Master Builder magazine April - June 2023

IF THEY’RE AN SRIA MEMBER YOU’RE PROTECTED!

Our members hold valid 3rd PARTY PROCESSOR CERTIFICATES to guarantee their rebar conforms to Australian Standards.

A 3rd party processor certification (ACRS or equivalent) must be supplied with all steel reinforcement at procurement, before any concrete is placed, to guarantee conformance of the reinforcement to Australian Standards.

SMART THINKING

SAVE WATER SAVE TIME SAVE MONEY

ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE

A W i N o N PR oj ECT TRUST ACC o UNTS

Following the recent launch of our 2023 Policy and Advocacy Agenda , which focuses on sustainable businesses, better building practices and fair and reasonable regulation, the recent decision to further delay the rollout of Project Trust Accounts (PTAs) was a major win for our advocacy team.

The Queensland Government’s decision to delay the further rollout of Project Trust Accounts (PTAs) into the private sector (see page 9 for all the specific details on the delays) has been given the nod by the industry, but we remain sceptical that PTAs will be the silver bullet for security of payment.

It’s important because the industry is already dealing with what we’ve been calling the ‘perfect storm’ of issues, and adding further to the complexity and cost of building in the current climate will only make the situation more untenable.

We’ve always supported prompt payment for everyone in the contractual chain. No one should go unpaid for the work they do – and whether you’re a subcontractor or a builder, everyone knows cashflow can make or break a business.

We’ve been fighting on behalf of members on this issue since 2017, and we’ve always voiced our concerns that the framework is too complex and burdensome.

At the time, we strongly voiced our objections to their introduction – some

of you may recall the highly visible and controversial billboards on the M1 at Springwood – which garnered an immediate response from government.

It’s an incredibly complex issue, but in a nutshell, we don’t believe PTAs will deliver on the protections they were intended to provide, mainly due to the difficulty of legislating such a complicated and onerous trust framework for a project account.

We’ve opposed them from the beginning and don’t believe they should be rolled out any further.

Our previous calls for a delay were heard last year, and we are thankful the Queensland Government has once again listened to reason and been cognisant of the burden they place on builders, particularly small business. They face an uphill battle against the costly administrative requirements and impact on cashflow, which is already being reported by financiers and accountants alike.

Research commissioned by the Queensland Government has also revealed there are no current compliant software solutions that

meet the requirements of the framework, meaning small businesses are having to engage more staff to manually carry out the administrative tasks for every project with a PTA. The Government acknowledged this shortcoming in its statement about the delay and committed to working with the IT industry on a solution.

With a win on PTAs under our belt, next step is addressing the problems with the looming Livable Housing and Energy efficiency changes in the National Construction Code (NCC) to be introduced from 1 October 2023. Check out our feature on page 32 covering our 2023 Policy & Advocacy Agenda in more detail and our update on the NCC changes on page 11. 

B RETT j o HNST o N PRESIDENT

STEPP i NG UP THE F i GHT F o R MEMBERS

When we became aware that the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) had provided details to the media of over 500 licensees who had allegedly failed to provide annual reporting and had a condition of ‘no new work’ placed on their building licence, our advocacy team sprang into action.

During our investigations into what we believe is a fundamental error by the regulator, we uncovered a number of members who had been caught up unnecessarily. Contrary to what was reported, these members did not have an active condition placed on their licence at the time of publication – which was verified at the time by the QBCC’s licensing register. Some of these members should never have had a condition placed on their licence in the first place.

It appears this occurred due to automated processes being used when imposing licence conditions, rather than allowing for human decision making, which we see as essential for such a significant matter. Preventing licensees from quoting for work or entering into contracts and then publishing their names in the newspaper is not a decision to be taken lightly.

In the short term, we called on the QBCC to remove the licence conditions from the record entirely, publicly retract the statements made in the media, apologise to impacted licensees, review its procedures to ensure a bungle like this never happens again, and implement due diligence checks before embarking on public naming and shaming exercises in future.

While the media report was amended by the

PAUL B id WELL CEO

publisher to remove the list of licensees and minimise reputational damage to those listed erroneously, the QBCC did not remove the licence conditions from the record for the vast majority of those impacted or retract statements made.

This situation also highlighted that the QBCC may be improperly imposing conditions on licences by relying on an incorrect head of power in the QBCC Act In layman’s terms, this essentially means we don’t believe it is appropriate for the QBCC to impose a condition of ‘no new work’ based on an assumption of guilt that hasn’t been proven by an investigation or process provided for in the legislation. We also believe it’s questionable whether failure to lodge annual reporting by the due date is a sufficient reason for the QBCC to reasonably believe a licensee has insufficient financial resources - particularly in the case of small businesses who don’t always have the resources available to them. These are essentially an ‘administrative deeming of guilt’ for an offence based on a licensee’s failure to respond to a notice, rather than actual proof of the offence. It’s complex, and there’s plenty of legal speak, but the upshot is that licensees are at a disadvantage that could have incredibly negative ramifications on their business.

We’ve urged the QBCC to review its procedures and use the legislative processes available to them that involve procedural fairness to impose such conditions, rather than taking a ‘guilty unless proven innocent’ approach, which can have a drastic and unnecessary impact on a contractor’s business. 

Read our full submission to the QBCC on our website at mbqld.com.au/our-advocacy

A recent error by the industry regulator saw a number of members impacted, with Master Builders stepping in and driving for change on behalf of the industry.

Hear what our customers are saying about

I am happy to give my recommendation to use Waterstop Streamline. It is the only modern looking product that I have seen that positively connects the shower screen to the waterproofing in a completely leak free way..

Mr Albert Aeberhard Builder, Hotondo Homes Group ACT

By using Waterstop Streamline I know the shower will be perfect every time. It has to be, because this product is designed to dictate placement of all of the other components to make up the complete shower. It’s virtually impossible to stuff it up.

Mr Glen Whitehead Managing Director, BJM Developments

Switching to the Waterstop Streamline system has been a fantastic result for the company. It ticks all the boxes by being modern, sleek, easy to install and failsafe.

Costly repairs associated with leaking shower trays are now a thing of the past.

Luke Pearce

QLD Constru ction Manager, Devine Homes

With so many new products on offer in our industry it is difficult to find time to investigate them all. We are very glad we made time for this one.

Mr Dennis Wright Building and Project Manager, Beazley Homes

Waterstop is easy to order with efficient delivery. It has given us the edge on our competitors and is our preferred method of waterproofing and tiling showers.

IF YOU ARE ONE OF OUR COMPETITORS READING THIS AD PLEASE IGNORE.

Glover

Waterstop Streamline – Why would anyone use anything else to build a shower? At last someone has got a product together that not only works, but it looks good and is so easy for every trade to work with. It even comes with step by step instructions on the protective tape.

Mr Andrew Shailer Andrew Shailer Tiling

My business has expanded rapidly since we started using the Waterstop Streamline hob and now I have tilers voluntarily recommending the Waterstop system – and me –to other builders. Everyone that uses it loves it.

Mr Fred Meddings Managing Director, Watertight

Australia (Waterproofers)

Using Waterstop Streamline in all our shower areas has made life easy for waterproofing and our tilers.

They are so simple to install and always look very professional. I recommend to all my clients to use the Waterstop Streamline system in their shower areas

Mr Kerry Blake Director, BlakeÕ s WaterprooÞng

Tony

Tony Glover Tiling & WaterprooÞng

INSPIRATION

TO BUILD BETTER

As shapers of COLORBOND® steel we’re inspired to make the products that help you build better. Across the exciting spectrum of residential architecture, the aesthetics, performance and versatility of LYSAGHT® steel roofing and walling profiles inspire and give form to exceptional designs. Whether it’s contemporary or traditional in nature, you can trust that LYSAGHT® products, in a myriad of materials, finishes and colours, offer you endless possibilities to bring your inspiration to life. And with over 100 years of helping shape Australian architecture, we’ll be there to support your inspiration for building bolder, smarter and more sustainably beautiful homes now, and into the future.

Hi GHL i GHT i NG W o MEN i N C o NSTRUCT io N

As we follow on from the celebrations of International Women’s Day in March, it’s a good time to reflect on our industry and how we champion diversity.

it’s not about quotas or token positions, but the proactive ways we, as the industry voice, highlight the role women play and ensure opportunities for women are championed and empowered, particularly in the face of future skills shortages.

The workforce

In 2022, the Queensland Government reported* the construction industry employs 240,000 people. The good news is that 36,000 or 15 per cent of these are women - sitting slightly higher than the national average of 12 per cent. Of that total number, five per cent or 12,000 of those are on site.

At Master Builders, 65 per cent of our workforce is women, and a number of those are in leadership roles. Four of our eight regional managers are women, while our Senior Management Team also boasts more than 50 per cent women.

But it’s not just all about the numbers. The benefits of gender diversity in the workplace are well documented, and as an industry body, we’re empowering women via a number of initiatives.

influencers event series

Our Influencers event series is an opportunity for women and the people who support them

to get together to discuss a range of building and construction industry business topics and network. Our speaker line-up is focused on women who work within the industry sharing their specific areas of expertise and experience and insight into working in the industry. These events are held in lunch or workshop format right across Queensland, from Gold Coast to Toowoomba and north up to Cairns.

We’ll be launching our rebranded series in July, so watch this space for exciting updates.

Award recognition

Queensland Women in Construction Advisory Committee

I’m delighted to continue our good work promoting and advancing women in the industry via my recent appointment to the Queensland Women in Construction Advisory Committee (QWICAC).

The 2022 Queensland Training Ombudsman (QTO) Review of support provided to Queensland apprentices and trainees, with a focus on female apprentices in male dominated occupations, recommended the development of a Women in Construction Strategy by Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ).

CSQ has always championed the need to encourage more women into the industry as a key pillar of its long-standing Attract strategy and has welcomed and supported the recommendation from the Review.

Focusing on the key themes of ‘attract, recruit, and retain’, their goal is to work to improve the participation rate of women in construction in Queensland. The strategy will also consider new ways to advocate for cultural change in the construction industry, to create a more appealing and supportive working environment for all individuals.

CSQ’s first step in moving to develop and design the Strategy has been to assemble a special purpose group to steer and champion the project - QWACIC.

The committee will provide advice to CSQ on potential opportunities to support women’s participation in the industry, increase support for female apprentices, and increase awareness of the need for gender equality and the benefits of diversity in the workplace.

We recognise women in the industry via the Women in Building awards in the Housing & Construction Awards program. Each year, we recognise women from across the state and their contribution and achievements. Our regional nominees go on to vie for Queensland honours.

Some of our previous winners have gone on to reach incredible feats. Our inaugural winner in 2008, Samantha Sheppard, has since been awarded an OAM in the 2012 Queen’s Birthday Honours for her work promoting women within the industry. Look out for our winners to be announced from July through to October this year.

National mentoring program

Women Building Australia is an initiative run by Master Builders Australia and is all about attracting the best workers, regardless of their gender, by offering information and support, champion the influencers and ambassadors nationwide, supporting and fostering femaleled businesses and particularly by providing a mentorship program. 

Read all about one of the program participants, Angie Carlton on page 11.

* Source: Department of Energy & Public Works – epw. qld.gov.au/about/initiatives/women-in-construction

S UE -A NN F RESNE d A DEPUT y CEO

Want to be an industry champion for your region?

Master Builders is here to champion our industry, and we want to give members an opportunity to be an Industry Champion in their region.

Industry Champions will work with our

Regional Committees of Management (COMs) and Regional Managers to promote the building sector as a great place to work.

This position is voluntary and with no set

Join the Master Builders continuous professional development (CPD) program

As compulsory Continuous Professional Development (CPD) looms on the horizon for the industry, Master Builders is taking a proactive step and re-launching a revised voluntary CPD program.

Members will be encouraged to get involved in CPD and record their activities now as a first step towards being ready for when compulsory CPD is launched in the future by the regulator.

For members, each participating employee will be required to undertake at least six hours (or six points) of activities each year. Individual employees’ points are combined to give a total number of hours for the company. One hour is equivalent to one point.

CPD helps members maintain and improve the knowledge and skills required to be a contractor. It enables them to keep up-to-date with new building materials and methodologies, changes in legislation and other industry issues, all of which impact on their business.

Members and employees who meet the annual requirement will receive a certificate at the end of each calendar year and an electronic completion ‘badge’ for the relevant year where CPD points were completed. Activities will include seminars, workshops, training courses, industry conferences or trade shows, and committee participation. It will be easy for members to achieve six CPD points a

obligations, but may include talking at schools, attending career expos, and other opportunities to represent our industry.

The COMs will elect Industry Champions who can represent the industry.

If you think this could be you, email your regional office with a few sentences on why you want to be an Industry Champion and how you’d represent the industry as a great place to work.

There are no time limits on nominations, but the sooner the better as COMs will consider nominations until appointments are made. Once the COMs have appointed their Industry Champion(s) for the region, they will be appointed for up to a year. Future nominations will open in the first quarter of each year. Contact your Regional Manager for more information. 

year accessing free or low-cost offerings from Master Builders, such as Roadshow, Industry info sessions, forums, and webinars. Members will need to record their activities in the My Membership area of the Master Builders website. 

For more information on what Master Builders is doing as the industry voice in 2023 go to page 32.

The latest industry news and developments to keep you informed of the changes in Queensland’s building and construction industry.

Delay for next phase of project trust accounts

Queensland’s builders have welcomed the Queensland Government’s decision to delay the introduction of Project Trust Accounts (PTAs) into the private sector for contracts over $3 million from 1 April, 2023, to 1 March, 2025 and for contracts over $1 million from 1 October, 2023 to 1 October, 2025.

It is important to note that Project Trust Accounts continue to apply to state government projects (including hospital and health services) with a project value of $1 million or more and all projects (including private sector and local government projects) with a project value of $10 million or more. The delay comes at a time when the industry is grappling with a multitude of issues, and we’ve been cautioning the Queensland Government that adding more red tape and extra costs to do business in the current climate could push some over the edge.

Since PTAs were put on the table, we’ve had concerns that the framework is too complex and burdensome, and we advocated hard at the time against their introduction. We

don’t believe PTAs are likely to provide the protections they are advertised to provide, due to the difficulty of legislating a complicated and onerous trust framework for a project account.

We’ve opposed them from the beginning and don’t believe they should be rolled out any further. Last year, we successfully pushed for a delay in their rollout to lower-value projects because the administrative burden

is particularly onerous on smaller businesses. There are just too many costly administrative requirements that are very difficult to comply with, without providing the protection they’re designed to give. Financiers and accountants are also reporting cashflow problems that PTAs are creating.

We will continue to have a voice at the table and work with the state government on any further rollout of PTAs to industry. 

BUY DIRECT FROM AND SAVE! STONE F/X

Treads:

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n 50mm for residential use, with a P5 slip rating

n 65mm thick for commercial use

• step and riser treads are also certified to 1500mm

sleePers:

Pavers:

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• large variety of textured pavers

• small and large sizes

x 500mm x 80mm

A look at building in 2023

Building in Queensland is becoming even more challenging in 2023 as the reality of interest rate hikes, soaring costs, and regulatory change sets in.

The long-running challenge of trade and material shortages continues to hamper the delivery of construction projects. Material prices continue to grow, albeit at a smaller rate. Added to the mix in 2023 are the substantial changes to the way houses must be built. The National Construction Code (NCC) changes starting next month, and further changes in October will add more complexity and cost. Demand for new construction will continue to contract as interest rates, and cost rises mean that more projects fail to get the go ahead. The industry remains busy, however, with an unprecedented backlog of work thanks to construction delays and repair work stemming from floods and storms.

Looking forward, continued population growth, the 2032 Olympics and the massive investment in the renewable energy transition will all underpin a return to strong demand.

Residential Forecast

New home building starts are set to fall back to 31,000 during the year, a reduction of 20.2 per cent on 2022. Detached house starts are likely to see the sharpest drop (-28.8 per cent), while higher density homes (units, townhouses, etc.) are anticipated to dip only slightly (-1.3 per cent). Renovation work will continue to be the bright spot.

This year may mark a low point for home building in Queensland. A return to lower interest rates and the need to house a growing population are likely to lift new home building starts next year. Medium/ high-density home building is likely to see the biggest uplift, but detached house output is also set to expand significantly. Non-residential forecast

A marginal gain of 0.6 per cent is expected before stepping back by 2.7 per cent during 2023–24.

Most areas of non-residential construction will share in this favourable outlook. The exception being industrial building, which is expected to

ease off after a very strong performance. With the 2032 Olympic Games coming to Brisbane, demand for recreational and transport projects in Queensland is likely to be quite healthy over the forecast horizon. Utilities and resources work is expected to form the remaining bulk of activity over the period to 2026–27, and it is likely that growth will be both solid and consistent in nature. 

Boosting careers of women with inspiring mentors

The Master Builders Australia 2023 Women Building Australia mentoring program started last month.

Mentees have been paired up with established industry leaders to access support, encouragement, and advice through a mentorship relationship for the next nine months.

Master Builders Australia CEO Denita Wawn said the building and construction industry is one of the largest sectors in Australia.

“During November 2022, there were 1.29 million people employed in the industry working in over 445,000 construction businesses.

“Improving the attractiveness of the industry to women presents a massive opportunity to increase the pool of potential workers, and this program is one of the many initiatives through Master Builders’ Women Building Australia to assist,” said Denita.

Brisbane 2022 program participant, Angie Carlton, a project administrator at Wiley & Co, reflects on her time in the program.

“My mentor was Graciete Ferreira from Pacific Formwork, who is based in Canberra. Although there was a distance to cover, Graciete and I had fortnightly Teams catch-ups where we discussed what was happening in my role, where I would like to advance to, and how she could be a sounding board,” she said.

NCC tools now available

With critical changes to the National Construction Code (NCC) coming into effect from 1 October, 2023, Master Builders has developed two information tools to assist you to understand the requirements and support implementation within your new builds and major renovations.

Use the Consumer Guide to inform your clients of the changes coming, what it means for their home, and what will be required from 1 October 2023.

The Documentation Guide has been prepared in conjunction with the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) and the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS) to help step industry

During the program, Angie was working, studying and found out she was pregnant. Graciete was available with advice for life as a working mum.

“Being new to the construction industry as a woman had its challenges, and sometimes speaking up, being the only woman in the room could be daunting. Graciete helped me find my confidence and to always speak up if I had an opinion or thought on a topic,” Angie said.

Angie said her mentor was also helpful when it came to support and ideas with initiatives Angie was working on at Wiley.

“The most challenging aspect of the mentoring program was probably the distance and aligning our calendars for meetings. Luckily Graciete was incredibly flexible, and we worked through this,” she said. Before going into the construction industry, Angie worked in hospitality, but when COVID-19 hit, her interests and work path changed.

Angie worked in the hotel/tourism sector for 10 years. During COVID-19, she spent time working more on the property development side of the business, dealing with subcontractors, suppliers and smaller projects. Angie’s career pivoted, and she found herself emerged in the building and construction industry at Wiley.

“I love building relationships with key stakeholders, working together as a team, and

seeing projects come to life. Of course, there are always challenges, but I enjoy overcoming these and ensuring the best outcome for both Wiley and the client,” she said.

Women Building Australia is supported by a federal government grant and delivered through Master Builders Australia; it is aimed at attracting and supporting women to succeed in the building and construction industry. It includes a range of initiatives including career expos, a female-led business register, business resilience training, and a dedicated harassment and discrimination support line. 

through all the stages of compliance. It will step you through all stages of implementation and help ensure any new dwellings you’re working on meet the new requirements.

Don’t forget to come along to our 2023 Roadshow – coming to a region near you during May – to hear more about the NCC transitional arrangements between now and 1 October and key things you need to know about implementation.

We’ve fought for many years on behalf of members with regards to these changes. you’ve told us that they will have a significant negative impact on the capacity of the building industry to deliver new housing and

upgrade existing housing. More recently, we have spoken extensively about the impact to housing affordability these changes will have and the disruption it will bring at a time when the industry is already grappling with so many challenges.

We succeeded in having the changes delayed until 1 October 2023 as well as a number of changes to begin to make the rules workable. We are continuing to advocate for further clarity and sensible concessions and will keep working with other stakeholders and the Queensland Government towards this. 

You can find the Consumer Guide and Documentation Guide on the Master Builder website mbqld.com.au/ncc-2022

New pathways open for women in steel

Women are increasingly turning to nontraditional pathways such as steel for careers, drawn by operational and social advances.

Australian Steel Institute (ASI) chief executive Mark Cain said 50 per cent of ASI staff were now women.

ASI founding member steel producer BlueScope agrees.

BlueScope Qld Specification Manager and President of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC Qld), Sheree Taylor said it was an exciting, dynamic industry at the cutting edge of change for women.

“Historical perceptions of the industry are changing. We have world-class safety standards, a culture of trust and respect and are investing in emerging, responsible steel technology,” she said.

BlueScope’s promotion and profiling of steel jobs now focuses on gender-neutral attributes, including problem-solving, skills training, job security, and career advancement.

The success of the job program has seen a five-fold increase of women at an operational level since 2016 across BlueScope Australia. One of the key times for attracting more women into manufacturing and steel is at the school level.

‘’It is fantastic to see careers advice at

Seismic solutions you can trust

Suspended ceilings need to be designed for earthquake forces as required by Australian standards. That’s why Siniat invested in robust testing* of our suspended ceiling systems to bring you solutions you can trust.

Siniat offers three types of suspended ceiling design that comply with seismic requirements. All three types surpass Australian performance ratings. Our solutions are available for different ceiling sizes and tested for fire-rated and non-fire-rated applications.

schools now increasingly showcasing the exciting opportunities for women in manufacturing—across trade, operator, and professional roles. However, there is still more to do to support women into these careers so they can add to the industry and reap the benefits of secure employment and a fulfilling career,” Sheree said.

* Siniat’s suspended ceiling systems were tested for performance and compliance at the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research (PEER) Centre at the University of California at Berkeley, USA.

TAFE offering support for Back to Work program

As Australia is experiencing a significant labour shortage, the government has a range of fully and partially funded TAFE courses available.

TAFE FNQ will be training people that are under the Back to Work program for construction. The program covers key trade skills including:

• Competent use of basic industry tools

• White Card (Construction Industry White

Card Skill Set – SSCPC00001)

• Confined spaces

• Working at heights

• Elevated work platform

• Excavator operator

• Work experience with real employers who are seeking staff.

The Back to Work Program for employers outlines the range of financial and non-financial

support available, which includes Back to Work support payments of up to $20,000 for businesses that employ eligible workers.

If you’re looking for new employees, there’s an opportunity to take on these candidates for work experience three days a week of five days a week.

Read more about the Back to Work program and TAFE courses at tafeqld.edu.au. 

Building cladding with recycled glass scores results in sustainability

Engineers have developed new fire-safe building claddings using recycled glass.

The RMIT University team worked with materials technology company Livefield to produce the composite cladding, which they say is cheap, structurally robust, and fire-resistant.

Lead researcher Associate Professor Dilan Robert said using recovered glass waste as an alternative cladding material could one day help reduce the amount of glass that goes to landfill.

The team’s non-combustible claddings use 83 per cent recycled glass, along with

relatively low amounts of plastic binders and fire-retardant additives.

Dilan said their special blend of materials overcame the challenges with glass claddings, which were brittle and prone to fracture, as the plastic binders provided “improved toughness”.

“Experiments have proven that our claddings are fire-safe, water-resistant, and cheap, and meet structural and environmentally sustainable requirements,” he said.

The technology has met the key compliance requirement of claddings for noncombustibility (AS1530.1) set by Standards Australia and has been trialled for largescale manufacturing capability.

Millions of tonnes of reusable glass go into landfill every year, and more glass could be recycled into products in the construction industry.

“Reuse of glass that would otherwise go to landfill will bring environmental, economic, and social benefits,” Dilan said.

Dilan said testing of the new cladding materials for fire safety was an important focus of the research.

“Claddings play a key role in preventing the spread of fire, particularly in high-rise buildings. Some of the most catastrophic building fires have been attributed to the poor fire-prevention performance of cladding materials.

“These tragic events underscored the importance of understanding and designing fire-resistant cladding materials and systems for the building and construction sector,” he said. 

Dilan Robert and Everson Kandare with samples of cladding made mostly from recylced glass

Millions of tonnes of reusable glass go into landfill every year, and more glass could be recycled into products in the construction industry.

The burning new rule for gas cooktops

The minimum clearance requirements between a gas cooktop and a range hood have increased from 600mm to 650mm.

This is in accordance with the new edition of AS/NZS 5601.1: 2022 Gas installations Part 1: General installations that was published on the 30 September 2022.

A six-month transition period was provided under the Queensland Petroleum and Gas legislation. All gas work licence holders now have an obligation when they issue a Gas System Compliance Certificate to ensure any gas system they install complies with the new standard. These new rules kicked in on 30 March 2023.

New installations

For new building work, the rangehoods and exhaust fans shall be installed in accordance with the rangehood, exhaust fan, and appliance manufacturers instructions.

Where a difference occurs, the greater clearance shall apply.

In any event, or where no dimension is specified in the appliance manufacturer’s instructions, the overhead clearance between the supporting surface of the trivet for the cooking vessels of the gas cooking

appliance and a rangehood or exhaust fan shall not be less than 650mm for a rangehood, and not less than 750mm for an exhaust fan.

Kitchen Renovations

For kitchen renovations in an existing property where new cupboards and rangehoods have been installed, gasfitters will be expected to install the gas cooking appliance in accordance with the new gas installation clearances, 650mm minimum or the clearance prescribed in the gas appliance installation instructions or rangehood installation instructions, whichever is greater.

Existing installations

In a case where the appliance is being replaced, the overhead clearance from the highest part of the highest burner of the appliance to the range hood shall not be less than 600mm unless the appliance manufacturer’s instructions specify a greater clearance.

Where no dimension is specified in the manufacturer’s instructions, the overhead clearance from the highest part of the highest burner of the appliance to the rangehood shall be not less than 600mm, and not less than 750mm for an exhaust fan.

Action your future game plan at Roadshow

The annual Master Builders BUSSQ Roadshow kicks off next month.

Master Builders representatives and experts will travel across Queensland to each of our regional centres, bringing the latest industry news to members while showcasing exciting and innovative products.

With 2023 shaping up to be another challenging year, with labour and materials shortages and even more new regulations and laws on the horizon including the National Construction Code (NCC), we’ve got a jam-packed Roadshow event with a future game plan to see you through.

Our panel of contractual, financial, and building code experts will break down the jargon and tell you exactly what you need to know about the implementation of the Livable Housing and Energy Efficiency NCC changes from 1 October 2023. They’ll also

have some important advice and strategies you can use when quoting and contracting for future jobs, so you can avoid being caught out down the track and keep the all-important cashflow moving.

Our expert panel will cover:

• How the NCC changes will impact new homes and substantial renovations

• When you need to start complying

Trivet Measurements

The measurements are to be taken from the top of the trivet of a gas cooking appliance. Removable accessories such as a wok trivet that sits upon a hob trivet or minor elevations in trivets for wok burners are not considered when measuring from the gas cooking appliance. This is a change from previous editions of the standard, which was measured from the top of the highest burner.

When you replace a gas cooking appliance in an existing kitchen built before 30 March 2023, the measurement is to be taken from the highest part of the highest burner of the gas cooking appliance or the highest part of the hob in accordance with the old editions of the gas standard. 

For further advice, call the Master Builders Building Services team on 1300 30 50 10.

with NCC requirements in contracts and how to comply with the legislative requirements during the transition

• Practical steps on how to protect your business now and into the future, including pricing and estimating strategies and must-know contract tips

• Projected skills shortages on the horizon for your region and how this might impact your business.

Historic 19th century home restored to former glory

Paul Spence Constructions transformed a beautiful old timber house in Toowoomba into a family home while preserving its history.

Wirra Wirra House started life as a government house in East Toowoomba in the 1880s.

It was used as a residence for the police superintendent for many years and then passed to the Anglican Church for school use. In the 1960s, it was moved to the Greenmount area, and in the 1990s, it was moved to its current site in Frew Street.

The house had undergone major works during these house relocations.

Paul Spence’s job was to return the house to its former glory.

Paul Spence Constructions’ restoration of the beautiful country home won the President’s Award at the 2022 Master Builders Downs & Western Housing and Construction Awards.

It also won top accolades in the Home Renovation/Remodelling Project from $650,000 up to $1 million category.

“My working relationship with John and Kelly Seccombe began in 2019 when I was asked to visit them and quote on a carport and shed. From here, we went down the road towards a home renovation and extension of their lovely home, Wirra Wirra,” Paul said.

The front bedroom had been turned into a meals room with an adjacent kitchen. The main bedroom was originally the kitchen, and so Paul and his team went about swapping these rooms around.

“As we lifted floor coverings, the historic damage became apparent, but floor repairs and the re-use of recycled hoop flooring, bought these areas back to a beautiful look,” Paul said.

The original windows were relocated to be used in the house, to keep the historic value of the property.

Paul said the rear central courtyard had been filled in with a sandstone floor and a flat skillion roof. This was both unsightly and caused problems with leaking during the rain. The sandstone floor was retained, but the

ceiling line was raised to meet the rest of the house. The central roof was matched into the style of the house with cantilevered trusses and steep pitch roof.

“The owners wanted a more open plan living area, and so walls were removed, and Victorian archways were installed to blend with the house and era,” he said.

Extensive use of timber putty-glazed windows and timber doors added to the look of this beautiful home.

The verandahs were widened and to keep a traditional look as well as insulate, solid hoop pine VJ ceilings were installed right around. The front verandah was renovated but kept to original dimensions for the correct period look. 

Heavy lift crane arrives for iconic green bridge project

Construction has ramped up on Brisbane City Council’s iconic Kangaroo Point Green Bridge project with the arrival of the world’s largest capacity tower crane, the M2480D Heavy Lift Luffing Crane.

Led by BESIX Watpac, the Connect Brisbane consortium is delivering the world-class landmark. Once complete, the 460-metre-long cable-stay bridge will be one of the longest of its kind in the world.

The bridge comprises several large and heavy steel elements that will be fabricated offsite, and this heavy-lift crane will be critical in completing the exceptionally large lifts.

BESIX Watpac General Manager Queensland, Wade Cummins, said this was a key milestone for the project.

“The 72-metre-tall crane with a 64-metre-long boom supplied by Marr Contracting arrived onsite in January and has been erected and commissioned and has completed its first lift – a 25 metre by 25-metre-wide working platform,” he said.

The crane has a maximum lift capacity of 330 tonnes – 220 tonnes in its configuration on this project - and will be crucial to constructing some of the bridge’s most impressive elements.

According to BESIX Watpac Project Director, Tim Deere, this includes the bridge’s masthead.

“The crane has been assembled on a marinebased grillage and it will enable the installation of some very large bridge elements. The heaviest lift the tower crane will undertake for the project is 180 tonnes and will be the 28-metre-tall, prefabricated steel masthead,” he said.

The crane will also be used for substructure and other superstructure projects, such as works on the Pier 4 Pylon at the base of the mast. 

ALEiSHA MACKENZiE

Director and founder of Construct Law Group, Aleisha MacKenzie

shares her secrets to success and talks about the close bond she has with her family.

Director and founder of Construct Law Group, Aleisha MacKenzie Master Builder

Aleisha has been practising law for 19 years, with almost nine years being at Construct Law Group.

She is an experienced building and construction lawyer and an adjudicator registered under the Building Industry Fairness (Security of Payment) Act 2017

“I have always had a strong sense of justice and the law, which stems from my upbringing and the values instilled in me,” she said.

When Aleisha completed her schooling, she enrolled in a bachelor’s degree in justice studies as she was interested in pursuing a career as a police officer.

However, during her first year of university, she started a part-time job at the Queensland Building Tribunal, where her mother worked.

“It was there that my passion in construction law formed, so I started studying law, and then secured a position in a construction law team.”

“My father is an expert timber engineer, so with both my parents in the industry it was a natural progression for my legal career,” she said.

Aleisha and her team provide advice to developers, principals, homeowners, builders, trade contractors, and suppliers to the construction industry. Her current practice primarily involves construction litigation, security of payment, dispute resolution, advising on QBCC matters, and contract drafting and risk management.

Aleisha works side by side with her husband, Craig Sawford, also a construction lawyer. The couple have 11-year-old twin daughters, and Aleisha is a proud stepmother to Craig’s three other children.

“I am grateful that I am close to my family. I have a strong relationship with both my parents and my sister, and they play a massive part in my life,” she said. Driven, confident, and compassionate, Aleisha is always striving to grow and be the best role model for her team and family.

An ardent supporter of staff mentoring as well as inclusion and diversity, Aleisha said she was inspired by stories of people who have overcome challenges to succeed.

“Recently, I had two employees thank me for believing in them and tell me I had changed their life. It is moments like these that give me a sense of purpose and are incredibly rewarding,” she said.

Success

Aleisha founded the Building Dispute Practitioners’ Society (Queensland Chapter) in 2009 and was honoured with a Life Membership for her volunteer work on the committee. She has also been a finalist

of a number of law and industry awards since her firm’s inception.

When she speaks about success, she pins it down to her values aligning at home and at work.

“I aim to employ talented people who complement my skill set and whose values align with those of the firm. The success of our business is largely attributed to the people we carefully choose to join our team,” she said.

Aleisha achieves success and stays motivated by setting herself both shortterm and long-term goals.

“In addition, I am constantly reading, learning and educating myself, both on personal and professional topics,” she said.

When it comes to the success of Construct Law Group, Aleisha said controlling the

growth of the business and specifically its capabilities has contributed to its success.

“All too often, especially in the building industry over the past few years, business owners are quick to accept new clients without the capability to do the work, which results in problems like staff burn out, loss of clients, and in some cases, collapse of

Kirsty Stewart and Crystal Ray with Aleisha and Craig.

Aleisha with her father, Colin MacKenzie

GET To KNoW

Aleisha holds four degrees from the Queensland University of Technology.

She is a construction lawyer and registered adjudicator. In her rare downtime, you’ll find Aleisha walking on the beach, holidaying with family, “attempting” to play golf, or catching up with friends.

businesses. Being controlled in the growth of our business has resulted in our sustainability, happy staff and satisfied clients.”

Aleisha is a passionate advocate for women in the industry and has sponsored and presented at Master Builders’ women’s events and supports other industry bodies, such as Awesome Women in Construction.

“Now is the time to recognise and applaud the value women are bringing to the construction industry and actively recruit them, not to meet quotas, but because of what they offer,” she said.

She admits we all have unconscious bias that is incredibly hard to break.

“In the workplace, recognising your bias, educating yourself, and working to shift that bias towards being more inclusive takes self-awareness and a great leader.”

Aleisha said leaders should model inclusive behaviour in the workplace.

“As the leader in my business, I do my best to embrace all of my staff’s unique qualities and use their diversity to the benefit of the business,” she said.

Love for the industry

Aleisha believes the building and construction industry plays an important part in society and the recent pandemic showed just how essential the industry is. “The construction industry is highly regulated, and ever changing. Our job is to help those in the industry navigate legal requirements which can have a huge impact on livelihoods and families. I love being able to educate and empower our clients with knowledge to help them make considered decisions and achieve better outcomes,” she said. 

A LE i SHA M AC K ENZ i E

When it comes to the success of Construct Law Group, Aleisha said controlling the growth of the business and specifically its capabilities has contributed to its success.

C REAT i NG AN d MA i NTA i N i NG MENTALLy SAFE W o RKPLACES

Workers in the industry report being highly stressed, having compromised mental health, unsatisfactory levels of work-life balance, and show very high rates of burnout.

Master Builders General Manager –Workforce Services, Craig Dearling, has been traveling around the state talking to members about work stress and new legal obligations enforced by the Regulator this month.

According to new Managing the risk of work-related psychosocial hazards Code of Practice , businesses now have a legal duty to do what is reasonably practicable to stop or minimise psychosocial hazards as part of their general duty of care.

“Psychosocial hazards at work occur based on a worker’s experience and a worker’s response to situations. Not everyone is the same, and a situation that could present a risk to one person might not be a risk to everyone,” he said.

Craig said there is no one-size-fits-all approach.

“Since people respond to hazards in different ways, and that individual differences may make some workers more susceptible to harm from exposure to the same hazard,” he said.

So, what do

you need to be doing?

Craig’s advice for business owners and managers is to develop, encourage, and maintain a culture where workers feel safe to raise issues concerning them.

“Talk to your people. you must be respectful in how you respond when people raise issues, make people feel comfortable talking to you. This requires you to listen to understand and listen without judgment,” he said.

Make time for people to talk to you.

If you want to create and encourage mentally safe workplaces, you need to speak to your people, make time for them to talk to you, listen to them, understand the situation, and take action where you can.

• If someone calls out inappropriate behaviours at work, do you say, “you’re overreacting”, or do you say, “I understand that this is an important issue for you,

and we will do something about it”?

• If someone says to you that another worker is causing them issues, do you dismiss their concerns and say, “just ignore them, that’s just the way they are”, or do you say, “thank you for telling me, we will do something about it”?

To really make your work mentally safe, you must think about how you work. This can help prevent issues arising and becoming mental health problems for workers.

Do your workers always work long hours?

Do you require workers to work hours that

are unsociable and make it difficult to do anything outside of work?

Do your workers consistently work more than five days per week?

Craig said of course there are times when staff must work longer hours and more days to satisfy client demands and meet contractual requirements; however, if working in such a way is ongoing and indefinite, this could be influencing workers’ mental health.

“ you might have workers who are in relationships and have children. Their spouse might work, and their children might be young and be required to be dropped off

The levels of depression, stress and anxiety in the building and construction industry exceed the Australian norm by 37 per cent.

“Check in on your people regularly. These conversations are not one-offs.”

and picked up from school each day. Those children might also have extracurricular activities that require a parent to take them to, and those activities might also result in them participating on weekends.

“If your workers have to be at work at 6.00am, and don’t finish until after 3.00pm, and work Saturdays, this can result in them not being able to help their spouse with parental duties including kids’ extracurricular activities, school drop-offs, and weekend plans.

“This can lead to them experiencing relationship strain, which can then result in them suffering mental health issues,” he said. Allow some flexibility at work to assist workers with family responsibilities.

“There will be times when you need people to be at work, but can your work be designed differently to accommodate workers’ needs and aid their mental health so that when they are at work they can concentrate on working safely and productively?”

Talk time

Most importantly, don’t forget to talk to your workers.

“Tell them what work is in the pipeline, what is required of them, and ask whether they have any difficulties meeting the extra commitments and working additional hours. Check in on them regularly too, as things can change,” Craig said.

Research published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology found that psychosocial hazards can emerge due to how people are managed.

If people feel safe to raise issues, feel supported, and know that you will listen and where possible take action, you can prevent your workers suffering mental health issues due to their work. 

To hear more, you can attend the Master Builders six-hour Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work course, where trainers will provide you with practical examples on how to keep your work mentally safe and offer solutions to issues you have identified at your work. More at mbqld.com. au/course-psychosocial or register your interest, call 1300 13 60 02.

MENTAL HEALTH diRECToRy

Mates in Construction

1300 642 111/ mates.org.au/construction/contact-us

MATES provides suicide prevention to the construction industry through community development programs on sites and by supporting workers in need through case management and a 24/7 helpline

TiACS

0488 846 988/ tiacs.org

TIACS is a free and confidential counselling service for truckies, tradies, rural, blue-collar workers, and those who care about them. Give TIACS a call or text to speak with a counsellor from 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday AEST.

Beyond Blue

1300 22 4636/ beyondblue.org.au/talk-to-a-counsellor

Free telephone and online counselling service is open 24/7 for everyone. No matter who you are, or how you’re feeling, reach out to free counselling services for support – they’ll point you in the right direction so you can get the help you need.

New Access

1300 945 301/ beyondblue.org.au/newaccess

NewAccess for small business owners is a free and confidential mental health coaching program, developed by Beyond Blue to give small business owners, including sole traders, the support they need.

Lifeline

13 11 14/ lifeline.org.au/get-help

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services via call, chat or text.

MensLine Australia

1300 78 99 78/ mensline.org.au

MensLine Australia is a telephone and online counselling service offering support for Australian men anywhere, anytime.

1300 MH CALL

1300 642 255/ qld.gov.au/health/1300-mh-call

1300 MH CALL is a confidential mental health telephone triage service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will link to the caller’s nearest Queensland Public Mental Health service.

Head to Health

1800 595 212/ headtohealth.gov.au

Australian Department of Health service that assists in finding digital mental health services from some of Australia’s most trusted mental health organisations.

Headspace headspace.org.au

Provides early intervention mental health services to 12–25-year-olds. Headspace can help young people with mental health, physical health, alcohol and drug services, and work and study support.

Griefline

1300 845 745/ griefline.org.au

Griefline supports anyone experiencing grief, including loss of a loved one, relationship loss, or financial loss, by providing access to free telephone support.

GoTCHA4LiFE gotcha4life.org

GOTCHA4LIFE delivers mental fitness programs that engage, educate, and empower. They focus on early intervention and the power of prevention through connection.

dynamic duos in Business dynamicduos.com.au

Delivering training, education, workshops, and private consulting services for trades and partners. Master Builders members will receive their first consultation free of charge.

Connecting tradies and their families with the best available and suited help and support.

d oes your life insurance cover your high-risk job?

The building and construction industry unfortunately has one of the highest rates of serious workplace injury claims¹. As a worker within this vital industry, it is important that you have the right insurance cover to protect you if you’re involved in a workplace injury.

T R oy Wo LTER N ATIONAL R ELATIONSHIP M ANAGER , BUSSQ

A RE yo UR EMPLoy EES C ov ERE d AT W o RK ?

BUSSQ insures high-risk occupations that other super funds may not.

From November 2021, all working Australians are effectively attached (‘stapled’) to one super fund for the rest of their life, unless they choose* otherwise.

If an employee stapled to a super fund that does not cover high risk occupations were to die, or be seriously injured and unable to work again, they may not have insurance cover.

Super funds generally provide total and permanent disability and life (death) insurance for their members by default when a member joins the fund.

This insurance is usually tailored to the super fund’s industry, for example a retail industry super fund provides insurance tailored to the retail industry and the risks within that industry.

When you’re working in the building and construction industry, your job is likely to be classified as high risk or a dangerous occupation, and it’s important to be aware that some super funds may not provide insurance cover for dangerous occupations.

Help your employees protect themselves by ensuring your default super fund offers insurance cover for dangerous occupations.

BUSSQ provides tailored insurance for workers in the building and construction industry including default death and disability insurance for eligible members in dangerous occupations. As an employer, you must not mandate, recommend, or influence employees to choose a particular super fund. However, it is important for workers to know that not all super funds provide insurance cover for high-risk jobs. BUSSQ representatives can provide education sessions on insurance in super for your employees.

To arrange an education session for your employees, or find out more about BUSSQ’s insurance, call Troy Wolter on 0417 702 822 or visit or visit bussq.com.au/Insurance.

1 safeworkaustralia.gov.au/resources-and-publications/statistical-reports/key-work-health-and-safety-statisticsaustralia-2021.

* Employees covered by an enterprise agreement or workplace determination made before 1 January 2021 do not have choice of fund. This is general information only and does not take into account your personal financial situation or needs. Before acting, review the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure you have all the information about the relevant BUSSQ product and consider the appropriateness of the information to your needs or obtain financial advice tailored for your personal circumstances. See BUSSQ’s PDSs and TMDs at bussq.com.au/forms-and-resources. Issued by BUSS (Queensland) Pty Ltd ABN 15 065 081 281 AFSL 237860, Trustee of Building Unions Superannuation Scheme (Queensland) (BUSSQ) ABN 85 571 332 201.

The importance of choosing your super fund

All working Australians have been attached (‘stapled’) to one super fund for the rest of their life, unless they choose otherwise*. While being stapled to a super fund has potential fee and cost-saving benefits for workers, a possible downside includes being unknowingly stapled to a fund that doesn’t provide the right insurance cover for your current occupation, as was the case with Alex.

Alex was a first-year apprentice in the building and construction industry, who only worked in a retail role beforehand. When Alex started his apprenticeship, he didn’t complete a choice of fund form to tell his employer what super fund he wanted his super guarantee (SG) contributions paid into.

As his employer didn’t receive Alex’s choice of fund form, they were required to check if he had an existing ‘stapled’ super fund to make SG contributions to. The employer did find Alex’s stapled super fund, which wasn’t tailored to the building and construction industry and didn’t provide insurance cover for Alex’s occupation.

One day (many years into his career), Alex

experienced an accident on the job, which sadly left him with a permanent disability and unable to work. When he lodged an insurance claim with his super fund (being that same ‘stapled’ fund from his retail working days), they unfortunately rejected his claim because his job in building and construction was a dangerous occupation and not covered under that super fund’s insurance arrangements.

If Alex had changed to a super fund that provided insurance cover for his dangerous occupation when he began his apprenticeship, and told his employer, he

may have been covered and able to receive his insurance claim in this instance.

If you’re new to the building and construction industry or haven’t reviewed your insurance recently, check that the insurance you have in your super fund covers you for the job you do.

Unlike some super funds, BUSSQ offers tailored insurance for workers in the building, construction, and civil industries. This allows eligible members to have peace of mind knowing that there’s an insurance option available for dangerous occupations. 

NEED A CONCRETE POOL SHELL?

Wholesale Pool Shells is a specialist subcontractor to the swimming pool and building industries. We offer pool shells which include engineering certification, excavation, reinforcing, concrete and plumbing. We offer fixed prices and two day construction time in most cases, with a network of other licensed pool trades available to you. We can also have excavators, bobcats, tip trucks and concrete pumps available for hire.

When you’re working in the building and construction industry, your job is likely to be classified as high risk or a dangerous occupation, and it’s

What documents do you need when building a home in Queensland?

The paperwork that comes with building a new home can get complicated. Master Builders helps you get across the documents you will need for a compliant and smoother build.

T o N y M i TCHELL MASTER BUILDERS GENERAL MANAGER - BUILDING SERVICES

When you’re building a home for Queensland homeowners, there’s lots of documentation and processes to follow to meet your contract and legal obligations.

you can also choose to use some optional documents that make the process easier and disputes less likely.

However, if you don’t have a good system in place, it’s easy for things to slip through the cracks.

Master Builders has a wealth of industrytailored contracts and documents designed specifically for members and available for free for eligible members ^ in its online eDocs system (some still remain for purchase in hardcopy).

We hear frequently from members that what they like about Master Builders’ documents and eDocs system is that it keeps them upto-date not only on what the requirements are, but it also provides documentation that is fit-for-purpose and frequently free as part of their membership.

Building new homes

Building a new home is a big project that needs to be carefully managed at every stage. Follow the five stages of the build and save yourself time and money by accessing many of these documents for free in eDocs, making your day-to-day business easier.

Behind the scenes

1. Preliminary agreement (optional).

2. Consent to electronic communications (Residential & optional).

3. Engineer Specification and Confirmation. Get it in writing

1. Residential Contract Level 2 (Building / Residential) or Cost Plus. A written contract is compulsory.

2. Subcontractor Agreements with chosen subbies. This can be a Period Subcontract and work orders or subcontract agreement.

Getting started

1. Commencement Notice. This is compulsory.

2. SWMS template.

3. Signage. Make sure you have mandatory, safety and danger signs. These are available in our eShop (mbqld.com.au/signs).

Pre-Completion

1. Notice of anticipated Practical Completion.

Completion

1. Practical Completion Notice (Residential). This is compulsory.

2. Defects Document.

3. Homeowners Guide for Termite Management.

4. Homeowners Maintenance Manual. Proper documentation is your ticket to avoiding problems during the build process. Here are the additional documents you’ll need across all stages of the build:

1. Progress Claim / Tax Invoice (compulsory)

2. Trade Summary. This document is used where the method for claiming payment under the Contract is on a periodic basis.

3. Variation Document. Builders can use this for any agreed variation and is compulsory before variation works commence plus variation and EOT forms for subcontractors effected by the changes.

4. Extension of Time (Residential). This is in case delays occur and is compulsory within 10 business days of becoming aware of the cause and extent of the delay.

5. Request for information (optional).

6. Pool specification (optional). This document could be used where the contractor is responsible for this work and is currently only available in ‘Subcontract supporting documents’ in eDocs. 

Contact Master Builders membership team regarding your eligibility to use eDocs or our Building & Planning team for advice on the building process. Call 1300 30 50 10 or visit mbqld.com.au.

^T&Cs apply – visit mbqld.com.au/edocs. Excludes the suite of CSIRO online documents and other selected online documents. Eligible members include licensed builders, licensed tradies, manufacturers, and suppliers.

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i nsurance concerns to keep track of

TAMARRA MATTHEWS MASTER BUILDERS SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER INSURANCE

Project delays are now an everyday frustration for the industry following the pandemic.

While the causes are many and varied, the problems have been compounded by the continuing impacts of supply chain disruptions, global surge in demand for building materials, international conflicts, and impacts of severe weather events. The situation has eased, however, uncontrollable delays appear set to remain for the foreseeable future.

If the challenges of running your business in this environment aren’t hard enough, unplanned delays and escalating costs may also have implications for your insurance protection.

Policies

Most construction policies place limits on the insured works, so it’s important to review ongoing projects against the policy to ensure things remain within your limit parameters. Policy limitations can cover the Scope of Work, Construction Type, Location, Maximum Project Value, Defects Liability Periods, and Maximum Project Period.

In addition to these limits, it is also common for policies to include a Cessation of Works clause and a Variation and Escalation Allowance. While policies generally provide cover for short periods of cessation, an insurer typically restricts the time a project can remain static.

Variation and Escalation Allowances help provide cover for additional works and inflationary increases, however the recent materials cost increases are likely to have exceeded any policy benefit.

It’s prudent to regularly review ongoing projects against policy conditions throughout the policy period to avoid uninsured losses. In the current climate, it’s particularly important to review a project against the Maximum Project Value and Maximum Project Period.

These limits will vary between policies, so it’s important to check and not assume. Should damage or loss arise on projects exceeding policy limits, a policy may not respond to a claim.

In relation to the Maximum Project Period, the policy coverage generally spans from commencement through the construction phase until practical completion. It is advisable to consider additional time allowances after practical completion, as some contracts require extended cover.

If you hold an annual construction works policy, it’s important to establish the basis of your policy. In simple terms, this means, from the commencement date, does your policy cover only new projects commenced, projects already underway, or both. If undertaking speculative works, it is advisable to consider the period after completion pending sale.

For strata title projects, it is important to consider any gap between practical completion and strata registration.

Special insurance arrangements

Finally, in the event of partial occupancy during ongoing construction, special insurance arrangements may be necessary to ensure cover.

All the above considerations are by no means exhaustive but should serve as food for thought during this ongoing period of supply chain disruptions. Please remember there is no substitute for reading the policy documents. Beyond that, it may be wise to speak with your insurance broker. Preferably one that specialises in construction insurance. 

If you’re seeking insurance advice, call Master Builders on 1300 30 50 10.

If the challenges of running your business in this environment aren’t hard enough, unplanned delays and escalating costs may also have implications for your insurance protection.

While policies generally provide cover for short periods of cessation, an insurer typically restricts the time a project can remain static.

viLLA CASA

CASA

Couple creates award-winning hillside mansion on the Gold Coast

Master Builder

dynamic duo Ben Rochford and Dominee Gessner are the creators behind Villa Casa, the 2022 Gold Coast Master Builders House of the Year

The sprawling hillside home in Reedy Creek boasts scenic views of the coastline and a resort-style design, complete with heated swimming pool and swim-up bar.

Ben’s company, Tidal Constructions was in charge of the build, and the house design was done by Reece Keil Design.

The couple bought the vacant land in 2018 after living across the road from the block. The luxurious home took two years to build

Ben and Dominee with Willow and Macey

Master Builder

and was completed in November 2021.

The family lived in a granny flat on the property while Villa Casa was constructed.

Dominee’s years of renovating and working as an interior designer prepared her for a project of this size.

“When we sat down and did the maths, it worked out that building a granny flat (to live in) would be more cost-effective than renting for the duration of the build. Also adding value to the property.

“We were definitely ready to not be living in the granny flat anymore when the time came around!” she said.

The couple has completed three renovations and five new builds outside of Tidal Constructions’ client projects. They decided to just work on new builds once they had their two daughters, Willow and Macey, as renos became a challenge to live in with small children.

villa Casa

Dominee and Ben wanted to build a structure that would stand the test of time while pushing them to grow and develop their skill set in design and construction.

“The desire to build a hinterland retreat was the beginning of how the design took shape. Timeless design via arches, earthy elements, good quality finishes all wrapping around a courtyard of vibrant greenery was the inspiration and how the design of the home

viLLA CASA HiGHLiGHTS

• Powered by C-Bus throughout

• Ducted 56kw AC system

• 22Kw solar panel system

• Four-metre-high ceilings

• Internal limestone walls

• 28Kw heated swimming pool magnesium swimming pool

unfolded,” Dominee said.

Villa Casa is built on a sloping site to maximise the breathtaking coastline views. “This home stands out for the feeling it gives you. Like a holiday at home. Full of beautiful textural finishes. For a large home, people always commented how warm and inviting it felt.”

The couple documented their building journey online on their Instagram page, with a following of close to 14,000 by the end of the build.

The luxurious property boasts seven bedrooms and eight bathrooms. The main bedroom is a showstopper, with its fourmetre headboard and a vaulted tunnel leading to a dressing room and ensuite. One of the home’s standout features is the kitchen, which includes a half-moon island bench.

Villa Casa offers luxury with a combination of timber, limestone, marble, and stone tiles featuring throughout.

The exceptional build also took home the ABI Interiors Individual Home Award over $2 million and the Best Use of Sloping Sites award in the Gold Coast Master Builder Housing & Construction Awards last year.

Ben said the sloping site was a challenge as the home had to be designed to cantilever off the hill to optimise the amazing views of the Gold Coast coastline.

“Managing the scope of the build amongst the client projects and having to be very patient with other trades were also challenging. Being a boutique building company, we use a select group of trades on our projects,” he said.

The exciting features of this home are just too numerous to list, but Dominee and Ben said their favourite aspect is the flow and floor plan of the home.

“Villa Casa is big, but it connects between spaces seamlessly. We were able to get a lot into the design and make it a really easy house to manage and live in. The lime render walls were a massive luxury, and it’s hard to imagine not having them in builds going forward due to the warmth and luxury they bring to the home,” Dominee said.

The Master Builder Housing & Construction Awards judges were impressed with Tidal Constructions use of traditional commercial construction methods of suspended concrete slabs. They said the integrated outdoor entertaining space was a highlight.

Tidal Constructions was fortunate to finish the home before the madness that COVID-19 brought, which affected the supply and pricing of the project.

“I class that as a massive win for the build, considering how much concrete was used in the construction of the home,” Dominee said. Villa Casa made headlines in November last year after it sold only six days after being on the market, reportedly to Sydney Swans AFL player, Lance ‘Buddy’ Franklin and his wife, Jesinta Campbell. 

A dvo CACy F o CUS 2023

2023 is expected to be another challenging year for the construction industry. Building product supply chains and labour availability will continue to face disruption, while rising interest rates and construction costs have put the brakes on demand. We need to expect that more will leave our industry, either forced out through insolvency or choosing to bow out as the challenges become too great.

over-regulation will continue to hamper productivity. At the same time, the challenge of how best to transition to a low carbon economy will become a more central priority for both government and industry.

Our advocacy efforts will be centred on ensuring the construction industry is wellplaced to weather these challenges, as well as making some changes that will see the industry positioned to meet emerging challenges and make our industry a better place to work for all participants.

Sustainable businesses

Builders are ready and willing to provide the housing, social, and other infrastructure needed. However, for industry to deliver the buildings Queenslanders need, new construction must stack up, and builders must make enough profit to sustain their business.

What we are going to work to deliver in 2023

1. Increase the deposit received for domestic building projects to support contractors’ ability to properly fund construction work up front and manage their cashflow.

2. Government publication of a comprehensive Queensland Forward Procurement Pipeline for accurate and timely information on the government’s program of building work, in particular infrastructure to be delivered as part of the Olympic preparations.

3. Improve tendering processes and contractual risk allocations in government building contracts and provide Master Builders contracts with better price adjustment mechanisms.

4. Support compliance of the Psychosocial Code of Practice and the mental health of workers.

5. Raise the profile of career opportunities in the sector.

What we are also going to advocate for

• A more streamlined building procurement policy with more flexibility for regional projects and simpler prequalification processes for subcontractors.

• Increasing the supply of new social and affordable housing.

• In conjunction with Master Builders Australia, free access to Australian Standards referenced in the National Construction Code (NCC).

• Position construction as an industry of choice, attracting more people to the industry, including women.

• Greater inclusion of the building sector in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan. Better building practices

We need to ensure that the regulations that govern how our buildings are built are practical and workable and apply at the right point in the building supply chain.

What we are going to work to deliver in 2023

1. Guidance supporting the NCC 2022 energy efficiency and accessible housing requirements that brings clarity to the provisions.

2. A single, mandatory, state-wide Housing Code for greater certainty and efficiency in housing development.

3. Upskilling of the industry through a Master Builders CPD program.

4. Government guidance on what constitutes best practice for clientappointed project manager/contract administrator (superintendent).

What we are also going to advocate for

• NCC 2025 response to the challenges of energy efficiency, accessibility, and resilience are practical, workable and do not hamper industry productivity.

• Introduction of industry-wide, mandatory Continuing Professional Development (CPD) scheme, including a New Contractor Program to raise the bar for new contractors.

• Manufacturers and suppliers meet the product traceability and product information requirements of our industry.

• Harness the opportunities for the building industry in the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

• An accepted embodied emissions calculation tool for building products and lower carbon building materials.

• Improved industry productivity including prefabricated buildings and components.

Fair and reasonable regulation Government red tape must be addressed where it is constraining industry without a corresponding benefit. Continual changes to the rules around how buildings are built are adding complexity and costs, hampering productivity. Project trust accounts have been heralded as the solution to unpaid subcontractors in insolvency. However, there is no evidence of any benefit under the Queensland regime, which is costly and cumbersome. Similarly, Minimum Financial Requirements (MFRs) are seen as a means of ensuring licensees are solvent, however again there is no evidence of any benefit to the sector.

What we are going to work to deliver in 2023

1. Further delay the introduction of Project Trust Accounts into private sector projects over $3 million and over $1 million to avoid unnecessary business costs for no corresponding benefit.

2. Reform of the Queensland Home Warranty Scheme to ensure that payment of claim decisions are fair to all parties.

3. Reform of the rectification of defective building work process to ensure decisions are fair, proportionate and targeted at all relevant parties.

4. QBCC to reinstate the process of providing guidance on which licence is required for particular scopes of work.

What we are also going to advocate for

• Simplify the Minimum Financial Requirements so that the burden they impose is proportionate to the protection they provide.

• Reform the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and its processes to ensure that its regulation of industry is transparent, accountable, reasonable, reviewable, consistent with the legislation, and otherwise carried out with the highest integrity.

• Only one regulator responsible for workplace health and safety investigations, with a single portal for notifying safety incidents.

• Workable options for funding the rectification of buildings with combustible cladding.

• An early intervention payment dispute system that can address defective work and non-payment without the need for court action. It should extend to cover all work that is completed lawfully and within the licensing framework.

• Security of payment measures and unfair contract provision requirements start at the top of the supply chain with developers and owners.

GoALS

Throughout

Leading change

Master Builders will also start a Future Builders Program. A program of positive actions to directly contribute to the outcomes we are working to achieve in the policy agenda.

This program has four main areas of activity:

• Master Builders voluntary Continuous Professional development (CPd) [read more on page 8]

• Industry champions [read more on page 8]

• Renovating to better buildings

Regulatory changes are coming thick and fast for new homes. We believe this change should slow down for new builds and focus in the short term on bringing older buildings up to standard. Working with existing bodies to utilise existing resources, we will provide guidance for

owners and builders on how existing homes can be more energy efficient, accessible, and resilient. We will also assist owners to identify builders with expertise in this area.

• Building products coalition

Manufacturers, importers, and suppliers have responsibility for compliant, safe, and energy efficient products used in building. The information to be provided with building products needs to be provided by these industry participants. Master Builders, together with other stakeholders, will work with manufacturers and suppliers to improve product information and product traceability. This will build on the work already done by industry in the National Building Products Assurance Framework.

For more information, email industryvoice@ mbqld.com.au or call 1300 30 50 10. mbqld.com.au

The Master Builders Board and CEO, Paul Bidwell, signing off on the Policy & Advocacy Agenda.

2023, Master Builders will use every opportunity to advocate on behalf of members to improve sustainable business outcomes.

SPoNSoR SPoTLiGHT

Serving the Darling Downs community for 60 Years

Established in 1963, Building Material Supplies (BMS) has grown to be one of the largest suppliers of building materials in the Toowoomba region.

It all started for BMS at the current Ruthven Street location. Over the years, extensive alterations were made to the operation including a larger showroom, offices, warehouse, and adding a drive-through, changes vitally important to support the growing local building industry.

In July 1984, BMS joined the Mitre 10 Group,

enabling greater purchasing power and promotional capabilities. Support for BMS continued to grow in the region, along with requests from customers for a store on the southern side of the city. In 2000, the Stenner Street store opened providing customers with access to a wide range of products and services.

As the building industry continued to expand, Carrington Road was opened in 2009 as a purpose-built trade-focused facility. The site boasts 2,000sqm of showroom and 8,000sqm of warehouse and

Navigating a challenging market

As the demand for construction projects continues to increase, builders are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten their profitability and sustainability. The rising cost of materials, supply chain delays, and labour shortages are key amongst them. Builders must be proactive in managing these risks to ensure they remain competitive and profitable. Two ways to do this include:

1. Review your contracts before you sign them. Ensure you have certainty and protection

against unexpected cost increases and delays. Include key provisions such as price escalation mechanisms and broad rights to extensions of time and cost.

2. Manage relationships, but still put in your contractual notices. Builders should understand the key notice requirements in their contracts and have templates of these ready to fill out and send. Missing a key notice during project delivery can result in a loss of entitlement to time and money.

a trade priority drive-through. Carrington Road was further developed in 2022, adding an extra 1,800sqm warehouse to improve consistency in delivering orders on time and in full despite the supply crisis.

In February 2020, BMS acquired Toowoomba Truss and Frame (TTTF).

For more information visit bmsm10.com

McInnes Wilson Lawyers in Brisbane is a leading law firm with a highly experienced team of construction lawyers who can assist builders with contract review and risk management solutions.

Members can contact the team at McInnes Wilson Lawyers at mcw.com.au to arrange a free 30-minute initial discussion. 

For healthy cashflow and a prospering business, ask the questions that matter

Founded in 1926, Ulton is one of Queensland’s largest business advisory, chartered accounting and wealth management practices. Ulton’s worked with clients from independent subcontractors to large-scale building contractors, and everyone in between.

With collective industry knowledge spanning decades, the Ulton team are the finance and

business advisors who understand the sector better than most.

The industry’s biggest challenge now is cashflow.

This is due to compounding factors, such as rising material and personnel costs, ongoing delays, and climbing supply costs and fixed-price contracts. On top of this, builders need high working capital levels to meet Queensland Building & Construction Commission (QBCC) requirements. Cashflow may seem like a big problem with no simple solution, but the team at Ulton

understands the industry’s nuances. Their knowledge on everything from job costing to QBCC guidelines, to reporting and regulations means the team knows the right questions to ask.

Ulton works with clients to uncover insights, tailor strategies, and empower them with practical solutions.

Ulton can help with reporting and licensing obligations, producing management reports, budgeting and job costing, and overseeing compliance activities.

For more information visit ulton.net. 

A spotlight on some of our great sponsors; make sure you support those companies that support our industry.

MEMBER diSCoUNTS

A MP o L

We have teamed up with some great industry partners to help your dollar go further.

Master Builders’ deal with Ampol saves members more than 50 per cent off the monthly fee on AmpolCard and 4.5 cents per litre off the pump price for unleaded petrol 91 and E10, premium 95 & 98, and Diesel, at Ampol Limited outlets. Complete an online application form at mbqld.com.au/ampol.

dEPARTURE Lo UNGE

Master Builders Queensland members can save up to 50 per cent on accommodation with Departure Lounge. As a member, you can search and book discounted accommodation at selected Peppers, Mantra, and BreakFree properties throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Bali. For more information visit mbqld.com.au/departurelounge.

Ni SSAN

Master Builders members receive Nissan benefits, including Nissan Partner Program pricing, three years or 100,000km warranty, with the option to extend, 24-hour Roadside Assistance for three years, and access to Nissan Fleet Tailored Finances packages. For more information go to mbqld.com.au/nissan.

S i XT AUSTRAL i A C AR & T RUCK R ENTAL

Members will get 10 per cent off (conditions apply) the best rate of the day (BROD) for passenger and commercial fleet at SIXT Australia Car & Truck Rental. The discounts are available across the whole SIXT network, including 115 countries and more than 2,100 locations globally. For more details visit mbqld.com.au/sixt.

These are just some of the great deals available to Master Builders members. For a full list of discounts and special offers, visit mbqld.com.au/member-discounts

BMW

Members of Master Builders are eligible for the BMW Professional Programme. This entitles members to benefits upon the purchase of a new BMW, including complimentary BMW Service inclusive for three years or 60,000km, reduced dealer delivery, benefits extended to your spouse or defacto partner and access to a dedicated Corporate Sales Manager. Visit mbqld.com.au/bmw for more details.

T ELSTRA

Master Builders members can access 15 per cent discount on eligible new or existing Telstra Small Business mobile and data plans. To apply go to mbqld.com.au/Telstra.

The above discounts and benefits are subject to the provider’s terms and conditions and eligibility requirements. Master Builders does not provide any guarantee that a member will be eligible for a particular discount or benefit. All queries regarding eligibility must be directed to the provider noted above as applicable.

Wo RK HAR d, PLAy HAR d

Workplay initiative to boost opportunities for women in construction.

When she’s not running out on the field as captain of the Gold Coast SUNS AFLW team, you will find Tara Bohanna working on the city-shaping Gold Coast light rail project.

The 27-year-old has been able to balance the demands of professional football and her career in construction thanks to the flexible working policies at John Holland.

Tara, a Project Safety Coordinator, is passionate about building her career on and off the football field.

“Working with John Holland has helped me develop skills and experience in construction and set up an exciting future on projects both big and small.

“Most importantly, I’ve still got the flexibility I need to train and play my best

footy,” Tara said.

In August last year, John Holland joined forces with the AFLW in a three-year sponsorship deal.

John Holland has become the official presenting partner of the AFL’s Workplay, a leading careers and networking platform designed to empower female athletes in sport and business.

The Workplay powered by John Holland partnership provides an even greater platform for female athletes and business leaders to connect to a range of flexible employment, education resources, career development and mentoring, and other opportunities which accommodate their sporting commitments.

Addressing a key industry challenge,

the partnership aims to boost female participation within construction and help John Holland reach its target of 40 per cent women by 2025.

With more than 6,000 employees nationally, the partnership will also put the spotlight on the company’s flexible working options and diversity of roles – with a range of benefits available to players including variations to work hours, job sharing, and more.

John Holland CEO, Joe Barr, said the partnership provides an opportunity to attract, develop and retain top female talent in the construction industry.

“This is a truly game-changing partnership as we look to disrupt the business-as-usual approach to recruitment within our industry and get more female talent within our ranks,” Joe said.

Tara said women athletes should be empowered to be their absolute best on and off the field.

“That means having access to great career opportunities. Working with John Holland has helped me develop skills and experience in construction and set up an exciting future on projects both big and small. Most

importantly, I’ve still got the flexibility I need to train and play my best footy.”

For Tara, the opportunity to play the game she loves, and build a successful career in construction, should serve as an inspiration to others.

“Female athletes should be empowered to be their absolute best on and off the field – and that means having access to great career opportunities,” she said.

The program

Workplay is a careers platform that connects AFLW players with flexible employment, career, and educational resources.

Launched in 2021, the industry-first platform has grown to further advance the opportunities for woman players to thrive.

John Holland Executive General Manager –Building and Development, David Lehmann said the platform is a gamechanger to recruit more women into construction.

“As Workplay’s Presenting Partner, we are thrilled to support almost 600 talented players having access to rewarding and flexible career opportunities through John

Holland,” he said.

Engagement with AFLW player development managers at all 18 clubs has enabled increased player registration and access to career opportunities and resources, as well as integration into the post-season meetings so players can start seeking roles that work for them and their offseason commitments.

AFL General Manager of Women’s Football, Nicole Livingstone, said Workplay is crucial to providing female athletes with the tools to succeed.

“The challenges facing female athletes across codes globally are consistent – having to balance work, study, family, and sporting commitments – and through Workplay, we are playing our role in the creation of long-term, sustainable career pathways for women and girls in their chosen fields.

“Our aim is to create as many flexible working opportunities as possible for athletes through our vast network of organisations –in turn empowering them directly to pursue truly flexible employment, education, and career development,” she said. 

John

Holland has become the official presenting partner of the AFL’s Workplay, a leading careers and networking platform designed to empower female athletes in sport and business.

Queensland’s building super

issued by BUSS (Queensland) Pty Ltd ABN

065 081 281, AFSL 237860, Trustee of Building Unions Superannuation Scheme (Queensland) (BUSSQ) ABN

201. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations at bussq.com.au/forms-and-resources, before deciding whether a product is right for you. *Average return is net of investment fees and costs, taxes, and the percentage-based administration fee and based on the performance of the Balanced Growth Super option since inception in 1985 calculated at 30 June 2022. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

5 MiNUTES WiTH...

G RANT M AC K ENZ i E

Tell us a little about yourself.

I was born in South Africa and have been in Queensland for 13 years. My wife, Heidi, and my mum work with me in the business.

My son, Jarred is currently studying surveying at university.

In my limited spare time, I like to go fishing with my family and watch footy. I’ve swapped out the Springboks for the Broncos!

Why did you decide to move to Australia?

I grew up in Pietermaritzburg near Durban but made the decision to immigrate for a better life for my son.

Australia has more opportunities and it’s a safer life for the whole family.

Who or what inspired you to get into the building and construction industry?

I left school when I was 17 years old and got into the pool industry straight away. I haven’t done anything else since then.

I’ve been building pools for 18 years and now own my own shop and have added fencing to the mix.

How does the industry differ from South Africa?

There are a lot more rules in Australia. It’s no secret there’s a fair amount of

corruption in South Africa, and building regulations are more relaxed.

In Australia, the QBCC is much stricter, and we have to comply with a lot more laws.

Materials and labour costs are more expensive in Australia.

What was your first job – and a memorable moment from those early days?

My first job was fixing and cleaning pools. The most memorable work moment was building a huge, million litre indoor pool in a retirement village.

I also met my wife in a pool shop, and we’ve been married for 22 years.

Tell us about your current role – and what you love most about it?

I install pool fencing, pumps, and filters. We also have the pool shop in Alexandra Hills, and the team goes out and cleans pools.

We’ve just launched an online store. I have two guys working with me that install pool fencing and a team that cleans pools. I love the satisfaction of walking away after completing the job, seeing the end product and the customers happy.

What project are you most proud of?

I’d have to say, starting a new company in Australia.

What’s the toughest lesson you’ve learned, or biggest challenge you’ve overcome? Learning about starting a new business in another country.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I’d like to take a step back from doing installation and focus on managing the team full time. This will enable me to spend more time with my family.

Finally, what’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Always own up to your mistakes. 

Redlands Poolman

We catch up with a couple of our members for a quick chat to see what they have been up to.

Campbell Construction Co, Sunshine Coast

Workplace Health Safety & Environment Manager at Campbell Construction Co, Jy-Leigh Wilson was selected as a Divisional Representative for the Sunshine Coast region and sits on the Health & Safety and Environmental Committees.

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m a Sunny Coast local, born and bred, raised in Currimundi. I grew up by the ocean, surfing and diving. When not working, I love the outdoors, from surfing, to motocross – if my hair isn’t salty, my face is muddy. I have a beautiful fur child, Pradalily; she is 11 years old, she’s a staffy cross bull terrier.

What made you get into workplace, health, and safety in the construction industry?

I was naturally drawn to the construction industry and knew I wanted to study Human Resources, Industrial Relations, or Workplace Health & Safety at university to get my foot in the door. I have been very fortunate to have opportunities to work with great construction companies that have strongly shaped me to be the WHS&E Manager I am today.

Why did you get involved in the Master Builders committees?

Completing qualifications and working with representatives from Master Builders within the WHS, Environmental, HR, and IR divisions, I knew the subcommittees would be a great experience. Being on the Electoral College and elected as a divisional rep for the Sunshine Coast enables me to have a voice in our industry.

Being on both the safety and environmental committees lets me push for change with like-minded professionals just as passionate as myself, which is very rewarding personally.

Anyone that knows me, knows that my career will always come first, and I strive to learn and grow in the construction industry. I aim to make sure everyone goes to work safely and gets home safe every day.

Are there any issues you are particularly passionate about?

I enjoy residential high-risk construction, and being part of committees and alliances where we get together to discuss industry changes and share experiences. I am passionate about asbestos awareness, silicosis, and working at heights.

I aim to educate and create awareness and understanding to drive compliance.

I’ve noticed in the insurance building space, young tradies transitioning into estimating and supervision roles haven’t had exposure around high-risk activities. Everyone has heard of asbestos and silicosis, but so many young tradies don’t know just how serious these safety measures are.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy working in the residential space and across new builds, and insurance repair work, but I get a kick out of the insurance space the most.

I have experienced devastating disasters across Queensland and NSW. However, being able to be

on the ground launching startups with hundreds of trades, bringing the community together to prepare for the safety and environmental dangers is a warming feeling.

I enjoy meeting with the communities and being part of the experience to rebuild their homes. It’s so rewarding and validates my passion for what I do.

Finally, what advice would you give to other women who are considering pursuing careers in building and construction?

Be confident and work hard. your mind is your only limit, push your own boundaries and be determined. If you believe in yourself, you’re already on the right path. 

Anyone that knows me, knows that my career will always come first, and I strive to learn and grow in the construction industry.

B EAT THE HEAT W i TH Fi RE C RUNCH

With the hot season only getting hotter and the dry season only getting drier, having a fire-resistant building is only becoming more and more important. That’s where FireCrunch Australasia steps in.

FireCrunch Australasia is an entirely Australian-owned and operated company, supplying sustainable, fire-resistant building board and cladding to builders all around the country. FireCrunch has been supplying lowCO2-pollutive magnesium oxide cladding for the past 12 years. Being completely Australian owned, the entire range of FireCrunch’s products has been custom-engineered to meet all of Australia’s unique climatic conditions. Because of their innovative construction using magnesium oxide (MgSO4), FireCrunch’s products are lighter in weight than typical plasterboard and also less likely to break down. FireCrunch uses non-corrosive technology to ensure their products are suitable for interior and exterior construction and across residential and commercial properties.

FireCrunch’s products are popular with builders Australia-wide for their versatility and ease of use. The FireCrunch range includes K-Clad,

a passive interior–exterior fire cladding for residential and commercial properties; K-Deck, a passive fire decking that is perfect for exterior use; K-Floor, a unique tongue-andgroove flooring substrate; K-Roof, a tongueand-groove sheeting that prevents bushfire entry through steel or tiled roofs; and K-Wall, an interior–exterior grooved weatherboard.

In addition to being fire-resistant, all of the products in the FireCrunch range are also resistant to impact, mould, sound, termites, bacteria, and water. The range has undergone extensive testing to ensure the best outcomes for every scenario.

“FireCrunch meets the major threat of all fires and the need for bushfire-resistant building boards to protect lives and homes in BAL FZ areas, for which it is certified. Our goal is also to protect and strengthen homes and properties from such unpredictable threats,” said Peter Jones, CEO of FireCrunch Australasia.

Fire resistant

After witnessing the devastation caused by the Black Saturday bushfires in 2009, the team at FireCrunch decided there needed to be a change in the industry and committed to delivering a more fire-resistant building material. The range that FireCrunch currently stocks has been tested with the most aggressive BCA requirements under AS1530.4 (C1.C19)-/2025. During tests conducted by the CSIRO and subsequent additional tests, the FireCrunch range was also shown to meet AS1530.8.1.2 BAL FZ and to be able to survive firestorms. FireCrunch’s product range has a Fire Resistance Level of 90/90/90.

Water resistant

FireCrunch’s reliable flood-resistant building board range, FloodClad, does not degrade or deteriorate in water, making these boards perfect for use in low-lying areas that are prone to flooding. Additionally, the mould-

resistant quality of the boards means that they are easy to dry out and clean without any worry of deterioration.

The water-resistant properties of the range mean that it does not retain water; therefore, there is no risk of ‘blow out’ of superheated steam in the event of a fire or fire storm.

Environmentally friendly

FireCrunch has a heavy focus on maintaining environmentally friendly construction processes. FireCrunch’s products are completely recyclable, and the production process produces very few CO 2 emissions. In comparison to traditional plasterboard, the production of which necessitates the destruction of millions of trees each year for paper linings.

Using environmentally friendly products is becoming more of an important consideration as the consumer demand for environmentally

conscious products continues to rise. FireCrunch’s products are made using magnesium oxy-sulphate (MgSO4), which is a carbon capture product that sequesters 90 per cent of the CO2 produced during curing.

“Since our company’s product inception in the Australian market in 2011, we have stressed the need to bring in the benefits of building materials that are environmentally friendly in as many areas as is practical,” said Peter.

Strong acoustics

FireCrunch has a high acoustic rating in its 10mm format, and this only increases at greater thicknesses. Tests performed according to the BCA Acoustic Standard AS717 rated FireCrunch’s products to Rw62+ctr, which exceeds the BCA base requirement for intertenancy walls, floors, and ceilings.

A healthier build

In addition to being a kinder choice for the environment, FireCrunch is also a healthier material for your customers. It is completely free of formaldehyde, silica, asbestos, heavy metals, and organic solvents, which greatly eliminates the risk of any negative health impacts. Mould, mildew, and bacteria are also unable to live or breed on the material.

For this reason, FireCrunch products are ideal for health-sensitive areas, including medical centres, hospitals, age care centres, schools, prisons, and high-traffic public buildings.

installation

All FireCrunch products can be installed using regular screw fixings and materials and timber tools for cutting. No expensive diamondtipped saws are required, as the cladding cuts

FireCrunch now retails for 25 per cent less than 13mm and 16mm fire-rated plasterboard and has the lowest CO2 emissions, at only 5 per cent.

quickly and easily, which makes for speedy installation. All FireCrunch products are supplied with a Class 4 finish. No extra lining products are required.

Lower costs

As the application of technology has widened, FireCrunch has made use of this to reduce the production costs of their products, which they are proud and happy to be able to pass along to all of their customers. The whole range of FireCrunch products is made on state-of-theart high-speed computer-driven production lines, which makes this reduction in costs possible without reducing the quality and advantages of the products.

FireCrunch now retails for 25 per cent less than 13mm and 16mm fire-rated plasterboard and has the lowest CO2 emissions, at only 5 per cent.

Furthermore, the effectiveness of FireCrunch’s fire-resistant properties does not change with the thickness of the cladding. This means that installing one sheet of 10mm-thick FireCrunch on each side of a 92mm steel-framed fire separation wall or double-stud timber frame is just as, if not more, effective than typical 10mm non-fire-rated plasterboard or 13mm fire-proof plasterboard. 

For more information about FireCrunch’s range of superior cladding products, visit www.firecrunch.com.au

Need your Waterproofing licence?

Our course is a combined RPL skills assessment and short skills workshops1, helping you get qualified fast with industry experts. Open to builders and anyone with experience who holds a relevant construction trade qualification.

Don’t get caught out fixing expensive waterproofing issues. Learn the ins and outs of internal and external waterproofing, and gain the skills to take on larger projects. We’ll get you up to speed on:

• Product suitability and tool selection

• Common defects and rectification

• Surface preparation

• Application factors

• Rockhampton | Wednesday, 10 May to Monday, 15 May

• Mackay | Thursday, 25 May to Tuesday, 30 May

• Cairns | Friday, 9 June to Wednesday, 14 June

• Townsville | Saturday, 17 June to Thursday, 22 June

• Sunshine Coast | Wednesday, 19 July to Monday, 24 July

• Brisbane | Thursday, 3 August to Tuesday, 8 August

• Injection systems

• Subterranean applications

• Practical application of waterproofing products

• Manufacturer certification.

• Toowoomba | Tuesday, 22 August to Sunday, 27 August

• Bundaberg | Thursday, 7 September to Tuesday, 12 September

WHAT’S HoT

C USTo M i SABLE B ACKUP Po WER So LUT io N

BLUETT AC300 solar generator is a mobile power supply for construction and home backup. It can deliver 3,000W power (6,000W surge) for any large equipment.

Connected with B300 battery packs, made from safe and durable LFP cells, AC300 has a flexible capacity from 3,072Wh to 12,288Wh. There are seven ways to recharge this master, including 5,400W solar + AC dual input. Therefore, all tools, home appliances, and electric devices can stay powered via its 15 outlets in off-grid sites or during a sudden power outage. Visit our website for more energy solutions.

www.bluettipower.com.au

ST y L i SH AN d BU d GET FR i EN d Ly TREA d S

Providing the best quality and finishes in concrete step treads –many great styles to choose from and a great range of finishes and colours.

There are five reasons to choose our concrete step treads apart from the 120 different colours and various finishes that are available.

1. They are comparable in cost to other materials.

2. They are available in different appearances to suit any budget.

3. No more rust problems associated with concrete treads.

4. Our sizing is better suited to vary the height of the treads.

5. We have a style for you with our custom options.

Contact StoneFX Concrete Step Treads for more information.

www.stonefxsteptreads.com.au

A

products

T HE G U id E To Hi STo R i CAL STEEL R E i NF o RCEMENT

The award-winning Guide to Historical Steel Reinforcement in Australia is an essential resource when re-purposing older concrete structures. The two-volume boxed set contains all relevant information on steel reinforcement, concrete, Standards, detailing and construction practices since 1895. It includes many previous printed industry publications and extracts from Codes and Standards that are now difficult, if not impossible, to source. Preserve our reinforced concrete heritage, rather than demolish and replace. “The most sustainable building is a recycled building, and that is why you need the Guide,” says John Woodside, Principal, J. Woodside Consulting.

www.sria.com.au

Co MF o RT, EASE , AFF o R dAB i L i T y, AN d ST y LE F o R yo UR NEXT BU i L d

Australia’s leading insulated roof panel, SolarSpan®, is ideal for insulated patios, insulated pergolas, verandas, decks, carports, garages, and homes.

SolarSpan® offers superior comfort with highperforming insulation. The simple, quick, modular design is easier and faster to install than conventional roofing and eliminates the need for additional structural supports and extra layers, as required in traditional roofing. Spanning further than traditional roofing systems, SolarSpan® delivers dramatic spaces with clean finishes and appearances.

Breathe new life into your outdoor area and add value to your home through SolarSpan®.

www.solarspan.com.au

quick look at the latest

and services that can help you in your business.

Lo W Co2 C o NSTRUCT io N CLA ddi NG d R o PS 40 PER CENT

FCA Composite cladding handles fire, floods, termites, and acoustics and is a 5 per cent low CO 2 emission product, now at plasterboard prices! This is greener, very low net CO emission composite cladding.

FCA now price challenges 13mm and 16mm high pollutive plasterboard and CFC cement product industries, the biggest Australian price change in 60 years.

Firecrunch and X-Clad low CO 2 cladding products are now the same as or lower than 13mm and 16mm fire-rated plaster board and CFC FRL 60/60/60 and FRL 90/90/90.

www.firecrunch.com.au

S MART Si NKS , A FULLy SELFC o NTA

Too

WASH i NG SySTEM

From plaster sediment, to sands, soils, and even concrete washout sediments, the award-winning, Australiandesigned Smart Sinks mobile tool washing station provides a highlyeffective, affordable, and easy-to-use method of preventing sediments and suspended solids from being washed into drains or disposed of illegally in gutters, stormwater side entry pits, or on open ground.

Now also available in a new 100 per cent battery-powered version, Smart Sinks can help you save up to 2,250 litres of water per week/per plasterer. What’s more, by eliminating the need to travel to and from a central tool wash-out facility, Smart Sinks™ also saves you time and money.

The Equitilt FlameGuard wall system is your walling product of choice, due to its excellent insulation attributes and fireresistant ability.

The Equitilt FlameGuard insulated sandwich panel wall system offers high thermal performance and energy efficiency and can be used when a non-combustible building system is required. Equitilt FlameGuard is available in a range of COLORBOND steel colours.

www.bondor.com.au/product/ flameguard-non-combustiblecladding-fire-rated-walls/

NAL o R C o NTEMP o RARy –LySAGHT CUSTo M o RB C o RRUGATE d CLA ddi NG

Manufactured in Australia over 100 years ago, the iconic corrugated shape of CUSTOM ORB remains one of Lysaght’s most popular roofing and walling styles. Not only is it being used to reroof traditional homes and to give an authentic look to heritage-inspired reproductions, but it’s also traversed construction eras and architectural styles, with CUSTOM ORB cladding increasingly being used in the latest contemporary architectural designs.

Shaped from COLORBOND steel, featuring strength and rigidity and low maintenance appeal, CUSTOM ORB is ideal for Australia’s demanding conditions.

www.professionals.lysaght.com/ products/custom-orb

T HE WALL i NG SySTEM F o R yo UR i NSULAT io N AN d F i RE - RES i STANCE BU i L d REQU i REMENTS

AdviCE

iAN G RANT M ANAGER – R EGULATOR y P OLIC y Advocacy

& Policy

What triggers a QBCC investigation?

The Queensland Building & Construction Commission (QBCC) is tasked with investigating a broad range of offences and licensing breaches under the QBCC Act and other building legislation (e.g., Building Industry Fairness Act ). These include offences relating to unlicensed building work, unlawful contracting and payment practices, home warranty insurance and unlawful advertising.

Complaints from consumers and other contractors commonly trigger a QBCC investigation. However, the QBCC may start an investigation on its own initiative. For example, QBCC may commence an investigation if a person provides information in a licence application that they have been unlawfully performing building work.

What to do if QBCC telephones you about an investigation?

If you are contacted by a QBCC investigator and informed you are being investigated for an offence or a licensing breach, always ask the investigator to advise you in writing of the allegations against you and the questions that they would like you to answer.

We recommend you do not attempt to answer the questions over the telephone when first contacted. There are several reasons for this, including:

• It allows you time to review your records to ensure that any information provided is truthful and accurate.

• It gives you time to seek independent advice about your rights and obligations.

• Because a telephone call of this kind can be distressing and confronting, it gives you time to get into the right head space before answering any questions, and if needed get access to support services.

• It ensures that the telephone call is genuinely from the QBCC and not a scam.

Can QBCC compel you to give information to assist an investigation?

The QBCC has a range of powers to compel a licensee to provide information or documents. In most cases, these powers cannot be exercised unless the investigator gives the licensee a written notice under the legislation.

An exception to this is if the investigator reasonably suspects a person has committed an offence under the QBCC Act. In this case, the investigator may require person (without giving

a written notice) to state their name, date and place of birth, and residential address.

As a member of Master Builders, if you receive a written notice requiring (or even inviting you) to provide information about an investigation or an alleged licensing breach, Master Builders has a specialist team of advisors (including our Members Legal team) who can assist you to understand the process and provide you support. 

Remember, if you’re seeking professional advice, call Master Builders 1300 30 50 10

Our panel of industry experts share some of the common questions they are asked.

To N y Mi TCHELL

G ENERAL M ANAGER - B UILDING S ERVICES AND L ICENSING

Members Legal Building & Planning

The federal government has passed laws which will expand the unfair contract terms regime under the Australian Consumer Law for new contracts from 10 November 2023.

What is an unfair contract term?

An unfair contract term is a term in a consumer contract or small business contract which is also a standard form contract which:

• Would cause a significant imbalance in the parties’ rights and obligations, and

• Is not reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate interests of the party who would be advantaged by the term, and

• Would cause detriment (financial or otherwise) to a party if it were to be relied on.

What is a consumer contract?

A contract for the supply of goods or services, or the sale or grant of an interest in land, to an individual whose acquisition of the goods, services or interest is wholly or predominantly for personal, domestic, or household use or consumption. It includes domestic building contracts with homeowners.

What is a small business contract?

Today, it is a contract for the supply of goods or services, or the sale or grant of an interest in land, and at least one party is a business with fewer than 20 employees, where either the upfront price is less than $300,000, or the contract is for more than 12 months with an upfront price of less than $1 million.

From 10 November, a small business contract will be expanded to a contract for the supply of goods or services, or the sale or grant of an interest in land, and at least one party is a business employs less than 100 people and/or has an annual turnover of less than $10 million.

What is a standard form contract?

A standard form contract will typically be one that has been prepared by one party to the contract, is not subject to significant negotiation between the parties, and is essentially offered on a ‘take it or leave it’ basis.

From 10 November, a consideration for whether a contract is a ‘standard form contract’ will be if one of the parties has entered another contract it prepared on similar or substantially similar terms, unless it can be shown that the parties had the opportunity to negotiate terms which are not minor or insubstantial in effect.

What happens if my contract has an unfair contract term? Today, the courts can order that an unfair contract term is void, but the rest of the contract is unaffected.

From 10 November, there will be new significant penalties for breaching the ‘unfair contract terms’ regime, a right to claim loss and damage caused by the unfair contract term, and to apply for an injunction to stop the other party from relying on it. 

What are the glazing requirements for kitchens, bathrooms, ensuites, spa rooms and splash backs?

Glass installations that are at risk of being subjected to human impact must have glazing that if broken on impact, will break in a way that is not likely to cause injury to people, and resists human impact without breaking, and is protected or marked in a way that will reduce the likelihood of human impact.

The National Construction Code contains the Deemed to Satisfy Provisions for the installation of glazing in kitchens, bathrooms, ensuites, spa rooms, or the like, including shower doors, shower screens, bath enclosures, and associated windows and doors including cabinet doors.

For all situations where the lowest sight line is less than 2.0 metres above the finished level of the floor, bottom of the bath, or shower base, the glazing for framed panels must be Grade A safety glazing material, or for panels or doors with any edge exposed, be toughened safety glass with a minimum nominal thickness of 6mm. Monolithic annealed glass may be used for mirrors, provided a fixed vanity or bench with a height of not less than 760mm, depth of not less than 300mm extending the full width of the mirror is in front of the mirror.

Monolithic annealed glass may be used for splashbacks, provided it is fully backed by and continuously adhered to a solid wall material or a fixed cabinet or a bench that is a height not less than 760mm and a depth not less than 300mm and extends the full width of the splash-back and is in front of the splash back.

How is safety glass identified?

Safety glass must be marked in the form of either permanent etching or a label that cannot be reused once removed.

The labelling of safety glass is not intended to remain after completion of construction. Labelling should remain in place on safety glass to allow relevant practitioners to confirm and certify that the correct type of safety glass has been installed in a specific area of the building.

The permanent etching or label must state the standard to which the safety glass has been tested, the registered name of the manufacturer or supplier, the grade of the safety glass, the nominal thickness of the safety glass and the type of safety glass. 

Safety glass must be marked in the form of either permanent etching or a label that cannot be reused once removed.

TRAiNiNG

your workers are your lifeblood. Master Builders designs and delivers a range of courses that help move your business, and our industry, forward.

Cool move for air-con tradies

Sunshine Coast air-conditioning technician, Dane Hogan has turned up the heat and started his own company.

The Caloundra local has been a tradie for four years and always wanted to broaden his skills.

Joining forces with a former colleague, Mark Kidd, the pair started On Point Air in November last year.

However, Dane had to hit the books before his dream could become a reality. With funding help from Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), he enrolled in the Master Builders Business Management for Trade Contractors course.

“After spending 40-hour weeks as an airconditioning technician, I needed to learn more about the business side of things, and I needed to obtain a Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) licence,” he said.

Dane said he had to step up his game and learn the behind the scenes of running his own business.

Hard work pays off for Sunny Coast tradies

Seven Sunshine Coast students graduated after a year-long Master Builders CPC40120 Certificate IV in Building and Construction course.

The certificate gives trade contractors, site supervisors, foremen, and tradespeople the technical qualification they need to apply for a Low Rise Builders Licence through the QBCC. The course is based on important issues in the building and construction sector including managing WHS, building principles and codes, project site surveys, resource management, project management, planning building and construction work, contract management and managing finances. 

“I now know more about the money side of the business and setting up structures and managerial skills.

“I’d say when starting the business, the structure and advertising proved to be the most challenging,” he said.

The team at On Point Air install new airconditioning units.

“Securing CSQ funding was easy, and the course ended up being pretty cheap. It was good and covered a fair bit in two days,” Dane said.

On Point Air opened its doors late last year. “We opened six-weeks before Christmas, which was a key time of the year, and this year we have hit the ground running,” Dane said. Master Builders have face-to-face Business Management for Trade Contractors courses in selected regions as well as livestream courses online so you can learn from anywhere in Queensland. 

Give us a call on 1300 13 60 02 for assistance or to register your interest for the next course date in your area.

“After spending 40-hour weeks as an air-conditioning technician, I needed to learn more about the business side of things, and I needed to obtain a Queensland Building and Construction Commission licence,” he said.

CONGRATS: The graduates with Master Builders trainer, Murray Shelton

UPCoMiNG CoURSES

C o URSES: Liv ESTREAM & FACE - To- FACE WH y APPLy dATES & T i MES

APR MAy j UN j UL

• • • Performance Management –Managing Employees

• • Completed Residential Building Inspectors Course

• Silica Awareness

• Managing Psychosocial Hazards at Work

Learn the practical skills and knowledge required to effectively manage employee performance and develop action plans

Learn how to undertake residential building inspections

Livestream

Livestream, Brisbane

Understand the health impacts of silica dust and the fit testing requirements Bowen PCyC

Learn new regulations and code of practice to comply with new laws and create a safe work environment

• • • Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing^* Reduce defects and provide better supervision of waterproofing work.

• • General Safety Induction (White Card)^^* your must-do construction course.

• • Practical Communication Skills Learn simple techniques to improve communication skills including DISC profiling.

• • • Business Management for Trade Contractors3* Apply for your trade contractor’s licence

• Residential Building Contracts Administration Learn how to correctly complete residential building contracts

• Practical Licensing Applications Workshop Learn a method of how to write the site experience section of the builder’s licence application

• Commercial Building Contracts Administration Learn the ins and outs of contracts including legislative restrictions, dispute scenarios, project delays and more

• Accredited Test & Tag1* Get the qualification you need to test and tag equipment in your workplace

• Asbestos Worker Program2* Get qualified to legally remove non-friable asbestos

yo U ’ RE Loo K i NG F o R ?

Livestream, Brisbane

Rockhampton, Mackay, Cairns, Townsville & Sunshine Coast

Mackay & Whitsunday, Hervey Bay

Brisbane & Gold Coast

Livestream, Brisbane, Townsville

Livestream

Livestream

Livestream

Gold Coast

Townsville

Due to the changing times course dates may change or new dates added after the publication of our magazine, so contact our training team on 1300 13 60 02 or visit mbqld.com.au/training.

Livestream workshops will be hosted via ZOOM. ^CPC31420 – Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing. ^^CPCCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry. 1UEESS00174 – Electrical safety testing of electrical cord connected equipment and cord assemblies skill set. 2CPCCDE3014 – Remove non-friable asbestos. 3BSBESB402 – Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures. *Nationally Recognised Training course. | RTO 30097

To book your free QBCC Consultation call (07) 3124 8666, scan the QR code below, or visit xactaccounting.com.au/qbcc-accounting

To book your free QBCC Consultation call (07) 3124 8666, scan the QR code below, or visit xactaccounting.com.au/qbcc-accounting

EvENTS

We offer a range of events across Queensland for members. From fun, social days and fancy nights out, to informative workshops and industry networking opportunities, there’s always something happening.

iN

THE KN o W

Members learn the ins and outs of the new Work Health & Safety obligations at the Townsville Industry Info Session.

W ELC o ME To THE CLUB

New members in Far North Queensland and North Queensland gathered for Maximise events in March. Our team was on hand to walk members through their benefits.

iN THE SW i NG o F TH i NGS Golfers teed off at the Virginia Golf Club for the Brisbane Master Builders BUSSQ Golf Day on 10 March.

A shining night to remember

Tickets now on sale for Housing & Construction Awards.

Have you got a golden ticket to the building industry’s event of the year?

The Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards is the chance for members to glam up on the red carpet and shine a bright light on the champions of our industry.

This is a shining opportunity to rub shoulders with like-minded industry professionals and celebrate hard work and team achievements, and celebrate the year’s most outstanding homes, projects and people in each of our regions.

Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards program has become one of Queensland’s most prestigious industry events since its inception in 1987.

The hundreds of stellar entries we’ve received this year are testament to our members’ quality workmanship and passion for pushing the limits.

Don’t miss your chance to come together and recognise the brightest stars in our industry, with a touch of razzle dazzle.

Tickets are now on sale, so don’t miss out, it’s sure to be a night to remember.

Visit mbqld.com.au/h&c to book your seat or a table.

SEE yoU oN THE REd CARPET

R EG io N

Brisbane

Gold Coast

Downs & Western

Far North Queensland

North Queensland

Central Queensland

Mackay & Whitsunday

AWAR d S dATE vENUE

Saturday, 15 July 2023

Friday, 21 July 2023

Friday, 28 July 2023

Friday, 4 August 2023

Saturday, 5 August 2023

Friday, 11 August 2023

Saturday, 12 August 2023

Sunshine Coast Friday, 18 August 2023

Wide Bay Burnett

The 2023 Housing & Construction Awards are planned for the following dates: *

Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre

RACV Royal Pines Resort

Rumours International Convention Centre

Cairns Convention Centre

The Ville Resort - Casino

Frenchville Sports Club

Mackay Convention Centre

The Events Centre

Saturday, 19 August 2023 Hervey Bay Beach House

UPCoMiNG EvENTS

Thursday, 27 April 2023

Tuesday, 9 May 2023

Wednesday, 10 May 2023

Thursday, 18 May 2023

Tuesday, 30 May 2023

Friday, 2 June 2023

Friday, 2 June 2023

Tuesday, 6 June 2023

Wednesday, 7 June 2023

Thursday, 8 June 2023

Friday, 9 June 2023

Friday, 16 June 2023

Monday, 19 June 2023

Wednesday, 21 June 2023

Brisbane Business Resilience Breakfast - Accounting

Mackay Influencers (Women in Building) Workshop

Brisbane

Mackay & Whitsunday

Far North Queensland Influencers Workshop (Women in Building) Workshop Far North Queensland

Townsville Influencers (Women in Building) Workshop

Sunshine Coast Trade Contractors Forum

Brisbane Influencers (Women in Building) Lunch

Townsville Master Builders Golf Day

Cairns Local Info Session

Sunshine Coast Influencers (Women in Building) Lunch

Brisbane Industry Leaders Lunch

Gold Coast Commercial Builders Forum

Beaudesert Master Builders Golf Day

Mackay Local Info Session

Brisbane Business Resilience Breakfast - Legal

North Queensland

Sunshine Coast

Brisbane

North Queensland

Far North Queensland

Sunshine Coast

Brisbane

Gold Coast

Gold Coast

Mackay & Whitsunday

Brisbane

Most contractors are at a complete loss as to why, but detailed testing has shown how, by the action of expansion and contraction, water is “pumped” along glue cavities to escape the shower enclosure, no matter how well it is water-proofed.

The best way to prevent the problem is to seal

PerSOnAlISed ServIce fOr PlAStererS by PlAStererS

We offer the largest range of tools and supplies

Online & In-Store with 4 trade centres and warehouses across Australia.

18 Central Park Avenue, Ashmore, Qld 4214

T: (07) 5582 7100 E: gc@mbqld.com.au

SUNSH i NE C oAST

Level 1, 91 King Street, Buderim, Qld 4556

T: (07) 5456 9800 E: ssc@mbqld.com.au

N o RTH QUEENSLAN d

Level 1, 266 Ross River Road, Aitkenvale, Qld 4814

T: (07) 4417 1800 E: nq@mbqld.com.au

FAR N o RTH QUEENSLAN d

310–314 Gatton Street, Manunda, Qld 4870

T: (07) 4042 8800 E: fnq@mbqld.com.au

MACKAy & W H i TSUN dAy

Suite 2, 40 Evans Avenue, North Mackay, Qld 4740

T: (07) 4969 4500 E: mw@mbqld.com.au

do WNS & WESTERN

166 Hume Street, Toowoomba, 4350

T: (07) 4659 4200 E: dw@mbqld.com.au

W id E BAy BURNETT

162 Boat Harbour Drive, Hervey Bay, Qld 4655

T: (07) 4303 2400 E: wbb@mbqld.com.au

v EH i CLES