VOLUME 11 | NUMBER 2 | MAY - JUNE 2014
HOUSING AWARDS:
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REPEAT WINS FOR ZORZI, BURKE
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Hames on training
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Forster honoured
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Success for 40under40 builders
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contents M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
OUR COVER Brian Burke Homes has notched an eleventh win in the Housing Excellence Awards and Zorzi South are back in the South West Awards winners’ circle. See pages 22-30 for details.
IN THIS ISSUE... FOREWORDS
UPDATES
FEATURES
President’s File........................................................4
Members’ Health...................................................32
Butler Railway Project - Cooper and Oxley...........64
Director’s File...........................................................6
Building Business..................................................35
Windows and Doors..............................................68
Safety....................................................................39 Membership..........................................................40
Safety ...................................................................71
REPORTS Word from the Hill....................................................7 Master Builders General News................................8 Master Builders Branches.....................................46
Roofing and Cladding............................................ 74
Legal......................................................................44 Personal Pars .......................................................49
Directory................................................................80
Industrial Relations................................................52
What’s New...........................................................80
Insurance...............................................................54
AWARDS Housing Excellence Awards .................................22 South West Awards...............................................26
Housing.................................................................56 Technical...............................................................58 Training..................................................................60
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Master Builder is the official publication of The Master Builders Association of Western Australia. It is produced five times per year and published by Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd. Master Builders Association of Western Australia was established in1898 and is the state’s oldest building industry organisation. The MBAWA is part of the Australia-wide Master Builder movement. Master Builder is produced to keep members informed of matters affecting them. Opinions and/ or statements in any editorial and/or advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher and/or the MBAWA. The publisher reserves the right to reject any material deemed unsuitable for publication. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the copyright Act 1968, no part of Master Builder may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permission from the MBAWA or Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd.
MBAWA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT: President: John Ripp Senior Vice President: Robert Spadaccini Vice President: David Crothers Treasurer: Chris Lillis Immediate Past President: Robert Shaw Board Members: George Allingame, Simon Birkhead, Jason Kunkler, Andy Peppercorn, Dan Perkins, Jack Pleiter, Michael Vermey. SENIOR STAFF: Director: Michael McLean Special Projects Director: Gavan Forster Contracts & Administration Manager: Charles Anderson Construction Director: Kim Richardson Membership Services Manager: Veronica Mill Housing & Business Development Director: Geoff Cooper Partnerships & Marketing Manager: Kelly Dewar-Matusik Events Manager: Pippa Tearne Technical Advisor: Romina De Santis Training Director: Neil Du Rand Safety Manager: Michael Fitzgerald Regional Operations Manager: Graham Bell Waste Reduction Consultant: Michael Norriss
HEAD OFFICE: 35-37 Havelock Street, West Perth WA 6005 Post: PO Box 167, West Perth WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9476 9800 (Country) 1300 550 262 Fax: (08) 9476 9801 Email: mba@mbawa.com Website: www.mbawa.com MASTER BUILDERS TRAINING CENTRE 594 Hay Street Jolimont WA 6014 Phone: (08) 9441 8000 Fax: (08) 9441 8001 Email: training@mbawa.com REGIONAL BRANCHES: Albany-Great Southern: Linda Gibbs Ph 9841 6232 Bunbury-South West: Geoff Bosustow Ph 9721 6547 Geraldton-North West: Dianne Gilleland Ph 9921 5061 Esperance: Doug Backhouse Ph 0437 184 366 Kalgoorlie: Colleen Horton Ph 0412 487 970 MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Veronica Mill Ph (08) 9476 9800 SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: Master Builder is available for subscription at a cost of $55/year. Contact Membership Services Manager Veronica Mill via email at veronica@mbawa.com for further information.
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FOREWORDS president’s file
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M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
THE SWORD WILL CUT BOTH WAYS The Abbott Government’s decision to establish a Royal Commission to investigate union governance and alleged corruption in the construction industry will expose the ugly side of our industry. But like the Cole Royal Commission of 2002 it is an investigation that has become necessary following some shocking media revelations of threats, standover tactics, bribes and other corrupt practices. time when we are trying to attract young people to choose a career in our industry. Any reasonable person who has kept abreast of construction industry industrial disputes, court prosecutions of union officials and more recent media stories highlighting unlawful union tactics and practices would be appalled at what’s going on. It is clearly a disgraceful and shameful situation which needs to be addressed both urgently and permanently.
Former High Court Judge Dyson Heydon has been engaged to preside over the Royal Commission, the terms of reference of which focus particularly on union governance, financial management and the accountability of union officials. Unions specifically cited for scrutiny include the CFMEU, AWU, TWU, ETU and HSU. Most, if not all of these unions, have either a militant or controversial history and have developed their own style of industrial relations which in most cases is not appropriate for the twenty-first century.
Australia’s industrial relations tribunals clearly are incapable of dealing with the type of corrupt practices that now are occurring in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne in particular. If these same industrial tribunals had taken a stronger stance in response to union bastardry 30 years ago, however, things might have been different today.
Jo hn Rip p
We all know that construction is a tough industry to work and survive in, but we need to do everything in our power to urgently eradicate criminal elements and unlawful practices from becoming the norm, as appears to be the case in a few capital cities from some reports.
The latest statistics on days lost due to industrial disputes once again rates the construction industry as the worst. This is not where we want to be, especially at a
Royal Commissions have extraordinary powers to obtain records, information and evidence. Regrettably, we anticipate some larger commercial developers, builders and subcontractors will be embarrassed by the exposure of some of their commercial practices and inappropriate behaviour. To this extent, the Royal Commission sword
Acknowledging the Support of our 2014 Partners:
will cut both ways. Such is life. Employee benefit schemes, where the unions derive a dividend from surplus funds, are also likely to come under close scrutiny. Master Builders wholeheartedly supports the Heydon Royal Commission which commenced its hearings on 9 April and hopes to conclude deliberations by December this year. Our staff will be fully cooperating with its officers. Our industry needs to be exposed for its wrongdoings, its perpetrators need to be dealt with effectively and lessons must be learnt and an action plan developed to prevent any future recurrences. I encourage any member who has relevant information which might assist the Heydon Royal Commission to come forward with it. Our industry will be a far better place to do business if it is a cleaner industry. The Australian Building and Construction Commission is a good starting point to achieve this with Nigel Hadgkiss at the helm. John Ripp
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FOREWORDS director’s file
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BUCKERIDGE NEVER DANCED WITH THE DEVIL I ordinarily wouldn’t be writing an editorial about an individual but Len Buckeridge wasn’t an ordinary person, was he? In fact, WA and our industry owe Len, who died on 11 March aged 77, great gratitude.
M ic h a el M c L e
an
Len Buckeridge was born in South Perth in 1936 and grew up in Rivervale. He completed his secondary education at Perth Modern School and studied architecture at Perth Technical College. His major academic publication was The Economic House which sowed the seeds of his passion to create affordable housing for Western Australians. What followed were innovative housing ideas such as, in the early days, affordable rental flats in Inglewood and Mosman Park, and then later, developments such as 85 millimetre concrete slabs and an integrated supply chain ranging from quarry products to glass. Whichever way you might try to analyse Len, it would be complex and difficult as he was a very private man of many contrasts. He was energetic, innovative and determined and at times put people offside in his determination to get things done. Like most successful businessmen, Len was prepared to take risks and worked hard and often unconventionally to achieve his objectives. He had little time for bureaucrats and politicians who weren’t prepared to make decisions or couldn’t see the merit in his point of view. As a lateral thinker, Len also could
be rather forceful in arguing his case but he also was an engaging conversationalist and humanist, being extremely charitable and philanthropic to a variety of causes ranging from rugby and surf life saving to dog refuges and homeless families. The BGC success story is amazing and has benefited many thousands of WA homebuyers over the last five decades. BGC housing brands have built more homes per annum than any other builder in Australia for several years now. Many of these houses can be described as affordable housing for the Department of Housing and funded through the Keystart program. More recently BGC has established a modular housing division which has the potential to provide a real shake-up to traditional methods of construction. One of the biggest impacts I believe Len Buckeridge has made to the building and construction industry is to improve the way industrial relations are transacted in the commercial-industrial sector. About 25 years ago, BGC Construction provided a real choice to clients who preferred to deal with builders who didn’t have a union agreement and all the extras that went with such agreements. This signalled a return to managerial prerogative in place of union control. It was a significant turning point in our industry’s industrial relations practices and was complemented
Acknowledging the Support of our 2014 Partners:
by Labour Relations Minister Graham Kierath’s courage and commitment to oversee meaningful IR reform in our industry. Most commercial builders since have followed the Buckeridge formula and now again enjoy the right to manage their own industrial relations, with or without union involvement. For those builders and contractors who still bear the scars from the 1980s and 1990s, I’m sure you will join me in acknowledging the contribution that Len Buckeridge has made with the support of his BGC team in helping to deregulate IR in WA. Master Builders recognised Len’s significant contribution to the building and construction industry in WA by presenting him with the Robert Law Award in 2001. The BGC empire now rests with Sam Buckeridge, Julian Ambrose and the BGC board. On behalf of Master Builders’ board, I extend our condolences to Len’s family and salute his extraordinary contribution to an industry he loved dearly. It would be hard to imaging anyone like Len emerging again. Michael McLean
word from the hill REPORTS 7 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
From time to time, Master Builder invites Government members to contribute on current topics and developments. Maintaining a skilled construction workforce is a perennial concern to industry. Here Training and Workforce Development Minister Dr Kim Hames looks at school-based training programs where....
WA LEADS THE WAY The courses will allow students to become familiar with a range of key occupations in the construction industry and lead directly into a range of relevant Certificate III or Certificate IV courses at the end of Year 12. To further prepare students for entry into the trade qualifications, they are provided with a short taster Try-a-Trade program in Year 10, which is funded by the CTF.
Training and Workforce Development Minister Dr Kim Hames
Since taking on the Training and Workforce Development portfolio in December, I have been pleased to learn how WA is leading the way in encouraging students into the construction industry, through a specialist vocational education and training (VET) in schools program. The Certificate II in Building and Construction Pathways (Trade and Para-Professional) qualifications allow students in Years 11 and 12 to start a career in building and construction while at school. Qualifications can be undertaken as part of full-time school or as school-based traineeships. The program was offered to students at the start of 2013, attracting at least 700 participants in the trades program alone.
Recent statistics from the Department of Training and Workforce Development show the value of promoting apprenticeships and traineeships, not just by the CTF but also registered training organisations and other agencies. In the 12 months to 30 September 2013, the number of apprenticeship commencements in building and construction trades increased by 13.8 percent. I recognise the strong contribution the building industry is making to training and workforce development, with these trades making up almost 19 percent of all apprentices in training. Apprenticeships and traineeships are a high priority for the State Government and will play a crucial role in meeting the future needs of industry. It’s with this in mind that we have implemented Future Skills WA, which is designed to encourage students into qualifications that lead to jobs in demand. For those interested in finding out more about Future Skills WA, information is available on the Department of Training and Workforce Development website – www.dtwd.wa.gov.au.
A third Certificate II Civil Construction pathway also is being developed and will be made available in 2015. This can articulate into 16 Civil Construction traineeships at Certificate III, IV and Diploma levels. I’m pleased that Government took advice from industry in the development of this new program. Industry called for the provision of pathways that were easily understood, retained flexibility and allowed for seamless articulation into further training and qualifications. With input from industry stakeholders as well as schools, unions, registered training providers and the Construction Training Fund, the program is designed to provide school leavers with the best opportunity to secure employment in the construction industry. It replaces 13 previous school programs and provides a model that is tailored to meet the needs of industry and schools, while also ensuring that students’ future career choices are based on well informed decision-making.
It’s your business to register.
The Certificate II Trades pathway provides students with essential theory, skill and workplace experience for entry into one of 11 construction trades. The Certificate II Para-Professional pathway, developed in conjunction with industry, leads to several non-trade Certificate IV qualifications and is supported by full teaching and learning resources for all units. For the first time, the para-professional pathway allows students to enter non-trade occupations in the building and construction industry directly from school. With further study in the workplace, graduates can be employed in key roles such as estimating, scheduling and drafting. Both trade and para-professional pathways include valuable work experience. On completion of either pathway, students can graduate with four Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) course units.
If you employ workers in the construction industry you may be required by law to register in the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Scheme. Find out by visiting www.myleave.wa.gov.au or by calling 08 9476 5400.
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REPORTS general news M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
LESS RED TAPE, MORE BUILDING JOBS: MASTER BUILDERS “We will continue to champion regulation review and reform of the national building standards National Construction Code, and of the work of Standards Australia, both of which have large regulatory footprints on the building and construction industry,” Mr Harnisch said. “Master Builders has also been pressing for red and green tape reforms to help tackle the current undersupply of housing and housing affordability and to accelerate investment in projects in the commercial building sector.
Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch backs Government red tape reforms.
Master Builders Australia welcomed the introduction of the Federal Government’s red tape repeal legislation in Parliament in March. CEO Wilhelm Harnisch said the Bill was another important signal that the Government was following through on its election commitment to slash the burden of over regulation and associated compliance costs. “But it should only mark the start of the process,” he said. “The building industry doesn’t want Red Tape Repeal Day to be the one shot in the locker for abolishing over regulation. Red tape may sound mundane until you connect it with business people spending hours grappling with excessive paperwork instead of directing their energies to the productivity of their businesses and creating new jobs. “Building and construction is one of Australia’s most intensely regulated industries and the nation’s third largest employer. Cutting red tape will boost the productivity of the industry allowing it to generate more jobs and provide better value to consumers. Master Builders is a strong advocate for removing over-regulation and called for the cutting of red and green tape as a key policy priority in the lead up to the 2013 Federal Election.” Mr Harnisch said an example of the benefits of cutting red tape in the building industry was the report for the Australian Building Codes Board which found that simplification of national regulations covering the building industry would benefit the economy by around $300 million annually.
“The reform foreshadowed by Josh Frydenberg, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister, to streamline environmental approvals processes for new developments is therefore very important. Master Builders also supports the Government’s strategy to cut inefficient regulation such as requirements to register with the Commonwealth, construction equipment hired for more than 90 days. “Another example is the requirement introduced by the previous Government for contractors in the building industry to report to the Australian Tax Office every transaction they have with another contractor. This is has led to a massive red tape nightmare for the industry and is a classic case of regulatory overkill where legitimate contractors are being penalised in order to catch a small minority who break the law.” Mr Harnisch said that while it was important to eliminate existing, inefficient and redundant regulations, Master Builders also was looking to the Abbott Government to reform the processes by which future regulations are made and thus to prevent mountains of red tape from recurring. “New regulation should only ever be considered following a rigorous assessment about whether it is needed in the first place including a requirement to closely consult with business. Where a need is established there needs to be a greater discipline and rigour in the Regulatory Impact Statements,” he said. “Impact Statements should also be accompanied by rigorous, transparent and independent cost-benefit analyses that factors in the costs of compliance. “Ultimately, the cost of over-regulation is borne by the community through higher building costs and higher government charges to pay them. Master Builders backs the Government’s reforms aimed at cutting red tape because it will boost the productivity of the industry.”
Champs of the 2014 Master Builders lawn bowls day (l-r), Jack Greenway, Stuart Lobegeier, Paul Loveland, Steve Matthews, Ross Stuart and Michael McLean.
MBA Insurance Services was well represented at the bowls day by (l-r) Victoria Gash, Rob Higginson, Nick Vernon and Kathryn Heremia.
BOWLERS RUN HOT AND COLD With the temperature in the mid-thirties, Master Builders’ lawn bowls day in February at the Stirling Bowling Club also saw some scorching action on the greens. Competitors from among the Association’s staff, members and supporters including WA Mechanical Services, Budo Group, Wired Earth, MBA Insurance Services and Bankwest, joined the Master Builders Bowling Club regulars for the annual event. The hot action in the four matches was complemented by icy cold beers. The latter did not seem to affect the capabilities and competitiveness of the eventual winners, Jack Greenway, Stuart Lobegeier, Paul Loveland, Steve Matthews, Ross Stuart and Michael McLean. While the 2014 champions were rewarded with bottles of Johnny Walker scotch for their efforts, the event organisers from Master Builders and the Bowling Club report that it was a pleasant and successful day for all in attendance. New members are always welcome at the Master Builders Bowling Club and anyone interested in joining should contact Bill Pitt on 6278 4755.
general news REPORTS 9 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
ROUNDTABLE GARNERS SUPPORT FOR BIM Professions, Engineers Australia and Master Builders attended. Master Builders was represented by director Michael McLean who reports that the participants agreed unanimously that BIM is now part of the Australian industry vernacular and that there are benefits to gain from BIM. However, there are still challenges to obtaining the best results from BIM. The three top issues identified by industry stakeholders were the need to improve awareness and understanding, develop BIM Standards and increase training.
Knights of the BIM roundtable (l-r): Richard Currie (AIA), Lyn McDonald (CTF), Jane Vallance (Building Commission), Graham Teede (AIB), Warren Kerr (BEDP), Richard Choy (NATSPEC), Michael McLean (Master Builders), James England (Engineers Australia), Carolyn Marshall (BMW), Steven Luce (Department of Treasury) and Robin Wheelwright (AIQS).
Master Builders was a key participant in an industry and government roundtable discussion on Building Information Modelling held in March at the Association’s West Perth headquarters. The forum was chaired by Richard Choy, the CEO of NATSPEC, who travelled from Sydney
for the occasion. Representatives from the Department of Treasury, Building Management and Works, the Building Commission, Construction Training Fund, NATSPEC, Australian Institute of Architects, Australian Institute of Building, Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Built Environment Design
“It was agreed to collectively support a BIM seminar session to be held on 24 October in Perth,” Mr McLean said. “Further, It was agreed to endorse and promote the NATSPEC National BIM Guide as a learning resource. The Guide is freely available from www.natspec.com.au. “All the roundtable participants believed that the release of the NATSPEC National BIM Protocols in June would also help remove a major area of confusion.”
NEW GUIDE TO BOOST BUILDERS’ RECYCLING “We’ve included practical examples of recycling from our award entrants all through the guide, showing what can be done,” he said. “It is encouraging to see the change in the industry culture, because it means a more cost efficient and responsible industry for builders, subcontractors and clients.” The guide has information on how to: • Avoid wasting money on landfill disposal. • Cut transport costs. • Reduce purchasing costs. • Create a safer workplace. • Lead the way in environmental responsibility. • Stay ahead of environmental regulation.
Waste management in operation at a local construction site.
Master Builders has prepared a 2014 guide to help residential and commercial builders and contractors reduce construction waste and cut costs. The Association’s housing director Geoff Cooper says the new guide is a much stronger document than the previous edition released in 2008. “For starters, the new guide includes information for residential builders as well as commercial builders,” he said. “There also are lots more recycling options available in the marketplace in 2014 for builders and subcontractors to use.
“There has been a substantial improvement in recycling as a result – our industry in WA has increased its recycling rate by over 30 percent in the last three years of available data. The industry clearly is picking up on waste minimisation. It has some momentum and this has been reflected in the strong field of entrants we’ve had in our new Excellence in Recycling Awards right around the State – in both residential and commercial construction.” Mr Cooper said builders are coming up with smart ways to cut waste and reduce their costs.
It contains a long list of recyclers, consultants, demolition providers and bin companies to help builders and subcontractors looking to avoid waste. Master Builders’ waste reduction consultant Michael Norriss is available to visit contractors’ offices and sites to distribute information on recycling. Email wasteless@mbawa.com to arrange a free visit. The initiative is financially supported through the Waste Authority’s Waste Avoidance and Recovery Account.
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REPORTS general news M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
HOMEBUYERS CENTRE WINS INAUGURAL EXCELLENCE IN RECYCLING AWARD Homebuyers Centre’s Azure at the Catalina Estate won its Display Homes category at the 2014 Housing Excellence Awards. The company was the first builder to participate in the Catalina Waste Management Program initiated by the Tamala Park Regional Council.
Homebuyers Centre won the first ever Excellence in Recycling accolade, at the 2014 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards for its commitment to waste reduction initiatives onsite. The award, funded by the Waste Authority through the Waste Avoidance and Resource Recovery Account, recognised a builder which avoided, reduced and reused waste during the planning and construction processes. “Homebuyers Centre demonstrated a strong commitment to reduce the amount of waste
being sent to landfill,” Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper says. “The company’s effort to reuse leftover materials either onsite or at other sites was particularly impressive. “Reusing materials onsite or on another construction site, not only lessens the impact on the environment, but it also can cut ordering costs. If unable to reuse the materials, the builder used a combination of source separation and co-mingled bin contractors to recycle the waste materials.”
Homebuyers Centre outscored a strong field of entrants, including finalists Celebration Homes and Right Homes. Mr Cooper said that all entrants were to be commended on their achievements in reducing the amount of waste being sent to landfill. “The quantity and quality of entrants demonstrates the industry’s commitment to avoiding, reducing, re-using and recycling construction waste in WA,” he said. “We are seeing improved recycling rates, a trend that I expect will continue in WA with the growing options to recycle available to help builders.”
MASTER BUILDERS MEETS NEW ARCHITECTS’ BOSS Master Builders recently met the newly appointed Australian Institute of Architects’ state manager, Michael Woodhams. Originally hailing from Boyup Brook, Mr Woodhams previously worked for the Sustainable Energy Association and a lobbying consultancy before a short stint in London. He took over in January from Meino Mirkva who headed up the administration of the WA Chapter of AIA for 15 years. Master Builders’ Construction Council members are keen to meet with Institute representatives to discuss a number of topics including quality of documentation, onerous contract conditions, the operation of project bank accounts and ways to enhance contract administration. Recently installed Australian Institute of Architects state manager, Michael Woodhams (centre), has met with Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean (right) and the Association’s contracts and administration manager, Charles Anderson.
The AIA is hosting a national conference in Perth from 8-10 May. Details can be obtained from Mr Woodhams on 9287 9900.
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REPORTS general news
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M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
We want you to become a part time recruitment consultant to secure the building industry’s future, says Geoff Cooper, Master Builders’ housing and business development director.
TELL YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY (BUT NOT FOES) G e of f Co o pe
r
We share a problem in construction – we’re getting too old, and meanwhile we don’t have enough people entering the workforce. The average age of our workforce is now 38 in WA. So if you can help out, here are some messages that we want you to share with your friends and family to recruit new industry workers. Young or old, male or female, we want them! There are lots of good reasons to recommend building as a career to your friends or family. Building is a growth industry Building is a growth industry in WA. We’ve enjoyed the mantle of fastest growing State that will underpin building in WA for the years ahead. Our population in the Perth region alone is set to hit five million by 2050. The most recent 3.3 percent growth in population may not seem much at first, but it equates to an extra 81,000 people to accommodate. This, in theory at least, would require more than 30,000 additional dwellings if we assume 2.4 people per dwelling. Our burgeoning population also demands commercial buildings, including shops, warehouses, offices, aged care facilities and factories. It adds to further demand
for community buildings such as hospitals, schools, and police stations. Ask the State Government what it costs them each year to build and maintain! No wonder WA hit a record number of workers in the industry recently. We now have 134,000 construction workers in WA, more than 10 percent of the workforce. It’s still not enough! Labour shortages will support industry wages The demographics of the industry further suggests that we will experience labour shortages in years to come, with an aging workforce and insufficient new workers entering the industry to replace them. Economists will tell you restricted supply, combined with an increasing demand, will increase construction wages or at least put a floor under them (pardon the pun). People who are prepared to work hard can already achieve good salaries after they complete their apprenticeship or training. Some people even achieve six figure salaries as a reward for their work only a few years out.
There are more than 80 career options, ranging from tiling to carpentry to estimating. There are lots of different entry points – people can go to a technical institute, do an apprenticeship, a traineeship, attend university or even enter the industry as a labourer. Become your own boss There are great opportunities to be your own boss in construction, with subcontracting a popular business structure in the industry. Support your travel plans Most construction jobs give you experiences that enable you travel. They help develop skill sets in demand all around the world. So even if you can find only one new person to join the industry, it all helps! It is even better if you can appoint an apprentice or trainee. Then let us know and we’ll feature you on our mbawa.com website as a responsible employer. Master Builders is promoting careers at schools and seeking to recruit more female workers, alongside several other initiatives. Direct enquiries to nolimits.com.au or mbawa. com for more building career information.
Diversity of careers People should consider the diversity of construction roles. There are different jobs in commercial, residential and engineering sectors. Blue collar and white collar jobs are available.
STRATCO OPENS BROOME FACILITY Master Builder member Stratco has invested in a large new manufacturing facility in Broome to boost local construction supplies. The new facility contains a range of machinery – bending and slitting facilities, purlin machine, CGI roll former, roll type ridge and stud machine – to support construction in the 420,000 square kilometre Kimberley region. Stratco general manager Quentin Dorward coordinated an opening and site tour for Broome builders late in March. He explained that having the new facility locally would cut supply chain costs in Broome. “We now don’t have to bring manufactured materials up from Perth,” he said. “That takes
out some of the costs, because transport can add quite a bit.” Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper, opening the facility alongside Mr Dorward, said that the investment demonstrated Stratco’s faith in the area. “This investment is on top of its other Kimberley investment in Kununurra,” he said. “Once again, Stratco has demonstrated a strong commitment to this region with its own resources. The investment is not a surprise because this region is set to grow. It has ongoing population growth, underpinned by a high fertility rate. Importantly, Stratco has been happy to use local builders and trades in
the project. It is supporting local employment, including the direct recruitment and training of two apprentices based in the new facility.” Stratco is a family owned business, based in Adelaide, and has been a member of Master Builders in WA for 15 years. The Broome launch was attended by the Shire’s deputy mayor Jenny Bloome, LandCorp’s Hilary Wilkins and Stratco WA general manager Mike Lowe and business development manager Bill May.
general news REPORTS 13 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
MEMBERS BATTLE IT OUT ON FAIRWAYS Attendees at the 2014 Master Builders-Bankwest Members’ Golf Day in March took to the course facing tough competition and chasing great prizes including most sought after, the hole-in-one prize, a Toyota Corolla. The twenty-ninth annual event, held amid the beautiful scenery of the Vines Country Club and Resort, started with a relaxed lunch before the competitors enthusiastically boarded their buggies for the 18 hole Ambrose match. Along with the competitive edge, there was plenty of camaraderie among the 64 golfers but in the end the Element Construction team of Ben and Adam McArthur, Damon Squires and Caine Hayes prevailed. Second were Ian Ferguson (Mechanical Project Management), Bob Bollen (Benz Industries) and Mike Valentine and Mark Davies (Aurecon). MBA Insurance Services’ Nick Vernon and Rob Higginson with Gary Copus and Ross Cooper-White (Kone) finished third. Despite everyone’s best efforts, including the entire Swan Group making the green, no-one took home the Corolla hole-in-one prize. Scrubbed up and back in the clubhouse for a drink or two and the presentation function, other winners were: • Straightest drive: Michael Concannon took home a Bluetooth speaker from WA Mechanical Services. • Nearest the pin: Luke George (Iron Design Roofing) won a goodies bag thanks to Bankwest and Ray Jongeling (Dale Cabinets) a golf shirt from Hays. • Longest putt: Spadaccini Homes’ Matt Kriskovich won a bottle of Moet from Kone. • Longest Drive: taking home a bottle of Blue Label Scotch donated by Midland Brick was Jarrad Burchill (AAA Fencing); and winning his firm’s own prize, Nick Vernon (MBA Insurance Services) held onto a golf pack including hat, shirt and balls.
Master Builders-Bankwest Members’ Golf Day winners: the Element Construction team.
Millie Cranage (Toyota) with the coveted, but unclaimed hole-in-one prize Corolla.
Paul Burnett from Master Builders’ principal partner Bankwest took the opportunity to present a $4000 cheque from the bank’s referral program. The Association will be putting the money towards boosting apprenticeships in the industry. Master Builders’ events manager Pippa Tearne extended thanks to Bankwest for ongoing support for the members’ golf day and to Toyota, MBA Insurance Services, Midland Brick, Hays, Kone and WA Mechanical Services for their support and prizes. Bankwest’s Paul Burnett presented Master Builders’ treasurer Chris Lillis with a cheque for $4000 at the golf day. The money will go towards promoting building apprenticeships.
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REPORTS general news M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
BUILDERS SUPPORT ERA REFORMS
HIGH FIVES ALL ROUND FOR HOME IN WA
The HOME in WA team at their pre-production meeting at Master Builders. Fifteenth time round: Michael McLean and Ron Reddingius sign the 2014 HOME in WA production partnership agreement in March.
Master Builders’ director Michael McLean says the ERA’s draft report is welcome.
Master Builders has welcomed the draft Microeconomic Reform Inquiry Report from the Economic Regulation Authority released in April, saying it courageously tackles a lot of big ticket issues. “Builders won’t like all the recommendations that the ERA is putting forward,” says the Association’s director Michael McLean, “but the draft report at least shines the spotlight on some really important issues which will affect the well-being of the State’s economy and standard of living for the future. The ERA proposal to revamp WA’s taxation regime is radical but warrants closer scrutiny to assess whether it will achieve the intended benefits. “The proposed abolition of KeyStart is one ERA recommendation we don’t support as this scheme has helped thousands of West Australians finance their own homes.” Mr McLean said that with WA’s rapid and ongoing growth in population, infrastructure will need to be expanded, improved and appropriately funded to sustain the current standard of living. He said alternative funding models clearly need to be explored and were supported by the Association. “It’s refreshing and timely to have an independent body like the ERA release a report and recommendations which aim to set the future economic course for our State,” he said. “We hope the WA parliament will have the political courage to assess the final recommendations on merit for the betterment of all West Australians. History suggests that this will be a challenging assignment.”
Master Builders and HOME in WA production company Dingo is Talent have teamed up for a fifteenth time in a deal which sees the popular show on State-wide TV again in 2014. “What a year it promises to be for Master Builders’ own WA television series, HOME in WA,” says Association director Michael McLean. “As a major partner since inception who would have thought that 15 years later our program still would be as strong as ever. It’s no wonder Ron (Dingo) Reddingius and his production team are so excited as they work their way towards a milestone five hundredth episode in 2014. As local television programs go, this statistic is simply quiet remarkable.” In mid- to late-August the milestone episode of the local home ideas TV series, with Master Builders as its major partner, will celebrate with a bumper one-hour program featuring endorsements and congratulations from a host of personalities, past presenters and dignitaries. “Telecast across WA on Channel Seven and GWN7, it promises to be the biggest episode for 2014,” Mr McLean said. “Members can be a part of the programme if they wish. Simply give Ron a call on 0417 279 103 or email him on dingoistalent@bigpond.com.”
advertorial 15
M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Construction Training Fund Members of MBA know how the Construction Training Fund can reduce the costs of employing apprentices in WA’s building and construction industry. The Training Fund has introduced a range of new incentives for eligible employers of apprentices in construction trades, with up to $19,000 in cash now available to help reduce the costs of adding a new apprentice to your business. The minimum standard grant available to an eligible employer is now $4,000 (for a 12 month traineeship), rising to a maximum of $10,000 for a 48 month apprenticeship in core construction trade areas. In addition to the standard grants, the Training Fund can provide a one-off bonus to an eligible employer of up to $4,000, depending on trade qualification. Existing allowances for employment of indigenous and regional trainees/apprentices remain, bringing the maximum grant available to a total of $19,000.
The new grants are available to employers of trainees/ apprentices registered with the Department of Training & Workforce Development on or after 1 July 2013. Direct indenture employers receive the grant in three equal instalments. The first is paid after probation and six months of employment; the second at the half-way point of the indenture and the final payment is made after successful completion of the qualification. Trade bonus payments – up to $4,000 – are paid to the employer together with the first instalment. You’ll also receive the grant from the Training Fund if you host an apprentice through a group training organisation (GTO). The GTO claims the grant on your behalf each month and then passes it on to you in full as a reduction in the GTO’s hire-out rate. Look for the note on the GTO’s invoice that says “Less Construction Training Fund subsidy”. The new one-off trade bonuses will be claimed by GTOs after the apprentice has completed six months of employment, and then passed on in full to the host(s) that employed the apprentice.Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 for more information about the Construction Training Fund’s apprenticeship grants and other support programs for the construction industry. It’s your training fund.
RECEIVE UP TO $19,000 CA$H WHEN YOU EMPLOY A NEW APPRENTICE
Employ and register a new apprentice or trainee in a recognised qualification after 1 July 2013 and you may be eligible to claim a grant of up to $19,000 from the Construction Training Fund. Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 to find out how you can reduce your training costs.
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REPORTS general news M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
RECOGNITION FOR FORSTER AT CONSUMER PROTECTION AWARDS now is to assist up and coming and existing builders get their Builder’s Registration ticket with the Building Commission. He makes sure applications comply with statutory requirements and in helping the applicants, he also assists the Building Services Board in reducing the time taken in processing applications.” Mr McLean said that many Master Builder members would have seen Mr Forster’s name and photo in the Sunday Times HOME Magazine where he answers questions consumers have on building or renovating their homes.
Gavan Forster, pictured with wife Marion at the Consumer Protection Awards, has been recognised for his work in the building industry.
Master Builders’ special projects director Gavan Forster was recently named runner up in the Department of Commerce Rona Okely Consumer Protection Award. The accolade was part of the Department’s awards, now in their tenth year, recognising the contributions of individuals and organisations in advancing consumer protection in WA. Master Builders’ director Michael McLean says the Association was proud to nominate Mr Forster for the individual Rona Okely Award. “Gavan has been with Master Builders for nearly 32 years at a national and State level,” he said. “His major focus at Master Builders
“These Q&A’s have been assisting consumers with building queries for more than 15 years,” he said. “The questions also have helped raise awareness among builders about what queries consumers have while building or renovating. HOME is an important part of The Sunday Times for home-buyers and home owners. Helping to educate them and builders is an important role for Master Builders.” Mr McLean said that Mr Forster set high standards in researching issues, presenting material in a user-friendly format and adopting a fair and objective approach to advice.
column because it raises awareness among consumers of the building process and thereby minimises the potential for misunderstanding and disputes. “Gavan also was instrumental in Master Builders introducing awards for builders to raise the standard of customer service within the housing sector. These awards are categorised for large and project builders, small to medium sized builders and suppliers. Within a short period of time, these awards have become more sought after than some of the workmanship awards. The real winners for each of our Customer Service Awards, of course, are the consumers because each year the builders strive to do better in order to win. “Congratulations to Gavan on being the runnerup finalist in this year’s Rona Okely Award. It is a very deserving accolade for Gavan’s contribution to the housing industry and the important role he plays in helping educate home-buyers.” The winner of the 2014 Rona Okely Award was Sandra Brown, the CEO of the Citizens Advice Bureau. The Bureau provides legal advice and offers mediation, conciliation and facilitation services to the general public.
“Sometimes issues can be extremely complex and difficult to explain to the readers. It is a credit to Gavan that he has been able to provide advice in such a professional and concise manner. Master Builders wholeheartedly supports Gavan’s
WORSFOLD VALUES Former West Coast Eagles’ captain and coach John Worsfold was the keynote speaker at a corporate breakfast hosted by The West Australian in late March. Master Builders’ director Michael McLean attended the function and recorded a few take-away thoughts from the speech. • Worsfold’s vision early on in his football career was to be fit, skilful and do his best every year. • He always tried to be clear on his goals and what he believed in.
• His values included honesty, humility, integrity, fairness, hard work for what you want, being authentic and being yourself. • Cultural change (like changing a team’s attitude of acceptance of drugs and alcohol) takes time to achieve. • Values and influence on others can be just as important as winning a premiership. • Worsfold considered Dean Cox (the Eagles’ games record holder) the best player he coached.
general news REPORTS 17 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
PROPERTY INTEREST REPORT LISTS RESTRICTIONS Builders and landowners can find out about more than 80 interests legislated by WA Government agencies and non-government organisations in a new Landgate report. Some of the interests include information about how land can be subdivided, if a house is heritage listed, the location of 100-year floodplains, if the land was once a contaminated site and the effect of aircraft noise on the land use.
or specific parcel of land – and consolidates this information from a range of Government departments and agencies in one report.
Landgate says it is committed to informing people about their rights and responsibilities. “We have worked across Government to develop the Property Interest Report which can help real estate professionals and home buyers discover information about interests for a specific parcel of land,” it says. “This in turn, informs better decision making.”
Praise for the PI Report The State Heritage Office has praised Landgate’s Property Interest Report, describing it as an excellent product which provides clear information about many Government interests, not just those of the Heritage Council.
Importance of the report Landgate says an interest may give rights to a land owner but it also can imply restrictions or impose responsibilities that could impact on the owner’s intended use of the land. The PI Report clearly details the registered and unregistered interests that are not registered on the Certificate of Title but which affect a property
The report currently lists more than 50 interests. Using a simple and secure online ordering process, the report is emailed directly to the customer without the time-consuming task of going to multiple Government agencies.
Prior to the launch of Landgate’s PI Report, the State Heritage Office says it would receive hundreds of queries every year about heritage interests on various properties. The majority of enquiries were made by settlement agents and lawyers who were following due diligence. Most of the queries were about places that had no heritage interest but processing the queries was time consuming. After the State Heritage Office advised its stakeholders about the availability of the PI Report, the number of queries received decreased significantly with people opting to order a report from Landgate. The Property Interest Report is available to order from Landgate’s website, www.landgate.wa.gov. au/pireport, or via its online store for $54.95.
“The PI Report has been well received and we are working with local governments and others to map other types of heritage interests such as local listings, so these also can be included in the report,” says State Heritage Office executive director Graeme Gammie. “We now are directing property industry inquiries about State heritage registration directly to the PI Report service.”
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REPORTS general news M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
PAST PRESIDENTS MEET AT CONSTRUCTION HOUSE A who’s who of the WA building industry gathered in West Perth in March for a reunion of Association past presidents. Master Builders’ director Michael McLean says that since the Association’s formation in 1898, there have had 54 presidents – most of them serving for two years. “Recently we established a tradition of convening a past presidents’ luncheon to induct the newest member of this illustrious group,” Mr McLean said. “This year, our group of past presidents welcomed Robert Shaw who led the Association for the last three years. During his term as State president, Robert was also a Housing Councillor, represented WA on the National Residential Builders Council, was chief judge for our Housing Excellence Awards, won a Building Excellence Award in the Great Southern region, was WA’s representative on the national awards judging panel and won Master Builders’ Member of the Year Award.”
New boy Robert Shaw (right) with Kevin Sale.
Current president John Ripp and Mr McLean hosted the lunch. The old guard welcoming Mr Shaw included three life members, Bob Greaves (president in 1977-78), Ron Doubikin (88-89) and John Mitchell (200001). Other past presidents attending were Geoff Allen (79-80), Max Rivett (95-97), Ray Sputore (98-99), Kevin Sale (02), Dan Perkins (0305), Steven Peck (06-07) and George Allingame (08-10). Mr McLean said apologies had been received from John Doust (68-70), Tom Oxley (81-83), Murray Lilleyman (84-85), Howard Marson (94) and life members Rob Torrance (86-87) and Darryll Retallack (92-93).
Life members Bob Greaves (left) and John Mitchell (right) with Max Rivett.
“It’s an illustrious band,” Mr McLean said. “Of our living past presidents, four have served as national president of Master Builders Australia – John Doust in 1974, Bob Greaves (81-82), Ron Doubikin (95-96) and Ray Sputore (04-06). Bob and Ron also are life members of the national body and Dan Perkins is currently our national deputy president. Each of our past presidents has left an invaluable legacy following his time leading our organisation and we acknowledge their contributions to our Association’s well being.” Life member Ron Doubikin (centre) with Geoff Allen (left) and George Alligame.
Mr McLean said the past presidents were interested to find out about changes happening at Master Builders and within the building and construction industry generally. They were briefed on national level legislative reforms, the Heydon Royal Commission into union corruption, the decline in union EBAs and growth in business at Master Builders’ Jolimont Training Centre. “We also covered the operation of our three regional properties in Geraldton, Albany and Bunbury and the upgrades to Construction House,” Mr McLean said. “Other upcoming highlights this year which we spoke about include WA hosting a national Master Builders’ board meeting in Perth, the five hundredth episode of HOME in WA and our Geraldton Branch celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in August. We also touched on the formation of a Pilbara Branch and the launch of online contracts.”
Dan Perkins (left) and Ray Sputore.
Current Master Builders’ president John Ripp (right) with Steven Peck.
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REPORTS general news M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY MARKET UNDER THE MICROSCOPE
The breakfast briefing dissected WA’s retail, government, industrial, tourism and office markets. Pictured (l-r) are speakers John Hackett (LandCorp), Michael Barr (Leighton), Graeme McLean (BMW) and Damien Stone (Y Research).
Reports of the demise of the WA commercial construction market are premature, Master Builders’ commercial sector members were told at a recent industry breakfast. Y Research director Damian Stone highlighted the shift from a CBD- and industrial-led market to a market that will be led by retail and tourism development. “Office construction is peaking,” he told the breakfast audience. “West Perth has peaked, while the suburbs will peak in 2014, and the Perth CBD in 2015.” Mr Stone said office vacancy rates are set to rise to above nine percent in Perth CBD, 9.2 percent in West Perth and 11.8 percent in the suburbs due to the resources industry slowdown. B- and C-grade offices will be the worst affected. “But after three years of limited construction, shopping centre development will underpin commercial property construction between 2014 and 2017,” he said. “Thirty new suburban shopping centre developments and expansions have been identified. The move to activity centres will grow regional centres to comparable national levels. Meanwhile, population growth and land development will fuel the growth of new neighbourhood centres.” Tourism is set to grow too, according to Y Research. “After a decade of only one new hotel in the CBD, tourism development is set to boom. Room rates and occupancy have held up well despite resources softening. Crown Towers at Burswood will be the largest development,” Mr Stone said.
According to a Tourism WA analysis, Perth needs an additional 1900 hotel rooms by 2020. LandCorp’s John Hackett reported that building supply companies, oil and gas companies and big box retail were helping keep up industrial property activity levels, despite mining services declining. Leighton’s senior development manager Michael Barr expressed confidence in ongoing demand for well located and high quality office accommodation in the Perth office market. In contrast, the public works spending outlook appears negative. Building Management and Works’ general manager policy and practice Graeme McLean said the WA Government’s capital works expenditure for 2013-14 had almost finished and that any new funding would need to await the decisions to be announced in May in the State budget. Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper highlighted the need to focus on longer term trends. “Looking ahead, demand for energy, minerals, food and quality education seem set to nourish population and GDP growth in Perth over the longer term,” he said. “Recently released projections of our population see Perth growing from 1.9 million to 2.5 million in 2020 and an incredible five million by 2055 on current middle of the road projections. That’s going to create a lot of demand for all property sectors.” The breakfast function was sponsored by Alinta Energy, LandCorp, MBA Insurance Services, Reddifund and Western Power. Contact Damian Stone, Y Research, on 0433 52 414 for more research information.
TAX REVIEW BACKED TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS The building industry’s peak employer organisation Master Builders Australia has welcomed the Minister for Small Business’s recent announcement of the Board of Taxation review into barriers created by the tax system preventing small businesses reaching full potential. “Master Builders Australia backs the review as part of the broader review of regulation being undertaken by the Government,” CEO Wilhelm Harnisch says. “The building and construction industry is one of Australia’s most intensely regulated industries. Feedback from our members shows that tax compliance is one of the key burdens identified by the industry. “An example is the requirement for contractors to report to the ATO, every transaction they make with another contractor This regulatory exuberance was introduced by the previous Government and ties up thousands of legitimate contractors, including small businesses, in red tape.” Mr Harnisch said that in order to detect the minority who breach the law, the unnecessary tax reporting requirement was punishing the vast majority of legitimate contractors running small firms. “With the building recovery gaining strength and residential construction helping to drive non-mining investment, now is the time to ensure that business interaction with the tax system is simpler and less onerous,” he said.
general news REPORTS 21 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
MEMBERS PROMINENT IN 40UNDER40 AWARDS
Willie Boylan at the 40under40 awards ceremony.
David Goldsmith and colleagues with a haul of awards at the 2012 Master Builders Housing Excellence Awards.
R u e b e n Ta y l o
r
Master Builders had a number of close links to winners in this year’s Business News 40under40 Awards announced in March. Builders Willie Boylan, Ryan Cole and David Goldsmith were among the awards’ select group, as was Rueben Taylor, a Master Builder associate member. Credentia Construction director Mr Boylan used his background working on large commercial projects to set up his company with two other senior construction managers. The firm’s first project, a design and construct for BHP Billiton’s state-of-the-art training centre, was a winner at the 2012 Master Builders’ Excellence in Construction Awards and from these small beginnings Credentia has developed its business to offer a wide range of design and construction services. From a niche business built up from links with previous clients and designers, Credentia has expanded and now is a sought-after tenderer.
Mr Cole, who founded Savvy Construction in 2009, was on the podium again at the 40under40 awards after being named Young Builder of the Year at Master Builders Australia’s National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards last November. The latest accolade follows a string of others including Master Builders’ Best New WA Builder in 2013 and the Association’s Ric New Medal for Excellence earlier in his business career in 2011. Mr Goldsmith founded his residential building company, Gold Style Homes, at 29, an age which coincidentally matches the number of industry awards the firm, of which he is general manager, has received in the last five years from both Master Builders and HIA. With an emphasis on systems and processes, the company runs a full in-house operation from sales and marketing and design and documentation through to construction, handover and maintenance.
Ryan Cole with his 40under40 award.
Mr Taylor is director of Business Wealth Educators, a professional member of Master Builders through ActionCOACH, providing business coaching, training and mentoring services to small business. He writes regularly for Master Builder. Meridian Global Foundation is another brainchild. Started in 2005, it is a charity and support group which aims to foster leadership and philanthropy in young professionals and entrepreneurs.
UWA TO HOST RAMMED EARTH CONFERENCE The University of Western Australia will host the first International Conference on Rammed Earth Construction (ICREC 2015) on 10-13 February next year. WA boasts one of the highest concentrations of rammed earth structures per capita in the world. The conference aims to be an excellent opportunity to promote and advertise the design and construction expertise that exists in the State.
The start of the conference on 10-11 February will be held at UWA and will concentrate on practical issues related to materials, design, energy efficiency and sustainability. Companies interested in advertising their experience with a photographic display of relevant rammed earth projects should contact Dr Kenneth Kavanagh (email ken.kav@bigpond. com) or Dr Daniela Ciancio (email Daniela.ciancio@civil.uwa.edu.au).
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AWARDS housing excellence awards M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Premier Colin Barnett addresses the near 800-strong audience at the 2014 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards.
HAT-TRICK AS BURKE TOPS AWARDS AGAIN It was simply black and white: the team at Brian Burke Homes were the kingpins, winning the Top WA Home for the third successive year when the 2014 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards were announced in February. In a black and white themed evening, contractors, partners and guests donned their slickest attire to walk the ‘black carpet’ and mix it with more than 770 of their peers at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom to find out the winners of the hotly contested excellence awards. The winning Dalkeith home outscored more than 150 other entrants, including finalists Gransden Construction, Vestra Personal Builders and Wholagan Building Inspiration, to claim the Top Home title. Brian Burke Homes first won Master Builders’ top award in 1991, and 2014 marks the builder’s eleventh such success. Head awards judge and Master Builders’ immediate past president Robert Shaw said that what had particularly impressed the judges about the winning home was the integration of materials, given the complexity of the design. The five bedroom, three bathroom residence also took out four trade awards, Excellence in Cabinet
The glamorous black and white awards setting.
Making, Excellence in Painting, Excellence in Ceilings and the Silver Trowel Award. “It is an outstanding effort to win the top home but to win a hat-trick in these awards, and a grand total of 11 wins is an amazing feat,” Mr Shaw said. “The supervisor and trades can be very proud of the quality of workmanship in this home.”
The company also won the Best Contract Home $800,000-$1,000,000 for a project in Churchlands. Master Builders’ housing and business development director Geoff Cooper congratulated Brian Burke Homes and said all the other exceptionally high quality homes entered in the awards also needed to be recognised.
housing excellence awards AWARDS 23 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
“It’s a credit to the industry in WA that we are producing so many homes at a high standard in price points from $150,000 to over $2 million,” he said. “The awards offer home buyers the opportunity to find a quality builder of display or custom homes that can meet their budget in their region.” Other winners on the night included GreenShore Builders, which won Best Alterations and Additions, Grandwood Homes (Best Display Home) and Smart Homes for Living – part of Ventura Homes Group – which won the Project Builder of the Year. The sought-after Bankwest Best Customer Service Awards were won by Blueprint Homes in the volume-project builder category, Right Homes (small-medium builder) and Brikmakers (supplier).
Genesis Homes Master Builders won the prestigious Best New Builder award.
“The winners of the customer service awards all received strong positive reports from their clients, which is always a great barometer of their performance,” Master Builders’ director Michael McLean said. Others to take home major prizes included Genesis Homes Master Builders (Best New Builder) and Wholagan Building Inspiration (Best Country Home). Award entrants were judged by the 25 member judging panel solely on workmanship, including structural integrity, internal and external brickwork and/or render finishing, floor and wall tiling, roof alignment and cabinet making. A number of the winners will compete in the Master Builders Australia national awards in Canberra in November where WA has enjoyed considerable success in recent years.
MBA Insurance Services’ state manager Nick Vernon (left) and Master Builders’ president John Ripp (right) present John Wholagan of Wholagan Building Inspiration with the Best Country Home award.
The enthusiastic awards crowd partied along to stars of Channel Nine’s ‘The Voice’, Prinnie Stevens and Mahalia Barnes until well after midnight. For a full list of results visit Master Builders’ website at www.mbawa.com.
Mahalia Barnes and Prinnie Stevens kept the crowd on their toes on the dance floor.
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AWARDS housing excellence awards M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Michael Burke delivers heartfelt thanks to his team on being announced as the Top Home winner at the 2014 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards.
BRIAN BURKE WINS AGAIN For the eleventh time in 24 years and the third year in a row, Brian Burke Homes has taken home the title of 2014 Top WA Home at the Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards. “It’s a credit to Brian Burke Homes and their contractors that they have demonstrated a commitment to quality construction in WA over such a long period of time,” Master Builders’ housing and business development director Geoff Cooper said as the highly sought-after award was presented at Crown Perth in February. The winning Dalkeith mansion, which also won the over $2 million Contract Homes category, has a strong Georgian influence. It has an intricate pond as a precursor to the hewn stone piers and polished granite steps leading to the towering entry. The foyer opens to a large study, spacious lounge and rustic bar with underground cellar below. Other features are a large master suite with river views, four spacious bedrooms, three bathrooms and a loft library. Beautiful timber floors, feature polished marble and granite, superbly crafted wrought iron, intricate plaster works and detailed ceilings combine to create a stunning home. The home also won the Silver Trowel Award and Excellence Awards for painting, cabinet making and ceilings. When asked what made the home a winner, head judge Robert Shaw said the complexity of the design and integration of materials stood out.
Fine timber finishes are prominent in the loft library.
housing excellence awards AWARDS 25 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
THREE TIMES THE CHARM FOR HIGHBURY HOMES
Highbury Homes’ Hilton project, designed by Solar Dwellings and Josh Byrne & Associates, was a major winner at the Housing Excellence Awards.
Clever use of space and landscaping are features of the Highbury Homes winning entry.
A Hilton project built by Highbury Homes took three specialist awards at the 2014 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards – Waterwise Home, Most Liveable Home and Excellence in Energy Efficiency.
The homes incorporate universal access principles, as well as landscaping that provides shading, play spaces, urban biodiversity and local food production supported by rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse and a shared bore.
The development, designed by Solar Dwellings and Josh Byrne & Associates, is the brainchild of ABC Gardening Australia’s WA presenter Josh Byrne, who set out to demonstrate that high performance houses don’t have to be complicated or expensive.
“It’s great that Master Builders has formally recognised the water and energy efficiency aspects of the project as well as its liveability,” says Mr Byrne. “To win all three categories that we were finalist in is an absolute thrill. I’d also like to congratulate the team behind the Green Swing project in Victoria Park who took out equal first place for the Energy Efficiency category, and were runner up in the Waterwise category – it’s a terrific project and well deserved.”
The project consists of two 10 star NatHERS rated houses that have been built at similar cost and in a similar timeframe to typical Aussie homes. The three bedroom, two bathroom dwellings look and feel like many others, but have been designed to perform very differently. It is estimated they will consume 90 percent less energy and 60 percent less water when compared to conventional housing stock, leading to more than $3000 per year in direct savings.
HOUSING EXCELLENCE AWARDS SPONSORS
TAKING HOME MAJOR PRIZES ON THE NIGHT WERE:
For a full list of the winners visit www.mbawa.com
Sunday Times Best Display Home Grandwood Homes (The Sanctuary Burns Beach)
Bankwest Best Customer Service – Supplier Brikmakers
Jackson McDonald Best Alterations and Additions Green-Shore Builders (Hamilton St East Fremantle)
Hays Recruitment Best New Builder Genesis Homes Master Builders
Toyota Best Modular Home McGrath Homes (The Nullagine Maddington)
Home in WA Project Builder of the Year Ventura Homes Group t/a Smart Homes for Living
Bankwest Best Customer Service – Small-Medium Builder Right Homes
MBA Insurance Services Best Country Home Wholagan Building Inspiration (Wishart Rd Flinders Bay)
Bankwest Best Customer Service- Volume-Project Builder Blueprint Homes
Bankwest Top WA Home Brian Burke Homes (Hobbs Ave Dalkeith)
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AWARDS south west awards M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
LIGHTHOUSE SHINES ON SOUTH WEST AWARDS Industrial Building $4.5-6 million category and will compete at the Master Builders Construction Excellence Awards later this year against other regional area winners. Mr Bosustow said ABBTF, Hanson and major regional sponsor MBA Insurance Services supported the talented youth of the South West building industry with Best Bricklaying Apprentice, Best Directly Indentured Apprentice, Best Group Training Apprentice and the overall Apprentice of the Year awards. Although a relative newcomer to the region’s building industry, Zorzi South again has won the title of Best Country Home at the Master Builders Bankwest South West Building Excellence Awards in March. BGC Construction also celebrated the Awards evening in style with the Best Commercial Project title. Zorzi South added the 2014 win to similar success in 2010. Its winning project is a concrete and timber clad beachside home in Eagle Bay which, according to Master Builders’ South West regional manager Geoff Bosustow, “epitomises everything the Excellence Awards stand for with quality construction throughout.” “It also won the over $2.5 million Contract Homes category and trade awards for ceilings, painting, plastering/drywall and floor and wall tiling,” Mr Bosustow said. “The company also had the Supervisor of the Year, based on the Eagle Bay project. The home will represent the South West region at the 2015 Master Builders Housing Excellence Awards, competing against other regional area winners before potentially coming up against the best the metropolitan market has to offer.” The Building Excellence Awards, at the newly refurbished Lighthouse Beach Resort, struck a chord with South West builders, suppliers and professionals with guests vying for tickets to the much anticipated annual event. The hilltop location in Bunbury afforded spectacular ocean views during the VIP function while UK soloist Kris Buckle entertained with stunning vocals. Claudia Bertorello-Kell, returning for her eighth year to MC the event, was a familiar face in the new venue. BGC Construction dominated the Awards’ commercial entries, winning the Best Commercial Project for the South West region for work undertaken on the innovative Pinjarra Senior High School Technology, Enterprise and Automotive Workshops training facility. The project was also the leader in the Commercial
Zorzi South’s Adrian Zorzi (centre) and Luke Martin proudly display their plaque for the South West’s 2014 Best Country Home. With them is MBA Insurance Services’ state manager Nick Vernon.
“The nine apprentices representing their various fields all displayed exceptional qualities,” he said. “They have strong futures ahead of them, a credit to the dedication and professionalism they all have displayed in their studies and workmanship to date. The building and construction industry will be in safe hands in the future given the quality of these fine apprentice tradesmen.” The winner of the Hanson-sponsored South West Apprentice of the Year, Anthony Brien of Perkins Builders, will be judged against other winning regional apprentices later this year at the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards. The best regional apprentice also lines up against Perth apprentices for overall State honours. Mr Bosustow also referred to the South West Awards’ customer service gongs which he said always set a high benchmark for delivery of quality service and products to the industry’s clients.
The BGC Construction team celebrate their Building Excellence Awards’ successes, including the Best Commercial Project win.
The South West Regional Apprentice of the Year was Anthony Brien. He is pictured with Master Builders’ president John Ripp.
“The small to medium customer service award this year went to Oswald Down South Builders, making it two in a row following last year’s joint success with Karamfiles Builders of Manjimup,” he said. “The customer service award for medium to large volume builders was also fiercely contested with WA Country Builders taking the honours.” Mr Bosustow summed up the Awards saying that the move of the presentation function back to Bunbury had met with approval.
WA Country Builders won the medium to large volume builders Customer Service Award. Rade Ristovic and Steve Kirby accepted the award on behalf of the company’s dedicated staff. They are flanked by Bankwest’s Chris Gray and John Reilly.
“The event has been hailed a roaring success,” he said. “And the quality of building by all our entrants continues to rise every year with the ultimate winners being the end consumers, which is a fantastic result.”
The venue might have been new, but compere Claudia BertorelloKell was a familiar face at the Awards.
south west awards AWARDS 27 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
EAGLE BAY RESIDENCE A STUNNER The 2014 South West Best Country Home, designed by architect Paul Jones and built by Zorzi South, stands on top of dunes right on the Beach at Eagle Bay. From the customised lift to the coolroom, the home has every modern convenience while still maintaining a relaxed and casual beach
house feel. Interior design by Nina Dempster of Ozbyrd Design lends an understated elegance. There is wide use of natural timber, with recycled tallow-wood floorboards, white painted cedar lined ceilings and walls and solid cedar cabinets. The entire exterior is clad vertically in Pacific teak. The raw timber
textures juxtapose with the more industrial element of polished concrete in the feature wall to the staircase and the matching polished plaster of the fireplace. Double-glazed sliding stacker doors open out onto the outdoor alfresco balcony which continues the teak theme.
BGC RISES TO CHALLENGE an architect who was relentless in pursuit of quality but BGC say that and the other challenges were catalysts for the outstanding results achieved in the build.
The Pinjarra Senior High School Technology, Enterprise and Automotive Workshops project, which won BGC Construction the 2014 South West Building Excellence Awards Best Commercial Project, presented the builder with an array of challenges.
The job started in winter on a clay site, there was demolition of asbestos clad structures on the school grounds, there were uncharted services and the contract included relocating and replacing the site’s main switchboard and transformer. This was topped off by
The project, in Camp Road, Pinjarra, has resulted in a large covered area and two new school blocks including training facilities for food technology, textiles, woodwork, metalwork, machining and automotive. The innovative training facility’s design and construction are expected to stimulate students to attend and participate. With open, sunlit rooms, state of the art equipment and a modern teaching environment, the facilities are in distinct contrast to the manual arts classrooms of the past.
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AWARDS south west awards M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
AWARDS HONOURS LIST BEST COUNTRY HOME Sponsor: MBA Insurance Services Zorzi South Picquet Close Eagle Bay BEST COMMERCIAL PROJECT Sponsor: Bankwest BGC Construction Pinjarra SHS Technology Enterprise and Automotive Workshops Camp Rd Pinjarra BEST CIVIL ENGINEERING WORKS OPEN Sponsor: Toyota Perkins Builders Inner Harbour Bunbury PROJECT BUILDER OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Toyota Home Group WA Southwest Oxford Place Abbey DISPLAY HOME OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Jackson MacDonald Home Group WA Southwest The Eden Platinum Aldercress Approach Dunsborough SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR Sponsor: MBA Insurance Services Christian Bridson Zorzi South Picquet Close Eagle Bay APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Hanson Anthony Brien Perkins Builders BEST NEW BUILDER Sponsor: RSM Bird Cameron Built by S BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE SMALL TO MEDIUM BUILDERS Sponsor: Bankwest Oswald Down South Builders BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE MEDIUM TO LARGE BUILDERS Sponsor: Bankwest WA Country Builders EMPLOYER TRAINER OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Holcim Karamfiles Builders CONTRACT HOME UNDER $200,000 Aussie Living Homes South West Sherwood Rd Australind
CONTRACT HOME $200,000-$225,000 Smart Homes for Living Beachfields Dr Broadwater CONTRACT HOME $225,000-$250,000 Plunkett Homes SW Flinders Cres Busselton CONTRACT HOME $250,000-$275,000 Plunkett Homes SW Gorman Loop Bunbury CONTRACT HOME $275,000-$300,000 Ventura Home Group South West Carey St Busselton CONTRACT HOME $300,000-$350,000 WA Country Builders Tip Dray Tce West Busselton CONTRACT HOME $350,000-$400,000 Ventura Home Group South West Nebbiolo Place Margaret River CONTRACT HOME $400,000-$500,000 Plunkett Homes SW Warns Rd Capel CONTRACT HOME $500,000-$750,000 Bluewater Building Co Hennessey Loop Dunsborough CONTRACT HOME $750,000-$1,000,000 Bluewater Building Co Allnut Tce Augusta CONTRACT HOME $1,000,000-$1,500,000 Oswald Homes Down South Caves Rd Marybrook CONTRACT HOME $1,500,000-$2,000,000 Aubade Constructions Coppin Grove Redgate CONTRACT HOME $2,000,000-$2,500,000 Cape Constructions Old Ellenbrook Rd Gracetown CONTRACT HOME OVER $2,500,000 Zorzi South Picquet Close Eagle Bay DISPLAY HOME UNDER $250,000 New Generation Homes Copenhagen Almond Parkway Yalyalup DISPLAY HOME $250,000-$300,000 Redink South West The Bourke Moonlight Dr Bunbury
south west awards AWARDS 29 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
DISPLAY HOME $300,000-$350,000 Home Group WA Southwest The Eden Platinum Aldercress Approach Dunsborough DISPLAY HOME $350,000-$400,000 Redink South West The Miami Aldercress Approach Dunsborough DISPLAY HOME OVER $400,000 Lifestyle Homes The Driftwood Colonna St Dalyellup MULTI RESIDENTIAL UNDER $1,000,000 Karamfiles Builders Cnr Sommerville and Duffield Sts Manjimup MULTI RESIDENTIAL $1,000,000-$3,000,000 Ventura iD Star St Australind MULTI RESIDENTIAL OVER $3,000,000 BGC Construction Christina St Australind RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS UNDER $250,000 Cape Constructions Hamelin Retreat Port Geographe
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS $3,000,000-$4,500,000 Smith Constructions Bethanie Esprit Clubhouse Illawarra Dr Eaton
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS OVER $10,000,000 Perkins Builders St John of God Hospital Cnr Robertson Dr and Bussell Hwy Bunbury
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS $4,500,000-$6,000,000 BGC Construction Pinjarra SHS Technology Enterprise and Automotive Workshops Camp Rd Pinjarra
FRAMED CONSTRUCTION UNDER $400,000 IGM Constructions Stanley St Bunbury
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS $6,000,000-$8,000,000 BGC Construction Victoria St Bunbury COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS OVER $8,000,000 Pindan Constructions Tuart Forest Primary School Crystal Bend Dalyellup COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS UNDER $300,000 Middleton Homes South West Gelato Buonissimo Queen St Busselton
FRAMED CONSTRUCTION $400,000$600,000 Karamfiles Builders Rose St Manjimup FRAMED CONSTRUCTION $600,000-$800,000 Bluewater Building Co Sonning Loop Yallingup FRAMED CONSTRUCTION OVER $800,000 Bluewater Building Co Allnut Tce Augusta BEST STEEL BUILDING Sponsor: Combined Metal Industry Innovest Construction Busselton Toyota West St Busselton
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $300,000-$1,000,000 WA Country Builders Bunbury Trotting Club Ecclestone Rd/Milligan St Bunbury
EXCELLENCE IN BRICK & BLOCK PAVING Sponsor: Midland Brick Ventura iD Star St Australind
RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS OVER $500,000 Bluewater Building Co Gifford Rd Dunsborough
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $1,000,000-$2,000,000 Innovest Construction Busselton Toyota West St Busselton
EXCELLENCE IN CABINET MAKING Sponsor: The Laminex Group Bay Cabinets Cape Constructions Old Ellenbrook Rd Gracetown
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS UNDER $500,000 Karamfiles Builders History House Rose St Manjimup
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $2,000,000-$3,000,000 Perkins Builders Trafalgars Hotel Victoria St Bunbury
EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY FINISHING Sponsor: South Western Times Mark Turnham Middleton Homes South West Rivergum Way Darradup
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS $500,000-$1,000,000 Tate Construction Surfers Point/Riflebutts Amenities Buildings Prevelly Park
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $3,000,000-$4,500,000 Perkins Builders Lighthouse Beach Resort Cnr Carey St and Ocean Dr Bunbury
EXCELLENCE IN CEILINGS Sponsor: Kingspan Insulation Geographe Ceilings Zorzi South Picquet Close Eagle Bay
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS $1,000,000-$2,000,000 Smith Constructions Group Training Offices Zoe St Bunbury
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $4,500,000-$6,000,000 BGC Construction Narrogin Agricultural College Williams Rd Narrogin
EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETE Sponsor: Australind Premix Rod Leeder Cape Formwork Harbison Construction Vixen Close Eagle Bay
COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS $2,000,000-$3,000,000 Smith Constructions Accordwest Multifunction Client Centre Forest Ave Bunbury
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $6,000,000-$10,000,000 Perkins Builders South West Health Campus Cnr Robertson Dr and Bussell Hwy Bunbury
EXCELLENCE IN FLOOR & WALL TILING Sponsor: Hays Cape to Cape Tiling Zorzi South Picquet Close Eagle Bay
RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $250,000-$500,000 Summit Home Improvements SW Stirling St Bunbury
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AWARDS south west awards M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
AWARDS HONOURS LIST EXCELLENCE IN PAINTING Sponsor: Cbus Shamiss Painting Services Zorzi South Picquet Close Eagle Bay EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERING AND/OR DRYWALL Sponsor: Cockburn Cement Geographe Ceilings Zorzi South Picquet Close Eagle Bay EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING – TILE Sponsor: Building Commission Commodore Homes - BGC Residential Colonna St Dalyellup EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING – METAL Sponsor: Stramit Building Products MH & JL Higgins Building Contractors Murdoch Way Abbey SILVER TROWEL Sponsor: Austral Bricks Bevan Wadsworth Plunkett Homes SW Holland Loop Dardanup
EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING PRACTICE Sponsor: Structerre Consulting Engineers Bluewater Building Co Hennessey Loop Dunsborough
MOST LIVEABLE PROJECT Sponsor: Disability Services Commission Home Group WA Southwest Carey St Busselton
EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION ON A CHALLENGING SITE Sponsor: Complete Portables South West Aubade Constructions Coppin Grove Redgate
WATERWISE HOME OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Water Corporation Commodore Homes - BGC Residential Colonna St Dalyellup
EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY Sponsor: Solahart WA Country Builders Maclaren Dr Yallingup EXCELLENCE IN RECYCLING Sponsor: Waste Management Authority BGC Construction Victoria St Bunbury MOST AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOME Sponsor: Department of Housing New Generation Homes Copenhagen Almond Parkway Yalyalup
SOUTH WEST AWARDS SPONSORS
BRICKLAYING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: ABBTF Daniel Ferguson Adam Burns Bricklaying DIRECT INDENTURED APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Hanson Anthony Brien Perkins Builders GROUP TRAINING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: MBA Insurance Services Jordan Sibbald Kevin McGregor Electrical Contracting, The Apprentice & Traineeship Co
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UPDATES members’ health M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Employers have a duty of care to protect their workers from overexposure to solar UVR while working outdoors. Image courtesy of Queensland Health.
NUTS AND BOLTS OF SKIN CANCER: OUTLINING THE PROBLEM Australia is the skin cancer capital of the world. For many West Australians the workplace is a major source of sun exposure. This is especially true for building and construction workers who receive some of the highest levels of exposure to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), leading it to now being recognised as a workplace hazard by Safe Work Australia in its updated Code of Practice for construction work. This increased exposure to solar UVR means that building and construction workers are at greater risk of developing skin cancer. Each year in Australia it is estimated that 200 melanomas and 34,000 non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by occupational exposures. Solar UVR – a known cause of cancer Solar UVR has been classified as a ‘Class 1’ carcinogen or a known cause of cancer in humans, just like tobacco, asbestos, solariums and alcohol. Around 95-99 percent of skin cancers are caused by overexposure to solar UVR. Sunburn is the immediate sign that our skin has been damaged from overexposure to solar UVR but the most serious and long term effect is skin cancer. What is skin cancer? Skin cancer is a serious disease that kills more than 2000 Australians every year. Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies. Like the rest of our bodies, our skin is made up
of tiny building blocks called cells. Normally the cells in our bodies grow, divide, die and are replaced in a controlled way. Skin cancer occurs when these cells are damaged, mainly from overexposure to solar UVR, causing them to grow out of control.
workplace hazard for those working in the building and construction industry.
There are three main types of skin cancer, which are all named after the type of cell in which they develop. They are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and melanoma.
Want help with sun protection in your workplace? Cancer Council WA can provide the information required to develop a comprehensive sun protection program in your workplace. Contact Lorena Chapman, SunSmart workplace coordinator on 9388 4360 or lchapman@cancerwa.asn.au if you are interested to find out more.
The good news is that skin cancer is the most preventable form of cancer in Australia. All we have to do is cover up when the UV Index is three or higher and keep an eye out for any changes on our skin.
For more general information about skin cancer prevention, solar UVR and sun protection, visit www.cancerwa.asn.au/prevention/sunsmart/ and www.myuv.com.au/. Nuts and bolts of skin cancer: outlining the problem
Overexposure to solar UVR – a workplace hazard Since solar UVR is a known cause of harm, employers have a duty of care to protect their workers from overexposure to it while working outdoors. With the goal of raising awareness of the importance of sun protection for building and construction workers, Cancer Council WA has joined forces with Master Builders WA. Cancer Council WA will provide information and support to Master Builders WA members and stakeholders to raise awareness of overexposure to solar UVR as a priority
members’ health UPDATES 33 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
BANDIDOS BUILDERS? As Master Builder was going to print, plans were well in hand for the Master BuildersMATES in Construction Ride against Suicide, a motorbike ‘cruise for a cause’ from Construction House in West Perth to Ledge Point on 3 May. More than 20 keen bikers from among Master Builder members and their associates had signed up for the ride taking in scenic stops at Toodyay and Moora. The entry fee for the ride covered a barbecue at Ledge Point, memorabilia and, most importantly, a donation to MATES in Construction, the organisation which aims to reduce the level of suicide in the building industry and improve mental health and wellbeing. Looking forward to the outing and pictured with their favoured rides are (l-r) MBA Insurance Services’ state manager Nick Vernon, Brian Burke Homes principal Michael Burke and Master Builders’ immediate past president Robert Shaw (Daly & Shaw Building).
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UPDATES members’ health M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
MENTAL HEALTH – SILENT DRAIN ON PRODUCTIVITY AND PROFITABILITY The stress of modern living at home and at work often can become unbearable. So many factors are at play – emotional stress, deadlines, targets, family issues, financial stress, peer pressure, job insecurity, high expectations… the list goes on. It is, therefore, hardly surprising that the rate of mental health issues and depression is increasing at an alarming rate. More and more people are turning to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol, drugs, prescription medicines, and other dependencies. A survey1 of 9800 workers indicated that one in every nine people drank alcohol while at work, and two percent admitted to being under the influence of drugs while at work. According to a national hospital database2, 7.5 percent of workplace accidents are alcohol related. The direct cost of substance misuse to Australian industry is estimated at over $3.7 billion per year3. While many employers focus on physical health through wellness programs, mental health is still not as widely addressed. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) offer counselling services, but few employees actually use these. The employees often are reluctant to speak up due to concerns about confidentiality and repercussions.
Managers and supervisors rarely are trained to recognise symptoms and therefore are unable to step in and offer support. Fortunately many programs can help manage these issues. Good programs address mental health and substance misuse from a holistic and wellbeing perspective. An example of this comes inthe form of Holyoake’s Wellbeing@Work programs which are a refreshingly positive way to address this sensitive subject. These programs present interesting facts in a non-judgemental way and promote self-responsibility rather than abstinence. Interestingly, they also offer special sessions to empower managers and supervisors to identify and address issues more holistically. More information at www.holyoake.org.au. 1. National Centre for Education & Training on Addictions (NCETA). 2. National Hospital Morbidity Database 2001-2. 3. Workcover SA 2001.
building business UPDATES 35 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Business Wealth Educators director Rueben Taylor asks where are you tolerating poor performance and provides...
THREE STEPS TO GETTING YOUR TEAM MEMBERS TO PERFORM AT THEIR BEST R u e b e n Ta y l o
r
Often when there are poor performers in the team, it’s because the business owner is tolerating the poor performance. The key is first to identify the levels of performance desired within your team, and to take action on those that are not up to standard. Perhaps you have people in your business who were great for you a few years ago, but your business has outgrown them. Perhaps their attitude has shifted since you first hired them they used to be upbeat, but now they’re harder to deal with or they’ve become a negative influence on the rest of the team. Jack Welch says it best that “in order to grow you have to have to prune the tree”. Regularly prune your team to make sure you have the best people possible. Here is an effective threestep process to get the best out of your team: Review Performance Review your whole team every 6-12 months and grade each member based on PERFORMANCE and BEHAVIOUR. On performance, ask these questions: • How well are they performing in their role? • How well are they meeting their key performance indicators (KPIs)? • How well are they doing what you employed them to do?
For behaviour, ask: • How well do they fit your culture? • How good is their attitude to what they are doing? Assess Each Team Member To see the full picture, draw a matrix and plot each team member’s position in terms of their performance and behaviour. Where does each member sit? Are they outstanding or are they just doing what it takes? Are they below standard and not performing at the level that you expect in that role? Are they exceeding the standard? As you map out each team member it will become clear who: • Have high leadership potential and need to be promoted and nurtured. • Are great at getting things done, and need to be acknowledged for this, without being promoted out of the role in which they are so productive. • Are good for the company, but are in the wrong role, and need to be moved to a new role. • Might need some heavy coaching to get them to perform to their best. • Must be moved out of the team. When you’re doing this, some people might be too new – you might not be sure how to grade them. That’s why you should do this review every 6-12 months.
Set Clear Expectations Finally, sit down with each team member and be very clear on what you expect from them. If team members are not 100 percent clear on what is expected of them, they are not going to perform at their best. • Set clear goals and key performance indicators. • Give regular feedback about where they are on or off course. • Measure performance - this gives accountability. Remember, in business you get what you tolerate. So stop tolerating poor performers in your business and watch your business grow. For 13 years, Rueben Taylor has helped Perth businesses achieve sustainable growth, strong cash flow and to run smoothly without the business owners constantly being there. He is founder of the Business Education Academy and is the recipient of nine global and 16 Asia Pacific franchise awards including the 2014 Business Excellence Award for Best Client Results (Asia Pacific). Visit www. businesswealtheducators.com.au.bui
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NEED TO MAKE A REDUNDANCY PAYMENT? • Employers can manage their cash flow by making regular monthly redundancy contributions rather than make lump sum payouts at times when they can least afford to. • If an employer joins ReddiFund and also registers its employees with the Mutual Benefit Fund (which provides journey, ambulance, funeral and holiday cover), the employer will receive two free memberships into the MBF, provided that there is at least one employee being contributed for at all times. • ReddiFund surpluses are applied for the benefit of the industry, such as sponsorship of the MATES in Construction suicide prevention program. Master Builders strongly recommends contacting ReddiFund to see how it can assist in ensuring that Award obligations are not breached. Discuss the benefits of being a member of the fund with business development manager Jill Dixon on 9481 0259.
ReddiFund business development manager Jill Dixon can help employers manage Award redundancy requirements.
Since the commencement of ReddiFund in WA 25 years ago, the fund has paid out about $280 million to more than 35,000 building workers. The fund used to be known as the WA Construction Industry Redundancy Fund (WACIRF) and has helped thousands of contractors meet their award obligations with respect to redundancy payments. The Federal Building and Construction General On-site Award 2010 has a unique definition of ‘redundancy’ that sometimes can catch out construction contractors and unintentionally put them at risk of being in breach of the Award and the Fair Work Act. With fines up to $51,000 for a corporation for such breaches, employers need to look at relevant risk minimisation strategies. What does this mean? The Federal Award applies to employers that are structured as incorporated entities and some, but not all, family trusts. It has a very broad definition of redundancy as follows: “Redundancy means a situation where an employee ceases to be employed by an employer to whom this Award applies, other than for reasons of misconduct or refusal of duty.” In effect, the Award triggers redundancy payments where employees are made redundant by their employers or where the employees resign after having been employed for 12 months or more. A further downside of the Award is that it does not provide an exemption for small employers, as defined, from having to pay redundancy per the National Employment Standards. What can employers do? Master Builders recommends affected employers assess risk minimisation strategies on the question of redundancy pay obligations. One way to do this is to consider the benefits of joining ReddiFund which is the industry redundancy fund for WA. The benefits for an employer joining ReddiFund are: • Contributions are tax deductible. • Employer contributions to ReddiFund can be low as $40 per week per employee and offset the Award redundancy obligations. • ReddiFund handles all the paper work involving redundancy payouts.
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building business UPDATES 37 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
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NATIONAL BUILDING PROFESSIONALS REGISTER HAS BENEFITS: AIB The Australian Institute of Building is actively promoting the National Building Professionals Register and encouraging building professionals to consider applying for membership of the register. The Institute says the NBPR provides a benchmark for judging the suitability of people for prequalification in the selection of building service providers, for licensing and accreditation and for the provision of particular services to the general public. Individuals with a minimum of three years’ current experience in the building industry are registered at one of three levels and in one or more categories. Level 1 (Building Professional) is for people with professional level academic qualifications. Level 2 (Building Associate Professional) covers those with paraprofessional
level academic qualifications, and Level 3 (Building Technician) is for people with technician level academic qualifications. The registration categories are: • Building construction (unrestricted or restricted). • Building consultancy. • Building control. • Building economics. • Building industry services. • Building project management. • Education and training. • Property management. • Research and development. People without appropriate academic qualifications can apply for registration by recognition of prior learning based on competency standards. AIB says the benefits of NBPR registration include it being a benchmark of technical capability for contractor prequalification and builders' licensing or accreditation.
It also provides recognition of individual skills, experience and commitment and enhancement of individual career prospects. Registration also provides public information on particular building services provided by registered practitioners and is a vehicle for continuous improvement in the quality and reliability of building services. Registration NBPR registrants have to meet stringent academic and experience criteria and, taken as a group, can be expected to have more advanced knowledge and skills than those who have not met the registration standards, according to AIB. Registration is on an annual basis with re-registration subject to assessment of experience and CPD activities during the previous 12 months. AIB members are not charged an admission fee or an initial registration fee if registered at the level equivalent to their AIB membership grade. For more information on the register go to www.nbpr.com.au.
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Levesys’ Mark Gravolin says it’s important for construction companies to prepare for compliance with new...
SUPERSTREAM CONTRIBUTIONS STANDARDS
How can construction companies ensure they comply with the SuperStream standards? The simplest way to comply is to ensure the company behind the software currently in use at your construction business is developing a standards-based solution. Ideally it will be available as an upgrade/update to your current installation, providing you with the means to comply with these standards. If your current software provider does not plan on adding the necessary functionality, you may need to review your options to ensure you can meet your compliance obligations.
SuperStream is a comprehensive package of reforms arising out of the Federal Government’s 2010 review of the superannuation system. It is simply new standards for the electronic generation of contributions and payment data. The objective of the new standards is to simplify, streamline and increase the efficiency of the administration of the entire superannuation system. SuperStream ultimately will make it easier for employers to comply with their superannuation obligations, and will provide better information about the amount and timing of payments for employees. For a construction company using a software system with plans to create functionality to meet the SuperStream standards, compliance largely will involve implementing
new, in-built functionality and processes. Ideally your software system will enable you to meet the standards by simply generating all necessary data for contributions and payments in one step.
Small employers may be able to utilise the free services offered by the Medicare Small Business Superannuation Clearing House to streamline their processing – an effort by the Australian Government to assist small employers with the changes.
SuperStream standards changes have come about out of the Cooper Review into superannuation, conducted by the Federal Government in 2010. A key recommendation from this was to simplify and streamline the processes of superannuation administration in order to make it easier for employers to comply with their superannuation obligations and for employees to better track and manage their superannuation.
Want more information? For more information on the Standards and your obligations, visit http://www.ato.gov.au/ Super/Data-standards/In-detail/What-youneed-to-know/Medium-and-large-employers/ Information-about-data-standards-formedium-and-large-employers/. The ATO will be increasing communications with employers over the coming months, both directly and via industry associations.
When will compliance with the SuperStream standards become a requirement? SuperStream standards come into effect from 1 July for ‘large’ businesses (employers with 20 or more employees). For ‘small’ businesses (employers with less than 20 employees), SuperStream standards come into effect from 1 July, 2015. In both cases, businesses have two years in which to comply with the new standards. While full compliance from 1 July 1, 2014 (for large employers) is possible, the ATO is carefully managing the induction of employers, funds and service providers to ensure the adoption of the new standards is done in a controlled manner, without undue pressure on all stakeholders.
LEVESYS is a leading provider of ERP software solutions to the Australian construction industry. For more information about the standards, their impact on the construction industry or how software can assist you in achieving your business objectives, contact us on 07 3004 6100.
safety UPDATES 39 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Master Builders’ safety manager Mike Fitzgerald outlines licensing requirements to operate telescopic handlers in WA.
M ik e Fit zg e r a
ld
TELESCOPIC HANDLERS: OPERATOR TRAINING AND LICENSING REQUIREMENTS A telescopic handler, also referred to as a telehandler, can be fitted with a wide range of attachments including:
Attachment Fitted
Licence required
Training required
When machine is non-slewing and fitted with a jib or used as a crane with a rated capacity of 3 tonne or less
No Licence is specified by legislation.
Operators must be trained and instructed in the safe use of the plant. This training may incorporate competencies appropriate to nonslewing crane operation such as the interpretation of crane load charts.
• A winch, hoist block and hook. • Earth moving bucket. • Crane-like jib. • Forks. • Elevating work platform basket.
When machine is non-slewing and fitted with a jib or used as a crane with a rated capacity greater than 3 tonne
Operators must hold a High Risk Work Licence (HRWL) for the class, nonslewing mobile crane.
Operators must be trained and assessed as required by the conditions for applying for a HRWL.
When slewing and fitted with a jib or used as a crane of any description
Operators must hold a HRWL for the appropriate class/capacity slewing mobile crane.
Operators must be trained and assessed as required by the conditions for applying for a HRWL.
Telescopic handlers generally are used to travel while carrying a load. This is most often the case when a fork attachment is fitted and the telehandler is being used to move loads that generally are moved by a forklift truck. In such instances the boom of the telehandler should be retracted and the load carried as close to the ground as possible while travelling.
When machine is fitted with forks and similar attachments
No Licence is specified by legislation.
Operators must be trained and instructed in the safe use of plant. This training may incorporate competencies appropriate to forklift truck operation and the interpretation of crane load charts for non-slewing mobile cranes.
When machine is fitted with a loader bucket
No Licence is specified by legislation.
Operators must be trained and instructed in the safe use of plant. This training may incorporate competencies appropriate to front end loader operation.
When a winch and hook are fitted to a telehandler, it is capable of lifting what is referred to as a freely suspended load. Because freely suspended loads can swing backwards and forwards, and left and right, the stability of the telehandler may be adversely affected causing the machine to tip over. When operating on sloping ground the load should generally be positioned on the uphill side of the telehandler, in other words, driving forward up the hill and reversing down a hill while carrying a freely suspended load. This will cause the load to swing closer to the telehandler rather than further away. It is always advisable to use a tagline on freely suspended loads when travelling with any kind of load shifting plant.
When machine is fitted with a boomtype elevating work platform greater than 11m
Operators must hold a HRWL for the class, boom-type elevating work platform.
Operators must be trained and assessed as required by the conditions for applying for a HRWL.
In all types of load carrying configurations, the operator of the telehandler must be aware of its safe working load and the effect that the working radius – horizontal distance from the telehandler’s centre of stability to the load – can have on the stability of the telehandler. Training and Licence Requirements The use of a telescopic handler may require the operator to hold an appropriate High Risk Work Licence under certain conditions. The licensing of workers aims to ensure that they have the skills and knowledge to perform high risk work in a safe manner so as to reduce the health and safety risk to themselves and other persons in the workplace.
Duty of Care The person who employs operators of multipurpose machines such as telehandlers, or has control of the workplace where multipurpose machines are operated, has duties under the Occupational Safety and Health Act. These duties include providing information, instruction, training and supervision as is necessary to ensure the operators can perform their work in such a manner that they are not exposed to hazards. To meet this obligation, an appropriate risk assessment must be done to determine the When things go wrong...
additional information, instruction, training and supervision on the various attachment(s) fitted to any multipurpose machines which must be provided to the operator. This must occur even though the operator may be the holder of a relevant class of licence for high risk work. Further information on operator licensing and training requirements is available on the WorkSafe website, www.commerce.wa.gov. au/worksafe, or by contacting the Master Builders’ safety manager Mike Fitzgerald, on 9441 8000.
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UPDATES membership M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
West Coast Fever’s Josie Janz in full flight.
MAKE IT WA’S DAY WITH THE FEVER Master Builders’ partner West Coast Fever play their final home fixture of the ANZ Championship on Monday, 2 June at Challenge Stadium and want Master Builder readers there to cheer them on. At the time the May-June edition of the magazine was going to print, the Fever were very much in finals contention, but upcoming games were going to be crucial.
“It’s been an exciting season for West Coast Fever and as a Master Builder member, we want you to come celebrate with us at our final home game,” she said. “The team will take to the court in a specially designed dress by Nyoongar artist, Peter Farmer and the game will showcase NetSetGO (junior entry netball) participants and entertainment from WA’s indigenous community.
The 2 June fixture – the public holiday Monday for WA Day – is against New Zealanders Central Pulse and is an ‘Indigenous Game’, highlighting Netball WA’s commitment to community and heritage.
Tickets for this amazing fixture on Monday 2 June at Challenge Stadium are available from www.ticketmaster.com.au.
Netball WA media and communications coordinator Emily Wise says the Fever are proud to be a Master Builders’ partner.
Group tickets for 25 or more people can also be purchased by calling 1300 889 278.
TRUE NORTH ENERGY OFFERS DISCOUNT ASSESSMENTS Master Builders’ partnerships and marketing manager Kelly DewarMatusik (left) and director Michael McLean (right) after the parties signed up their agreement for the year. True North Energy offers the member discounts via their online ‘Budget Energy Assessment’ or ‘Premium Energy Assessment’ options at www. truenorthenergy.com.au. The company assists clients with 6-star and higher ratings by providing energy efficiency assessments for: • New and existing homes. • Unit and multilevel assessments. • Commercial building assessments. • Compliance solutions. Alliance partner True North Energy makes a welcome return in 2014 to Master Builders’ suite of services and benefits, with the company offering Association members premium discounts on energy assessments. Director Eddie Roe and wife Rhonda are pictured with
Members can submit their plans online via the website www. truenorthenergy.com.au or can contact Mr Roe on 9581 2086 for further information and to obtain their Master Builder member discount.
membership UPDATES 41 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
MASTER BUILDERS WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS Acris Services
1300 764 500
Jim’s Fencing (Mandurah)
Aegis Projects Pty Ltd
08 6254 8200
Leef Building
0481 435 495 0447 237 309
All Earth Group Pty Ltd
08 9459 9588
Linq Constructions WA Pty Ltd
0409 698 776
Allied Solutions Pty Ltd
0423 808 666
M & E Steel Fabrications Pty Ltd
08 9409 3193
ASGWA
08 6242 0307
M3 Building & Construction Pty Ltd
08 6161 1155
Award Logistics Pty Ltd
08 9414 7715
Mitch’s Carpentry
0400 244 402
Bilco Group Pty Ltd
08 9848 2885
Offsite
0450 968 751
Cone Construction Pty Ltd
08 9394 0038
Perth Citi Fitout
08 9249 1347
Creature Cabinets
08 9071 3399
Project 4D Pty Ltd
0402 565 203
Davidson Projects Pty Ltd
0411 553 350
Red Dog Carpentry
0408 363 073
Distinctive Homes WA
08 9383 9555
Ron Cooks Painting and Roof Coating Services
0428 921 933
Drive U Home Perth
08 9470 4169
RUIC Fire
1300 797 607
Eastough Constructions
08 9921 8457
Sher Associates Pty Ltd
08 9467 5347
Eco Fusion Buildings
0450 528 404
Silva Carpentry
0424 258 629
Eminence Building Co Pty Ltd
08 9921 4057
Silver Brook Pty Ltd
08 9776 1206
Emperior Construction
0411 123 661
Solo Resource Recovery
0497 205 761
Exclusive Linings
0409 078 696
South Coast Environmental
0417 992 892
Focaus
0422 417 286
Sustainability House
1300 308 525
G3 Construction Pty Ltd
0457 774 202
Talbot Le Page Design
08 9243 3328
Ground Masters
08 9093 3555
Triton Fabrications Pty Ltd
0418 913 280
Herald Build Pty Ltd
0430 569 991
Tuss Concrete Pty Ltd
08 9576 2222
Horizon Infrastructure
08 9472 1166
VIP Fastening Systems
08 9350 6532
JB Hi- Fi Group Pty Ltd
0448 330 550
Westruct Pty Ltd
08 9848 2768
Jim’s Fencing (Gosnells)
0427 968 260
GOVERNMENT OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Construction post trade qualifications • Diploma in Building (leads to registration)
Trade qualifications • Construction and civil
• Certificate IV in Building, Site Supervision,
• Furniture, manufacturing and glazing
Estimating and Scheduling
• Licensed trades
• Certificate IV and Diploma in Horticulture, Conservation and Land Management
• Communications and data • Horticulture and Land Management
POLYTECHNIC WEST LARGEST CONSTRUCTION TRAINING PROVIDER IN WA
Pre entry (Certificate II) • School based traineeships and apprenticeships • Pre-apprenticeship programs • Trade Training Centres
Fee for Service • International delivery • Short courses • Open cabling registration including fibre, data and coax endorsements
• CTF construction pathways provider
• NBN training provider
• Building maintenance
• Contractors license electrical
• Civil construction
• Contractors license plumbing
Call 9267 7500 visit www.polytechnic.wa.edu.au email info.centre@polytechnic.wa.edu.au
42
advertorial M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
ACRS – eliminating breaks in the ‘Chain of Certification’ Quality construction projects require quality materials with demonstrated compliance. Selecting construction materials based on price alone can end up costing significantly more than using materials that are selected on the basis of quality and performance – particularly if it is determined that fault in law could be found.
Quite simply, ACRS certification reduces the risk of buying and using steel which does not meet minimum requirements, and enables feedback and corrective action in case problems arise.
Put simply, it doesn’t matter how well you build if you have built in a high risk of structural failure through using unverified materials from an uncertified supplier.
Major construction clients, designers and contractors worldwide, recognise and even specify ACRS and its product certification scheme to confirm the technical competence of suppliers and gain assurance of consistent product quality.
ACRS certification from the mill to the end supplier gives you the simple tool to manage this risk - the supplier's ACRS certificates. Steel reinforcement, prestressing steel and structural steel are integral parts of any building or structure. While to the casual observer, all steel may look to be created equal, in reality this is far from the case. Whether as a result of inferior raw materials, contamination during manufacturing, incorrect or inappropriate manufacturing processes, or manufacturing to alternative Standards, there are steel reinforcing, prestressing and structural steel products which quite simply do not meet the requirements of the relevant Australian and New Zealand Standards. Notwithstanding the potential safety issues that can result from using sub-standard construction materials, in these days of widespread litigation and strict ‘chain of responsibility’ legislation, the use of noncompliant steels can spell disaster for engineers, certifiers, specifiers, suppliers and builders in more ways than one.
ACRS – expert third party steel assessment With these issues and risks in mind, the Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels (ACRS) provides fully independent, non-biased, expert third party assessment and verification of steel construction materials supplied to the construction industry, to ensure that they meet Australian and New Zealand Standards.
ACRS is the expert, independent, third party product certification scheme for construction steels supplied to AS/NZS Standards. ACRS was created in 2000 as a not-for-profit body to provide a cost effective, but credible means of verifying through direct, factory and in-market assessment, that the construction steels supplied to building sites consistently meet the requirements of engineers, specifiers, builders, building certifiers and customers. Independent of any commercial interests, ACRS assessors, auditors and management are all experienced engineers, certifiers or metallurgists with extensive experience in steel manufacture, supply, design and construction.
ACRS provides a centralised, streamlined certification process for: • Reinforcing bar, wire and mesh • Prestressing bar, wire and strand • Cold-formed steel hollow sections • Hot-rolled steel plates, bars and sections ACRS currently certifies over 150 manufacturing locations, in 15 countries around the world, and has undertaken more than 700 technical conformity assessments to AS/NZS steel Standards. These include: • AS/NZS 4671 – Steel reinforcing materials (Manufacturing and processing of materials) • AS/NZS 4672 – Steel prestressing materials • AS/NZS 1163 – Cold formed steel hollow sections • AS/NZS 1594 – Hot-rolled steel flat products • AS/NZS 3678 – Hot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs • AS/NZS 3679.1 – Hot-rolled bars and sections • AS/NZS 3679.2 – Welded I sections
WARNING Just because the steel originally came from an ACRS certified mill, does not mean the end product is “ACRS certified.” When it comes to ACRS certification, there are only ever two options, either: • The supplier is ACRS certified and all of its materials are declared, assessed and verified to AS/NZS standards; OR • The supplier is not ACRS certified (and therefore the onus is on the customer to verify the supplier’s claims of conformity). It is fraudulent for a supplier to claim that a product is “ACRS certified” simply because the end product used materials from an ACRS certified mill. The full ‘chain’ must be ACRS certified. Failure to verify that the products are from an ACRS certified supplier may result in you using non-compliant materials for which you may be held liable.
ACRS certificates – quick and easy web-based verification ACRS also gives you real choice. ACRS certifies not just domestic suppliers, but also worldclass overseas manufacturers, giving Australian and international customers the widest choice of products complying with Australian & New Zealand Standards. With ACRS it’s easy for your suppliers, easy for your customers and easy for you! For further information about the validity of supplier certification for any materials being supplied into your project contact ACRS.
Be safe – be sure – only use ACRS certified products. For more information contact: Phone (02) 9965 7216 Website www.steelcertification.com Email info@steelcertification.com
REPUTA TION. CAR EER. INCO ME. HEAL TH. LIVELI HOOD. Non-compliant steel can do more damage than you think. • Every time you build with non-compliant steel you risk not only human safety, but your reputation and livelihood are also in jeopardy. • The damage will start if the integrity of your structure fails – you could be liable and the outcome could result in heavy personal losses. • How do you know your building or construction is safe if you don’t know if the materials are compliant? • Understanding how you can protect yourself is critical. You have the power to refuse to use non-compliant steel. • Demand ACRS verified materials and ask for the ACRS Certificate of Product Compliance to help check compliance to the required Codes and Standards. • Protect yourself, your family and your business, and ensure every project using reinforcing, pre-stressing and structural steels has an ACRS Certificate.
Don’t let compliance slip through the cracks. Demand the ACRS Certificates of Product Compliance. Contact ACRS on (02) 9965 7216 or info@steelcertification.com or visit www.steelcertification.com ACRS – The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd ABN 40 096 692 545
www.steelcertification.com
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UPDATES legal M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
ADJUDICATION: DOES 28 = 27? The strict limitation period for commencing adjudication
Builders and subcontractors increasingly are relying on adjudication under the Construction Contracts Act 2004 (the Act) as a tool for relatively quick and cost effective dispute resolution of payment claims. It’s a process which can facilitate payment of a contractual entitlement within 28 days of commencing the proceedings – avoiding the need for protracted court proceedings that can take years. However, in order to use this adjudication effectively, a contractor needs to be aware of the strict requirement to apply for adjudication within 28 days of a payment dispute arising. If the application is served more than 28 days after the payment dispute arose the Act provides that an adjudicator has no choice but to dismiss the application – and the contractor has wasted time, adjudicator costs and potentially legal costs. In order to effectively protect itself and manage risk, a contractor needs to know when that strict 28 day period starts to run and the answer to that lies in Section 26 of the Act which provides that it starts as soon as a payment dispute arises.
period. An application filed at 4:00pm on 29 January, in this case, would be out of time. The principle that time runs from the precise moment of a payment dispute was recently considered by the State Administrative Tribunal in MCIC Nominees Trust t/a Capital Projects and Developments and Red Ink Homes Pty Ltd [2013] WASAT 177 (Red Ink). It is very common that a payment dispute will arise by an express written rejection. Common examples of such clear written rejections include: • A payment certificate responding to a contractor’s payment claim, which provides that the contractor is not entitled to the amount which is claimed. • A notice under a contract stating that the payment will not be made, for any reason. • A simple letter or email which tells a contractor that, for any reason, a payment won’t be made.
Below we explore how each of these kinds of payment disputes arises.
However, an oral rejection of a payment claim also can trigger a payment dispute. If a contractor is told orally that a payment claim will not be paid (wholly or in part), that contractor would be wise to make a note of the conversation, and assume that the 28 days began to run at the exact moment the payment claim was orally rejected. If the contractor chooses any date later than that conversation as the payment dispute arising and then applies for adjudication more than 28 days after that conversation, that contractor risks that the other side will rely on that conversation in arguing that the application has been brought out of time.
When a payment claim is rejected or partly disputed The matter has become less clear. Where there has been a clear rejection or dispute of a payment claim, the 28 days will start to run from the precise moment of the payment dispute arising or perhaps on the day that this occurs. This means that if a payment is disputed by an email received at 3:45pm on 1 January, the application for adjudication must be filed before 3:45pm on 29 January to be within the strict 28 day
When the payment claim is not paid in full by the date So, let’s now assume that a contractor has made its claim and the contract provides that payment terms are 30 days. A payment claim made on 1 January therefore must be paid by or before 31 January. When 1 February comes around, no payment has been made. Assuming that there was no earlier express rejection of the payment claim, when did the payment dispute arise?
So, when does a payment dispute arise? Section 6 of the Act tells us that it starts to run on the earlier of: • A payment claim is rejected, or partly disputed; or • A payment of the claimed amount has not been paid in full by the time it is due,
legal UPDATES 45 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
This was the question the Tribunal has to consider in Red Ink. The Tribunal decided that the Respondent in that matter had until the very last moment of the last day to pay the invoice. In our example above, this means that the other party had until the very last moment of 31 January in which to pay – and a payment dispute could not arise until the very first moment (00:00 in 24 hour time) of 1 February. Accordingly, the Tribunal decided that when payment is not made by the date for payment, the payment dispute arises, and the 28 days begin to run from, the first moment of the next day. So in our example of the payment due on 31 January, the payment dispute arose at the first moment of 1 February (therefore including all of 1 February as day 1 of the 28 days), and therefore the party applying for adjudication has until the very last moment of 28 February within which to serve its application for adjudication. Conclusion The decision in Red Ink went against the previous common understanding that the payment dispute arises the day after it was due and the 28 days starts to run the day after that. Instead the time starts to run the very moment a payment dispute arises. This is a principle that may catch parties applying for adjudication off guard until the principle is more widely known.
arguments. Or, better still, allow two or three days before the last date, to altogether avoid exposing yourself to the argument. Jackson McDonald has a significant amount of experience and success in securing contractor rights to payment through applications for adjudication. If you are ever in doubt, please feel free to contact us. Our lawyers offer Master Builder members a free 15 minute telephone consultation about general legal issues (on 1300 651 959), and would be happy to discuss any queries you may have about the nuances of adjudication – or explore whether adjudication may be suitable for your dispute.
This article was prepared by Jackson McDonald Projects, Infrastructure and Construction team partner Basil Georgiou and solicitor Grant Rodoreda. For further information, contact Mr Georgiou on 9426 6688 or bgeorgiou@jacmac.com.au.
Grant Rodoreda
However, a prudent contractor would attempt to ensure that, where possible, any application for adjudication is made the day before: it is better to be prudent and assume that you count the whole of the day it became due or was rejected as DAY 1. Do not open the door for other
Goodwill Engineering’s manufacturing facility is able to provide a wide range of building hardware that services both housing and commercial construction. Our range of products can also be made from stainless steel to satisfy the requirement of withstanding a higher corrosion environment. We also supply Hoop Iron (roof tie down straps) that meets the BCA & WA Building Commissions requirements. Galvanised Z600 coating and marine grade 316 stainless steel; both are available in 1.8m, 3m or rolls in varying lengths. Our manufacturing capabilities allow us to provide a wide range of light engineering processes that can service both commercial construction and the mining industry. Our head office is located at:
337 Victoria Rd (cnr Camboon Rd) Malaga WA 6090
Telephone: (08) 9249 3444
E-Mail: gwe@goodwillengineering.com.au
Facsimile (08) 9249 3573
www.goodwillengineering.com.au
Basil Georgiou
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REPORTS branches M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
SOUTH WEST GETS REGISTRATION TRAINING Practitioner you need two things: sufficient construction industry experience and the appropriate formal qualification. Without the accreditation you can’t run a building business, you can only supervise one. To become accredited, builders require a Diploma of Building and Construction as a minimum.” M Bosustow said the Diploma qualification is primarily taught in metropolitan Perth, geographically and logistically out of reach of the regional construction workforce. Master Builders sought a solution and approached Perth’s Central Institute of Technology to investigate the possibility of regional delivery.
Geoff Bosustow says Central Institute of Technology and Master Builders have come together to help aspiring South West builders.
Master Builders and the Central Institute of Technology are teaming up to help South West contractors achieve builders’ registration. “Many employees in the South West regional area are facing difficulty becoming independent Registered Building Practitioners as they simply can’t access the appropriate training,” says the Association’s regional manager Geoff Bosustow. “To become a Registered Building
“Central duly assigned a lecturer and arranged to provide lecturers to the Master Builders’ Business Training and Function Centre in Bunbury,” Mr Bosustow said. “Regional homebuyers throughout the South West will benefit from additional numbers of local builders following this successful alliance. “Bringing the training to the prospective builders will enable South West tradesman to begin their journey to becoming independent Registered Building Practitioners. Given the response to date to our information session, Central’s Gavin Brackenreg will visit the South West region once a month where the enrolled
students will be delivered two days of intensive training along with some additional coursework they must complete before the next visit. “Gavin has delivered training to 20 people in Geraldton and 11 in Albany over the past 18 months and these groups are now all set to graduate. It brings to 50 the total number of students trained by Central through this program.” Master Builders’ special projects director Gavan Forster is one of the architects of the program. “This initiative between Central and Master Builders has brought the mountain to Mohammed and allowed local contractors to obtain the required qualification by working and studying in their local area,” Mr Forster said. “Ultimately, local homebuyers will benefit from a greater number of local builders in the regions.” Following the initial success of the program, Central and the Master Builders are investigating expanding the delivery of the course to include a training hub in Bunbury. Budding builders who wish to find out more can contact Mr Bosustow on 9726 0939 or geoff.bosustow@mbawa.com.
COLLEEN BACK ON BOARD Master Builders has welcomed back Colleen Horton who is taking up the role of regional liaison officer for the Goldfields. Her previous employment with the Association was as a regional manager for about three years until September 2011. Regional operations manager Graham Bell says Ms Horton’s appointment will strengthen the Master Builders’ regional network which helps provide closer links between the Association and its non-metropolitan members.
“Her appointment will enhance our presence in the region and be an asset to our Goldfields members,” he said. “Colleen has a wealth of local knowledge which combined with her previous experience in the similar role provides an excellent foundation from which to enhance services to builders, contractors and suppliers in the region. “There are always changes happening in the building industry affecting housing and commercial contractors so having a presence
in Kalgoorlie to deal with emerging issues will be beneficial to members. Securing Colleen’s services has been a popular choice with regional committee members, Goldfields members and Master Builders’ staff. She is well respected and has a good understanding of the local construction industry.” Mr Bell said Ms Horton had an enthusiast nature and a demonstrated high level of professionalism and he was looking forward to working with her.
branches REPORTS 47 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
CRUISEY VALENTINE’S DAY
Pictured enjoying the Great Southern Branch’s Valentine’s Day twilight harbour cruise are David and Teresa Mexsom. Regional manager Linda Gibbs reports that warm and balmy weather and calm waters made for a wonderful evening watching the sunset and stars come out. “We had a great two course dinner and lots of fun on board,” Ms Gibbs says. “There were door prizes of champagne and chocolates and the ladies received a gift of sparkling jewellery and the gents a folder of goods.” Statewide Building Certification WA and Leading Edge Jewellers sponsored the cruise.
CHALLENGING DAY OUT FOR GREAT SOUTHERN GOLFERS The competitors might have been faced with tricky conditions and strong winds but the Great Southern Branch’s March Ambrose golf day nevertheless was a great success for both golfers and the event’s sponsors. Combined Metal Industries tamed the difficult conditions to finish as the best team on the day. “Members and sponsors came together to enjoy a day of food, fun and golf,” says regional manager Linda Gibbs. “Sponsors supplied great items for the giveaway bags. Albany Toyota sponsored the $10,000 hole-in-one prize, Albany Retravision helped with prizes and, aptly, Albany Garage Doors supplied a door prize of a garage door motor.”
SEMINAR PROMOTES CONSTRUCTION CAREERS A successful interactive seminar aimed at highlighting roles and potential career paths throughout the building and construction process was held at Master Builders’ South West business training and function centre recently. The joint initiative between the Department of Education and the Association’s South West office delivered the informative seminar to 32 delegates from educational facilities throughout the region. Master Builders’ regional manager Geoff Bosustow says it is important for educators to have a broader understanding of the many and varied roles within the construction industry particularly as the public perception is often limited to occupations such of bricklaying, plumbing, electrical, plastering and painting. “But the designer who drew the plans, the surveyor who pegged out the land, the scheduler who coordinated the delivery of product and trades to site and the site supervisor coordinating those trades might not come to mind,” he said. “The world of building and construction covers many facets of both white and blue collar workers. “Those working in the industry can attest to the fact that it is both personally and financially very rewarding. It provides career paths people can aspire to. Events such as this seminar coordinated by Master Builders open the door to the varied opportunities available in the industry. Our educators are now primed to be able to identify students’ interests and steer those students into rewarding paths which in turn lead to entry to the building and construction workforce from secondary and tertiary levels.”
Master Builders’ South West regional manager Geoff Bosustow and Lee Miles (Department of Education) at the careers seminar in Bunbury.
Mr Bosustow said the seminar received excellent feedback from the audience and resulted in a number of vital connections being made which will enhance the building industry profile to both educators and students.
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REPORTS branches M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Master Builders’ Bunbury premises are being put to good use and offer outstanding facilities for external users.
MASTER BUILDERS’ BUNBURY CENTRE GOING STRONG WA’s South West is the most populated region outside the Perth metropolitan area with more than 157,000 residents, equivalent to just under nine percent of the combined Perth-Peel region population. The Planning Commission estimates there will be more than 180,000 residents living in the South West by 2029.
Master Builders’ investment in its new Bunbury business, training and function facility has been made at the right time to tap the South West region’s steady growth. Officially opened in December, the venue is up and running, holding seminars and workshops for the likes of the Water Corporation, the Bunbury Chamber of Commerce and BGC Construction.
“Opportunities are now available to utilise the facility for meetings, sundowners or trade days and for the promotion of services, products and membership in our exciting new development,” says regional manager Geoff Bosustow. For more information, contact Mr Bosustow on 9726 0939 or at Geoff. bosustow@mbawa.com
PILBARA MEETINGS PRESENT TRAINING OPTIONS A dedicated group of industry providers met in Karratha and Port Hedland in March with a strong group of Master Builder members, keen to learn about funding and support for a range of training options including taking on apprentices and up-skilling staff. “Securing a strong future for our industry can only be achieved by making sure we take on the role of looking after young people in the industry,” says Master Builders’ regional manager Di Gilleland. “We need to encourage, lead and provide them with the skills necessary for their future career pathways” Speakers at the meeting were Marlene Boundy (Pilbara Institute), Scott Thomson (Construction Training Fund), Mark Pincott and Sharren Holt (Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council) and Ms Gilleland. Mr Pincott flew from Brisbane to attend the forum with a key focus being integration of foundation skills into the work being done by Master Builders in partnership with the Pilbara Institute, supported by the Construction Training Fund.
The CPSISC representatives said support for acquisition of language, literacy and numeracy skills will play a key role in underpinning programs that support upskilling the workforce as well as developing a more sustainable platform on which to build programs of successful transition from school and community into further education, training and career pathways. The evening also was an opportunity for recently appointed Pilbara Institute managing director Ms Boundy to introduce herself and explain her role and plans.
Sharing information at the Pilbara meetings (l-r): Terry Rogers, Debbie Bendon, Anita Denning, Marlene Boundy, Sharren Holt and Scott Thomson.
“It was enlightening to see attendees turning up to take advantage of the information and services available to them,” Ms Gilleland said of the meetings. “We hope industry will start looking at the ageing workforce and realise that young people are the future. To sustain a viable future, we all must pass on our knowledge now, not later.”
Scott Thomson, Sharren Holt, Mark Pincott, Tim Fleischer, Marlene Boundy and Jos Darvall.
personal pars UPDATES 49 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Congratulations to financial controller Tony Taverner who celebrated 10 years’ service to Master Builders WA in March. Tony, second from right, has a fair distance to go to catch up to Master Builders’ lifers pictured with him, Kim Richardson, Charles Anderson and Gavan Forster. Between that trio there’s a total of about 75 years of travail at the Association.
Judy Neil, wife of Brian Neil (the foundation secretary of Master Builders’ Geraldton Branch) has relocated to Perth from Geraldton.
Rachel McAllister has resumed her role as builder liaison manager with LandCorp after returning from maternity leave.
Former John Holland WA general manager Adam Harry has commenced his own building business, Echelon, which has its office in Subiaco.
Dave Watson has stepped down as chairman of Master Builders’ Pilbara Branch due to his family’s relocation to Melbourne. Dave still hopes to continue his involvement with Goodline in Port Hedland on a fly-in, fly-out basis.
Former Master Builders’ industrial officer Arthur Bajada recently celebrated his fiftieth birthday. Arthur is now the people and performance manager at Tip Top in Canning Vale, a division of George Weston Foods.
Master Builders Northern Territory executive director Graham Kemp is recovering at home following three strokes late last year. We wish Graham all the best for a speedy recovery. In the meantime David Malone is acting executive director in Darwin.
Former State Revenue Commissioner Bill Sullivan has taken on the role of director of Building Management and Works following Jennifer McGrath’s move to the Department of Corrective Services. Rod Alderton was acting in the director role in February and March.
John Clifton from LandCorp has just celebrated his twenty-fifth anniversary with organisation, a magnificent achievement.
Sid Thoo has been elected chairman of Australian Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) in WA. Roger Hills continues as CEO, based in Sydney.
Philip Griffiths (Griffiths Architects) has been elected president of the Australian Institute of Architects WA Chapter from May. Philip takes over from David Karotkin who is now the AIA’s national president.
Kevin McPhail is the new secretary of the Master Builders Bowling Club.
Frank Marra has been appointed the chief executive of LandCorp after 20 years with the business. Frank was previously managing the strategic end of LandCorp’s business which included the evaluation of projects, business development and corporate planning. He takes over from Ross Holt who left LandCorp late last year. Frank is a former member of Master Builders’ Housing Committee.
A cheerio to Master Builders Bowling Club councillor Ivan Donaldson who is recovering from recent open heart surgery. Best wishes also for a speedy recovery to Association honorary member Mal Dempsey who suffered a heart attack on a cruise ship in February.
Peter Verwer, the CEO of the Property Council, has resigned to take up a new job in Hong Kong from May.
Craig Amos has replaced Justine Campbell as Decmil’s chief financialoOfficer.
ReddiFund has appointed Norman Rose as its accountant. He will take over from Richard Eaton who retires in July.
Wayne Zekulich has joined the Jaxon board as a director and company secretary.
Sincere condolences to the family of Master Builders Bowling Club member Carl Donaldson who died recently. Carl was a great ambassador for the Club. He was a long standing and esteemed member whose presence and friendship will be missed.
The Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Heating has elected Mark Lommers as its new WA president, replacing Ian Harwood.
Congratulations to Robert Shaw (Daly and Shaw) on his four-year term as president of Netball WA which came to an end in April. For most of his term Robert was also president of Master Builders WA. What do they say about giving jobs to busy people?
Congratulations to former Jaxon construction manager Ron Scott and his wife June on the occasion of their diamond wedding anniversary in March. Sixty years of marital bliss is an awesome achievement rivalling Ron’s Robert Law Award in 2005. May the romance continue.
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Michael Hughes has taken over from Rob Wild as CEO of Cordells.
Congratulations to Greg and Marion Di Bucci (A Di Bucci and Son) on the occasion of their pearl wedding anniversary in March.
Congratulations to Master Builders’ president John Ripp (EMCO) and his wife Kay on their ruby wedding anniversary in March.
Life just began for Master Builders’ board member Michael Vermey (Affordable Living Homes) on becoming a quadragenarian.
Congratulations to Ray White Group which is celebrating its twentieth anniversary in the real estate and property business in WA this year. Ray White Real Estate is a major regional sponsor of Master Builders in both Geraldton and Broome.
Shane Kempton has been appointed CEO of The Professionals.
Raine and Horne has appointed Mark Grisdale as its state manager.
Stuart Henry has relocated back to Perth from Indiana in the USA. Stuart continues to manage the secretariat for the World Plumbing Council and the Plumbing Product Industry Group. His office is now located with the MPA Group at 353 Shepperton Road in East Victoria Park.
Matt Johnson (Ace Plumbing and Johnson and Co Plumbing and Gas) and Stephen Swan (Swans Complete Plumbing) have been elected to the executive committee of the Master Plumbers and Gasfitters Association.
Congratulations to Garry Newcombe from the Department of Commerce who pioneered the idea of consumer protection awards 10 years ago. These awards help raise awareness of the champions who assist consumers get a fair deal from the businesses and organisations they
David Marshall has been appointed state manager of John Holland in WA.
Congratulations to the Summit Homes team on celebrating 35 years building, renovating and developing new homes in the WA housing industry.
Congratulations to Peter Phur who celebrated 25 years at ABN Group Training and 20 years at Webb and Brown-Neaves in April.
The DORIC Group has appointed David Richardson as chief financial officer.
Mark Birrell, a former Liberal Party politician in Victoria, has been appointed chairman of Infrastructure Australia. Mr Birrell
deal with on a day to day business.
replaces Sir Rod Eddington.
Congratulations to Harry Xydas and his team at DORIC on celebrating their twenty-fifth year in the building and construction industry in WA this year. DORIC has been a consistent winner of Master Builders’ Excellence in Construction Awards since 1989.
Master Builders’ board member Andy Peppercorn has left Built Environs.
Congratulations to Danny Psaros and his team at Psaros on winning the Best Residential Development at the International Property Awards for the Asia Pacific region. The successful PSAROS apartment project was the Edge in Newcastle Street which is due for completion in April 2015.
With the departure of Mike Atkinson Shaw to pursue Eastern States interests, Interior Building Solutions has re-branded as Davidson Projects under the direction of Daniel and Jacquie Davidson. IBS were responsible for much of the recent Construction House refurbishment work, including Master Builders’ office fitout.
Condolences to family and friends of Build West director Chris Leverett who died suddenly in February.
Stephen Price has decided to end his employment as chief executive officer of Fleetwood Corporation from 30 June.
Paul Blakeley is the new state manager of Harcourts.
BUCKERIDGE WAS INDUSTRY ICONOCLAST This edition of Master Builder is the magazine’s first opportunity to salute the passing of one of the building industry’s great characters, Len Buckeridge, who died in March at the age of 77. Of course, much was written at the time of his death but suffice to say, the legacy of his quest for affordable housing for West Australians will live on for many decades. Master Builders’ director Michael McLean says Mr Buckeridge’s death was a sad day for the building industry in WA. “Len Buckeridge was an industry powerhouse who pioneered affordable housing and
freedom of association in the commercial building sector,” Mr McLean said. “He had a can-do attitude and through his companies, developed a diverse range of building products and affordable housing types. He was also instrumental in reducing trade union power in the commercial building sector.”
construction industry over many years. Mr Buckeridge was only the fourth recipient, and the first builder to be honoured (though subsequently he was joined by John Roberts, Ron Scott, Rob Torrance, Garry BrownNeaves, Dale Alcock, Julian Walter, John Doust and George Allingame).
Master Builders had long recognised Mr Buckeridge’s importance to the industry. In 2001, the Association presented him with its Robert Law Award. The annual award, named after the Association’s first president, recognises an organisation’s or individual’s major contribution to WA’s building and
“The fruits of many of Len’s initiatives will continue to benefit West Australian homebuyers for many decades,” Mr McLean said.
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PEN PORTRAIT: NICK VERNON What are you working on now? Spreading the word to all our members that MBA Insurance Services is one of the last remaining industry specialist brokers, that by supporting MBAIS, members actually are supporting their own industry as all our profits are returned to the Master Builders Association. I’m also working on creating products and strategies that ensure our members have better coverage at better premiums than they receive from other brokers. What lies ahead for you? Exciting times I hope. We hope to grow our business and provide better service and products to our members than any other broker in the market. What were you doing before joining MBA Insurance Services? I was working for one of the big international broking houses, managing large utility accounts.
At a critical time in the development of the Master Builder movement’s important insurance brokerage, MBA Insurance Services, Nick Vernon took up the challenge of moving to Perth, taking on the role of state manager and successfully boosting the WA office’s performance. How long have you now been with MBA Insurance Services at Master Builders in Perth? In WA – for 17 months now. But I have been with MBA Insurance Services for almost four years. I started with the team in Melbourne. What does your role involve? My role is quite varied. I look after our team of insurance brokers, although to be honest, they are all very professional and look after themselves. I speak with members and help them with their insurance and risk management needs; visit the regions to help our regional members; help set up insurance programs that ensure full coverage while keeping premiums down.
When you’re not at Master Builders, what keeps you busy? Fishing, although I’m not very good at it! Golf, watching football, horse racing. Editor’s note: Nick seems to have overlooked his penchant for powerful motorbikes. Inspiring words? I actually got both of these little gems from my dad. One is for business and the other for life. “I have no quarrel with people who sell for less; after all they should know the value of their product.” And “Winners are not people who never fail, but people who never quit.” Favourite destination? Overseas: Queenstown, New Zealand. Locally: Port Douglas. Future Plans Professionally – to help build a strong successful business to support our members. Personally – travel, catch more fish, relax more with friends and family.
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Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson has been at the forefront of WA building industry industrial relations for decades. He reflects on the ongoing activities of the State branch of the CFMEU.
THERE’S A PLACE FOR RESPONSIBLE CONSTRUCTION UNIONS
Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson
March saw the WA CFMEU ordered by the Federal Court to pay $500,000 in damages to a builder as well as pay almost $190,000 in fines as a result of unlawful industrial action on two construction sites in 2013. The case attracted media attention, not only for the sizeable financial costs involved, but also because of the conduct of union assistant secretary Joe McDonald who used physical threats against a construction worker to prevent the worker from entering a building site at which the union wanted to have strike action. Other verbal threats also were made by Mr McDonald to subcontractors. The union’s defence of the unacceptable conduct was an indictment, showing its inability to control the excesses of a senior official and its willingness to condone bullying and thuggish behaviour. The incident comprised part of facts in the case agreed by the union; it was not contested evidence. These were facts admitted by the union. The evidence in each of the 2013 disputes clearly showed the union officials had no legitimate reason to engage in the conduct involved and ignored all legal avenues open to them and the union if they wanted to press the matter in a responsible way. Regrettably, the incident is one of several in recent years in which the union has had
to pay out heavy financial penalties for unlawful conduct. It shows the union, for its own reasons, sees itself above the law and answerable to no one. This includes union members as it is union members’ funds that are being squandered on irresponsible action and reducing members’ assets. The conduct also is at odds with the union’s registered rules. Nowhere do these set out that irresponsible strike action or physical threats form part of approved conduct or behaviour. Rather, the union’s rules refer to relying on the conciliation and arbitration process under the relevant industrial relations laws. It seems the union and certain officials choose to ignore their own overarching rules, that they should act in a responsible manner as many other unions do. Rather, the CFMEU adopts unlawful conduct somehow as a badge of honour. As the union’s records show, the CFMEU in the past decade has paid out almost $10 million in legal penalties, fines and legal fees, mostly as a result of unlawful industrial action. Few in the private sector would be able to do so without consequences but it seems the CFMEU allows some of its officials to be unaccountable. The union even turns a blind eye to admitted thuggish behaviour. If these most recent court actions are not sufficient motivation for the CFMEU to embrace a more responsible approach, it will need to take seriously the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission announcing it is looking at alleged breaches of secondary boycott provisions of the Australian Competition and Consumer law in a number of industrial disputes. While not used often in the industrial relations context, these provisions carry heavy penalties of up to $750,000 per breach with damages also payable as compensation for economic loss.
The provisions were first used in IR disputes in the mid 1980s and in the 1990s. Unions quickly learnt to minimise exposure to such allegations. Those early secondary boycott cases involving unions resulted in multi-million dollar penalties being applied. The CFMEU is front and centre in at least some of the current investigations in Victoria with claims of $7 million against it. As the CFMEU in WA and Victoria have past experience with these laws in the 1990s, they ought to have a better understanding of the implications. However, it seems the current union leadership has not learnt the lessons of the past and want to pursue tired old tactics of the 1980s and 1990s rather than adopt responsible twentyfirst century unionism for the membership and to work constructively with construction employers for the benefit of those who work in the industry. The CFMEU leadership want to perpetuate the class struggle of the last century, something lost on the current construction industry workforce and of little relevance to it. The question for the CFMEU leadership is: if most unions, including the likes of the AWU and metals union in the resource sector, are able to work in a constructive manner with employers, why is it the CFMEU is either unable or unwilling to do so? Also, how long will the union be able to pay out heavy financial penalties for intentional unlawful conduct that only works against the best interests of union members, most, if not all, of whom have done nothing unlawful? It lies with the leadership of the CFMEU to be part of the twenty-first century workplace not the last century’s.
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BY CRIKEY A CFMEU (Qld) official is facing prosecution action by FWBC for allegedly breaching federal union right of entry provisions on a building site. The official allegedly claimed he was “Steve Irwin” when challenged by a site manager. Next will be the Lone Ranger no doubt!
VOUCHERS LEGIT
FWBC director Nigel Hadgkiss (left) is pictured at the lunch with (l-r) Master Builders’ president John Ripp, Jackson McDonald partner Basil Georgiou and Harry Xydas (DORIC).
HADGKISS AT BOARDROOM LUNCH Lawyers Jackson MacDonald hosted a boardroom lunch in March with Fair Work Building and Construction director Nigel Hadgkiss as guest speaker. Mr Hadgkiss outlined his vision for the change of direction of FWBC under his watch with a move to look at the core issues of improper and unlawful conduct in some sectors of the building and construction industry. His observations were that unacceptable behaviour had again become the norm in some parts of the construction industry, especially in Queensland and Victoria in recent years. Mr Hadgkiss said this was not in the best interests of the industry, those who work in it nor the industry’s clients. Master Builders has been a strong supporter of the ABCC and has advocated for the return of a strong cop on the beat in the construction industry since it was replaced by FWBC by the former Labor Government in early 2012. Those attending the lunch welcomed the candid views expressed by Mr Hadgkiss and the new focus of FWBC he outlined.
FWBC TAKES CFMEU TO FEDERAL COURT Just days after the Jackson McDonald boardroom lunch, FWBC sought an urgent hearing in the Federal Court to prevent further disruptive conduct by the CFMEU at the $400 million Bald Hills Wind Farm construction site in Central Victoria. FWBC alleges blockades occurred at the site on 18 February and on 20, 21 and 26 March. Its investigators were on the ground from one week before the first blockade. Police were called to provide reinforcement on each day blockades occurred. It says workers have been prevented from entering the site to perform work and truck deliveries of materials to the site were stopped because of the blockade. Allegations of coercion and adverse action are being investigated. FWBC alleges that by blockading the site the union was interfering and preventing work being formed on the site where 52 turbines are being constructed. In response to FWBC’s interlocutory injunction application made in the Federal Court, the CFMEU agreed to give the court an undertaking that work at the site would not be disrupted. FWBC director Nigel Hadgkiss said havoc had been wreaked at the Bald Hills Wind Farm site in recent weeks. He urged building and construction industry participants to phone FWBC’s Hotline on 1800 003 338 for confidential information about workplace rights.
A union failed in a Federal Court action against an employer which gave non-striking employees shopping vouchers to say thank you for not striking and for crossing a union picket in the face of abuse. The union argued striking union members were discriminated against by not getting a voucher. Just why the union took this petty stand is a mystery as the initial dispute got resolved to each party’s satisfaction. Talk about losing the plot.
UNION LOSES $690,000 The CFMEU (WA) has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay $500,000 damages to a builder and pay almost $190,000 in fines for unlawful conduct in 2013. An admission of physical threats of violence against a construction worker by union assistant secretary, Joe McDonald, was not a good look for the union nor its muted response to outrageous conduct.
UNION FRAUD CHARGES Another unwelcome development on this front has seen the former secretary of the textile union in 2002-04 charged with fraud for allegedly falsifying union records. He faces 77 charges. Even more embarrassing is the person is the current South Australian Employee Ombudsman who is supposed to protect employee entitlements.
FAST PLASTER Recent press reports out of Melbourne allege a commercial plastering contractor with links to bikie gangs went bust only to re-emerge as another entity and win work again due to bikie influence. Oddly, assets of the failed contractor showed two Lamborghinis, which could not be found. Few surprises why the business failed with a business plan like that.
FAILED DRUG TEST ALARMING The Fair Work Commission recently dismissed an unfair dismissal claim in which a union workplace delegate was sacked for having a high drug reading. The union argued the drug test was defective and the delegate able to work safely. FWC found the drug test a “gold standard” and union attempts to play down the unacceptable high drug test results alarming. This was a common sense decision.
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CAN YOU AFFORD NOT TO HAVE MANAGEMENT LIABILITY INSURANCE? Where PI Insurance cover the activities of the company, Management Liability Insurance focuses on the act of running the company. Management Liability Insurance covers damages and claimant costs awarded against you, defense (legal) costs, investigation costs and civil fines and pecuniary penalties. It is a packaged product which normally covers the following management liability risks. MBA Insurance Services can help with Management Liability Insurance cover. Talk to WA state manager Nick Vernon on 9476 9898.
Management Liability Insurance protects you and your company against the risks and exposures of running the company (that is, your liability for mismanagement). Without adequate protection you could risk losing not only the business, but also personal assets. This insurance protects you personally and therefore your wealth and lifestyle. The legal costs alone to defend allegations of wrongful acts can be financially crippling for businesses and individuals. In the current economic climate, companies have seen an increase in business failures, regulatory investigations, employment practices claims, employee theft and regulatory actions. The potential for severity of loss grows as revenue in the company increases. The bigger the company, the bigger the claims tend to be. As the regulatory environment changes, directors are often unaware of their full responsibilities at law. They are responsible for the risk management of their companies and ASIC has been on the front foot, putting directors on notice. A company’s reputation can be damaged if it is investigated, not to mention the ongoing legal costs to defend claims. And as well as directors, managers and employees can be held personally liable (exposing personal wealth). Actions can be brought by regulators (such as the ACCC, ASIC and the ATO), employees, competitors, creditors, shareholders, clients and liquidators/administrators. Management Liability Insurance is not Professional Indemnity Insurance – why not? The purpose of Professional Indemnity (PI) Insurance is to respond to claims from third parties in respect of the professional/specialist services (including advice) you provide, not to deal with claims that you mismanaged your company and caused loss to others. You have to take out separate insurance for this exposure.
Directors’ and Officers’ Liabilities The insurance will protect the past, present and future directors and officers plus anyone else involved in the management of a company for claims alleging a wrongful act and for which the company does not grant indemnification to such person. Employees can also be covered. Claim examples include unfair competition, fraud/ breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation of trade secrets, insolvent trading and manslaughter. Employment Practices Liabilities The insurance provides cover to the company, directors, officers and employees for claims made by current, past and prospective employees for issues arising from employment practices, including bullying/harassment, unfair dismissal, discrimination and other employment issues. Statutory Liabilities Cover can extend to certain individuals and the company for fines and penalties from operating the business including fines related to workers compensation, occupational health safety penalties, EPA and other pecuniary penalties. Crime Cover A comprehensive crime section provides cover to the company for loss arising from dishonest acts such as theft and fraud by employees including theft of stock and theft by contractors and consultants. Corporate Entity Liabilities This is extremely relevant for companies that are owned by the directors. It provides cover to the company for actions arising from managerial matters. A claim against the company will cause the same financial hardship to the owner; therefore this cover is extended to provide protection to the company. Many of the same claims against the directors and officers typically will be brought first against the company. Claim examples include wrongful act/fraud, shareholder dispute and shareholder employment.
Legal Representation Costs Legal representation costs that are incurred by directors/officers and the company for attendance at official investigations or inquiries such as ASIC are covered. Tax Investigation, Public Relations, Crisis Containment Additional management exposures also can be insured to reimburse the company for certain costs incurred during a tax investigation by the ATO or to engage professional assistance in a crisis. Most common claims under Management Liability Insurance • Breaches of directors’ duties and/or fiduciary duties, including breach of trust. • False, misleading and deceptive conduct by directors, officers and employees. • Actions alleging improper and illegal conduct. • Statutory breaches of duty. • OHS prosecutions and inquiries. • Employment claims including unfair/wrongful dismissal, discrimination, harassment and wrongful failure to employ or promote. • Defamation by directors and officers. • Breach of intellectual property rights by directors and officers. • Employee theft • Statutory fines and penalties • Taxation investigation costs Summary • Management Liability Insurance covers exposures and risks in managing a business. • Directors and officers face personal and corporate liabilities in managing companies and can be held personally liable. • Claims often can arise from actual or alleged breaches of the Corporations Act. • Where PI Insurance covers the activities of the company, Management Liability Insurance focuses on the act of running the company.
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EMCO’S DECADE OF COVER Master Builders’ president John Ripp (left) and MBA Insurance Services’ state manager Nick Vernon share a congratulatory handshake on a decade-long partnership between the broker and Mr Ripp’s firm EMCO Building. Mr Vernon says it is great to have EMCO’s continued support. “We thank John and the EMCO staff for allowing us to provide critical risk management and insurance advice for an amazing 10 years,” he said.
LATEST HOUSING FINANCE DATA CONFIRMS POSITIVE TREND Home lending statistics released in April remain positive and show that confidence in the residential building recovery remains strong, according to Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch. “The latest data released by the ABS records a 2.3 percent rise, seasonally adjusted in February,” he said. “While the total numbers of home lending and home lending for new housing were not as strong at just under one percent seasonally adjusted, the trend remains positive with a 20 percent increase over the year. “This level of home lending augurs well for the residential building recovery and will be reflected in the forthcoming GDP data and more importantly in increased employment as the building industry hires more people during the building phase.” Mr Harnisch said the flattening of lending for existing homes shows some easing and should help to ameliorate house prices. Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.
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Clients regularly ask why it takes so long to build in WA and this prompted some discussion at Master Builders’ Housing Council, says the Association’s housing director Geoff Cooper.
WHAT’S A REASONABLE CONSTRUCTION TIME? now commonly been replaced with heavier and more challenging to work with granite or composite stone product bench. Housing products are also increasingly sourced from overseas. While this may cut the cost, it can add to delays if these aren’t available as or when set out in the project program. New homes also must meet 6-star energy efficiency requirements. This can mean additional insulation, double glazing, eaves or other design features that may add to the complexity of new home builds, depending upon orientation.
Master Builders’ housing director Geoff Cooper says there are many reasons why residential construction times are longer now.
It is clear that building times will increase due to a jump in construction activity. The 30 percentplus jump in housing approvals in the last year has put some strains on the industry already. Brickies were the first trade to go into short supply, but reports of shortages of other trades, including roof carpenters, are beginning to emerge. Shortages of trades are a major cause of delay and frustration in the construction process. It highlights the need for the industry and government to collaborate to train more workers in WA. The emerging shortage of trades is only one reason it takes a lot longer to build now than in the past. The process of building an average home is more complex than ever before. First, homes are larger. While there is a trend back towards smaller dwellings in recent years, houses are still much bigger than they were decades ago. That means there are more bricks to lay, more tiles to lay and more plastering to do! The standard of homes is higher too. Double lock-up garages are an expectation now, rather than the single car ports many accepted in previous times. A laminated kitchen bench has
Our larger homes are now being situated on ever smaller blocks. This feeds demand for multi-storey homes which attract more safety precautions for the on-site workers, which adds to the construction time. Single storey homes on small lots also might need to incorporate additional construction features to meet energy efficiency standards. The complexity of the building process and building products also has meant that the trades have had to specialise more. Years ago, a plumber would deal with all gas, water and reticulation connections, but now specialist and different trades do these jobs individually. Our trades are also an ageing group. The real wages of trades have risen in WA. These factors have meant some tradies are no longer as willing to put in long additional hours to meet cyclical increases in demand for their services. The WA Government must shoulder a lot of blame for the significant delays that so often result from the time taken to issue titles. Builders and home buyers are sharing the frustration of being ready to build but having to wait sometimes months to get their title issued. The Government also must take some of the blame for delays with significantly more complex connection procedures for electricity, water and gas. It can be challenging to secure rapid service from already stretched utility providers. Recently, our builders have been further affected by new telecommunication connection policies that are delaying the completion of building projects.
Builders are also hampered by government red tape in other areas. They are now forbidden to do basic plumbing or electrical work without having a full license, so they have to call in specialist trades for tasks they previously did themselves. They also have to use a registered painter for work valued at more than $1000, so builders can’t put on their overalls to finish a paint job to hand over the home sooner. Some commentators have suggested that we are lagging behind other States in construction times. However, it is a somewhat superficial approach because there are some distinct differences in the building processes in WA. I have mentioned our planning system delays above. We also must acknowledge the dominance of double brick in the Perth, Peel and greater Bunbury regions, which is a labour intensive system compared to some other construction methods. There is greater reliance on framed and modular construction in the East. Our builders also commonly allow for limited variations at no or modest cost during construction which, according to reports we have received, are not generally allowed by builders in other States. So we are set to be impacted by longer builder times. As always, communicate openly with your clients to keep abreast of progress and adjust your expectations to the tighter market in 2014. Feedback is welcome to Geoff@mbawa.com.
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INNOVATIVE ARCHITECT WINS GEN Y HOUSING PRIZE unanimously agreed The Step House design had the potential to be an effective stand-alone commercial proposition which could be easily adopted in the current WA market. The Gen Y Demonstration House Competition was intended to be a catalyst for the delivery of more innovative, sustainable and adaptable living options. Mr Barr said the project provided a fantastic opportunity for Generation Y architects to design a home that caters for four adults living with each other on 250 square metres.
Winning Gen Y architect David Barr (left) with LandCorp chief executive Frank Marra.
David Barr has been named the winner of LandCorp’s Gen Y Demonstration House Competition, which challenged young WA architects to design an innovative and sustainable home to suit Generation Y homeowners. Lands Minister Terry Redman said the competition asked architects aged under 38 to design a home that appealed to younger buyers looking for elements not necessarily part of a traditional property. “The demonstration home has been designed by Generation Y for Generation Y,” Mr Redman said. “It is clear from the outstanding entries that affordability is the major factor facing Generation Y when they enter the housing market. Through innovative small lot design, adaptable living spaces and creative thinking, these architects have come up with a range of ideas which we can use to better understand and assist young people become homeowners.” Mr Barr’s winning entry, ‘The Step House’, earned him a $5000 prize and his design will be built as a demonstration home at LandCorp’s Fusion Estate infill development at White Gum Valley. The boutique two hectare residential estate will be developed on the former Kim Beazley School site, opposite Royal Fremantle Golf Course on Stevens Street. Mr Barr (34), of David Barr Architects, will work closely with LandCorp in the construction of The Step House. It features three individual apartments which are clearly delineated and can be bought separately. The competition’s judging panel, headed by Patric De Villiers, Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, Landscape and Visual Arts at UWA,
“We had the challenge of creating space for independence as well as inter-dependence for four,” he said. “The approach we took was to have three separate dwellings. Each dwelling is small but has a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living/dining and outdoor courtyard with small water-wise garden.
“Mr Barr’s winning concept, with its multiple living spaces, is one that can be replicated in different areas of the housing market right across the State. Mr Barr truly understood the challenges Gen Y faces when looking to enter the housing market and he provided innovative and exciting solutions. We look forward to seeing the design translate into reality when it is built at Fusion Estate.” The Gen Y Demonstration House Competition was endorsed by the City of Fremantle, the Australian Institute of Architects and the Office of the Government Architect.
“The affordability aspect comes though by having a raw but highly liveable shell so you can incrementally add layers when time and money permits. These layers can be paint, cornices, skirting, built-in furniture and maybe enclosing the carport structure so it becomes a garage, workshop or studio. The design also provides for growing families, in that two units can easily be amalgamated into one.” LandCorp chief executive Frank Marra said the purpose of the competition was to look for a design which was environmentally sensitive and considered affordability, flexibility and the Gen Y lifestyle. “All of the 21 submissions received, which were shortlisted to six, demonstrated creativity and outside the square thinking,” he said.
Images of Mr Barr’s The Step House (Craig Kinder F22 Photography).
UPDATES technical
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Following the March-April Master Builder article ‘Fitting Requirements for Fitouts’, Master Builders’ technical adviser Romina De Santis convened a roundtable meeting in March to discuss issues confronting fitout contractors. She reports on the forum.
FITOUT CONTRACTORS GET A VOICE R o min a D e S a
nt
The March roundtable proved to be a valuable discussion on the complications faced by fitout builders and contractors. We were fortunate to have Kishor Dabasia from the Building Commission, Gavan Forster from Master Builders and Mark Valentini from MSA Group to facilitate the discussion. Some of the main matters discussed follow. is
Base Building Compliance The narrow view of some base building consultants is to only show building services compliant to the base building. This does not consider inevitable future uses of the building, flexibility for future occupants and partitioning that might impact compliance with a building standard requiring alternative solutions to address individual fitouts. This is a matter that developers need to consider to future-proof their buildings and ensure suitability of the building for tenants. The Building Commission has issued two relevant Industry Bulletins dealing with Certificates of Design Compliance and Building Permit application requirements and when Occupancy Permits are required. (See IB015 Occupancy permits for renovation, fitout or other minor building work – December 2012 and IB023 Building Permits for Fit Outs – May 2013. These are available on the Building Commission website under publications – www.buildingcommission.wa.gov.au/formspublications/industry-bulletins.) There still remains a lot of misunderstanding around the compliance requirements for new work in existing buildings. Access might or might not be required to the ‘affected part’ although the affected part may need to be designed and constructed for access for future upgrades to the base building. Much of the confusion is the understanding of change of use, classification, ownership and ‘all of building’ tenant arrangements that alter the way the building standards are applied.
When there is a change of classification the building or part must be upgraded to comply with each current building standard. There are no concessions. Change of use is less onerous, but further clarification is required on the subtleties of compliance for this building work. Application forms Builders are experiencing inconsistency among Permit Authorities for the requirement of owner signatures. Many are insisting on owner signatures for permit applications. This is not required where there is a lease in place that enables tenants to undertake building work within the lease area. In such cases, the lessee can sign the application. Clarification needs to be provided to industry and local government for consistency. Unauthorised work There are a number of contractors that, to avoid compliance requirements, undertake work without a Building Permit. These contractors undermine the industry and the issue needs to be addressed. The industry needs to be proactive and report work which normally would require a Building Permit but which is being undertaken without such Permit. Such incidents should be reported in writing to the Local Government for action. Schedule 4 of the Building Regulations 2012 lists building work that does not require a Building Permit. The assessment of proposed work needs to consider how building work impacts the compliance of the building with a building standard. This assessment may be completed by a Registered Building Surveyor, the Permit Authority Building Surveyor, or the Registered Builder where they are familiar with applicable building standards. Signage for Building Work A number of shopping centre and building managers do not permit signs on building work. However, signs are required by the Building Services Act. There are substantial penalties under the Act. This needs to be raised with building managers and suitable
arrangements made for compliance with the legislation for contractors to display their registration and contact details. Registration The proposed new model for tiered registration under the Building Services Act does not consider the current F Class license under which many fitout builders operate. Their line of work specialises in fitout of existing buildings and should continue to have a separate licensing arrangement to recognise these practitioners specifically. The sector’s businesses require ongoing representation to ensure their interests are protected in terms of the building work they do under the Building Act, and their registration under the Building Services Act which needs to recognise their work as vastly different to the proposed residential or unrestricted tiers. Overall, the round table was extremely beneficial for attendees. If you would like to get involved in Master Builders’ next round table, or have any feedback, contact technical adviser Romina De Santis Romina@mbawa.com.
technical UPDATES 59 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
ACCESS FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES TAKES THE NEXT STEP Signs identifying a door required by E4.5 to be provided with an exit sign must be located on the side that faces a person seeking egress and on the wall on the latch side of the door with the leading edge of the sign located between 50mm and 300mm from the architrave between 1200mm to 1600mm above the floor (see Figure 2).
Figure 1
In WA, BCA 2013 came into effect the 1 May. Under the Building Regulations 2012, you may reference either BCA 2013 or BCA 2014 for the compliance of building work subject of a Building Permit Application. The applicable BCA edition is noted on the Certificate of Design Compliance. One of the changes affecting new commercial buildings submitted for a Building Permit from 1 May is the requirement for Tactile Exit
Figure 2
Signage. The provision of Braille and tactile exit signage is intended to assist people with vision impairment to locate an exit and evacuate from the storey in a safe and equitable manner. Braille and tactile signage complying with Specification D3.6 must identify each door required by E4.5 (door to be provided with exit signs) to be provided with an exit sign and state ‘Exit’ and ‘Level’ followed by the floor number (see Figure 1).
The sign must be installed per the requirements for Accessible Toilets (same Specification). It is only correct to install the sign on the door when there is no space to provide as per the Specification. (This is unlikely given the circulation requirements around the door to provide access.) References: BCA 2013 and AS1428.1 2009
DFES TACKLING ASSESSMENT, TESTING PROCESSES The Department of Fire and Emergency Services is looking to streamline the process for assessment of plans and testing of booster installations. Master Builders is working with DFES to foster cooperation between the authority and the work it does to ensure buildings have compliant fire-fighting facilities and the needs of builders during the planning and construction of projects. Plan Assessment Lodgements for plan assessment must be made by the Private Certifier. DFES has 15 business days to make an assessment of the documentation lodged for compliance with the Standard (AS2419.1) and their operational requirements. Where non-compliance is identified, the applicants can liaise with DFES to come to a suitable resolution. Lodgement is now initially via a form on the DFES website, www.dfes.wa.gov.au. A receipt then is provided which must be attached to the hard copy documents and submitted to DFES for assessment. The goal is for plan lodgements also to be electronic, however, not for the moment.
Inspections When the building is nearing completion and able to be inspected for hydrant system installation, there is a booking form available on the website to book an inspection. Builders must allow approximately two weeks for the test to take place. This test is only required where a hydrant booster is required. DFES does not test on-site hydrants or street hydrants – this is the responsibility of the builder to arrange testing that suitable flow and pressure is available for the building. The building requires a booster test where: • Internal fire hydrants are installed. • External on-site fire hydrants are installed more than 20 metres from a fire brigade pumping appliance hardstand. • More than six external on-site ground fire hydrants are installed. • A pump set is installed. • On-site storage tanks are installed; or • More than one external on-site fire hydrant is required to serve a building where the floor area of any fire compartment is greater than 2000 square metres.
To ensure installed equipment meets DFES’s operational requirements, testing of complex fire safety systems can be undertaken by DFES prior to occupation. Independent consultants also are available to test systems also. Check with your Certifier if this is acceptable for the Certificate of Construction required for the Occupancy Permit application. The test should only be requested when the fire hydrant or sprinkler system has been fully installed and commissioned and the site is ready for DFES to carry out functional testing. DFES suggests approximately 4-6 weeks before practical completion is appropriate. The builder must submit a request for a test using the form available on the website (Hydrant Booster and Pre-Test Requirements Form) and email to inspections@dfes.wa.gov.au. DFES will require a copy of the booster system block plan prior to undertaking an inspection or test. Inquiries regarding these processes can be directed to officers of the Built Environment Branch of DFES. Source DFES website
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UPDATES training M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
WE NEED MORE APPRENTICES Master Builders’ board is continually looking at ways to boost the number of apprentices being trained in our industry. No one strategy will be enough to ensure we have enough apprentices to meet the future needs of our industry. It is both a supply of apprentices and demand for apprentices issue. The Construction Training Fund, which collects more than $30 million from our industry annually, has an important role to play in developing and implementing effective strategies to boost apprenticeship training in WA. We believe they are on the right track with their careers promotions initiatives which includes a new vocational education training program in schools.
This is already receiving positive feedback from school principals, parents and students alike. Master Builder members are encouraged to show leadership in finding ways to train more apprentices. It’s easy to do nothing but the cost of not doing anything will have consequences in the future. We are very fortunate in WA that we have the Construction Training Fund to subsidise the employment of building apprentices and trainees. For some of our trades in particularly short supply such as bricklayers, plasterers and tilers, their subsidies can be as high as $19,000.
Via our website and Master Builder magazine, Master Builders intend to promote each of our members that currently employs and trains apprentices or trainees. The future of the building industry lies in the hands of builders and subcontractors. Please give this matter your serious consideration. Within your own business, discuss how you might be able to take on an apprentice of trainee on one your construction projects.
MASTER BUILDERS RECOGNISES THE ROLE THAT THE FOLLOWING 105 MEMBERS ARE PLAYING IN EMPLOYING AND TRAINING APPRENTICES IN WA. A & A Kitchens ABN Training Group A E Hoskins and Sons Active Plumbing Advance Formwork APG Homes Associated Painting Enterprises A.T Brine and Sons Pty Ltd ATC Worksmart Australian Brick and Blocklaying Foundation Australand Property Group Pty Ltd Aquatic Leisure Technologies Badge Construction Baggetta Builders Batavia Constructions BD Partington Building Contractor BGC Residential Bill Pitt and Sons Brolga Developments and Construction Brown Brothers Furniture Built Environs Cachet Homes Capella Constructions Carter Roofing and Slating Pty Ltd Celebration Homes Civilcon (WA) Pty Ltd Coastal Ceilings Colgan Industries Cooling Bros Glazing Pty Ltd Cooper and Oxley Builders Pty Ltd Cottesloe Constructions Cowaramup Bay Building Co CPD Group Crown Construction Service Pty Ltd Cuccovia Contractors Dale Alcock Homes
Dale Alcock Home Improvements Dale Alcock Homes South West Designer Building Pty Ltd Devlyn Constructions Pty Ltd Diploma Plumbing Services Eco-Logical Building Element Construction WA EMCO Envar Engineers and Contractors Pty Ltd Ferguson Building Fox United Building Fremantle Engineering G&KD Harp Building and Construction Gemmill Homes Pty Ltd Genesis Home Master Builders Geraldton Natural Limestone GJ Gardner Homes Global Decorating Grandwood Homes Green Choice Painting and Decorating Gregory Gibson Plumbing Pty Ltd Highbury Homes (WA) Pty Ltd Home Buyers Centre HS Hyde and Son Interior Building Solutions John Holland Karamfiles Builders Just Tile and Stone KB Builders Kimberley Green Constructions Kimberley Group Training Longreach Building Services M&A Steel Fabrication Majestic Stairs Pty Ltd Martell Builders Pty Ltd McGrath Homes Pty Ltd
Mosman Bay Constructions Pty Ltd MPA Skills Northcraft Construction Pendlebury Constructions Perkins Builders Perth Tiling and Stone Company Pindan Quicklock Redink Homes Midwest Pty Ltd Robinson Buildtech Sime Building and Construction Simply Unique Constructions Skill Hire Spadaccini Constructions Spadaccini Homes Star Plumbing Pty Ltd Stepnell Carpentry Summit Home Improvements Summit Homes Sun City Plumbing Tara Constructions and Homes The Apprentice and Traineeship Company Tooltime Constructions Top Gun Roofing and Restoration Total Project Solutions Trac Building Services Trasan Contracting Pty Ltd Troy Leeman Building T & T Plumbing Air-Cond and Gas The West Australian Group Training Scheme Inc Universal Constructions Pty Ltd WA Country Builders (Geraldton) Water Corporation (Geraldton) Webb and Brown-Neaves
If you aren’t on this list and believe you should be, let Skye McCartney at Master Builders know. Phone 9476 9808 or email skye@mbawa.com.
training UPDATES 61 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Celebrating International Construction Management Day at Curtin University in March. Associate Professor Monty Sutrisna is pictured in the middle of the front row.
Curtin University School of Built Environment Construction Management Department Head, Associate Professor Monty Sutrisna, was a part of promoting International Construction Management Day on 14 March. He sees the celebration as a stimulus for collaboration.
INDUSTRY, ACADEMIA MUST COOPERATE TO PRODUCE QUALITY GRADUATES Construction management education has long been regarded as an important and yet problematic field. With skill shortages still a real issue in the construction industry, it is evident that industry practitioners sometimes find university students do not possess the necessary skills required to work in the industry after graduating. There have been various calls for the universities providing construction courses and industry stakeholders to ensure the relevance of courses by working together to better prepare graduates for construction industry careers. International Construction Management Day is a perfect occasions to celebrate but also to reflect on our discipline and academic field. Close collaboration between academia and industry in producing high calibre graduates ready for work is not a novel concept and is definitely common sense in the profession and field of construction management. While there still is much to do, Curtin University is trying to achieve
this collaboration, an example being that currently we are working closely with professional bodies to develop a scheme where, for their professional development, Curtin construction management students will be assigned industry mentors. Celebrating International Construction Management Day in WA for the first time has brought together academics, students and practitioners representing various professional bodies including the Chartered Institute of Building, the Australian Institute of Building and Master Builders. It is my personal hope that this event can be an annual tradition here and also a platform for academia and industry to genuinely collaborate closely together in WA and beyond. International Construction Management Day should provide momentum to further position construction management to receive recognition and to become a wellestablished profession and academic field.
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UPDATES training M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
FATHER OF THREE WINS TOP VOCATIONAL STUDENT AWARD
Bricklaying lecturer Eddie Campbell has been recognised with Polytechnic West’s VET Lecturer Excellence Award.
he was presented with the VET Lecturer Excellence Award at the 2013. Mr Campbell was recognised for his high level of commitment and knowledge, and the joy he gets from passing on his experience to the next generation of bricklayers. “I was really honoured and quite humbled by the experience,” Mr Campbell said. “It’s good to be nominated by my peers and supported by my manager. I think I’m reflective of the amount of work that gets done in our area, which is a really enterprising and forward thinking bunch of guys.” Mr Campbell said watching apprentices grow is the most rewarding part of his job. “The fulfilment I get out of it is seeing young people achieving. Over their apprenticeship you see a change in them. They gain confidence, they gain skills and they grow about six foot.”
Polytechnic West’s Vocational Student of the Year for 2013, Genaro Auriemma.
Mature aged student Genaro Auriemma was recently celebrated as Polytechnic West’s Vocational Student of the Year for 2013. The father of three first enrolled in the Diploma of Builder’s Registration in 2003 but was forced to take a break when family commitments took hold. “It was a difficult decision to put my studies on hold but something I had to do for my family,” Mr Auriemma said. “Last year I decided to take my long service leave and commit to finally finishing my diploma. There were quite a few changes to the study program but it was a challenge I really enjoyed. I’m very proud of my achievements and I look forward to now securing my building licence.” Mr Auriemma entered the building industry almost by accident when he took up a job as a trade assistant after finishing university. Since then his enthusiasm for building and
construction has grown and the more involved he has become in the industry the stronger he has felt about it. “As soon as I started I liked the work. From that point I always wanted to be a builder,” he said. “My ambition is to run my own business. I’m passionate about the industry and dedicated to doing whatever it takes to be my own boss.” At the Polytechnic West awards evening, Mr Auriemma was acknowledged not only for his academic achievement, but also his willingness to go out of his way to assist others in the class with projects and assignments. He currently works at Boral Construction Materials. Veteran lecturer recognised Veteran bricklaying lecturer Eddie Campbell also was recognised at the awards when
Mr Campbell regularly donates his own time after hours and on weekends to train, mentor and coach his students. He trained Alan Ramsden, last year’s Australian representative for bricklaying at the International WorldSkills Competition in Leipzig, Germany. He also has been a convenor at the Global Skills Challenge and the Golden Trowel Competitions. “I enjoy getting involved in the competition aspect,” he said. “It gives you that extra little bit of drive and the chance to upgrade skills and work at a higher level.” Mr Campbell is now in his thirtieth year of service at Polytechnic West and shows no signs of slowing down. He has his sights firmly set on helping his students win gold at the 2015 International WorldSkills Competition in Brazil.
training UPDATES 63 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
MASTER BUILDERS APPRENTICE AWARDS CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Master Builders Apprentice Awards The Master Builders Association invites employers of directly indentured apprentices to nominate their best building apprentice(s) for this year’s Master Builders’ Apprentice of the Year Awards. There are also categories for the best wall and floor tiling apprentice, best female apprentice and best bricklaying apprentice. Apprentices engaged by Skill Hire, ABN Group Training, The Apprentice and Traineeship Company and the Department of Treasury & Finance (Building Management & Works) will also be participating in these prestigious awards. How to nominate Employers wishing to nominate an apprentice should complete the nomination form which is available from Master Builders.
Nominations should include sufficient information to allow the judging panel to properly assess the nominees and include details such as: • academic results plus any favourable reports from teachers/lecturers; • information on work skills, special skills, knowledge of trade and ability to relate to fellow workers; • achievements or awards received from TAFE or other training providers; • testimonials from teachers, lecturers, employers or community groups; and • reports of involvement in community groups/projects.
The Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards will be held on Friday 7 November 2014 at the Perth Convention Exhibition Centre in conjunction with the Ric New Medal for young high achievers. Download entry forms at: www.mbawa.com/wp-content/ uploads/2014/04/2014-Apprentice-of-theYear-Entry-Kit.pdf For more information contact: Training Director, Neil Du Rand on 9441 8000 or via email to: neil@mbawa.com.
Recognising our best apprentices is a major step in encouraging more young people to choose a career in the building industry with employers of direct indentured apprentices urged to support these awards.
The nomination form must be received by Friday 8 August 2014.
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FEATURE butler railway station M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
READY FOR TAKE OFF - COOPER AND OXLEY COMPLETES THE BUTLER RAILWAY STATION From the air the inspired ultra-modern Butler rail and bus station constructed by Cooper and Oxley looks more like a stealth aircraft than a public transport facility. Designed by Coniglio Ainsworth Architects, the newly completed construction is situated at the end of the extended Joondalup railway line, 7.5 kilometres north of the previous terminus at Clarkson Station. Consultation to develop the project began in December 2010 with the Public Transport Authority, Transperth, City of Wanneroo, Main Roads and the Brighton Joint Venture Developers. Cooper and Oxley was selected to build the facility and work began in 2011. With a distinguished history of over 60 years in the building and construction industry, Cooper and Oxley proved to be an excellent choice for the project and the job was completed well ahead of schedule in March 2014. The Cooper and Oxley construction is part of the State Government’s $240.7 million plan to provide transport options to those living in Perth's rapidly growing northern communities. Infrastructure in the project includes three bridges over the train tracks at Landbeach Boulevard, Benenden Avenue and Butler Boulevard and fibre-optic cable extension between Perth and Joondalup for radio, CCTV and signaling communications.
At ground level, the design of the $24 million Butler train and bus station is as striking as it is from the air. Its architecture of wide expanses and sweeping curves creates an environment unlike any conventional terminal in Australia. A Ritek insulated roof panel system proved to accommodate the high spans of the contemporary design while ensuring a low maintenance, cost effective and attractive solution. The overall layout of the station forms a strong sense of connectivity between platform levels and the concourse. The central pedestrian access through the main eastern car park provides a safe, main entry point to the station. The walkway links the main car park on the east with the bus interchange, the western car park and the future town centre. The station includes a 930-bay car park and easy vehicle access to and from the car park is designed to minimise traffic congestion and potential queues on the road. The main car park also provides opportunity for future potential development to accommodate a town square commercial or residential expansion. Attractive landscaping, weather screening and public artwork complement the vast area of the station.
“When we ask for something different, Brikmakers asks, how different?” Maria Bonomi Designer Ventura Home Group
INSPIRING INNOVATION
brikmakers.com
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FEATURE butler railway station M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Perth-based artist Geoffrey Drake-Brockman designed the relief sculpture frieze that runs the full 40 metre width of the central concourse of Butler Train Station. Titled ‘Rain On Water’, the artwork, completed in February, represents ripples from raindrops spreading across the surface of a pond. The artist, who specialises in optical illusions and robotics, composed this work of approximately 1200 anodised aluminium rods, with coloured aluminium end caps, mounted on a reflective backing board. Practical components of the facility include seating, spacious public toilets and easily maintained, vandal-resistant surfaces.
FUTURE GROWTH In the future it will be difficult to rely on private vehicles for many trips. Roads will be congested, petrol prices will be high and parking will be less available in strategic centres and/or costly. By 2031, Perth residents will collectively more than double their use of public transport. Public transport will account for: • one-in-eight of all motorised trips (currently one-in-fourteen); • one-in-five motorised trips in the morning peak period (currently one-in-eight); • over 30 percent of peak hour distance travelled (currently around 20 percent); and • nearly 70 percent of all trips to the CBD (currently around 47 percent). Source: www.transport.wa.gov.au/mediaFiles/about-us/ ABOUT_P_PT_Plan2031.pdf
The well-designed natural and artificial lighting keeps the station’s interior and exterior spaces illuminated at night and makes the area more appealing and secure for the community. It is anticipated that Butler ‘park ‘n’ ride’ will ease road congestion and pressure on the Mitchell Freeway and major road corridors as more than 2000 passengers are expected to board at the station every weekday.
butler railway station FEATURE 67 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
FACT FILE PROJECT: Butler Train Station CLIENT: Public Transport Authority of WA ARCHITECT: Coniglio Ainsworth Architects BUILDER: Cooper & Oxley LOCATION: Butler PROJECT VALUE: $24,156,000 PROCUREMENT: Tender COMPLETED: March 2014 FACILITIES: Construction of railway station, three new car parks, bus exchange area and pedestrian access between areas. FEATURES: A wide range of innovative products, including curved composite roof panels, different types of wall cladding systems some curved, class 1 and 2 exposed concrete, architectural steelwork including bifurcated columns and glazed lift shafts. ROOF SIZE: 2500m2 ROOF SYSTEM: Ritek Building Solutions PUBLIC ARTWORK: Geoffrey Drake-Brockman
Smart, resilient design solutions connecting cities and communities Providing engineering excellence through intelligent design, quality and value for our clients. Arup is proud to have supported the new Butler Train Station.
For more information contact – Alistair Avern-Taplin Western Australia Buildings Leader +61 8 9327 8300 | perth@arup.com
arup.com
Butler Station © Arup
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FEATURE windows and doors M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE THE RIGHT WINDOWS AND DOORS Gary Smith, AWA Marketing and Communications Manager.
At the Australian Window Association, we get many questions each week from consumers, builders, certifiers, thermal performance assessors, architects and designers about a whole range of things that are not clearly understood about windows. When I started in the industry around 28 years ago, things were very simple and there were no real performance requirements for windows and doors. Provided they opened, closed and had 3mm float glass in them, everything was fine. In fact, I even remember people not being too worried about a bit of water coming through them into the home. Things have changed now when it comes to windows and doors, they have to meet multiple performance requirements and this has added complexity to what was once a simple choice. Through the continual evolution of standards and regulations, improvement to construction methods and greater consumer expectations, windows are a totally different beast from those I first encountered when I started in the industry. Today’s high performance windows have to meet not only the client’s aesthetic needs, but be able to: • Withstand wind and rain, • Be energy efficient, • Offer sound attenuation, • Survive bushfires, • Provide safety and security, • Comply with the Building Code of Australia and Standards, and • Adapt to emerging sustainability trends.
This checklist makes sure window and door products meet today’s requirements when specifying, supplying, selecting, purchasing, certifying and installing. 1. Correct wind loads for the site and construction type Wind Loads - Every site for every building in Australia should be assessed for wind load requirements according to AS/NZS 1170.2 Wind Actions or AS 4055 Windloads for Housing (a simplified document for housing). The wind loads are a deciding factor for the type of window and door system that will be used as they need to structurally withstand the loads that are present on the site. The two loads are serviceability limit state (SLS) and ultimate limit state (ULS). They are given in AS 2047 or calculated from AS/NZS 1170.2 or, if the construction is housing, AS 4055 can be used to obtain the N or C ratings. These site ratings should be calculated and supplied by the site engineer for the project or the architect, designer or builder. Construction Type – The requirements for windows change as the construction type changes. Have you ever considered why windows in commercial buildings have such big sections? This is because windows in commercial buildings are not allowed to deflect as much as windows in a house. There are three different construction types used for windows. a. Housing Housing has a deflection limit of ℓ/150 where ℓ is the height. This means if you have a window with a mullion or meeting stiles 1500 mm high the calculation would be 1500 ÷ 150 = 10mm or 1mm of movement for every 150mm. So, in this case, 10mm is the maximum deflection the mullion is allowed. The pressure that causes the mullion to deflect to 10mm is the maximum serviceability (SLS) wind pressure of the window.
CHECKLIST 1. Correct wind loads for the site and construction type. 2. Selected windows meet the site conditions. 3. Thermal comfort requirements. 4. Selected windows meet the energy values. 5. Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) assigned. 6. Selected materials meet all requirements. 7. BCA provisions met for windows. 8. Verification/validation documents on file. 9. Installation requirements noted. It is important to have an understanding of what these items mean and how to ensure windows meet all the requirements.
ℓ/250 = 6mm max deflection checklist
ℓ/180 = 8.3mm max deflection
ℓ/150 = 10mm max deflection
The AWA has a key message ‘Building Classifications’ that explains the different types of constructions and window requirements in more detail, visit www.awa.org.au
windows and doors FEATURE 69 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
b. Residential Residential has a deflection limit of ℓ/180. This means if you have a window with a mullion or meeting stile 1500mm high the calculation would be 1500 ÷ 180 = 8.3mm or 0.83mm of movement for every 150mm. So 8.3mm is the maximum deflection this mullion is allowed. The maximum serviceability (SLS) wind pressure for the window is the pressure required to deflect the mullion by 8.3mm.
Scheme (WERS) follows the guidelines of the AFRC which means that WERS ratings are compliant with the BCA. Performance requirements from energy efficiency reports are given to the window supplier, who will match or exceed the requirements with their WERS rated products. In some cases, it will be easier to select the windows first then supply the performance data to whoever is rating the building.
c. Commercial Commercial has a deflection limit of ℓ/250. This means if you have a window with a mullion 1500mm high the calculation would be 1500 ÷ 250 = 6mm or 0.6mm of movement for every 150mm. As 6mm is the maximum deflection the mullion is allowed, when the mullion deflects at 6mm the pressure is the maximum serviceability (SLS) wind pressure for the window. 2. Selected windows meet the site requirements Now that the site requirements have been determined we must make sure the windows being selected meet these requirements. Windows need to be tested for a number of conditions that will impact on their performance and durability. Windows are tested in accordance with the requirements of AS 2047, the tests completed are: 1. Structural- Measures deflection of the window (SLS). 2. Operating Force- Confirms opening force is within the set limits. 3. Air Infiltration- Measures air leakage through the window or door. 4. Water Penetration- Measures water penetration resistance. 5. Ultimate Strength- Confirms the window meets ULS requirements. Windows are tested for combinations of wind loads (SLS & ULS) and WPR for all three classes of building types. The performance results dictate where the windows and doors can be used based on the requirements for the type of construction and site. 3. Thermal comfort requirements The BCA has provisions that relate to energy efficiency for all classes of buildings and there may also be state variations to these requirements. The energy efficiency provisions have a significant impact on window selection. Compliance is achieved by the prescriptive measures found in the BCA, or through performance based solutions using simulation tools such as AccuRate, FirstRate, BERS Pro and BASIX. A report or requirement from either of these compliance solutions will specify both the window performance for total window U Value (Uw) and total window Solar Heat Gain Co-efficient (SHGCw). Refer to diagram below.
SHGCw is a measure of solar radiation entering through the window system
Uw value is the measure of heat transfer due to different temperature
4. Selected windows meet energy values This is a key step to ensure that the products you are installing meet the BCA requirements. Energy efficiency provisions state that external glazing performance (total window system performance) data must be determined in accordance with the guidelines of the Australian Fenestration Rating Council (AFRC). The Window Energy Rating
Example of validation documents
Warning - Ensure window ratings have been done in accordance with the guidelines of the AFRC. If it hasn’t been done to those protocols then it does not comply. Visit www.wers.net for more information. 5. Bushfire attack level (BAL) assigned Many construction sites now fall within bush fire prone areas. This will have a significant impact on the types of windows and glass that must be used. AS 3959 is the standard that specifies the requirements to assess the site, then specifies building requirements. It is important to give the BAL rating to the window supplier so they can ensure they are providing you with a compliant product. 6. Selected materials meet all requirements There is a need to comply with all of the known material Standards and regulations when designing, manufacturing and selecting windows and doors. Once all of the window specific requirements- including the finishes and hardware, have been determined your window fabricator will be able to provide options. The more information that is provided the more fit for purpose (and cost effective) the product will be.
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7. BCA provisions met for windows Volumes 1 & 2 Make sure you can tick off that your windows and doors meet all of these BCA provisions: a. Section 3.6 and Section B of the BCA Products are structurally adequate to meet site requirements for SLS and ULS. (Window manufacturers must be capable of verifying performance claims.) b. Section 3.6 and Section F of the BCA Products have a water penetration resistance that meets the site requirements. (Window manufacturers must be capable of verifying performance claims.) c. Section 3.3.4.9 and Section F of the BCA Flashing required to window and door systems to prevent water penetration around the system. d. Section 3.6.4.6 of the BCA Manifestation required to glass doors and panels that could be mistaken for a door or unimpeded path of travel. e. Section 3.7.4.7 and Section G of the BCA Bushfire requirements. f. Section 3.9.2.2 and Section D of the BCA Balustrades and barriers, this could include restricted openings. g. Section 3.12.2 and Section J of the BCA Energy efficiency requirements.
GLASSCENE
h. Section 3.12.3.3 and Section J of the BCA Sealing in requirements for window and door systems to stop air leakage around the systems which significantly reduces energy efficiency. 8. Verification/validation documents on file A range of items should be supplied by window companies to verify performance claims and enable validation of compliance to standards and regulations. These items should be requested and kept on file. They include: Performance labels attached to windows (a requirement in housing). Compliance certificates. These should only be deemed acceptable if the company providing the certificate is a part of some type of accreditation scheme such as the AWA independent third party NATA accreditation scheme. Test reports should be requested if there is any doubt about the validity of labels or certificates supplied. Website listings can be a useful source of information to confirm if the company is a member of an industry association that has an accreditation scheme and audit program. 9. Installation requirements noted Problems such as no flashings, smothered or missing weep holes or loss of continuity in the water barrier are prime causes of leaks in window assemblies. Severity of exposure to wind is the most important factor in specification and installation. Practices for sheltered situations may quickly fail when exposed to the full force of the wind and rain. a. Top hung products such as bifold doors require structural assessment to minimise deflection. b. Packing is crucial to avoid distortion through settlement. c. Adequate fixings should be used. d. Follow the window manufacturer’s installation specification for the appropriate Terrain Category and height of building. There are AWA guides to fixing and installation available at www.awa. org.au all three classes of building types. The performance results dictate where the windows and doors can be used based on the requirements for the type of construction and site.
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safety FEATURE 71 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
COMPANIES IMPROVE OHS GLOBALLY Companies are shifting from a reactive attitude to a conscious management of operational issues and developing corporate cultures based on strong OHS, according to a global research report. It found that more than 90 per cent of business professionals believe managing health and safety at work has become an integrated part of today’s corporate strategy, while 76 per cent have implemented an ad hoc policy, above and beyond what is required by law and regulations. The bigger the corporation the higher the application rate, while 70 per cent of small firms adopt specific approaches too, according to the survey of more than 3,860 professionals from businesses in different industries across Europe, the Americas and Asia. “A lot has changed in the way companies deal with health and safety at work,” said Luca Crisciotti, CEO of business assurance company DNV GL, which conducted the survey together with research institute GFK Eurisko. He said the move to a systematic management of operational issues is an important step in building real corporate culture of occupational health and safety, which will enable companies to focus not only on operations but on organisational aspects of safety as well as the wellbeing of workers. The report found compliance with laws and regulations (87 per cent) and internal policies (73 per cent) are the top reasons firms develop actions to improve OHS. OHS is also a concern for global corporations independently of external repercussions that could affect market performance, and brand protection (24 per cent),
public opinion (19 per cent) and competitiveness (19 per cent) are considered minor drivers. However, lack of financial resources (31 per cent) and a focus on short term results (26 per cent) are the main factors preventing businesses from making more progress in managing OHS around the world. Predominant OHS risks also vary depending on geographical areas. Ergonomics, for example, is a particular focus in the US (66 per cent) and Sweden (55 per cent), while structural deficiencies of machines and equipment are perceived as a main risk area especially in Asia (54 per cent). “The situation varies in different areas of the world, according to legislation, different cultural attitudes and different levels of development of infrastructures, but in general, there is still a lot of work to be done,” said Crisciotti. “Lack of financial resources and pressure on businesses to focus on short term results make these objectives even more challenging but it is important for companies to lead change and keep working on these items.”
Article by Safety In Australia (SIA). For more information visit: www.sia.org.au.
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FEATURE safety M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
THREE KEYS TO SELLING SAFETY TO EXECUTIVES One key to selling safety to an executive is to speak the same language and focus on linking safety to valued business goals, according to an expert in the field. “Whenever one talks to an executive one can be tempted to show off one’s knowledge by talking in jargon, sharing extraneous details and esoteric data that the executive doesn’t need to make a decision, or providing far more detail than the executive wants or needs,” said Phil La Duke, a partner at world-leading sustainability consultancy ERM (Environmental Resources Management). “Executives tend to think in terms of business cases dollars and cents - and they want to know how much money will be encumbered by the expenditure and when it can be expected back.” Also, La Duke said companies have certain hot buttons which executives react strongly to. “If your organisation values sales, then it’s best to equate the cost of injuries with sales, by talking about how much more sales will be required to replace the money spent on injuries,” he said. “If your company values production, you can equate the cost of injuries to the amount of extra production it would need to replace the money spent on injuries. These can be very compelling arguments, especially to executives.” Another key to selling to executives is to provide information - not data, said La Duke, who explained that information is useful for outlining a strategy, supporting a business case, or simply reassuring the executive that the idea pitched is a good one. “Too often safety professionals provide data [such as] injury rates, days away or restricted time, body maps,
area maps and trends, which baffle executives, forcing them to ask ‘what does that mean?’ “This tactic may make the safety professional feel good, but it puts the executive in a position where he or she begins to strongly suggest that he or she is making a bad decision, and that is not where you want the executive if you hope he or she will support your recommendations.” Simply by sticking to the information (which La Duke defined as data plus analysis) and explaining in simple terms what it means, he said OHS professionals have a much greater chance of gaining executive support. Finally, when selling to executives, he recommended keeping answers short. “There is an old adage in safety that holds ‘once you’ve made the sale shut up,’ and it’s sage advice,” he said. “An executive at a large consulting firm once told me that one should always keep his or her answers short when consulting. He explained the longer the answer the higher the chances that the executive will become confused and worried that he or she is making a bad decision. “The executive has to feel certain that he or she understands the problem and proposed solution or he or she won’t risk supporting it. A short, simple, and to the point answer is always best,” he said.
Article by Safety In Australia (SIA). For more information visit: www.sia.org.au.
safety in action FEATURE 73 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
SAFETY IN ACTION 2014: PERTH SAFETY CONFERENCE 11-12 June 2014 | Perth Exhibition and Convention Centre
Workplace Health and Safety contributing to business – enhancing compliance, productivity and affordability for big and small business. Welcome to the Safety Institute of Australia’s Safety in Action: Perth Safety Conference - 2014. Since the last conference in 2012, we have seen much development within the safety realm across each sector in Western Australia. What remains a challenge is ensuring workplace health and safety enhances business practices and business outcomes This year’s conference brings this strongly to the fore with a theme and focus on enhancing compliance, productivity and affordability for big and small business. A notable highlight will be an international keynote address from Neville Rockhouse, the Safety and Training Manager for Pike River Coal in New Zealand. Neville will recount his personal and professional experiences with the Pike River Mine Disaster. His emotional story will chill every WHS professional. KEYNOTE INTERNATIONAL ADDRESS: Neville Rockhouse, Safety and Training Manager, Pike River Coal Ltd, New Zealand FEATURING AN OUTSTANDING CAST OF SPEAKERS INCLUDING: • Simon Ridge, Executive Director - Mine Safety, West Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum • Lex McCulloch, Commissioner, WorkSafe WA • Andrew Douglas, Director and Principal: Workplace Relations, M+K Lawyers • Martin Ralph, Managing Director, IFAP • Dr Martin Matisons, Principal Toxicologist, Environmental Health Directorate: Public Health and Clinical Services Division, Department of Health WA • Kym Bills, CEO, Western Australian Energy Research • Alliance (WA:ERA) Mal Dann, Principal Workplace Health & Safety Consultant, Coffey Environments • Danny Spadaccini, Director of Safety, Alcoa Australia • Rodney Powell, Senior Inspector/Senior Scientific Officer, WorkSafe WA • Simon Billing, Partner, Corrs Chambers Westgarth • Pam Pryor, Registrar, Australian OHS Education Accreditation Board
Businesses must understand their compliance rights and responsibilities. Midas Bookkeeping Services will help organisations with: • Risk mitigation • HR audits • Occupational health and safety
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FEATURE roofing & cladding M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
©Leungchopan / Veer.com
PUSHING THE ENVELOPE Recent years have been dominated by two issues, which will continue to impact on the way we go about our business as building designers. Firstly, the implications of climate change and the way our buildings increasingly need to deliver high performance and low impact. The effects are felt in the form of legislation, but also increasingly as a demand in the marketplace for sustainability rated buildings. Secondly, the economic crisis has had – and continues to have – significant implications, and both businesses and professionals are feeling the strain. During these difficult times, the Society of Façade Engineering (SFE) has been steadily expanding and raising awareness of the façade engineering as an essential component of integrated design and delivery of buildings and building envelopes. The discipline is potentially maximising value for clients and offering the broad technical approach needed for the realisation of sustainable buildings to increasingly challenging programs and budgets in a global market. This could be the decade of the Façade Engineer. The Society is embryonic and a step change is needed in terms of its uptake by the industry. We need to reach critical mass for industry to identify SFE membership as the only recognition of professional qualifications and experience, for individuals to seek membership as a way of furthering their careers, and for clients to come to expect accredited professionals working on the delivery of their projects. Good work is being done and we are continuing to reach out geographically and across the more traditional disciplines.
In his influential work De Architectura, Roman architect Vitruvius talks about the three elements of Architecture: Commodity, Firmness, and Delight. There are interesting parallels to the nature of façade engineering in that the building envelope needs to fulfil the functional requirements and meet the specified performance criteria, while having a fundamental impact on architectural aesthetics and the intangible qualities of the resulting enclosed space. This, then, is perhaps one of the aspects that appeals to a new generation of technically minded architects and architecturally minded engineers. There is no doubt that the nature of façade engineering can be both complex and stimulating. Appropriate application of highly specialised skills is potentially the difference between a successful project and a less successful one. The need for specialist input stems from the gradual transition from traditional to nontraditional methods and technologies. Technological progress and the industrialisation of the construction industry mean that the role of the Architect is changing from that of controlling the design through a profound knowledge of materials and techniques to a role of orchestration of a multitude of specialist skills, knowledge, and industry intelligence – possibly benefiting from façade engineering input throughout the various stages of the design process. The increasing complexity of the technology and the recognition that not many architectural practices can sustain in-house skills in every field resulted in façade engineering as a relatively new professional discipline. The first façade engineering groups were set up around 20 years ago in response to the need for specialist input on technically challenging projects.
roofing & cladding FEATURE 75 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Façade engineering covers the grey area between the more traditional disciplines but also overlaps significantly with all of them, to varying degrees depending on the circumstances. The advances of computational design tools have empowered designers and manufacturers and the results show in the realisation of large scale freeform architectural projects. While the designs are made possible by technology, they also pose significant challenges in term of communication and coordination across the design team and the entire supply chain. The management of information is paramount in terms of delivery and the early stage engineering is critical in order to test technical feasibility and assess the building envelope budget. One of the key challenges for the years to come is the existing building mass, which needs to be upgraded to perform to today’s standards and contribute to the mitigation of climate change. We need to fundamentally alter the prevailing perception that existing buildings are somehow less exciting than new ones. Requalification of buildings and cities will become an increasingly important market and we need the right technologies and skills to face the challenges ahead. The building envelope is instrumental to the successful combination of upgraded performance and architectonic qualities. Both aspects will drive up the value of assets and lead to the demand for new retrofitting technologies and techniques, including thermal insulation and solar shading systems. We are seeing an increasing focus on materials in the design of building envelopes. The term new materials frequently refers to high tech products being developed by the industry and/ or sometimes transferred from other sectors such as aerospace or automotive. As an example, we are seeing an increase in the uptake of composite materials such as fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) in architectural applications. Similarly, a number of adhesives have been adopted in the development of advanced glazing technology. Just as frequently though, the materials are merely used in a novel way or introduced as a modern interpretation of traditional methods of construction. An example is the recent focus on timber-based construction, which is increasingly popular as cladding due to its aesthetical qualities and sustainable characteristics.
©Kenny1 / Dreamstime.com
Recycled timber for contemporary design
The performance of commercially available curtain walling systems is enhanced incrementally through design optimisation and development of glazing technology. In terms of thermal performance, the principal limiting factor is the framing, which is typically based on use of thermally broken aluminium extrusions. The combination of aluminium frames and the glazing edge conditions leads to linear thermal losses and relatively high thermal transmittance (U-value). The benefit of high performance insulation is somewhat limited by the performance of the framing and can therefore be hard to justify the associated costs.
Products • Floorboards in all widths, machined to your specifications • Decking • Cladding and lining boards • Laminated beams • Bench tops • Large posts and beams • Structural timbers • Joinery • Stair Treads, stringers and risers
There is a need for façade systems that respond to the building energy regulations and the significantly more stringent requirements in the future. The technological response must be environmentally responsible as planning and legislation are increasingly used as instruments to drive a more sustainable development. More visionary clients will often rank sustainability very highly from the outset, while comparatively more conservative clients will need to address the issues in order to meet the building regulations and/or get planning permission. The challenges are being dealt with at different levels across the industry. The Integrated Building Envelope is an example of joint development of novel technological solutions in collaboration across the value chain. The Danish foundation Realdania supported the collaborative project under the Building Lab DK programme. As part of a wider-ranging commercial development project, an industry consortium explored the use of composite materials in curtain walling. The initiative is an effort to challenge conventional technologies and maximise the opportunities offered by pultruded FRP materials in architectural applications. FRP’s
Finishes • Grey • Sawn • Dressed • Wire brushed
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FEATURE roofing & cladding M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
low thermal conductivity means that there is no need for additional thermal breaks to achieve high thermal performance. The pultrusion process allows for production of large cross sections, which means that it is possible to reduce the number of components, thereby potentially simplifying the assembly process and creating a new architectural expression. A simple and highly integrated modular system can be realised with significantly reduced depth of the façade system, thus potentially maximising the value of the building footprint.
No 4 St Paul's Square, Liverpool, UK. (Photo copyright: Hufton & Crow).
A first concept has been developed, aimed at maximum utilisation of the intrinsic properties of the composite material within the context of curtain walling: • Low thermal conductivity • Large pultruded FRP sections • Compact (slim) system • Structurally bonded connections • Lightweight • Limited number of parts • Appearance (potentially translucent) The concept addresses the fabrication and assembly processes and actively aims to minimise the number of parts and the need for machining. The result is a potentially highly rationalised manufacturing process and reduced risk in terms of workmanship. The drive for buildings to become energy efficient and carbon neutral (i.e. not resulting in emissions of carbon dioxide, the exact definition of carbon neutrality is currently being debated extensively) may ultimately result in range of buildings that are – on average – net exporters of energy. The approach is to first maximise energy-efficient design and operation (minimising demand) and subsequently introduce appropriate renewable energy systems such as ground source heat pumps. Low cost photovoltaic technology is an area where the building envelope offers true integration potential and consequently acceptable payback periods. The ability for professionals to introduce such systems appropriately is increasingly important. The feasibility of concepts needs to be tested during the early stages of design in order to gain confidence that the project will meet the required performance standards, be technically feasible, and that the budget is likely to be met. The linking of analytical design tools is potentially facilitating this process. Again, integration and transdisciplinary working is a recipe for success and the careful definition of interfaces by suitably qualified professionals will prove crucial in order to avoid costly problems downstream, during commissioning and operation. The development of advanced technology has often led to what appear to be complex buildings with variable and automated façades that respond to changes in environmental conditions and user behaviour. Clearly these systems represent progress in a technological sense and, when dealt with appropriately, the technology can facilitate high performance and bring about interesting architectural opportunities. There is, however, also a risk that certain systems are incorporated because they are seen as advanced technology and have come to symbolise high performance design (or even sustainable solutions). ‘Green Wash’ is the term used to describe design which is over-sold and under-delivered as sustainable through high tech gimmicks as opposed to pragmatic, evidence-based (and perhaps less exciting) solutions. Every project is unique and needs to respond to the client’s requirement, local climate, etc, and there is no onesize-fits-all solution for building design. The aim should always be high performance - low impact. At times the appropriate solution will be a highly technological design, at other times a passive design will be more appropriate. Passive design is based on fundamental principles and seeks to maximise the benefit of the natural climate and the physics of the building form, orientation, materials, etc. To this end, the building envelope is of fundamental importance and much can be gained from early stage studies of the impact of the building envelope
©Ahavelaar / Dreamstime.com
roofing & cladding FEATURE 77 M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
1 Angel Square, Manchester, UK (Photo courtesy of NOMA)
©Rafal Olechowski / Dreamstime.com
on the environmental performance of the building. Advanced design tools and appropriate use of building physics has a lot to offer in this field. In a sense, we are witnessing a return to design before the era of airconditioning and a rediscovery of fundamental design principles coupled with cutting edge technological solutions. This article was first published in Issue.3.2010 of IGS magazine. Mikkel Kragh, PhD MSc(Eng) CEng MCIBSE FSFE Global Façade Engineering and Architectural Design Leader, Dow Corning Vice Chairman, Society of Façade Engineering
©Maksym Protsenko / Dreamstime.com
Telus Sky Tower, Calgary Canada (Photo courtesy of BIG)
78
FEATURE enhancing outdoor spaces with pavers M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
ENHANCING OUTDOOR SPACES WITH PAVERS The Australian love of the great outdoors is reflected in the widespread trend of including alfresco areas in the design of residential homes. Pavers are proving increasingly popular in providing stunning solutions and infinite possibilities for these outdoor spaces.
With the current style to extend interior spaces into the outdoors, pavers have become a popular choice to enhance outdoor spaces of many Western Australian homes. The enormous variety of patterns, colours, sizes and styles means that pavers can be used to suit design ideas for every home from the most ostentatious to the more modest. Internal flooring materials such as large format tiles can appear to extend to the outside by using similar format pavers. This allows for a seamless transition from the inside to the outside enhancing the sense of space. The range of tones and formats of pavers can provide an unencumbered flow from the home into the great Australian environment. Stone pavers are very popular as a natural product with different qualities to concrete and brick pavers but are often more expensive. Travertine and limestone pavers offer intriguing texture and character with natural colour variation and an aged patina.
Although entertainment zones are a focus in contemporary home designs, many other areas outside the home can be greatly enhanced by paving. Pavers can be used for driveways, pathways, patios, around pools, water features, garden features, outdoor benches, retaining walls and many other great landscaping ideas. Pavers can greatly improve the ability to move around outside the house in all kinds of weather. Uniform, non-slip pathways can make some tasks easier and safer. Just checking the mail or taking washing to the clothesline can be simplified with the practical inclusion of paved areas. Even where space is at a premium in many inner urban blocks, pavers can turn a small outdoor area into an appealing extension of the home. While there are many functional purposes for paving around the home, paving also lends a structural consistency to the aesthetics of the grounds and garden design. Formal and informal gardens can become interesting features with the addition of paving. Interlocking pavers don’t require mortar and are a great choice for gardens as they are very easy to install. Careful selection of colour can modify problem areas around the home such as corners that get too little or too much sun. Pavers in warm lighter tones can brighten a cold and gloomy section of the garden, and
blue grey pavers can transform a glaring hot area into a cool serene space. Pavers can be selected to complement the home’s façade or to provide a contrast. Pavers can also be selected to complement or contrast the garden’s foliage and flowers. A driveway surface can be rougher and hardwearing, heavy-duty bricks and clay pavers are a good choice as they are also designed to withstand the weight of vehicles. The driveway is a sophisticated addition to a home and it can include contrasting borders and shapes that tie in with and enhance the façade of the home. Brick pavers are highly versatile and ideal for driveways. They are manufactured with cement, sand, fine aggregates and water and fired in a kiln at high temperatures so they are very durable and strong. Pavers provide stylish and practical outdoor spaces around the home and last a lifetime with very little attention.
Our focus is on customer satisfaction, quality workmanship and high production standards. We provide best quality workmanship on projects in the Commercial & Residential sectors. • Brick and Block Laying • Feature Limestone - high quality limestone masonry from simple patterns to more complex detailed designs • Brick Paving – smallscale projects to largescale streetscapes • Restoration
COntaCt detaiLs: address Unit 4, 1 Halley Road, Balcatta Wa 6021 Mailing address PO Box 359, Osborne Park Wa 6917 Phone 08 9344 4346 Fax 08 9344 4348 Web www.tyronebricklaying.com.au
advertorial 79
M AY / J U N E 2 0 1 4
Anything is possible when you start with the right materials Midland Brick has always been recognised for the innovation it brings to the housing industry with products that now extend from bricks, blocks and pavers to retaining walls, terracotta roof tiles and architectural style stonewall cladding. So whether you’re building first homes, a riverside mansion, residential developments or a major commercial project, you’ll be able to choose from the most comprehensive product range in Western Australia. Plus there’s a series of creative architectural bricks and blocks to give you the opportunity to design something truly spectacular and individual.
And it’s not just bricks and pavers
With such a choice it’s not surprising that most West Australian’s have lived, learned or worked in buildings built with Midland Brick products for over 67 years.
And then there’s Cultured Stone - a unique and versatile stone cladding from the USA that has quickly become a favourite among WA builders and designers. Its versatility extends from feature walls and fireplaces to barbecues, patios and wine cellars. Lightweight and affordable, Cultured Stone is available in a wide range of colours, textures and sizes, giving you an abundance of choice for both inside and outside your home.
New Styles One of the latest releases from Midland Brick is the Ashlar paving range. With totally unique pattern options it will change the way you and your clients think about paving. The Ashlar pattern is formed by using a variety of paver shapes and sizes to create a truly individual look whilst enjoying all the benefits and flexibility of paving. So stand out in the street with this great new paving product. Midland has also updated the Promenade paver range. Now comprising a classic smooth face finish plus the very clean cut lines of a new granite face - for those looking for the contemporary look of exposed aggregate. With seven modern colours Promenade Granite 300x300mm pavers will be sure to impress with their quality, style and outstanding value.
Midland Brick also supply Boral roof tiles with style and quality that’s sure to impress. Their famous Terracotta range offer much more than good looks. They’ve been designed to give superior performance with one of the most advanced fixing systems in Australia. The range is available in contemporary Shingle (flat) and French (shaped) profiles with a superb range of colours, including metallics, that will be sure to help achieve that desirable harmony of colours with other building materials. All come with an impressive 50-year guarantee.
So when you’re ready to build, talk to the company who WA has trusted for over 67 years and discover that the possibilities are endless with Midland Brick.
For more information contact: Phone: 13 15 40 Website: www.midlandbrick.com.au
Country Ledgestone - Wolf Creek (featured on a Switch Homes display)
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URBAN (WA)PTY LTD
QUALITY CONCRETE CONTRACTORS Specialise in supply and lay of housing, unit and semi commercial developments: • Ground slabs • Suspended slabs • Retaining walls and cavities • Hard stands
Contact Daryl M | 04 2222 6865 P | 08 9246 7808 F | 08 9246 0113 E | urbanconcrete@westnet.com.au ABN 54 114 712 122 | ACN 114 712 122
SUPREME ENERGY EFFICIENCY THAT’S STYLISH Fujitsu General’s latest wall-mounted air conditioners come with superior energy efficiency and design elements. Key models in the KM Series boast a full five star energy rating, thanks to a host of advanced and effortless energy saving features including inverter technology, High Density Multi-Path Heat Exchangers and high efficiency compressors. Operating on R32 refrigerant, the air conditioners boast improved Coefficient of Performance while cooling. Other energy efficient features include: • Fujitsu General’s Human Sensor Control, which automatically switches to energy saving mode if no activity is detected in the room for 20 minutes. When activity resumes, the unit returns to the previously selected operating mode. • Fujitsu’s unique Power Diffuser automatically adjusts to the ideal angle, allowing air direction to match the operation mode for better circulation and greater indoor comfort. • Built-in Smart Demand Control, which may allow consumers to participate in key initiatives from their energy supplier. Other easy-to-use features include a weekly timer setting, allowing a pre-selected on/ off time and temperature. Optional controls include a communication kit and wired remote controller. Available in a wide range of capacities, from 2.1kW to 7.1kW, there is a Fujitsu General solution for the individual needs of every home. www.fujitsugeneral.com.au
THE BAILEY P170 CONVERTS A STEPLADDER TO A JOB STATION Stand Strong with the Bailey P170, the next generation of Platform Step-ladder from Bailey Ladders. The Bailey P170 is a mobile job station with a huge 170kg load rating and a massive 610mm x 460mm platform standing area, providing a comfortable and safe work area. A new trapezoidal tread to stile joint is fixed at three points for maximum strength and durability on each tread, while the fully reinforced platform has metal rod inserts and an anti-slip diamond plate deck design, offering peace of mind while working at height. The Bailey P170 is easy to manoeuvre with a convenient carry handle, complete with heavy-duty strap and fastener, plus the ladder boasts 360o castors. Extra-large, anti-slip boots and a fully integrated brace and castor system also make the ladder exceptionally stable. Further, a cleverly designed multi-function handrail can store tools easily, removing the need to climb up and down the ladder regularly. Available in both aluminium and fibreglass designs from leading trade and hardware stores. Product available June 2014. For further information please visit www.baileyladders.com.au.
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BEAMS - it’s the better way to manage your building business. Beams Prospects focuses on presales where the relationship between a company and the customer is managed. This includes capturing leads from the website, emails and other correspondence, and tracking them until they are closed. Beams Administration is where the backend office work can be managed, allocated and tracked. The system will enable you to put in prescribed practices, procedures and requirements to ensure clients are managed in a consistent manner. Beams Customer Portal is where all the web based communication between a customer and the company is managed. Customers are given a username and password so that they can check their job status and request more information via the internet. ESTIMATING from Beams allows you to estimate an entire job in minutes, produce a quote, create variations and a fully detailed addenda, maintain a full diary on all comunications and track all tasks leading up to contract. CAD Image takeoff allows you to simply load a plan, whether it be PDF, BMP, PNG or a JPEG file directly into Beams and begin doing the take off of all the required items directly from your screen. It is as simple as click and build.
CONTRACTS in Beams refers to jobs that you have estimated and have been awarded the job. You can automatically create a construction time line to keep track of all on site activities, prepare contract variations, raise purchase orders and monitor construction costs.
BeamS Mobile is an app for iPhone or iPad that connects the office to the site. You can access the plans, orders and
construction time lines on your remote device from the office in real time. Plan changes now only need to be in one location at the office. You can even upload photos from site directly into the works folder back at the office. How’s that for convenience.
ACCOUNTS completes the package with full accounting funcionality. Process all creditor and debtor transactions, issues progress claims, maintain and track all your BAS, GST and PAYG obligations. Beams Payroll with timesheets allows you to allocate your employees pay directly to jobs. You can maintain an asset register and produce full accounting reports plus Work in progress, Cashflow and Profitability reports automatically created from Beams.
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