Canberra Building News Edition 3 - 2008

Edition 3-2008

Master Builders

open for business in Fyshwick Guidelines for

minimising noise

levels from AC

Water security for the ACT

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Tenders for Major Water Projects The water security major projects are worth $300 million

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New Master Builders Headquarters The Master Builders new headquarters and skills centre was officially opened on 8 October 2008

Master Builders Executive Council President – Ross Barrett Treasurer – Simon Butt Commercial Builders Council Chair – Sam Delorenzo Civil Contractors Council Chair – Peter Middleton Residential Builders Council Chair – Andrew Kerec Professional Consultants Council Chair – Hans Sommer Suppliers and Subcontractors Council Chair – Peter Fairburn Master Builders Management team Executive Director – John Miller Deputy Executive Director – Jerry Howard Director Industrial Relations – Frank Gillingham Director Education & Training – Grant Daly Master Builders Group Training General Manager – Wendy Tengstrom

24 Air Conditioner Noise in Residential Areas Ranges from a nuisance to actual health damage

26 National Awards ACT members picked up 5 awards at the Master Builders Australia Awards in November

Master Builders Association of the ACT 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyswick ACT 2601 Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Fax: (02) 6249 8374 Email: canberra@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au Advertising enquires David Leitch Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Mob: 0437 379 391 Email: dleitch@mba.org.au

11 Delivering Faster Approvals to the Industry 14 Carbon scheme gets cautious response 17 What to do for a home loan 16 Multi Award Winning Interior Design Firm

20 Hippy trucks go gas 22 Data Centres, Hidden challenges for Commercial Builders 28 Shower Mixer Servicing Made Easy Aquatite Wetwall Caddy 28 Commercial construction forecast

Coming Events Master Builders Annual Golf Day Monday 2 March 2009 – Yowani Golf Club This is a highlight on the event calendar, this year Darryl Brohman is the guest speaker at the after golf function.

Book early so you don’t miss out.

Entries close for the Master Builders & Boral Excellence in Building Awards Friday 13 March 2009 If you require entry details visit mba.org.au

Master Builders Group Training Apprentice and Cadet Awards Friday 27 March 2009 The night will recognise the future stars of the building and construction industry

Master Builders & Boral Excellence in Building Awards Friday 27 June 2009 – National Convention Centre The showpiece for excellence in the Canberra construction industry

President’s Message President of Master Builders Association of the ACT, ross barrett I suspect the headlines will continue to be scary for a little while yet.

“May you live in interesting times” is reputed to be the English translation of an ancient Chinese curse. It suggests disruption and trouble in your life. The alternative “uninteresting times” are peaceful and calm and are therefore supposed to be more fulfilling. But is this correct?

Sometimes the more difficult times are also the most interesting even if they are more challenging. Difficult times should bring out the best in us, so the saying may really be a blessing as much as a curse.

Charles Dickens was thinking about something else when he wrote “it was the best of times, it was the worst of times”. I only hope these alternatives can occur together, because at this time, I am having trouble finding any positives among the current negatives.

If we look at the media, no previous time has been more fraught with uncertainty and insecurity. We are witnessing the implementation of the Chinese curse. We seem gripped by fear, which isn’t surprising when we read comments like “it’s the worst it has been since the Depression” The global financial crisis has extended into its second year and we have seen trillions of dollars wiped off the world stock markets. The mother of all “corrections”. But where has this money gone? Is this loss of stock value different to a loss of dollars?

Business confidence, especially among SMEs is at an all time low and perceptions about the future economic direction have plummeted.

Business people are worried about reducing work loads and profitability while still worrying about the difficulty of finding and keeping quality staff.

The forecast for future oil prices seems to fluctuate by 100% depending on which month of the year the forecast is made. Our dollar is worth anything between US $1.00 and $0.60 depending on when you look.

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Climate change is another bad news story.

It is said that sea levels are rising and it’s getting hotter and drier. If you are one of those who believe humanity and carbon emissions are causing global warming, then you will be excited about the federal governments Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme targeted for commencement in 2010. Whether this has the desired effect of influencing climate change or not is debatable, but it will have a major impact on our industry. The impact will be significant on almost every aspect of our businesses and will increase the cost of materials, energy, finance etc. Costs will increase even further as emission trading and

aren’t even getting sufficient exercise and are adding to Australia’s increasing obesity problem.

The economy is slowing, household wealth is declining, unemployment is rising and we have seen massive falls in consumer and business confidence. It is a good time for all of us to sit back and review how we are managing our business.

As usual, I have simplified everything disgracefully but these are indeed interesting times. It is difficult to imagine a more tumultuous year in a very long time. There are only two options for the future: we have

“In the ACT we will have the downside of uncertainty in the political process as a result of having a minority government which will need to compromise its legislative intentions to suit the crossbench.” other opportunities create new markets and become the financial game in the future.

In our industry we have the additional concern of the changing workplace relations climate, the abolition of the ABCC, award modernisation, and even the increasing theft of construction equipment etc.

In the ACT we will have the downside of uncertainty in the political process as a result of having a minority government which will need to compromise its legislative intentions to suit the crossbench.

By the way, did you see the results of the recent Jenny Craig survey which showed that builders are amongst the least active members of the workforce. What a blow! We

survived this sort of crisis before and will bounce back quickly, or we see no end in sight.

At the end of each work week I consider the future and I usually conclude things can’t get much worse. But I’ve been wrong now for a long time and I suspect the headlines will continue to be scary for a little while yet.

My only suggestion is to consider improving your work-exercise-life balance and sit back with fingers crossed and watch our future unfold.

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The Master Builders Fidelity Fund was established in 2002 to protect the interests of both consumers and builders in the ACT. For Builders, the Master Builders Fidelity Fund provides financial certainty as money held by the Fund remains in the ACT. It is securely invested and used for the betterment of the ACT builders and consumers and is therefore not subjected to the vagaries of international markets and events.

The Fidelity Fund issues Fidelity Certificates which provide consumer protection for owners of new homes and those making significant changes to homes. The Certificates protect the owner during construction and for up to six years from the date of practical completion.

Master Builders members receive reduced premium rates and we also offer special discounts for volume users of the Fidelity Fund.

For more information contact the Master Builders Fidelity Fund.

Master Builders Fidelity Fund 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 | PO Box 1211, Fyshwick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6175 5995 Fax: (02) 6257 8349 Email: mbff@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

Executive Director’s Message Executive Director of Master Builders Association of the ACT, John Miller

The lessons of history are there for all to see and we can take some comfort knowing that things will get better even if the nadir has yet to be reached. There are many who have prospered from staying calm during the turbulence, a proposition that requires vigilance.

Who would have thought that from telling us not to spend earlier this year that the Federal Government and Reserve Bank would be operating in tandem on fiscal and monetary policy to get us out there spending like drunken sailors? It’s a strange world but it highlights the nature of the global village in which we operate.

The government’s minimal debt level and higher interest rates have given Australia room to play to try and fight off the recessionary fears gripping other parts of the world. We have seen drastic cuts to interest rates coupled with new arrangements under the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG) scheme to try and stimulate activity in the housing

market. The latest ABS data suggests that the ACT is doing better than other jurisdictions on the housing front. We can only hope that the interest rate reductions and FHOG initiatives begin to impact quickly.

Whilst the initial stimulus package announced by the Australian Government was designed as an attempt to kick start the housing market and encourage retail spending, they will have to think and act quickly to build a further threshold of confidence in the business community lest the other initiatives will fall short. Projects will simply not get off the ground without a level of certainty to underpin them.

In the midst of all the drama associated with the meltdown of the financial markets, the ACT found itself in a political hiatus courtesy of the local election. There was of course nothing contrived about this position although at the time the Commonwealth and other jurisdictions were responding with initiatives, we found ourselves floating.

Right now, the call around Australia is for political leaders to make sure that the planning approvals process is responsive to the needs of industry and that everything possible is done to ensure projects are not delayed unnecessarily. We know that there are issues in terms of approvals currently being faced by project applicants and now is the time to take a leap of faith and meet the challenge.

If a parallel can be drawn from an ACT perspective we need only look back five years to the devastating bushfires. At that time of crisis Canberra responded magnificently – at a political, bureaucratic and community level – and right now we need the same response or else the time to recover will be far greater than previously witnessed.

That behind us, it is now important that the new minority government, with the support of both The Greens and the Liberals, agree to work together to make sure that decks are cleared to allow businesses get on with their work unimpeded. Fast-tracking projects within the capacity of the ACT’s financial resources will be a way of keeping business and the economy going.

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Earlier this year I wrote that it was “vital that those at the helm don’t flail business and consumer confidence to the point of no return.” Sure, we are all wiser with the benefit of hindsight. Little did we see much of the turbulence that has shaken the world economy and sent many diving for cover! The big question is, “How do those in charge begin to instill confidence in the market when the market has been beaten up in many ways?”

Industrial Relations National Director, Industrial Relations & Legal Counsel, Master Builders Australia, Richard Calver On 5 November 2008 the Workplace Relations Minister’s Council (WRMC) released the first report of the panel conducting the review into the harmonisation of occupational health and safety laws. The report makes 75 recommendations on duties of care, including the identification of duty holders and the scope and limits of their duties, and the nature and structure of offences, including defences.

adopt the absolute duty of care approach currently in operation in NSW, a matter that was at the centre of Master Builders’ lobbying.

Master Builders considers that the separate duty holder category builders, erectors and installers of structures is unnecessary and is concerned that there is little rationale in the panel’s report for the inclusion of this separate

$3million for a corporation for a category 1 breach. Individuals could also be subject to imprisonment for up to 5 years where the category 1 breach resulted in serious harm to a person (a fatality or serious injury) or there was a high risk of serious harm. These penalties are significantly higher than those sought by Master Builders in its submissions to the panel and Master Builders is concerned

“The report recommends a significant increase in penalties, with fines of up to $3 million for a corporation for a category 1 breach. Individuals could also be subject to imprisonment for up to 5 years where the category 1 breach resulted in serious harm to a person (a fatality or serious injury) or there was a high risk of serious harm.”

Duties of care The report recommends that there be a primary duty of care imposed on any person who conducts a business or undertaking – whether as an employer, self employed person, principal contractor or otherwise – for the health and safety of ‘workers’ (which will be broadly defined) at the business or undertaking and other persons who may be put at risk by the conduct of the business or undertaking. This will significantly broaden who owes a duty and to whom it is owed.

In addition to the primary duty of care there would be duties of care on specific classes of persons including those with management and control of workplace areas; designers of plant, substances and structures, builders, erectors and installers of structures and OHS service providers (such as training providers).

The panel recommends that the duties of care should be qualified by what is “reasonably practicable”, which should be defined in the model legislation. Master Builders supports this qualifier on the duty of care and is pleased that the panel has resisted calls to 10

duty holder category. Master Builders is also concerned that the approach to designer duties does not address fundamental difficulties with safe design, in particular extending designer duties to the whole life cycle of a building, including its demolition.

Master Builders will undertake further lobbying on these issues.

Offences The report recommends that breaches of OHS duties should be criminal, not civil, in nature.

The report recommends three categories of offences: Category 1: would relate to the most serious breaches, where there was a high level of risk of serious harm and the duty holder was reckless or grossly negligent.

Category 2: would relate to breaches where there was a high level of risk of serious harm but without recklessness or gross negligence.

Category 3: would be for other breaches of the duties under the legislation.

The report recommends a significant increase in penalties, with fines of up to

about the potential impact of such large fines on small businesses.

Master Builders welcomes the conclusion reached by the panel that an industrial manslaughter provision along the lines of the provision currently in place in the ACT should not be included in the model Act. This was of such concern to Master Builders that a separate submission was lodged on this subject. We will continue strong lobbying on this issue.

Prosecutions The report recommends that the prosecutor should bear the onus of proving beyond reasonable doubt that all elements of the offence have been committed. Master Builders supports this stance as it was reflected in the policy position we put to the panel and is another win for our lobbying.

A copy of the panel’s report is available on the WRMC web site http://www.workplace.gov. au/workplace/Publications/PolicyReviews/ WorkplaceRelationsMinistersCouncil.htm

The ACT Government has committed to immediately freeing up the Territory’s planning system in response to growing volatility on world financial markets. This follows a series of representations to the government by Master Builders as the international financial situation worsened.

In the past two weeks Master Builders has been involved in the initial economic strategy roundtable called by the Chief Minister and has participated in two subsequent meetings with ministers looking at both planning and infrastructure issues.

A further roundtable is proposed to be held to examine procurement procedures to ensure timely responses to tender submissions with the objective being to minimise uncertainty over programming workflows for business.

The Master Builders provided a written submission to the planning roundtable that involved the Chief Minister, the Planning Minister Andrew Barr, the Chief Planner Neil Savery and other senior government representatives. We are continuing, at the time of writing, to survey members on workflow expectations as well as the performance of government agencies as they impact on delivery of projects.

The position being taken by Master Builders is that provided the planning system is operating effectively and quickly and tenders are being released on time, then the ACT will be in a reasonable position to ride out the storm.

Bringing forward projects in the capital works program will only work if there are unexpected delays downstream for major works that fall behind the schedule for commencement.

The early response from ACTPLA has acknowledged and identified issues within the

Canberra Building News Edition 3-2008

Delivering Faster Approvals to the Industry system as put forward by Master Builders and a new watchdog body involving industry and government will meet on a very regular basis over the coming months to unlock some of the problems.

Master Builders will continue to provide members with updates on any changes likely to impact on business and will seek more data to keep the government updated on the level of activity of members so they can respond within their capacity to changing conditions.

Finding a Helping Hand According to Beyondblue reports, half a million working days are lost every month to depression in Australia.

Beyondblue is a national, independent, not-for-profit organisation working to address issues associated with depression, anxiety and related substance misuse disorders in Australia.

Beyondblue is a bipartisan initiative of the Australian, state and territory governments with a key goal of raising community awareness about depression and reducing stigma associated with the illness.

OzHelp, our own ACT building and construction support organisation is working in partnership with Beyondblue to provide those engaged within our industry with access to counselling, education and

support - where when and if that is needed, particularly in the context of the current economic downturn and any associated stress generated by work, money, health and relationships.

OzHelp has been providing pastoral support for building and construction apprentices since 2002. In more recent times it has grown like Topsy and now provides a wide range of support services for apprentices, employers, workers, managers, subbies, contractors, in fact anyone working in the building and construction industry. www.ozhelp.org.au Tel: 1300 OZHELP www.beyondblue.org.au

Prefabricated Housing Training and Needs I was privileged to be awarded a Department of Education Fellowship to look at training gaps and needs within the prefabricated housing industry and in midOctober of this year, I set off for the United Kingdom, Germany and France to look at the British and Central European training models, essentially to identify best practice training models in training regimens which are fundamentally similar to the Australian one.

I discovered that apprentice training, particularly in the United Kingdom, is structured in the same way as in Australia but one of the subtle differences was evident in the informal discussions I had with UK apprentices around scoping of projects. UK apprentices were well

versed in understanding the mechanics of project management and could not only identify project milestones, but could place themselves within completion quality measures and outcomes. Their understanding of building and construction roles and responsibilities was fairly well advanced as was their ability to engage and work with clients from different cultural and social backgrounds. In Scotland the formal ‘classroom’ training often precedes sitebased experience, and it was seen as the unwritten duty of employers to provide these overarching aspects of training – which did not feature as formal competency requirements.

their ‘pilgrimage’. They commented that Australian-trained journeypersons actually turned up for work each day whereas many of the locally trained apprentices were fairweather attendees. The Australian practice of ‘wet days’ was the cause of much amusement in Wales – Project Managers in Wales wryly observed that they should implement ‘dry days’ for their staff as that was when absenteeism occurred.

Project managers in the UK particularly were very complimentary about Australian (and Kiwi) apprentices who came to the UK for

Director Education & Training

A full write-up of the findings is available on request. Please contact me if you’d like to discuss the Fellowship opportunity or outcomes.

Grant Daly

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Tenders for major

ACTEW will call tenders in early 2009 for sub-contractors for its major water security projects – the Enlarged Cotter Dam and the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer project.

Both projects are being constructed under alliance models, with ACTEW’s alliance partners for the projects named earlier this year: Abigroup, GHD and John Holland.

ACTEW lodged its draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Cotter enlargement in October. Comments on the EIS closed on 10 November.

ACTEW says tenders for sub-contractors for the Cotter Enlargement are expected to be called in early 2009 and sub-contractors will be involved with the alliance partners in preparing costings from March to May next year. Construction is expected to begin in November-December 2009 with completion scheduled for March 2011.

Construction of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer project is expected to start in January 2010.

The Enlarged Cotter Dam will increase the dam’s storage capacity from 4GL to 80GL. The new dam will be built 125 metres downstream of the existing dam. The project consists of a main dam with two adjacent earth rockfill saddle dams. The new dam will be approximately 80 m high and the adjacent saddle dams 11 metres and 16 metres high.

The existing dam and 231 hectares of land will be inundated, and a further 38hectares cleared for construction and ancillary works The new dam will increase the ACT’s total water storage capacity by about 30 per cent.

Before construction the ACT Government and Actew will widen the Cotter Road to accommodate about 20 large truck movements a day to the construction site in the Lower Cotter catchment, about 18 kilometres west of Canberra. Trucks too large for the two bridges will travel via Uriarra Crossing to the site.

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A quarry will be established on the site and weekly blasting will extract material to be put through a rock crusher for use in the construction.

The project requires ACT and Federal Government approval. Actew’s program manager Chris Webb said all approvals were expected by about July 2009.

Actew chief executive Mark Sullivan said water from the existing Cotter Dam would continue to be used during the construction of the new dam. The biggest risk, though manageable, was heavy rain during construction.

One of the greatest concerns is the anticipated increasing cost of the dam. Mr Sullivan said costs were escalating in a worrying way. In the past 12 months, the cost of steel had increased by about 120 per cent and concrete by about 60-70 per cent. The estimated cost of the dam 12 months ago was about $150million. ‘’It will be north of that number,’’ Mr Sullivan said.

The Cotter enlargement and associated the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer is the centrepiece of the ACT’s “Water Security” program announced by the ACT Government in October 2007 after a review of water supply options, and designed to secure the ACT’s water supply in the future in the face of forecast long-term drier conditions.

ACTEW is also progressing the Tantangara Transfer and the design of a Demonstration Water Purification Plant.

ACTEW said its alliance partners for the project “were selected based on their ability to build the ACT’s water infrastructure to the highest possible standard and provide water security on time and on budget.”

The Water Security - Major Projects collectively represent the largest and most significant water infrastructure projects undertaken by the ACT Government, and a $ 300 million investment by the community in its own future (based on 2007 estimates), ACTEW said.

 Master Builders Executive Director John Miller

 Happy Dragon and Kathy Heydon from the Master Builders

 Master Builders President Ross Barrett

 Tim Scriberras, Glen Williams and Jodie Kerec from Renaissance Homes

Canberra Building News Edition 3-2008

The 2008 Master Builders Annual Dinner was held in National Ballroom of Canberra’s outstanding new hotel and function centre the Hotel Realm. The gala dinner was a celebration of the Associations achievements for 2008, the attendees were entertained by the guest MC Trevor Marmalade and the guest industry Speaker was Jarrett Walker, Senior Consultant from McCormick Rankin Cagney.

 From the Annual Dinners major sponsor St George Corporate and Business Bank – Graeme Swinton, Janet Mullins, Jeremy Philp, Brendan & Alice Bourke

 Peter Clarke from Bligh Voller Nield and Brian O’Rourke from Rork Interiors

 Guest MC Trevor Marmalade

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Carbon scheme gets cautious response Business groups have reacted cautiously to the Australian Government’s Emissions Trading Scheme proposals.

The Government has released Treasury modelling of the impact of its proposed ETS. The modelling looks at four possible scenarios because of the uncertainties about international agreement on ETS and how Australia would tailor its system to any international agreement.

Under the most likely of the Treasury scenarios economic growth would be about 0.1 per cent lower than without an ETS, and household energy costs would rise by around $7 per week, according to Treasurer Wayne Swan.

The Opposition has criticised the modelling as flawed because it does not take into account the impact of the recent economic turmoil.

Speaking at a Business Council of Australia dinner following the release of the modelling, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said the Government’s response to climate change would take into account the needs of both businesses and households. “Only that kind of response will provide a firm foundation for investment and job creation in the future,” he said.

“The challenge of climate change is no less real today than it was before the financial crisis.

Addressing climate change is part of laying the foundations for long term economic growth.”

Peter Anderson, Chief Executive of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry said Treasury’s modelling had confirmed “that a scheme involves some major business and economic restructuring, to an economy already under global and domestic stress.

We remain concerned regarding the overall implications of the scheme, while recognising that there are no “no-cost” solutions. The modelling also shows that there will be an impact on economic growth and overall prices.

This needs to be considered more fully.”

The Business Council of Australia said, the modelling “confirms that a global agreement is essential to achieving affordable climate change mitigation in Australia.”

It said the modelling had not studied the impact of emissions trading on individual companies. BCA modelling had showed that businesses in some carbon-intensive industries including cement could be forced offshore and would not return,.

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The BCA study warned there could be major upheavals as a result of distortionary impacts on different industries.

The Treasury modelling report followed the final Garnaut report urging the Government to push for an international agreement which would commit Australia to reductions of 25 per cent on 2000 levels by 2020, and 90 per cent by 2050.

The modelling will be followed by the Government’s final proposals (White Paper) for the ETS in December. The Government has said the ETS will begin in 2010.

The Garnaut Final Report said, “There will probably be additional increases in the cost of building construction as a result of new building design requirements, in addition to those that have been modelled, as well as increased road and bridge maintenance costs.”

It also said, “With a price on emissions, production costs will increase, with the cost of electricity, natural gas, petrol, diesel, chemicals, fertiliser and other inputs all increasing. These costs will be reflected in higher-priced goods, from cement and steel to paper and plastic. This will have an impact on the input costs for a range of industries, including construction and retail.”

However it also forecast a major increase in investment and construction to meet new demands including a boom in construction for alternative energy industries.

Big business has been warning that emissions trading would be detrimental to industry in Australia, with the Australian Industry Group warning that it could jeopardise up to a million Australian jobs, and the Business Council of Australia warning of closures and relocation.

The Treasury modelling looked at likely impacts on different sectors of the economy but has little specific information about likely impacts on the building and construction industry.

It says, “The policy scenarios project large reductions in the output of some sectors relative to the reference scenario. However, most of these sectors are projected to grow from current levels; the reductions relative to the reference scenario mean they grow more slowly than they would in a world without climate change.

“Within sectors, some firms and regions could face a serious adjustment task, including early plant closures.”

The modelling report says, Impacts will vary across sectors, as the economy shifts from emission-intensive goods, technologies and processes towards low-emission goods, technologies and processes. Almost all sectors of the economy are projected to grow from current levels, but emissions pricing may affect the rate of growth.

For example, emission‑intensive sectors, such as coal and gas, are expected to grow, but at a slower rate than they would in a world without climate change or an emissions price.

In contrast, growth is expected to accelerate for low and negative‑emission sectors, such as forestry and renewable energy.

Treasurer Wayne Swan said the modelling “provides fresh evidence that early action to tackle climate change will sustain growth, create new jobs and protect our economy into the future.”

He said, “this modelling absolutely shows that there is a way ahead which is both pro-growth and pro-jobs. We can pursue that economic strategy through a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme that ensures our prosperity is protected.”

He also argued, “Economies that defer emission pricing become relatively more emission-intensive so that when a global emission price is eventually introduced, they face even higher costs. So, by contrast, economies that act early will attract global investment.”

Asbestos

training

Master Builders Group Training offers a range of asbestos training under licence from the ACT Chief Minister’s Department and by the nationally recognised ACT Accreditation and Registration Council.

If you are working in the building industry as a builder or a contractor, you are likely to encounter materials containing some forms of asbestos. If you haven’t already done so, you will be legally required to undertake this approved training if you are likely to be working with materials containing asbestos.

The courses offered in 2009 will be:  ACT80803 Identification and Safe Handling of Asbestos  ACT80804 Asbestos Removal and Supervision To secure a position or for more information on courses contact the Master Builders

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MBA Group Training Ltd. 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyswick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6280 9119 Fax: (02) 6280 9118 Email: training@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

Is Your Builder a Master Builder?

Whether you are building a new house, renovating an old house, adding a pergola or that extra room, make sure you use someone you can trust.

Ask the Question is My Builder a Master Builder All members of the Master Builders Association of the ACT go through a thorough application process.

Master Builders Code of Conduct Members of the Master Builders Association are bound by a Code of Conduct. For a copy of the Code of Conduct please contact the Master Builders Association of the ACT or visit the website.

Master Builders Support of Consumers The Master Builders provides contracts to ensure that dealings between builders and their customers are clearly set out and both parties know what to expect.

Before signing a Master Builders contract or accepting a quote from a Member of the Master Builders you can contact our association for clarification on any questions you may have.

It’s a matter of knowing who you can trust.

Master Builders Association of the ACT 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyswick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Fax: (02) 6249 8374 Email: canberra@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

 Restaurant at the Kangaroos Club, features custom designed and made carpet and an orange resin counter with concealed lighting.  Great Southern Funds Management award winning fitout (best commercial interior finishes).

Joinery was constructed by Bordeaux Kitchens.

Multi Award Winning Interior Design Firm Congratulations go to Jan Pollock and Dana Tosolini the Concepts Interior Design (CID) team, who won the prestigious Best Commercial Interior Finishes award at the 2008 Master Builders & Boral excellence in Building Awards, for their spectacular contemporary fit out for Great Southern Funds Management Canberra branch.

David Bryant from Great Southern Funds Management said “At every stage, I found Jan and Dana very easy to deal with. They were responsive to our ever changing requirements, as our brief altered several times mid design due to a company takeover and they took all this in their stride.

“CID was also sensitive to our budget constraints, suggesting cheaper alternatives along the way, which still ensured a quality outcome. Our staff are happy and motivated in their new surroundings and this is due in a large part to the attention to detail CID put into the design of our new office.”

This is the second time in three years that CID has won this award, the other project being Dr Nicole Sides Gynaecological Offices, Deakin. Over the years CID has won numerous Master Builders & HIA awards. In 2006 they were also winners (in conjunction with Mediterranean Pools) of the first ever Platinum award from SPASA for a suspended lap pool they designed in Yarralumla. Another notable award was the team effort that won the Rider Hunt Award for the Best Large Development in 2000 for the Melbourne Building refurbishment.

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When experience counts, CID has 20 years in the industry, designing both commercial and residential spaces and it is their diverse experience that has CID ready to face any challenge.

The quality of CID’s work leads to editorial coverage in major interior magazines. Belle Corporate, Belle Residential, House & Garden, Inside Out magazine, Delicious and Australian Specifier have all featured CID projects; and of course the local publications Capitol Magazine and City News include relevant articles.

Several large trade suppliers including Haffele, Wattyl & Laminex have used images of their work in national glossy brochures.

Dana says “All the publicity adds to our credibility and of course the exposure is great.

We love what we do and every project is a new challenge. I firmly believe it is really important to use professionals to carry out interior design work. There is usually a lot of money at stake and the result can be so vastly different from an impact point of view, you need the WOW factor and as well there is the practical or ergonomic aspects to consider. There are just so many things that you learn from actually being on site and seeing the end result that you could never learn but from experience!”

Jan & Dana see a big future for Interior Design in Canberra and marvel at the growth in this area since they started what was probably the first Interior Design Company in Canberra.

CID’s impressive work list • Casino Canberra – redesign of the gaming floor in 2002 • The original La Grange and then the refurbishment with the change to Minque Bar & Brasserie • ANU Bar & Refectory • Canberra Uni Bar • Tosolinis in the City • Queanbean Kangaroos Club • Lake Crackenback Resort Villa interiors • Batemans Bay Bowling Club • Quest Apartments • Executive Level Department of Health & Ageing

• The Café at Department Environment & Water.

Currently CID are working on the refurbishment of the Canberra Stadium function areas and The Lounge Bar at the Ainslie Football Club.

Concepts Interior Design 20 Gawler Crs Deakin ACT 2600 Tel: (02) 6273 9525 Email: cid@webone.com.au

Arranging Finance Whether you are a first home buyer or a seasoned investor sifting your way through the hundreds of finance packages on the market can be a very daunting experience.

Buying, building or renovating a home always involves a degree of stress. Because it’s such a major financial decision, there are several things you can do to streamline the process, and tip the odds in your favour.

Know the market The first and most important point is to do proper research on the area you are buying into. Don’t just browse the newspapers and the internet – get a real ‘feel’ for the area and the market. Walk around, visit the local shops, check out the schools, talk to different agents, these are all very important pieces to the biggest jigsaw of your life.

Keep to your budget I often have clients come to me & ask “I’ve found a house and I need to get my finance ready” WRONG. You see; if there are two people interested in the same property & one has pre approved finance who do you think will get the property? The truth is it only takes about a week or so to get pre

approved finance. This means the lender is happy with your loan amount, deposit, employment, credit history and they issue you with an Approval in Principal certificate. This is generally for the maximum amount of finance that your income and deposit will allow. Now you’re in the box seat and you won’t blow the budget.

Tailoring a loan for you There are three things in life you can be absolutely sure on; Death, Taxes and Interest Rate changes. So when choosing a loan, do your research. Also keep in mind that your circumstances will probably change over the years so a flexible loan is great idea. Things you should look for include: • The option to change from Variable to fixed interest or to split the loan into both.

• The choice of principle & interest or interest only payments.

• An offset account to help you save on interest costs.

• The choice of weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments.

Banks or Brokers This comes down to personal choice. Some say a bank will give you a better rate or lower fees. In most cases a broker can offer you exactly what the bank can. So really there is no difference and banks are now realizing that the broker division is a huge source of revenue. Like any industry there are good and bad, but again research is the key. The broker industry is now extremely regulated and there are a lot of hoops a broker has to jump through before they can start referring loans.

So don’t be afraid and often after you have seen a bank or a broker you get a better feel for the products and the process.

Canberra Building News Edition 3-2008

What to do for a home loan

It may seem too much to consider, but when the keys to your new property are finally handed over, the outcome will be even more rewarding.

Craig Dorset

Managing Director, Castle Finance Group ACT

• The ability to make additional repayments when you have extra cash.

• The option to redraw the additional money you have paid on your Homeloan.

You would never guess

this bloke is

in the process of

financing his next development.

Let somebody else do the hard work.

Give Craig from Castle Finance Group ACT a call!

Preferred finance introducer for Master Builders

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00115f

Craig Dorsett Managing Director Master Builders Information Centre, 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 Tel: 02 6230 7700 Mob: 0422 301 381 email: cadcastle@bigpond.com Web: www.castlefinance.com.au

New Master Builders headquarters 2008 has been another significant year for the Master Builders, the highlight for the year was certainly when the Chief Minister of the ACT Mr. Jon Stanhope officially opened the new Master Builders headquarters and Skills Centre. This new facility will mean a more modern and appropriate environment in which to bring young people into the industry and from where we will also see the up-skilling vital to our members and industry workers.

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Canberra Building News Edition 3-2008

Extract from Chief Minister’s speech at the official opening on 8 October 2008.

I am pleased that the ACT Government has been able play a small part in today’s Master Builders relocation with a direct grant of land.

The ACT economy has over the last few years performed extremely strongly. We’ve been through a period of some genuine buoyancy, indeed on measures of state final demand we have matched it with both Queensland and Western Australia over a couple of the last four years which is a remarkable effort for a jurisdiction such as ours and much of that effort and economic growth and strength.

These are reflection of construction and construction activity here within the ACT and I acknowledge that and the role which your industry has played in the strength and continuing strength of our economy.

Similarly the contribution that the Master Builders play in this forum not just in terms of training and sector development but in terms of genuine excellence in construction is a most profound one. I look forward to these headquarters becoming a real centre of activity and energy as our construction industry goes from strength to strength.

 Master Builders shows its sustainable credibility. 80,000 litres of water storage for landscape watering and general non-potable water usage.

I might just say too I will take this opportunity if you will bear with me ten days out from an election, not that I am suggesting I am going anywhere or that I won’t be back to continue a productive and constructive relationship with the Master Builders which I have enjoyed but I will take the opportunity at the end of a term of this assembly to say that in my work and I meet with representative and constituent organisations across the board representing industry, employers, the community sector and indeed every part of our community and I could say genuinely on a personal level and as Chief Minister that I don’t believe that relationships that my government has with any representative organisation are better or stronger than they are with the Master Builders and that’s a reflection of the utter professionalism, the objectivity, the integrity which the MBA in my time as Chief Minister has presented under Ross Barrett’s chairmanship and through it’s successive chief executives John Miller and David Dawes. I believe the Master Builders is a model of a representative organisation.

 Apprentices hard at work in one of our many training class rooms.  Apprentices using the outdoor training facility creating real life projects.

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‘hippie trucks’ Replacing diesel with natural gas in concrete trucks is cutting fuel costs and greenhouse gases.

I

n an innovative approach to the business challenges of climate change, one of Australia’s largest building and construction materials suppliers, Boral Ltd, has undertaken a trial within its concrete transport fleet designed to cut fuel costs – and abate greenhouse emissions.

Under the trial, five of the company’s Sydney-based concrete agitators have been turned into ‘hippie trucks’, using compressed natural gas technology (CNG), rather than diesel.

Preliminary results reveal that fuel costs for the trucks involved have been cut by almost 60 per cent, while greenhouse gas emissions have dropped by more than 7 per cent.

Boral’s managing director and CEO, Rod Pearse, says the technology has the potential to help the business move to more sustainable alternative fuel sources and to reduce Boral’s greenhouse emissions.

go gas

‘We’re committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as far as possible across our operations, including emissions from our transport activities, and this CNG technology is proving extremely successful in the trials we have conducted to date,’ he says.

‘We’re committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as far as possible across our operations’ ‘Programs like this are vital if we are to improve our understanding of the technology and enable us to develop a sustainable alternative to diesel fuel.

The success of the program is not solely about realising fuel savings but our commitment to the environment and sustainability.

‘Businesses such as Boral can make a contribution to the climate change challenge, and we can also benefit financially by reducing energy and fuel costs. The CNG trial that we are currently conducting in Sydney is just one example of an emissions abatement initiative that can deliver environmentalbenefits and business benefits.’

Creating Better Solutions Managing director and CEO of Boral, Rod Pearse, says Boral has made a conscious decision over the past decade to make the company more sustainable, with Boral participating in a range of voluntary energy efficiency and emission reduction schemes.

The trial of CNG technology has found that the trucks experienced no loss of performance and have the added social benefit of a significantly quieter idling engine, making the enhanced vehicles particularly suitable for metropolitan operations.

To highlight this achievement and Boral’s commitment to creating better solutions to the challenges of modern living, a new promotional design has been installed on Boral’s CNG vehicle barrels with the catchphrase ‘Happily powered by Natural Gas’.

Boral recognises that everyone can contribute to environmental sustainability. This is why we’re happy to lead the way with initiatives like water energy and greenhouse gas emission reduction programs, to help build more sustainable structures. It’s all a part of creating better living. boral.com.au/buildsustainable

eBC 04105 12.08

conservation, waste management and recycling, and

DataCentres Hidden challenges for CommercialBuilders

Early in September, members of the ACT Master Builders Association Executive attended a Presentation by Mike Andrea of Strategic Directions Group – at which Mike highlighted the unique characteristics of data centre design and planning, and the potential traps for investment, development and construction companies who build, renovate or relocate data centres.

Mike is well qualified to comment since his company is the design authority of the $220 million Polaris Data Centre due to be commissioned at Springfield in South East Queensland later this year. Strategic Directions is also the ICT Master Planner for the City of Springfield which is the fastest growing area in the country. With major tenants of the data centre including the Queensland Government and Suncorp – this highly secure facility features state of the art security, service and “green” functionality, based on 3 years of research by Mike and his team, including visits to some of the newest and most secure data centres around the world.

Strategic Directions has also undertaken a number of data centre assignments here in Canberra, and in other parts of Australia.

Mike explained that the latest high density computer technologies, whilst providing very high performance – use enormous amounts of power and generate huge amounts of heat, and are extremely heavy. Catering for these needs requires far more elaborate electrical, mechanical and structural environments than are required for normal commercial buildings.

This world wide problem has spawned a specialist data centre design industry which bridges the gap between the Computer

$200 million Polaris Data Centre under construction at Springfield in South East Queensland

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Suppliers and the Construction, Mechanical and Electrical Industriesto ensure that the new IT Systems are housed in an environment that can cope with the increased power, heat and weight requirements.

Indeed, retrofitting a data centre to an existing building is becoming less feasible by the day because of the structural limitations, the lack of infrastructure to house mechanical support requirements, and the impact on electrical facilities such as transformers, switchboards and wiring. The ratio of Mechanical Services and Electrical Costs relative to Total Data Centre Project Cost is increasing and will continue to increase.

In the USA, Data Centres are coming in for special attention from Federal and State Authorities because of their enormous energy consumption and the environmental challenges associated with providing the electricity and cooling required to run them.

In Australia, the issues are the same – and there is additional pressure to keep the data centres as “green” as possible. The challenge is to balance “Green” initiatives with Financial viability- not an easy task when confronted with the scaleability, redundancy, maintainability and flexibility issues surrounding the design of an efficient data centre facility.

The ACT has already been exposed to this problem – with the recent negative public reaction to the proposed power station close to residential areas – to provide electricity for a proposed “super data centre” in the region.

Mike warned that any company involved in the construction or fit out of a data centre needed to seek specialist help to understand the implications of what was required in the way of structural, mechanical and electrical infrastructure- to ensure that the facility could cope with the newest computer and storage technologies.

While computer suppliers sing the praises of their newest products – customers around the world struggle with higher floor loadings, increased power and cooling requirements per square metre, and a resulting increased risk and reliance on the facility.

The Strategic Directions Presentation ended with a visit to a Federal Data Centre Facility that has just been commissioned by Strategic Directions. This gave Master Builders Executive, the opportunity to see first hand some of the latest data centre technologies and techniques currently in use.

For further information – visit www.strategicdirections.com.au

Can't Beat Oppikoffer Joinery When quality matters, Oppikofer Joinery is dedicated to assuring customer satisfaction, and with their recent purchase of PYTHA 3D CAD system for Planning, Presentation and Production, Beat Oppikofer is now fulfilling his dream of highly customisable joinery at competitive pricing. With 16 years knowledge in the industry and a keen eye for technology Managing Director Beat Oppikofer did his homework.

“Knowing how PYTHA is well used in the industry, I knew it had to be good. But the detailed demonstration won me over. From the demo I quickly learnt that to invest is to save. I will save time and money with this system. I fully invested into the PYTHA team. Being able to adapt the program to your particular manufacturing methods and production schedule is so powerful! I also liked the company culture; PYTHA is a team that understand my company and its needs!”

For Beat, who completed a Bachelor in Wood Engineering and Technology in Switzerland and then moved to Canberra 4 and a half years ago, quality and service go hand in hand. “For standard items, I can pull from my library and send straight to the machine and for custom-made furniture, I can get whole entire projects drawn up in no time.”

Beat Oppikofer has worked his way from an apprentice to Managing Director of his own company and is proud to have PYTHA 3D CAD implemented in his factory. With a broad range of clients, many of which are embracing the new PYTHA technology in Oppikofer Joinery.

“Quality furniture in conjunction with streamlined technology is the face of Oppikofer Joinery!”

47 Paterson Parade, Queanbeyan NSW 2620 Tel: 02 6284 8446 info@oppikoferjoinery.com.au

Air Conditioner

Noise

in Residential Areas A large number of our member builders now design buildings that incorporate air conditioning units. We are encouraging our members to give careful consideration to the location of these units to ensure that any noise source will not effect the amenity of adjoining owners. The following editorial provides guidance and advice on the selection and installation of air conditioning units.

Noise from air conditioners can disturb neighbours, disrupt sleep and interfere with normal daily activities (listening to the TV, talking on the phone, etc). Air conditioner noise can range from being a nuisance to actually damaging people’s health and is a common cause of noise related complaints.

There are a number of things to consider when choosing to install an air conditioner on a home.

Air conditioner selection If you decide to install an air conditioner on a home be aware of the sound power level label on the unit or in literature specifications. The smaller the number of dB(A) on the label, the quieter the air conditioner. Comparing levels on units of the same capacity allows you to choose a quieter unit. Room air conditioners are generally more noisy than split systems of the same capacity. In addition, they are often mounted high in the wall, reducing the effectiveness of fences as noise barriers.

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You may find that the “Sound Power Level” label on an air conditioner is 60dB(A) or more and wonder how it could comply with a legal limit of 45dB(A). This can be explained by the following comparison. A light globe with a power rating of 60 watts has a certain intensity of light at the actual globe, but with distance this intensity decreases, although the power of the globe remains at 60 watts.

Similarly, the noise level of an air conditioner with a sound power level of 60dB(A) will decrease as distance from the unit increases.

Selecting installation position The siting of the air conditioner is the most important factor to ensure noise is not going to be intrusive. Placing the unit at the side of a house close to the neighbour’s house is likely to create excessive noise, as the noise is trapped and reflected between the walls and eaves of the two houses. A fence has limited value in reducing the noise in this situation, unless it is solid and is as high as the eaves of the houses.

Placing the air conditioner on the rear wall facing the backyard, or on a front or side wall facing the street, reduces the noise reaching neighbours. Also, if the noise is found to be excessive, it is a simple task to construct a barrier to shield the neighbouring property from the noise.

If a suitable position at the back is difficult to find because of a very small yard, a split system compressor can often be located at the front, away from the house wall. This option can overcome the inability to use the front wall because of picture windows or pathways. The unit can be disguised by shrubbery or an L-shaped barrier. In certain locations the air conditioning unit may require planning approval. The ACT Planning and Land Authority can be contacted on telephone 02 6207 1923.

Australian Institute of Refrigeration Air Conditioning and Heating (AIRAH) in consultation with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has developed the Residential Air Conditioning Best Practice Guideline for the ACT which sets out industry best practice guidelines for the selection, installation and maintenance of residential air conditioning units. The guideline provides examples on how to estimate the likely impact (i.e. noise levels) of an air conditioner installation on neighbouring properties. If you want to determine the suitable “Sound Power Level” for a given installation then use the procedures detailed in the guidelines. Refer to the AIRAH Air Conditioning Residential Best Practice Guidelines for the ACT for more detailed information at http://www.airah.org. au/tec_bes_pra_gui.asp

Evaporative coolers Roof mounted evaporative coolers are generally quieter than refrigerated units, however, the noise level between models does vary. While evaporative coolers do not come with sound power level labels, manufacturers should be able to provide sound power levels for each model. Ask your retailer for these.

Installation position of cooler When mounted on a roof that slopes towards a neighbour’s yard, some high capacity models may be excessively noisy, particularly if the unit is on the lower portion of a roof with steep pitch. The best location is generally on the roof facing the rear yard, unless the unit is noisy and the yard is very small. Locate the cooler as high on the roof as possible to minimise reflected noise. If the neighbour’s land is much higher and air conditioner is likely to be level with the neighbour’s backyard, the noise reaching the neighbour will be greater.

Other options De-rating (slowing the motor down) is generally the only way to quieten noisy evaporative coolers. Again, ensure that the installer or retailer can guarantee in writing that the cooler will not create excessive noise before signing a contract.

Noise Requirements

Plan. The noise standards discribed in the table below must not be exceeded at the lease boundary of the land from which the noise is being emitted.

Please note that if a residence borders non-residential land (e.g. a residential block adjacent to local shops), or if it is located on non-residential land, different noise standards may apply.

Legal requirements Under the Environment Protection Act 1997 (the Act) excessive noise is an offence.

Contraventions of the Act can lead to an onthe-spot fine of up to $200 for an individual and $1,000 for a company. More serious offences can lead to penalties of up to $50,000, six months in jail and a criminal record.

Canberra Building News Edition 3-2008

Estimating the Noise Impact on Neighbouring Properties

For more information Contact the Environment Protection Authority by calling Canberra Connect on 13 22 81, or visit the EPA website at www.tams.act.gov.au

The ACT has been divided into noise zones based on land uses approved in the Territory

7am – 10pm (8am – 10pm Sunday & Public Holidays)

10pm – 7am (10pm – 8am Sunday & Public Holidays)

Civic centre and other major town centres (Belconnen, Gungahlin, Woden and Tuggeranong)

60 dB(A)

50dB(A)

Group centres such as Dickson and Kingston

55 dB(A)

45dB(A)

Smaller local centres such as Griffith and Lyneham

50dB(A)

35dB(A)

Residential Areas

45dB(A)

35dB(A)

Location

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National Awards Once again the Master Builders & Boral Excellence in Building awards have provided clear evidence of the remarkable strength and quality in the ACT and region building and construction industry

On Friday 14 November in the Great Hall at Parliament House, five ACT Master Builders Members gained national recognition at the Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards.

National High Rise Apartment Building, over 3 Storeys PBS Building and Stockland Developments for the Waterfront apartments The Waterfront project is second to none and the quality presented is exceptional. The design of the building, incorporating uniquely curved walls, takes full advantage of the water views and the surrounding landscape. The designs also encompass energy efficiency ensuring sustainable living. The residents and client have been delivered the highest possible outcomes as there are apartments to suit everyone’s lifestyles. The whole project presents a unique development and has set a new benchmark in Canberra.

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National Young Builder of the Year Scott Rasmussen, Easier Living Services Easier Living Services Pty Ltd has for the majority of its operation specialised in retrofitting disabled access. This has involved working closely with community groups, Aged Care facilities and the ACT Dept of Housing and Community Services.

The decision to take this direction within the ACT Housing and Construction Industry was borne from a strong sense of community involvement, however, it must be noted that with an ageing population there is plenty of work for experts in adaptable housing.

This project was the reconstruction of the administration building at the Mt Stromlo following the destruction caused by the 2003 firestorm. The excellence of the project is readily discernable from even a casual inspection of the final product. The finishes are first class and the achievement of integrating a new building within the existing weakened façade is a truly remarkable achievement.

Canberra Building News Edition 3-2008

National Commercial/Industrial Construction Award, under $5m G E Shaw & Associates for the reconstruction of the Commonwealth Solar Observatory Administration building

National Environment and Energy Efficiency Building Award Bovis lend Lease for Section 84, Australian Taxation Office Bovis Lend Lease have created not only a stunning addition to the landscape of central Canberra with the new Australian Taxation Office towers but an environmentally modern complex that meets the exacting needs of today’s commercial office clients. Leaving aside the construction challenges of building over an existing retail complex the offices have been designed to a whole of building Australian Building Greenhouse rating of 4.5 stars and the base building to achieve a 4 star Greenstar rating. The complexes feature high level water harvesting, low energy lighting, staged air-conditioning, gas fired hot water, super efficient swirl diffuser air distribution and a sun shading facade along with clever layout which offers each occupant maximum use of natural light combined with great in door comfort and environmentally sensitive amenities. All materials are natural and selected for their low environmental footprint. The overall running costs and maintenance and operation will be substantially reduced adding to the environmental credentials of this iconic complex.

National Environment and Energy Efficiency Building Award, Civil IQON for Tidbinbilla Discovery Centre The wetlands of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve are over 30 years old yet were catastrophically affected by the Canberra bushfires which decimated the flora and fauna so cherished by visitors. Like nature a new reserve has emerged designed and built to exacting environmental protection standards like no other. This project features civil, landscaping and building works that combined into an educative discovery centre for all ages. The new paths meander across bridges through the regenerating forest, with new plantings, a series of ponds that house wildlife and an animal house and vet clinic where animals great and small are cared for. Iqon’s construction team became deputy rangers during their exacting work protecting and building new areas without placing a blade of native grass out of place or resorting to importing “foreign matters” that were not native to the park or disturbing the habitat of the animals including reptiles.

This was difficult given that a family of red belly blacks snakes signed on for work each day as new apprentices eager to team up with their tradesmen mates. These same snakes are now an attraction at this iconic Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Centre.

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Shower Mixer Servicing

Made Easy Aquatite Wetwall Caddy

Permanently sealing penetrations in wet wall linings can now be achieved with the inclusion of an Aquatite™ Wetwall Caddy™. New to the Australian market, the Aquatite™ Wetwall Caddy™ provides a seal between a wet wall lining and a wall cavity. As well as encompassing the plumbing fittings, it will prevent any moisture from penetrating past the lining and entering the wall cavity.

This simple device is a two piece ABS and Polycarb cup and flange that is hidden in the

AQUATITE™ cup fixed to framing

manufacturers) via an access hole in the flange of the device.

BRANZ appraised and having a 50 year material and consumer guarantee, The Aquatite Wet Wall Caddy is a cost efficient way of protecting not only the consumer but the tradesman as well.

Using the Aquatite products improves resource management, provides greater convenience to the owner and can enhance reputation because it allows

Plumbing and fittings in place

Wallboard fixed to framing

wall trapping any moisture in the cup, diverting it out the front of the device and down the front of the wall, alerting the homeowner to the fact that they have a leak while preventing any water damage from occurring. The Wet Wall Caddy also allows for easy servicing of a shower mixer, (something that is a requirement for warranty purposes from tap

better handling of the situation. The peace of mind that the Aquatite Wet Wall Caddy provides is an excellent marketing point to offer to all of your potential new customers, especially with the down turn in the current market.

For more information on Aquatite™ products visit www.aquatite.com

AQUATITE™ flange installed ready for lining

Commercial construction forecast Respected economic forecaster Access Economics has produced a modestly positive forecast for the ACT economy as part of forecast that the Australian economy will slow less than many believe.

According to Access ACT economic growth will slow to 2.1 per cent in 2008-09 from 3.3 per cent in 2007-08 and then will recover to 3.3 per cent in 2009-10.

For Australia as a whole it forecasts the economy will grow by a respectable 2.5 per cent in 2008 and 2009 before accelerating back to 3.8 per cent growth in 2010.

In its latest Business Outlook, Access predicts that the worst is already past, with the economy likely to pick up speed from this quarter as consumers and

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governments spend. From the start of next year, home building will grow, and the effects of government stimulus will flow through the economy.

“Current conditions are temporary,” Access has told its clients. “At some stage markets in general, and credit markets in particular, will become less panicked. We urge you not to overreact on your outlook. Financial meltdowns have a history of weighing on confidence (and hence demand) for well over a year. But they will ultimately go away, allowing demand to lift back towards supply.”

It forecasts that ACT housing investment will fall by 1.8 per cent to $860 million in 2008-09, after falling by 5.6 per cent in 2007-08 but grow strongly by 15.5 per cent in 2009-10 to $994 million.

Commercial construction, which it forecasts will have fallen by 8.7 per cent in 2007-08, will recover by 9.1 per cent to $1.33 billion in 2008-09 and more modestly by 3.4 per cent in 2009-10.

Access says that although population growth has slowed because of the slowing of the economy, “a second wind in commercial building approvals afoot.

In practice, we suspect the ACT may soon begin a slow recovery. Not only are commercial construction approvals rising again, but the inevitable turn of the electoral cycle makes it less likely that the Feds will be stropping their razor next year.”

Golf Day A Huge Success Ninety players attended the recent Boral/JDRF golf day held at the Murrumbidgee Country Club on Monday 20 October 2008.

The winners on the day were the Castle Finance team, followed by the K J Jacobs team and the Clearwater Services team

The day was a huge success thanks to the generosity of the players and sponsors with $12,948 was raised for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The players enjoyed the round of golf including the BBQ lunch, thanks to Boral Concrete & Quarries, with drinks on course compliments of Seears Workwear.

Boral and the JDRF would like to thank the sponsors for their generous support on the day.

Construction Control Holdings Pty Ltd Delta Group Pty Ltd Hanson Construction Materials

Drink Sponsor

Hays Construction & Property

Seears Workwear

Project Coordination(Australia) Pty Limited

Raffle Sponsors Canberra International Golf Centre

During the presentation function juvenile diabetic, Courtney Pitson and her father Steve (who is also a diabetic) provided a stirring depiction of what life with diabetes is like.

Colliers International (ACT) Pty Ltd

Canberra Building News Edition 3-2008

Boral/Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

River Sands Pty Ltd (Concrete Colour Systems) St Hilliers Contracting Pty Ltd

Proskill

Tractor Replacements Pty Ltd

Hole Sponsors

Urban Contractors Pty Ltd

Boral Formwork & Scaffolding Canberra Sand & Gravel Pty Ltd

Workin Gear

Clearwater Services

Dire

ctor

– Ipa

n Int erior

s

“I have b een a m ember o and the f the Ma m ster truly cov oney I save on Workers Builders for ove ers the c r 6 years Compen o st o f my Mast It is a sig sation w e nificant ell and financia r Builders subsc l benefit ri to my bu ption fees.

Vicki Be rry, Man siness.” aging D ir ector – E

asycare

Landsca

pes.

Compare your workers compensation policy today!

For further information and eligibility contact Master Builders Association of the ACT on 02 6247 2099

A partnership formed between Master Builders Association of the ACT and Austbrokers Canberra

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00115g

“My W the b orkers C o e thei nefits f mp pre r Wo r m rker om join ium wa s Co i mpe ng the M s way to n 50% o a on w sation p ster Bu expens ilder lan. iv hat I John have This w s was e. One o Kane acce f ill sa been llopo v e me ss to payi ulos , Ma n n g e .” arly nagi ng

Our partnership with Austbrokers could save you thousands of dollars

Presidents Lunches 3 July 2008 Sponsored by ActewAGL

Paul Stanton, ActewAGL Katy Gallagher, Deputy Chief Minister Sam De Lorenzo, Executive Board Member, Master Builders 24 July 2008 Sponsored by Parsons Brinckerhoff

Hugh Swinbourne, Parsons Brinckerhoff John Lloyd, Australian Building and Construction Commissioner Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT 14 August 2008 Sponsored by Colliers International

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Andrew Barr, Minister for Planning Matthew Curtis, Colliers International 9 September 2008 Sponsored by Colliers International

David Dawes, Deputy Chief Executive, Business and Projects Division Paul Powderly, State Chief Executive, Colliers International Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT 25 September 2008 Sponsored by Meyer Vandenberg

Archie Tsirimokos, Managing Partner, Meyer Vandenberg Simon Corbell, Attorney-General Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT

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22 October 2008 Sponsored by Manteena

Simon Butt, CEO, Manteena Prof. Stephen Parker, Vice-Chancellor, University of Canberra Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT 28 October 2008 Sponsored by Village Building Co

Bob Winnel, Managing Director, The Village Building Co Dr Mike Kelly, Member for Eden-Monaro Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT 11 November 2008 Sponsored by Village Building Co

Bob Winnel, Managing Director, The Village Building Co Mayor Tim Overall, Queanbeyan Mayor Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT 27 November 2008 Sponsored by Colliers International

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Jon Stanhope, Chief Minister of the ACT Paul Powderly, State Chief Executive, Colliers International 2 December 2008 Sponsored by Colliers International

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Andrew Cappie-Wood, Chief Executive, Chief Minister’s Department Paul Powderly, State Chief Executive, Colliers International

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Members Don’t Pay Full Price

As a member of Master Builders Association of the ACT you are entitled to a range of trade discounts associated with some of our Corporate Partners. These discounts can save your business a fortune, adding even more value to your membership.

Car Rentals Great reductions offered through Master Builders corporate rate.  Avis – 13 63 33 Quote this corporate account number when you call – AWD P9881000

Fleet Discounts  John McGrath Ford Phillip – 02 6122 2222  John McGrath Ford Belconnen – 02 6256 2300  Gregorys Ford Braddon – 02 6267 1600 For information on other dealerships contact the Master Builders

Electrical, Bathroom and Plumbing Supplies  Harvey Norman Commercial – 02 6202 2000

Health Insurance Join Master Builders/nib corporate health plan and avoid the usual two and six month waiting periods to claim* on: • General • Chiro • Optical • Remedial Massage • Physio • Acupuncture  nib – 1800 816 692 *Conditions apply

Workwear and Safety Equipment 10% off most products in store  Seears Workwear – 02 6280 4111  Workin’ Gear – 02 6280 5885

Telecommunications Save 20–30% on mobile phone calls and 5% on home or office phone calls, with the Master Builders/Telstra phone deal.  Telstra – 1300 881 372 When using services of our Corporate Partners please identify yourself as a member of Master Builders Association of the ACT and quote your membership number.

Master Builders Association of the ACT 1 Iron Knob St, Fyshwick ACT 2609 PO Box 1211, Fyswick ACT 2609 Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Fax: (02) 6249 8374 Email: canberra@mba.org.au Web: www.mba.org.au

Courier Service for Master Builders Members

Most Development Applications require you to obtain approvals from ACT entities such as ActewAGL and/or Territory and Municipal Services (TAMS). Let Clive’s Courier Service do this running around for you.

Clive’s Courier Service has been servicing Building Certifiers for the past 10 years.

Bring your plans to the Master Builders Information Centre, 1 Iron Knob Street, Fyshwick (next to the Master Builders Fidelity Fund) when you are organising your home owners warranty insurance.

For more information on this excellent service, contact Clive’s Courier Service on 0413 868 021

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Clive’s Courier Service is available Monday to Saturday and costs only $20 per set of plans.

This includes delivery and collection from the required entities.

Leaders in affordable & sustainable housing

With a range of options including villas, townhouses, apartments and house and land products Why rent when you can buy?

1 bedroom & 2 bedroom apartments EER 5 Minutes from: • The AIS • Canberra Stadium • University of Canberra • CIT • Belconnen Town Centre

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Affordable

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Affordable

Brand new 1 & 2 bedroom apartments

Less than 5 minutes to: • Kippax Fair • Holt Golf Course • Primary schools • Pre-schools • New Ginninderra Super School, opening 2009

a lifestyle

Sales office at Proximity: Corner Battye & Braybrooke Streets, Bruce

Sales office: Parkwood Road, Macgregor Open: Saturday & Sunday, 12:30-4:30pm Phone: 6242 5999 www.villagebuilding.com.au/brindabella

Open: Saturday & Sunday, 12:30-4:30pm Phone: 6242 5999 www.villagebuilding.com.au/thehub

Affordable Apartments Land ranging in size from 1285m2 - 5125m2 • Tennis courts • Village green • Rural fire facility • Just 20kms from Weston Creek • Just 34kms from Civic

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Enjoy community facilities, including:

Affordable

Rural Living

2 bedroom homes, 3 bedroom homes and land only EER 5

2 bedroom apartments with excellent views EER 5 Commercial shopfronts with 70m2 of office space EER 5 Rental guarantees available, phone for more information

Sales office: Brindabella Road, Uriarra

Sales office: Corner Battye & Braybrooke Streets, Bruce

Open: Saturday & Sunday, 12:30-4:30pm Phone: 6242 5999 www.villagebuilding.com.au/uriarra

Open: Saturday & Sunday, 12:30-4:30pm Phone: 6242 5999 www.villagebuilding.com.au/proximity

www.villagebuilding.com.au

The Village Building Co.