times, been left to prop open fi re doors that form partof the building’s fi re separating construction.

These concerns were given due considerationwith the commissioning of an assessment onthe risks of fi re hose reels and the option touse portable fi re extinguishers in residentialpremises.

For this reason the requirement to provide fi re hose reels in class 2 and 3 buildings, andclass 4 parts of buildings has been removed.The installation requirements for portable fi reextinguishers, including a requirement to coverclass A fi re risks, has now been introduced.

Portable fi re extinguishers provided in a class2 or 3 building or a class 4 part of a buildingmust be:

• A type ABE type fi re extinguisher

• A minimum 2.5kg

• Travel distance from any sole occupancy unit to the fi re extinguisher is not morethan 10 metres.

Class 3 timber framed construction

A concession exists under the BCA whichapplies to certain class 2 buildings allowing theuse of timber framing.

Typically, non-combustible construction would have applied. However extensive research by the Fire Code Reform Centre determined thatfi re loads for timber framed buildings would not prevent the safe evacuation of a threestorey, class 2 building. Therefore construction practices for brick or concrete were exemptedwhich allowed the use of timber framing.

Consideration was also given to exemptingclass 3 buildings which are a residential building rather than a building of class 1 or 2, which is a common place of long-term or transient living for a number of unrelated persons. However further research was

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Building & planning

mbb [ 28 ] june/july 14

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recommended before that concession could apply.

The National Association of Forest Woodproducts Australia has now completed the additional research further to the earlierfi ndings on fi re loads and evacuationrequirements. The concession to use timber framing has now been expanded and canapply to certain class 3 buildings

Hardboard wall cladding

Within the industry, concerns have been raisedthat hardboard wall cladding was not covered via a deemed to satisfy provision within the BCA.

This means that the use of these productswould require that an alternative solution was necessary. Therefore requiring assessment according to one or more of the assessments methods in the BCA to determine compliance with the performance requirements.

New provisions will apply and allow the useof hardboard wall cladding without having to revert to an alternative solution.

Hardboard wall cladding will now supplementthe current range of wall cladding options within volume 2 of the BCA with thereferencing of new standard AS/NZS 1859.4 Reconstituted wood-based panels, Specifi cations, Wet-processed fi breboard.

Slip resistance – transitional requirements

2014 and 2015

The BCA contains various slip resistant, non-skid or non-slip properties requirements for stairway treads, landings and ramps. However, to date the BCA has not stipulated what thelevel of slip resistance was or how it could bequantifi ed.

For this reason there was a level of uncertaintyon what was an acceptable construction practice to mitigate risk and minimise costs.

Australian Standard AS 4586 – 2013 Slipresistance classifi cation of new pedestrian surface materials has recently been reviewedand is now considered acceptable to be referenced within both volumes of the BCA.

The 2014 NCC now includes minimum slipresistance classifi cations and references AS 4586-2013 as a means of determining theapplicable slip resistance level for a particularlocation.

The new slip resistance requirements will alsomean that that the use of a particular productwill require documentary evidence, such as atest report, to indicate product compliance. This documentation will also have to beprovided to the building certifi er within a form 15 and 16 to comply with the building permit requirements.

The BCA will allow the acceptance of test reportsbased on the 2004 edition of AS/NZS 4586 and issued prior to the 2013 edition of AS 4586. Tests reports after the BCA reference date of 1 May 2014 must comply with the new AS 4586.

It is important to note that the new requirement is transitional.

Therefore, it will only apply to class 2 to 9 buildings from 1 May 2014 with the requirement becoming applicable for all class 1 and 10 builders next year from 1 May 2015.

See the slip resistance article on page 26 for more information.

Plumbing Code of Australia

It has been three years since the PCA joined the building codes in the NCC stable.

As part of the 2011 NCC changes there was aneed to address the inconsistencies between the BCA and technical plumbing requirements,which were stretched across AS 3500 Plumbing and Drainage and the PCA 2004.

In 2014 the PCA and NCC are harmonisedfurther as follows:

• Heated water energy effi ciency provisionshave been consolidated into the PCA to enable all the relevant provisions to beaccessed from the one place.

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• Part A4 will defi ne, consistent withsimilar parts of the BCA, the building classifi cations already referred to in some parts of the PCA.

There has also been some restructuring of thedeemed to satisfy provisions to clarify their application either as general provisions orspecifi c installations where fi xtures and fi ttingsaccessible for persons with a disability are required.

Referenced standards

Standards are living documents which are continuously reviewed and amended to address technical and regulatory requirementswithin the building and construction industry.

The NCC series references various new and transitional standards which assist in theprovision of building solutions to meet performance requirements of the codes.

Some of the changes to Volume 1 BCA include:

• AS/NZS 1170.2 amendment 3 to AS/NZS 1170 Part 2 Structural Design Actions – Wind Actions has been referenced.

• AS 1657 reference to the 1992 edition of AS 1657 Fixed platforms, walkways and ladders – Design , construction and installation has been updated to the 2013edition.

• AS 4586 – the 2013 edition of AS 4586 Slipresistance classifi cation of new pedestriansurface materials has been referenced as aconsequence of the quantifi cation of slipresistance requirements for treads andsurfaces of stairways.

Some of the changes to Volume 2 BCA include:

• AS/NZS 1170.2 amendment 3 to AS /NZS 1170 Part 2 Structural Design Actions – Wind Actions has been referenced.

• AS/NZS 1859.4 – the 2004 edition of AS/NZS 1859 – Part 4 Reconstituted wood based panels – Specifi cations – Wet processed fi breboard has been referenced as adconsequence of including hardboard as anacceptable building cladding.

• AS 4055 – the 2006 edition of AS 4055 Wind Loads for Housing has been removed asa consequence of the completion of a 12month transition period between the 2006and 2012 editions.

Termite management

There are some signifi cant changes ahead for the reviewed AS 3660.1 Termite Management

– New Building Work. Part of that review has highlighted the preference to revisit and clarifywhat termite management is. Therefore, the

building code has made some initial changeswhich will then be given further clarity when the revised standard is referenced at a later time.

For this reason, the term ‘termite barrier’ hasbeen changed to ‘termite management system’ to better refl ect the range of physical and chemical options currently available. The term has also been changed where it appears in allother provisions.

SummaryCompliance with the 2014 edition of theNCC is a statutory requirement. You should always review and check that the proposedconstructed works will comply with theapplicable sections of the code. If in doubt, ask Master Builders fi rst and avoid a costly mistake on code specifi c issues.

Copies of the code can be purchased throughthe Australian Building Codes Board at www.abcb.gov.au/

For more information on the NCC, call

Master Builders’ Technical team on 3225 6419,

email [email protected], visit

masterbuilders.asn.au/ncc or watch the

NCC Broadcast highlights video at

youtube.com/masterbuildersqld

Building & planning


Workplace bullying – the fi rst quarter

The FWC have released their fi rst quarterly report on the anti-bullying jurisdiction, covering theperiod 1 January to 31 March 2014.

Whilst it was anticipated the Commission could expect to receive up to 875 applications perquarter, the report indicates that a total of 151 applications by workers have been made for an order to stop bullying at work. Of those applications, 56 matters in the quarter were fi nalised,eight as a result of a decision by the Commission and the remaining 48 withdrawn or resolvedduring the course of general proceedings.

The following table provides detail on the eight decisions made in the quarter1:

Decision details Number

Total applications dismissed 7

Jurisdictional objection upheld – application dismissed 1

Application dismissed – bullying at work not found and/or no risk of bullyingcontinuing

0

Application dismissed: s.587 6

Total applications granted 1

Application granted – worker at risk of continued bullying at work, order issued 1

Application granted – worker at risk of continued bullying at work, order yet to be issued

0

Application granted – worker at risk of continued bullying at work, furtherdecision and order issued

0

Total fi nal results Australia wide 8

From 1 January 2014 a worker engaged by a constitutionally-covered business, who reasonably believes they are being bullied at work, can apply to the Fair Work Commission (FWC) for an order requiring the bullying to stop.

Employment & wagesMikki Richardson – Senior Workplace Relations Advisor

According to the report the majority of applications made by workers alleged bullyingby their managers (109). Other workers werenominated in 27 applications, followed by 20 applications against a group of workers, and three against a subordinate.

Applications from the building, metal and civil construction industries accounted for only fourof the total 151 applications, with the highest number of complainants (23) arising out of the clerical industry.

Bullying in your workplaceWhilst an employer’s obligation to provide a safe, healthy and productive work environment is ongoing, the FWC jurisdictional change dealing with workplace bullying at atribunal level highlights the importance of having policies and procedures in place tomanage any issues or complaints within your workplace.

We recommend you:

• Review and update existing bullyingpolicies

• Review and update complaints and grievance handling procedures

• Conduct refresher training for all staff onbullying in the workplace

• Conduct refresher training for managers/supervisors outlining how to investigateand resolve complaints/grievances inaccordance with company procedure.

For more information, contact


[email protected]

1 Fair Work Commission An -bullying Report Jan–Mar 2014 Fair Work Commission: 2014


KEY DATESRegion Award ceremony event date Venue

Brisbane Friday, 4 July Sofi tel Brisbane

Gold Coast Saturday, 12 July Jupiters Gold Coast Hotel & Casino

Burnett Wide Bay Friday, 18 July Brolga Theatre, Maryborough

Sunshine Coast Saturday, 19 July Novotel Twin Waters Resort

Downs & Western Saturday, 2 August City Golf Club, Toowoomba

Mackay & Whitsunday Friday, 15 August Mackay Convention Centre

Central Queensland Saturday, 16 August Robert Schwarten Pavilion

North Queensland Friday, 22 August Jupiters Townsville Hotel & Casino

Far North Queensland Saturday, 23 August Cairns Convention Centre

State Friday, 26 September Brisbane City Hall

With entries now closed and judging underway in most regions, it’s not long untilthe 2014 winners are revealed at prestigious venues across the state.

To make sure you don’t miss out on your local Awards night, keep an eye out for ouremail off ering tickets for purchase. Tickets will be made available around six weeksbefore each awards ceremony.

SHARE YOUR PHOTOS ON THE NIGHTThis year we’re excited to be running a photo competition in conjunction with the2014 Housing & Construction Awards program.

The #mbawards photo competition is an exciting opportunity to showcase yourexperience of the Awards and gives you the chance to win one of three fantasticprizes.

To enter, simply upload your photo of your experience to Instagram, Twitter or

Save the date – the Housing & Construction Awards are just around the corner!

INVITATIONS SSSSSSOUT SOON FOR INDUSTRY’SNIGHT OF NIGHTS

Facebook. All entries must include the mandatory hashtag #mbawards and fi t into the following three categories:

1. Entries (i.e. houses and projects entered)

2. People (i.e. getting ready, group shots at the event)

3. On the night (i.e. winner photos, award plaques, locationand group shots)

For full competition details and terms and conditions, visit

masterbuilders.asn.au/awardsphotocomp

mb [ 32 ] june/july 14

First glimpse: Commonwealth Games Village revealed

Planning is well underway to deliver the best Commonwealth Games ever, on-time and on-budget, with the games expected to be the Gold Coast and Australia’s largest sporting event of the decade.

Generating up to 30,000 full-time equivalent jobs and contributing $2 billion to the economy, the aim is to deliver world-class facilities for competing athletes from around the globe.

The landmark design for the Commonwealth Games Village was recently revealed, with Australia’s largest private property investment, development and construction company, Grocon, announced as the preferred developer for what will be one of the largest urban renewal projects ever undertaken on the Gold Coast.

Grocon’s previous local projects include the Oracle Apartments at Broadbeach and Soul at Surfers Paradise, for which they took home Project of the Year at the 2013 Gold Coast Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards.

This latest project will occupy seven hectares of the 29-hectare Parklands site, with a further seven hectares dedicated to parks and open space.

Grocon CEO, Carolyn Viney, said they are thrilled to be part of the redevelopment of Parklands.

“Grocon is honoured to be involved in delivering this important development for Queensland and we are focused on delivering a precinct of enduring value to the Gold Coast community,” Ms Viney said.

The countdown is now on for the much-anticipated Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, with Queenslanders given a fi rst look at the master plan for one of its key infrastructure projects.

Projects

“Grocon’s design captures the essence of the sub-tropical environment of Queensland’s south coast with special attention being paid to sunlight, shading, natural air fl ows and water.

“The urban and landscape design approach adopts the history and unique characteristics of the Gold Coast and its hinterland, intertwined with the role that water has played, and will continue to play, in shaping the Parklands site.

“This approach fi nds its most obvious outcome in the major water feature at the village heart where the built environment meets the community park.

“Grocon has submitted our proposed master plan for development approval and we aim to commence construction later this year.”

The Village itself will provide essential services and accommodation for 6,500 athletes and offi cials in Games-mode and will be one of the Games’ most signifi cant legacy projects.

Further, it will inject an estimated $500 million into the local economy over the next fi ve years and will generate more than 1,500 jobs during


Projects

its construction phase, off ering a tremendous opportunity for the local construction industry, with much of the labour to be sourced locally.

The master plan design includes more than 1,200 dwellings – comprising 1,171 one and two bedroom apartments and 82 townhouses across more than 30 new buildings ranging in height from single level to eight levels.

This accommodation will become the residential component of this new vibrant, mixed-use, master planned, health and knowledge community after the Commonwealth Games.

Other key features of the master plan include:

• Creation of a village heart that is identifi able during Games-mode and for the future urban community

• Over seven hectares of total green and open space, landscaped areas, including a community park

• Over 6,000m² retail precinct

• 12 hectares of land for future health and knowledge development.

The master plan, a simulated fl y-through and

artists impressions are available at

www.edq.qld.gov.au/commonwealth-games-

village/economic-development-queensland/

commonwealth-games-village.html


WHSQ mobile and operational plant campaign results are in

The campaign, which will be delivered over a two-year period, systematically assesses varioustypes of mobile and operational plant in the industry. With the assessment of construction earth moving plant complete, data is now available that will assist the industry to more eff ectivelymanage safety in this area.

Stage one – earthmoving plantFrom May – August 2013, a pilot audit of 65 sites targeting construction earthmoving plant wasconducted in Queensland. The audit included three main categories of work:

• Road and bridge construction

• Other heavy and civil engineering construction, and

• Site preparation services.

The audit tool assessed a number of factors, including:

• The interaction of workers with mobile plant

• Traffi c management on and around the site

• The control and programming of activities involving workers around mobile plant

• The assessment of competence in relation to operators of mobile plant

• The quality and suitability of documentation Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) and Work Health and Safety (WHS) plans

• On-site compliance with SWMS, and

• Worker knowledge and understanding of SWMS specifi c to their tasks.

Plant assessedExcavators comprised two thirds of all audits. Graders, skid steer loaders, front end loaders, roadrollers, dozers and backhoes were also audited.

Operator employment and category of work

Work activity undertaken

Employment status

Road and

bridge

construction

Other heavy

and civil

engineering

construction

Site preparation

services

Employee of principal contractor 10 1 12

Employee of subcontractor 8 5 20

Owner operator 9

Data from Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s (WHSQ) state wide mobile and operational plant campaignis now available for industry.

Health, safety & environmentStephanie Gaylard – Manager Workplace Health & Safety

Key fi ndings Exclusion zones

Working around overhead powerlines

Overall, one in three operators, and fi ve out of nine owner operators were unable to:

1. Identify the exclusion zones for overhead electric lines prescribed under schedule2 of the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013,and

2. Determine when a trained safety observer is required.

Working inside plant exclusion zones

Inspectors determined half of workers observed performing work inside exclusion zones did not need to be there. Audit fi ndingsrevealed that the work could be performed:

• Outside the exclusion zone entirely

• At another time, or

• When the plant was inactive.

Many exclusion zones relied on administrative controls, such as witches hats, bunting, orperimeters specifi ed by SWMS only. Higher order controls, such as fencing or other physical barricading, were observed to be far more eff ective in controlling access to the plant work area.

63 out of the 65 workplaces had systems inplace to ensure plant operators were aware of people in the immediate vicinity of the plant. Systems took into account visual obstructions including plant blind spots, trees and buildings.

Controls included:

• Use of spotter to control entry into exclusion zones

• Operator in radio contact with spotter

• Stopping the plant if operator loses sight of the spotter.

Inspectors reported a notable improvement over the last several years in the quality and implementation of these systems.


Health, safety & environment

Young workers

The audit results indicated over half of all sites assessed provided no additional information,training, instruction or supervision to youngor inexperienced workers in relation toconstruction hazards.

Sites that did provide young or inexperiencedworkers additional support favoured theallocation of a direct supervisor or seniormentor, with additional supervision from both management and more experiencedworkers also utilised. Other methods identifi edincluded the provision of additional training, expanded site inductions, or assigning anexperienced peer buddy.

Inspectors observed very few cases of young workers operating earthmoving plant, more common was the use of older, experiencedoperators. Where young workers wereobserved operating plant, the work wasperformed under direct supervision.

Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS)

Consultation with workers

Whilst 62 of 65 operators stated they understood the contents of the SWMS, onlyhalf of all operators were consulted during thedevelopment or review of SWMS.

SWMS contents

SWMS assessed by inspectors were predominantly compliant in relation to content,risk identifi cation and selection of suitable controls; this is consistent with fi ndings from the Control of major risks on civil constructionsites 2012 report. Inspectors noted that while the SWMS were comprehensive, they wereoften generic in nature rather than site specifi c.

Monitoring and enforcement

Direct supervision by site management was found to be the most eff ective method of ensuring compliance with SWMS for high risk construction work.

Determining operator competency

Larger sites tended to use well documentedinternal verifi cation of competency (VOC)systems in combination with an external VOC conducted by a registered trainingorganisation.

Smaller sites generally relied upon a combination of previous experience, previouslyissued earthmoving licences and onsite VOCsconducted by site management or the most experienced operator. Methods of documentingonsite VOCs varied from having no written records through to comprehensive databases.

Inspectors reported feedback from manysites expressing concern over the removal of mandatory licences for earthmoving equipment.

Managing plant movements on-site

Traffi c management tended to be bettercontrolled on civil sites as compared tocommercial, with the quality of systems generally increasing in line with company size.

Larger civil companies tended to have welldocumented traffi c management plans, maintained controls in place including dedicated traffi c routes and pedestrian walkways.

Signage in conjunction with dedicated haul roads was the most common combination of controls used, although control of plant speedcontinues to be a challenge on some siteswith management experiencing diffi culties monitoring and enforcing speed limits.

Site inductions and toolbox or prestart meetings were also used to educate and reinforce site rules relating to plant andpedestrian interaction.

Site security

Inspectors noted that the civil constructionindustry is good overall at controlling risk of unauthorised entry, with the level of compliance generally increasing in proportionto the size of the PC/PCBU.

Smaller subdivisions tended to have the lowest level of compliance. However, inspectorsalso indicated that compliance in residentialconstruction in relation to controlling the risk of unauthorised entry where earthmoving plant is used continues to be a challenge.

General signage and para-webbing or bunting was the most common combination of controlmeasures where the risk of unauthorised entrywas considered to be low. Controls, such as barricading and temporary fencing, were in use in areas where an increased risk of entryexisted i.e. built up areas.

RecommendationsThe results of this pilot campaign are beingcommunicated to the construction industrythrough:

• Publication to the WHSQ website

• Publication of a Construction eSAFE, summarising the key fi ndings of thecampaign

• Distribution of the report to relevant industry associations.

The recommendations also include updatingthe inspection audit tool for use in the nextround of the campaign, focussing on the key fi ndings, and include new componentsaddressing systems of work involvingexcavation and plant used in crane mode.

The Offi ce of Fair and Safe Work Queenslandinclude activities targeting the key fi ndingsin construction industry action plans. Theywork in partnership with industry leaders to provide and promote information and advisory products for use on constructionsites addressing risks associated with poweredmobile plant, young workers and risk of contact with live electrical parts.

Industry leaders should respond to thefi ndings of the campaign by ensuring project management teams and supply chains implement adequate control measures at theplanning stage to manage risks associated withpowered mobile plant, young workers and risk of contact with live electrical parts.

For more information about the mobile

and operational plant campaign contact

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland

on 1300 369 915, or Master Builders on

3225 6410 to discuss managing operational

plant safely on your projects.


If correct measures aren’t taken, the damage to a site and the surrounding environment can bequite signifi cant. There’s also a risk of fi nes for failing to implement controls.

You need to be aware of your obligations andthe options available to prevent damage tosites and avoid fi nes.

On Friday, 21 March, Master Builders, inconjunction with Bio-Science Australia, held asediment and erosion control demonstration.The demonstration was attended by a number of members representing residential, commercial and environmental sectors, and several Master Builders’ staff members.

Shane Holborn from Bio-Science Australia led attendees through a presentation explaining how wind and rain damages sites not only duringconstruction, but after activity has ended and the changes subsequently made to the landscape.

The presentation explored various controls that are commonly used within the construction industry to mitigate sediment and erosion

concerns, and compared their known eff ectiveness. The research showed a correlation between use of turf as a control measure anda minimisation of not only soil erosion, but the dispersal of sediment after a rain event.

To help put learnings into context attendees were then able to observe practical examplesof diff erent controls after a rain event. The fi rstdemonstration showed the eff ects water hason the landscape over diff erent slopes and howsome controls can seem appropriate but causefurther unexpected damage. This examplepromoted signifi cant discussion amongstattendees.

The next range of demonstrations involved therelease of water to simulate a rain event over sloping ground. Each bay had diff erent controlmeasures, including silt fences, coir logs and turf. As the water was released measurementswere taken on how long it took to travelover the bay, with the water collected then measured to test its turbidity.

Results showed that using turf signifi cantlyslowed down the speed of the water and the

A recent demonstration from Bio-Science Australia was a reminder that sediment and erosion control is something that all builders need to consider to avoid site and environment damage.

Health, safety & environmentRachael Vickers – Workplace Health & Safety/Environment Advisor

damage it causes to the landscape and the turbidity of the water. The demonstration promoted useful discussion around how turf could be used practically on residential and commercial sites and the cost benefi ts of doing so.

Working with Bio-Science Australia, MasterBuilders is looking forward to holding further demonstration days in 2014.

If you are interested in attending a future

demonstration day please contact


[email protected]

A hands on approach to sediment and erosion control


Call us now for a quote on your next project.Rob: 0418 748 255 | Fax: 07 3803 3022 | Email: [email protected]

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Sunshine Coast foreman awarded international scholarship

The Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency Ms Penelope Wensley AC, recently presentedthe prestigious scholarship from Queensland Overseas Foundation, to 29-year old SunshineCoast builder, Mostyn Higgs, at Parliament House.

Mr Higgs said the scholarship to work inSingapore would enable him to advance his career by gaining international experience and modern contemporary skills in theconstruction industry and undertaking majorinfrastructure projects in the United ArabEmirates and Singapore.

“The Queensland Overseas Foundation (QOF) scholarship has opened the door toopportunities I never expected and I amextremely grateful to be given the chance to pursue my dream of working overseas,” Mr Higgs said.

“Although I strongly believe Australia is anindustry leader in construction, there is so much that we can learn from international markets.

“Being able to broaden my skills and bring new practices and ways of thinking back into theQueensland market will not only be great for my career but it will also help the growth of the Australian construction industry.

“Singapore has a lot of world-leading designs and Dubai is well known for iconic projects, and I’m excited to learn diff erent methods and ways of building to bring back to the team here in Queensland.

“I encourage other Queenslanders to apply for this scholarship because it really does open doors for you and help you to gain experiencethat will boost your career.”

Queensland Overseas Foundation Chair, Rebecca Hall, said the scholarships would benefi t Queensland industries in the long term.

“Since 1976 we have helped over 100 Queenslanders pursue their dream of workingoverseas knowing they will bring their skills

He’s worked on highly-acclaimed, award-winning projects in the past, but a recently-awarded scholarship takes the cake as a career highlight for Lend Lease foreman, Mostyn Higgs.

Members

back home and off er considerable benefi t to our industries,” Ms Hall said.

“Some of our previous winners include Megan Todd who has successfully startedher own handbag label Knots and Knitssince returning, and also Leo Primus, whoseoverseas experience helped him contribute toQueensland construction as a DevelopmentManager at AV Jennings.

“This is an invaluable opportunity for the scholarship recipients but also for thecommunities they return to.”

Mr Higgs works as a construction foreman forLend Lease and has worked on a number of iconic projects including the current SunshineCoast University Hospital and the BrisbaneSupreme and District Court for which LendLease took home the 2013 State Project of the Year award at the Master Builders Housing & rConstruction Awards.

He was among four young Queenslandapprentices to be given the opportunity to live and work overseas by the QueenslandOverseas Foundation, a voluntary non-profi torganisation.

QOF is sponsored by Queensland industry andsupported by the state government to provideinternational vocational experience to specially selected young tradespeople who havecompleted their formal training.

QOF also recently announced a new bursaryoff ering in 2014 that provides trainers,employers, employees and administratorswithin the VET sector with funding of between $500 to $2,000 to attend recognisedinternational courses, workshops, work placement, events or activities withprofessional developmental benefi ts.

Register your interest in applying for the

2015 awards at [email protected] or fi nd out

more at www.qof.org.au


Upskilling for success

It is no secret that the building and construction industry is a competitive one.However, it can be easy to get stuck in a pattern of doing what you’ve always done,which can limit your business’ potential.

Will Verri is a fi rm believer in the importanceof upskilling for success, in order to stay at theforefront of the industry. Since completinghis Certifi cate IV in Building and Constructionwith Master Builders, Will has progressed fromcarpenter to skilled professional.

“My confi dence, industry knowledge andabilities have increased dramatically. Thecourse has also improved my career prospects and given me the opportunity to network withindustry professionals and likeminded people,” Will said.

After completing Master Builders’ Certifi cate IV in Building and Construction, Will Verri’s career is well on its way. Here he explains how taking the plunge and completing this course has changed his direction for the better.


I would highly

recommend the

Master Builders’

Certifi cate IV course

to any construction

tradesperson looking

to develop their

career and knowledge

in a supportive

environment.

Will’s passion for carpentry and construction was sparked at a young age. With a builder as afather, he says it was a natural progression forhim to pursue a school-based work experience in carpentry in 2005.

After fi nishing his apprenticeship and receiving his Queensland Building and ConstructionCommission (QBCC) trade contractor’s licence, Will moved to Brisbane in 2012 and startedup WJ Verri Carpentry. It was during this timehe became aware of how little he actuallyunderstood the industry and its regulations.

“It’s irresponsible and quite dangerous to be operating in an industry where you aren’t fully aware of the rules and guidelines. It’s becauseof this that I started searching for a course that would teach me more and broaden my skills.”

After doing his research and receiving some great reviews from previous attendees, Will decided to enrol in Master Builders’ Certifi cateIV in Building and Construction.

“The training schedule suited my busy life perfectly, so I became a member and signed up for the next course. For two nights a week from 6pm to 9pm and a few Saturdays hereand there, I learnt about the building andconstruction industry. We were a small class of blokes who quickly became a tight knit group,helping each other as much as we could.”

With the leadership of experienced trainers, Will and his class learnt about proper buildingpractices, workplace health and safety, theBuilding Code of Australia (BCA), contracts, business, fi nancial and time management andmuch more.

“Master Builders’ trainers are not your average teachers. They have vast knowledge andexperience in their fi eld of expertise. Most of them were builders for many years, and hadbeen through the good and the bad, resultingin fi rst-hand experience of being a builder in the real world.

“I realised quickly that they really do want tohelp you learn from their experience and are always approachable and willing to answer any questions, no matter how big or small.”

Two things the course requires from students are commitment and time management.Master Builders understands that between working, quoting, personal life and studying, students can struggle if they don’t focus ontime management. Fortunately, the trainersare always there to help keep students on track and give extra guidance and attention whenneeded. With vast experience in all aspects of the building and construction industry, they genuinely want to see their students succeedand advance their careers.

Will, who is currently working for Modern Living Constructions as a subcontractor, sayswith the Certifi cate IV now under his belt, hehas the confi dence and motivation to continuehis professional development.

“I am aiming to progress into a site supervisor to continue gaining hands-on experience beforeobtaining my Low Rise Residential licence. I would highly recommend the Master Builders’ Certifi cate IV course to any constructiontradesperson looking to develop their careerand knowledge in a supportive environment.”

For more information on Master Builders’

Certifi cate IV in Building and Construction,

call 1300 13 60 02 or visit

masterbuilders.asn.au/training-and-licensing


Asbestos worker program passes national audit

The recent nationwide compliance audit on all asbestos removal training providers was conducted by the national training regulator in response to concerns raised by WorkCover NSW and otherregulatory bodies that related to the quality of training delivered across the country.

Master Builders was amongst the Registered Training Organisations that were audited nationwide,with the asbestos worker program passing the audit with 100% compliance and receiving positivefeedback from the national regulator.

A positive compliance rating is essential as it guarantees that the course will cover all aspects of the national training curriculum. Master Builders’ comprehensive off ering also means that workerswho complete the program fully understand their obligations when removing asbestos, ensuring

Master Builders’ asbestos worker program has come up trumps after a recent audit by the national training regulator.


they are aware of the correct procedures so they stay safe and minimise the chance of exposure to deadly asbestos fi bres.

Compliance also means Master Builders’ trainers meet and exceed national standards – which translates to high quality, work-readylearning outcomes for workers who completethe program. As part of the audit, Master Builders’ trainers were required to demonstrate their practical and recent participation in asbestos removal work and how they continually develop their skills – meaningstudents receive practical advice and trainingfrom industry leaders in this space.

With the recent changes to the licensingrequirements for the removal of non-friable asbestos, if you are considering completingany asbestos removal training, it is important you choose the most up-to-date and comprehensive course provider. These latest audit results confi rm Master Builders’ position as a leading training provider.

Master Builders’ asbestos worker program faredso well in the audit because it is one of themost comprehensive asbestos removal courses on the market. The program includes two daysof face-to-face training that allows attendeesto hit the ground running on completion.

Construction Skills Queensland provides some funding subsidies for this trainingprogram, which can reduce the cost for eligibleparticipants.

For more information on Master Builders’

asbestos worker program or to confi rm

availability and your eligibility for

funding, call 1300 13 60 02 or visit

masterbuilders.asn.au/training-and-licensing

New Home Owner’s Maintenance Manual

This book is intended primarily to be used as a general information guide to maintenance for home owners.

The focus of this book is on the majority of typical home styles.

The booklet sets out information for home owners on how best to look after what is probably the largest investment theywill make during their lives, and describes the home owners’ responsibilities with regard to the use and operation of the home.

This book is published as a community service by Master Buildersto assist purchasers of new homes or those who are carrying out extensions or renovations.

Call Master Builders on 1300 30 50 10 to purchase a copy.

QMBA-16850 03-13


Adventurers wanted for jungle trek

A call has gone out for all Bear Grylls’ wannabes to join the inaugural MATES in Construction Kokoda Trek, taking place in Papua New Guinea in September.

The nine day trek is a joint venture by Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), MATES inConstruction, Cribhut and Aurora Adventures, to raise awareness about suicide prevention in theconstruction industry.

Looking for your next challenge? The MATES in Construction Kokoda Trek will be held on 5–14 September 2014.

Community projects

Physically and mentally challenging, the scenic96 kilometre Kokoda Trail passes through some of the most rugged jungle in the world.

Built over 200 years ago as a commuting route between villages it was the scene of bitterfi ghting between Australian and Japanesesoldiers during World War II.

The fundraising trek coincides with International Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September 2014, when a ceremonycommemorating this day, as well as those who fought and lost their lives on the Kokoda Trail, will be held at Brigade Hill.

The trek includes return fl ights from Brisbaneto Port Moresby, accommodation, an experienced guide/historian, restaurant meals in Port Moresby and ration packs for the trek.

As well as the chance to visit commemorative battle sites and pay your respects to Australianwartime history, you will be surrounded byamazing scenery and will fi nish the trek with agreat sense of pride and achievement.

Construction workers are six times more likely

to die by suicide than through a workplace accident,

and apprentices in construction are two and a half

times more likely to suicide than other young men

their age.


Contact Darren Ho P: +61 7 3106 7212 | F: +61 7 3221 6099

E: [email protected]

A: Level 9, 231 North Quay,Brisbane, QLD 4000

Building Construction & ConveyancingSolutions Pty Ltd

Constructing Legal Solutions for the Industry

As a Master Builders member, you can buy a contract and receiveback up advice from our specialist staff .

Master Builders has developed a range of contracts that allocaterisk fairly between builders and subcontractors and builders and their clients.

Along with that contract, you can also access our specialist advicethat relates to:

Specialist contracts staff on hand

– but only when you need them

• Suitability of contracts

• Contract terms and conditions

• Progress claims entitlements andpreparation

• Variation claims and preparation

• Extension of time claimsand preparation

• Legislation aff ectingcontracts

• Tender procedures

• Tender documents

To order online, visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au/eshop.

Alternatively call 1300 30 50 10 for more information.

Community projects

This historic Australian pilgrimage will be the adventure of a lifetime, sowhy not sign up for the Kokoda Trek and help MATES in Construction tohelp others in challenging circumstances.

For more information about the Kokoda Trek itinerary visit CSQ’s websiteat csq.org.au or contact Aurora Adventures on 1300 158 468.

Training to get trek-readyFor those in Brisbane an eight-week training program is availablefor anyone who signs up for the trek. This will help ensure you are fi tenough to enjoy the challenging terrain.

Brisbane-based trekkers will commence training in the week beginning 7 July 2014. There is also a 12-week training program for those outside of Brisbane, commencing 16 June 2014.

Supporting MATES in ConstructionMATES in Construction is about ‘mates looking after mates’.

Their suicide awareness and prevention program aims to reduce the highlevel of suicide among Australian construction workers. They providesupport offi cers (trained construction workers known as Connectors) to recognise and intervene in potentially suicidal behaviour. The service isprovided at no cost to workers or construction companies.

As a registered charity, MATES in Construction relies on industry, government and personal donations for funding to provide a 24/7Helpline, counselling and trained support offi cers.

CSQ has been a long-time supporter of MATES in Construction and they are pulling out all the stops to help them meet their $100,000 fundraising target this year (CSQ’s CEO has even signed up for the trek) along with Master Builders’ Executive Director, Grant Galvin. Reaching this goal will mean another MIC trained support offi cer can be provided for Queensland.

Donations to support the Kokoda Trek can be made via the Go Fundraise

website (search for Mates in Construction) www.gofundraise.com.au

Did you know…MATES in Construction is also a Master Builders Foundation pillar partner?

The important work they perform within the industry and their direct link to building and construction industry workers in Queensland is acknowledged by Master Builders’ funding of a fi eld offi cer who assists employers in the industry to establish the MATES in Construction model in their worksites.

For more information about the partnership, visit

masterbuilders.asn.au/about-us/community-projects


Master Builders joins Youngcare for new project to help young Aussies

The building project, located in Wooloowin (on Brisbane’s north side), will be home to four young people whose only other housing option would be living in aged care.

The project kicked off in late May and is set to be a share house model. This is stage one of theWooloowin project, with stage two delivering four co-located family homes.

Both of these projects are delivering new housing models to meet the diff ering needs of young people with high care needs.

The share house will provide connection to the community for the four young people who will callit home, as well as ensuring privacy, independence and dignity to all residents.

Care at the share house will be expertly provided by Wesley Mission Brisbane, who also provide care and manage the apartments at Sinnamon Park in Brisbane’s west, and Coomera on the Gold Coast.

Master Builders has taken a lead role in supporting the project by contributing $300,000 via theMaster Builders Foundation towards construction costs. We have also assisted Youngcare with the tender selection process to award the building contract.

Master Builders has partnered with Youngcare for a new building project to get young people with high care disability needs out of aged care.

Community projects

This is the second time the association hassupported a Youngcare building project,having previously contributed to the GoldCoast apartment construction.

Members, Curley Builders, were selected as the successful builders for the share houseproject, which is expected to be completed in September 2014.

Curley Builders is a family company that hasgrown considerably over the years by its founder Fred Curley and son, Mark Curley.Taking pride in their work, their focus will be to deliver a quality project on time and on budget.

The land was granted to Youngcare by theQueensland Government.

Long-time supporter, Cox Architecture,developed plans for the share house, ensuring the design is appropriate for the needs of young people who will live there while also keeping with the character of the Wooloowin area.

About YoungcareYoungcare is a national charity working to provide choice in care and housing options for over 7,000 young people currently livingin aged care (National Disability Agreement2011–12) and the further 700,000 living at home with loved ones, often with limited support(Australian Institute of Health & Welfare 2011).

As well as building projects, they also off er the Youngcare At Home Care Grants toprevent further admission into aged care; the Youngcare Connect information and support phone service and conduct research into age-appropriate care and housing.

Master Builders’ commitment with Youngcare onthis project will help to ensure a more positivefuture for young people with high care needs.

For more information about the project, visit

www.youngcare.com.au/wooloowin


Fresh faces for Master Builders’ membership team

Emma Peters – North QueenslandProud to be part of an all-femaleoffi ce, Emma Petersrecently joined theteam in Townsville,proving that therereally are no genderbarriers in the northof the state.

With a backgroundin real estate, recruitment andpainting contracting, Emma is an experiencedsales professional who is looking forward to assisting Master Builders’ members to growtheir businesses using the suite of productsand services on off er.

“I feel very passionately about working withMaster Builders to help members stay at theforefront of the building and constructionindustry,” Ms Peters said.

“At the moment I’m working hard to get out and introduce myself to the local building industry and I certainly encourage members to visit theTownsville offi ce or give us a call if they needany support from Master Builders. We are just aphone call away if you need help.”

Emma will cover the North Queensland territory which stretches from Home Hill toIngham and west to Mount Isa. She will playa role in delivering industry events in the region that will provide important and relevantinformation for anyone who works in the building industry.

Emma brings with her a wealth of experiencein the commercial building sector and herappointment will help maintain MasterBuilders’ unmatched regional footprint.

Amanda Little – North BrisbaneNew members in the northern suburbs of Brisbane will now have a new contact when itcomes to all things membership as wewelcome AmandaLittle to the head offi ce team.

Hailing from Calgary,Alberta, Canada, Amanda has over seven years’ experience in residential new home sales, having workedfor building companies like Cardel Homes andGreenboro Homes, both of which she can’t speak more highly of.

Since the move to Australia, Amanda hasindulged in her passion for real estate andconstruction, working for companies like well-known Japanese home builder, Sekisui House and Stockland.

“My profession has allowed me to be part of one of the biggest purchases people make,helping families build everything from theirfi rst home to custom multi-million dollarhomes,” Amanda said.

“I love working with people and building real relationships along the way. My focus has beenon providing each and every client with anextraordinary customer experience.

“I’m keen to get out there and meet as many new, potential and existing members of MasterBuilders as possible.”

Members across three different Queensland regions will now have a new point of contact after three new Membership Recruitment Offi cers were recently welcomed.

Spotlight on

Ian Langer – Burnett Wide BayWith over 20years’ experiencein customer service, account management and sales management,including a decade in media and marketing, Ian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to theMaster Builders’ team.

His background of seven years as the SalesManager for the Fraser Coast Chronicle, theFraser Coast’s local daily newspaper, gives hima great standing and knowledge of the BurnettWide Bay area.

Experience in group training, with a strongfocus on developing opportunities foremploying apprentices, training, HR, IR, safetyissues across a wide variety of industries, also places him in a great position within ourindustry.

Ian is an active member of the Fraser Coast community and is excited about the newopportunities that lie ahead for him as part of the Master Builders’ team. He has already beenworking hard to get out there and meet asmany people in the industry as possible.

“My focus is on growing Master Builders’ membership base, to ensure we continue to be the strongest voice and support organisation for the building and construction industry in Queensland,” Ian said.

“This will ensure we continue to add value to our members through outstanding customer service.”

Not sure what contract to use? Call Master Builders for contracts advice.

Call us on 1300 30 50 10.


Ruling determines no BCIPA service by email

Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, uploading a document to an electronic fi le uploading facility (such as Dropbox) andproviding a link to the document does notconstitute service of the document. Service via web-based, third-party hosted, document orproject management systems, such as ProjectCentre or Aconex, is also likely to be ineff ective.

Outline of the case The claimant sent an email to the respondentproviding:

• Two adjudication application forms as attachments

• Dropbox links to documentation in support of each application (including the claimant’s submissions).

Notwithstanding that the parties had usedDropbox in previous correspondence, therespondent read the email and its attachments but did not examine the documents within the Dropbox links.

Given that the whole of the adjudicationapplication, technically, was not within the email itself, the question for the Court was whether the application had been eff ectivelyserved on the respondent.

The Queensland Supreme Court recently handed down an important decision on electronic service of documents under the Building and Construction Industry of Payments Act 2004 (Qld) (BCIPA).

Laws, codes & regulations

The decision The Court held that service of the adjudicationapplications, inclusive of the material within the Dropbox links, was not eff ective.

Dropbox At the outset, the Supreme Court noted that the documents within the Dropbox links werenot part of the data contained in the email andits attachments:

“The Dropbox facility is a service by whichan electronic fi le is stored by a third party remotely so that any computer (with therelevant authority) can view the fi le”.

The Court went on to make the followingdistinction:

• An email with attachments is a way of communicating information

• A Dropbox link is a way of communicating



the means by which information may beobtained.

In the premises, if a document is purported tobe served by sending a Dropbox link to a party,it has not been served.

Email The Court also doubted that a document required to be served under BCIPA can be served by email. Unlike hand delivery, post,telex or facsimile, the Court noted thataccessing a document provided by emailtransmission requires positive action onthe part of the receiver. The same is true of providing a Dropbox link to a document.

Although the Court did not conclusively holdthat service by email is ineff ective, the tenor of the judgment is that unless the parties consentto service by email, a document purported tobe served as an attachment to an email has notbeen served.

What does this mean for you? You should make express provision in yourcontracts if you intend to serve the following documents by email and/or web-based third party systems (e.g. Dropbox, Project Centre or Aconex):

• Payment claim

• Payment schedule

• Adjudication application

• Adjudication response.

It is not suffi cient that you have an establishedbusiness practice of communication via emailand/or web-based third party systems.

Given the strict timeframes under BCIPA, failureto provide for electronic service in the contractmay preclude you from making or respondingto an adjudication application.

This article was originally published by

Holding Redlich, a leading corporate and

commercial law fi rm.

Disclaimer

The information in this publication is of ageneral nature and is not intended to addressthe circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provideaccurate and timely information, we donot guarantee that the information in thispublication is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future.

We are not responsible for the information of any source to which a link is provided or reference ismade and exclude all liability in connection with use of these sources.

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• Option for roadside assistance

• Direct debit payments and 51 days interest-free credit

Cards start at just $2.20 each per month.

Apply today, call 1300 30 50 10or visit masterbuilders.asn.au

Caltex StarCard.Perhaps the best trade tool you can own!


2014 building consultants conference a success

The conference was a huge success, with 86 attendees travelling to attend from as far north as Cairns, and south from Sydney. Attendees enjoyed numerous interactive sessions with guest speakers, with all presentations generating lots of questions and general industry discussions.

A technical theme was chosen for the conference, which included a line-up of eight experienced industry speakers, all who are leaders in their respective fi elds.

Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea breaks allowed attendees to browse the exhibitor displays and network with other IBC members and industry participants. A gala dinner followed the all-day conference, with the fun kicking off at Ray Reef for pre-dinner drinks, which were proudly sponsored by Hanson.

As guests mingled and watched the grace of the stingray, a few took on the challenge and went on the Jet Rescue Ride. Guests then ventured onto the dinner venue, which overlooked the lake, with networking and conversations continuing late into the evening.

The IBC committee would like to thank all who attended and hope you found the conference informative and useful.

A massive thanks to event sponsors, including pre-dinner sponsor, Hanson, and exhibitors, including BUSSQ, Bluescope, SV Partners, Termatrac, Octief, and Reece.

For more information about the IBC or future conferences, call Master Builders on 3225 6419 or

email [email protected]

The Institute of Building Consultants (IBC) held its conference and gala dinner at Sea World Resort in March 2014.

What attendees had to say...“Great event! Quality information – the window

installation topic was a clear standout. Defi nitely value for money and a great venue with a good vibe. Nothing to improve on and would gladly attend again.”

“Excellent event. Very informative. No negative points. Well organised and good value for money. Great venue. Earlier speakers were fantastic. Would attend again given topics were relevant.”

“Agenda was good. Andrew Wallace (speaker/MC) was good, kept prompting questions, and kept the event on track. Overall a great event. Venue was good and dinner was great. Fire safety and concrete topics were a standout, speakers were very knowledgeable in their fi elds. Great value for money and would defi nitely attend again.”

“Found the conference pretty good overall. The content was very relevant for a change (focusing on residential and not commercial). Will defi nitely attend any conferences that Master Builders QLD puts on as I always fi nds them informative and Master Builders’ staff professional and helpful.”

“Pre-dinner drinks were a hit – fantastic networking.”

EventsKaren Haworth – Manager Planning Services


A BUSSQ Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) should be obtained before any decision is made to purchase a BUSSQ product. BUSS(Queensland) Pty Ltd ABN 15 065 081 281; Licence 237860; BUSSQ ABN 85 571 332 201.

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A BUSSQ Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) should be obtained before any decision is made to purchas

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Events

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Industry Leaders LunchThe 2014 Industry Leaders Lunch was a greatopportunity for industry frontrunners to gettogether to network and gain insights into local key industry topics. The event, whichwas held on Friday, 28 March at GambaroRestaurant and Function Centre, featuredkeynote speakers, the Honourable Jarrod Bleijie MP, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, and Nigel Hadgkiss, Commissioner of Fair Work Building and Construction.

Gold Coast EconomicBreakfastThe Gold Coast EconomicBreakfast was held on Friday, 28 March at JupitersHotel and gave attendeesinsight into the facts and fi gures currently impacting theconstruction industry and the overall economic climate. Guestspeakers included Greg Uptin,Senior Macro-Economist fromQueensland Treasury, successfulauthor, Ray Scicluna, and JohnCrittall, Master Builders’ Director Construction Policy.

People &EVENTS


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Social visits in North QueenslandMaster Builders’ State Sales Manager, Ross Norman, recently paid a visit to the North Queensland offi ce where he caught up with Regional Manager, Melissa Coulter, and long-standing member,Raymond Lewty. Raymond was the North Queensland Chairman from 1978–1981 and his family have been members of Master Builders for over 60 years!

NCC BroadcastThe National Construction Code (NCC) Broadcast event on 30 April gave members the chance to get ‘on the job’ info, while chatting with industrycolleagues and work mates and enjoying afternoon drinks and pizza. With the changes to the NCC now fi nalised, industry veteran and Master Builders’ Manager Building Services, Tony Mitchell, provided an overview of the amendments to ensure members remain compliant and understand the amendments. Full details of the changes can be found on page 26.

People & EVENTS


(Le -Right) Paula Rowntree and Darren Tomarchio

(Le -Right) Stephen Amos, Robbie Blance and Emma Blance from Merkara Homes

(Le -Right) Steve Haddad and Heather Walker from Medibank (event sponsors)

(Le -Right) Andrew Waterman, Bryan Cur n andDoug Carter from Queensland All Trades

(Le -Right) Alison Price from Brisbane Screening with Brisbane Membership Recruitment Offi cer, Amanda Li le

(Le -Right) Les and Clyde Argent from Argent Building Services QLD

(Le -Right) Greg Robertson, Ben Ferris and Geoff Taylor from AV Jennings

(Le -Right) Jus n Griffi n, Tony Mitchell, Kirsty Augus ne and Ralph Cois

(Le -Right) Jason Pannell, Steve Pannell and Brisbane Membership Recruitment Offi cer, Michael Hinde

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Hervey BayGolf DayThe annual Hervey Bay Golf Day, held on Friday, 2 May, was another greatsuccess, with a fantastic day had by all who attended in the Burnett Wide Bay region. Congratulations to the winningteams – Good Guys Hervey Bay (fi rstplace), Boral (second place) and FraserCoast Chronicle (third place).

People & EVENTS


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Beaudesert Golf DayBeaudesert members enjoyed a day of fun and laughs, with a bit of golf in between at theBeaudesert Golf Day on Friday, 2 May. A big thanks to BUSSQfor sponsoring the day andcongratulations to the winningteam, The Rejects.

Win a miniApple iPad competitionAll members who pay their membership renewal by the due date to go in the draw to win an Apple iPad Mini each month.Congratulations to all of our latest winners.

Mackay Business Partners Industry DinnerThe 10th Annual Business Partners Industry Dinner in Mackay was a must-attend event for the region and was open to both members and non-members. Master Builders’ Executive Director, Grant Galvin, attended the event and provided an insight into current industry trends across thecommercial and residential sectors.

People & EVENTS


Far North Queensland Regional Manager, Ron Bannah, and Wayne Williams.

Brisbane local Jeremy Walters with new Brisbane Membership Recruitment Offi cer, Amanda Li le.

Survey of Industry Conditions winnerCongratulations to Steve Bignill from Choice Homes on the Gold Coast, who was the lucky prizewinner from the latest Survey of Industry Conditions. Steve won a Master Builders’ Work & Play prize pack, which included a $400 travel voucher and 50 eDocs system credits. Looks like a familyweekend away on us is on the cards for Steve!

Gold Coast Regional Manager, John Duncalfe and Steve Bignill.


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Digital divide widens between SMEs

NationalBusiness

website

Cloud

computing

Social

media site

Yes No Yes No Yes No

Performance – revenue up

22% 28% 18% 26% 20% 29% 20%

Performance – revenue down

34% 29% 38% 28% 37% 26% 37%

Expectations –revenue up

34% 39% 30% 38% 32% 39% 32%

Expectations –revenue down

22% 20% 23% 25% 20% 20% 22%

Economic confi dence (improvementin 12 months or less)

26% 30% 24% 38% 21% 28% 26%

More work/sales in 3month pipeline

33% 43% 26% 49% 26% 44% 30%

The study of 1,032 SMEs also found an increase in the use of onlinetechnologies. The proportion with a website is now 42%, up from 38% six months ago. A similar trend occurs for those using social media (39%,up from 33%), and cloud computing (33%, up from 16%).

The use of tablets, such as an iPad or other device, has risen to 27% from24% six months ago. Smartphone usage was slightly down from 46% to43% in the same period. A similar proportion of operators don’t have anonline presence for their business, at 43%.

MYOB Chief Strategy Offi cer, John Moss, says the diff erence betweenonline businesses and those that don’t have an online presence is marked across a range of business performance measures.

“What’s clear to us from our years of conducting research into SMEs’ useof online technologies is that businesses with an online presence reachmore people and are more engaged with their customers,” Mr Moss said.

“This translates to stronger business performance. For example, those with awebsite are 56% more likely to see annual revenue rise, and those who use cloud computing are 30% more likely to do so. Businesses that embrace online technologies also have more work in their short-term pipeline.

“It’s evident the digital divide among SMEs is widening, and we stronglybelieve it’s time for more business operators to take a look at thebenefi ts of easy-to-use online technology for the health of their business.”

More confi dence, more contributionBuoyed by their performance, SMEs with a website are more positive about the economy, with nearly one third expecting an improvement within 12 months, compared to nearly one quarter of businesses without a website.

“Online businesses are more likely to be making a contribution to wider economic growth, including improved job opportunities for Australians,” said Mr Moss.

“18% of businesses with a website and 18% with a social media site areplanning to increase their full-time staff this year. That’s a considerablyhigher number than the 7% of businesses without a website and the 9%without social media who are looking to hire this year.”

Online businesses are more confi dent, make more and employ more people – are you online?


As more small and medium enterprises (SMEs) experience revenuegrowth due to the use of online technologies, the divide between theonline-savvy and the online-cautious is widening, according to MYOB.

The March 2014 MYOB Business Monitor revealed a higher proportion rof online-savvy businesses reported revenue growth in the year to February 2014 and expect future revenue growth, than those without online technologies. They also reported higher economic confi denceand more work/sales in their short-term pipeline.

The growth expectations of online-savvy businesses is likely fuelled bytheir current workload. Almost half of SMEs who use cloud technologyand over two fi fths with a website and a social media site reportedincreased sales or work in their short-term pipeline. In contrast, slightlymore than one quarter of SMEs without a website reported morepipeline work.



Email & online banking most popular online services

“We also asked business owners and managers to identify the online services they used in theirbusiness.”

“The top fi ve online services were email at 76%,online banking at 69%, social networking at 29%, buying products and services onlineat 22%, and email marketing, VOIP and fi lesharing – each at 21%.”

Over one third of SMEs (38%) now accept someform of online payment via a shopping cart, while 21% use search engine optimisation and 18% use search engine marketing as away of promoting their business, 16% have ane-commerce facility within their website, and12% use other websites to sell products andservices.

LinkedIn most popular social media avenue for businessAccording to the survey, LinkedIn is the most popular business social media platform, with 18% of SME operators using their profi les toconnect with colleagues and other businesspeople. 17% have a Facebook page for theirbusiness, while 8% have a Google+ business page. 6% communicate via Twitter, while 5%use YouTube as a vehicle to connect with customers.

Businesses mostly likely to be connectedWhen looking at online business activity by mainland states, Western Australia is the most connected, with 37% of businesses using cloud computing and 19% with a business website and social media site. South Australia was leastlikely to use cloud computing (21%) and abusiness website and a social media site (14%).

In terms of industry, those in fi nance and insurance were the most likely to use cloudcomputing (42%) while operators in agriculture, forestry and fi shing were the least likely(12%). Operators in retail and hospitality werethe most likely to have a business websiteand a social media site (25%) while those inagriculture, forestry and fi shing were the leastlikely (6%).

Comparing operators via business tenure,operators in establishing businesses were themost likely to use cloud computing (42%) anda business website and a social media site(18%), while established businesses were theleast likely to use these online technologies (17% and 11% respectively).

Operators based in city and metropolitan areas were the most likely to have an onlinepresence (57%), while rural-based operatorswere the least likely (38%).

For MYOB product information, research

results, business tips, discussions, client

service and information about the MYOB

Business Monitor, visit myob.com.au


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Mastering your businessNoel Whittaker – Financial expert

The Federal Budget has changed the landscapeas far as tax planning is concerned. Never before has good advice been so important.Here are some ideas which have the potentialto save you tax, but remember, talk to youraccountant to ensure that any actions you takeare appropriate for your situation.

As we approach 30 June, you need to have your accountant prepare an estimate of what yourtaxable income will be for the current year, and what it may be in the next fi nancial year.

If it appears you’ll be in a higher tax bracket after 30 June, you should be doing whateverpossible to bring forward income to this year where it will be taxed at a lower rate.

Conversely, if you have tax deductible expenses such as repairs to an investment property, you should be deferring them to next year when the tax deduction will be worthmore.

If your income this year will be higher than next, and you have an investment loan, talk to your lender about prepaying 12 months’ interest. This will make the whole of next years’ interest a tax deduction in the current fi nancial year. Keep in mind that you’ll need to negotiate

Noel Whittaker’s top tips for tax time


31

DUE

31 JULY 2014

www.qleave.qld.go

v.au

JULY

with the lender – you can’t just bank a year’sinterest into the loan account, as all that will do is reduce the principal.

This is a critical time for capital gains tax (CGT) planning – remember the relevant date is when the sales contract is signed. By deferringsigning a contract until after 30 June, the CGT will be triggered in the following year, and you’ll have an extra year to pay it. Obviouslyyou would not do this if your income next yearis expected to be much higher than this year.

Many people pay more CGT than is necessary because they don’t understand that you need to own the asset for over a year to get the benefi t of the 50% discount. This is why itis critical you talk to your accountant before signing any contracts to sell an asset which may be liable for CGT.

Despite the continual changes to super, it is still the only investment you can make withpre-tax dollars, and about the only one that is safe from the trustee in bankruptcy if you go broke. But, you cannot access it until you reach your preservation age.

There are strict limits on the amount that can be contributed to super, and heavy penalties

for exceeding them. For the current year, the maximum concessional contribution is $25,000 for people under 60; and $35,000 for people aged 60 and over. For a super contribution to be counted in the current fi nancial year, it must be physically banked in the fund’s bank account before 30 June.

Noel Whittaker is the author of Making Money Made Simple and numerous other books on

personal fi nance. His advice is general in nature and readers should seek their own professional

advice before making any fi nancial decisions. To contact Noel, email: [email protected]


SuperStream is coming

These reforms mean that employers will be required to submit superannuation data and payments electronically.

From 1 July 2014 employers with more than 20 employees should start transitioning to submittingpayments and superannuation data electronically, with the fi nal deadline being 1 July 2015.

For employers who have less than 20 employees, the deadline has been extended to 1 July2016. However, these employers should start looking at their current processes and start paying electronically as soon as possible.

BUSSQ has a number of superannuation electronic payment options, including BPAY, EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer) and self-initiated direct debit. The BUSSQ EmployerAccess onlinepayment system will ensure employers are compliant with the new legislative requirements. It’s also very easy to use.

The BUSSQ Clearing House, SCH Online, is linked to the BUSSQ EmployerAccess system, whichmeans that employers can pay all of their super payments to BUSSQ as well as any othersuperfunds – all in the one place. And, they’ll only have to remember one password for one system.

The good news is that if employers use BUSSQ as their default fund, the clearing house is available at no extra cost!

For more information, check out the SuperStream Toolkit at www.bussq.com.au

To improve the processing of everyday superannuation transactions, the state government has introduced a package of reforms, known as SuperStream.

Superannuation

Legislative updatesNew concessional contribution limits for the 2014–15 fi nancial year

The concessional contributions cap is the limit on the amount of concessional (before tax) superannuation contributions a person can make each year, before they may pay extra tax.

For the current fi nancial year (2013–14) the concessional contribution limits are as follows:

• Aged 59 years or older on 30 June 2013: $35,000

• Everyone else: $25,000.

From 1 July 2014, superannuation concessional contribution limits are due to increase as follows:

• Aged 50 years or older: $35,000

• Everyone else: $30,000

Superannuation guarantee increaseThe superannuation guarantee (SG) rate (currently 9.25%) will increase to 9.5% on 1 July 2014. This is the minimum amount of superannuation employers are obligated to pay for their employees.

If there is any future legislation that

impacts this, BUSSQ will keep you

updated.


BUSSQ Charity Golf Day supports MATES In Construction

In a bid to raise much needed funding for MATES In Construction,BUSSQ have been holding a range of charity golf days. The initiative fi rst started in Townsville in 2011 and due to its success and popularity, one was held for the fi rst time in Brisbane on 27 March2014.

The event was a huge successwith a total of 100 players and close to $20,000 raised for MATES.The team from Wadsworth Constructions took out the fi rst place.

BUSSQ is a major supporter of MATES and they are passionate about the wellbeing of theirmembers. They are committed to raising additional funds through their golf days so they can continue to support MATES withtheir work in suicide prevention.

Superannuation


No conversion of bank guarantees if monies only claimed to be owing

In October 2011, Beyfi eld Pty Ltd (Beyfi eld) entered into an agreement as subcontractor withNorthbuild Construction Sunshine Coast Pty Ltd (Northbuild) for the provision of mechanicalworks at a project located at Thursday Island. Northbuild was the head contractor to that project.

Relevantly, clause 5(e) of the general conditions of the subcontract provided that:

“The Builder may, upon the giving of written notice to the Subcontractor, have recourse to theRetention, or convert into cash any Bond or Instruments substituted by the Subcontractor:

i. where an amount is due to the Builder under the Subcontract; or

ii. in respect of any claim to payment (liquidated or otherwise) the Builder may have against the Subcontractor under the Subcontract or otherwise.” (Emphasis added).

In accordance with the subcontract, Beyfi eld caused its bank to provide two bank guarantees in favour of Northbuild, each one in an amount of $96,250, as security for the performance of theworks under the subcontract.

Northbuild subsequently gave notice to Beyfi eld of its intention to have recourse to the bank guarantees stating that it had incurred additional costs as a result of an alleged breach of thesubcontract by Beyfi eld. Northbuild also claimed an amount owed from Beyfi eld due to Beyfi eld’s

In the recent decision of Beyfi eld Pty Ltd v Northbuild Construction Sunshine Coast Pty Ltd, the Queensland Supreme Court had call to consider the scope of section 67J of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991 (the Act) and the times at which a security held in respect of a construction contract can be converted.


negligence. All of the amounts claimed by Northbuild were unliquidated.

The issues The issues to be determined by the Court were, inter alia:

• Whether clause 5(e) of the general conditions was void or unenforceable as aconsequence of the provisions of the Act(or its predecessor the Queensland Building Services Authority Act 1991)

• Whether the notice given by Northbuildwas for a “debt due”

• Whether the claims by Northbuild werebona fi de.

Clause 5(e) of the Subcontract and “debt due” It has long been accepted that section 67J of the Act restricts a contracting party’s use of a security.In this sense, this section of the Act confi nes the operation of retention clauses to “debts due”.

In support of this position, Martin J referred to the decision by Keane JA in Multiplex Ltd v QantasAirways Ltd where His Honour said that section d67J of the Queensland Building Services Authority Act 1991 “is concerned with amounts which are, in truth, payable or owed under the contract. It is not concerned with amounts ‘claimed to be owing’ or with amounts ‘certifi ed as payable’...”.

This interpretation was said to be consistent with the remedial character of the Act, namely, the:

• Regulation of the building industry

• Limitation of the scope to which set-off s could be applied to securities under a contract.

Turning to clause 5(e) of the subcontract, the Court found that it was not open to the parties to contractually agree that Northbuild mayhave recourse to the retention in respect of both liquidated and unliquidated claims.

Such a term was therefore inconsistent with the Act and void to the extent of such aninconsistency.

Requirement that claims be bona fi de As part of the decision, Martin J also considered whether a claim against a securitymust also be made bona fi de.


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In this regard, Northbuild sought as part of its unliquidated damages claim an amount for in freight costs under the subcontract. This amount had previously been the subject of adjudication decision under the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004(BCIPA) where the adjudicator had held thatNorthbuild was not entitled to this claim.

Citing the decision in Bachmann Pty Ltd v BHP Power New Zealand Ltd [1999] 1 VR 420,dMartin J held that only a bona fi de claim wouldfacilitate recourse to security.

To this end, His Honour held that Northbuild’sclaims for unliquidated damages for freightwere not bona fi de, those claims havingbeen rejected in the earlier adjudicationdetermination.

A passage of the judgment of Pembroke J inFMT Aircraft Gat Support Systems v Sydney PortsCorporation [2010] NSWSC 1108 was off ered as justifi cation for this proposition statingthat what is required is “an arguable claim –one that is not specious, fanciful or untenable”.The implication being that a claim that isunsuccessful at adjudication ceases to be anarguable basis for the conversion of a security.

The decision by the Queensland Supreme Court is interesting as it is at odds with section 100 of BCIPA and the notion that adjudicationis part of a statutory scheme for the making of interim, not fi nal, payments.

It would appear from His Honour’s decision, that where a party has unsuccessfully agitated an issue at an adjudication, this issue (and anyamounts said to be owing which may fl owfrom it) cannot form the basis of that parties’ recourse to the conversion of the security.

What does this mean for contractors and subcontractors? The decision of the Supreme Court in Beyfi eld confi rms the position in Multiplex Ltd v QantasAirways Ltd to the eff ect that a party may only have recourse to a security where an amount isactually owing pursuant to a contract and notmerely claimed to be owing.

It similarly confi rms that it is not open for the parties to include contractual provisions which attempt to expand upon the scope of section67J of the Act.

More interestingly though, Martin J’s reasoningwith respect to the bona fi de nature of the

claim may have wider reaching implications onthe industry, the result being that a party will be prevented from calling on a security wherethat issue has been determined in favour of the security provider at adjudication.

While this decision may yet be confi ned to itsfacts, it does represent an expansion by the Court as to the grounds upon which a partymay seek injunctive relief to prevent a security being called upon by a party.

This article was originally published by

Holding Redlich, a leading corporate and

commercial law fi rm.

Disclaimer

The information in this article is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, we donot guarantee that the information in this publication is accurate at the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future.

We are not responsible for the information of any source to which a link is provided or reference ismade and exclude all liability in connection with use of these sources.


Australian skin cancer rates drop for the fi rst time

The study, led by QIMR Berghofer’s Professor David Whiteman, considered Medicare data from millions of Australians from 2000–2010.

While the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer continued to increase markedly in older Australians during that period, the data showed the fi rst recorded drop in Australians aged under 45: down 1.5% each year; more than 10% over the decade.

In that same period, the number of younger Australians having skin checks or biopsies increased.

“We’ve shown that younger people are more aware of skin cancer, having more checks for skin cancer, and are recording fewer cases of skin cancer,” Professor Whiteman said.

“Finally, the sun safe message is having results. The generation exposed to the message of Slip, Slop, Slap since childhood is the fi rst to see the real benefi ts of the campaign.

“We always knew it would take that long, because skin cancers form about 30 years after sun exposure. But it’s both exciting and a relief to fi nally see these fi gures.”

The fi gures showed an annual drop of 4% per year in Australians aged 5 to 24; 2% in those aged 25 to 34 and 1.5% in Australians under 45.

“Apart from the obvious benefi ts for their own health, such a trend could have an enormous impact on the health system. Conservative estimates suggest skin cancer costs the Australian health system more than $500

A QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute study has shown that rates of non-melanoma skin cancer are dropping for the fi rst time among younger Australians.

Health & wellbeing

million a year in direct costs alone,” Professor Whiteman said.

However, results showed skin cancer rates were still on the rise among older Australians.

“This is still worrying. Obviously a lot of this sun damage was done decades ago, but it is never too late to take steps to prevent further sun damage.”

Professor Whiteman also runs QSkin, a research project following 43,000 Queenslanders for 10 years to develop a full picture of skin cancer trends and costs.

For more information, visit the QIMR website

at qskin.qimrberghofer.edu.au/

The QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute in Brisbane is a world leading translational research institute focused on cancer, infectious diseases, mental health and a range of complex diseases. Working in close collaboration with clinicians and other research institutes, their aim is to improve health by developing new diagnostics, better treatments and prevention strategies.


MASTER BUILDERS

OFFICE LOCATIONS

BRISBANE

417 Wickham TerraceBrisbane, QLD 4000 Ph: 3225 6444 Fax: 3225 6545 [email protected] www.masterbuilders.asn.au

GOLD COAST

John DuncalfeRegional Manager Master Builders House18 Central Park AveAshmore, QLD 4214 Ph: 5582 7100 Fax 5597 7044

DOWNS & WESTERN

Tony RyderRegional Manager 166 Hume StreetToowoomba, QLD 4350Ph: 4659 4200 Fax: 4639 5144

SUNSHINE COAST

Michael HopkinsRegional ManagerLevel 1, 91 King Street PO Box 1458Buderim, QLD 4556Ph: 5456 9800 Fax: 5453 4670

BURNETT WIDE BAY

Michael HopkinsRegional Manager162 Boat Harbour DriveHervey Bay, QLD 4655Ph: 4303 2400 Fax: 4124 7235

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

Dennis BryantRegional Manager35 Derby StreetPO Box 631Rockhampton, QLD 4700Ph: 4923 1900 Fax: 4921 3235

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAY

Malcolm HullRegional Manager Suite 2, 40 Evans AvenuePO Box 3188North Mackay, QLD 4740Ph: 4969 4500Fax: 4951 3418

NORTH QUEENSLAND

Melissa CoulterRegional ManagerMaster Builders HouseUnit 1(B), 316 Sturt StreetTownsville, QLD 4810Ph: 4417 1800 Fax: 4771 5777

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Ron BannahRegional Manager310–314 Gatton StreetManunda, QLD 4870PO Box 806Earlville, QLD 4870Ph: 4042 8800Fax: 4041 7663

Cellulose-based building materials frequently become wet. Condensation, thermal bridging, pipeleaks through full scale fl ooding allow mould togrow and double in size every 48 hours, getting “outof control”. Mould quickly changes these innocentbuilding components to hazardous materials, posingrisk to buildings and occupants.

In the Queensland climate, mould is a signifi cantproblem in the workplace or home where spores/fragments invade indoor air and surfaces, only to be later inhaled or swallowed. A long-established causeof allergies, and disease in sensitive people, recentAustralian research showed that mould increasesasthma rates in those without allergies too.

To compliment our asbestos and contaminatedland services, Octief now off ers a comprehensive cost-eff ective water-damage management programled by NABERS and Green Star Indoor EnvironmentTechnical advisor Dr. Claire Bird.

Octief’s unique program returns mould-contaminated buildings to operation and avoidsbusiness interruption. It reduces health and business risks to stakeholders from workers and building occupants to insurers through training, monitoring,site supervision and independent works clearance.

Claire’s extensive International experience inEnvironmental Microbiology and water damaged buildings enables her to provide this service to those repairing them.

For further information please contact

Dr. Claire Bird on 1800 628 433.

Master Builders has partnered with Medibank tobring you a great deal on health cover for you andyour family, which means you can enjoy:

• An ongoing 8.3% discount – that’s like getting one month of cover free each year*

• Tailored packages for every stage of life

• No hospital excess for kids on familymemberships+

• 100% back on optical items at optical retailers, up to your annual limits#

• Medibank hospital cover includes access to arange of health support services, including a 24/7health advice line.

• If you have a fl ybuys account, link your Medibank and fl ybuys accounts to start earning rewards.

Call 131 680, ask in store, visit www.medibank.com.au/mbaqld or email your Medibank consultant at [email protected]. Rememberto quote you are a member of Master BuildersQueensland.

Note: Waiting periods apply including 12 months for pre-existing conditions.

* Discount based on premiums of equivalent and eligible*

Medibank retail covers and applies for the life of your corporate cover. Over 12 months, the 8.3% discount is worthapproximately 1 month of equivalent retail cover.

+ With Corporate hospital cover. Other out-of-pocket expensesmay apply.

# With Corporate extras and package cover excluding For Everyday Starter package.

What’s new

The home truths of water damage

Benefi ts of Medibank Corporate Health cover

Contact InformationMark MeisenhelterBusiness Development Manager - QueenslandE [email protected] 0431 502 191

Australian Urethane and StyreneSydneyP 02 9678 9833www.cupolex.net.au

Cupolex® The Structural Dome. Concrete foundations become green

CUPOLEX® is a patented structural

®

dome concrete slab system made frrr om rrr ecycledrr

non-toxic Polypropylene. Each dome easily interrr -rr

connects to create a self supporting structurrr e rr

acting as permanent form work, as an alternative

to Waffle slab polystyrWW ene and/or harrr d fill inrr

your concrete slab. Not only does CUPOLEXrr ®XX

provide an absolute barrier and rrr educes potentiarr l

for rising damp with no capillary action possible,

but it also is cost effective.ff

What is Cupolex

Cupolex is an environmentally friendlyrr

and cost effective alterff native to Rib Raft,

Stiffened Raft and other concrff err te voidee

systems.

Cupolex allows designers, builders and

developers to specify for buildings and

homes a cost effective foundation which isff

both Grerr en and Sustainable. All the while

reducing building cycle time and minimisingrr

engineered fill rrr equirrr err ments which can be

very expensive.

History

The name Cupolex comes from the Italiarr n

word “Cupola” meaning dome. Millions ofrr

square mete res of Cupolex have been laid in

concrete slabs and foundations thrr roughout

the Americas, Australasia and Europe.

Inventors of the Cupolex system Pontarolo

Engineering have been marketing Cupolex

worldwide since 1990. It was originally

developed as a solution to ventilate Radon

Gas from new buildings for the US Air Forr rce

in Italy. It is now a yy requirement for all new ee

construction for the US Air Force. Radon

Gas is prevalent in arrr eas of Eurr rope and the

USA and some parts of Australia.

Since its creation, the Cupolex system harr saa

been utilised as a solution in a number of

differff err nt capacities other than its original

design.

Cupolex can be used for a vary of applications:

Residential, commercial and industriarr l

slabs

Freezer floor slabrr s

Road constructions

Air recirculation systems

Building renovations in place of hard fill

Sites with high and low weight

bearings

Effective solution in flood plane siteff s

Benefits

Manufactured frrr om 100% rr recycled

plastic

Speedy and easy installation

Can be fully ventilated to reduce power

usage

No waste

Standard components that lock

together

Reduced safety and environmentarr l

hazards

Excellent thermal rating

Reduces carbon footprint

*Average home delivery is 2 palletsAA

*Transport costs TT reduced

Mitigating rising damp

Go Green.Cupolex ticks all the boxes✓

Cuploex - Structural dome concrete slab system –

We would have needed two semi-trailers to deliver Waffle pods and made the whole site unworkable. CE Industries delivered the Cupolex in one delivery on six pallets the day they were needed on site.

- Tim Staines, Core Constructions

BEAMS – Building, Estimating and Management SoftwareThe one application needed to run your business.

With BEAMS, there is no need to switch between

other programs when estimating or quoting

or keeping track of all your accounting needs.

BEAMS was originally designed for builders in

1993 and the software is now used by many

companies in the construction sector. From the

time your client first makes contact with you, to

the time you go back and carry out some mainte-

nance, BEAMS is there for you making your job

as easy as possible.

Why BEAMS?Unlike others systems in the market, BEAMS is

a complete, fully integrated estimating, schedul-

ing and accounting system with the addition of

a mobile application to deal with all the supervi-

sor’s onsite activities. What this means to your

company is “no double up of processes or

information”.

Estimating with CAD ImageCAD Image Takeoff is a revolutionary way of

measuring plans and creating estimates that

would normally take hours by hand, in minutes.

You are able to open any image format files

including PDF and start the takeoff. Measured

items are built directly into the job using the pow-

erful prescriptions. These prescriptions turn one

simple click entry into a full list of BUILD items.

Put simply, measure the walls and BEAMS puts

in all the bricks, sand, cement or wall framing,

cladding, carpenter, painter etc.

ContractsWhen raising purchase orders or contract varia-

tions, it is important to make sure that there is no

overlap of these tasks. BEAMS will not allow you

to create a variation if that item that has already

been ordered without warning you. With this in

mind, it will not allow you to raise a purchase

order if an item the subject of the order has a

variation pending – True Integration. BEAMS

Resources allows you to keep a track of all your

trades and time lines. BEAMS also have an auto

email notification function that notifies all recipi-

ents of orders if any item has been rescheduled.

BEAMS Mobile allowing supervisors to maintain

all their on-site activities. Data stored in the office

will be available to the supervisor on their Mobiles

or iPads (Apple).

AccountsThe accounts module tracks all expenses for

all jobs against the budgets and again will not

allow an over run without authority. Maintain

Timesheets with the allocation to categories and

jobs for Payroll.

Features like Full Taxation processing for your

sub contractor, Taxation Reporting, Auto BAS,

Full Financial Reporting and an Asset Register

are included with BEAMS along with much more.

If the software system you are currently using is

not doing everything that BEAMS will do for you,

the time to update is NOW!

Now with BEAMS CRM From Sales leads to Job Tracking – this is now

integrated with BEAMS.

BEAMS Prospects

BEAMS Administration

BEAMS Customer Portal

For more information contact: Phone: 08 9454 7760 Website: www.beamsbuild.com.au Email: [email protected]

One business that will do the lot!

Our Company Mantra ensures we show up on time, keep our promises, be extremely polite and give a little more than expected every time; we guarantee it! Multi-residential builders, developers and residents of Brisbane and Southeast Queensland choose Baylec Electrical because of our:

> Proven track record of on-time, on-budget, defect-free projects.

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> Full Design Consult facilities.

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> Over 13 years and 2000 projects completed to date.

Baylec Electrical is South

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contractor of choice for Project

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Call Baylec Electrical on 1300 BAYLEC (1300 229 532) today to book your next project or residential job!

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QMBA-11926 09_10

2014 Master Builders Queensland Magazine Jun-Jul

Documents

Transcript of 2014 Master Builders Queensland Magazine Jun-Jul