Master Builder Victoria June July 2019

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA JUNE - AUGUST 2019 VOLUME 74 ISSUE 3

2019 APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARDS CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE WINNERS. P. 14

2019-20 STATE BUDGET WHAT DOES IT REVEAL FOR OUR INDUSTRY? P. 23

CLADDING QUESTIONS WHERE TO FROM HERE? P. 34

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

3

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

Short strokes, high marks

Since big pictures are composed mostly of short strokes, I wanted to direct your attention to a couple of people who deserve recognition for their smaller-scale contributions to our very large sector — one, by the way, that remains the largest full-time employer in Victoria and contributes nearly 45 per cent of its annual tax revenue.

Trent King, pages 20-21, is an apprentice carpenter. Though our cover story is about our annual State Apprentice of the Year Awards, you won’t see his name listed among the winners.

Earlier this year, his official recognition extended only so far as a certificate of merit, which he earned at the Regional Apprentice Awards’

North East competition.

It didn’t qualify him for the state-level competition, but his achievement is nonetheless significant and, in many ways, equal to those of his colleagues who did progress to the state competition later in the year. Here’s why.

Let’s be clear: it’s no small feat to secure a nomination. It’s a mark of distinction. Nominating institutions have strict instructions on whom and how many people they can nominate. It isn’t done casually, or for the sake of doling out an award.

Also, in choosing to become a carpenter, and diligently pursuing all that entails, Trent becomes a valuable asset to his local community (Thurgoona) and the industry at large at a time when demand has never been greater for someone with his skills. In short, Victoria needs him.

Sally Wills, pages 50-51, is a member of our Housing Sector committee and serves on the Council of Management. She is keenly interested in policy.

Sally goes to great lengths to extol, and demonstrate, the virtues and big impact of small homes.

That includes not just building them, but advocating in favour of more progressive planning rules, especially with regard to secondary dwellings. Greater urban density, managed smartly, is essential to enhancing the quality of life concurrent with our rapidly growing population. We need people like her too.

I hope you’ll make a point of familiarising yourself with these two practitioners, and consider whom you may know who could benefit from getting involved with Master Builders Victoria.

There is lots of surface area to explore, and all sorts of rewards to enjoy.

Just ask Trent and Sally.

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA Master Builder is the official journal of Master Builders Association of Victoria, which was established in 1875 and is one of the state’s oldest employer organisations.

The organisation is part of the Australia-wide Master Builder movement. The keynote is service: and Master Builder is produced in line with this objective of keeping all members informed of all matters affecting them.

Membership of Master Builders is open to all qualified business operatives in the building construction industry; the basis of membership is integrity and competence, based on training and experience.

BOARD OF MANAGEMENT: Richard Hansen (President) Melanie Fasham (Immediate Past President) Michael Clemenger (Deputy President) Steve Peluso (Treasurer) Paul McMahon, Mark Little, Geoff Purcell, Ian Hawkey, Sam Cimino COUNCIL OF MANAGEMENT: Richard Hansen (President) Michael Clemenger (Deputy President) Melanie Fasham (Immediate Past President) Steve Peluso (Treasurer) Paul McMahon, Sally Wills, Natalie King, Mark Little, Stuart Allen, Philip Robinson, Geoff Purcell, Shayne Young, Ian Hawkey, Ashley TonkinHill, Nigel Cunniffe, Sam Cimino, Neil Grenfell

Contents

FOREWORDS

DEPARTMENTS

A WORD FROM THE EDITOR BIG ACHIEVERS WITH SMALL PROFILES 08 PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD CELEBRATING OUR APPRENTICES 10 GUEST FOREWORD ANNA CRONIN, RED TAPE COMMISSIONER 12 FROM THE CEO THE MESSAGE YOU’VE GIVEN ME

31 GREEN LIVING 13 YEARS OF THE CONFERENCE 34 LEGAL AN UPDATE ON THE CLADDING ISSUE 36 FINANCE 10 STEPS FOR A STRONGER BUSINESS 38 TRAINING SUPPORTING YOUNG CAREERS 40 INSURANCE HOT WORKS

03

REGULARS 62 64 66

CALENDAR DIRECTORY WHAT’S NEW

FEATURES 14 STATE APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR AWARDS 20 PROFILE TRENT KING, REGIONAL APPRENTICE 23 STATE BUDGET WHAT’S IN STORE FOR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION

MEMBERSHIP MEMBER PROFILE SALLY WILLS 54 NEW MEMBERS 57 MM&S PROFILE BLUESCOPE COLORBOND MATT RANGE 50

ADVERTISING FEATURES 49 BEAMS 53 GOOP GUYS 59 AUSTRALIAN SUSTAINABLE HARDWOOD 60 GERNI

COVER IMAGE: Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson and State Apprentice of the Year Jackson Harry.

332 Albert Street, East Melbourne VIC 3002 Tel: (03) 9411 4555 Fax: (03) 9411 4591 E: mbassist@mbav.com.au W: www.mbav.com.au

Produced by Newscorp on behalf of Master Builders Victoria EDITOR: Peter Sackett EDITORIAL CO-ORDINATOR: Josie Adams DESIGNER: Alyssa Welke

5

6

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

CONTACTS

CONTACTS

Master Builders key contacts and office locations Master Builders office locations For all general enquiries, phone Master Builders on (03) 9411 4555.

Or you can contact our key services using the details on this page.

Wodonga Ovens Murray Sebastopol Central Highlands

Warrnambool Great South Coast

East Melbourne Melbourne Traralgon Gippsland Geelong Barwon

Master Builders Victoria CEO

Rebecca Casson Phone: (03) 9411 4501

Master Builders Executive Managers

Chief Operating Officer

State Manager Victoria / MBA Insurance Services

Phone: (03) 9411 4582 Master Builders Training Institute

Corrie Williams

Phone: (03) 9411 4544 People and Culture

Steven Hogan

Phone: (03) 9411 4540 Finance

Ron Joordens Phone: (03) 9411 4556 Master Builders Victoria Senior Managers Chief of Staff

Matthew Loughlin

Phone: (03) 9411 4511 Corporate Services

Marc Lyons

Phone: (03) 9411 4528 Industrial Relations

Sheena Hoey

Phone: (03) 9411 4555 OHS

James Curtin Phone: (03) 9411 4581

Ballarat

Master Builders Training Institute

Phone: (03) 5320 9999 Email: mbapermits@mbav.com.au

Chris Kulesza

Phone: (03) 9411 8000

Phone: (03) 9411 4580

Member Experience: Advice

35 Hovell Street Wodonga Victoria 3690 PO Box 700 Wodonga Victoria 3690

14 Albert Street Sebastopol Victoria 3690

Phone: (03) 9411 4504

Member Experience: Commercial

Daniel Hodges

Albury - Wodonga

Joe Keiper

Legal

Phone: (03) 9411 4557

332 Albert Street East Melbourne Victoria 3002 GPO Box 544 Melbourne Victoria 3001

Phone: (02) 6058 2000 Email: wodongabs@mbav.com.au

Viviana Hood Phone: (03) 9411 4516

Tony Biffaro

Melbourne

Phone: (03) 9411 4555 Email: mbassist@mbav.com.au

Shepparton Goulburn Bendigo Loddon Campaspe

KEY CONTACTS

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Bendigo

Tristan Moseley

1/28 Charleston Road East Bendigo Victoria 3550

Marketing, Events and Sponsorship

Phone: (03) 5410 2100 Email: mbabsbendigo@mbav.com.au

Danielle Penna

Phone: (03) 9411 4551

Board of Management

Geelong

President: Richard Hansen Deputy President: Michael Clemenger Immediate Past President: Melanie Fasham Treasurer: Steven Peluso Chair – Housing Sector: Paul McMahon Chair – General Contractors: Geoff Purcell Chair – Country Sector: Mark Little Chair – Materials, Manufacturers and Suppliers Sector: Sam Cimino Chair – Specialist Contractor: Ian Hawkey

3 Melbourne Road Drumcondra Victoria 3215

President: Richard Hansen Deputy President: Michael Clemenger Immediate Past President: Melanie Fasham Treasurer: Steven Peluso Housing sector: Paul McMahon, Natalie King, Sally Wills General Contractors sector: Geoff Purcell, Shayne Young Specialist contractor sector: Ian Hawkey, Nigel Cunniffe, Ashley Tonkin-Hill Materials, Manufacturers and Suppliers Sector: Neil Grenfell, Sam Cimino Country Sector: Mark Little, Stuart Allen, Philip Robinson

Phone: (03) 5174 2754 Email: rware@mbav.com.au

Council of Management

Phone: (03) 5278 4255 Email: permits@mbav.com.au Gippsland Unit 3, 6-16 Rocla Road Traralgon Victoria 3844 PO Box 1432 Traralgon Victoria 3844

Shepparton 228-232 High Street Shepparton Victoria 3630 Phone: (03) 5822 4980 Email: mbabsshepparton@mbav.com.au Warrnambool 110 Kepler Street Warrnambool Victoria 3280 Phone: (03) 5562 9067 Email: iwelch@mbav.com.au

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

PRESIDENT’S FOREWORD

Mitchell McIntosh, Jackson Harry, and Joshua Vitacca with Rebecca Casson CEO and Richard Hansen, President, Master Builders Victoria.

PHOTO: ROBERT HAMER PHOTOGRAPHY

Setting your sights on something meaningful

Richard Hansen

On 9 May, at the State Apprentice of the Year Awards at Marvel Stadium’s Victory Room in Docklands, I performed some of my official duties as President. I greeted honorees, their families, employers and training institutions, and shook hands with our sponsors, thanking them for their essential support of our programs and events. It’s a good job, and I enjoy these responsibilities. But I get particular gratification from acting as a messenger, delivering good news to another generation of trades people in the building and construction industry.

As an emissary from Master Builders Victoria, and as a practitioner, I can tell you what it’s like to be a member of this organisation, and explain many of the things it can do for you not just at the start of your career, but throughout it. And if you’re at the beginning of your career, as apprentices generally are, the good news I’m sharing is that you’ve made a great decision to embrace building and construction as a trade.

You may not have chosen the easiest path, but you have set your sights on a rewarding career in a time and place that’s ready for you to demonstrate your talents.

From where I stand, I think it’s safe to say that apprentices of any age and background should be optimistic and excited about their futures.

Victoria still faces an unprecedented need for skilled trades people to deliver housing and infrastructure as our state continues to have the highest rate of population growth in the country.

I can say this because I’m a registered builder myself. My colleagues and I know how much we rely on you to pave the way for Victoria’s economic success and keep it a great place to live and do business for all residents.

Events such as the State Apprentice of the Year (which features on pages 14 to 18) help to stoke interest in building careers. And we are calling on the state government to help us in that effort by investing in public awareness campaigns that highlight the variety and job satisfaction that a building career offers.

Master Builders Victoria thanks you—apprentice, employer, educator and kin alike—for helping to make Victoria a great place to live, work and do business.

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

GUEST FOREWORD

Commission to review land developments approval process

Anna Cronin Commissioner for Better Regulation Red Tape Commissioner

The Treasurer and Minister for Planning have recently directed me to lead a review of Victoria’s planning and building approvals processes.

As Red Tape Commissioner, I am delighted to be leading this important task as it presents a great opportunity to work with stakeholders, including Master Builders Victoria, to identify opportunities to reduce delays by streamlining processes.

An Advisory Board to the Review has been established, comprising Bill Kusznirczuk, Kate Roffey and Radley de Silva, each of whom brings a unique and expert perspective.

Our work is being supported by a project team of staff from various departments and agencies.

The construction industry makes a significant contribution to the Victorian economy.

It generates economic activity and employment, and provides housing, workplaces, recreational facilities, and roads for Victorians.

Builders and developers have repeatedly raised with me that blockages and unnecessary processes add time and cost to land and infrastructure development for all parties.

One of the main causes is seen to be the multiple and duplicative referral processes.

The review will respond to these concerns by examining the internal and external referral processes for residential and commercial developments.

It will also explore the planning, building and early building works infrastructure approval processes more broadly to identify hurdles and delays and set out ways in which these can be addressed.

To build an evidence base, planning and building approval processes are being mapped for 13 local councils — and their interactions with referral authorities — across Victoria.

This mapping will help to pinpoint logjams and inefficiencies in these processes.

We are also undertaking consultation with relevant industry bodies, local councils and other relevant government agencies.

Meetings held with the executive team from Master Builders Victoria have been of particular value in terms of advising about key issues of concern to members.

The findings and outcomes of previous Victorian and interstate studies are also being considered, and we are drawing on the success factors of government programs such as the Better Approvals Project, Smart Planning and the Streamlining for Growth Program.

The Review’s Terms of Reference specifically require us to look at how planning and building approvals systems work in other jurisdictions and so we are seeking input from other governments as well as industry stakeholders in these jurisdictions about lessons to be learned.

The review’s Terms of Reference are available at www.betterregulation.vic.gov.au.

At this site, there is an invitation to complete a short survey or to make a written submission to share your views and experiences.

I encourage you to contribute to the review either in this way or through Master Builders Victoria.

A draft report is due for release in late September with the final report to be presented to the Treasurer and Minister for Planning in December this year.

I am looking forward to working with the construction and land development industry on the review and to developing a set of recommendations which include short-term improvements as well as reform pathways towards best practice.

Victorians will benefit from the timely development of housing and other construction, and industry will directly benefit from red-tape reductions and other efficiency improvements in the approvals processes.

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12

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

FROM THE CEO

The message you’ve given me

Rebecca Casson CEO

I can thank Victorian coastal weather patterns for lending austerity to the day of campaigning we did on the eve of the federal election this year.

I had driven to the Geelong region with Denita Wawn, CEO of Master Builders Australia, to speak with builders about what was at stake for our industry.

It was a final push to raise the alarm in a community with a very marginal seat — about threats to the ABCC, negative gearing and capital gains tax.

The wind was chilly and wet, the sky was slate grey, and I had underdressed for it.

This has been my busy routine since my first day with Master Builders Victoria — making

certain I’m across the things that matter most to our members, and demonstrating what we are doing to address them.

While Master Builders is an apolitical organisation, I’d like to think our road trip made some difference in the results of the election; at this point, those aforementioned threats no longer appear to be imminent.

It was great to collaborate with our national office on the campaign — definitely worth catching a cold for.

Taking action on the issues that keep you up at night is what we do.

It’s what shapes our policy positions and forms the connections that hold our actions and events together, be that lobbying parliamentary ministers, developing our training curriculum, hosting an industry breakfast or notifying the media about our award-winning members.

In speaking with large numbers of members, the message that you and the Board have given me is clear: we all want to have a nimble and member-focused organisation, and from your feedback and my observations, it was apparent that our previous corporate structure did not support this as well as it might.

So I have made important adjustments.

I take the time to acknowledge the service and contributions of those team members whose roles are not in the new structure.

Like others who have come before them, they are part of the fabric and history of our organisation and I sincerely thank them for their efforts and legacy.

The focus of our new team is about looking to the future and the influence we can have on

both our culture and the very important results for our members.

On the subject of the future, in May I had the pleasure of attending the State Apprentice of the Year Awards, which celebrates the launch of careers in building and construction (see pages 14 to 18).

I shared with the audience that night how much I appreciated that Master Builders Victoria could be an early part of those careers.

I also emphasised that our association can and, in my view, should play a part throughout those careers.

As the leading voice of the building and construction industry, Master Builders Victoria is committed to your success as an essential part of a healthy building and construction sector, regardless of how many years you’ve been in business.

That means we’ll remain vigilant and vocal on things like cladding, the need for streamlining the building approvals process and the ramifications of workplace manslaughter legislation.

Complacency has no role to play at Master Builders Victoria on these issues.

If you have any questions or concerns you think we should know, please call me on (03) 9411 4501 or email me at ceo@mbav.com.au.

There’s an exciting journey in front of us and our new team and I look forward to working with you, sponsors, partners and stakeholders as we embrace it.

Best wishes, Rebecca

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

STATE APPRENTICE AWARDS

Jackson represents crucial resource for industry

ISSUE 03, 2019

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

15

STATE APPRENTICE AWARDS Jackson Harry, a carpentry apprentice from Waratah Bay, enjoyed a double victory with honours from Master Builders Victoria naming him both State Apprentice of the Year and Employer-Nominated Apprentice of the Year for 2019.

Jackson received his dual awards at a ceremony in front of an audience of more than 650 guests at Marvel Stadium in Docklands.

He won nearly $8000 worth of tools, work wear, a trailer and vouchers for his achievement.

Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson was present on the evening to recognise the achievements of this year’s apprentices, and Master Builders Victoria CEO Rebecca Casson spoke about the importance of apprentices to the Victorian economy.

“One of the most important investments Victoria can make is in the training and skills of young people in the building and construction industry,” Ms Casson said.

“As Victoria continues to grow faster than any other state or territory in the nation, it will rely on apprentices increasingly to deliver the housing and infrastructure it needs.

“I’m very excited to see the cross-section of young men and women who are taking on the mantle of such a noble profession,” she said.

“I hope to see the group of high-achievers become ever more diverse.”

Ms Casson said Jackson exemplified the skills, work ethic and positive attitude required to be a successful tradesperson in the building and construction industry.

“Jackson and his colleagues are poised to have a huge influence on the economy, with work for them appearing abundant for years to come,” Ms Casson said.

“Demand for their skills is such that we will need to deliver over 54,400 new homes each year for the next decade.”

Jackson will represent Victoria at the annual National Excellence Building and Construction Awards to be held in November in the Field of Lights, Uluru Centre, where the National Apprentice of the Year will be announced.

Judges Ballarat Stuart Allen, Victoria Giddens, Imogen Gregory, David Rowe Bendigo Tony Biffaro, Ingrid Mountford, Ross O’Neill Geelong Imogen Gregory, Alan Odgers, Gary Watts, Crystal Xu Gippsland Don Robinson, Rod Ware, Corrie Williams North East James Briggs, Ingrid Mountford, Matt Sims Western Imogen Gregory, Alan Odgers Metropolitan Dom Butera, Ingrid Mountford, Peter Picking

AWARD WINNERS State Apprentice of the Year Jackson Harry, employed by SJ Vuillermin Master Builders P/L, attends Federation Training Metropolitan Apprentice of the Year Joshua Vitacca, employed by Maxabuild Pty Ltd, attends Skill Training Victoria Regional Apprentice of the Year Mitchell McIntosh, employed by Geelong Constructions Pty Ltd, attends Skill Training Victoria Florence M Taylor Award Matthew Ryan, employed by Vaughan Constructions, attends Holmesglen Institute of TAFE Brian Fitzmaurice Award Furlan Constructions Presidents’ Award Samuel Maitland, employed by Superior Construction Absm, attends Skill Training Victoria Apprentice of the Year Bricklaying/Blocklaying Jayson McCarthy, employed by Gerard Vergunst P/L, attends Skill Training Victoria Apprentice of the Year - Carpentry Joshua Vitacca, employed by Maxabuild Pty Ltd, attends Skill Training Victoria Apprentice of the Year - Joinery Taylah-Ann Kane, employed by Eric Jones Stairbuilding Group Pty Ltd, attends Chisholm Institute Apprentice of the Year - Wall & Ceiling Lining Pierce Carroll, employed by Total Plaster Services, attends Holmesglen Institute of TAFE Apprentice of the Year - Wall & Floor Tiling Casey Shannon, employed by Bravada Waterproofing, attends Holmesglen Institute Diploma of Building and Construction Award Jack Chafer, employed by Coastal Joinery & Staircases, attends The Gordon TAFE Apprentice of the Year - Employer Nominated Jackson Harry, employed by SJ Vuillermin Master Builders P/L, attends Federation Training

Proudly sponsored by:

16

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

STATE APPRENTICE AWARDS

2019 State Apprentice of the Year award winners with Richard Hansen, President, and Rebecca Casson, CEO, Master Builders Victoria.

PHOTOS: ROBERT HAMER PHOTOGRAPHY

Neil Coulson and Joshua Vitacca

METROPOLITAN APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR JOSHUA VITACCA Attends Skill Training Victoria Employed by Maxabuild Pty Ltd Presented by Neil Coulson, Victorian Skills Commissioner

Neil Coulson and Mitchell McIntosh

REGIONAL APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR MITCHELL MCINTOSH Attends Skill Training Victoria Employed by Geelong Constructions Pty Ltd Presented by Neil Coulson, Victorian Skills Commissioner

Rebecca Casson and Jackson Harry

EMPLOYER NOMINATED APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR JACKSON HARRY Attends Federation Training Employed by SJ Vuillermin Master Builders P/L Presented by Rebecca Casson, CEO, Master Builders Victoria

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

17

STATE APPRENTICE AWARDS

Jack Chafer and Corrie Williams

DIPLOMA OF BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION AWARD JACK CHAFER Attends The Gordon TAFE Employed by Coastal Joinery and Staircases Presented by Corrie Williams, Executive Manager, Master Builders Training Institute

Viviana Hood and Walter Furlan

BRIAN FITZMAURICE AWARD FURLAN CONSTRUCTIONS (Walter Furlan, Founder and Construction Manager Furlan Constructions) Presented by Viviana Hood, Chief Operating Officer, Master Builders Victoria

Justin Goode and Taylah-Ann Kane

JOINERY APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR TAYLAH-ANN KANE Attends Chisholm Institute Employed by Eric Jones Stairbuilding Group Pty Ltd Presented by Justin Goode, Marketing Leader, Power Tools Accessories, Irwin

Dino Krommydas and Matthew Ryan

Richard Hansen and Samuel Maitland

AIB FLORENCE M TAYLOR AWARD

PRESIDENTS AWARD

MATTHEW RYAN Attends Holmesglen Institute of TAFE Employed by Vaughan Constructions Presented by Dino Krommydas, Australian Institute of Building, Victorian Chapter President

SAMUEL MAITLAND Attends Skill Training Victoria Employed by Superior Constructions ABSM Presented by Richard Hansen, President, Master Builders Victoria

Michael Rennison and Jayson McCarthy

Joshua Vitacca and David Cronin

BRICKLAYING AND BLOCKLAYING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

CARPENTRY APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

JAYSON MCCARTHY Attends Skill Training Victoria Employed by Gerard Vergunst P/L Presented by Michael Rennison, State Sales Manager VIC/TAS, Steel Blue

JOSHUA VITACCA Attends Skill Training Victoria Employed by Maxabuild Pty Ltd Presented by David Cronin, Employer Liaison, Incolink

Lawrence Pigot and Pierce Carroll

John Thompson and Casey Shannon

WALL AND CEILING LINING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

WALL AND FLOOR TILING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

PIERCE CARROLL Attends Holmesglen Institute of TAFE Employed by Total Plaster Services Presented by Lawrence Pigot, Brand Manager, ELWD Workwear

CASEY SHANNON Attends Holmesglen Institute of TAFE Employed by Bravada Waterproofing Presented by John Thompson, Director Communication and Stakeholder Engagement Victorian Building Authority

18

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

STATE APPRENTICE AWARDS

Mitchell McIntosh, Jackson Harry, and Joshua Vitacca with Rebecca Casson, CEO, and Richard Hansen, President, Master Builders Victoria. PHOTOS: ROBERT HAMER

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mark Phillips and Christopher Stone-Meadows

Andre Lea and Mark Phillips

Mitchell McIntosh and Mark Phillips

BALLARAT SECTION APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

BENDIGO SECTION APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

GEELONG SECTION APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

CHRISTOPHER STONE-MEADOWS Attends Building Skills Centre Employed by Hardwick Build Co Presented by Mark Phillips, Area Sales Manager, Bunnings Trade

ANDRE LEA Attends Skill Training Victoria Employed by Beilharz Pty Ltd Presented by Mark Phillips, Area Sales Manager Bunnings Trade

MITCHELL MCINTOSH Attends Skill Training Victoria Employed by Geelong Construcitons Pty Ltd Presented by Mark Phillips, Area Sales Manager Bunnings Trade

Matthias Luethi, and Ben Austin

Matthias Luethi and Jay Cottrell

Matthias Luethi and Daniel Schild

GIPPSLAND SECTION APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

NORTH EAST SECTION APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

WESTERN SECTION APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR

BEN AUSTIN Attends and Employed by AGA Apprenticeships Plus Host employer by Paul Smith Builder Presented by Matthias Luethi, Marketing Manager, Bosch

JAY COTTRELL Attends Murray Mallee Training Company Employed by Cottrell Constructions Presented by Matthias Luethi, Marketing Manager, Bosch

DANIEL SCHILD Attends South West TAFE Employed by West Vic Staffing Solutions Host Employer RD & KE Huf Builders Presented by Matthias Luethi, Marketing Manager, Bosch

Create raised floors on balconies, podiums and green roof tops Designed for creating raised floors in external applications, such as balconies, terraces and green roofs, Buzon’s Award Winning Pedestal system can be used with any type of concrete or stone paver, timber decking of all types and metal or fibreglass grid systems.

A key benefit of this innovation is the patented slope correction device.

This gives up to five percent fall compensation achieving a perfectly level floor finish, simultaneously allowing for positive water runoff at structural slab level.

Using the Buzon Pedestal replaces the use of sand and cement when laying pavers, therefore eliminating efflorescence and algae and reducing weight-bearing loads on the building structure. In addition the pedestal also improves thermal insulation and reduces sounds transmission.

For even more design flexibility, the system offers height adjustment from 17mm to 1070mm, millimetre by millimetre if required. This allows for unsightly services to be concealed under the floor while still offering access for maintenance of the waterproofing membrane and drainage systems.

In commercial urban environments where space is at an ever-higher premium, a building’s roof level is potentially a rich source of usable space. Buzon say their Pedestal System can be used to maximise a roof’s potential, both hiding all manner of services and protecting roof substrates from the elements, maximising integrity and longevity.

The pedestals are extremely strong as they are precision-engineered from high strength, UV resistant, recycled polypropylene and capable of supporting loads of more than 1000kg each. At roof level, this load is evenly spread by the wide base area of each unit, making them ideal for installation on any waterproofing membrane without causing damage, they can even be used directly over insulation material.

The Buzon Pedestal System is also simple to install. Desired height is achieved by thread adjustment, which is lockable when reached and a range of interchangeable spacer tabs of 2mm, 3mm, 4.5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm, allow for precise gaps between pavers and provide positive drainage without any concern of ponding or flooding.

The Buzon Pedestal System is available throughout Australia.

For more information contact: Pasco Construction Solutions Phone: 03 9429 9111 Email: buzon@pasco.net.au www.pasco.net.au

BENEFITS • • • • •

Use with stone, concrete, timber, composite decking Use over existing concrete, brick or paved areas Allows for drainage and ventilation Reduces noise and increases insulation Can achieve a perfectly level deck on an uneven surface

• Adjustable heights supporting up to 1000kg • Quick and easy installation • Provides a sustainable solution • Easy access to waterproofing membrane for maintenance

Exclusive stockist of Buzon products in Australia contact:

www.buzon.com.au

Head Office (VIC) PASCO 13-15 Brighton Street Richmond VIC 3121 Tel: (03) 9429 9111

QLD Distributor Adheseal – Brisbane 26 Wolverhampton St Stafford QLD 4053 Tel: (07) 3356 0000

SA Distributor P. Hughes Enterprises 15 Saltram Road Glenelg SA 5045 Tel: 0432 418 255

NSW Distributor Ausdrain 1/36 Willoughby Road Crows Nest NSW 2065 Tel: 1300 287 372

QLD Distributor Adheseal – Sunshine Coast 2/18 Kessling Avenue Kunda Park QLD 4556 Tel: (07) 5477 0022

WA Distributor Civil & General Distributors 27 Oxleigh Drive Malaga WA 6090 Tel: (08) 9249 4733

www.pasco.net.au

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FEATURE

Carpentry apprentice Trent King talks with the judges during his interview.

Trent King: an apprentice who achieves at all levels Janice Mascini Special contributor One of the highlights of the Master Builders Victoria calendar is the series of small events comprising the Regional Apprentice of the Year Awards.

The quality of applicants from the regions is consistently high, and our judges, many of whom are themselves practitioners, are always

impressed, remarking how good it is to see our industry thriving with enthusiastic new blood.

We view local training and development as a high priority to give young people career opportunities in the building industry, which is vital for the growth of regional centres.

In addition, the Master Builders’ Foundation, which was established in 2010, has helped apprentices and students by awarding over 89 scholarships and providing more than $78,000

worth of tools.

Among the nominees was one young apprentice carpenter who, though he didn’t progress to the state Apprentice of the Year Awards in Melbourne, stands out not just as an achiever in his field, but of the benefits of putting up a hand to participate in this long-running Master Builders Victoria tradition.

Thurgoona/Albury carpenter Trent King, one among 71 nominees from north-east Victoria

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FEATURE

won a Certificate of Merit and a show bag of prizes recognising his achievements and hard work.

Trent set his sights on a promising future in the building industry when he was 16 years of age.

He started work with a cabinet-maker and he also worked for a concretor before deciding to pursue his carpentry apprenticeship at age 25 at Murray Mallee Training Company Ltd. It was his TAFE teacher who nominated Trent in the ‘Best Over Entire Apprenticeship’ category, which recognises sustained excellence in skill and commitment across the entire apprenticeship.

Only selected apprentices are nominated by their training providers and an even smaller number are actually interviewed.

Trent was up against a tough group of

‘‘

I definitely would encourage other apprentices to give it a go. It is good to have your work recognised and meet other people in the industry.

”

— Trent King

nominees this year and made a very good impression on the judges.

“Being involved in the awards was a great experience,” Trent said.

“It actually didn’t take a lot of time; I did a video interview and in March I went to the North East awards night in Benalla.

“I definitely would encourage other apprentices to give it a go.

“It is good to have your work recognised and meet other people in the industry.

“I finished my apprenticeship in October last year and I really enjoy using my carpentry skills.

“No day is the same working as a ‘chippie’ and it is very satisfying to work on a project from start to finish and see the end-result.

“There is a lot of development happening in the Albury-Wodonga area and I’m glad to be a part of it.

“I moved from Wagga to Albury to play rugby league football for the Albury Thunders and both my sport and work has benefited.”

The deadline is fast approaching for our 2019 program. For more information call the Careers Team at Master Builders Victoria on (03) 9411 4555.

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

Get a one-way ticket to good health on the Incolink Bus Visiting the doctor for a check-up is something many of us put off.

Why see a GP if you feel fine? And who’s got time to sit in a waiting room for an hour?

In industries like ours, where the days are long and the work is hard, it’s understandable that the last thing we want to do on our day off is visit a GP. In contrast we know that prevention is often better than cure, and having a regular check-up can be the difference between a health issue being caught early and treated, or having it become a serious illness.

This is especially true for conditions like prostate cancer which is the most common cancer to affect Australian men.

According to the Australian Prostate Centre (APC), every day 55 men are diagnosed with the illness — more than 20,000 each year.

Alarmingly, men in regional areas who develop prostate cancer are 30 per cent more likely to die from the disease than those in our cities.

One reason for this is that people in rural areas tend to live further from medical services which can mean they delay visits to the doctor.

In 2016, more than 3200 men died from

prostate cancer in Australia.

Recognising the importance of early detection, Incolink is excited to announce a new initiative in the fight against prostate cancer and other health issues — the Incolink Bus — An on-site GP Service.

Launching in late June, the Incolink Bus will travel to construction sites across Victoria and Tasmania carrying out prostate, skin cancer and general physical health checks.

Incolink chief executive Dan O’Brien has been a strong advocate of the Health Checks program since its inception in 2015.

He said the program had made a big difference to the industry, and particularly for men, by instilling the importance of regular check-ups.

The new bus will enable Incolink to amplify this message further afield than ever before.

“By partnering with the Australian Prostate Centre to bring GPs to worksites, Incolink is removing one of the biggest barriers to good health for construction workers — getting them to visit a doctor,” he said.

The Incolink Bus headlines a new line-up of services that will broaden Incolink’s industry-leading Health Checks program. The

bus is fitted with two fully equipped consulting rooms and a waiting room, enabling medical staff to conduct health checks in sterile conditions that provide privacy for workers with minimal intrusion to site activities.

APC CEO Mark Harrison says the new partnership with Incolink is a great fit for both organisations.

“Our vision is that no man should die from prostate cancer,” he said.

“Working with Incolink will help us reach men who may be at risk and who otherwise would not have known. The Incolink Bus will improve health across the construction industry.”

The program offers big benefits to the industry. For workers, it brings the doctor to them and helps them stay on top of their health.

For employers, it promotes a safer workplace and a more available workforce.

To date Incolink has delivered health checks to over 12,000 workers at Victorian and Tasmanian construction sites.

Incolink plans to use the new GP Bus to deliver 4000 health checks to workers in its first 12 months of operation.

Visit www.incolink.org.au/incolinkbus to learn more.

ISSUE 03, 2019

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

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FEATURE

What does the budget mean for you?

State Government continues big infrastructure push but work force training gap remains. Pages 23-30

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FEATURE

Industry benefits from infrastructure projects

Peter Sackett Editor; and Kevin Hoang Policy advisor

Victorian Treasurer Tim Pallas MP While the Andrews Government’s release of their 2019-20 state budget revealed no surprises for building and construction, Master Builders Victoria is pleased to see a continuation of significant support for the infrastructure and small business projects outlined in last year’s budget.

We are very encouraged to see the inclusion of $5.6 million to develop the ‘Big Build’ higher apprenticeships in partnership with industry.

“As the leading voice for the building and construction industry, we consider that our sector remains important for the government in terms of its contribution to the health of the Victorian economy, which constitutes more than

45 per cent of its tax revenue,” Rebecca Casson, CEO of Master Builders Victoria, said.

“Their commitment of $29.4 billion for building and improving roads across the state, including $15.8 billion complete funding for the North East Link, is evidence of the vital role building and construction plays in the lives of all Victorians,” she said.

A $1.5 billion investment for a new hospital in Footscray means more jobs for our sector, the biggest full-time employer in the state, where one in 10 jobs is in construction.

We also look forward to collaborating with the Government to support their pledge of $209 million for public housing to deliver 1000 new homes over the next three years.

Given 80 per cent of businesses in our sector are small-to-medium enterprises, we welcome the Government’s commitment to lift the payroll tax-free threshold across the state to $700,000 by 2022-23.

“Master Builders Victoria members build communities throughout the state, so a further reduction of payroll tax to 25 per cent of the

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FEATURE

metropolitan rate for regional Victorian businesses keeps those regions thriving,” Ms Casson said.

With the introduction of the higher apprenticeships initiative for their ambitious list of major building projects, the Government appears to recognise the need to address a shortage of skilled workers.

However, to cultivate that work force, industry RTOs must be part of the solution, and we look forward to details on how this will happen.

“Recognising that industry RTOs have a demonstrated record of training for the skills most in demand, supporting them to the same extent as TAFEs is a smart move,” Ms Casson said.

On the pages that follow, we have included key excerpts from our budget update for your review.

Treasurer Tim Pallas handed down the State Budget on Monday 27 May 2019.

This is the Andrews Government’s fifth budget.

The key themes included transport, infrastructure, health and schools and the overarching theme of the budget is “Delivering for all Victorians.”

The budgeted operating surplus sits at $1.1 billion, and surpluses are set to average $3.4 billion a year over the forward estimates.

The Government plans to achieve this by collecting approximately $71 billion in revenue and spending $70 billion on service delivery.

Revenue growth is expected to average 5 per cent a year over the next four years, exceeding

‘‘

As the leading voice for the building and construction industry, we consider that our sector remains important for the government in terms of its contribution to the health of the Victorian economy, which constitutes more than 45 per cent of its tax revenue.

average expense growth of 3.3 per cent a year.

This budget maintains Victoria’s Triple A Credit Rating, with a net debt level of 5.1 per cent of GSP at June 2019, with net debt expected to reach 10 per cent of GSP by June 2023.

Economic outlook The Victorian labour market continues to outshine Australia’s other states and territories, with the unemployment rate falling to 4.6 per cent in March 2019.

This is also reflected in regional Victoria, with the regional unemployment rate also falling to 4.6 per cent in March 2019.

Victoria’s economy grew by 3.5 per cent in 2017-18 and is the strongest of all the states and territories, taking it well above the national economic growth of 2.6 per cent over this period.

It is forecast to moderate to 3 per cent in 2018-19 and 2.75 per cent over the forward estimates.

Population growth and low interest rates, as

well as stronger wages growth and low unemployment have fuelled investment and consumption.

Victoria’s population is growing faster than any other state or territory, increasing by 2.2 per cent in the year to September 2018 as a result of high levels of net overseas and interstate migration.

Master Builders Victoria notes that the Government continues to rely heavily on tax revenue relating to property.

Revenue accumulated from this sector, from taxes such as land tax and land transfer duty, amount to approximately 45 per cent of the total taxation revenue.

This is forecast to increase over coming years.

With property related taxes forming such a substantial part of the Government’s taxation revenue, it is vital that further support is provided to the building and construction sector for the betterment of the Victorian economy.

Summary of issues relevant to

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

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FEATURE Master Builders Victoria Taxation The Budget included the increase of the payroll threshold to $700,000 by 2022-23.

In addition, there will be a further reduction in payroll tax for regional Victorian businesses from 50 per cent to 25 per cent of the metropolitan rate by 2022-23.

In other words, the payroll tax rate for regional Victorian businesses will be reduced from the current 2.425 per cent to 1.2125 per cent by 2022-23.

This is great news for our members based across the state in regional areas.

Furthermore, there will be a 50 per cent discount on land transfer duty on regional commercial and industrial property transactions by 2023-24.

In addition, from the 2020 land tax year, land in metropolitan Melbourne that is contiguous with a principal place of residence but on a separate title and without a separate residence will no longer be exempt from land tax. Master Builders considers that this measure will discourage land banking and promote more building and construction.

Infrastructure funding There will be further funding provided towards infrastructure investment for Victoria In addition, the government infrastructure

• Techbeam-Maxifloor systems are lightweight, cost effective and provide the ‘feel’ of a concrete floor • Can be constructed both as built on-site or as modular cassettes built off-site • Acoustically tested achieving LnT,W of 55 with vinyl floor covering • Meets all current NCC requirements

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FEATURE

investment is forecast to average $13.4 billion a year over the budget and forward estimates.

This significantly exceeds the average of $4.9 billion a year from 2005-09 to 2014-15.

Infrastructure projects Master Builders Victoria welcomes the Government’s Big Build initiative, especially as it provides opportunities for many of our members. Projects include:

$15.8 billion to the North East Link The Government has committed to fully fund this project, delivered as a Public Private Partnership (PPP). An environmental assessment and planning approvals process is currently underway.

‘‘

Recognising that industry RTOs have a demonstrated record of training for the skills most in demand, supporting them to the same extent as TAFEs is a smart move.

This will replace the ageing existing hospital in Gordan Street. The new Footscray hospital will also be delivered as a PPP and is expected to open in 2025. The tender process will commence in 2019.

opening in 2022.

A further 109 schools will receive funding for major upgrades, and an additional 44 schools will be funded to begin planning for other refurbishments.

$6.6 billion for level crossing removals

$402 million will also be allocated to non-government schools for school infrastructure.

$1.4 billion for new schools and upgrades for existing schools This investment will fund the construction of 13 new schools to open in 2021, with another four

The Government is currently tendering two packages of arterial road upgrades in the northern and south-eastern suburbs of Melbourne. Each package combines high-priority road upgrades and maintenance for these growing outer-suburban communities.

The packages will be procured as PPPs. The Northern and South Eastern Road upgrades will be constructed over the next five years, with the maintenance and rehabilitation contracts continuing for a further 20 years.

$209 million for public housing Funding will be provided to deliver 160 dwellings of the 1,000 new homes to fight homelessness in 2019-20.

$1.5 billion for a new Footscray hospital

This investment will go towards the planning and delivery of an additional 25 level crossing removals by 2025.

Upgrade – Northern Roads Upgrade and South Eastern Roads Upgrade

This will provide for the construction, expansion and renovation of non-government schools in Victoria.

It will also include the removal of asbestos and cladding.

$2.2 billion for the Suburban Roads

Regional investment The Government has allocated investment to further boost regional Victoria as part of its ‘Delivering for Regional and Rural Victoria Program.’ Key investments include: $152.4 million to build a “court of the future” in Bendigo $128 million for the final stage of the Geelong Performing Arts Centre $59.5 million for a new rehabilitation centre at Bendigo Hospital $58.6 million to upgrade intersections in Ballarat $49.6 million to construct three new train

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FEATURE

stations in and around Bendigo $30.3 million for two major intersection upgrades in Gisborne as well as other pedestrian safety and amenity upgrades $7 million to plan the redevelopment and expansion of Latrobe Regional Hospital $2.3 million to begin the planning for the fifth and final stage of the redevelopment of Kardinia Park Stadium, Geelong

Building and planning $4.6 million for Better Apartments program More funding will be provided to extend the Better Apartments program to Melbourne’s suburbs.

$165.3 million for Cladding

‘‘

This investment will fund the construction of 13 new schools to open in 2021, with another four opening in 2022.

Rectification program Funding will be provided over the next four years to continue the Victorian Government’s rectification program for government buildings.

In addition, further funding has been provided to the VBA for ongoing work in identifying and undertaking risk assessments of private buildings impacted by combustible cladding.

$5 million to support the planning system to manage and capitalise on Victoria’s growth

Funding will be provided for continued capacity within the planning system to enable it to manage the increasing demands on critical land uses as a result of the State’s unprecedented population growth.

Skills and workforce $42.2 million for free TAFE for priority courses Additional funding will be provided due to strong demand for this initiative.

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FEATURE

$5.6 million for higher apprenticeships This will develop a suite of higher apprenticeships to provide Victorians with new opportunities to ‘earn while they learn’ at higher qualification levels, such as vocational advanced diplomas and higher education associate degrees.

Part of this $5.6 million will fund Victoria’s ‘Big Build’ higher apprenticeships to support the roll-out of Victoria’s major infrastructure program and provide higher apprentices with the opportunity to rotate across a range of projects, such as the West Gate Tunnel, North East Link and the Suburban Rail Loop.

$57 million for a new Building Better TAFEs fund for metropolitan TAFEs

Funding will be provided to upgrade and redevelop the Box Hill Institute Lilydale Campus – Integrated Centre for Sustainable Construction Technologies through the initial round of the Building Better TAFEs Fund.

Funding will also be provided for high-level planning and concept design work relating to Melbourne’s Polytechnic’s Collingwood campus modernization and Chisholm Institute’s Frankston campus.

$4.7 million in Apprenticeship Support Officers Funding will be provided to aid apprentices with advice and assistance to improve apprenticeship retention and completion across regional Victoria and metropolitan Melbourne.

Additional areas of interest for the building

and construction industry:  Investing $545 million over five years to expand the Solar Homes Program, totalling $1.3 billion over the next 10 years where from 1 July 2019, rebates will be available for solar panels, hot water systems, batteries and zero-interest loans.  $16.6 million to fund the expansion of the specialist capacity of WorkSafe inspectors  $15 million allocated to the Environment Protection Authority to strengthen compliance, support the delivery of accurate and timely information, and better respond to pollution and emergency incidents.  $13.2 million to identify and secure the extraction of raw materials for Victoria’s infrastructure pipeline

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

GREEN LIVING

ISSUE 03, 2019

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GREEN LIVING

Chris Barnett from Habitech Systems and Dr Phillip Alviano at the 2018 Green Living Conference.

13 years and growing: 2019 Green Living Conference Dr Phillip Alviano Sustainability Advisor

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GREEN LIVING

Conference outlines the latest sustainable building trends Master Builders Victoria is proud to have presented the Green Living Conference for 13 years.

Our goal each time is to raise awareness of the development of quality construction trends.

The challenge for us has been to facilitate change by linking this to good quality, practical advice and solutions our members can use.

The positive feedback from attendees suggests that with the help of fantastic speakers

and supplier partnerships, we have been able to assist builders, designers and others who attend to extend their skill sets and develop their commitment to better building.

This results in higher quality construction, healthier living and more energy-efficient outcomes for their clients.

We already have a number of confirmed speakers for this year’s event.

The conference begins with a review of the

regulatory changes that arrive with the 2019 edition of the National Construction Code and the future changes to the NCC we can expect as a result of the Trajectory for Low Energy Buildings.

Our guest speakers will then continue to inspire us with their fantastic projects, provide glimpses into the future of sustainable building and deliver high-quality, practical advice.

A sample of the speakers and their

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GREEN LIVING

presentations are featured below.  Jesse Clarke, Technical Lead, Pro Clima — Dealing with the new condensation requirements of NCC 2019.

Jesse will discuss the new condensation requirements in the revised building code and present practical solutions, including illustrations of how membranes can help achieve healthy, durable and energy efficient buildings.

Proudly sponsored by:

He will discuss how moisture management relates to air-tightness in buildings as we continue to move towards a net-zero future for the built environment.  Stuart Lee, Craftsmen Quality Builders — Building an architecturally designed passive house.

Stuart will present a case study about the joys and challenges of building an intricately designed passive house.

 Devon Grant, Director, Granted Constructions — Building an award-winning passive house.

Granted Constructions received the Master Builders Victoria Best Sustainable Home Award for 2018.

They have completed one certified passive house, have another going through certification, and a third under construction.

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

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LEGAL

The Lacrosse tower case and flammable cladding: where to from here?

Combustible cladding is an important — and enduring — topic in the construction industry.

This is due largely to two recent and notable events; the fires at the Lacrosse tower in Melbourne and Grenfell Tower in London.

The 2017 Grenfell Tower fire has been described as one of the UK’s worst modern disasters, killing 72 people and injuring a further 70 and presenting evidence that strongly supports the theory that the cladding was the primary cause of the fire’s spread.

The Lacrosse tower matter, which had no fatalities, is nonetheless the first of its kind to be heard in an Australian jurisdiction.

Background Monique Burns Solicitor

In November 2014, the Lacrosse apartment tower in Docklands, Melbourne was set alight,

causing a fire that spread rapidly from the eighth floor to the roof of the 21-storey building.

The fire originated from a smouldering cigarette butt which was left in an ice cream container on an eighth-floor balcony. The fire travelled up the external wall cladding and onto the balcony of each level above. Minor injuries were sustained during the evacuation.

VCAT proceedings In 2016, proceedings began in VCAT with 211 applicants (three owners’ corporations and 208 owners) and eight respondents.

The respondents were: 1. The builder, L U Simon Pty Ltd (‘LU Simon’) 2. The building surveyor and employer, Stasi Galanos and Gardner Group Pty Ltd (‘Gardner

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LEGAL ACP proposed for use was non-compliant.

Damages awarded The sum to be paid by LU Simon to the owners was $5,748,233.28 with Gardner Group, Elenberg Fraser and Thomas Nicolas all to reimburse LU Simon in the percentages listed below (Excluding Mr Gubitta’s share of 3 per cent).

Proportionality of damages Justice Woodward found that the damages payable to the owners by LU Simon were to be apportioned as follows:  Gardner Group 33 per cent  Elenberg Fraser 25 per cent  Thomas Nicolas 39 per cent  Gubitta 3 per cent However, as Gubitta was not a party to the proceedings there was no order made against him and LU Simon would not be reimbursed for this percentage of damages.

Future of cladding

Group’) 3. The architect, Elenberg Fraser Pty Ltd (‘Elenberg Fraser’) 4. The fire engineer, Tanah Merah Pty Ltd, trading as Thomas Nicolas (‘Thomas Nicolas’) 5. The occupant of apartment 805, where the fire originated, Gyeyoung Kim (‘Kim’) 6. The tenant who had the cigarette, Mr Gubitta (‘Gubitta’) 7. The superintendent, Property Development Solutions (Vic) Pty Ltd (‘PDS’).

Kim and Gubitta did not take part in the proceedings. PDS reached a settlement prior to the hearing.

It should be noted that the only direct contractual relationship was between LU Simon and the owners.

Issue Justice Woodward was tasked with two key issues: Determining the cause of fire and the intensity and speed with which it spread Assessing liability.

Findings by Justice Woodward The external cladding specified in the design of the Lacrosse building, Alucobond, was not compliant with the Building Code of Australia (‘BCA’). Furthermore, the substitute aluminium composite panels (‘ACP’) used in the construction were also found to be noncompliant with the BCA and Building

Regulations 2006 (Vic).

It was found ultimately that the builder, LU Simon, had breached the implied warranties imposed by section 8 of the Domestic Building Contracts Act 1995 (Vic), namely suitability of materials and fitness for purpose. As they had failed to comply with this legislative duty, they were found to be liable to pay damages to the owners.

However, Justice Woodward also found that LU Simon did not fail to exercise reasonable care in the construction of the property and the installation of the cladding.

It was found that the consultants, Gardner Group, Elenberg Fraser and Thomas Nicolas, each breached their respective duties in the capacities they were engaged by LU Simon by ‘failing to exercise due care and skill’.

Gardner Group issued a building permit for stage seven of construction which ultimately approved the use of the ACP. In addition, they failed to question the fire engineering report issued by Thomas Nicolas which was incomplete with respect to cladding systems.

Elenberg Fraser failed to rectify its design which resulted in the substantial use of the non-compliant cladding on the facades of the Lacrosse tower.

Thomas Nicolas failed to conduct full engineering assessments of the Lacrosse tower and subsequently failed to recognise that the

In his judgement, Justice Woodward observed that many of the issues considered were specific to the Lacrosse building and the contractual arrangements around it, and should not necessarily be considered as commentary on the general suitability of ACPs. The matter prompted a state-wide audit on combustible cladding and, subsequently, the establishment of the Victorian Cladding Taskforce. The taskforce was established to investigate the extent of non-compliant cladding in Victoria, provide advice on rectification of non-compliant cladding and recommend changes to the regulatory system.

The most recent taskforce update, issued October 2018, reported that approximately 4700 government-owned and occupied buildings had been reviewed.

Of these, 384 were identified as containing potentially combustible cladding and 21 were to be dealt with as a matter of urgency.

1369 permits for private buildings were identified as containing potentially combustible cladding.

More than 2000 private sites, including established buildings and those under construction, were inspected by the taskforce.

Of these, 43 buildings have been found to be in a high-risk category and the Victorian Building Authority had been appointed as municipal building surveyor for these buildings.

LU Simon volunteered to replace the cladding of the Lacrosse tower and these works are expected to reach completion in May 2019.

It remains unclear as to what effect this decision will have on other builders in similar situations.

It is expected that one of the respondents will appeal this decision and therefore this will not be the last we hear of the Lacrosse matter.

Master Builders supports of an industry-wide solution to the cladding issue and we welcome a process that includes the involvement of all relevant stakeholders, including government.

Master Builders will continue to issue updates with any further developments as they emerge.

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FINANCE

10 essential business planning steps for the building industry made you money and those who lost you money.

4. Reflect on the types of jobs and clients who were great and profitable versus those you wished you had never taken on.

5. Review the areas on site or in the office that had a positive impact on your profitability and those which cost you money.

With the benefit of hindsight, what should you have done?

Was there a process or procedure that could have avoided the scenario from occurring?

Harry Pontikis Director, MBA Financial Services

Plan the new year 6. Prepare a relevant and tailored marketing strategy that focuses on the types of clients and jobs which made you money.

Preparing a basic business plan helps you focus on the areas that have the greatest influence on your business’ health and profitability.

It helps you focus on the right things and break with unproductive habits.

Don’t waste your money on fads, fashions or trends.

Ensure your marketing spend is both tailored for your business objectives and relevant to your target market.

The first stage of business planning is to review the year

7. Have a professional, targeted and relevant ‘people’ strategy to find the best people and trades.

1. Know your numbers.

This includes cash flow peaks and troughs, turn-over, and gross and net profit.

Get to know which jobs are good for cash flow and which are good for profitability.

Identifying the ones which are good for both is the key!

2. Estimate you funding needs.

Track your cash flow peaks and troughs; identify any shortfalls and determine whether there is a particular time of the year that is worse than others.

Forecast whether you will need to update any equipment, machinery or business premises.

Provide them with the framework and performance objectives to focus them on your desired outcomes.

8. Knowing your actual financial performance and requirements will allow you to plan with your finance broker on the best way to access funds for the business.

3. Review staff and subcontractor performance.

Your accountant may look at minimising your taxable income, which conflicts with your need to borrow money.

Establish reports for each project and for your business, which can identify your weekly cash flow performance and financial results.

Run your business with your eyes on the road ahead, not on the rear-vision mirror.

Decide what good performance looks like compared to poor performance.

Develop an understanding of the people who

9. Implement the processes and procedures to run your business the way it should operate — the way you

choose a client, fund a job, run the job and manage your teams.

10. If you are unsure on the best way to plan your financial future, contact Master Builders Financial Services for assistance with these areas.

Call 1300 137 539 or harry@mbafinance.com.au for tailored advice.

Make the most of your membership by contacting the IR department for industrial relations issues, with OHS, legal, training and any other department within Master Builders, which are all focussed on helping you succeed.

Harry Pontikis is the Director of Master Builders Financial Services and can be contacted on 0411 258 058 or harry@mbafinance.com.au.

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

37

FINANCE

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

TRAINING

Victorian Skills Commissioner Neil Coulson and Brett Judd, CEO, WorldSkills Australia address the Australian contestants for WorldSkills 2019.

PHOTO: BENJAMIN B PHOTOGRAPHY

Supporting young careers with a brilliant start Imogen Gregory Careers Coordinator

Master Builders supports excellence in the building and construction industry through a variety of initiatives.

Some of these initiatives, such as the Excellence in Housing and Excellence in Construction Awards, are widely celebrated while other endeavours are a little less known.

On 9 May, Master Builders welcomed more than 660 apprentices, employers, teachers and proud family members to the State Apprentice of the Year Awards at Marvel Stadium in Docklands; it was an event that showcased the spectrum of opportunities available for those starting or developing their careers, or even transitioning from a career in another industry.

Among the many stories heard by the jury this year was the one belonging to Matthew Ryan, a

carpentry apprentice nominated and employed

by Vaughan Constructions.

Matthew explored his options after questioning the sustainability of juggling late-night work in the hospitality sector while supporting a young family, and decided to commence carpentry as a mature-aged apprentice.

Despite the financial sacrifices that came with the decision, Matt invested himself completely and has enjoyed the learning process thoroughly.

Matthew’s dedication, a decision he says was made possible by the support of his wife and family, led to him being named the recipient of the Florence M Taylor Award, which was sponsored by the Australian Institute of Building.

Judging for this award is based on the successful completion of schooling and focuses specifically on the nominee’s perseverance, dedication and integrity.

Master Builders Victoria shares advocacy of career diversity available through completion of apprenticeships and vocational education with WorldSkills Australia.

The ‘WorldSkills movement’ seeks to build a strong skills-based culture and, mirroring Master Builders Victoria’s position, promote the importance of vocational education to the future of Australian industries.

Master Builders supported the welcome event for the 2019 Global Skills Challenge, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in April this year.

The ‘Skills Challenge’ event formed part of training for the 45th WorldSkills International Competition to be held in Kazan, Russia in August, and the selection process for the Australian Skillaroos team.

More than 600 apprentices competed in the event, including those in the building trades.

Industry trainers and experts from 15 countries shared knowledge of construction techniques and teaching methods.

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

39

TRAINING Master Builders Victoria also strives to enhance career development through the work of the Master Builders Foundation.

The Foundation provides opportunities for individuals to enter the industry, upskill and develop their leadership experience. Since 2010, more than $350,000 in scholarship funds has been awarded to over 150 people.

These individuals have been given support in a field of study of direct relevance to skill development in the building, construction or related industries.

The Foundation also supports the Australian Overseas Foundation (AOF).

The AOF awards scholarships for vocationally-trained individuals enabling them to travel and work abroad with the purpose of developing their knowledge and expertise and, in turn, share their skills with others for the betterment of the broader community.

The 2016 scholarship winner, Hamish Rose, gained valuable experience working in Nepal and Canada on a diverse range of projects, including rebuilding projects in Nepal following the 2018 earthquake.

This year’s scholarship recipient, Lincoln Phillips, plans to travel to Canada to learn skills in timber and log construction and incorporate this understanding into his work.

A qualified carpenter and leading hand,

‘

Foundation scholarship recipient Lincoln Phillips thanks Careers and Registration Manager Ingrid Mountford, and his employer Angus Rodwell, of Resicon.

Lincoln began working with Resicon Master Builders in 2012 while he was under way with his apprenticeship, and is now a valued team member.

Angus Rodwell, Resicon Director, had encouraged Lincoln to apply and is delighted

that his nominee received the scholarship.

For further information on scholarships available through the Master Builders Foundation, please contact the Careers team on (03) 9411 4555 or email foundation@mbav.com.au.

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40

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

INSURANCE

Hot works exclusions: not all contract works and liability policies are same

Joe Keiper State Manager Victoria, MBAIS

As we’ve outlined previously, construction insurance policies are very different from one insurer to another, providing very different levels of cover.

There are typically over twenty key coverage differences, and these can include limitations, conditions, or even complete exclusions that can cost you thousands of dollars, or even your business altogether.

These important differences often do not appear on a policy schedule, and can only be identified through reading a 30+ page policy wording.

Having the right policy in place ensures that you don’t encounter any surprises when something goes wrong.

One coverage difference that can lead to uninsured losses is in relation to welding or ‘hot works’.

Several insurers have exclusions noting that

they do not cover any losses connected with hot work unless the work is conducted in strict compliance with the requirements of Australian Standards.

They then specifically reference the requirement to adhere to Safety in welding and allied processes, Part 1: Fire precautions (AS1674.1 – 1997) and Part 2: Electrical (AS1674.2 – 2007).

The application of this exclusion raises several questions:  What are the Australian Standards, and how do I ensure that I comply with them?  Do my subcontractors understand and comply with the standards?  Can my SWMS be modified to reduce the chance of a loss?  Do my subcontractors who conduct welding/hot works have similar exclusions on their policy?

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

41

INSURANCE With the standards not commonly known by builders, the most straightforward way of protecting your business is to simply ensure that your Contract Works and Liability insurance policy does not contain any conditions or restrictions on welding or hot works.

Over recent years, MBA Insurance Services (MBAIS) has seen a handful of claims where hot works have resulted in large fires due to insulation igniting.

Typically these builds have been approaching completion and worth a significant amount, with the builder contractually responsible for the loss.

While we don’t see a high frequency of hot works losses, a few have been greater than $1 million in value, and having the right policy in place can ensure you have cover should something unfortunate happen on site.

MBAIS provides a free service to review MBA members’ insurance programs and advise if the coverage is appropriate for your business.

As a specialist construction insurance broker, we have a thorough understanding of the complexities of insurance in the building industry.

We utilise specialist construction insurance markets to provide you with market leading cover – at very competitive premiums.

To arrange for a free review of your policy, contact MBAIS on (03) 9411 4555.

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

43

NEWS

Regional Victoria still holding off against Melbourne’s housing downswing ABS building approvals data released for regional Victoria continues to show that the decline in housing remains concentrated in the Melbourne metropolitan area while growth continues in many of Victoria’s regions.

Despite this increase, there has been a decrease of 6.4 per cent in residential building approvals over the year to March 2019, with a total of 1215 approved residential buildings.

annual growth, where it experienced a 5.1 per cent increase over the year to March 2019 with an annual total of 2486 residential building approvals.

Geelong

North West

Greater Melbourne Greater Melbourne experienced a 14.5 per cent decline in residential building approvals for the March 2019 quarter in which a total of 10,519 buildings were approved compared to the previous quarter of 12,310.

This marks an overall decline of 18.6 per cent over the year to March 2019. Apartments continue to remain the main driver for this decline.

Geelong experienced a 2.2 per cent increase over the quarter to March 2019 in which a total of 1059 residential buildings were approved.

This translates to an annual increase of 22.7 per cent, resulting in an annual total of 4459 residential buildings approved.

Apartment approvals continue to surge, with a quarterly and yearly increase of 99.2 per cent (+122 apartment approvals) and 89.1 per cent (+419 apartment approvals) respectively.

There was a decrease of 10.4 per cent in residential building approvals in North West in which a total of 103 residential building were approved.

Over the year to March 2019, there was a decrease of 3.2 per cent with an annual total of 542 residential building approvals.

Ballarat

Hume

Ballarat experienced a 0.5 per cent decline over the quarter to March 2019 in which 401 residential buildings were approved in total.

Nonetheless, over the year to March 2019, there has been an overall increase of 16.8 per cent with a yearly total of 1510 residential building approvals.

Hume experienced a 10.1 per cent decrease over the quarter to March 2019 with a quarterly total of 329 residential building approvals.

However, it remains 0.2 per cent higher over the year to March 2019 with an annual total of 1447.

Bendigo

Latrobe-Gippsland experienced a decline of 6.6 per cent in residential building approvals over the quarter to March 2019 with a quarterly total of 599 residential building approvals.

However, it remains positive in terms of

There was an increase of 7.1 per cent in residential building approvals for Bendigo over the quarter to March 2018 in which a total of 318 residential buildings were improved.

Latrobe-Gippsland

Shepparton Shepparton experienced a decrease of 2.7 per cent in residential building approvals over the quarter to March 2019, with a quarterly total of 179 residential building approvals.

Nevertheless, over the year to March 2019 saw an increase of 29.2 per cent, with an annual total of 747 residential building approvals.

Warrnambool and South West Warrnambool and South West experienced a 10.4 per cent increase in quarterly residential building approvals where 148 residential buildings were improved.

It experienced an increase of 9.3 per cent over the year to March 2019 with an annual total of 586 residential building approvals.

44

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

NEWS

Premier pushes for stricter silica standards On Wednesday, 1 May Victoria’s Labor Government announced its plan to push for tighter restrictions on workers’ daily exposure to silica dust, concentrating on 300 workplace environments considered ‘high-risk’ including construction, with a particular focus on stonemasonry.

As the leading voice of the building and construction industry, Master Builders Victoria is clearly supportive of any measures that make working conditions safer.

We also applaud any moves to draw greater attention to risks to health and safety, such as airborne particulate matter and the deadly lung diseases, such as silicosis, that can result from acute or prolonged exposure.

Master Builders Victoria is eager to see

‘‘

Master Builders Victoria is eager to see evidence-led approaches underpinning the revision of exposure standards to crystalline silica. evidence-led approaches underpinning the revision of exposure standards to crystalline silica.

We also welcome any measures that increase broad awareness of the safe handling of silica-based materials including the education of

both workers and health professionals, and access to free health screenings.

We note however, that should the Labor Government’s recommended reduction of the silica workplace daily exposure standard from 0.1 mg/m3 to 0.02 mg/m3 be adopted nationally, Australia would have the lowest such standard in the world.

But given the difficulty of measuring such low levels accurately, it increases the likelihood of severe restrictions on some materials containing high levels of silica currently used routinely in the building and construction industry.

We await the outcome of Safe Work Australia’s consultation period on a revised national exposure standard and will keep members informed.

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

45

NEWS

Residential building approvals continue to fall First quarterly building approvals data for 2019 shows further decline in residential sector The ABS released its March building approvals data for Victoria recently and, as with previous quarters, it shows further decline in the number of building approvals in the residential sector.

While the tighter credit market is attributed largely to this decline, the current federal election and the potential effect its outcome

may have on housing tax policy is also affecting consumer confidence in the housing market.

Key highlights  Total monthly and quarterly building approvals for March 2019 fell by 27 per cent and 9.2 per cent respectively.  Apartments/units are driving this fall largely.  Apartment/unit approvals few by a

staggering 50.1 per cent for the month of March and 12.5 per cent for the March quarter.  Number of building approvals in Victoria over the 12 months to March 2019 totalled 63,020 – 14.4 per cent less compared to the same time last year (73,636).  Of this, houses and apartment/unit approvals fell by 1.5 per cent and 28.8 per cent respectively in the same period.

46

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

COMMITTEE ROUNDUP

Sector groups alert to trades registration details

Kevin Hoang Policy Advisor

A couple of things were different about the April meetings for our sector committees.

First, members from the Housing and MM&S groups enjoyed an alternative setting, stepping outside the usual Master Builders meeting rooms and holding their joint meeting at Bunnings’ Building Solutions Studio in Port Melbourne.

Second, the committees welcomed a guest representative from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DEWLP) who brought update on mandatory trades registration legislation.

One thing did not change, however, and that was the robustness of the discussions.

In the midst of a national slowdown in housing commencements and uncertainty arising from the federal election, committee members came together in a sombre but determined manner to develop solutions for the many issues currently facing the industry.

The DEWLP representative had come to discuss some of the specifics of the regulatory

impact statement (RIS) process for the Building Amendment (Registration of Building Trades and Other Matters) Act 2018.

While the legislation provides the framework for mandatory trades registration and employee licensing, the RIS process ultimately determines the scope of trades that would undergo this.

The DEWLP representative provided a thorough explanation of the RIS process and did not shy away from questions provided by committee members, some whom were apprehensive of the legislation’s potential overreach, as evidenced in the proposed employee licensing scheme.

Members from the General Contracting and Specialist Contractor sector committees were also concerned about the possibility of mandatory registration and licensing encroaching on to the commercial sector.

Notwithstanding the possibility of mandatory trades registration becoming overly broad in its scope, members has long advocated for some mandatory trades registration for the domestic

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

47

COMMITTEE ROUNDUP sector.

In essence, its introduction is seen as necessary to ensure a standard of quality among tradespeople specialising in the structural trades such as carpentry and bricklaying.

It was agreed that Master Builders Victoria will continue to consult with DEWLP to determine the scope of mandatory trades registration that best aligns with the interests of industry.

Members of the Housing and Country sector committees passionately expressed their concerns about banks placing further restrictions on finance.

It was expressed that this was having a detrimental effect on the demand for housing and is contributing to the current decline within the sector.

Members all agreed that our industry must unite to voice the effect it is having on the sector and, by extension, the wider economy.

Long delays caused by an overly bureaucratic planning and building-approval process often raise the ire of builders.

As such, committee members from the Housing and Country sectors enthusiastically greeted the Victorian Government’s announcement of their review.

Committee members have long advocated for change in this area and so were willing to provide case studies to Master Builders Victoria to highlight to the Commissioner for Better Regulation that something needs to be done soon.

A lot is also happening in the commercial sector regarding industrial relations activity, with members from the General Contracting and Specialist Contractor groups concerned with the increasing union presence on the political front.

A strong air of pessimism was evident among committee members as they discussed state issues like the Victorian Government’s planned introduction of workplace manslaughter laws.

Committee members continue to remain adamantly opposed to such laws on the view that it unfairly targets small business while providing no real increase to safety on-site.

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

49

ADVERTISING FEATURE

BEAMS makes management easy They say necessity is the mother of invention and when it comes to the success story of the construction software, BEAMS – this saying couldn’t ring more true.

Founded in Perth by company director Peter Fonte, the concept for the software came about when, working as a builder himself, Peter realised the need for an integrated building package.

BEAMS was five years in the making and although initially developed for Peter’s use only, the ease and functionality of the software prompted him to make it available for commercial use in 1994.

Since then, BEAMS has enabled a greater understanding of what is required to manage and maintain a profitable business thanks to its coverage of the entire building process.

Unique in its offering, BEAMS covers web leads in CRM, estimating with CADIMage, scheduling and accounts, plus the addition of mobile functionality; a service not available through any other software system currently on the market.

‘‘

BEAMS software was developed by a builder who understands the wants and needs of users within the construction industry.

— Peter Fonte

”

In addition to this, BEAMS is back by an experienced and dedicated team who are constantly looking for ways to improve the package which is in perpetual development as the market changes and users’ needs evolve.

When it comes to setting itself apart from other similar products on the market, BEAMS offers the unparalleled knowledge and understanding of a builder come company director with years of practical, hands-on experience.

“BEAMS software was developed by a builder who understands the wants and needs of users within the construction industry,” Peter Fonte said.

“BEAMS customer support is suited to both the east and west coast, resulting in the longest

support hours offered compared to other software providers.

“We are currently the only software provider that integrates the functions of at least nine separate applications generally required to manage and operate a successful business, such as word processing, document storage, estimating, scheduling, CAD Image Take-off, email monitoring, accounting, CRM & Beams Mobile to name a few.”

And while having a vast offering is a key point of business for BEAMS Software, simplicity and functionality have always been areas in which they endeavour to deliver, time and time again.

“Users are able to prepare quotes quickly and respond to their clients in a timely fashion,”

Peter said.

“We offer the ability to maintain accurate cost control which results in better profits, including time-line scheduling.

“BEAMS keeps up with legislation changes including GST, TPar, Super Stream and the newest one being Single Touch Payroll and provides full financial reporting, including BAS & PAYG.” Backed by over 24 years in business and a relentlessly dedicated team, it is easy to see why BEAMS continues to lead the way in the construction software industry and with international expansion plans in the pipeline, it seems the sky is the limit for this innovative company.

50

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

MEMBER PROFILE

Sally Wills sees big future for small houses Janice Mascini Special Contributor

As a registered domestic builder with a flair for design and 30 years of industry experience, Sally Wills is leading the charge to encourage growth of the small housing building sector. Sally is the sole director of Small Change Design and Construction Pty Ltd, which she started in 2015, and is committed to addressing regulatory stumbling blocks and sparking the interest of design students to put small houses on the radar. Being a Master Builders member for the past 10 years has helped Sally to develop both professionally and personally to maintain her thriving practice.

“I started my business to address a gap in the market to meet the consumer need for more affordable and sustainable housing,” Wills said.

“But what was then a market niche I believe is now part of the solution to the increasing shortage of accommodation in Victoria.”

“With our booming population, planning regulations need to support diversifying the housing stock to include small houses as a viable option, particularly to build them in the backyards of existing dwellings. Victoria is the only Australian state that doesn’t allow this,” she said.

“I started lobbying the State Government in 2013 to change the planning rules to allow secondary dwellings to be built behind existing homes. With persistence and the support of Master Builders, this strategy is now part of Victoria’s Plan Melbourne Refresh.

“Small houses keep build costs low,” she said.

“Energy use is more efficient and utilities are cheaper; maintenance is minimised and there is even less housework. We aim for a 7 Star Energy Efficiency rating and there are nine designs across three sizes, with the option to personalise designs to suit an individual’s lifestyle. One of the key advantages of small houses is you can still have a garden.

“My customer base is very diverse. Small houses have moved on from being quirky and are becoming part of a considered choice to enable home ownership, without huge debt.

“Master Builders is proactive in identifying trends such as this and I value the organisation’s role as the voice that supports industry to get things done more efficiently. I enjoy contributing to influence change that benefits all members and currently sit on the Council of Management

and Housing Sector Committee.

Tapping into knowledge and support “More than ever before, there are very high consumer expectations of builders and trades people to be more professional,” Ms Wills added. “It is a given that you understand the rules and regulations, your paperwork is up-to-date and you’re active on social media, all while trying to run a business. As a small

business owner, the resources and training at Master Builders Victoria have been a tremendous help to me. I’ve used Master Builders’ legal and OHS services, which have been invaluable, and the networking opportunities have given me great insight.

“When I completed the Master Builders’ Domestic Registration course, I really appreciated being able to talk to staff who were

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

51

MEMBER PROFILE

familiar with the registration process. In addition, while doing the course, I met colleagues who I still catch up with regularly.

“Talking with members has also opened up new opportunities for my business. Recently, I’ve commenced collaborating with several builders in regional Victoria and another interstate builder to build my small house designs. Through Master Builders members, I’m

hoping to develop more affiliations so that Small Change homes are available to all those that wish to downsize.

Nurturing new talent “I’m passionate about promoting small houses to the next generation, and for the last three years Small Change Design and Construction, along with other generous sponsors, has organised the Small Home BIG

LIFE competition for TAFE Building Design Students and Architectural Degree students,” Wills said.

“It has been well received and gives students practical design experience. We are currently finalising the details for this year’s competition.

“Students are the future of our building industry and will face innovations and challenges. I’m already watching the development of 3D printing and how this will affect construction in years to come,” she said.

“Luckily, one constant is the support of Master Builders and the ready access to training and development, which is essential to be part of a dynamic industry.”

For more details about Small Change Design and Construction Pty Ltd visit the website www.smallchangedesign.com.au

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

53

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Staying ahead of the game Temporary surface protection; that is what Goop Guys are proud producers of.

If you haven’t heard of Goop Guys before, let us give you a quick run down.  They are leaders in temporary surface protection  They are a family-owned business  They are a proud Australian brand  They first stepped onto the scene of temporary surface protection back in 2001 developing their renowned product  After great success they branched out and started franchising their business in 2006  Their business has grown substantially over the last few years and they are now supplying product Australia-wide as well as taking the reigns of international distribution of their product.

Like anything, especially in business, staying ahead of the game is tough.

It takes continuous growth, stock production, new ideas and product creations, listening

intently to customer and client feedback, in-depth product testing and experimenting as well as ensuring you keep your brand authentic, honest and reliable.

These are things Goop Guys pride themselves on.

Each batch of product is tested by the manufacturing team or director to ensure quality product is achieved before being dispatched.

Franchisees are given professional in-depth training to ensure the product is applied to head office standards and also to ensure it provides the best possible protection against scratches, scrapes, marks and dirt on the construction site.

Director Shane is constantly working towards providing a consistent product that stays well ahead of the game; a product that simply paints on and is peeled off and does what is says it will.

Goop is used on construction sites to protect

glass, flooring, benchtops, bathtubs and more.

Goop protection of windows and glass doors has always been very popular, but the brand has extended into floor protection which is proving to be extremely popular.

As tradesmen go about their business it’s easy for flooring to look a little worse for wear come the final builders clean. Floor Goop simply peels up taking the mess and muck with it.

Staying ahead of the game has challenges, but also it’s rewards.

With the rapid explosion of growth in Victoria and New South Wales, more franchise opportunities are available.

Shane and Kirstee Copley work tirelessly to ensure the growth of their brand and business is done so with integrity, and welcome the growth of their team in areas that are seeing an increase in development.

54

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

NEW MEMBERS

MASTER BUILDERS

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST MEMBERS

ISSUE 03, 2019

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

55

NEW MEMBERS Master Builders Victoria is pleased to welcome the following new members who joined the association in May 2019.

Congratulations on joining.

General Contractor Directitude Management Greensaver Solar General Contractor Provisional Vita Building Group Pty Ltd

Housing AB Building Maintenance Achieve Homes Ansel Holdings Pty Ltd Clear Building & Constructions Columbro Constructions Forster Constructions Pty Ltd Group 5 Pty Ltd Hallbury Homes Innovative Builders Victoria Pty Ltd Kadsade Pty Ltd Kincaid Constructions Pty Ltd Luke Beazley Construction Pty Ltd Privium Homes Pty Ltd Reign Constructions Pty Ltd South East Homes Pty Ltd Vault Construction Management Pty Ltd ZDC Pty Ltd

Housing Provisional B.McGregor Constructions Pty Ltd Ben Jolley Carpentry Daniel O'Donnell DFV Engineering Pty Ltd Dynabuild Constructions Pty Ltd Gareth Bellchambers Gillett Constructions Jade Andrew Collins Kingbly Pty Ltd Rhys Otto Constructions Uniom Building Services Van Oord Building P/L

Housing Sub-Contractor Ali Reza Bolouri

Materials, Manufacturing & Supply L Windows Pty Ltd

Specialist Contractor Bonds Windows & Doors Pty Ltd Gesso Interiors Pty Ltd JRCM Commercial Joinery Mann Group Vic Pty Ltd Smartsteel Designs Pty Ltd

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

57

ADVERTISING FEATURE

ASH make breakthrough in engineered flooring industry Australia’s largest and most vertically integrated hardwood mill and manufacturer, Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH), have announced the launch of an innovative and customisable engineered flooring range, Australian Oak. The customised flooring was developed after an exhaustive survey of flooring specifiers, which asked the industry leaders for their preference, uses, issues and improvements.

“The results from this landmark survey directed us to creating a customisable floor, which has only just been made possible with advances in coating technology,” ASH national business development manager Daniel Wright said.

The customisation of the floor is done in a logical five-step process starting with the size of board, appearance grade, surface texture, colour and gloss level.

This process results in more than 300 choices available from the standard range alone – made possible by the flexibility of ASH’s East Melbourne manufacturing line.

The engineered board is created from ASH’s

attractive natural and sustainably harvested hardwood pressed to a super stable, cross-laminated hardwood ply.

This creates a floor with a better life expectancy than a traditional solid timber floor.

Design options include a wide plank, herringbone, Versailles parquetry panels and more.

Appearance grade options are not common in engineered boards.

ASH’s research revealed that consumers want either a floor with high character or one with little character, and not a mix of both, which is why they are offering both feature grade or select grade separately in Australian Oak. “We wanted to create a flooring range that ticks all of the boxes we’re known for,” Daniel said.

“If you buy from ASH, you expect a winning combination of flexibility in design, locally-produced sustainable product, high in quality but representing superb value for money, and an ability to match with our other products for ‘consistent flow of design’.”

While existing engineered flooring comes in a variety of appearance options, the ability to alter the appearance is near impossible, which has traditionally been the only real downfall for engineered flooring.

Most are produced overseas; sold from a display room with limited space; delivered in container load batches and then distributed.

“In some cases, floor resellers ask you to wait three months while they import the product you want,” Daniel said.

“But here at ASH, your customisable floor will be ready inside two weeks from ordering and all of the value adding is done right here in Melbourne by a Melbourne-owned and operated business.

Trends change, quality doesn’t.

Australian Oak is your answer to a fully customisable engineered floor.

5 STEPS TO ORDER Step 1: Choose your size Step 2: Choose your grade Step 3: Choose your texture Step 4: Choose your colour Step 5: Choose your lustre Visit vicash.com.au/engineered-timber-flooring for details

Email megan.para@vicash.com.au to enquire today or call on 03 5139 7070

When to comes to colour, the choice is yours...

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MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

MEMBER PROFILE

MASTER BUILDERS

MEMBER PROFILE BLUESCOPE: COLORBOND® STEEL’S MATT COLLECTION IN FIVE COLOURS

ISSUE 03, 2019

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

59

MEMBER PROFILE

BlueScope has built a strong foundation for growth, with a diverse portfolio of businesses in some of the fastest growing economies of the world, and a strong balance sheet, which enables strategic flexibility.

Our track record of successful global partnerships enables us to prosper in widely diverse markets.

Our strong partnerships and networks are built on BlueScope’s great product brands, such as COLORBOND® steel.

In 2017, COLORBOND® steel, Australia’s favourite steel building material for over 50 years, introduced an elegant new Matt finish to complement the latest building design trends.

Harnessing new paint technology to deliver a naturally inspired finish that diffuses light for a soft, textured, designer look, COLORBOND® steel Matt is available in Surfmist® Matt, Shale Grey™ Matt, Dune® Matt, Basalt® Matt and Monument® Matt.

According to Lisa Dent, Manager of Marketing and Market Development at

BlueScope, “The COLORBOND® steel Matt paint technology was developed to give the industry an accessible, yet highly attractive and versatile design material that provides a softer finish to complement the move towards more natural looking materials in residential building.”

“The new COLORBOND® steel Matt collection offers builders a range of neutral hues and a colour palette with the depth and versatility to adapt to any house type,” she said The ideal solution for roofing and walling systems that demand design versatility, COLORBOND® steel Matt has been used recently

by John Adam Architects.

“We used COLORBOND® steel Matt within the existing architecture on a Mount Barker project in Stirling, South Australia,” they said.

“The versatility of the COLORBOND® steel Monument® Matt delivered a beautifully natural looking zinc-like finish and provided streamlined uniformity to the upper level of the residence.”

Tested for over a decade, COLORBOND® steel Matt has been designed for the hot Australian

sun. The result is a product which maintains its matt finish, looking better for longer.

COLORBOND® steel Matt is also manufactured in Australia and is compliant with relevant Australian Standards.

Incorporating BlueScope’s unique Thermatech® solar reflectance technology, COLORBOND® steel Matt reflects the sun’s heat on hot sunny days and benefits from BlueScope’s industry-leading metallic coating technology, Activate®, for enhanced corrosion resistance.

COLORBOND® steel Matt is made and backed

by BlueScope, one of Australia’s largest steel manufacturers. BlueScope offers a variety of warranties of up to 36 years, for peace of mind.1 1.Warranties subject to application and eligibility criteria. For full terms and conditions and to determine the eligibility of your building for the warranty visit bluescopesteel.com.au/warranties or call BlueScope on 1800 702 764.

60

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

ADVERTISING FEATURE

Gerni puts worker safety first One of the greatest difficulties’ builders face is keeping the work site safe and clean during the building process but the Gerni ATTIX 33 M-Class Industrial dust extractor takes care of that problem.

The dust extractor offers safety solutions for demanding dust extraction for L and M Class dust levels for applications such as construction dust, concrete, plaster, fibre cement, wood, metal, liquids and slurries.

L Class (low risk) dust includes simple house dust and materials such as soil. The occupational exposure limit for L Class dust is >1 mg/m3, which means you need a dust extractor that catches 99 per cent of the dust.

M Class (medium risk) dust includes wood dust, dust from repair compound, filler and clear coats, dust from cement, concrete and tile cement, quartziferous materials such as sand and pebbles, and even paints such as latex and oil paints. The occupational exposure limit for M Class dust is >0.1 mg/m3, which means you need a dust extractor that catches 99.9 per cent

of the dust. The Gerni ATTIX 33 M-Class Industrial extractor is compliant with Australian Health and Safety guidelines for dust extraction in construction environments; please check with your local states Health and Safety guidelines for more details on dust extraction.

This high performance, easy-to-use dust extractor takes productivity, efficiency and meeting workplace Health and Safety standards to a new level.

Safety is maximised through clever innovations such as a Push & Clean semi-automatic filter cleaning system, durable and washable M-class PTFE filter using new generation of non-stick membranes, reliable filtration efficiency of fine dust particles and no dust emission from exhaust air or power tool during filter cleaning cycle.

A minimum of 99.9 per cent of fine dust particles are captured by the machine, in keeping with both L and M class dust extraction requirements.

The Gerni ATTIX 33 M-Class Industrial

extractor offers automatic link-up with your power tools with the Auto On/Off power outlet and the dust extractor automatically starts when the power tool is used making it idea for electric drilling, sanding or cutting tools.

It is robust and easy to handle, which also makes it easy to transport from one site to another.

It offers flexible storage solutions for tools and accessories, so everything you need is at hand, including easy fixation of tube, hose and power cord with flexible rubber straps, and innovative hose and cable hook for easy and quick storage and transportation.

The Gerni ATTIX 33 M-Class Industrial extractor offers a superior cleaning performance, increased air velocity in both hose, nozzle and tool connector, easy service and low maintenance cost because the same filter is used for wet and dry pick-up.

It is priced at $699, making it very competitive for this type of machine and is exclusively available at Bunnings.

With dust Class M certification, you are ensuring ultimate worker safety and site compliance for your business. Can you afford not to?

*Pole Sander not included

M Class certification 99.9% filtration efficiency of fine dust particles Semi-automatic self-cleaning system Power outlet with Auto Start/Stop for power tools Efficient, robust and mobile Superior cleaning performance

62

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

EVENTS CALENDAR

MASTER BUILDERS

EVENTS CALENDAR

ISSUE 03, 2019

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

63

EVENTS CALENDAR

AUGUST 7 Trade Breakfast - Geelong Buckley’s Entertainment Centre, Geelong 16 Excellence in Construction Awards Crown Palladium, Southbank 21 Trade Night - Bendigo Quality Resort All Seasons, Bendigo 30 Green Living Conference Building Leadership Simulation Centre, South Melbourne

SEPTEMBER 12 Industry Breakfast MCG, East Melbourne 18 Trade Night - Ringwood Karralyka Conference Centre, Ringwood

OCTOBER 2 Trade Night - Moorabbin Yarra Yarra Golf Club, Moorabbin 11 Excellence in Housing Awards Crown Palladium, Southbank 16 Trade Night - Mornington Mornington Racing Club, Mornington 25 Gippsland Golf Day Traralgon Golf Club

NOVEMBER 13 Trade Breakfast - Shepparton GV Hotel, Shepparton

Directory

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC WATERPROOFING • Building Law • Mediation • Appearances at VCAT and other Court venues

• Roof Top Gardens/ Terraces • Fish Ponds • Underground Tanking • Remedial Work • Consultancy Work • All Licenced Waterproofers

WATERPROOFING 0418 999 876 www.cdwaterproofing.com.au enquiries@cdwaterproofing.com.au

• Business Structures • Asset Protection Telephone: (03) 9009 5800 Facsimile: (03) 9009 5899

CR132526AA

C& D

• Legal Advice for Builders

Level 4, 530 Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000 Also at Mitcham by appointment only.

Email: wre@wrelawyers.com.au Web: www.wrelawyers.com.au

GLASS BRICK COMPANY

The complete ‘Glass Brick Specialists’

PHONE Sydney/NSW: 02 9620 9055 Melbourne/VIC: 03 9703 1530

EMAIL info@glassbrickcompany.com.au

WEBSITE www.glassbrickcompany.com.au ACN 116 139 970 | ABN 19 310 920 095

CR132089AA

All Wet Areas Showers Shower Repairs Decks Planter Boxes Balconies Shower, Balcony and Deck Design • Underground Carparks

CR132088AA

• • • • • • •

MASTER BUILDERS VICTORIA

ISSUE 03, 2019

65

NEWS

Interest rate drop gives housing a boost The lowering of the interest rate to 1.25 per cent provides a welcome shot in the arm for Victoria’s housing market, Rebecca Casson, CEO of Master Builders Victoria, said.

“Victorians can better afford to access the money they need to engage builders and tradespeople,” Ms Casson said.

“With Victoria the fastest-growing state in the nation, the need for more housing is there,” she said.

‘‘

With Victoria the fastest-growing state in the nation, the need for more housing is there.

— Rebecca Casson

”

“As the leading voice of the building and construction industry, we believe this rate

adjustment helps to bring a new home or remodel within closer reach of consumers who need the services of Victorian builders.

“Building and construction continues to play a critical role in the health and vitality of the Victorian economy, contributing more than 45 per cent of its tax revenue and being its largest full-time employer.

“This rate cut will help boost our sector and make the state economy stronger.”

Protection

against termites

$1 MILLION WARRANTY! The Bayer Protection Program Warranty covers homeowners for up to $1 million worth of termite damage, no matter how the termites enter the premises.

Find out more by visiting es.bayer.com.au/Kordon or phone 1800 552 802 Activate your Bayer Protection Program Warranty now!

Bayer CropScience Pty. Ltd., Environmental Science Australia, Level 1, 8 Redfern Road, Hawthorn East, Vic. 3123 Technical Enquiries: 1800 804 479 es.bayer.com.au KordonÂŽ is a Registered Trademark of the Bayer Group

Š 2019

GOT A NEW OR INNOVATIVE PRODUCT OR SERVICE?

PROMOTE IT HERE. With dust Class M certification, you are ensuring ultimate worker safety and site compliance for your business. Can you afford not to?

Phone Emily for more information (07) 4690 9303 emily.bosman@newsregionalmedia.com.au

Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d think.

Did you know asbestos was used in more than 3000 common building materials before it was banned? It’s still found in 1 in 3 Australian homes, lurking in things like walls, eaves and ooring. Knowing what to look for might not be as easy as you think.

Think you know?

Find out at asbestos.vic.gov.au .