13 August 2023
As Queenslanders stare down the barrel of a worsening housing crisis, the cost to build a home in Queensland will rise on 1 October 2023.
Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell said now is not the right time to add to the cost and complexity of new housing.
“All the signs are pointing towards a worsening housing crisis. We’ve got to ask why the Queensland Government is forging ahead with the decision to introduce livable housing and energy efficiency provisions as part of the National Construction Code changes?” Mr Bidwell said.
“While other states have acknowledged the current economic climate and housing crisis and agreed to scrap some of the changes entirely or delay, the Queensland Government has not.”
The changes will add $20,000-$30,000 to the cost of building (depending on factors like the type of construction, the climate zone, topography and lot size), which is on the back of costs that have already risen by 42% over the past three years.
“While there are signs that pressure is easing on construction costs nationally, the Queensland Government is hell-bent on introducing new regulations that will change this for Queensland,” Mr Bidwell added.
“Master Builders has supported inclusive, sustainable, and affordable housing throughout our discussions with government and various stakeholders and tried to achieve sensible and practical outcomes for implementation. Unfortunately, the expertise and knowledge of industry experts have largely been ignored.
“While these laws have been years in the making; the regulations that are required to implement them are yet to come. Right now we are only 7 weeks from the proposed start date, and the Queensland Development Code revision is still in draft format and the software used by most Queensland energy assessors (BERS) is still not available.”
Master Builders has launched a consumer awareness and advocacy campaign designed to call out the government and their lack of support for Queensland’s builders and homeowners.
“We’ve been calling for a delay and the government hasn’t listened. Now, the ball is back in their court.
“The Queensland Government owes Queenslanders an explanation as to why they’re so intent on increasing the cost to build in the midst of a housing crisis. They are adding further barriers to the very industry tasked with building more homes and quickly for Queenslanders – a tall order."
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