In the media
RICS: How has global construction activity fared in the
face of COVID-19?
Construction activity has contracted across all regions in
the second quarter of 2020 amid lockdowns and the impacts of social
distancing measures. It has been estimated that 25 percent of
projects were halted in the second quarter, on-site productivity is
predicted to fall 12 percent and cost escalations will likely put
significant pressure on markets over next twelve months (06 August
2020).
More...
Home building approval downturn exacerbated by
lockdown
Residential building approvals fell by a further 4.9
percent in June as the impact of COVID-19 restrictions continued to
weigh on the sector," stated HIA Senior Economist Geordan
Murray. The cumulative decline in new home approvals over the last
two years is significant (30 July 2020).
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Funding flows to local roads and community
infrastructure
The Australian Government has delivered the first payment
toward crucial small-scale local road and community infrastructure
projects nationwide under a $500 million local government support
initiative (31 July 2020).
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New South Wales
New research triggers crane compliance blitz in New
South Wales
Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson, said
inspectors will be on site checking safe slinging and load
movements and issuing on-the-spot fines to anyone operating a crane
without a valid high-risk work licence (30 July 2020).
More...
Big boost for first home buyers and construction
industry as stamp duty slashed
First home buyers and the construction industry will be
the big winners under a targeted boost, which will eliminate stamp
duty on newly-built homes below $800,000 and slash thousands of
dollars for properties up to $1 million (27 July 2020).
More...
Queensland
$6 million boost for Queensland's flood warning
infrastructure network
As part of the joint state and Commonwealth $242 million
Category C and D package established under the Disaster Recovery
Funding Arrangements in response to the 2019 floods, the QRA is
committed to building resilience against future natural disaster
events, including pandemics (06 August 2020)
Plans on track for light rail to the Gold Coast
Airport
Plans for a future light rail link to the Gold Coast
Airport are on track thanks to a pledge by the Palaszczuk
Government and the City of Gold Coast to start the business case
(06 August 2020)
Applications open on $200 million Building Acceleration
Fund
Applications are now open for the $200 million Building
Acceleration Fund initiative to deliver multi-million-dollar
infrastructure projects and create jobs throughout Queensland (31
July 2020).
More...
Victoria
Melbourne builders secure COVID advocacy wins
Melbourne's construction sector has secured
significant advocacy victories as new guidelines have addressed
several concerns regarding Stage 4 COVID lockdowns. Following
consultation between government and industry, however, new guidance
issued by Business Victoria has addressed several concerns (07
August 2020). More...
Melbourne workers must have permit to attend site
Workers in construction and other sectors throughout
Melbourne who need to be on site must have a permit or risk hefty
fines as the state has entered Stage 4 COVID restrictions.
Penalties of up to $19,826 (for individuals) and $99,132 (for
businesses) will apply to employers who issue permits to employees
who do not meet the requirements of the scheme or who otherwise
breach the scheme requirements (05 August 2020).
More...
Practice and courts
Infrastructure Priority List 2020
The Priority List currently identifies 155 nationally
significant infrastructure proposals, with 7 High Priority
Projects, 21 Priority Projects, 37 High Priority Initiatives and 90
Priority Initiatives. This provides all levels of government with
an evidence-based list of infrastructure investment opportunities
for the near, medium and longer term.
More...
New South Wales
Key compliance priorities updated
The Resources Regulator has published its July - December
2020 Compliance priorities document which sets out the key
compliance priorities for the next six months. Between July and
December this year the Regulator aims to complete four compliance
priorities targeting respirable dust (revision to the exposure
standards), progressive rehabilitation, subsidence management, and
non-reporting of incidents. Click
here to view the compliance priorities July - December 2020 (13
July 2020).
Queensland
Safer Buildings program enters final stage
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission is
administering the three-part Safer Buildings program to understand
the extent of combustible cladding use in Queensland's private
buildings. The Safer Buildings program has advanced considerably
with Part 3 of the combustible cladding checklist now underway. The
deadline for building owners to finalise the Part 3 assessment is 3
May 2021. For more information on the Safer Buildings program,
visit www.saferbuildings.qld.gov.au.
Victoria
Business Victoria: Construction sector guidance
Sector guidance for construction business under
Melbourne's Stage 4 restrictions.
Includes: Stage 4 restrictions; Permitted Work Premises; Business
Operating Reductions – Construction; Application (08 August
2020).
More...
This publication does not deal with every important topic or change in law and is not intended to be relied upon as a substitute for legal or other advice that may be relevant to the reader's specific circumstances. If you have found this publication of interest and would like to know more or wish to obtain legal advice relevant to your circumstances please contact one of the named individuals listed.
