21 May 2020
Today we'll talk about the stimulus measures announced this week by the Premier, how the easing of restrictions is already having a positive impact for new home builders, how to use extended working hours to your advantage, and a reminder to keep that social distancing going on site...
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.
We talked, they listened!
It's good news and a lobbying win for our industry following this week's announcement from the Queensland Government, but there's still more to be done and we need to act quickly.
We've been calling on the Premier and Minister Mick de Brenni for some time to introduce stimulus measures, as the building industry faces a looming crisis in the face of COVID-19.
We successfully lobbied for the return of the Household Resilience Program and fast tracked public spending. While the measures are welcome, there’s more to be done.
Now we'll ramp up our calls for a $40K new homeowners' grant and more share of spending for the commercial sector.
The need for swift action to deliver a much-needed lifeline and supercharge the state’s stalling economy has never been more dire.
Positive impact for display villages
Following the relaxation of some restrictions last weekend, builders in Master Builders Display Villages have already reported a positive increase in visitor numbers.
Coral Homes Sales Manager, Michael Wilson said that weekend visitors to Yarrabilba and Springfield increased and were at around 70 per cent of what they would expect to see pre-COVID-19. This is a very positive sign as things return to normal in the weeks ahead. However, in the coming months off the back of reduced leads and deposit figures since COVID-19 began, the number of contract signings will also be effected.
Michael says the industry as a whole would greatly benefit from a government stimulus package to help offset the reduced numbers seen over this current period.
Extended working hours and social distancing
The state government’s temporary licence scheme to allow builders to apply for extended working hours has limitations. Feedback from some members suggests it hasn’t been useful for many in the industry.
If you're looking to extend working hours to more effectively accommodate social distancing requirements, it’s important to remember that you're already entitled to carry out building activities that don’t cause audible noise at any time of the day, as well as on Sundays and public holidays. Activities like electrical work and painting are all examples of activities that you can schedule providing they don’t create noise that may cause a complaint.
If you decide to schedule these activities outside normal hours or on Sundays and public holidays, be aware that adjoining owners still have the right to complain to council if they feel the activity is a nuisance.
The COVID-19 regulations also haven’t changed the fact that you need to meet your noise obligations. Even building activities and equipment operating during normal hours and times can still be deemed a nuisance when assessed against noise criteria and councils may still choose to issue a Direction Notice.
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.
Keep up the good work and don't stop now!
You've been doing such a great job of following the rules and stopping the spread of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing and having excellent hygiene measures in place on site.
Even though case numbers are low and the government is relaxing the restrictions in the community and allowing more businesses to get back to work, the rules for managing COVID-19 in the workplace are still the same.
It's important to remember there has been no changes or relaxations to social distancing and hygiene measures so it's still important you keep all of your new processes in place.
If you need more guidance in how to manage social distancing on your site or putting in place better hygiene measures we've got a range of resources and information available.
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
- 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.
We're here for you
We've got the information you need on:
- Contractual information for site shutdown or program delays
- How to deal contractually with a product delay
- Safety & hygiene practices
- Employment conditions
- Common employment FAQs
- Relief and stimulus packages
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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