AROUND THE REGIONS

Around the regions: In the north

Veronika Larkin Region Manager for North Victoria

Welcome to a new feature in Master Builders Victoria magazine called Around the

regions. Each quarter we will focus on a geographical area of the Master Builders Victoria landscape, starting with all our friends in the north.

These are just some of the issues making news for our members in northern Victoria.

Shortage of land

A shortage of trade-qualified people, land availability, and supply issues were the key issues facing builders in the north. There is currently a shortage of land in Wodonga, Swan Hill, and Shepparton. The trouble is developers can’t find enough land, particularly in Victoria’s north, to meet demand. Victorian land prices have increased quicker than house prices in many areas, fuelling a supply shortage. This shortage means vacant land values are up 20 per cent, while this situation is amplified by a 25 to 30 per cent increase in the cost of some key building materials such as timber and steel.

In areas such as Wangaratta, more infrastructure is also needed to support sub-divisions.

Lack of infrastructure is slowing the speed of new land releases.

Wodonga TAFE NEW trades training centre

Wodonga TAFE has undertaken extensive research and consultation within the apprenticeship and traineeship industry. The need for increased participation in skills shortages was identified throughout the research, with the industry also wanting to see better training facilities for their staff. As a result of these findings, a brand-new Trades Training Centre is now available at Wodonga TAFE’s McKoy Street campus to better accommodate our trades industry and the needs of future apprentices and trainees. The renovated main warehouse is an impressive multi-level building, incorporating modern classrooms and hands-on practical workspaces. It will have the ability to cater for multiple trades within the construction industry, with mobile equipment available for quality learning practices. Wodonga TAFE is currently seeking teachers – for retired members, please consider a new career path and share your knowledge, skills and abilities with the next generation. Contact Wodonga TAFE if interested on 1300 698 233.

Wodonga Albury Advisory Roadshow 6 April 2022

Thanks to all members who attended the first of our eight regional roadshows held at the Huon Hill, Wodonga. Featuring our team of experts from Melbourne, including Monique Burns (Legal), Adrian Ziccone (Industrial Relations), Rod Armstrong (OHS), Phillip Alviano (Sustainability) and guest speaker Nicholas Wagner from Wodonga TAFE.

An informative evening and great learnings from all who attended.

7 Star Homes Training 22 April 2022

Another great attendance by members to learn about the changes proposed for the National Construction Code 2022.

These include an increase in the star rating from 6 to 7 stars and the introduction of a ‘whole-of-home’ approach. Master Builders Victoria is proud to work with Sustainability Victoria and the Victorian Government to provide 7 Star homes training. This training was designed and delivered by Sustainability Victoria on behalf of the Victorian Government.

It is part of the 7 Star homes program, which works with businesses and individuals across the building and construction supply chain to increase the ability to deliver energy-efficient homes.

Master Builders Australia Federal Election Update 22 April 2022:

At the member briefing in Wodonga, Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn heard first-hand from local members about how the Home Builder scheme aided them during the COVID-19 crisis.

The industry now needs the incoming Federal Government to continue to back builders and tradies.

Local council matters:

Wodonga City Council and Moira Shire will both be appointing a monitor. The monitor will address concerns about governance and councillor conduct. They will be appointed by Victoria’s Local Government Minister and remain with the council for six months.

Shortage of skilled labour

Skilled labourers possess specialised expertise in a particular field within building and construction, such as bricklayers, glaziers, stonemasons, cabinetmakers, etc. Skilled trades are invaluable in the building and construction industry, as their know-how allows for the effective completion of more specific and complex tasks. The building and construction industry in northern Victoria is experiencing a shortage of skilled labourers and trades in several key areas, such as second- and third-year apprentices, bricklayers, and draughtspeople. Master Builders Victoria is currently in discussions with the Victorian Government about ways to address skills shortages in regional Victoria.

Renewed partnership between Master Builders Victoria and Master Builders New South Wales:

Please note that Master Builders Victoria and Master Builders New South Wales have recently worked together to ensure all cross-border members continue to receive the same high level of service and access to both states’ products and professional services that you are accustomed to.

We are pleased to inform you of the following changes: • From 1 May 2022, current active cross-border members will be invoiced for subscription renewals by the state that the member lives in. For example, members who live in New South Wales with a postcode starting with a two will be invoiced by Master Builders New South Wales.

Master Builders Victoria will invoice members who live in Victoria with a postcode beginning with a three. • The Wodonga and Albury teams have developed a common application form for all new members seeking cross-border membership. This will enable both offices to recruit new members in each state for a crossborder subscription. The Master Builders Victoria’s office in Wodonga remains open and will continue to support all members from within Albury/Wodonga and surrounding regions. Late last year, Master Builders New South Wales announced it was opening a new office for members in Albury to demonstrate its ongoing commitment to the region. Should you have any questions regarding the above, do not hesitate to contact Nat Molinaro via nmolinaro@mbav.com.au or phone (03) 9411 4555.

Registration will be mandatory for civil and structural engineers in Victoria.

Apply by 30 June to beat the rush! Let us help you start the process.

Join our free webinar:

engaus.org/GetAssessed

Biju Balakrishnan

FIEAust CPEng NER