COVID-19 update - 17 June 2020

17 June 2020

Today we'll focus on the Queensland Government's latest round of stimulus measures and why they're such a massive win for Queensland's building industry, plus invite you to tell us how COVID-19 has impacted your business.

^{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.

Regional Queensland big winner of building boost

In what is a massive lobbying win for Master Builders, yesterday the Queensland Government announced it's next stage of stimulus measures designed to boost the building industry and support business and jobs for Queensland's builders and tradies.

The $257 million building stimulus announcement is a win for builders and buyers alike and is just the ticket to keep our industry moving.

Master Builders has been a driving force in calling on the Premier and Minister de Brenni to introduce stimulus measures that address new opportunities for social housing and improve the first homeowners’ grant, particularly for regional Queensland.

After months of lobbying on behalf of our members we are delighted that our voice has been heard. Measures announced include:

Additional $5,000 grant for people building a new home (valued at less than $750,000) in a regional location
$100 million Works for Tradies funding
$10 million boost to the Home Assist program – seniors and people with a disability gain access to subsidies of up to $5,000 to help them stay safely in their own homes, such as security upgrades, repairs and maintenance.

Regional Queensland and first home buyers are the big winners, with eligible regional first home buyers set to receive $45,000 towards a new build – the $25,000 from the HomeBuilder grant, the $15,000 First Homeowners’ Grant and the $5,000 regional home building boost grant.

Non-first home buyers don't miss out by any means – if you're building a new home in regional Queensland, you may be eligible to access $30,000, which includes the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant and the $5,000 regional home building boost grant.

We anticipate these measures combined will equate to hundreds of new homes being built across Queensland, creating hundreds of jobs and providing the shot in the arm our industry is calling out for

How to apply and eligibility questions

Further information regarding how to apply for the HomeBuilder grant and the new Queensland measures are still to be released. We hope that yesterday's announcement by the Queensland Government will help to expedite the process and we anticipate the details to be finalised and the application process to be up and running soon.

In the meantime, you can now register for more information about HomeBuilder as soon as it's available by visiting the Treasury website. You can also visit the Regional home building boost website to check your eligibility.

How has COVID-19 affected your business?

Got a spare five minutes? We want to hear from YOU about how COVID-19 has impacted you and your business. We'll then use the survey results to deliver evidence-based calls for stimulus and assistance from all levels of government.

Take survey

Resources

We're trying to make it easier with loads of resources available:

Health Disclosure Form (clients) – use this when visiting clients and private premises
Health Disclosure Form (visitors) – use this form for visitors coming to your site or business
Notice to supply to clients – use this to confirm for clients you are authorised to attend
Notice to clients (product selections) – provide this notice to your clients to confirm that they are required to visit suppliers to make product selections as per their building contract
COVID-19 site sign – use this to educate your workers on the guidelines
COVID-19 site sign (public) – use this to reinforce to the public and workers on the measures you are taking
Keep your distance checklist – use this to ensure you are following all the recommendations
COVID-19 entry authorisation sign – use this for sites without constant supervision of visitors entering at the gate. Visitors can use this as a health self-assessment
Digital banner (PDF or JPEG) – use this banner in your advertising and newsletters to demonstrate to customers and stakeholders that you are following the COVID-19 rules.
Display Village Visitors Notice – use this notice in your display home to notify visitors of relevant rules and measures you've implemented.
COVID-19 cleaning guide & FAQs – use this cleaning guide to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in your workplace.

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.

SEE MORE COVID-19 UPDATES