Building News Edition 1 - 2009

Edition 1–2009

Master Builders leads the way at ACTPLA Planning Roundtable

Are gloomy forecasts

accurate?

Rudd chooses

Master Builders Skills Centre for

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$145.6million announcement

Finalists for 2009 Awards

Outstanding!

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New training facilities

available to service industry Master Builders Association of the ACT new headquarters and skills centre offers a wide range of state of the art training facilities, which can be rented by outside users.

Rooms can be hired for full or part days, or evenings and are available in a wide variety of conďŹ gurations.

Most rooms come with white boards and markers, ip charts, TV DVD/video, projectors and screens.

Tea and coffee, snacks and meals can be provided.

There is also plenty of free parking space and good accessibility.

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For further information please contact Master Builders Group Training

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

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Prime Minister's visit to the new Master Builders

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Master Builders & Boral Excellence in Building Awards

Kevin Rudd, Julia Gillard and Brendan O'Connor visit the Master Builders HQ and Skills Centre.

The entries are in and the judging is underway, see some of this year's finalists.

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 Skills Development & Research – Grant Daly Marketing & Membership Development Manager – David Leitch Master Builders Group Training General Manager – Wendy Tengstrom

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Future of Face Brickwork

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The popular traditional use of face brick is being challenged by alternative cladding materials.

Canberra Airport Master Plan Canberra Airport has published a new 2009 Preliminary Draft Master Plan, outlining the Airport's growth and development over the next 20 years.

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

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Training and Efficiency Investing in Training and Education.

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Master Builders Annual Golf Day The Master Builders Annual Golf Day raises $5,000.

10 Industrial Relations The Fair Work Bill 2008.

12 Business Practices Protection Is your business vulnerable to fines and penalties.

14 Changes to the Planning System Call for more action on outstanding problems.

15 Landscape Directions

23 Mandatory Disclosure Scheme for Office Buildings Energy Efficiency.

25 O'Neill and Brown Celebrates 40 years.

28 All in a Days Work Essential Management Strategies.

31 Government Stimulus Package Nation Building and Jobs Plan.

Green landscapes despite the continuing drought.

Coming Events Master Builders Group Training Apprentice and Cadet Awards

Master Builders & Boral Excellence in Building Awards

17 April 2009

26 June 2009

Advertising enquires Marketing & Membership Development Manager – David Leitch Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Mob: 0437 379 391 Email: dleitch@mba.org.au

Cover pictures are examples of the outstanding quality of the 2009 Awards finalists.

Main picture – Blackett Homes, Custom Built Homes more than $900,000 Inset left to right – B. A. Lentfer Building, Custom Built Homes more than $900,000.

Prostyle Building Group/Karen McNamara, Bathroom Design & Construct more than $25,000.

GR8 Constructions, Custom Built Homes $600,000 to $900,000.

President's Message President of Master Builders Association of the ACT, Ross Barrett During my lifetime, I have often been told that I am a workaholic and am obsessed by work.

health checkups and push the line with all my friends!

I have also just realised that every article I have written for this column since becoming President of the Master Builders also relates to my thoughts about work or our industry.

When I became President I was told there are three rules for these columns but no one knew what they were. So I assume I can write about anything. While it is probably appropriate to write about our industry, I have decided to turn over a new leaf and choose a more personal topic which is even more important than work.

I obviously have no medical knowledge and have not even researched the topic, but I have come to some of my own conclusions about the health of males aged from about their fifties and older. I have never let the lack of knowledge inhibit me from stating my opinions on any topic in the past, so here I go again.

Conclusion 1: Any male who is past middle age and who doesn't present himself for a full medical check up every year or two is very

My problem was caused by too much cholesterol. Cholesterol is made by the liver and is a component of all cell membranes and the correct level is essential for life. However, excess cholesterol can increase the risk of coronary heart disease. There are two types of cholesterol; HDL which is beneficial and the bad LDL which leads to the deposits in the arteries.

Conclusion 2: Anyone who smokes is an idiot. A quick walk around the cardio recovery floor at St Vincent's Hospital will reveal the increased difficulty smokers have in the recovery process. Smoking causes problems

I have decided to turn over a new leaf and choose a more personal topic which is even more important than work.

Question: What do John Haskins (Chairman of the LDA), Col Alexander (Managing Director of Canberra Investment Company) and Ross Barrett have in common other than their golfing ability, obvious good looks and charm?

Answer: They each have clean arteries around their hearts.

Many of our fellow industry workers and friends aren't as fortunate and could be walking time bombs about to explode or expire. John, Col and I have recently undergone open heart surgery to bypass blocked arteries. This type of operation causes you to reflect a little about life and how you live it. The sight of young grandchildren with tears in their eyes because they think they might lose their grandfather is a sobering experience. As part of my rebirth I have become an unofficial advocate for men's 6

foolish. This must include an exercise stress test which is carried out on a treadmill and is a cardiovascular fitness test.

Neither Col nor I felt any symptoms to suggest we had any problem and John would never have expected his slight discomfort to be his heart. Artery blockages are one of those problems which can be radically improved if diagnosed early. Lack of attention can lead to heart attack or worse.

I thought I was immune from heart problems.

I'm fit for my age and train six days a week, eat good tucker and am not overweight. Stress is supposed to be another influencing factor but I've always considered that I didn't suffer from stress and in fact it is even possible that I am a carrier who causes stress in others.

with the ability to breathe deeply to clear lung secretions after the operation. Apparently it also causes the arteries to constrict and may even result in blockages in the bypass. With the amount of information which is available today about the deleterious effects of smoking, why would anyone be a smoker?

That ends my short sermon on health. In my next column I will revert to my usual old fashioned ruminations on our industry.

In the meantime, if you want to continue being a hard working contributor to the industry, or are just keen to see your grandchildren grow up‌ don't be a dill, make an appointment for a full medical check up now!

Footnote: Both Col and John gave me permission to mention them in this column with John insisting I include the comment about his golfing prowess.

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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

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.

Executive Director's Message Service Culture is the Key Executive Director of Master Builders Association of the ACT, John Miller A quick assessment of the potential to keep our industry working through what is known as the global financial crisis is revealing. The Commonwealth Government has announced $350 million worth of work over two years for the Territory as part of the $42 billion economic stimulus package. Last year the ACT Government heralded a record Capital Works program in its budget based largely on health and education amounting to more than $1 billion in spending over five years. The boost

quickly. Given all the stimulus packages and announcements designed to keep the industry working, it remains in the hands of a few to steer us away from the dangers lurking beneath.

These are extraordinary times we are living in and they require extraordinary responses.

Timeframes for getting work out the door must be reduced. Planning and procurement, more than ever, are now squarely placed at the forefront in meeting the challenge

what we see as the solutions. Underpinning the solutions is the issue of service and delivery. We also recognize the role we have as users of the systems to do everything we can to understand how it works to ease unnecessary congestion.

The response to Master Builder's submissions has been positive and has resonated within government and the agencies. A further roundtable has been called by the ACT Government to assess the progress being

Are the gloomy forecasts accurate or even necessary? More important though, are we in a position to capitalize on the potential knocking at the door? to the first home owner's grant coupled with historically low interest rates should be a recipe for activity in the housing sector.

With all these numbers, a plethora of private sector work awaiting development approvals, the extended Cotter and associated works, and potential for some Infrastructure Australia spending to land in the ACT, are the gloomy forecasts accurate or even necessary?

More important though, are we in a position to capitalize on the potential knocking at the door?

Research we have conducted over the past couple of months is indicating a slowdown in the level of activity in the middle part of the year. That should be a warning sign to anyone concerned with keeping the Territory's economy running. Our unemployment rate is still running at around 2.5% but if the building and construction industry begins to fold rapidly, unemployment numbers will rise 8

being thrown down by the current economic environment. It is not their responsibility alone but those two agencies will largely determine how well we get through the tough times.

This makes it absolutely of the highest priority right now that a committed service culture is fully embedded within these organizations.

This includes a willingness to help people find solutions when proposals hit a hurdle.

There are a number of people already working in the system who are willing to go the extra yard. The challenge is to encourage greater numbers to adopt a stronger service culture and have them understand they can make a difference.

In December the ACT Government conducted a series of roundtables to respond to the economic crisis and significant focus has been on planning and procurement. Master Builders ACT has provided submissions to both the major roundtables. Our submissions have focused not only on the problems but

made in order to respond to the global financial crisis. Our submissions not only seek short term outcomes to deal with the current crisis and the spending laid on the table by the Commonwealth, but seek the streamlining of all processes now and for the future to capture all investment opportunities, private and public. Our continued push will be to achieve long term practical change in planning and procurement processes and importantly to see sustained changes in service culture.

Australian Apprenticeships Centre

Need Help in the Workplace??

Contact RGT on 02 6241 2969

for more information

www.rgt.asn.au

Industrial Relations National Director, Industrial Relations & Legal Counsel, Master Builders Australia, Richard Calver The Fair Work Bill 2008 establishes a new framework for industrial relations. The aims of the new legislation – fairness, security, flexibility – are admirable, but many employers in the building and construction industry feel that in their eagerness to undo the current arrangements, the new rules tilt the tables too far in the other direction. One danger in the Bill as originally introduced to parliament identified by Master Builders Australia was that it radically altered the way in which greenfields agreements can be made.

This had the potential to allow irresponsible unions to delay the bargaining process

project. They are a vital factor in the decision about whether to invest.

At present greenfields agreements can be made in two ways.

First, they can be made by an employer lodging the agreement with the Workplace Authority and then engaging staff. This is an employer greenfields agreement. Under the Fair Work Bill this type of agreement will be abolished. The justification for the restriction, as explained by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations to the inquiry conducted by the Senate Education,

party or parties entitled to represent a majority of the employees likely to be covered by the agreement, and it must be in the public interest that the agreement is approved. There will not be any requirement for an employer wanting to make a greenfields agreement to notify any other unions.

One construction company recently saved $80 million as a result of entering into an agreement with a specific union rather than its rival; under the new rules, this sort of economic good management will be far more difficult if the public interest test permits other unions to bring applications challenging

Greenfields agreements are industrial agreements covering a new project or business undertaking. They set out the terms and conditions of employment of the workforce to be engaged in the project, thus allowing the employer to get a clear picture of the labour costs involved.

This adds a welcome note of certainty to an area fraught with risk. and damage productivity in the building and construction industry. However, recent changes to the Bill have ensured that this form of agreement making will not die.

Greenfields agreements are industrial agreements covering a new project or business undertaking. They set out the terms and conditions of employment of the workforce to be engaged in the project, thus allowing the employer to get a clear picture of the labour costs involved. This adds a welcome note of certainty to an area fraught with risk.

Greenfields agreements are frequently used in the building and construction industry for large infrastructure projects, and they have proved a reliable projection of labour costs, especially over the first twelve months of the

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Employment and Workplace Relations Committee, is that it restores the position before the Work Choices provisions and "ensures that greenfields agreements are true agreements negotiated between the relevant bargaining representatives and made by more than one party."

The second (and now the only) way is for an employer to make a union greenfields agreement. Following Master Builders lobbying the government has now agreed to change the Bill so that each union that represents the interest of any employee covered by the agreement need not be notified, a provision contained in the Bill as introduced.

Now, the Bill will require two matters to be satisfied before the agreement is formally approved: it must be made with the union

that finding. Master Builders is working with Government to clarify this issue but the fundamental change that has been achieved will mean that greenfields agreements have a future in the agreement making landscape.

The genie of industrial lawlessness has been largely bottled up since the reforms that followed the Cole royal commission into the building and construction industry. Now is not the time to release it. Old style militancy and union rivalry have the potential to derail the making of constructive greenfields agreements. Master Builders has urged the Government to change the rules so as not to leave openings for bottled-up bitterness, and the Government has listened to that concern.

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009

Long-term Friend of Master Builders Passes Margaret Spalding, the long-time CEO of disability service provider Koomarri, died on 23 March 2009. Her passing will be missed by all who have been associated with her through her life of giving to the community.

Margaret Spalding was a tireless worker in the human services field for over 30 years in both the public and not for profit sectors, having worked for the ACT Department of Health as well as community organisations such as the respite service Family Based Respite Care and was also the Founding Coordinator of the advocacy service ACT Disability, Aged and Carer Advocacy Service.

carpenters to work on a community project of this significance."

Master Builders Deputy Executive Director, Jerry Howard, said that "the Master Builders were proud to be associated with Margaret and the work she championed for Koomarri.

The Master Builders were actively involved in the construction of the new Koomarri Centre at Phillip. This project was used as a training centre for our bricklaying apprentices. Project Coordination were the principal contractors and we worked cooperatively to provide the opportunity for apprentice bricklayers and

She was appointed CEO of Koomarri in 1997, and had over 30 years experience in government and non-government roles in human services.

Koomarri was also one of the major beneficiaries from proceeds of the sale of the Master Builders Jenolan Charity House.

Born in Forbes, Ms Spalding was a lifelong advocate for providing services to the disadvantaged.

Margaret Spalding was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in the 2009 Australia Day Honours for her service to people with disabilities. The ACT community will never again find a person with the dedication and commitment shown by Margaret Spalding.

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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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.castleďŹ nance.com.au

Business Practices Protection Companies nowadays are vulnerable to fines and penalties that may be imposed by inadvertent breaches of Acts of Parliament. The cost of the fine itself can be difficult to fund let alone the expenses of legal representation.

Most investigations and examinations by Government agencies are brought against the company itself, and may not necessarily be covered under a Director's and officer's liability policy.

Many companies also face exposure from Employment Practice issues such as Unlawful termination due to discrimination, bullying and harassment.

Austbrokers, in conjunction with Specialist Underwriting Agencies and Lumley General can offer a policy that will protect these Business Practices in a convenient modular cover.

Section 1 – Statutory Liability

Any damages including fines, penalties

What is covered?

Prosecutions brought against the company arising our of industrial disputes, breach of Trade Practices Act

Fines Costs and expenses to defend the imposition of a fine

Section 3 – Employment Practices Liability

Most acts administered by Commonwealth, State and Local Government

What is covered?

What isn't covered?

Unfair or unlawful termination, failure to promote, refusal to employ and or demotion

Intentional, deliberates, dishonest, fraudulent or malicious acts, including gross negligence and recklessness Fines and penalties attributable to the requirement to pay taxes (ie GST related issues) Prosecutions brought against the company arising out of industrial disputes, breach of Trade practices act

Section 2 – Defence Costs Indemnity What is covered?

The requirement to attend any prosecution or inquiry (criminal or otherwise)

Sexual harassment, bullying Unlawful discrimination Legal costs accrued in defending an allegation What isn't covered?

Any express obligation, or breach thereof to make payments Dishonest, criminal, fraudulent or wilful act Failure to comply with any law, government or administrative order or award of any court of tribunal.

This is an overview of the policy provided only and we would recommend reading the policy wording in full prior to considering cover.

Any investigation, examination or other proceeding What isn't covered?

Commercial and contractual disputes Gross negligence, recklessness, intentional or deliberate acts

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To obtain a quotation and further details if required, contact Christine from Austbrokers on 02 6280 5477

Baulderstone - creating what matters in the act UniLodge @ ANU - Kinloch Lodge - Student Accommodation Baulderstone have been creating what matters in Canberra from the late 1950s when we constructed the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge over Lake Burley Griffin.

In the last two decades, we have completed a number of award-winning office buildings such as the Minter Ellison building in Forrest, the Australian Taxation Office at Belconnen, the Geoscience Australia (formerly AGSO) facility at Symonston and the refurbishment/extension of Scarborough House in Woden.

In 2005 we formed a joint venture with the Australian National University to develop the City West area into a Science and Research Precinct called ANU Exchange. The first building, UniLodge @ ANU - Davey Lodge, a student accommodation project housing 515 students was completed in December 2006 with the second student accommodation project housing 534 students, UniLodge @ ANU - Kinloch Lodge, completed in December last year. Due for completion in mid 2010 is the 121 Marcus Clarke Street Building which is the first office building for the ANU Exchange.

Other projects in Canberra currently under construction include the refurbishment of the iconic Edmund Barton Building for Stockland.

To reflect our long term commitment to the ACT and surrounds, a regional office has been established at

Tenancy 3, 35 Childers Street, Acton 2601 Tel: (02) 6216 9111 Baulderstone is proud of its contributions to the national capital and looks forward to continuing this successful relationship. www.baulderstone.com.au

Changes to the Planning System Building and property industry groups in the ACT, including the Master Builders, have welcomed the progress ACTPLA and the ACT Government have made in addressing obstacles in the ACT planning system.

But they have called for more action on outstanding problems and ongoing delays in the planning system.

The statement by the joint building and property industry groups welcoming progress so far and outlining the expectations of industry for further improvements was made at a meeting of the ACT Government's Combined (Building) Industry Roundtable in March.

Master Builders Executive Director John Miller said, "We are not blind to the fact that the industry and our individual members can do more to make the system work better, but there are clearly systemic issues which can be further refined," According to the Group, their joint submission to the Roundtable "did not represent a criticism of the Government's efforts, but rather a series of suggestions detailing how further improvements can be extracted.

"What we are saying is that whilst we acknowledge that progress has been made, it is vital that more is done. We have, step by step, examined the manner in which the improvements to the system have been implemented and whether they have been working and there are still some areas where significant improvements can be achieved."

The submission says that with the passing of almost 12 months since the new system commenced, and the arrival of the Global Financial Crisis, the issues raised earlier, and a number of issues arising since the implementation of the new system, need to be addressed as a matter of priority.

Progress so far in streamlining changes to the

Territory Plan Over the last year ACTPLA has made major changes in the administration of the Territory Plan to streamline the approvals process.

The new Planning System includes an improved capacity to adapt quickly in response to industry and community issues. The old plan was very cumbersome and did not have this capacity. This improved capacity comes from ACTPLA's new ability to make regulations to exempt developments and modify other rules and also their ability to make technical variations to the Territory Plan. The ability to make technical variations through a quick variation process is one of the great benefits of the new Planning System.

Since the new System was implemented in March 2008, several minor variations have been made to the plan and regulations, without the need for extensive consultation. This has delivered rapid solutions for industry where minor errors were discovered and the clear intent of the legislation was not being fully utilised. The introduction of this shortened process for making minor Territory Plan variations through a shorter consultation process and no assembly process is one of the great improvements from an industry perspective.

The implementation of the Assessment Track System, which is a leading best-practice model at a national level, includes Code, Merit Impact

The Group acknowledged ACTPLA had responded positively to industry's concerns, including redeployment of staff and the employment of additional senior staff, which had a positive impact in delivering approvals. But there remained a lack of reliable data to provide a true picture as to the value of DAs currently in the system. ACTPLA has assigned more senior staff at the front end counter and lodgement has, on average, been reduced to five days. ACTPLA has acknowledged further work needs to be done to reduce this to 48 hours.

Further Territory Plan changes to expand exemptions from DAs, especially for minor low impact type of developments have been implemented through planning regulations and should result in a reduction of further applications being dealt with by ACTPLA, as these applications will be dealt with by the private building certifier.

Industry and ACTPLA have agreed that the message on how to gain maximum advantage of the new system may not be getting through to industry. Plans that should be dealt with through the exempt process or through code track are being lodged in merit track thereby delaying the approval process.

The Industry Group said it remains extremely concerned that more progress is needed to get a "Whole of Government Approach" to achieve DAs in a timely manner. The Group said that Government agencies outside ACTPLA are having a detrimental effect on the time taken to finalise approvals. Larger, more complex projects need to be case-managed so that they are not unnecessarily delayed by the other agencies, thereby preventing ACTPLA from issuing a DA in a timely manner, they said.

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The ACT Planning and Land Authority has an electronic newsletter to keep industry informed about all aspects of the planning system, from changes to the Territory Plan and planning legislation to handy information for tradespeople.

To subscribe visit www.actpla.act.gov.au and click on the industry information link on the left hand side of the home page.

The old System had a confusing mix of Territory Plan Guidelines, Neighbourhood Plans, Master Plans and other planning instruments which have now been replaced with a simpler structure consisting of the Territory Plan and Codes. The size and complexity of the Territory Plan and related instruments have been reduced from 87 documents to a simplified set of three volumes. The Territory Plan Codes also provide the opportunity for government agencies to document their Development Standards into the Territory Plan so as to reduce the need for agency referral. This will further free up the resources of the agencies in processing unnecessary applications that can be assessed, in the first instance, by the private Building Certifier.

Territory Plan variations made since the implementation of the new System in March 2008 have addressed a number of issues raised by industry, community and government. These variations include a reduced level of documentation required to be submitted with a DA: for instance, the need for structural and finish of building colours is no longer required to the significant degree that was previously required.

There has been a significant reduction in the need for referral to government entities prior to the lodgement of DAs. This will permit a much larger number of DAs to be lodged in Code Track, which will, in turn, deliver approvals to the industry in a timely manner.

One of the key elements of the new planning process was to deliver 1,500 Exempt DAs in greenfields estates. Some minor glitches were discovered that prevented a number of these being approved by the private Certifier. This has now been addressed and minor encroachments are now allowed and, when identified by the private Certifier, can be rapidly approved by ACTPLA, allowing the private Certifier to issue the completed approval so that the works can commence.

LANDSCAPE DIRECTIONS All is not lost! You can still produce beautiful, green landscapes despite the continuing drought, water restrictions and the increasing price of water.

Qualified and experienced landscapers, landscape architects and horticulturists such as Easycare Landscapes and other members of the Australian Institute of Horticulture (AIH) and the Landscape Contractors Association of NSW and the ACT (LCA) can help you increase the value of your properties by more than 10%.

We can show you how by considering the following: How to retain water that falls on the land How to re-use the water How to recycle the waste water How to reduce the amount of water needed All of the above are best considered before the property is built as money can be saved by planning for it at the beginning. If you work with designers and horticulturists in the planning stages you will be advised on low-cost methods of water retention such as swales and physical barriers for preventing water run-off, on various ways of re-using and recycling on-site water (yes, there is a difference!) and how to reduce the amount of water needed by using correct soils, soil conditioners, organic matter, mulches and the use of plants suited to the conditions and the environment.

to have the following: minerals, air, water, living things in the soil (plants and animals), living things on the soil (plants and animals) and occasional disturbance. Easycare Landscapes can work with you on methods to achieve this or do it for you.

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009

Tracks, as well as Exempt and Prohibited Development. This new System under the Territory Plan delivers a far more effective allocation of assessment resources with greater resources being used at Merit and Impact Tracks, rather than Exempt and Code Tracks: it frees up ACTPLA's resources to deal with the higher impact developments, rather than the lower impact developments which are dealt with in Code and Exempt Tracks.

On the political/public relations scene ACTEW has been meeting and consulting with various industry groups including AIH and LCA. As a result of these meetings, they have formed an Irrigation Smart Reference Group that is developing irrigation guidelines for the ACT. They are working with horticulturists and landscape architects to develop a list of hardy plants for the Canberra region and have formed a Community Reference Group for the potential development of a new water wise educational garden for the Canberra region.

Other exciting developments in the pipeline will be discussed at a later date.

Our team of horticulturists, landscape architects, designers and landscapers will be able to help you with all your landscape design, construction or maintenance needs.

Please contact Easycare Landscapes (02 6257 8122 or info@easycare.com.au) or any other companies who are members of AIH and/or LCA. Vicki Berry – Easycare Landscapes

We will all eventually be required to be carbon neutral and should be aiming for it now. Planting is one good way of capturing carbon from the atmosphere.

For plants to grow well they need to have healthy soil. For soil to be healthy it needs

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Federal Government chooses

Master Builders HQ for apprenticeship announcement The Federal Government has announced a new scheme to subsidise the re-employment of apprentices laid off because of the economic down-turn.

On a visit to the new Master Builders Association of the ACT headquarters in Fyshwick with Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Deputy Prime Minister Julia Gillard outlined details of the Government's new $145.6 million Securing Apprenticeships package to help secure the jobs and training of apprentices and trainees in difficult times.

Ms Gillard said, "We've met some young people this morning midway through their training. If they hit a circumstance where they lost their job, the Government wants to take practical measures to help them secure a new opportunity so that they can finish their apprenticeship, hence the announcement of $2,800 in incentive money to get a new employer or a group training organisation to take that apprentice on, give them a new opportunity and give them a new way of completing their apprenticeship.

"It also comes with additional resources for training organisations to find pathways to completion for apprentices who lose their jobs," she said.

Part of the Government's job support measures, Securing Apprenticeships will provide a pathway for "out-of-trade" apprentices and trainees to remain connected to the workforce and maintain their training. "Out-of-trade" apprentices are 16

former apprentices or trainees who did not successfully complete their apprenticeships because they were "laid-off" by their employers.

Employers will be encouraged to retain apprentices and trainees taken on under the Securing Apprenticeships scheme through a completion payment.

The Deputy Prime Minister said businesses which demonstrate a commitment to retain and employ new trainees and apprentices will be given preference in tendering for new Australian Government funded infrastructure projects.

Employers and Group Training Organisations will be eligible to receive up to $2,800 under the scheme, in addition to other apprenticeship payments. $1,800 is available for employers or Group Training Organisations taking on an eligible "out-of-trade apprentice" or trainee in the form of a wage subsidy of $150 per week paid in arrears at the twelve week point after recommencement. A further payment of $1,000 is payable on successful completion of eligible apprentices or trainees.

The program is targeted at apprentices or trainees at the Certificate III and IV level in areas of skills shortage. For the building and construction industry, all building trades have been identified as skills shortage areas and will therefore benefit from the Securing Apprenticeships plan.

Master Builders executive director John Miller said the plan would keep young people in employment and avoid a skills shortage.

"Obviously the government's not looking to make this a walk-up start for people and I think the reality is there will be genuine need," he said.

Mr Miller says if too many apprentices are lost, the economy will face a critical skills shortage.

"Fortunately within Master Builders we've had many good businesses who have been able to support the apprentices scheme, "In tough times obviously they've got to consider their own financial position. If there is something that helps underpin that‌ they should be supported and the young people need the support as well."

Retrenched workers scheme

unveiled at new Master Builders HQ The Master Builders Association's smart new Fyshwick headquarters was the venue recently for the Federal Government to announce a major new initiative to assist retrenched workers, as part of its response to the Global Financial Crisis.

Speaking after watching apprentices in training at the Group Training Facility attached to the new Master Builders headquarters, Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said, "The global economic crisis takes many forms and one of the forms it takes is its impact on jobs and its impact on people who lose jobs through no fault of their own. Absolutely no fault of their own. "Today the Government announces two new measures. The first is to provide immediate employment services support for retrenched workers. At present what happens under the existing system is that a person has to be out of work for three months before being eligible for intensive assistance. That now changes as a result of the decision of the Cabinet, this will now be immediately available as of today to anyone who becomes retrenched."

Mr Rudd was accompanied on his visit to the new Master Builders HQ by the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Education, Employment and Workplace Relations, Julia Gillard and the Minister for Employment Participation, Brendan O'Connor.

Mr Rudd said the changes would mean that employees who were retrenched would have immediate access (rather than having to wait a qualifying period) to career advice, comprehensive skills assessment, skills development training, IT support and stationery support to help with job applications, targeted referrals to appropriate education and training and also a $550 credit to the Employment Pathway Fund for items such as computer courses, heavy vehicle licences, safety boots and work uniforms.

He said, "This is a practical set of supports available to retrenched workers but the big change is, it is available now as opposed to workers having to wait three months. That is the change that we're announcing today.

That is one element of what the Government's decided today.

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009

The Securing Apprenticeships payments will be available to employers, who recommence an eligible "out-of-trade" apprentice or trainee on or after 1 January 2009. Payments will be backdated to 1 January 2009 and will be made through Australian Apprenticeships Centres. The payments are available for two years until 31 December 2010.

"The second is this, the Government has also providing funding for a further 10,000 Productivity Places for redundant workers.

This is important. If a person has lost their job through no fault of their own, then what we need to have available is a sufficient number of training places for those persons to use their time of unemployment to obtain further skills or to build up their existing skills.

And that's why an additional allocation of 10,000 training places specifically targeted on workers who have become redundant is an important part of the overall plan.

The Prime Minister said, "There is no silver bullet in this. These are practical measures to assist on the way through. But I would say this, the Government remains resolved to take whatever further measures are necessary to support workers and their families who lose their jobs through no fault of their own."

Mr O'Connor said it was "critical that the Government intervene as early as possible to assist retrenched workers and that is why we are dedicating almost $300 million to provide the support that's needed to get people back into work as quickly as possible."

He said that existing arrangements for retrenched employees provided only one meeting for careers assistance in their first three months of unemployment. "These new initiatives will provide personalised intensive support for retrenched workers. It will include assessing their skills, referring them to training providers to get them trained in areas of skilled need as quickly as possible, and provide opportunities for them to find work.

"There is nothing worse than a worker being retrenched and this Government is acting swiftly to respond to the need of those retrenched workers."

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Now in its 17th year the Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements by exceptional companies and individuals in the ACT building and construction industry. These awards are the highest accolade that the industry can bestow.

An event on the scale of the 2009 Master Builders and Boral Excellence and Building Awards would not be possible without the support of sponsors. Many of our sponsors have been supporting these awards for many years; significantly, Boral has sponsored every year of the Excellence in Building awards, for the last 15 Boral has been the naming rights sponsor.

The awards will again be publicised through four publications maximising the exposure of finalists and winning entries to the industry and general public.

'Winning Homes' – will include all finalists from the Housing, Bathroom and Kitchen categories. The Award winning entries receive a full page in the magazine. Winning Homes has a print run of 7,000 copies and is distributed to members of the Master Builders and newsagents in the ACT and Southern NSW.

'Construction Awards' – this publication includes finalists and winners from the Commercial and Civil categories, where again the Award winners each receive a full page feature on the winning project . This publication has a distribution of 2,600 copies that will including members of the Master Builders and industry associates throughout Australia.

'Canberra Times Supplement' – The Canberra Times will again be publishing an awards supplement, released approximately three weeks after the awards. This supplement acknowledges all finalists and winners and has a circulation of over 30,000.

'Canberra & Region Building News' – The Master Builders magazine will have a feature on the awards highlighting the category winners. This magazine has a distribution of 3,500.

Exposure in the four Award publications is an additional benefit from entering the Awards.

Category winners receive a superbly presented certificate; they are also included in the Awards gallery on the Master Builders website and become eligible, given a 18

 EMMGB & TT Architecture, Remodelling more the $300,000 Garran  Alt 720 Mt Stromlo, Monarch Building Solutions, Commercial & Retail Fitout, Refurbishment or Alteration less than $300,000

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009  Botswana High Commission, RTC Constructions, Best use of material  Kingston Foreshore Development – Harbour Civil Works, McMahon Contractors

corresponding category, in the Master Builders Australia National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards.

The 2009 Master Builders and Boral Excellence in Building awards presentation is at the National Convention Centre. The gala event is set for Friday 26th June and Limited tickets are still available.

For those who have entered the 2009 Master Builders & Boral Excellence we wish you good luck during the judging process. In this feature we have picked at random a some of the finalists in this year's Awards.

Master Builders would like thank the following sponsors for their support of the 2009 Master Builders & Boral Excellence in Building Awards:

Boral Master Builders Fidelity Fund | Village Building Co Austbrokers | Chief Minister's Dept Delnas | FAW | Regional Training Group Rivoland Tiles | Seears Workwear | Training Fund Board ACTPLA | Workin' Gear | CIC | John McGrath Ford Goodman Law | Crowther Blayne

19

"Methods that have been used for many years cannot be improved upon" would be the thinking of many people. i.e. we have been laying one brick on top of the other for hundreds of years. New ideas and construction practices are being constantly updated, thus ensuring improvements in the profession. It has proven extremely difficult to reduce the cost of a traditional brick walled residence despite the introduction of alternative methods including tilt up panels.

The astute and well-trained tradespeople will always be informed of the latest techniques to increase productivity. The ill-informed tradespeople may not be in a similar position because of the lack of basic training. The fundamental principles of any trade must be thoroughly understood before it is possible to start any schemes for improving methods.

There is no doubt that the building industry will see some tremendous changes in the future. The highly skilled tradespeople will always be ready and enthusiastic to implement any changes.

I visited New York and Rome and was most impressed with the quality of brickwork or masonry on the facades of skyscrapers that were built in the early part of the last century.

Some of the most recent skyscrapers built in the late 1970s also have brick facades. What impressed me was the quality of the brick laying and the durability and general condition of these facades. Vatican City in Rome has perimeter walls constructed in brick that have stood the test of time for centuries and these walls are as sound and as durable today as when they were built. How will the buildings that we are building today stand the test of time?

Bricks were in use long before the Roman era; in fact, their use is recorded in the ancient city of Babylon about 6000 years ago. The making of bricks is mentioned in the Bible. You probably know the story of the Israelites, who (as slaves) were expected by their Egyptian conquerors to 'make bricks without straw'.

An increasing proportion of Australian brick manufacturers are meeting these needs by substantial modernisation, particularly in the areas of handling production technology.

Better manufacturing methods have improved quality control and, in addition, a wider choice of brick sizes, colours, textures and strengths is now more readily available.

Options available to the residential designer Residential design is mostly dictated by factors of construction, initial cost, appearance, building trade practice availability of trades, speed of construction, building regulations e.g. fire and acoustic separation. An estate agent's assessment of a house value would probably not take into account thermal-design factors, except to mention installed heating and cooling plant.

The cost of maintaining painted surfaces in residences can be considerable.

W OR K CO L L ECTI V E

F U T U R E O F FA New ideas and techniques must be introduced general rise in our standard of living. These cha tradespeople are continually being upda

Brick durability and use in the construction industry The Building Code of Australia (BCA) does not make any direct reference to durability, however; the durability of materials and components are indirectly addressed through BCA reference documents. For example, most material specific design standards referenced by the BCA e.g. the Masonry Code, contain provisions for durability.

These reference documents should state their target durability criteria as appropriate to the products and provide the solutions or paths to solutions to meet these criteria.

There is an expectation that products will last for the design life of the building. One has to question the longevity of some of the cladding systems currently being used as they have not stood the test of time.

Bricks may be classified as being among the most durable of building materials. Indeed, throughout the country and the world, we have many excellent examples of brickwork, which have survived for hundreds of years.

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An interesting thing about bricks is that the size (until more recent times) had not varied greatly through the ages. From an OH&S perspective each brick should be light enough to be handled with one hand without causing excessive fatigue before the day's work is finished. Some of the latest range of bricks are essentially blocks and require two hands to lay. This may be a disincentive to those interested in taking on an apprenticeship in bricklaying.

The Australian brick manufacturing industry of today is vastly different from that of 20 years ago. The popular traditional use of face brick, is being challenged by alternative cladding materials. The whole brick-making procedure is recognised as a large-scale chemical engineering operation, but in addition long-term planning market sensitivity is needed. Trends in design and fashion, and environmental considerations, must be taken into account years, often decades, in advance.

Short-term peaks in demand must be catered for without involving wasteful surplus.

The actual costs of repainting will vary considerably, depending upon numerous factors such as the requirements for scaffolding.

Face brickwork requires virtually no maintenance, it is usually less expensive to construct than rendered brickwork. It provides an attractive appearance. For these reasons it has become widely used in functional environments that require an aesthetically pleasing treatment. One of the major issues confronting face brick is the quality of trades to produce such work. Too often brickwork is being rendered by some individuals with very limited skills in applying render. This in itself will be a major issue for the industry in Australia as these defects manifest.

Brick Training Levy to address skill shortages The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission granted an authorisation to the Clay Brick and Paver Institute and the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia for their members to charge a levy of $2.00

The levy will be used to address the shortage of competent bricklayers by promoting the trade to schools and the community, support pre-vocational training, provide training in schools and subsidise the employment of apprentice bricklayers.

The objective is that the levy would be used in the following ways: Promotion of the trade to school students and the wider community regarding the benefits of becoming a bricklayer and the career path it offers Make opportunities available to become an apprentice bricklayer at both junior and adult level

bricklaying in recent years. This shortage has resulted in construction delays in housing and the commercial market, reduced quality due to unskilled workers entering the trade and increased bricklaying costs.

The brick industry scheme to address the shortage has had a positive impact in some states, however, we are still struggling in the ACT to attract apprenticeships in bricklaying.

This program needs to continue as the numbers in training have not yet reached the level required to replace bricklayers expected to leave the trade in future years. The average age of bricklayers is estimated to be in the mid 40's and a third of bricklayers will leave in the next ten years. The current number completing apprenticeships and entering the trade is less than half that number.

Purpose and objectives of the ABBTF The Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation (ABBTF) has adopted the following purpose for its operation:

To gain full acceptance and support from the building community through recognition of the benefits bricklayer training provides Master Builders will work with the ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Council and the Construction Industry Training Fund Authority, who continue to provide incentives to employers engaging apprentices. We are also actively involved in skills assessment for those bricklayers who are working in the industry and do not have any formal recognition of their skills.

Bricklaying apprentices engaged by Master Builders Group Training in the ACT

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009

per thousand clay bricks and 10c per square metre of concrete blocks sold in the states of NSW, QLD, WA, SA and ACT. That levy will be matched by the manufacturers and used to subsidise the on-costs of bricklaying apprentices and promote the trade of bricklaying.

Current status of employment of apprentices in bricklaying engaged by Master Builders Group Training are as follows: Year 1 – 7 Year 2 – 12 Year 3 – 7

LY TO S ECURE T H E

ACE BRICKWORK into the building profession to maintain the nges cannot be implemented unless the skills of ted in line with these new levels of skill.

Support bricklayer training prior to commencing an apprenticeship Provide Step Out/Taster programs and where applicable provide resources for bricklaying to be taught as part of the tech curriculum in secondary schools Provide employment subsidies to group training companies and other groups that employ apprentice bricklayers under this scheme to offset some of the costs involved in employing the apprentice

Skill shortages in bricklaying The shortage of trained bricklayers has been recognised by both Federal and State governments over a number of years. This position is supported by the National and State Skill Shortage List Australia (DEEWR), which again indicates that bricklaying is suffering skill shortages across all states. Why is this so – is it perceived as hard work or is bricklaying seen as an OH&S hazard?

"To ensure there is an adequate, competent, bricklaying/blocklaying workforce to support the demand for brick and block as a construction material and improve the standing of bricklayers and blocklayers within the building industry".

The objectives to achieve this purpose are: To improve and monitor completion rates for apprentice bricklayers To improve and monitor retention rates within the industry To measure, forecast and plan for bricklayer demand and the number of bricklayers required To train sufficient numbers of bricklayers taking into account completion, retention and retirement rates and industry demand To encourage higher standards of behaviour, productivity, efficiency and quality throughout the industry

The above data suggests that we will be confronted with a chronic shortage of suitably qualified bricklayers unless we import the skills from other countries. I am a firm believer that we should grow our own skills, however, this needs commitment from the building industry to employ apprentices and industry practitioners to promote the benefits of a trade in bricklaying. We don't want to see the demise of quality face brickwork, either in residential or commercial applications.

And finally, I am an eternal optimist. It is not all doom and gloom. The Australian tradition of the brick veneer house will survive, simply because it is the most efficient, durable, cost effective and lasting solution to quality housing.

For further information contact Master Builders Jerry Howard – Deputy Executive Director, Master Builders

The building and construction industry has been adversely affected by the skill shortage in 21

Housing finance figures offer hope

Housing finance commitments for December have painted a moderately positive picture for the housing industry both nationally and in the ACT, especially against the backdrop of mostly gloomy forecasts about the economic outlook.

"This represents a strong result and even allowing for the volatility created by the relatively small size of the local home building industry it is one that should have translated into a positive start to the year for many our home building members," he said.

In addition, employment in the ACT is generally holding steady.

Mr Miller said that in all the circumstances, it was clear that the Reserve Bank's ongoing cuts to interest rates were having a positive effect but that the anecdotal evidence suggested that more action was needed at a national policy level. "What we are seeing is positive, but our members will be looking at their forward order books and hoping that more action is forthcoming,"

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics figures analysed by ACT Treasury, the trend number of housing finance commitments for owner occupiers in the ACT increased by 2 per cent in December. Year on year to December 2008, ACT housing finance commitments decreased 6 per cent.

Nationally, the trend number of housing finance commitments for owner occupiers increased 1.3 per cent in December 2008. Year on year to December 2008, national housing finance commitments decreased 17.1 per cent.

After falling on a monthly basis since June 2007, trend housing finance commitments in the ACT have begun growing again since September 2008. This suggests that the ACT housing market has responded to the cumulative 3 percentage point cuts in official interest rates in the four months to December 2008.

The Executive Director of Master Builders Association of the ACT, John Miller said the ABS housing finance data for December was better than expected. Mr Miller said he was pleased that the number of owner occupied housing commitments in Canberra had risen by a seasonally-adjusted 31 per cent to 222.

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The value of housing finance commitments by individual investors in the ACT for new and existing dwellings fell by 7.7 per cent to $82 million in December 2008. Year on year to December 2008, the value of individual investor commitments was down 13.4 per cent. Nationally, the value of commitments for individual investors in December 2008 rose by 10.2 per cent to $4,307 million. Year on year to December 2008, the value of individual investor commitments fell 19.6 per cent. The annual growth in housing finance commitments for investors in the ACT has been trending down since February 2008 and moved into negative territory over the last four months to December, while nationally this trend happened earlier.

Residential building approvals in the ACT in December 2008 were down 16.6 per cent from the previous month in trend terms. The number of approvals was lower than the

five-year monthly average for the ACT (of 171).

Year on year to December 2008 the number of approvals rose 15.3 per cent, in original terms. Nationally, trend residential building approvals fell by 4.9 per cent in December 2008. Year on year to December 2008 the number of approvals in original terms was down 8.6 per cent.

Trend monthly residential approvals in the ACT increased consecutively from February to July 2008, but have been falling over the last five months. The national trend has been falling since December 2007.

On the employment front, total employment in the ACT rose by a marginal 100 in trend terms in January and unemployment fell by the same number. The result is broadly in line with the movement in trend employment and unemployment nationally. (The widely reported seasonally adjusted employment figures which showed a rise in national unemployment in January are not produced for the ACT because the small sample makes them inaccurate.)

The increase in ACT employment largely reflects an increase in part-time employment.

Male employment increased by 200 persons, while female employment decreased by 200 persons. Employment in the ACT has been largely flat since May 2008. Year on year to January 2009, ACT employment growth was 1.9 per cent.

Master Builders provide both financial and peak-body support for the University of Canberra undergraduate degree in Building and Construction Management, which enters its second year of operation in 2009, after more than a ten year break in proceedings. This program also receives financial support from the ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Authority and the ACT government, and also receives generous sponsorship from other construction companies operating in the ACT. The University program, strongly mandated

by ACT-based building and construction businesses, will offer a finishing school option for Master Builders cadets who have completed the vocational education Diploma and Advanced Diploma and who are looking for an academic 'wrap up' to extend on their practice-based learning.

It is anticipated that with the commitment made by the Master Builders cadet program to more closely align competency-

based theory with University curriculum as delivered, in future years the articulation pathway will become even more seamless than it is at present. The University and Master Builders have been working together particularly to shape the Advanced Diploma program so that cadet learners can engage some of the more prevalent academic disciplines they will require for higher learning programs. By way of reciprocation, Associate Professor Shane West, Head of Building and Construction Management for the University program, is participating in several formative assessment contexts for Advanced Diploma cadets and has provided Master Builders with curriculum material for the vocational education cadet program as a vehicle for establishing program continuity.

The university degree course is eight semesters and is designed to meet a three and a half year graduation term, with two semesters dedicated to on-site learning and skill acquisition. Learners are required to assimilate soft skills (communication, management, etc) with technical skills

(estimating, construction theory etc) in pursuit of matriculation. The University Department is only a small unit, but uses a suite of guest or sessional lecturers who are high profile practitioners drawn from local industry. The program is supported by a university online communication network so that learner enquiries can be accessed and processed both quickly and remotely.

The program has just been awarded accreditation by the Australian Institute of Building (AIB) and Master Builders together with the Hindmarsh Group, as principal foundation sponsors, has strongly supported this process. Master Builders congratulates the University of Canberra and, particularly, Associate Professor Shane West and Senior Lecturer and Course Convenor, Atul Kumar. The AIB accreditation further enhances the status of this program as a nationally and internationally recognised and acclaimed university degree course option.

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009

AIB accreditation for Bachelor of Building and Construction Management

Mandatory disclosure scheme for office building

energy efficiency

The Australian Government is working with State and Territory Governments to develop a new nationally consistent mandatory disclosure scheme for commercial office building energy efficiency.

According to the Commonwealth Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts the scheme will require the energy efficiency of commercial office buildings to be disclosed at the point of sale or lease so that potential buyers and tenants can compare the energy efficiency of buildings on a 'like for like' basis.

The new regime is being developed through the National Framework for Energy Efficiency.

The scheme will aim to ensure that both parties in a transaction have access to credible and meaningful information about a building's energy efficiency.

The Government has released a Consultation Regulation Impact Statement and Consultation Regulation Document on the new initiative for public comment.

Public information forums are being held in all capital cities.

The scheme will apply to corporations that own or lease buildings above a minimum threshold of 2000 m2 net lettable area. It is proposed that it will be implemented in 2010.

The Federal Government has signalled its intent to progressively expand the coverage of this measure in future to additional building types, subject to further cost-benefit and regulatory impact assessment.

It will require disclosure of energy efficiency performance as determined by an accredited rating tool. It is proposed that NABERS Energy will be the sole accredited rating tool, although provision will be made for other suitable tools to be accredited over time.

The scheme will apply to all corporations.

State and Territory governments will be able to participate voluntarily. According to the consultation document, the Australian Government intends that it be bound by this legislation.

New buildings, tenancies of less than 12 months and other situations where it is not feasible to prepare a valid energy Efficiency Assessment of a particular building or tenancy, will be exempt from the scheme.

23

New Canberra Airport master plan RU

Canberra Airport has published a new 2009 Preliminary Draft Master Plan, outlining the Airport's growth and development over the next 20 years. The primary focus over the next five years involves the development of aviation infrastructure, highlighted by more than $300m for a new passenger terminal including structured car parking, upgrades to taxiways and aircraft parking aprons.

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Current buildings

Approved development

Future development within 5 years

Future development within 20 years

Future aviation expansion

Under Construction

Note: This plan is indicative only - actual developments and the timing and placement of those developments will be subject to demand, detailed planning and the obtaining of relevant approvals.

The Master Plan also foreshadows a key role for Canberra Airport in meeting the transport needs of the Sydney basin, including proposals for a Very Fast Train between Canberra and Sydney.

It proposes that Canberra Airport would continue to grow its existing freight hub from 5 aircraft overnight to 8 over the next five years, rising up to 25 flights overnight in 20 years.

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Canberra Airport said it expects to commence construction of its new terminal in 2009.

Associated infrastructure, including roads and a multi-storey car park, are already under construction, with an expansion of the aircraft parking aprons expected to commence soon.

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The 2009 Preliminary Draft Master Plan proposes an extension of the Airport's Noise Abatement Areas over all Gungahlin suburbs and the new residential area of Googong, as well as restricting aircraft overflight of the Noise Abatement Areas at any height between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am.

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The 2009 Preliminary Draft Master Plan revises an earlier 2008 Draft Master Plan rejected by Federal Infrastructure Minister Anthony Albanese in 2008.

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The 20 year Master Plan development options include tourism, small scale retail, hotel and other commercial accommodation across the Airport. Retail development is also expected to grow at Majura Park alongside possible aviation and aviation support facilities to meet aviation needs.

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009

O'Neill and Brown Plumbing Company

Celebrating 40 Years – 1969 to 2009 When you've had three generations of the one family in your business, that's a recipe for success.

When a majority of your apprentices stay on with the company after they've graduated and end up in senior roles, your future is just about assured.

These ingredients have been blended together to turn Queanbeyan based contractors O'Neill and Brown Plumbing Company Pty Ltd (O'Neill and Brown) into one of the most successful commercial plumbing and drainage businesses in the ACT region.

O'Neill and Brown began as a partnership formed by plumbers Pat O'Neill and Tom Brown, in Queanbeyan, in 1960, specialising in residential projects.

Pat and Tom could not have envisaged the phenomenal growth the business was going to experience over the coming years.

In 1963 Tony Pantano the current Managing Director was employed as Pat and Tom's first apprentice.

O'Neill and Brown have been involved in many major projects in the ACT region, those of recent years include:

The business, grew to a peak work force in excess of 100, during the construction of the New Parliament House. Today, the company specialises primarily in commercial plumbing and drainage, with a heightened awareness of the ever demanding Occupational Health Safety and Environmental needs and Sustainable building requirements.

O'Neill and Brown's first major project was a block of flats near the Lyneham Shops. In 1977 O'Neill and Brown won their first major commercial contract with Civil and Civic (now Bovis Lend Lease), for the plumbing and drainage to Stage 2 of the Woden Plaza. The contract was awarded personally by Dick Dusseldorp, the founder of Lend Lease. Upon successful completion of the Woden Plaza O'Neill and Brown began to establish itself as a major commercial plumbing and drainage contractor, with its reputation growing with each project. O'Neill and Brown were awarded

Prime Ministers and Cabinet's Office (Barton);

National Museum (Acton);

Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (City);

Russell R4 (Russell);

Space Apartments Stages 1 and 2 (City);

Woden Police Station (Woden);

Avenue Apartments (City);

Industry House (City);

Discovery House (Phillip);

Civic Theatre (City);

John Curtin School of Medical Research (ANU);

Brindabella Offices - B8, B10, B12, B21 (Brindabella); Brand Depot (Majura Office Park);

Hedley Bull Building (ANU); National Portrait Gallery (Parkes); and New Youth Detention Centre (Mitchell).

On 8 May, 1969 the partnership created by Pat and Tom was incorporated and O'Neill and Brown Plumbing Company Pty Ltd commenced. Sadly, Tom Brown unexpectedly passed away shortly thereafter. Pat and Tony were committed to continuing with the company's long term plan and make O'Neill and Brown a valued part of the region's construction industry.

In 1971 Tony appointed his first apprentice Ivan Brunello, who today plays a leading role as the company's Construction Manager.

six sections (more than half) of the New Parliament House Project, a project which to this day remains the largest in the ACT region.

In 1987 Jenny Jones was appointed as the Financial Controller for the company, a role which she still fills today, providing invaluable support to the management of the company.

Pat O'Neill retired in 1996 from an active role in the business and sadly passed away in 2003. Tony has carried on the business and has continued to see it grow.

O'Neill and Brown operate a separate drainage division within the company which maintains its own plant and equipment, currently consisting of a mix of backhoes, excavators and trucks.

The company focuses heavily on apprentice training in conjunction with Master Builders Group Training Scheme. O'Neill and Brown currently employs nine apprentices, and have always endeavoured to maintain a first year intake of two or more.

Tony Pantano attributes the company's success to staff input "Every successful business is built on good employeremployee relationships. Our business is a team effort. Most of our crew have been with us for over 10 Years. We have had three generations of one family working here".

Now that the company has reached this important 40 year milestone, Tony has put 'the wheels in motion', to launch O'Neill and Brown into the future and ensure that the high level of service that has been given to its customers coupled with the appreciation of the solid relationship it has with its staff, will continue for the next 40 years.

This year in memory of Pat and Tom, the company celebrates 40 years.

25

ACT Government Tender Call Schedule published The ACT Government's Capital Works Call Tender Schedule was updated on the Government's Procurement Solutions website in late February.

The Schedule reveals slippage in call dates for a number of major projects since the schedule was last posted in September.

The ACT Government recently held a roundtable discussion with representatives of the ACT business community about the Government's procurement arrangements.

Master Builders was represented at the Roundtable by its Executive Director, John Miller.

Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said the roundtable "is a key development arising out of the Economic Stimulus Roundtable meetings held towards the end of 2008. Those meetings established a number of expert groups to further investigate ideas to insulate the ACT economy from the effects of the current global downturn.

"One of the priority areas identified during the Economic Stimulus Roundtable was ensuring that the Government's interaction with industry, particularly through the procurement of goods and services, is conducted as efficiently as possible," he said.

Master Builders meet with Procurement Solutions on a regular basis.

Master Builders Expands Its Training

In Partnership with Safenet Safenet Compliance & Training Pty Ltd (Safenet) is a specialty provider of OH&S training and consultancy services. The staff of Safenet are well known in their respective fields of expertise, both locally and nationally and hold over 25 years of practical experience in OH&S and related training.

Michael Mills is considered to be an expert in working in and managing confined space environments. Michael has a long and extensive history in training personnel to work within confined spaces and currently provides services across all industry sectors including the Mining, Utilities, Construction and Manufacturing sectors.

Steven Hart has previously held the position of ACT OH&S Commissioner, managed the OH&S Inspectorate within ACT WorkCover, has been a member of the OH&S Council and has participated in many national OH&S forums. Steven currently provides professional services to many organisations

in the ACT region and specialises in assisting organisation to develop, implement and maintain OH&S systems that are both practical and effective.

Safenet's services include: Confined Space/Refresher training Noise Management training CPR training Subject and organisation specific OH&S training sessions OH&S Systems development Systems Auditing & Reporting

Incident investigation and Management Service providers and Suppliers of specialty safety equipment Safenet delivers its training from its purpose built confined space training facility adjacent to the Master Builders Headquarters and Skills Centre in Fyshwick. The facility provides participants with the opportunity to apply the knowledge they have obtained on the course in a hands-on and practical environment.

This practical application reinforces the learning experience.

Safenet is a proud member of the Master Builders and is working in partnership with Master Builders Group Training to ensure the highest standard of nationally recognised training is provided to their clients. Further, Safenet is currently providing OH&S advice and assistance to Master Builders management, OH&S forums and its members as a part of an ongoing relationship between Safenet and the Master Builders.

Safenet is also able to provide specialty safety equipment such as harnesses, fall arrest devices, gas detectors and breathing apparatus.

Office: 02 6161 9080 Steven Hart: 0438 932 115 Michael Mills: 0416 119 827 26

ACTPLA is managing a major study into the impact of low flush toilets on household sewerage systems.

In what it says is one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind, a full scale test rig has been constructed at the Canberra Institute of Technology at Fyshwick. By using toilets connected to clear Perspex piping, observers can watch how solids move through the system under variable conditions.

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009

Study of impact of low flush toilets

Designed to simulate the drainage installation in a standard two storey home, water-efficient 6/3 litre toilets and the newer 4.5/3 litre Smartflush toilets will be assessed using a soy product to mimic human waste.

The study will examine the effect of different grades of piping, flush volumes, mass loading and, different drainage products, junctions, off-set pan collars.

It will also look at friction, dips and sags in the line; long runs (dead legs) grey/waste water removal carrying distance of effluent, blockages and effects of open air venting on the system.

The results of the study will be published by ACTPLA in the second half of 2009.

ACTPLA is conducting the study in co-operation with CIT, the ACT Plumbing Regulator with support from Caroma Industries, Vinidex Industries, O'Neill and Brown Plumbing Pty Ltd, Plastec Australia, Rehau Pipe and Southern Plumbing Plus.

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Are you doing all you can to effectively manage your construction business? Do you need some down to earth and straight forward advice on how to effectively manage your construction business and make improvements that will underpin success?

Most firms just don't do the important, simple things that they should be doing, says Graham Coyle Director of Federal Construction Management and an experienced business advisor to the private and government sectors. Many private sector firms have little appreciation of how Governments do business. They have only a vague idea of what the government is seeking from their contractors and service providers, Mr Coyle stated today.

Mr Coyle has developed a special one day Construction Seminar called "All in a Day's Work" to convey essential management strategies for success in Construction.

There are several simple steps to take in order to position your firm to gain maximum benefits from the opportunities that are out there. To do business for governments direct or for a head contractor/project manager, smaller firms will need to have a sound appreciation of these requirements and to demonstrate their compliance in these areas. "When I ask my clients what are their statutory obligations and how do they manage business risk, they often just look blankly back at me", Mr Coyle said.

Since October last year there has been a steady, significant reduction of staff numbers in design firms nation wide. That will translate to a significant reduction in major privately funded projects and in reduced demand in the building and construction industry, in the short to medium term. Accordingly, the available work will reduce in the private sector and due to recent Government programs, we will see an increase in the government sector works.

Firms will have to work smarter to be competitive in tendering for and performing Government capital and maintenance works.

If you are an established contractor, Mr Coyle says, this seminar gives you the opportunity to "resharpen the saw", review your current system and practices and refocus to ensure

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you optimise your opportunities and realise successful project outcomes.

Your existing and new staff will benefit from a structured overview of the tried and proven yet simple and effective management strategies that realise improvements and are vital to business success.

One of the best learning methods is using case studies, Mr Coyle said. They show in a context most readily understand, the benefits and pitfalls that can result from effective management or the lack of it.

If you are seeking to enter into, or do more business with Government you can't afford not to take action says Mr Mick Raby, the keynote speaker on "Effectively Doing Business with Government". Mick Raby is an engaging and knowledgeable presenter who will provide valuable perspectives and insights on doing business with the Government. Mr Raby says there are key lessons that are common across all types of projects. Whether they be roads and infrastructure projects, buildings and assets works maintenance, or whether it is in general procurement, purchasing and maintenance of all plant and equipment, the lessons to be learnt are nearly all the same.

Mr Raby says he appreciates where the other side is coming from, having worked as a small single trade contractor in the private sector. "I have a strong empathy for the contractors", says Mr Raby. "I know the challenges that small and larger contractors face in the building and construction industry."

If you want to obtain invaluable tools and templates, and have their application demonstrated you would be mad to miss out says Mr Raby. These opportunities don't come by everyday and now is the time when most firms will need these the most.

For more information on these seminars visit www.federalcm.com.au to download the flyer and registration form or contact "Conference Solutions" ph ( 02) 6285 3000

of the

You really would have to be hard-nosed not to be sympathetic to the training issues confronting our Landscaping fraternity.

They are recognised by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Training (or DEEWR) as a trade experiencing skill shortages and yet they do not actually have an aligned and specific trade qualification on the Australian Qualifications Framework. Most people within the industry know exactly what Landscapers can do and frequently engage good Landscapers to add the finishing touches to newly built projects to provide the finishing edge. A good Landscaper is worth their weight in topsoil.

In practice, most Landscapers, in the quest to become good at their jobs, go down the pathway of seeking formal 'weed and seed' trade qualifications as Horticulturalists ironically most of the specific landscaping competencies and essential skills are actually learned on-site as a part of the day-to-day job.

Even the horticultural apprentices have it tough as unlike their peer learners in carpentry and bricklaying, they are ineligible for the 'Tools of the Trade' training allowance – apparently because of some arbitrary trade demarcation ruling imposed by the Department that administers the money. If you were at all half-pie about becoming a landscaper, it all seems just a tad too hard.

It is not that landscapers are not passionate about their work or their capabilities – spend ten minutes with Mick Burgess of Urban Contractors at the Tulips Cafe in Pialligo and you'll see what I mean. He is used to being a part of the industry's 'untouchable class' when it comes to getting training issues resolved. The long history of limited external recognition for their situation has resulted in a lack of support from within their own ranks. If you want to weaken a group, just mess with their prospects for the future – and that is all about training – and they will fall to the floor like cards from a one-handed shuffle.

There is at least a sniff of good news on the horizon. Landscapers have mastered the art of asking questions for which there are presently no answers – and for which there ought to be. If I was going to be at all critical at all of the landscaper juggernaut I would say that only a few brave hearts now speak on behalf of the many – and the many ought to get behind the new 'winning formula' as if there are to be structural changes in the landscaping landscape, the lobbying will need to be supported vigorously both locally and nationally - first and foremost by Landscapers themselves.

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009

plightlandscapers The

We all know what we want when we say we need a good Landscaper to finish off the worksite – and we also know that while this includes a sound knowledge of horticultural considerations, it is much more about the structures and designs that we place value on the work done by this trade.

Getting a new qualification that fits what Landscapers actually need to be able to do and know up and registered, as Vince Ball from CITC said "that is the easy part of the equation…" This from the man who acknowledges he has a sweet tooth and an eye for a good dessert.

What we as an industry need to look at is how we can demonstrate our support for Landscapers so that they can become selfdetermining and thus provide some guarantee of sustainability. Someone very famous once said that an industry is only as strong as its most vulnerable link and within our industry at present Landscapers are only one such group with their derrieres pointed to the wall. In times of economic uncertainly and harshness however we have the opportunity to demonstrate the Aussie iconic 'mateship'; if we allow Landscapers to remain marginalised and under-valued in essence we are doing ourselves in at the same time. Grant Daly – Director, Skills, Development & Research

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Training & Efficiency Go Hand in Hand

Ironically one of the first areas of expenditure to get the razor in financially challenged times is training and education when in fact it is arguably the one single investment that potentially produces the greatest dividend – when the investor knows what s/he is investing in.

At one time training in our industry was very much focussed on what a learner needed to know to do a particular job at a particular time. Things have changed significantly and you might be forgiven for thinking that training has become an industry in its own right with all of the changes it has undergone in the last ten years.

The biggest danger with training is that it will forget its relationship to the industry that it serves and no longer consult or take advice from its point of origin. We would all agree or at least understand that training needs to be externally regulated so as to ensure consistency of outcomes, appropriate processes, and demonstrable relevance to modern industry needs but it still needs to be a part of the industry 'family'.

Training can become self-serving, if it is left to its own processes and this represents a cost to the industry consumer initially and to the tax payer in the wider context.

Master Builders affirms its commitment to our membership in the first instance and secondarily, to the wider building and construction industry in the ACT. It sets out to provide training opportunities which meet specific and negotiated needs and which in turn produce specific measureable and applicable outcomes. In addition to these pledges, Master Builders is keen to work with the membership to develop training programs based on the actual and palpable training needs identified on site. Few people realise that we have our national reputation at stake every time we take on a new training brief. We recognise that in these economically strained times when our membership must invest their capital more prudently than usual, we must ensure that training remains a loyal servant to the industry it engages.

Master Builders seeks to unpack training so that the following outcomes can be achieved: A standard of excellence in delivery Achievement of competency by all participants through precision in practice

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Transparency and validity in terms of the training methodology Consistency in terms of results - outcomes with a heritage value.

Flexibility in learning options – training to align with productivity requirements Relevance to the workplace setting through consultation and industry involvement Research to determine current practices All of these outcomes generate excellence in the built form. We advocate training as the medium and the strategy to produce results in the workplace – for these reasons training produces not only a dividend in terms of productivity but a set of outcomes negotiated

between the stakeholders. With our new facilities and our investment in developing new trainers and wider training briefs, we have now got an enhanced capability to meet and exceed industry training needs. Our outcomes speak for themselves; seldom do our 'graduate' apprentices find themselves looking for work – it looks for them. A study of our apprentice and cadet 'graduates' shows that they are to a person successfully engaged within the industry and in many cases back amongst the learning population to gain higher qualifications and enhanced employment capability.

stimulus package and the

building industry

The Federal Government's $42 billion "Nation Building and Jobs Plan" includes a number of major initiatives likely to benefit the building and construction industry.

In addition to measures directly affecting the building and construction sector, the package includes $2.7 billion in temporary tax breaks for small businesses, which are available to the building industry The plan includes: free ceiling insulation for around 2.7 million Australian homes; $14.7 billion in new infrastructure for Australia's 9,540 schools; building more than 20,000 new government housing and defence homes; and

an $890 million funding boost for local community infrastructure and local road projects.

Negotiations with the Independents and Greens secured the passage of the measures through the Senate after the Government agreed to cut cash payments to single income families and employees earning up to $100,000 from $950 to $900 and redirect the savings to community projects.

In its third stimulus package in response to the global financial crisis, the Government said it would allow a 30 cent in the dollar investment tax break for small and general businesses buying eligible assets.

Small businesses will be able to access the tax break for assets costing $1,000 or more.

For all other businesses, the asset threshold is $10,000.

The tax break provides an additional tax deduction for assets acquired from 13 December 2008 to 30 June 2009, where the asset is installed before 30 June 2010. The deduction will be equal to 30 per cent of the asset's cost.

The 30 per cent deduction replaces to 10 per cent temporary investment allowance announced in the Government's earlier stimulus package on 12 December.

Master Builders Executive Director John Miller said, "Within this package the Government has apportioned funding for the construction of 20,000 new social housing dwellings and 802 new houses for Australian Defence Force personnel.

"For our industry that represents a substantial boost at a time when consumer sentiment has seen activity levels in decline."

He said that "while a number of our members continue to be busy, their forward order books are looking decidedly empty and that is something that can be addressed by initiatives such as those contained in the latest Commonwealth stimulatory package."

The ACT Government expects to receive $102 million for new construction and increased maintenance of ACT public housing from the Federal Government's $42 billion economic stimulus package. Of the $102 million channelled into ACT Social Housing, $96 million will be used to construct some 290 homes in the ACT over the next three and a half years. The balance of $6 million will be used to upgrade 140 properties.

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009

Government

The ACT Government has also announced it will change planning regulations to allow ACT schools to start building quickly with funds from the Federal Government's $14.7 billion Building the Education Revolution package,

which forms part of its $42 billion economic stimulus.

The majority of school infrastructure projects will be able to by-pass the Development Approval process. A new regulation will set guidelines around building heights and set backs from adjacent properties. ACTPLA will appoint a senior in-house coordinator to act as a key contact with the ACT Coordinator General, the Department of Education and Training and Development Application assessors to ensure school applications are processed quickly, the Government said.

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FOR HEALTH TUNE UP On a glorious autumn day in Canberra, over 200 players participated in the 2009 Master Builders Annual Golf Day. The early risers, including Jerry Howard and his team, teed off in the dark to avoid the pressure of having to take their first shots in front of a crowd. Around the course the players were given mini lessons from local golf pro Leigh Hunter, they had to get past the Speed Cop – Sgt Shono Merci and on the 8th tee FAW supplied a cement mixer and players tried to chip into it. The Commonwealth Bank sponsored the two BBQs and the Master Builders and Yowani staff ensured there were plenty of refreshments.

The Master Builders thank the companies that donated prizes for the monster raffle – Watsons Awnings and Blinds, Gold Creek Country Club, Skillers Workwear, ACTAB, National Fixing, Douglas Joinery, CSR Bradford, Lighting & Ceramics & the Builders Trading Co-operative. Also the generosity shown by Seears Workwear, Prime Industries, ActewAGL and Avis, who donated auction items helped bring the total raised for Oz Help to $5,000.

During the dinner function the special guest Darryl Brohman relived his glory days in rugby League when interviewed by host Kevin Woolfe, and Keith Todd from Oz Help gave the guests an overview of the important work done by the foundation.

Brand Hoff, Bernie Rees, John Miller, Geoff Rees

e Goodman Law Traffic cop - On th ecks t. Shono Merci ch sponsored hole, Sg Lindsay Carne. the swing speed of with ayers were issued During the day pl out ding - driving with various fines inclu g flora ntion, endangerin due care and inte rmit oving without a pe and fauna, earthm r fo ed se he was fin and in Lindsay's ca lf. r of the game of go attempted murde paid m Goodman Law Steven Gavagna fro ted ccessfully represen all fines issued, su r fo Court except all players in Golf was charged with Classic George who n't Golfer" and you ca "Impersonating a nsible. defend the indefe 32

Ross Barrett, Mike Raffety, Joh

n Hailey.

Canberra Building News Edition 1–2009

Darryl B rohman enterta guests ined th at the d e inner fu nction.

ector Oz Keith Todd, Executive Dir beneficiaries of Help. Oz Help were the m the monster the day's fund raising. Fro 0.00 was raffle and auction $5,00 ll help purchase raised and this money wi ed for the the consumables requir t assists tha Tradies Tune-up van on work sites with free health checks around Canberra.

major sponsor John Miller, Dennis Gugliemin from winner of the golf day Rivoland Tiles, Overall ett Barr s Ros y, Terr with 45 points Peter

2009 Annual Golf Day Sponsors Platinum Sponsor & Drink Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

BBQ Sponsor

Corporate Partners

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17 February 2009 Sponsored by Austbrokers

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Christine Miliano, Account Manager, Austbrokers Megan Smithies, Under Treasurer, ACT David Watts, Branch Manager, Austbrokers

5 March 2009 Sponsored by Colliers International

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Andrew Barr MLA, Minister for Planning and Education and Training Paul Powderly, State Chief Executive, Colliers International 9 March 2009 Sponsored by The Village Building Company

12 March 2009 Sponsored by CB Richard Ellis

Lindsay Callaghan, Town Planner, CB Richard Ellis Neil Savery, Chief Executive Planning, ACT Planning & Land Authority Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT

Ross Barrett, President, Master Builders Association of the ACT Meredith Hunter MLA, ACT Greens Caroline Le Couteur MLA, ACT Greens John Kenworthy, General Manager Housing, The Village Building Co

Safety… it's just good business.

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