Master Builder magazine January-March 2024 by Master Builders Queensland

JAN – MAR 2024

DOMINIQUE LAMB Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner speaks about backing herself in her career

ABOVE & BEYOND

Entries open for Housing & Construction Awards 2024

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JAN – MAR 2024

CONTENTS 3

President

CEO

Deputy CEO

News

Profile: Dominique Lamb

28 Feature: Above and Beyond: entries now open for Housing & Construction Awards 2024

Business

36 Feature: Our 2024 Policy & Advocacy Agenda

Project: Castle takes the crown

Sponsor Spotlight

Member Discounts

48 Making a Difference: Ron Monaghan Foundation

24 28

5 Minutes With...

What’s Hot

Advice

Training

Events

Contacts

48 PUBLISHER:

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF:

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417 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane, Queensland, 4000 ABN 96641989386 PHONE: 1300 30 50 10 WEB: mbqld.com.au EDITOR: Melissa Seiler editorial@mbqld.com.au No responsibility is accepted by the publishers, the editor or printer for the accuracy of information contained in the text or advertisements. Advertisements must comply with the relevant provisions of the Trade Practices Act 1974. Responsibility for compliance with the Act rests with the person, company, or advertising agency submitting the advertisement. Neither the publisher nor editor accepts responsibility for advertisements.

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INSIGHTS

SETTING THE AGENDA IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES 2024 has already delivered its own brand of challenges for the building and construction industry - and we’ve got a solid plan to play our part in growing and developing Queensland.

ast month, we launched our 2024 Policy & Advocacy Agenda, calling on government to back our industry. This year, we’re continuing to focus our efforts on advocating for sustainable businesses, better building practices and fair and reasonable regulation. In terms of challenges, I don’t think it’s too much of a stretch to say we’re living in unprecedented times. While the post-pandemic world has reshaped the way we all live, our industry is battling some hefty conditions. As is the case nationally, we find ourselves in the grips of a housing crisis here in Queensland, with record-low rental vacancy rates, and high levels of mortgage stress as the cost of living soars. Exacerbating this, the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) tells us that we’ve seen an overall decline in new dwelling approvals across the state, down 8.6 per cent in the 12 months to December 2023. It’s clear there is a large unmet demand for new housing supply crucial to addressing current needs and keeping up with Queensland’s booming population. At the time of writing, the clean-up from exTropical Cyclone (TC) Kirrily was underway in Townsville, while already waterlogged

parts of South East Queensland (SEQ) were assessing the damage after being inundated by resulting heavy rainfall. Kirrily followed closely behind ex-TC Jasper, which caused devastating floods in Far North Queensland (FNQ) in December. Parts of SEQ particularly the Gold Coast, were also smashed by storms and a ‘mini tornado’ over Christmas. As you’ll read in the following pages, we expect the recovery and rebuild to take years - and the existing skilled labour shortage means there aren’t enough boots on the ground as it is. We also have an enormous pipeline of nonresidential work underway this year, with more to come. This includes capital works for Queensland Health, water infrastructure, renewable energy projects, and those for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games. Time for a deep breath! While there’s no magic bullet, it’s crucial that the industry has a clear path forward to ensure it can not only weather these existing challenges but tackle head-on those that will inevitably crop up over the year ahead. To this end, our 2024 Policy & Advocacy Agenda will guide us on what we’ll call for this year to effect real and measurable change that will benefit not only our industry, but the communities we are part of and work with

BRETT JOHNSTON PRESIDENT

to grow and support. To build the housing, hospitals, schools and other projects for Queensland, we need government support. Builders need to run sustainable, profitable businesses and Master Builders is advocating with government to provide better support and remove the unnecessary and costly administrative burdens. It’s crucial we don’t burn out the people we’ve already got and retain more skilled workers to overcome labour shortages. We need fair regulation of the entire supply chain, and to roll back unnecessary red tape. This will boost productivity in our industry and break down the roadblocks of complexity and costs that don’t provide a clear benefit. We will continue our focus on the new National Construction Code requirements and holding government to its promise of a review in the first half of this year. We will also continue our push for more streamlined and faster planning approvals. We know the Queensland and Australian governments have a focus on the target of Net Zero carbon by 2050. We want to see a focus on existing dwellings rather than new housing and have called for incentives for property owners to engage licensed contractors to carry out work to improve sustainability, and resilience of existing buildings. As the peak industry body in Queensland, we have worked hard to earn and retain our seat at the table. I encourage you to read more about our Policy and Advocacy Agenda on page 36 and reach out if you have any questions or want to share your thoughts. Our agenda strives to make the voices of you, our members, heard, and we will continue to advocate strongly on your behalf in 2024 and beyond.  Master Builder

INSIGHTS

NEW STATE LEADERSHIP MUST EFFECT CHANGE The appointment of Steven Miles as Premier of Queensland, and Meaghan Scanlon in the Housing, Local Government and Planning and Public Works portfolios, has delivered an opportunity for our industry.

t’s a chance for the state government to reexamine regulation and wind back red tape, helping us to play our part in building more homes, more affordably and efficiently, during this time of crisis.

Minister Scanlon is in a unique position following the Premier’s ministry reshuffle. For the first time, we have an integrated housing portfolio, that incorporates building policy, planning, local government, and social housing.

As we know, Queensland is well short of the 48,000 homes we need to build each year, to meet our share of the five-year national target of 1.2 million dwellings. Only 32,508 were built in the year to September 2023. That might sound like a lot, but back in 2015, we pumped out 50,000 new homes in just 12 months. It can be done - but only if we’re backed by those at 1 William Street.

There’s a single minister responsible for the majority of things we need the state government to do - a ‘one stop shop,’ if you will.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), 32,255 people moved to Queensland from interstate and other territories in the year to June 2023 - the highest rate of net interstate migration in the country.

In November, under the previous Palaszczuk government, Minister Scanlon announced the doubling of the First Home Owner Grant for new builds to $30,000, to assist more Queenslanders to get a foothold in the housing market. While we remain hopeful that this will provide a shot in the arm for the residential sector, there’s plenty more red tape ripe for the cutting.

These numbers don’t stack up. Demand is well and truly outstripping supply - and it’s imperative that our industry be empowered to play our part in meeting this booming demand.

Reassessing costly aspects of the new NCC requirements that don’t deliver sufficient benefits would be a good start, along with measures to streamline the various approvals and processes a builder has to navigate on a daily basis. We also want to see improved fairness to builders dealing with the building regulator - the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.

That means we need the freshly minted Miles Government to pull every lever to turn things around.

Future-proofing the building and construction industry is vital to ensure we can deliver not only the homes, but also

The state government’s own statistics show Queensland’s population is projected to grow by almost 4 million to reach 9.2 million over the next 50 years.

PAUL BIDWELL CEO

the hospitals, schools, infrastructure, and Olympic and Paralympic Games projects the state is relying on. Recently, Premier Miles announced a 60-day review into the venue infrastructure for the Games, to ensure any new and upgraded venues deliver value for money and community benefit right across the state. This presents another opportunity for government and industry to work together to solve some of the complex issues impacting delivery of major projects like these, and the other vital community infrastructure projects needed across the state. We need more apprentices, fairer contracting terms, and assistance for building industry employers to run sustainable businesses. Now is the time for action - and Master Builders will continue to advocate for the Miles Government to knock down roadblocks to building and help us to get on with what we do best. 

The state government’s own statistics show Queensland’s population is projected to grow by almost 4 million to reach 9.2 million over the next 50 years. Queensland Parliament, Brisbane

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INSIGHTS

INSPIRED MINDS UNITE IN REIMAGINED EVENT SERIES Women have and always will play an important role in strengthening the diversity of the building and construction industry, bringing unique perspectives, and different spheres of experience to the table. I am privileged in my own role to be able to champion the growth of female participation in our sector and support the women who are already a valued part of it.

hrough to 2023, our Influencers (Women in Building) event series had continually been a sellout, with our members joining us for many wonderful events over the years, empowering and inspiring women in our industry. Recently, we have reimagined these events and bestowed the new title, Inspired Minds. While the name has changed, the spirit and purpose remain the same. Inspired Minds provides an opportunity for women, and the people who support them, to discuss a range of building and construction industry topics. The first round of our new series was held across the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and Mackay in November, and was hailed a huge success by those who joined us. (Have a look at some of the snaps in our Events section on page 60). According to Oxford, by definition, inspired means ‘of extraordinary quality, as if arising from some external creative impulse.’ To me, this is extremely apt. There are

many extraordinary women in our industry, achieving things great and small on a daily basis. Whether working on-site on the tools or collaborating with clients to bring their dreams to life; whether they’re keeping the office and accounts running smoothly for their family business or leading a team in spaces like contract administration and management, policy, human resources, or construction law, each has a unique role to play in bolstering our industry and keeping it humming. By bringing these like-minded women together at our Inspired Minds events, we aim to unpack some of the challenges for our industry and deliver them a renewed sense of purpose and enthusiasm, no matter what their day-to-day looks like. Each of our lunch events is led by an expert panel, while our workshops are headed by keynote speakers, exploring the everevolving landscape of our industry. All our experts form a mini ‘brains trust,’ with each hand-picked to take a deep dive into a specific and relevant topic based on their own experiences and know-how. It also never ceases to amaze me how much valuable

SUE-ANN FRESNEDA DEPUTY CEO

information comes from those who share their own stories as we pass the microphone around the room. The theme for our Toowoomba event on 22 February is Adapt to Thrive, examining how the way we work and live have shifted in the wake of the pandemic. Yes, the worst of it is thankfully well back in the rear-view mirror – but things have changed. Today, employees prioritise their personal lives. They are now more motivated by hybrid work, incentives, and a work/life balance. This in turn means that businesses have had to address these shifting workplace expectations. They need to work smarter to attract and retain staff, stand out from their competitors, and find ways not just to survive, but thrive. Just thinking about all the challenges we’re facing right now can be overwhelming. Every week, the prices of essentials including food and petrol, seem to rise that little bit more – and we know the cost of materials has jumped by more than 40 per cent in the last three years. Rent has gone up, and so have mortgages. Many businesses are reeling from the amount of work that’s out there, without enough skilled staff to get it done. It’s perhaps never been more important for us to come together to support each other – not in a tokenistic way, but to benefit from the advice of others who have been there and done that and have found a way through. It’s also a great excuse to take some time out and make some new connections – as well as catching up with those you’ve meant to, but just haven’t had the time! I look forward to meeting you at our future Inspired Minds events.  Master Builder

NEWS

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

‘Closing Loopholes’ Number 2 - what you need to know The Federal Government’s latest tranche of Fair Work changes were recently passed. Here’s a summary of the changes and how they will affect members: Right to disconnect Workers will be able to ignore calls, emails or messages from you after work hours, where reasonable, and you will not be able to punish workers for it. You can contact workers in emergencies, to communicate any changes with work hours or locations, or where workers are paid a premium to be available out of hours.

minimum wages and conditions. However, the Act also creates an arrangement whereby a business and independent contractor have the ability to ‘opt-out’ from the potential application of this new provision. This is done either through the business notifying the contractor that they could be deemed an ‘employee’, with the contractor then having a set period to ‘opt

out’, or by the contractor giving notice at any time giving notice that they want to ‘opt-out’. The changes will not take effect immediately and will be phased in over the coming months. Master Builders will provide additional information about the changes in upcoming communications. If you wish to discuss these changes or require clarification, contact our Workplace Relations team. 

Casual conversion Casuals who have worked for six months, or 12 in the case of a small business, and have had a regular pattern of work can seek to convert to a permanent role. You can refuse on ‘fair and reasonable operational grounds’. Where there are disputes, the Fair Work Commission will resolve any disputes. Definition of employment Employment will be defined in the Fair Work Act, and the courts must have regard to the ‘reality’ of the relationship when considering if independent contractors are really employees, and so entitled to backpay for

Help stop the march of fire ants Fire ant season is well and truly underway in Queensland, and it’s important you understand your biosecurity obligations to use fire ant-safe practices to mitigate the risk of spreading them. Fire ants remain one of the world’s most invasive species, and their presence can have devastating consequences on our environment and economy. They are identified as copper brown in colour with a darker abdomen, around 2 to 6mm in size, and can swarm when disturbed, inflicting a painful sting. Dealing with organic materials that can carry fire ants is a biosecurity risk. These materials include soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry products, turf, and potted plants. If you are producing, moving, or storing any of these organic materials in Queensland,

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you must take all reasonable steps to ensure you do not spread fire ants. These include: • Understanding what fire ants and their nests look like • Checking the fire ant biosecurity zones – an interactive map is available on the National Fire Ant Eradication Program website, allowing you to type in a specific address • Read detailed information on the specific steps you need to take for the type of material you are moving, as per the Biosecurity Regulation 2016 • Inspect material for any fire ant activity before moving it • Follow movement controls relevant to the materials you or your business are

working with, including when buying and selling products • Report suspect ants online or by calling 13 25 23 • Clean machinery and equipment used when working with materials that can carry fire ants, before moving it off site • Treat any fire ants you find to reduce the risk of them spreading. Government teams regularly conduct random compliance checks and issue infringement notices or biosecurity orders to non-compliant businesses. Worksites can be shut down until fire ant-safe practices are in place.  The fire ant compliance tool can help you safely manage and transport high-risk materials. Visit www.fireants.org.au/FACT

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NEWS

National award delivers fruits of specialist contractor’s labour The revitalisation of the heritage Fruit & Produce Exchange in the heart of Brisbane saw Arden Architectural named National Specialist Contractor of the Year at the Master Builders National Excellence in Building & Construction Awards.

In his award entry, Director of Arden Architectural, Scott Nicholas said the team had worked closely with the building’s designers to create the staircase concepts of both the Heritage Lanes external ‘hero stairs,’ and the Suncorp internal feature stairs.

The talented team designed and constructed the feature stairs and balustrades for the iconic, high-tech ‘80 Ann Street’ building amid the emerging north quarter of the city.

“Internally we partnered with Hassell Architects to design, develop and deliver 15 flights of stairs in four of the triple stackers and three of the single flights,” Scott said.

Dubbed ‘Heritage Lanes,’ the address is touted as one of Australia’s smartest buildings, embracing leading technology, sustainability and design, housing 7,000 staff across 35 stunning levels of commercial office space anchored by Suncorp and KPMG.

“On the outside, we created the five-level ‘hero stairs’ comprising two individual stair stacks of two and three levels externally connecting Levels GL to L5.”

In a nod to the quintessential Queenslander, its design provides several breathable spaces throughout to capitalise on the sub-tropical climate, including elevated verandahs overlooking lush gardens, and even a set of back stairs.

The Suncorp stairs installation was complex. It evolved from a basis of modular construction where the team built the stairs from several factory-fabricated segments, which were tower craned onto the Prestons, rolled into position at the base of each tower, and hoisted by a custom-designed

and -made jib crane erected at the top of each stack. “The process took about seven days, plus 10 days to weld out each triple stack tower… with several weeks of finishing work required after that to fare, paint, fit timber tread finishes, nosings and tactile, install the curved brass handrails and the LED lighting. The resulting seamless finish impresses all,” Scott said. The ‘Hero Stairs’ were a different beast. “Each staircase was supplied in two factoryfabricated and sprayed sections finished in a metallic gold two-pack painted finish. These were shifted into position with a mobile crane at the base of the stack and raised into location by our large, custom-designed, and fabricated overhead gantry cranes,” Scott said. “It took four hoists to safely install each level of stairs. Onsite installation was less than half and the result is spectacular.” 

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NEWS

Engineered stone ban - the facts With the national ban on engineered stone coming into effect in a matter of months, it’s important for both builders and consumers to be aware of the facts, and to avoid entering into contracts for products that may not be able to be fulfilled. What we know right now The Ministers have accepted the findings and recommendations of the Safe Work Australia Decision Regulation Impact Statement on the prohibition on the use of engineered stone. The ban on the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone will take effect in Queensland, along with the majority of states and territories, from 1 July 2024. The definition of engineered stone remains as it currently appears in the Model Commonwealth WHS Regulations. Natural stone, and other products containing silica such as bricks and concrete, are not banned. While the Safe Work Australia report found there was a heightened risk with engineered stone, those working with silica-containing products including natural stone must still apply all safety measures. In Queensland, we are leading the way with these safety measures as we have two codes of practice for working with silica - a measure supported by Master Builders. How this will affect trades and businesses We are seeking further clarity on the details of the transition period, and we’re hoping to find out more before the March meeting. However, we believe for contracts entered into on or before 13 December 2023, engineered stone can still be installed.

The Ministers have agreed to appropriate exemptions for activities such as removal, repair, minor modification, and disposal of engineered stone products (legacy products) installed prior to the prohibition. They’ve also given the nod to appropriate exceptions for engineered stone products with trace levels of RCS (under 1 per cent). What else Master Builders is calling for We are urging the government to consider financial compensation for businesses financially impacted by the impending ban: • For example, stonemasons, benchtop suppliers and engineered stone manufacturers may need to dump engineered stone products into landfill if

it cannot be installed prior to 1 July 2024. • Businesses working with engineered stone will also have invested heavily in equipment to ensure safe working practices. We must also acknowledge the need for adequate alternative products to be readily available - and there are already several products promoted as ‘silica-free stone’ hitting the market. It’s important these products be properly assessed and endorsed where appropriate as technology continues to advance.  The full Work Health and Safety and Workplace Relations Ministers’ communique is available on the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations website: dewr.gov.au

President takes on national role Master Builders Queensland President Brett Johnston has been appointed to the Master Builders Australia board. Mr Johnston was named as one of two new board members, alongside Mr Simon Pilcher from New South Wales, at the national industry body’s Annual General Meeting in November. Mr Johnston and Mr Pilcher succeed outgoing directors Mr Ralf Dutton, who served as Master Builders Queensland

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President from 2016 to 2022, and Mr Ross Mitchell from New South Wales. Master Builders Australia President Craig Edmunds said Mr Johnston and Mr Pilcher both brought extensive industry experience, leadership qualities, and commitment to excellence, which would undoubtedly contribute to the success and growth of the organisation. “On behalf of the industry and Master Builders Australia, we extend our sincere

appreciation to Mr Dutton and Mr Mitchell for their dedicated service and valuable contributions during their tenure,” Mr Edmunds said. Mr Johnston said he was pleased to have been appointed to the important role. “I am focused on ensuring the Queensland industry continues to thrive through continual growth, and is not burdened by more government red tape.” 

NEWS

One million reasons to safeguard mental health Builders have been equipped with greater tools to support their own mental health and that of their workmates, through MATES In Construction programs funded by a Master Builders donation. Master Builders received the $1 million dividend as a shareholder of Construction Income Protection Limited (CIPL), with the full amount to go to organisations dealing directly with issues affecting the construction industry. The Board and Senior Leadership Team had previously agreed that any dividends received from CIPL would be diverted back into the industry in some way.

The donation from Master Builders was invested across different initiatives supporting MATES’ objectives. The funds enabled the employment of a staff member to run a resilience program supporting the mental health of apprentices across the industry, resulting in seven sessions being held with 90 apprentices taking part. 70 supervisors also participated across seven training sessions, while close to 330 workers joined in a total of 13 bullying and harassment toolboxes. Another staff member was also taken on board to lead Project Blueprint, supporting business to create mentally healthy workplaces. 26 companies, including some from the residential building sector, signed

up to be a part of the project, involving a company audit, and a plan to develop workplace mental health initiatives. Fulfilling MATES’ objective to ensure its program, including case management, is readily accessible to our members across the state, MATES also supplied content for inclusion in Master Builders’ psychosocial code of practice training, utilised at the MATES stand at Roadshow. “As the money was ultimately collected from the industry, it’s only right that it is spent where it can provide the greatest benefit to building businesses and workers across Queensland,” Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell said. 

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70 supervisors also participated across seven training sessions, while close to 330 workers joined in a total of 13 bullying and harassment toolboxes.

MATES was considered a worthy recipient of the donation. The charity was established in 2008 to reduce the high level of suicide among Australian construction workers, with support offered to those in the industry through community development programs on sites, and for those in direct need through case management and a 24/7 help line.

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NEWS

Anticipated jobs growth puts spotlight on future-proofing building industry Master Builders is continuing its calls for the new Queensland Government, headed by Premier Steven Miles, to reexamine legislation hampering the building and construction industry.

meeting booming demand by delivering the homes, hospitals, schools, and infrastructure the state is relying on. Education, and supporting and retaining a greater number of apprentices, are key to achieving these goals.

employed in Queensland’s construction industry by 2025-26 - that’s an additional 17,152 people employed since 2021-22. The industry is also predicted to have the ninthfastest rate of growth in the state.

With the state government’s own figures showing Queensland’s population is set to soar by almost 4 million, to reach 9.2 million over the next 50 years, it’s imperative the industry is empowered to play its part in

Jobs Queensland’s Anticipating Future Skills Series drills down into employment projections at region, industry, occupation and qualification levels. Its series four report predicts there will be 263,727 people

The industry-led independent advisory group also forecasts residential building construction will be the second largest construction subdivision in the state by 2025-26, with carpenters and joiners, construction managers, and architectural, building, and surveying technicians making up the largest occupational groups. Building installation services is set to be the largest subdivision, with building completion trades and heavy and civil engineering construction rounding out the top four. Regions in South East Queensland tend to have higher proportions of people working in construction than other parts of the state, with more than 4500 new jobs forecast to be available in Brisbane alone. The Moreton Bay South region will claim the largest share of the regional workforce, at 14 per cent. 

Flooding and extreme weather: repair and rebuilding The recent cyclones, flooding and other extreme weather events that have ravaged several different areas across Queensland have left significant damage in their wake and only added to the workload for our underpressure building and construction industry. At the time of printing, the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) reported that the cost of claims from the Christmas and New Year storms and ex-Tropical Cyclone (TC) Jasper has exceeded $743 million in insured losses. Ex-TC Jasper impacted regions from Cape York Peninsula to Townsville in December, resulting in 8,068 claims, with 4,398 of those for buildings, at a total of $139 million. The Christmas and New Year storms which struck the Gold Coast have seen a staggering 70,965 claims lodged. Building claims accounted for the lion’s share 28,793 claims at a cost of $332 million. The toll of January’s ex-Tropical Cyclone Kirrily, and the resulting torrential rain and flooding which most heavily impacted the Moreton Bay, Western Downs, Wide Bay and Capricornia regions, was still being tallied at the time of publication. The road to recovery is expected to take years.

Master Builders General Manager Building Services and Licensing, Tony Mitchell, said once initial disaster response work is complete and floodwaters have receded, it’s vital builders and homeowners work together with insurers (where applicable) on the top priorities. “In the first instance, this will include an assessment of the repair work that will be required,” Tony said. “This is a key step, as any work done before an official assessment can result in problems with the property owner’s insurance claim down the track. “After storms move through, the key priorities are checking and testing power supply and solar panels, and plumbing, and after flooding or storm inundation, allowing sufficient time for things to dry out.

work in collaboration with the owner and insurer, noting any repair work completed without the insurer’s consent may prejudice the property owner’s claim. Tony said that unfortunately, scams that target vulnerable homeowners are also common during natural disasters. “We’re advising homeowners and businesses who might be organising their own repair work to ensure their builder or tradie is properly licensed, by using the Find a Master Builder search on our website or having a look at the QBCC licence register.” Master Builders has pulled together Disaster Guidelines and Resources on first priorities, what needs to happen before rectification works can start, information on repair work contracts, and your insurance obligations as a builder or tradie.

“Insurance assessments will need to be completed before we can begin doing repair work, and every home and property is different - long waiting times can occur before we can start rectification work.

We’ve also compiled a collection of resources on the common WHS hazards found following a flood event, including mould, plus electrical safety, and other infection risks. 

“If you are involved in post-event repair work and the property owner has insurance, please

To access these resources, head to www.mbqld.com.au/disaster&floods Master Builder

NEWS

Homes for Queenslanders Master Builders congratulates the Miles Government on the announcement of its Homes for Queenslanders plan. Aiming to ‘build a better future’ for our state, the plan consists of five key pillars. The most relevant to the building and construction industry is pillar one: ‘More homes, faster.’ Premier Steven Miles has set a target of delivering one million new homes by 2046, acknowledging 95 per cent of these will be delivered in the private housing market. This equates to around 45,500 homes needing to be built on average each year, for the next 22 years. However, owing to the current conditions our industry is facing, this begs the question – how will we make this happen? Labour shortages, increased costs of building, and red tape are ongoing problems, and we have expressed our concerns that the target the Miles Government has set can’t be met without additional steps. The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows just 32,508 new dwellings commenced in Queensland in the year to September 2023. This, as we know, is short of where we need to be. What does the building and construction industry need to help support this plan? There’s no silver bullet – but there are some things we’ll continue to advocate for. Remove the unnecessary burdens weighing down industry Queensland construction has faced an avalanche of regulatory changes over the past few years. Every time a new requirement is imposed, it costs time and money. For example, the latest Building Code changes imposed substantial new requirements on the delivery of new homes and major renovations that are increasing the cost of construction and the administrative burden on builders, some of which we say were not needed. Government needs to help industry by easing up these changes. Project trust accounts is another requirement that imposes a huge administrative burden on builders without any proven benefit. Building our workforce The government also acknowledges the building workforce needs to grow as we don’t have enough skilled labour. We acknowledge the government’s announcement to invest

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in training and establish a new Construction Workforce Fund. We don’t yet have the detail, but certainly hope this would not be a new levy adding more cost to construction, which we would strongly oppose. And more funding, while a good start, won’t be enough to address the problem. We also need to provide more support to existing building businesses to employ and retain skilled workers and run successful businesses. For example, subsidies for taking on apprentices and grants to adopt business improvement software. Working smarter, not harder To build more homes faster, we need to work smarter. The government has included modern methods of construction in its plan. We will be telling them that one way to do this is incorporation of prefabricated building components, such as floor and roof cassettes and wall panels. A strong Queensland manufacturing base should also be supported by government. This would need to work in tandem with training and support for building businesses to incorporate modern methods of construction. We welcome the announcement that government will provide infrastructure charges relief for infill development, streamlined planning decisions, and assistance for buyers.

We also continue to call for a state-wide mandatory housing code to streamline planning rules. Severe weather and sustainability Storm and cyclone season from 2023-2024 has been nothing short of brutal – and there are still a couple of months to go. While new builds are key, we can’t ignore existing homes and the importance of upgrading our older stock to be more resilient when faced with extreme weather events. Every time there is a storm, cyclone, flood or fire, skilled building trades are diverted to repair work. The less homes that need repairs, the more workers we have for new housing stock. We are calling for rebates for property owners to improve the sustainability and resilience of existing homes if they use a licensed contractor to carry out legitimate upgrades. We need the Miles Government to pull every lever possible, to build more homes, faster, and more affordably, as it is setting out to do.  Find out more: Read the 2024 Policy and Advocacy Agenda on the Master Builders website. Visit the state government’s Homes for Queenslanders website www.housing.qld.gov.au/homesforqueenslanders

NEWS

Sparks fly as Munster takes out fabrication award across the infrastructure, water, utilities, food processing, and building sectors.

Brisbane trade contractor and proud Master Builders member Munster Services Group has been named Company of the Year in Fabrication at the 2023 Queensland and Northern Territory Welding Excellence Awards. Weld Australia’s Excellence Awards showcase and celebrate the world-class work being undertaken by local welders, fabricators, and industry educators.

With 91 apprentices and trainees on their books, the company is committed to supporting the local community, and upskilling the next generation of welders, with safety, quality, and environmental outcomes paramount to their operations.

Munster has been delivering multi-disciplinary projects since 2008 via turnkey engineering, fabrication, and maintenance solutions

Managing Director Eric Guthrie said just to have been shortlisted among their peers was an exciting moment for the Munster team.

Weld Australia’s Excellence Awards showcase and celebrate the world-class work being undertaken local welders, fabricators, and industry educators. “To take home Company of the Year has left us beaming with pride,” Eric said. “From the humblest of beginnings supporting our mechanical install teams to now fabricating items such as one of a kind bespoke gantry crane, large bore stainless steel and mild steel pipework and niche fabrication projects at our 4000sqm facility, our fabrication journey has been nothing short of amazing. “This award is fantastic recognition of the quality workmanship our team put in on a daily basis. Through their commitment and hard work, it has allowed us bring manufacturing of offshore equipment back to Queensland, something we are very proud of.” 

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NEWS

Masterminding mentors tackling mental health There’s little doubt our industry has faced an uphill battle over the last few years. A 40-plus per cent hike in construction costs, trade and materials shortages, and now the rising cost of living, have created a perfect storm. As a result, many builders have folded, others are still grappling with the consequences visible in their balance sheets, while others have not only weathered the storm, but are continuing to grow. With more than 30 years in the construction industry under his belt, Adrien Mamet is well-versed in the highs and lows that come with running a business, especially for sole traders. After bringing together a few builder mates, it became clear that coming together to talk about the challenges they were facing was a game-changer - and BuildUp Australia was born.

The ‘Mastermind Mentor’ platform connects builders with up to nine other like-minded industry members in their local area, creating a small group known as a ‘chapter.’ The members within these chapters form a powerhouse of knowledge, sharing experiences and striving to build and grow profitable businesses in a changing environment. Adrien said the small group setting encouraged people to share their experiences, solve problems together, and accelerate their growth. “On average, our members can access an average of 100 years of building experience

from those on the front lines. Our monthly breakfast meetings provide a structured agenda for members to share wins, losses, bottlenecks, and goals,” Adrien said. “Between these monthly meetings, the real strength comes from the regular calls and support offered by each member as they share resources, and help each other continue to excel. Each chapter develops a bond over shared experiences, fostering not only the growth of individual businesses but also encouraging each other’s journey.”  To find out more head to buildupaustralia.com.au

Founded in 2021, BuildUp Australia recognises the urgent need to address the growing prevalence of mental health issues, with the aim of driving down suicide rates, and business insolvency. “Sometimes, you just need to confirm or clarify an issue face to face with another builder that a (business) coach can’t assist with, or you might feel you’re risking being trolled if you try online,” Adrien said. “In such instances, the wisdom of fellow builders becomes a valuable resource.”

A smarter way to do business Access your exclusive member business pricing on a select range of business essentials when you shop online or in-store with an Officeworks 30-Day Business Account. For more information visit officeworks.com.au/mbq

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The members within these chapters form a powerhouse of knowledge, sharing experiences and striving to build and grow profitable businesses in a changing environment.

NEWS

Mackay & Whitsunday official opening a blue-ribbon affair There was much excitement and fanfare at the official opening of the new Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday office on Friday 8 December. Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson was among the dignitaries as more than 80 guests gathered at 20 Malcomson Street for the event. Mayor Williamson joined Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell and Regional Manager - Mackay & Whitsunday, Malcolm Hull, in cutting the ribbon to mark the occasion. Many Mackay Regional councillors and local business leaders also attended the opening. Delivering on Master Builders’ growth strategy for its facilities across all regions,

the impressive new building was constructed by Fergus Builders, and is the result of more than a decade of careful planning. Its design aims to provide a welcoming environment and greater customer experience. The space is described as abundant in comparison with its predecessor, boasting modern décor and facilities. The meeting and boardrooms are standouts, giving the team the opportunity to hold more events on site, such as Info Sessions, Inspired Minds (Women in Building), and Maximise, with additional parking space lending itself to larger groups. The inclusion of a large multipurpose training room will

also allow for courses such as Waterproofing to be delivered at the regional headquarters, while there is also private space available for meetings and dispute resolution. Addressing the event, Mayor Williamson praised Master Builders’ investment in the new facility, bolstering the region by supporting its members, and the industry as a whole. Malcolm said the new building was already proving a landmark, prompting many compliments. “It was heartwarming to see the support the opening received and the interest this has created within our membership and the greater community,” he said. “This has also shown a confidence in the Mackay and Whitsunday region that Master Builders is here to stay, and service the local and broader building and construction industry. “It was also a pleasure to celebrate and hand out certificates to several members marking 10, 20 and 30-year milestones on the day. “This is truly a lovely building and a fabulous space for the Mackay & Whitsunday staff and our members.”

Mayor Greg Williamson

The occasion also saw Malcolm himself mark 30 years with Master Builders. 

DATE

REGION

VENUE

Wed 8 May

Brisbane

Kedron-Wavell Services Club, Chermside

Mon 13 May

Far North Queensland

Pullman Reef Casino

Tues 14 May

North Queensland

Townsville Stadium

Wed 15 May

Mackay & Whitsunday

Mackay Entertainment & Convention Centre

Thurs 16 May

Central Queensland

Rockhampton Leagues Club

Tues 21 May

Bundaberg

Multiplex

Wed 22 May

Hervey Bay

TBC

Thurs 23 May

Sunshine Coast

Venue 114, Bokarina

Tues 28 May

Gold Coast

Aquis Park, Gold Coast Turf Club

Wed 29 May

Downs & Western

Rumours International Convention Centre

Caption: L to R - CEO Paul Bidwell, Mayor Greg Williamson, and Regional Manager Malcolm Hull

Save the date: Roadshow 2024 We’re gearing up to hit the road again in May for our annual Master Builders BUSSQ Roadshow for 2024. This highly anticipated event sees our team travel to each of our regional centres across Queensland, delivering the latest industry news and insights, and showcasing new and exciting products to our members. In each location, our experts will tackle the hottest industry topics, with the floor opened up to give our members the opportunity to be a part of the discussion. You’ll also have the opportunity to browse our trade exhibition, while networking with other local industry professionals and members. More information will be made available through our member communications in the coming months, including details on the topics our experts will be covering. Check out when Roadshow will be rolling into your region and mark your calendar - you won’t want to miss it. 

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NEWS

Cheaper access to Standards with new mobile app The arrival of a new mobile app providing much cheaper access to Australian Standards is being hailed an advocacy win for Master Builders. The mobile model is designed to give builders, trades, and other industry workers the ability to view standards on work sites in real time via their mobile phones at a much more affordable price. Subscriptions that used to cost over $1,000 are now around $100 per year via the mobile app. This is a huge reduction in cost for building businesses. Master Builders General Manager – Policy and Advocacy, Kate Raymond, said it was a win for the industry.

“Members will need a subscription for each mobile user, and while it’s not possible to print from the app, this is a much more affordable solution for small businesses in particular. “This is a real win for our members – and

we’ll continue advocating for access to the NCC Standards to be made free of charge.” Each set is designed to meet the needs of a specific trade. The NCC primary reference set of 326 documents is available for $110 (including GST). Other smaller sets, such as concrete or timber, are available for $26.20.  Visit www.store.standards.org.au/ to find out more.

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“The rollout of this app is the result of strong advocacy right across building and construction, aimed at speeding up productivity and driving down costs for businesses in what is already a challenging economic environment,” Kate said.

“We advocated strongly to the state and federal governments, for free access to standards referenced in the National Construction Code (NCC).

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NEWS

Free NCC 2022 Resources The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 has brought about many changes for our industry, including designing with and using steel in construction. The Australian Steel Institute (ASI) in conjunction with the National Association of Steel-framed Housing (NASH) has produced a range of communication and education resources to help practitioners and the public understand how to build compliantly to NCC 2022.

7-star thermal performance • Condensation management relative to Australian steel roof systems

... documents cover the relevant changes and include presentations and how-to diagrams that relate to the design and installation of steel roofing, walling, and framing products.

• Approaches to satisfy requirements on ventilation in steel roofing, and • Guidance on the use of insulated sandwich panels.  To view the guidelines, visit www.steel.org.au/ what-we-do/focus-areas/designing-to-ncc-2022/

Each of these industry reference documents covers the relevant changes and include presentations and how-to diagrams that relate to the design and installation of steel roofing, walling, and framing products. The content provides valuable information on: • Steel wall claddings in residential and commercial applications • Bushfire design principles and compliance pathways for residential construction, and common installation details for steel roofing and walling • Energy efficiency changes for residential buildings and typical construction solutions for meeting

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superior water containment, the Hydro Seal Shower System sets a new benchmark in the industry, offering peace of mind to builders, contractors, and homeowners alike. It is this unwavering commitment to excellence that distinguishes the Hydro Seal Shower System as a leader in innovative bathroom solutions. Unmatched Lead Times in Australia In an industry where time is of the essence, the Hydro Seal Shower System stands out with the fastest lead times in Australia. With the capability to ship immediately and delivery often within 24 to 72 hours, construction professionals can keep their projects on schedule without the typical delays associated with custom-made shower screens. This remarkable turnaround time enables builders and contractors to maintain momentum on their projects, ensuring that the critical path is not disrupted by shower screen installation. With the Hydro Seal Shower System, last-minute scrambles and extended project timelines become a thing of the past.

Streamlined Efficiency: The Hydro Seal Shower System Advantage The Hydro Seal Shower System has four types that are available: • The Front Return Screen • The Diamond / Splayed Screen • The Front Only Screen • The Fixed Panel Screen Each of these screens utilise the builtin waterstop (hob channel and vertical waterstop), which is engineered for functionality and compliance, meeting the latest construction codes and offering additional peace of mind. Their design allows for a recess into the slab or bed, creating a sleek and seamless finish that modern homeowners covet. Forget the outdated need for Hebel or brick hobs; the Hydro Seal Shower System provides a clean, contemporary look without them. Keeping up with the latest design trends, each of these screens in the Hydro Seal

A Partnership for Success Embracing the Hydro Seal Shower System is more than an upgrade to a superior product; it’s a commitment to excellence. As a construction professional, your choice in materials and processes reflects your dedication to quality and efficiency. The Hydro Seal Shower System, with its variety of screen options and guaranteed compliance, offers a way to distinguish your work in a competitive market. Make the Change Today Elevate your construction projects by integrating this revolutionary product. Contact Hydro Seal Shower System for a free quote and learn how this innovative solution can help you lead the way in bathroom construction. Don’t settle for the status quo - choose the Hydro Seal Shower System and transform your approach to efficiency, quality, and compliance. 

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PROFILE

DOMINIQUE LAMB 24

Master Builder

PROFILE

Small businesses are built on entrepreneurship, hard work and having a go, and account for 98 per cent of Australian businesses.

n the road to her appointment as Queensland’s Small Business Commissioner, it’s clear Dominique Lamb developed an appreciation for this spirit of perseverance - and isn’t one to back away from a challenge. Back in the day, Dominique’s very first job saw her dressed as a clown, handing out flyers for a homeware retailer. After setting her sights on a career in law, she landed a role with specialist Sydney firm Doyles Construction Lawyers, working on a large dispute on behalf of Transgrid. Dominique’s time in private practice was followed by work with the Australian Industry Group, as an industrial relations lawyer, and six years as Chief Executive Officer of the National Retail Association, before her appointment as Commissioner in December 2022. A wife and mum to two young children, a Groodle named Ted and “an overweight 16-year-old cat named Tish,” Dominique counts routine, and investing in her health and wellbeing through daily movement and exercise, among her habits for success, along with spending time with her family. Reflecting on her career thus far, she acknowledges that the biggest obstacle she has faced is herself. “When opportunities presented themselves my first reaction was that the organisation should look for someone else,” she said. Master Builder

PROFILE

“I learned how to back myself by leaning into mentors who had very different backgrounds and approaches to me and in some respects had to teach myself to lose the risk-averse lawyer persona I had worked so hard to develop.” Those early days in the construction space also proved pivotal. “The most fundamental learning from my time as a construction lawyer was to pick up the phone. Always talk someone through news, whether good or bad and then send the letter. It always helps if people can ask questions and if they have someone who will listen. “The commercial and practical realities of a problem can be very different to black letter law, and it was important to provide businesses with options so they could make the best decision for their business and their employees.” The office of the Queensland Small Business Commissioner (QSBC) was set up to enhance the operating environment of small business, and to reduce the time and costs associated with resolving disputes. Its assistance team takes calls from small businesses across the state looking for

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support, or who have a dispute with a landlord or another business. The Commissioner’s team connects them with support or helps them navigate alternate dispute resolution. “We also have a strategy and engagement team who engage and advocate to all levels of government for better outcomes for small business,” Dominique said. “This might be on a policy level for national or state-wide reform, engaging with industry to understand their views, working with local government through our Small Business Friendly Program and sharing information with the public.” Micro and small businesses account for the lion’s share of the industry, with 65 per cent of building and construction sector workers employed by a small business. Construction industry businesses also account for 17 per cent of the 473,000 small businesses currently operating in Queensland. While the number of construction businesses has grown by 8.8 per cent in the last five years, their contribution to the state’s gross domestic product has increased by just one per cent.

Dominique said this indicates that while the pie hasn’t grown much, there are more players in the market. “Our data indicates that industry profits have decreased by at least two per cent since 2019, and that wages have increased. Overall, it has been a tough market and those businesses continuing to soldier on are brave and are having to make tough decisions in all aspects of their business,” she said.

GET TO KNOW DOMINIQUE LAMB Success habits: Routine, investing in my health and wellbeing through movement and daily exercise. Favourite ways to wind down: Exercising, spending time with my children, reading, and listening to music. First job: I handed out flyers dressed as a clown for a homewares retailer.

PROFILE

Dominique and Gerrard

Micro and small businesses account for the lion’s share of the industry, with 65 per cent of building and construction sector workers employed by a small business. “There is no doubt that no matter what industry you are in, the three biggest challenges are rising costs, skills shortages, and (assuming you can find staff) housing for staff. The unpredictable nature of costs across the board is hard to factor into pricing as it is changing quickly while higher interest rates, freight and fuel costs continue to be problematic.” Dominique’s key piece of advice to small business owners: don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Dominique and family

“It is a brave thing to start and run your own business, but no one expects you to do it all on your own,” she said.

“We are here to support you and it is always best to seek help early, especially when it comes to finances and compliance issues. “Many construction businesses are sole traders and face challenges with getting paid. When the payment for the last job is so crucial to paying subbies and employees on the current job, any delays can have significant flow on effects. It is more important than ever that small businesses track their cash flow and having automated software for this can really help.” With the state’s population set to boom to as high as 8.27 million by 2046, the Commissioner said bolstering the sector was crucial. “We need infrastructure, housing and other services built across the state to maintain our standard of living and to support this growth. There are huge opportunities not just for work in the construction industry in the lead up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games but in general - Queensland is going from strength to strength.”  Master Builder

FEATURE

ABOVE & BEYOND: ENTRIES NOW OPEN FOR HOUSING & CONSTRUCTION AWARDS 2024 Following another historic awards season, Master Builders has officially launched its 2024 Housing & Construction Awards program, with entries now open via our website.

2023 Housing & Construction Awards

ifteen of our 2023 Queensland awards winners received national acclaim at the Master Builders National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards last year. The Sunshine State dominated at the event, netting a record number of the awards on offer across 51 categories in residential, commercial, and civil construction. “The level of excellence rewarded both at state and national levels last year still has the industry buzzing - and we’re ready to dive in to our 2024 program,” Master Builders Queensland Deputy CEO Sue-Ann Fresneda said.

All award submissions are reviewed by independent judges who consider criteria including quality of workmanship, degree of construction difficulty, external appeal, siting, and aspect, along with amenities and aesthetics.

“Our Awards have proven the pinnacle of success for the industry to aspire to, and if the calibre of our 2023 entries is anything to go by, we’re expecting the bar to be raised even higher this year.”

From small family businesses to the industry’s household names, and apprentices to trade contractors, there’s a category for everyone (some are even free).

Now in their 38th year, the Awards honour the best and brightest in Queensland’s building and construction industry.

Major categories include the sought-after President’s Award, Project of the Year and House of the Year.

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L to R: Apprentice of the Year Campbell Smith with Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell at the 2023 Brisbane Housing & Construction Awards.

FEATURE

REGION

ENTRIES CLOSE

PRELIMINARY AWARDS DATE

Brisbane

Monday 18 March 2024

Friday 19 July 2024

Sunshine Coast

Friday 22 March 2024

Friday 26 July 2024

Wide Bay Burnett

Friday 22 March 2024

Saturday 27 July 2024

Gold Coast

Friday 5 April 2024

Friday 2 August 2024

Far North Queensland

Friday 12 April 2024

Friday 9 August 2024

North Queensland

Friday 12 April 2024

Saturday 10 August 2024

Central Queensland

Friday 19 April 2024

Friday 16 August 2024

Mackay & Whitsunday

Friday 19 April 2024

Saturday 17 August 2024

Downs & Western

Friday 12 April 2024

Friday 23 August 2024

Queensland Housing & Construction Awards

Saturday 19 October 2024

This year, we have made some changes to some of our Housing awards categories, where we’ve revised some of the building cost brackets to allow for greater representation. So, be sure to check out the details on our website, even if you’ve entered before. “Our Awards also honour the people that are shining bright in our industry, including an apprentice, emerging builder, and women who are carving out their individual

legacies,” Ms Fresneda said. “I encourage everyone to submit their entries early - we can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on.” All award submissions are reviewed by independent judges who consider criteria including quality of workmanship, degree of construction difficulty, external appeal, siting, and aspect, along with amenities and aesthetics.

Winners are announced at Regional Awards held from July to August, with eligible winners from these events making up the nominees for the Queensland Awards, held in October. Eligible winners from the Queensland Awards are then nominated for the Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building & Construction Awards.  To find out more and enter, visit: www.mbqld.com.au/h&c

Stop paying for employment & wages advice Whether you’re in a tricky situation or want confirmation your employment and wages policies are up to scratch, call us and get straight through to our Workplace Relations team.

MEMBERS GET FREE, IMMEDIATE & UNLIMITED:  Advice on staff wages, leave, termination, change & redundancy  Advice on engaging apprentices  Practical solutions to implement workplace legislation with confidence  Representation at the Fair Work Commission  Advice on dealing with unions  Assistance with writing & proofing employment contracts, company letters and policies

Call 1300 30 50 10 for straightforward advice and assistance mbqld.com.au/workplacerelations Master Builder

BUSINESS

The five cash flow hurdles inhibiting Aussie businesses As more Australian business owners are being forced to dip into their personal savings to make ends meet, OptiPay CEO Angus Sedgwick reveals the top five cash flow pain points stopping businesses from soaring. ANGUS SEDGWICK OPTIPAY CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

smooth and reliable level of working capital is essential to the success of any business and with the current economic challenges it’s becoming harder for businesses to maintain this. Recently released data from accounting platform Xero shows one-third of Australian small business owners are unable to pay themselves due to cash flow challenges and 27 per cent are being forced to dip into their personal savings to mitigate rising costs. Inflation has greatly impacted Australian businesses’ cash flow over the past six months. Rising costs and changing consumer behaviour have seen a shrinking profit margin for many businesses, putting a strain on working capital, but conversely, it is also during periods of growth that we see small businesses really struggling with their cash flow. Top 5 cash flow hurdles 1. Lending restrictions It’s a tough time for any small or medium business owner to obtain bank finance with access to working capital becoming harder to come by. Banks have tightened lending criteria making it difficult to obtain loans or raise credit limits. 2. Slow paying customers Many large companies have invoice terms as high as 60 days, which is a long time to wait to be paid after you have delivered your goods or services to your customers. Slow payments can hurt a business’s cash flow if they don’t have a facility like invoice financing in place. 3. Rapid expansion Companies that grow too quickly can find themselves struggling to maintain cash flow. A combination of increased overheads like materials, equipment, staff and expanded equipment sees them drain their cash supply to meet orders. Without a cash flow injection these companies may have to turn away orders as they wait to get paid from the last. 4. Seasonal income Businesses that raise most of their income in one part of the year can find they run

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out of funds if they don’t diligently manage their expenses. Companies making seasonal goods such as beachwear, Christmas items or seasonal rural products are examples of this. They are usually an excellent candidate for invoice financing, so they have the cash at hand to fulfill orders when the season changes and their business picks up. 5. Lack of customer credit checks Many Australian businesses experience cash flow problems because a major customer

Many large companies have invoice terms as high as 60 days, which is a long time to wait to be paid after you have delivered your goods or services to your customers.

goes bankrupt, exposing them to bad debt. Do your due diligence when it comes to customer credit checks and set reasonable limits for companies with poor credit history. Avoiding defaults and late payments could stop your company from going broke. It’s important for business owners to realise that profit and cash flow are not the same thing. You can have a profitable business on paper and not have a dollar in the bank. We’ve seen a huge increase in the number of businesses seeking invoice financing as a way of maintaining their cash flow and enabling growth. It’s a widely used form of business finance overseas and Australian businesses are starting to realise the benefit when faced with current cash flow challenges. This article was originally published on flyingsolo.com.au and has been edited for brevity and republished here with permission. 

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BUSINESS

Completing projects in NSW and Home Warranty Insurance Over the years Master Builders Queensland has heard many wild stories about building in NSW. We thought it was time to set the record straight. Below is a Q&A on the more common myths we’ve come across. ADAM PROFKE REGIONAL MANAGER - GOLD COAST Q. Home Warranty Insurance for NSW projects can be purchased from the QBCC via the myQBCC portal? A. FALSE - The NSW scheme operates completely independently. The NSW Government operates the insurance scheme which is referred to as the Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) under iCare. Home warranty insurance can only be accessed via approved Distributors, of which the Master Builders QLD insurance team is one. Unlike QLD, where your ability to buy insurance is automatic for licence holders, in NSW all licence holders must undertake both initial and ongoing eligibility assessments. If you are unable to obtain HBCF eligibility, you are unable to undertake residential building work in NSW over $20,000. Because the NSW and QLD schemes run independently, the premium you pay will also differ. Master Builders Insurance Services has an online calculator to assist during the project estimating phase. The calculator is available via the Home Warranty insurance page on our website.

Q. You can build one project per year in NSW without obtaining a NSW licence.

Master Builders QLD has a suite of

A. FALSE - you require a licence to undertake any residential building work in NSW.

Documents specifically for use in NSW, which

A licence is required for undertaking residential construction works if the value of the works is over $5,000.

Q. I will need to do Continuing Professional

Any Queensland licence holder can apply for a licence in NSW via mutual recognition. It is a similar process to QLD where a company requires a nominee (Qualified Supervisor in NSW) and the company also requires the licence.

Residential Contracts & Supporting are available on eDOCS. They are also FREE!

Development (CPD) to maintain a NSW licence? A. TRUE - you are required to undertake continuing professional development in order to maintain your licence.

Sole traders must also obtain a licence.

You must attend a range of activities to

Q. I don’t need a licence to build commercial buildings in NSW.

many cases you must attend activities in

A. FALSE - depending on the class of building, you may be subject to new legislation that will require you to apply for a Building Practitioner’s licence (Class 2,3 & 9c). Q. You can use a QLD Master Builders contract in NSW. A. FALSE - you must use a contract that has been specifically designed for use within that state. In this case, the NSW Home Building Act is very different to the QBCC Act.

achieve the number of points required. In person. Failure to meet these requirements will result in a potential loss of licence. If you have any general questions about undertaking building work in NSW please contact Adam Profke at our Gold Coast office on 5582 7100.  If you require NSW Home Warranty Insurance, please contact the Master Builders Insurance Services team on 1300 13 13 24. Master Builder

BUSINESS

The Art and War of C.O.G.s We have to start with an apology - on behalf of the accounting industry. For years, the conventional wisdom has advised builders to cut back on overheads like marketing and admin expenses. The real battle in building projects isn’t in these overheads - it’s in the Cost of Goods Sold (COGs). DANIEL WILKINSON HEAD OF CFO ADVISORY, XACT ACCOUNTING

Understanding COGs in Building COGs encompass all the direct costs that go into a building project - materials, labour, and subcontractors. It’s these direct costs that allow you to calculate your Gross Profit (GP), which is the true barometer of job profitability. The Critical Role of COGs Focusing solely on reducing overheads, like admin or marketing expenses, overlooks the crucial area that impacts your project’s bottom line. In truth, the lion’s share of your project’s financial success is determined by how well you manage COGs. The Million-Dollar Project: A Case Study To illustrate how important COGs are, let’s take a hypothetical $1 million building project. If you aim for a 20 per cent gross margin, that leaves you with $200,000. Deduct 10 per cent or $100,000 for overheads and you’re left with a net profit of $100,000 or 10 per cent. If you do the maths, you’ll find that a staggering 80

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per cent of your budget - $800,000 - is allocated to COGs, emphasising their vital role in job profitability. Strategies to Manage COGs Managing COGs is a cyclical process involving three crucial steps: 1. Estimating: Before a project starts, it’s essential to secure accurate and competitive pricing for all elements.

of what your true Gross Profit is. 2. Overhead Recovery in the Margin: Incorporating overheads into the margin complicates things and should be avoided. 3. Manipulating Quoted Prices: Distorting quotes gives you an inaccurate view of job profitability. 4. Bookkeeping Delays: Failing to update your books regularly can lead to costly errors.

2. Job Costing: Known as “Back Costing,” this step involves matching incoming costs to your estimates. Without this, you can’t accurately monitor COGs.

5. Failure to Adapt Strategy: If you’re not responsive to real-time data, you risk blowing your budget and affecting job profitability.

3. Reporting and Analysis: The final piece is a robust reporting system that offers realtime data on the status of your COGs.

In summary, COGs are where job profitability is won or lost. The cycle of accurate estimating, diligent job costing, and realtime reporting is crucial. 

Common Pitfalls in Managing COGs 1. Distorting True GP with Owner Wages: Including elements of the owner’s wage in COGs can give you a skewed perception

This article was originally published on xactaccounting.com.au and has been edited for brevity and republished here with permission.

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FEATURE

OUR 2024 POLICY & ADVOCACY AGENDA 2024 will be another challenging year for the Queensland construction industry

ur advocacy efforts will be centred on ensuring the construction industry is well-placed 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. An enormous pipeline of work will continue to place pressure on supply chains, keeping labour in short supply - and still more regulatory change is on the way. In response, Master Builders will centre our advocacy on ensuring both new and existing regulation does not increase the cost of construction without a demonstrated net benefit. We will also work to ensure the industry has the information and tools it needs to meet the challenges. The 2024 Policy and Advocacy Agenda will continue our focus on: • Sustainable businesses • Better building practices • Fair and reasonable regulation. We will do this by tackling a number of key deliverables in each of these areas, while also seizing the opportunity to advance other priorities when the opportunity arises. We’ll also build on our achievements in 2023. Sustainable Business What we are going to work to deliver in 2024 Advocacy with government: 1. Better contractual risk allocations, tendering processes and contract administration procedures on government building contracts. 2. Grants/rebates for small-to-medium enterprises in the building industry to adopt business improvement software solutions. 3. The ability for builders to achieve reasonable and productive daily working hours on larger commercial building sites. 4. Increased deposits for builders for domestic projects to support contractors’ ability to properly fund construction work up front and manage their cash flow. 5. A single, mandatory state-wide Housing Code for greater certainty and efficiency in housing development.

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Master Builders-led initiative: 6. Appoint regional Industry Champions to promote the profile of the sector as a career of choice. Better building practices What we are going to work to deliver in 2024 Advocacy with government: 1. Commitment from government to provide support and training for builders to transition to modern methods of construction. 2. Government incentives for property owners to engage licensed contractors to increase the environmental sustainability and resilience of existing dwellings and commercial buildings. 3. Upskilling of the industry through the introduction of compulsory continuing professional development (CCPD) for Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) contractor licensees.

Our advocacy efforts will be centred on ensuring the construction industry is well-placed 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.

FEATURE

4. In conjunction with Master Builders Australia, incorporate into the work program of the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB), the Building Products Coalition’s Proposal for Change to the NCC in relation to evidence of suitability. 5. In conjunction with Master Builders Australia, improve transparency and accountability in the process for implementing changes via the NCC. Master Builders-led initiatives: 6. Through the Building Products Coalition, publish an industry guide for the traceability and digitalisation of building product information. 7. Education for members on building practices for more resilient and environmentally sustainable buildings. 8. Continue Master Builders’ voluntary continuing professional development (CPD) program until a CCPD program is introduced. Fair and reasonable regulation What we are going to work to deliver in 2024 Advocacy with government: 1. Oppose new regulation and seek to roll back

existing regulation that increases the cost of construction without a demonstrated net benefit (including the NCC 2022 changes that increase the cost of housing - falls to floor waste, livable housing, and 7-star/ whole-of-home changes). 2. Publication of government-approved software compliance systems for project trust accounts. 3. Reintroduce special purpose financial statements for minimum financial requirements (MFR) reports. 4. A security of payment framework that is fair to all parties, nationally consistent, and does not involve project trust accounts. 5. Continue reform of the QBCC and its processes to ensure that its regulation of industry is fair, transparent and accountable, including: a. Disincentivise vexatious claims of defective work, such as prescribing a fee to make a complaint or giving the QBCC the ability to recover costs from a vexatious complainant. b. Transform the QBCC to a leaner, more

dynamic, and financially sustainable regulator that focuses on its core regulatory functions supported by industry-experienced and knowledgeable staff. c. Greater procedural fairness in Home Warranty Scheme matters, including ensuring builders are given a direction to rectify defective work before a claim is approved under the Scheme. d. Reform the QBCC licensing system to remove unnecessary and unreasonable barriers to obtaining a licence, including barriers that unfairly target the industry’s most experienced licensees to prevent them from changing their grade of licence. e. Ensure that the QBCC takes appropriate regulatory action against the responsible party in the contractual chain, such as subcontractors responsible for defective work or owners causing substantial financial harm by breaching their contractual obligations. 

N E E D A CO N To read our entire Policy & Advocacy Agenda visit mbqld.com.au/about/policy-and-advocacy/ our-platform

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PROJECT

CASTLE TAKES THE CROWN Multiple award-winner capitalises on enviable location.

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PROJECT

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PROJECT

estled atop a hill in the suburb of Yarrawonga sits Gedoun Constructions’ award-winning Castle Hill Home. The masterful renovation swept the pool at the North Queensland Housing & Construction Awards, taking out six gongs including the prestigious House of the Year, as well as Best Residential Kitchen, and Home Renovation Project over $1 million. The original property was constructed in the 1970s, with some renovations completed over the years - but the partial demolition and substantial renovation the Gedoun team was called to undertake was nothing short of a reimagining. With 45 years’ experience building in North Queensland, they were well and truly up to the task - and the result is nothing short of a triumph. The vision “The clients employed the services of an interior designer and becoming aware of their superb taste, we were in for a project that ended up well and truly exceeding the initial brief,” Gedoun Constructions Director, Joe Gedoun, said.

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“Modernising the home involved demolition of the existing upper level of the home to the floor, including the internal staircase, increasing the floor area, and renovation of the pool and its surrounds. Once demolition was completed, work started on realising the clients’ dream.”

undertake problem solving on the fly to ensure that the completed home was compliant and structurally sound. There was a level of complexity building on a sloping site surrounded by established homes, with traffic management required at different stages of the build.”

However, the original home, and its surrounding environment, had other ideas.

The high wind category area the property stands in also posed some issues, with a Performance Solution required to comply with the Australian Standards for Water Penetration.

Overcoming challenges “It was soon discovered that elements of the existing home were not compliant with the current building codes,” Joe said. “We had to alter the new design and

The team also encountered rock while digging footings for the pool gazebo, and following an onsite meeting with structural engineers, redesign and modifications

PROJECT Before

were made for the gazebo structure to be cantilevered to suit the windy locale. “We collaborated with all stakeholders to find a solution. Every element of the build saw us problem solving to marry the constraints of the existing dwelling, retaining rockfaces and wind speed challenges to relevant building codes and Australian Standards, not to mention the clients’ and interior designers’ vision,” Joe recalled. “Our experience as open builders saw us draw on our knowledge across all levels of construction to deliver outstanding outcomes to meet with the requirements for the building codes, as well as the architects’ and interior designers’ challenging concepts.”

sun. Cyclone shutters have been installed on all glazing on the western side of the structure for added safety, while glass balustrading to the front façade creates an invisible barrier that further draws the outside in.

Embracing nature Orientated overlooking The Strand, Magnetic Island and Pallarenda, with 270-degree views, the design takes full advantage of the home’s incredible vantage point.

Steel columns and beams have been used to increase the upper-level floor area to include an extended balcony to the front of the home, larger bedrooms, play space for the clients’ children and an external door to allow access to new external stairs and the pool area at the rear.

It also accounts for the harsher elements of its unique environment, delivered in a stylish manner which maximises comfort for its occupants.

“This home was designed to dovetail into its surrounds whilst also standing out with great form and finish,” Joe said.

To capture the northern breezes, the living areas completely open, by virtue of pocket sliding glass doors, wide Jalousie louvre windows in the raked ceiling, and a glazed wall that fully encapsulates the spectacular views. The living area seamlessly transitions to the balcony, with level flooring creating a smooth flow from indoor to outdoor living space.

“Every element is custom-made to intertwine with the slope of the land; from the oversized custom garage sectional door to the pool balustrading being incorporated with the existing rock retaining walls.”

The main bedroom and living areas face the west and take advantage of the view while also providing respite from the harsh afternoon

Creature comforts The home is completely smart-wired, while energy-efficient LED lighting has been used, and strip lighting placed throughout the home to create an intimate evening aesthetic.

Additional little luxuries include a dumbwaiter from the garage directly to the pantry and integrated appliances in the award-winning kitchen, which also features Talostone benchtops and splashbacks, with the craftsmanship evident in the flowing marbled veins, while custom-made pantry doors deliver a seamless finish. Exterior excellence Outside the home, a large steel-framed cantilevered gazebo and motorised sunshade provide privacy and protection for the new outdoor kitchen and entertaining area. This area features a 40mm benchtop including a curve at one end, a teppanyaki plate, a dishwasher, and dual bar fridges, with storage for gas bottles built into the cabinet for a neat finish. A combination of external finishes from Colorbond MATT Enseam through to James Hardie claddings, creates a visual aesthetic that provides texture and appeal with added low maintenance benefits. The suburb features beautiful homes that are cutting edge in design, street appeal and innovation, and Castle Hill Home fits seamlessly into its surrounds.  Master Builder

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THE XACT BLUEPRINT: FINANCIAL SUCCESS IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTING “This is one of the toughest industries in town, but if you know what you’re doing, owning a business in building and construction can set you and your family up for generations to come,” says Mick Renton, Founding Partner and CEO of Xact Accounting.

Xact Accounting are an accounting and advisory firm that specialises in building and construction. They work with builders and tradies at all stages of their growth cycle, offering a one-stop shop for everything from bookkeeping, tax and re-structuring, advice on improving margins, through to exit and succession planning. “We recognised that because of the unique challenges our industry faces, there was a need for a firm that specialised, rather than the typical approach where accountants try and be all things to all people.” This is something Mick explains has been even more valuable over the last three turbulent years. “It’s not as bad as you read in the papers, but things have certainly been pretty tough for a lot of operators. We’ve had to rescue a number businesses that were on the brink, but on the upside, we’ve also had plenty who have thrived through the uncertainty,” Mick reflects. Building Strong Business Foundations While their business turnaround services have proved extremely timely, Mick says Xact’s primary focus is on setting up strong commercial foundations for businesses to flourish, and removing the headaches and uncertainty.

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“Often, the issue starts with substandard bookkeeping, where owners spend nights trying to manage their books or employ nonspecialists,” Mick notes. “Success depends on a thorough grasp of your accounting process, from initial estimates to final quotes, and tracking income and costs as a project progresses. It’s essential to have an expert who can stitch all of this together, saving time, reducing errors, averting cash flow problems and ensuring clear financial visibility.” Strategic Financial Guidance from a Financial Co-Pilot With a strong bookkeeping backbone in place, it’s then about interpreting the data and levelling up your decision-making, says Mick. “This is where our CFO Advisory service kicks in. Having these guys in your team is like having a financial co-pilot, a senior player by your side to help you understand what the numbers mean and how to navigate the journey ahead,” Mick adds. Comprehensive Monthly Business Reviews Dan Wilkinson, Head of CFO Advisory at Xact, explains how their services revolve around a thorough monthly review.

“Every month, we sit together and delve deep into the business, scrutinising all its crucial components - the successes, challenges, and everything in between,” Dan elaborates. “We examine how margins are tracking on each job, assess the timelines for upcoming projects, evaluate pricing strategies on recent jobs, and anticipate any potential cash or labour gaps due to unforeseen factors like weather or supply chain disruptions.” Over time, Dan says his clients get better and better at understanding the key financial levers in their business, and because they can see where things have worked, or gone off track, they can apply these learnings to future decisions. Beyond Numbers: Real-World Commercial Solutions Xact’s advisors are all qualified professional accountants, but they aren’t the usual tax accountants working in accounting firms; they come from the commercial world, working in roles as Financial Controllers and CFOs. Dan says this gives them a very different perspective, having had to live through real-world experiences. “They’ve had to rock in the corner when the business is about to miss payroll. They’ve

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Mick Renton, Founding Partner and CEO of Xact Accounting

Images courtesy of Xact Accounting Client, Mylne.Build. Architect | DAH Architecture. Photography | Cathy Schusler.

had to perform heart surgery on profit margins to keep the business alive. They’ve had all the tough conversations with staff, suppliers, and banks… if I had to sum up the essence of what we do, it would be that we don’t just talk about the numbers; we give our clients the solutions on how to change the numbers,” Dan explains. Affordable Expertise: The Power of Fractional Services The challenge for many business owners is that having this level of talent in-house is something that’s out of reach for most builders and tradies, and they aren’t really sure how to go about hiring finance staff. The solution to this dilemma is having a parttime, or what Dan calls “fractional” service. Rather than having to recruit and employ full-time resources, with all the expense and headaches that brings, Xact provides an experienced CFO and finance team at a fraction of the cost of having this in-house. And unlike an employee, as an external provider, Xact’s fees are fully tax-deductible. Cultivating a Results-Driven Mindset Even though they are technically an external service provider, Xact sees themselves as being

embedded in their clients’ teams, which means they share the accountability for results. “Our service is about moving the needle financially, so it makes sense that we should share responsibility for that outcome. The flow-on impact of this mindset is that our clients end up getting a significant return on their investment with us… it’s not uncommon for clients to get a 10x return on our fees in terms of increased profits. On the flip side, we don’t believe in lock-in contracts, so if we’re not performing… you can guess what that means!” Mick declares. Specialised Tax Strategies for Maximum Profit Retention To complete the suite of services, Xact provides a specialist tax service that takes into account the specific tax opportunities and compliance obligations in the building and construction sector. “Like any business, if you focus on a particular area for long enough, you end up learning all the levers to pull and how to pull them for the best outcome. Our primary focus is on making sure our clients keep as much of their hard earned profits as they can and not pay a cent more in tax than they should,” Mick explains.

Expert Guidance for QBCC MFR Compliance As many members and the team at Master Builders can attest, Xact are also the real goto when it comes to helping QBCC licensees meet their Minimum Financial Requirements (MFR) obligations. Mick says that this is another example of where having an industry specialist is crucial. “We’re not talking about a slightly different outcome, we’re talking about the difference between having or not having a licence,” says Mick. “It’s just a fact, not all accountants know or want to specialise in the QBCC MFR space, so it’s critical that builders and tradies seek out a professional that knows how the regulations work.” 

If you’d like to talk to Xact Accounting about any of the services they provide, feel free to reach out to the team on their dedicated Master Builders Member Hotline: 07 3124 8666 Or visit: www.xactaccounting.com.au Master Builder

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SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT

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

Foundation Technologies Foundation Technologies Australia (FTA) is the leading supplier and installer of helical screw piles in South East Qld. Established in 2011 with a vision to provide the most compliant and cost-efficient methodologies in the helical screw pile industry, FTA specialises in servicing the residential and light commercial sector. From new builds to renovations, slab on ground, modular builds, bearer and joist dwellings, FTA can offer a solution using 100per cent Australian made helical screw piles

from 100 per cent Australian made material. Reach out to the team at FTA for your next project from the Gold Coast to Sunshine Coast, and experience what a true specialist screw piling contractor can offer – and why a TRUE helical screw pile is the most compliant type of screw pile. With a commitment to supporting the industry that supports them, FTA has built a long-standing relationship with Master

wilson/ryan/grose wilson/ryan/grose has been serving Queenslanders for over 125 years. With offices located in Townsville and Maroochydore, they are committed to the people and communities of regional Queensland and provide experienced and specialised advice. That regional focus means they understand the difficulties and opportunities faced by clients, which may differ from those in metropolitan areas. Their team can assist with everything from preparing your contracts and subcontracts, troubleshooting, training, dispute resolution, and preparing and responding to payment claims, schedules,

and adjudication applications. John Carey, partner in charge of the Building and Construction group, has been practising in this area for over 25 years, advising on risk management. John has a particular interest in project delivery methods and ensuring projects are properly documented, is a registered adjudicator under the BIF (Security of Payment) Act and has experience advising on all aspects of probity in procurement processes.  wilson/ryan/grose offers Master Builders members a complimentary 30-minute appointment to discuss your needs.

GMA Certification

GMA Certification is a recognised industry leader, operating across nearly all states and territories in Australia, boasting a network of nine strategically positioned offices from Kingscliff NSW to Port Douglas QLD, and reaching across to Mount Isa. Their dedicated team comprises over 50 professionals, ranging from Level 1 Building Surveyors to an exceptional administrative support staff.

dwellings, with their diverse client base spanning high-volume builders, hospitals, and countless commercial ventures.

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GMA boasts decades of accumulated knowledge and experience. They take pride in sponsorship of Master Builders and maintain a keen awareness of the continually evolving challenges within the construction navigating the certification landscape.  For more information visit www.gmacert.com.au

Builders, and looks forward to meeting many members in 2024 at various events.  For your next project contact the team on qld@foundationtechnologies.com.au.

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Master Builders is proud to join with Social Butterfly Marketing (SBM), renowned for its innovative strategies across the trade, building, and civil construction sectors.

Members can take advantage of convenient servicing options and National Fleet rates, normally only offered to large businesses, when they purchase a new vehicle from Master Builders’ discount partner, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited. Present your Master Builders membership card at one of the authorised dealers throughout Australia. More details at mbqld.com.au/mitsubishi

SBM offers a comprehensive suite of services, including social media strategy, execution, management, email marketing, digital advertising, and analytics. Additionally, SBM is the originator of the ground-breaking franchise social media solution software, Content Monarchy. Founder Renee Dembowski brings her expertise as a certified trainer for the Diploma of Social Media Marketing and is a mentor and advisor for small businesses. This positions SBM as a reputable authority in social media consultancy and training, offering personalised and group instruction tailored to elevate the digital prowess of its clients. About Content Monarchy: Content Monarchy is a digital done-for-you marketing platform, and an approved partner of Facebook, Instagram and Google Business. This world-first software as a service product saves your marketing team heaps of time and thousands of dollars when compared with hiring social media specialists, while keeping your digital presence consistent, professional and on-brand, every time via curated and automated customised social media content. As part of Social Butterfly Marketing’s ongoing support of Master Builders, all members are eligible for discounts of 15 per cent on their boutique social media services including technical setup, audits, strategy and implementation, training, and digital ads, plus Content Monarchy subscriptions for franchises and multi-location businesses. For more information, email renee@socialbutterflymarketing.com.au and mention you are a Master Builders member.

TOYOTA Members can receive exclusive Fleet Associations discounts on Toyota vehicles, giving you the buying power that is usually only accessible by large national businesses. The discount depends on the model purchased. Read more info about the deal at mbqld.com.au/toyota.

AMPOL Ampol offers Master Builders members access to exclusive fuel savings with AmpolCard. Members can save money on fuel with 5.5 cpl on Amplify Premium petrol and diesel as well as regular E10 petrol and unleaded petrol. Complete an online application form at mbqld.com.au/ampol.

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. 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.

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CSQ FUNDING

REDUCES PRICE TO

$1495 for eligible

Need your Waterproofing licence?

students*

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Gain the qualification you need to apply for your Waterproofing licence through the QBCC with our Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing.** The combined RPL skills assessment and short skills workshops1 are open to builders and anyone with experience who holds a relevant construction trade qualification.

CERTIFICATE III IN CONSTRUCTION WATERPROOFING ^

Gold Coast 20-25 March | Mackay 8-13 May Rockhampton 22-27 May | Cairns 5-10 June | Townsville 13-18 June

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*See QBCC website for full list of licensing requirements. CSQ funds to a maximum of $5500 for this course (subject to funding availability and eligibility criteria). **To apply for your waterproofing Trade Contractor licence through QBCC, applicants need to provide the current establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures unit in conjunction with the Certificate III waterproofing qualification. ^CPC31420 - Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing | ¹6-day course – RPL eligibility criteria requirements for course entry | RTO 30097

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Vicki and Ron Monaghan in 2017

MAKING A DIFFERENCE - RON MONAGHAN FOUNDATION One in five Australian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. More than 10 Australian men die each day from the disease.

mid these shocking statistics, Vicki Monaghan is determined to start all-important conversations to raise awareness - and save lives. Vicki’s much-loved husband, Ron, passed away from prostate cancer in June 2019. He was aged just 65, a father to eight children, and grandfather to six. Ron was diagnosed at stage four, but courageously lived with advanced cancer for four years, taking every opportunity to talk to others about the importance of early detection. Vicki is now proudly carrying on Ron’s legacy, paying tribute to his dedication to making a difference through her work with the Ron Monaghan Foundation. The Foundation was first established by the

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CFMEU and BERT as Prostate Awareness Australia. Ron was highly respected as a union official and member and served on many boards during his working life. Following his passing, the founders approached Vicki to become the face of the Foundation, renaming it in Ron’s honour. “I had always thought it was important to try and create more awareness of prostate cancer. Just from our experience when Ron was diagnosed and being treated, it did seem that there wasn’t a great understanding, a lot of misconceptions,” Vicki said. “Men weren’t really being encouraged to go and have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and symptoms and early detection weren’t being discussed as much.”

A former secondary school physical education teacher and counsellor, Vicki jumped at the chance to go out and tell her and Ron’s story, speaking to thousands of workers over the last few years. “I love my job. I go out on site and sometimes have a yarn with the workers in the lunchroom or do a longer presentation or informal chat with the work group at large and it’s always received very well,” Vicki said.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Vicki representing RMF at Darwin Harbour during a visit in September 2023

Vicki with Hutchies workers during a BBQ and chat at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital site in December 2023.

“There’s just so much misinformation out there, and myths like it’s an old man’s disease. Several times, I’ve had men say to me, yep, I’ve been checked, I got that kit in the mail when I turned 50… and I have to say that test is for bowel cancer, mate. I find there’s a lot of surprise at some of what I’ve got to say; the statistics are quite daunting, and people don’t know what a serious disease it can be, or how common it is, so they are interested to find out more about it.

to their families, partners, the women in their life. Hopefully, that leads to more openness, and therefore more support for men going through prostate cancer treatment. At work for example, they might need more toilet breaks and special bins in the bathroom for incontinence products - it’s not just the construction industry, there needs to be more understanding in general from employers and coworkers. I inject a lot of humour - I say guys you just have to talk about this stuff!”

“There’s still a big gap in information, compared to say what’s out there about breast cancer. In terms of the treatment, it’s very invasive - and a lot of them find it a threat to their masculinity, in the same way a woman would with a breast cancer diagnosis - and there’s just not that mental health support out there. Unless you’re the type to go out and research these things, and especially for those who don’t have a partner or that support, it takes a huge toll - men don’t know what to expect and are worried about the long-term impacts.”

Vicki is extremely grateful to those that established the foundation, and humble about her important role, insisting what she’s doing is “nothing extraordinary.” However, she does believe that Ron would be thrilled with her efforts.

When it comes to bridging this obvious gap, Vicki is taking a one step at a time approach. “What it is really about is breaking down that stigma, encourage them to go home and talk

they’re listening to someone who has been affected in the worst possible way. “I find it very rewarding, particularly when people come back and say I did go and have a test, or I told my dad about it, it makes a difference to how I feel as well.”  To find out more, visit www. ronmonaghanfoundation.org.au/

“He would probably say ‘why did you name it after me?’ He was a very humble man, and when they said they wanted to name the foundation after Ron, I was deeply touched,” she said. “For some people, it would be difficult to continue talking about a disease that has taken the life of someone you love. But I get to talk about Ron every time, which is lovely. Again, I think that personal story helps get the message across, that Master Builder

5 MINUTES WITH...

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

LUKE MAYE Reef Coast Constructions Carpentry apprentice at Reef Coast Constructions in Townsville, Luke Maye took home the Apprentice of the Year title at the Master Builders Queensland 2023 Housing & Construction Awards, after being named the North Queensland winner. The custom new home building specialist has a strong history of high-performing apprentices, with Luke’s colleague Brodyee Filleul having won the North Queensland title in 2021. Reef Coast Constructions Director, Rob Rule, shared his thoughts on what made Luke such a deserving winner. How did Luke get into the building and construction industry? Luke came to us for work experience whilst finishing his higher school certificate at Ignatius Park College. At that time, he showed enthusiasm for the carpentry trade and performed very well and continued to show a commitment to carpentry and carry out work with us at further opportunities. Once he’d finished high school, Luke applied for a Certificate III in Carpentry Apprenticeship with us, and we employed him based on his work ethic, attitude and commitment during work experience. What personal traits make Luke so successful in his role? Luke is very polite, honest and enthusiastic to learn all aspects of his craft. It was apparent right from the very beginning that he was very determined to better himself and learn as much as he could about building and his carpentry trade. It was an easy decision to employ Luke and he has been a pleasure to have in our organisation from day one. What challenges has Luke faced and overcome during his time as an apprentice? Luke has accepted and taken every challenge in his stride throughout his apprenticeship. He understands that when working as part of a small team, everyone’s performance and attendance is vitally important - and he

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always puts in 100 per cent and supports his peers, other trades, and his employer. He has learnt that the quality of the work he performs is the number one priority, as this can be the difference between a craftsman and just a tradesman. Luke starts the new year as a tradesman after finishing his apprenticeship in January. What’s next? It has been a pleasure to see Luke’s development over the duration of his

apprenticeship, from a shy teenage high school student to a very mature, competent and confident young man. I am looking forward to him maintaining his employment with us long into the future, where I’m confident we can provide the pathway for him to become an excellent leader and continue the quality standards that we stand by. Luke has true leadership potential, and he will be well suited to move higher in the industry in the coming years to more responsible positions. 

5 MINUTES WITH

TARAH HASTIE Activates Construction, Brisbane Director of Activates Construction, Tarah Hastie was awarded the Master Builders Brisbane Housing & Construction Awards 2023 Women in Building title. What motivated you to get into the building and construction industry? My experience in the building industry started after a devastating diagnosis of breast cancer at the age of 27. I was a masseuse with an 18-month-old son. After undergoing a full mastectomy, chemotherapy, and radiation, my mobility was affected, and I could not return to remedial massage. Due to the need to provide income, I used my keen eye for detail and passion for design to successfully flip my first home in Kedron in 2005, along with my carpenter husband Adam. I commenced a building career full-time in 2012. Why do you think it’s so important to recognise and empower women in the industry? I believe having females on the team is a win-win for all. It is important that women feel empowered in the industry and that they can succeed in such a traditionally male-dominated industry. I’ve witnessed first-hand a steady increase in involvement by women and hope this trend continues. I host a monthly podcast ‘She Built This presented by Activates Construction’ which started in September 2022. The purpose of this podcast is to interview women who have built a successful career in the residential construction industry to gain their insights into an industry in which females account for only 11 per cent. Activates Construction also holds annual community ‘Tradie Breakfasts’ at the Grange Bowls Club to raise money for National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF). Our breakfast in October last year raised just under $20,000. What are your success habits? I thrive in a high-pressure environment. I oversee multiple builds and coordinate the employees together with a range of external contractors including surveyors, town planners, designers, and the various trades involved in the many builds. I conduct annual performance reviews with all Activates Construction employees, which is an opportunity for employees to provide useful feedback, as well as leaving team members feeling motivated which can catapult career development. This is something particularly favoured by our apprentices. Transparent communication and mutual respect have led me to use many of the same trades for years such as electricians, plumbers, and painters to name a few. Last year Tarah celebrated ten years in remission.  Master Builder

Construction Works Construction Works Construction Construction Works Works and Public & Product and and Public Public & Product & Product and Public Product Liability Insurance Liability Liability Insurance Insurance Liability Insurance THE PLATINUM PROTECTION

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Supported by one of Australia’s largest insurers, our policy protection is designed to meet the specific needs of our members. Plus, we have a dedicated claims team to help you when you need it most. A DIVISION OF QUEENSLAND MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION. Australian Financial Services Licence No. 246834. Information contained herein is of a general nature and

has notAtaken intoOF account the particular insurance needs of any individual, business or person. *Subject to claims history. Terms and conditions apply. DIVISION QUEENSLAND A DIVISION MASTER OF QUEENSLAND BUILDERS MASTER ASSOCIATION. BUILDERS Australian ASSOCIATION. Financial Australian Services Licence Financial No. Services 246834. Licence Information No. 246834. contained Information herein is contained of a general herein nature is and of a general nature and has not taken into account has not the taken particular into account insurance the particular needs of any insurance individual, needs business of any individual, or person.business *Subject or to person. claims history. *Subject Terms to claims and conditions history. Terms apply. and conditions apply.

A DIVISION OF QUEENSLAND MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION. Australian Financial Services Licence No. 246834. Information contained herein is of a general nature and has not taken into account the particular insurance needs of any individual, business or person. *Subject to claims history. Terms and conditions apply.

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WHAT’S HOT

A quick look at the latest products and services that can help you in your business.

A ‘NO BRAINER’ STEEL ALTERNATIVE FOR MANHOLE FORMWORK Plastic Formwork Hire has reengineered heavy antiquated steel formwork and replaced it with a lightweight and sturdy HDPE alternative. No heavy haulage or machinery installation, with HDPE formwork loading, unloading, assembly and moving from manhole to manhole is now a two-person job at most. The 100 per cent recyclable material won’t bend out of shape or rust, and hard concrete just washes off with a simple pressure cleaner or ‘rag and tap’. Book online in advance to save and enter ‘TryNow’ at checkout for three-Days Free Trial. Plastic Formwork Hire is seeking regional distributor depots across Australia. Visit the website for more information.

www.plasticformworkhire.com.au

SOLAR PANELS TO BENEFIT COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY To help meet the commercial sector’s migration to more efficient solar power Trina Solar will be launching the Vertex S+ NEG18R.28 in Q1, 2024. This new panel suits rooftops, covered pedestrian walkways, car parks and other under-utilised spaces of shopping centres, offices, factories and other industrial buildings. The dual-glass solar panel, featuring high-transmission AR coated heat-strengthened glass on the front, measures 1961mm x 1134mm with a width of 30mm. It is a lightweight product weighing only 23.5 kilograms yet yielding an industry-leading maximum power output of 505W and delivering a high efficiency of 22.5 per cent.

www.trinasolar.com/au

A STURDIER FRAME BUILT TO LAST A steel-frame property is generally lighter than a timber-framed property; steel has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any construction material. This means that steel components are more durable while adding little weight. Steel offers the highest strengthto-weight ratio of any residential building material now available. Steel frames and trusses give a solid foundation for your property that will not warp or rot especially with Queensland’s tropical weather. Pests cannot penetrate steel, which means that you will not have the expense of pest control. When it comes to fires; steel frame can withstand any fire as it is non-combustible.

www.mchughsteel.com.au

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SEAL THE DEAL IN THE AUSSIE HUMIDITY Enviroseal - a high-performance wall wrap from Bradford Insulation - offers an effective solution for moisture management in Australian construction. Tailored to meet the diverse climatic challenges of Australia, this vapour permeable membrane efficiently balances shielding against external moisture while allowing internal moisture to escape. Ideal for a range of climates, Enviroseal enhances building health and energy efficiency. It bolsters insulation effectiveness, contributing to sustainable construction practices. Bradford Insulation, including its product Enviroseal, is endorsed by the National Asthma Council Australia’s Sensitive Choice Program. This makes Enviroseal a crucial tool for builders and architects, ensuring the longevity and comfort of Australian homes.

www.bradfordinsulation.com.au

WHAT’S HOT

BEST IN CLASS CLAMPING PERFORMANCE The innovative IRWIN QUICK-GRIP clamp combines the benefits of a one-handed Bar Clamp with the strength of a traditional F-Clamp. Up to 136kg of sustained clamping force can be achieved with the trigger handle and up to 374kg of sustained clamping force with the wrench compatible screw handle. The Quick-Change Mechanism provides easy removal of jaws for conversion to a spreader. There’s the option to combine two clamps together with the built-in coupler screws when extra length is required.

www.irwintools.com.au

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LOCK OUT MOISTURE With Trex Protect joist, bearer and rim tapes, contractors and homeowners can combat the damaging effects of both mother nature and father time, protecting their investments in premium decking - or any type of decking for that matter - and ensuring that the substructure will perform as long as the decking it supports. Designed specifically for deck foundations, and available in a variety of sizes for use on joists, bearer, rims and ledger boards, these self-adhesive butyl tapes shield wooden joinery from moisture that can lead to the development of rot and wood decay.

Make light work of your next project with Pro Plaster’s Pro Lite lightweight topping compound. Proudly manufactured in Australia for Australian conditions, Pro Lite is a pre-mixed, lightweight air-drying finishing compound that delivers a smooth, sleek finish.Pro Lite provides excellent consistency, is easy to apply and is ideal for finishing off plasterboard joints, angles and fasteners. Available in a 15-litre bucket or a 13.8-litre carton.

www.proplaster.com.au

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CSR GYPROCK’S NEW PERFORATED FILLER Gyprock Perforated Filler is a premium new compound, which has been specially formulated for filling and finishing Gyprock’s highperformance perforated plasterboard Rigitone. Rigitone is typically used for ceilings and walls in commercial construction where a high level of acoustic performance is required. The new Perforated Filler has been designed as a dry mix alternative to the existing Rigitone Filler and can be used for achieving the perfect joint between Rigitone plasterboards. For optimum results, the specially formulated compound is mixed to a creamy consistency before it is applied with the Dry-Mix Filler Application Kit.

www.gyprock.com.au

GET COMPLIANT The National Construction Code (NCC) establishes safety, health, amenity, and sustainability standards for new buildings. All building products must meet NCC requirements and be suitable for their intended use. To assist builders in making compliant material selection decisions Lysaght has produced an educational white paper “Metal Building Products - A Guide to National Construction Code Compliance”. The paper covers factors such as fire resistance, structural adequacy, durability and weatherproofing, thermal efficiency and sustainability relating to Lysaght steel building products. Lysaght also has NCC Compliance documentation available.

All Lysaght product compliance information and resources can be found at products.lysaght.com/compliance. Master Builder

ADVICE

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

CRAIG DEARLING GENERAL MANAGER - WORKFORCE SERVICES

Workforce Services

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

Quality - why you should care We all aspire to delivering a project that meets our clients’ expectations and is profitable for us. A quality project. Why is it important? Quality can affect profitability. Direct costs include defects rectification and the delays due to the associated rework. Whether it be structural defective work that affects the project’s structural performance, including waterproofing, or the general standard of the construction or finishes, a lack of quality leads to defects which will cost you. Indirect costs are related to client dissatisfaction and its effect on your brand, unproductive time attending site, inspecting and addressing defects, and the administrative burden.

It requires a collaborative approach with all stakeholders. You can’t deliver a quality project if your suppliers or subcontractors are supportive. It also requires proper training of workers, adequate supervision to ensure issues are identified as soon as possible, and clear communication and specification with suppliers and subcontractors. What can you do? As master builders you all know how to build a quality project (our annual awards showcase every year what amazing work our members do!). The challenge is taking the knowledge and experience you have and communicating that during a project to ensure your quality standards are implemented. One way to do this is using an Inspection and Test Plan (ITP).

ITPs An ITP details the ‘plan’ for managing the quality of elements of the construction works. It’s not a plan for an entire project’s quality, but rather parts of it, and is typically either created by the subcontractor, or the head contractor responsible for the works. It is a comprehensive list of what needs to be undertaken to ensure the quality of the delivered works - providing details of the requirements, an overview of the method(s) to be used, responsibilities of relevant parties, and any documentary evidence to be provided to verify compliance. Once it is finalised, the relevant persons performing the work are briefed on the ITP’s requirements. What else? Keep records of your ITPs, specifications, emails, and other records of interactions about quality, and any briefings you provide to workers and subcontractors, to ensure that if you must defend your work, you have evidence to back you up. 

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What does it involve? Quality is more than just assessing a project’s success at completion. It requires you to evaluate, monitor and improve the quality of your project throughout, starting

at the planning and design stage, during contract formation, through to scheduling, purchasing of materials, and actually constructing your project.

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ADVICE

TONY MITCHELL GENERAL MANAGER - BUILDING SERVICES AND LICENSING

Building & Planning

IAN GRANT MANAGER – REGULATORY POLICY

Advocacy & Policy

What are the Required Facilities for a Class 1 Building? The National Construction Code (NCC) requires that a Class 1 building must be provided with a kitchen sink and facilities for the preparation and cooking of food, and a bath or shower, and clothes washing facilities, comprising at least one washtub and space in the same room for a washing machine, a closet pan, and a washbasin.

What is a penalty infringement notice? A Penalty Infringement Notice (PIN) is a notice or ‘ticket’ imposing a fine on a person for a less serious or a less complex offence. Regulators issue PINs as they are a swift and inexpensive alternative to taking costly and time-consuming prosecutions. There are also benefits for the PIN recipient including a fixed and discounted penalty for the offence and avoidance of court proceedings.

If any of these facilities are detached from the main building, they must be set aside for the exclusive use of the occupants of the building.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) can and does issue PINs for a range of offences. These include offences relating to unlawfully carrying out work without a licence, failing to comply with a QBCC direction to rectify work, failing to pay home warranty insurance premium, and unlawful contractual and payment practices.

A kitchen sink or washbasin must not be counted as a laundry washtub. Laundering facilities or space for laundering facilities and the means for sanitary disposal of wastewater must be provided in a convenient location within or associated with a building, appropriate to its function or use. What are the clearances for a gas cooktop commencing 30 March 2023? Installation requirements for a gas cooking appliance may influence the selection of surrounding materials or the clearance to those materials. Unless the manufacturer states a greater distance, the overhead clearance between the top of the trivet of a gas cooking appliance and a rangehood or exhaust fan from 30 March 2023 should be no less than 650mm for a rangehood, and no less than 750mm for an exhaust fan. Any other downward-facing combustible surface less than 650mm above the supporting surface of the cooking vessels shall be protected for the full width and depth of the cooking surface area, with a suitable fire-resistant facing and backing material. The clearance to any overhead surface shall not be less than 450mm. Side and back clearances are measured from the periphery of the nearest burner to any vertical combustible surface. Where that distance is less than 200mm, the surface shall be protected to a height not less than 150mm above the periphery of the nearest burner for the full width and depth of the cooking surface area with materials such as ceramic tiles, toughened safety glass, and sheet metal, in accordance with the standard. What is required for a door to a sanitary compartment? The door to a fully enclosed sanitary compartment must open outwards, or slide, or be readily removable from the outside of the compartment, unless there is a clear space of at least 1.2m, measured between the closet pan within the sanitary compartment and the doorway. This provides the means of removing an unconscious occupant from a fully-enclosed sanitary compartment. 

Can you contest a penalty infringement notice? If you believe that a PIN should not have been issued to you, the PIN can be contested by electing to have the alleged offence dealt with by a court. If a court election is made, the QBCC must withdraw the PIN. The obligation then lies with the QBCC to commence court proceedings and prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. The procedure and timeframes for making a court election are outlined in the documentation accompanying the PIN and should be strictly followed. Before deciding to contest a PIN and electing to have a matter dealt with by a court, it is recommended that you contact Master Builders or consult your legal advisor. Our team of experts will assist you to understand the process, including any risks, likely timeframes, and QBCC Home Warranty Insurance implications. Can you apply to QBCC for an internal review of a QBCC decision to issue a PIN? A QBCC decision to issue a PIN is not a reviewable decision under the QBCC Act and therefore cannot be the subject of a QBCC internal review or an external review to the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT). Does a PIN result in demerit points being allocated against your QBCC licence? If a PIN is issued for an offence that attracts demerit points under the QBCC Act (e.g., failure to comply with a direction to rectify), demerit points may be allocated against your licence (typically between four to 10 demerit points depending on the offence). This will happen if you pay the fine, arrange for the fine to be paid in instalments, or if the QBCC gives a default certificate to the State Penalties Enforcement Registry for your failure to pay the fine. If you receive 30 demerit points in a three-year period, you cannot hold a QBCC licence for three years. Do PINs appear on the QBCC licensee register? If you are issued a PIN for an offence under the QBCC Act, it will appear on the QBCC Licensee Register. The PIN will be published when you pay the fine (in full or in part) or if QBCC registers a default certificate for failing to pay the fine. The information will remain on the register for five years.  Master Builder

TRAINING

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

Dynamite Deni sharpens her skills and climbs the ladder Meet Deni Knuth. The Townsville businesswoman is a formidable boss, a project management student, social worker, mother and an enthusiastic newbie beekeeper.

ut it hasn’t always been a smooth road for Deni.

The principal contractor for Roofguard Roof Painting confesses she married into the building industry, and “fell in love with it.” At the time, the business specialised in roof painting only, but Deni threw herself into developing the company. “My eldest daughter passed away in 2015, and my response to the trauma and grief was to go full-time into helping hubby run the painting business,” she said. This was a turning point for Deni, in both her life and career. Over the next few years, she dedicated her time and energy to developing her painting and construction skills and knowledge. Deni is currently studying project and construction management and learning construction estimation on the job. “In the past eight years, I have completed a Business Diploma, Certificate III in Painting and Decorating, Certificate IV in Building and Construction, and a range of construction courses and training modules that have elevated and sharpened my skills,” she said.

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Deni oversees and manages projects and contracts with both residential and commercial customers and said her previous

degree in social work comes in handy when connecting with customers and colleagues. “I do the majority of the quoting and estimating for projects. Networking and business development are huge pillars for the business, and I invest a lot of time in connecting within the industry and the marketplace. “I also get to do work on-site and I especially enjoy the carpentry, waterproofing and specialty coatings applications.” Deni’s latest accomplishment is a Certificate III in Waterproofing course with Master Builders. “This waterproofing certification will allow me and the business to undertake ‘curly’ waterproofing projects, specifically in the underground and above-ground space,” she said. “We have always been known for our can-do approach to painting roofs and buildings, and I don’t want to move away from that, and certification will allow me to take this even further,” she said.

“As I did not enter the construction industry as most do – through an apprenticeship – I don’t believe I could’ve achieved all that I have so far without CSQ funding along the way.”

Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) has helped fund three major qualifications for Deni, over the past five years.

The Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing is designed for already qualified trade contractors, builders and existing workers who are currently involved in waterproofing projects to build upon their existing skills and knowledge.

“CSQ has funded not only my waterproofing certificate, but I was also eligible for the funding when I completed the painting and building certificates.

“I feel like I walked in as a newbie and finished the course with solid knowledge and skills to solve a myriad of problems in the waterproofing field.” 

BUILDERS are you paying too much for your building materials? We c save an time you a mone nd y.

To find out how call 07 3289 6800 Email: info@tradebuilders.com.au Web: www.tradebuilders.com.au

Run by Builders for Builders 58

Master Builder

UPCOMING COURSES COURSES: LIVESTREAM & FACE TO‑FACE

Call us on 1300 13 60 02 or visit mbqld.com.au/ training for more information. WHY APPLY

TRAINING

DATES & TIMES

FEB MAR APR

• • • • • • • • • •

• Trauma and Resilience

Building with Light Gauge Steel Frames NCC Waterproofing Workshop1

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Safety Induction (White Card) • General • Silica Awareness Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace • Managing Safe Work Method Statements (SWMS) • Prepare Management for Trade Contractors • Business • Payment Claims & Schedules • Microsoft Project Level 1 2*

Unfair Dismissal

Building Consultant & Expert Witness Seminar Sexual Harassment at Work Obligations – For Business Negotiation Skills

• •

BIFA Chapter 3: Adjudication Applications & Responses Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing4* Commercial Building Contracts Administration Performance Management – Managing Employees Residential Building Contracts Administration QLD Anti-discrimination Act Workshop Completed Residential Building Inspectors Course Accredited Test & Tag5*

• • Licensing Applications Workshop • Practical • Paying your People • Home Warranty Insurance • Asbestos Awareness Workshop • Insolvency Workshop • Practical Communication Skills • Project Trust Accounts • Managing Ill & Injured Workers • Bullying in the Workplace 1

Learn to build resilience at work, and to assist workers to respond to stress and trauma at work. Get the practical knowledge and skills required to work efficiently with steel frames and trusses. Deep dive into the detail of the NCC waterproofing changes implemented on 1 October 2023. Your must-do construction course. Understand the health impacts of silica dust and the fit testing requirements.

Livestream Livestream Livestream Livestream, Townsville & Hervey Bay Livestream

Learn about the new regulations and code of practice to comply with new laws and create a safe work environment. Learn how to prepare a safe work method statement (SWMS).

Livestream

Apply for your trade contractor’s licence.

Livestream, Brisbane, Hervey Bay & Cairns Livestream

Learn about protecting your right to payment and avoiding hefty fines.

Livestream

Learn how to manage project scheduling, assign resources, track and communicate project milestones, and calculate costs and materials. Learn how to minimise the risks associated with disciplinary action and terminations. Diversify your income and go from the job site to investigating building disputes, problem solving and report writing. Learn the legal obligations to prevent work-related sex discrimination, harassment, and victimisation. Learn to negotiate effectively.

Brisbane

Learn how to write an adjudication application or an adjudication response.

Livestream

Reduce defects and provide better supervision of waterproofing work.

Gold Coast

Learn the ins and outs of contracts including legislative restrictions, dispute scenarios, project delays and more. Learn the practical skills and knowledge required to effectively manage employee performance and develop action plans. Learn how to correctly complete residential building contracts.

Livestream

Pre-emptive strategies to avoid legal issues and what to do when facing discrimination claims. Learn how to undertake residential building inspections.

Livestream

Get the qualification you need to test and tag equipment in your workplace.

Brisbane & Gold Coast

Learn a method of how to write the site experience section of the builder's licence application. Get a refresher on your obligations under the Modern Award and Fair Work Act 2009 in relation to wages and other conditions of employment. Get the practical skills and knowledge to comply with payment of premium obligations and learn how to manage risk in the event of a claim, or potential claim. Understand your legal obligations around removing non-friable asbestos.

Livestream

Livestream Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast & Brisbane Livestream Brisbane

Livestream Livestream & Gold Coast

Livestream & Brisbane

Livestream Livestream Livestream

Get the practical tips for dealing with the insolvency of others and reducing the risk Livestream to you and your business. Learn how to communicate effectively. Sunshine Coast Learn how to set up and manage a project trust account.

Livestream

Get the information to make the right decisions about personal or workplace illness Livestream and injury. Understand how to identify and monitor bullying in the workplace, and how to Livestream comply with legislation.

CAN’T FIND A DATE OR COURSE YOU’RE LOOKING FOR?

Course dates may change, or new dates may be 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 or Microsoft TEAMS. This course is part of the Master Builders Construction business basics program and is a non-accredited micro-credential. This micro-credentialling program project is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government. 2CPCWHS1001 – Prepare to work safely in the construction industry. 3BSBESB402 – Establish legal and risk management requirements of new business ventures. 4CPC31420 - Certificate III in Construction Waterproofing. 5UEESS00174 – Electrical safety testing of electrical cord connected equipment and cord assemblies skill set. *Nationally Recognised Training course. | RTO 30097

Master Builder

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.

DAY ON THE GREEN The Toowoomba Master Builders BUSSQ Golf Day proved a cracking day out at Toowoomba Golf Club Middle Ridge on 27 October.

CHRISTMAS CHEER Members of the Master Builders team joined BUSSQ to put on a smoko BBQ for some of the McNab team working at Willawong, Brisbane, on 5 December.

Master Builder

EVENTS BRISBANE

INSPIRED MINDS The first round of our Inspired Minds (Women in Building) series was held across the Gold Coast, Brisbane and Mackay in November. Panellists shared their experiences of the wins and challenges they’ve faced personally and professionally to succeed in our industry.

GOLD COAST

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAY

Master Builder

EVENTS

MAKE IT A DOUBLE The Mackay & Whitsunday team made it a double celebration at the opening of the new office on 8 December, with three members each marking 10-Year Milestones, and our own Malcolm Hull celebrating 30 years of membership.

CONNECTING WITH MATES MATES in Construction held their first Connector training session in the new Sunshine Coast office on 7 November, providing tools to help recognise a mate who might be struggling and to connect them to the help and support they need.

UPCOMING EVENTS DATE

EVENT

REGION

Wednesday, 21 February 2024

Hervey Bay Industry Info Session

Wide Bay Burnett

Thursday, 22 February 2024

Gold Coast Commercial Builders Forum

Gold Coast

Thursday, 22 February 2024

Toowoomba Inspired Minds Lunch

Downs Western

Monday, 26 February 2024

Mackay Industry Info Session

Mackay & Whitsunday

Tuesday, 27 February 2024

Rockhampton Industry Info Session

Central Queensland

Wednesday, 28 February 2024

Gympie Industry Info Session

Sunshine Coast

Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Toowoomba Industry Info Session

Downs Western

Wednesday, 6 March 2024

Brisbane South Industry Info Session

Brisbane

Friday, 15 March 2024

Brisbane Master Builders BUSSQ Golf Day

Brisbane

Tuesday, 19 March 2024

Sunshine Coast Commerical Builders Forum

Sunshine Coast

Thursday, 21 March 2024

Cairns Trade Contractors Forum

Far North Queensland

Friday, 22 March 2024

Hervey Bay Master Builders BUSSQ Golf Day

Wide Bay Burnett

Master Builder

EVENTS

SELLOUT CROWD FOR INFO SESSION It was a full house as our members gathered to get the latest about key changes that may impact their business, at the Brisbane North Industry Info Session at KedronWavell Services Club on 6 February.

Free online contracts & documents for members

FREE* AND EASY EDOCS MAKES BUSINESS A BREEZE!

Whether you’re commercial or residential, a builder or a tradie, eDocs has all the contracts and documents you need online to power through business fast. Eligible members¹ can register to access a wealth of eDocs online contracts and documents for free:*

 FREE access and unlimited use of all contracts & documents (excludes CSIRO documents)  FREE SWMS & Safety Management Plans  FREE

option

 FREE online tutorials  FREE support team on-hand

Visit mbqld.com.au/edocs or call 1300 30 50 10 to get started today! *T&Cs apply – visit mbqld.com.au/edocs. Excludes the suite of CSIRO online documents and other selected online documents. ¹Eligible members include licensed builders, licensed tradies, manufacturers, and suppliers.

Master Builder

Master Builder magazine January-March 2024

Articles inside

Castle takes the crown

Get to know Dominique Lamb

Engineered stone ban - the facts

National award delivers fruits of specialist contractor’s labour

‘Closing Loopholes’ Number 2 - what you need to know