7 July 2020
Today we'll focus on how to register your interest for the Works for Tradies social housing program, the Queensland Government's recent sign up for the HomeBuilder grant, changes to the Brisbane City Council's planning process in the face of COVID-19, planning law changes that will keep projects moving, plus we 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.
Social housing program registrations open
Calling all licensed small to medium-sized builders - the new Works for Tradies program (the government's new social housing program) is open for business.
The program is designed to build new social housing across the state, create a pipeline for small to medium-sized builders and job opportunities for electricians, plumbers, carpenters, bricklayers, concreters and landscapers.
Builders can now register their interest and receive an early heads up about tender opportunities for work in their local area. There's plenty of opportunities across the state. Target areas and development numbers include:
- South-East Queensland: 70
- Central Queensland: 25
- Darling Downs: 21
- Far North Queensland: 30
- Mackay Whitsunday: 20
- Townsville: 25
- Wide Bay: 24
Be quick! Registrations close on 24 July 2020.
Queensland signs up for HomeBuilder grant
The Queensland Government has now signed the partnership agreement, officially signing the state up for the HomeBuilder grant.
While the application process is not yet available, more information confirming eligibility criteria is now available on the Queensland Government's website.
While this is definitely a step in the right direction and confirms the government's commitment to delivering the grant to Queenslanders, we'll be putting pressure on them to release details of the application process sooner than the advertised date of early August.
We'll also be lobbying hard for the government to offer some flexibility with the eligibility requirement that construction must commence within three months of the contract date. We're pushing for them to accept construction commencing within three months of building approval as meeting the eligibility criteria.
Need contractual advice?
If you need contractual advice regarding signing contracts prior to the application process being available and specific clauses that may cover eligibility, our Master Builders Members Legal team are on hand to assist.
Eligibility questions
All the information you need to understand eligibility requirements for the HomeBuilder grant, the Regional home building boost and the First Home Owners' Grant is available on the Queensland Government's website.
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.
Brisbane city applications fast tracked
Brisbane City Council recently announced they will fast track some applications to support the building industry during COVID-19 and the period of economic recovery.
They have committed to a 20 business day timeframe for code assessable, well-made change applications for new dwellings, extensions like sheds or carports, and full or partial demolitions.
Planning law changes announced to keep projects moving
The Queensland Government recently announced changes to Queensland's planning laws, which are designed to ensure infrastructure projects keep going during COVID-19.
The changes allow for some flexibility in public notice requirements and include allowing the use of digital and other online media to advertise development applications; as well as some temporary amendments to statutory requirements around the public availability of development application documents.
Changes are in effect until 31 December 2020 and may be extended following community consultation.
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:
- 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
- Mental health and well-being
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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