COVID-19 update - 14 May 2020

14 May 2020

Your latest regular update. We'll continue to bring you the information you need, as it's available. we will talk how the easing of restrictions benefit our industry, display homes open for business in line with the relaxation of rules, our talks with the Premier about stimulus measures, and our new budding Master Builder challenge to keep the kids busy while they're at home...

^{This COVID-19 member update is unlocked and free to all in the interests of the building and construction industry. Did you know members have exclusive access to information and our team of experts who are on hand to assist in a range of ways? Need more specific COVID-19 advice relating to contracts, WHS, employment conditions or the relief measures? Members can contact us or learn how to join so you can speak with our experts and get free advice.}

*Due to the changing nature of COVID-19, this information may no longer be correct. Please check state and federal government information for up-to-date guidance.

Roadmap for Queensland

Following the federal government announcement, the Queensland Government last week also released their Roadmap to easing Queensland's restrictions, which spells positive news for our industry.

While we've remained open and essential, the restrictions have dented consumer confidence. We hope the easing of restrictions over the coming two months will assist greatly.

This next round of relaxation should reassure homeowners that they can:

Allow builders and tradies into their home to perform building, renovation and repair work
Travel for the purposes of selecting products - for example, tiles or carpet selection for a new home or renovation
Travel to visit a display home for the purpose of building a new home or renovation.

Home inspections and display villages

Master Builders Display Villages will be open in accordance with the new rules as follows:

From Saturday, 16 May, our homes will be open for inspection (appointments no longer required) for up to 10 people at a time, with social distancing rules observed.

From Saturday, 13 June, our homes will be open for up to 20 people at a time, with social distancing rules observed.

Other measures should be put in place, including provision of hand sanitiser for visitors, hand washing stations and PPE for staff, monitoring of visitor numbers, and frequent cleaning, particular on high volume visitor days.

Easing of the stay-at-home restrictions should give homeowners who are looking to build the confidence that they are allowed to travel for the purpose of visiting a display home. For those who have already started, they can also have the confidence to travel for product selection purposes.

Resources

We've developed resources for builders with display homes, including a visitor notice to be displayed that outlines the rules that should be observed.

Lobbying continues for stimulus

We continue to push calls for stimulus measures to address the looming crisis that faces our industry.

We recently met with the Premier to make our case for our package of stimulus measures. We have high hopes that our calls were well received and will be considered as the Queensland Government makes announcements in relation to the recovery phase that is intended to keep Queensland building over the next 12-18 months.

Our latest media statement and interview with CEO, Grant Galvin, also reinforces that many builders in Queensland have reported a significant drop in enquiries and new contracts, with south east Queensland seemingly the hardest hit.

Our calls are supported by a number of members from around Queensland. We want to safeguard thousands of jobs and small businesses and our targeted campaign calls on the Queensland Government to supercharge and fast-track their stimulus measures even further.

We've received lots of airplay in print, radio and TV channels across the state. Check out some of the coverage on 7 News Brisbane, WIN News Townsville, and 7 News Gold Coast.

Let’s get creative with a new look grant to boost new home builds, a program to fund home renovations to make homes more energy efficient and bring forward public spending on buildings, like schools and hospitals.

Let's tell everyone why it's so important to keep building going.

Got a budding Master Builder at home with time on their hands?

Have you got a budding Master Builder at home that loves Lego and has some spare time on their hands? The Budding Master Builder challenge is for them!

Their task? Build their own Lego house and enter our building competition. It's easy.

Print the plans or draw your own design.
Grab some Lego and get building!
Send in your entries and we'll give them and the Master Builders member a shout out on social media.

Two entries will receive a $50 Kmart voucher (T&Cs apply).

Innovation alert!

Have you been doing something different or innovative in your business, or generally thinking outside the box in response to COVID-19?

We want to hear from you!

Tell us how you're getting creative to ensure your business survives the impact and implements the new rules.

COVID-19 impact survey

Master Builders Australia is again seeking feedback from the industry. Survey results will be used to deliver evidence based calls for stimulus and assistance from all levels of government.

We're here for you

We've got the information you need on:

Help and advice

As usual, our staff are here to help. Whether you've got a question about protecting your business contractually, an employment or a health and safety question, our specialists are here and available to talk you through the options - get in touch.

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