Master Plumber Magazine - Summer 2022

Planning for Professional Development Profit Benchmarking for Plumbers

MPAQ

Welcome to the Summer edition of the Master Plumber Magazine!

As we close the door on 2022 and welcome in a new year, I would like to thank everyone who has actively engaged with MPAQ this year, whether it’s been through magazine contributions, event attendance, membership, or something else. We love to work with everyone in the industry to make a difference and impact. Looking ahead to 2023, we have been working on some exciting new developments (more information coming in the new year!) that we can’t wait to share with you.

In October, the Plumbing and Gas Industry Awards were held once again. You can find out more about the night and this year’s winners on pages 14-19.

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners.

Following the launch of our updated Guide to Calculating Charge Out Rates document in the Winter 2022 edition of the magazine, I encourage you to check out “Profit Benchmarking for Plumbers” on pages 26-27, where Mick Renton, Founding Partner and CEO of Xact Accounting, takes a look at how your business stacks up against others in the industry.

Our training courses for 2023 get started early in January, so check out our calendar on pages 32-33 for courses in the first few months of the year. There’s also more information on pages 30-31 about planning for professional development.

We always like to feature our members in Master Plumber to celebrate your successes, recognise your achievements, and tell your stories. So, if you have something you would like to share in 2023, please email us at advertising@mpaq.com.au.

Congratulations to all members reaching milestones in this edition, and a warm welcome to our newest members. Have a merry Christmas and a happy new year. Happy Reading!

Ashleigh

2022-2023 Federal Budget

Could You Save on Fees and Charges?

PERSPECTIVE

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Congratulations must go to all the finalists and winners from the 22nd Plumbing and Gas Industry Awards night, hosted by MPAQ on 14 October this year. Once again, the night was a runaway success and the MPAQ team must be acknowledged for organising another excellent event. A thank you must also go to the Event Partner, Reliance Worldwide Corporation, for their generous support.

Penny Cornah, Executive Director

In October, we celebrated 22 years of success for our Plumbing and Gas Industry Awards program, where we hosted over 720 people, our largest celebration ever. We are honoured to run this program, which consistently recognises the high level of professionalism and excellence in our industry.

We also experienced record numbers of nominations for these awards. It was great to see that so many people recognise the importance of celebrating excellence in our industry.

The high standard of nominations has truly surpassed our expectations, and every single nominee deserves praise for what they have achieved. We wouldn’t be able to celebrate these achievements without the support of our partners, and I would like to thank all of them.

I would like to give a special appreciation to our Event Partner, Reliance Worldwide Corporation. Thank you for continuing to support MPAQ and the industry; we couldn’t be more thrilled to have such an amazing supporter on board.

Full details of our awards night and winners are on pages 14-19.

It has been a huge year for MPAQ, advocating and supporting our members. I hope you can have a break to recharge your batteries over the Christmas and New Year period. Thank you to each member and associate for your support this year. We look forward to continuing to provide services and support in 2023.

Thank you to our MPAQ Council for their strategic guidance, passion, and dedication this year. These individuals give up their time to give back to our industry and for that, I am truly grateful. Our Council is led by our President, Kent Vickers. Kent is determined to make a difference in our industry and for that, I would like to say thank you.

I would also like to thank the MPAQ team, for your hard work and your contribution. You go above and beyond, putting our members first, and we couldn’t deliver the high level of services and support that our members expect and deserve without your contributions. I would like to especially acknowledge my deputy, Ernie Kretschmer, and the MPAQ management team, Summer, Tracy, Cara and Ashleigh.

Merry Christmas and I look forward to seeing you in the New Year.

To contact me please call 07 3273 0800 or email penny. cornah@mpaq.com.au.

Kent Vickers, President

After a couple of delays, the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) at Beenleigh was officially opened by the Premier and Minister for the Olympics, the Hon. Anastasia Palaszczuk, on 16 November. The Queensland Government has been a supporter of the college since day one and the generous grant awarded to the stakeholders to complete the development has been well spent. The Queensland Government recognises the importance of providing state of the art training for our apprentices, but this college goes one step further to ensure that our current workforce can upskill and engage in continual professional development.

The college will play a pivotal role in filling the ever-widening gap that we are experiencing when it comes to labour supply. Construction Skills Queensland modelling indicates that the growth that we expect to see in the next three to five years will out-strip our current available labour force many times over. It is so important to keep training and upskilling the younger generation to ensure we have a sustainable workforce to supply the future building boom.

The jewel in the crown at Beenleigh is the hydrogen training centre of excellence. This facility will be the hydrogen training hub for Southeast Queensland. It will provide a fantastic opportunity for our members to upskill their qualifications and allow them to install and maintain hydrogen appliances.

There is no doubt that the rising interest rates and the increased price of living have left their mark in 2022. Although we were all warned that this was an inevitable consequence of the last two years, it still comes as a shock when the pain is finally delivered.

With electricity, fuel, and mortgage repayments all heading north at an alarming rate, we must remind ourselves that the last two years have been some of the most profitable times the construction industry in Queensland has ever experienced. MPAQ has developed a charge out rate calculator to keep a check on the markup and margins each business is charging to ensure they remain profitable and competitive. If you would like to know more, please contact the office on 07 3273 0800 or email info@mpaq.com.au.

As another year draws to a close, I want to thank every one of our members for their support and continued dedication to MPAQ. We are here to service your needs and to provide representation at all levels of government and industry. Without your support and continued membership, we do not have the strength in numbers to be heard.

On behalf of myself and my board members, I want to wish you all a happy, healthy, and relaxing Christmas and New Year. I hope you all experience some quality time with your family and make some new memories. I look forward to 2023 and thank you for your support.

Life’s good!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the MPAQ Staff and Council

MANAGING RESPIRABLE CRYSTALLINE SILICA DUST EXPOSURE IN CONSTRUCTION AND MANUFACTURING OF CONSTRUCTION ELEMENTS CODE OF PRACTICE 2022

The new Code is Australia’s first silica dust code of practice for the construction industry and will commence in Queensland on 1 May 2023. It applies to all construction work as well as the manufacturing of materials such as bricks, blocks, tiles, mortar, and concrete.

The Code outlines how duty holders can meet the requirements of Queensland’s work health and safety legislation, including eliminating or minimising exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) at work, by:

• using tried and tested dust control methods that prevent silica dust from being generated or being released into the air, including water suppression and on-tool dust extraction;

• using appropriate respirable protective equipment to safeguard at-risk workers;

• using exposure data from air monitoring to check dust controls are effective;

• providing health monitoring to at-risk workers, with clearly defined triggers for testing based on level of risk; and

• consulting with workers, as well as training, education, instruction, and supervision of workers.

The Code was developed in close consultation with workers, employers, and technical experts across Queensland, building on international best practice to ensure silica dust is managed safely and workers are protected in the construction industry and the manufacturing of construction materials.

Visit https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/laws-and-compliance/codes-of-practice to find out more.

Article source: www.worksafe.qld.gov.au

ELECTRICAL LICENCE DISCIPLINARY ACTION

In October 2022, the Electrical Licensing Committee took disciplinary action against five licence holders.

Commissioner for Electrical Safety and Chair of the Electrical Licensing Committee, Keith McKenzie has a message for electrical workers based on the committee’s review of recent cases:

• Electrical workers must only work to the requirements according to the type of licence they hold. If you have a restricted electrical work licence, no installation work can be carried out.

• If you supervise electrical apprentices, you must ensure they are competent to perform the work tasked to them and offer clear and concise instructions. Involve apprentices in the lockout/tagout of equipment process.

• Several failures to test were a result of jobs being rushed, not enough time at the end of the day, and pressure demands placed on workers and contractors.

• Prior to the most important task of the installation, testing, stop for a short break, read your company’s testing requirements, and refer to section 8 of the wiring rules and AS/NZS:3017.

• Failure to test correctly can result in electrical shock, fatality, and fire. It can also result in an electrical licensed worker and electrical contractor losing their licence or being disqualified from holding a licence.

• An electrical licensed worker or contractor could face prosecution in court.

• If you don’t feel confident in the requirements of testing, or have not undertaken a testing course lately, a number of registered training organisations offer the unit of competency called ‘Apply currency of safe working practices and compliance verification of electrical installations’.

On page 8 of the Summer 2021 edition of the Master Plumber magazine, we published the article Changes in the Electrical Safety Standard and Marking Requirements of Submersible Pumps , which highlighted the new electrical safety requirements for the importing, manufacturing, and sale of submersible pumps that came into force from December 2021. You can access this edition at www.mpaq.com.au/news/magazine.

MPAQ members with any questions can call the MPAQ technical team at 07 3273 0800.

Article source: eSAFE Electrical, November 2022

WET WELLS

It is not uncommon for a plumber to be confronted with the challenge of connecting sanitary plumbing fixtures where they are to be located below the level of the utility provider’s gravity sewer. This may involve the collecting and pumping of the combined black and grey water waste from multiple fixtures including whole of house or granny flat-type installations.

A “wet well” is defined under AS/NZS 3500.0 as “a below-ground chamber for the collection of sewage and/or wastewater and fitted with a pumping device to raise the contents to a suitable disposal point”. This type of installation is commonplace in commercial projects; however, there appears to be some confusion regarding a “wet well” being approved to be installed in a domestic application, particularly where such a facility would need to be installed internally such as in a basement.

A “wet well” can be installed internally in a basement of a Class 1a dwelling subject to any limitations stated in the NCC, AS/NZS 3500.2:2018, and the Queensland Plumbing and Waste Water Code.

The installation shall be subject to the following:

• The installation shall comply with AS/NZS 3500.2:2018 , Section 12 and Clauses 12.5 and 12.6.

• The outlet pipe from the sanitary pump shall discharge to an approved connection point in accordance with Clause 12.7.

• The pump discharge pipe shall comply with the relevant sections of AS/NZS 3500.1:2018 and AS/NZS 3500.2:2018

• The sanitary drainage system upstream of the “wet well” shall be vented in accordance with AS/NZS 3500.2:2018 Clause 3.9 and shall incorporate provision for overflow relief in accordance with Clause 4.6.6.

The pumped discharge downstream of the “wet well” shall be protected from potential sewer surcharge in accordance with Clause 4.5 where the installation conditions necessitate such protection.

Before installing a “wet well” we recommend that you consult with the relative local authority regarding any specific local specifications that may need approval. Furthermore, consideration should be given to the provision of alternative sanitary facilities in the event of power outages.

MPAQ members with any questions can call the MPAQ technical team at 07 3273 0800.

Article written by Kerry Apelt – Technical Officer, MPAQ

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace has approved Queensland’s new Managing respirable crystalline silica dust exposure in construction and manufacturing of construction elements Code of Practice 2022 .

expectations for modern homes.

NCC 2022 is available on the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) website and commences on 1 May 2023, with a transition period for the Modern Homes standards ending on 1 October 2023. This transition period gives the industry time to familiarise itself and make any necessary adjustments to adopt these changes.

It is anticipated that guidance material to support the industry to transition to the NCC 2022 requirements will be published by the ABCB.

What You Need to Know about Modern Homes Standards

The ‘Modern Homes’ standards apply to new houses and units and include:

• Energy efficiency: a seven out of 10-star requirement for the building shell and a new ‘whole-of-house’ assessment method to determine the energy budget of the dwelling’s major appliances and any on-site renewable energy e.g. solar photovoltaic (PV); and

• Accessible housing: at least one step-free entry into the home, wider internal doors and corridors, and a toilet on the ground (or entry) level. There will be sensible exemptions for new homes on steep slopes and small lots, as well as for traditional designs like the iconic Queenslander.

The NCC 2022 provisions represent the first change to energy efficiency requirements for homes in over a decade.

The introduction of the accessible housing standards in the NCC 2022 reflects the Silver-level specifications in Livable Housing Australia’s Design Guidelines. These guidelines have evolved since the 2009 National Dialogue on Universal Housing Design between industry, community, and government organisations.

The accessible housing standards will ensure new homes are designed to meet the changing needs of occupants throughout their lifetime, as well as people with mobility challenges, and promote more inclusive communities. New dwellings will also be more naturally comfortable and will reduce the cost of living by minimising energy bills over the life of the home.

The ‘Modern Homes’ standards support Queensland’s commitment to meet emission reduction targets and create more inclusive communities, which benefits all Queenslanders.

The Department of Energy and Public Works will consult with industry and community stakeholders on Queensland’s existing energy efficiency variations to the NCC as provided through the Queensland Development Code MP 4.1–Sustainable buildings to determine their suitability.

For more details, go to www.epw.qld.gov.au/about/ initiatives/modern-homes/modern-homes-standards.

AUSTRALIA’S FIRST

HYDROGEN CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE OPENS IN BRISBANE

Queensland’s future workforce will be primed to help transform the state into a global hydrogen superpower, with the opening of Australia’s first Hydrogen Centre of Excellence.

The Premier officially opened the $20 million vocational training centre in Beenleigh in November in partnership with the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre.

It’s one of four renewable and hydrogen training centres committed to by the Palaszczuk Government, which will see apprentices and trainees graduating with skills to meet the needs of our future energy system.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the centre would support more good job opportunities in Queensland’s growing hydrogen sector.

“Queensland is on track to becoming a global hydrogen heavyweight,” the Premier said.

“We recently announced our $62 billion Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan, which will drive our renewable energy transformation.

“This includes developing our hydrogen industry, which is expected to grow by $19 billion and create 4,350 jobs by 2040.

“We’re already on our way with 40 hydrogen projects happening across the state.

“And in November I was in Townsville to announce the North Queensland Super Hub, a partnership between Fortescue Future Industries (FFI) and clean energy operator Windlab, who have plans to produce green hydrogen at an industrial scale.

“But to realise the full economic potential of our energy transformation, we need to invest in our workforce – and this new $20 million training centre does that.

“We want to deliver Queensland’s energy transformation with our own resources and our own people, which is why we are investing heavily in skills and training.”

Treasurer Cameron Dick said the energy transformation provided Queensland with a once-in-a-generation jobs opportunity.

“Our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan will support 100,000 new jobs, the majority of which will be in regional Queensland,” the Treasurer said.

“Queensland has the natural resources, the ports, the workforce, and the skills to become a global leader in the emerging green hydrogen industry, which will be good for Queensland’s economy.”

Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni said the new facility would leverage partnerships to help supercharge the hydrogen industry in Queensland by delivering a skilled workforce.

“This partnership demonstrates how working together with industry, unions, and government, we can deliver a world-class workforce in Queensland,” Minister de Brenni said.

“There are already 40 hydrogen projects happening across the state, and production is planned to scale up under our Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.

“The training centre is the direct result of the strong collaboration that exists between the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre partners and the Palaszczuk Government.

“Working with PICAC means our government will ensure we can fast-track the development of the renewable hydrogen industry.”

Minister for Training and Skills Development Di Farmer said the centre would deliver hundreds of extra apprentices each year.

“The new world-class training centre includes specialised gas training equipment, lower carbon technology upgrades, roof-access work platforms, special hazards fire systems, and state-of- the-art training rooms,” Minister Farmer said.

“It will expand training capacity from 700 to 1100 apprenticeships and tradies per year, training workers in fire protection, fire control, plumbing, and hydrogen.

“It is vital these skills are developed by trainees and apprentices now, so that we have the workforce to deliver the projects we’ve already got, and the many more in the pipeline.”

Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre Chief Executive Shayne La Combre said the centre was critical for the industry.

“This world-leading centre is a great example of industry working together to equip apprentices with the skills needed for jobs now and into the future,” Mr La Combre said.

“Never have the skills of those working in our energy industries been so critical to the economic future here in Queensland and Australia.”

“This centre will ensure apprentices and those working in the industry receive high-quality training to prepare them for jobs in new and emerging industries like hydrogen.”

Starting construction in February 2021, the project, led by Hutchinson Builders, committed to employ 70 apprentices and support a total of 100 jobs throughout construction, exceeding that target by employing over 110 apprentices.

The Palaszczuk Government’s hydrogen commitments:

• $4.5 billion for the Queensland Renewable Energy and Hydrogen Jobs Fund

• $50 million to develop four state-of-the-art renewable and hydrogen training centres including:

• $10.6 million is going towards building a hydrogen and renewable energy training facility at the Bohle Trade Training TAFE in Townsville.

• $2 million to upgrade facilities at Gladstone State High School to prepare students for hydrogen jobs, and $4 million for an energy training and skills strategy.

• $15 million to supercharge, coordinate, and further plan for renewable hydrogen hubs in key locations across the state

Federally funded hydrogen hubs:

• $71.9 million for the development of a hydrogen hub in Townsville

• $69 million that was confirmed for the Central Queensland Hydrogen Hub in Gladstone

For more information about the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre Beenleigh, visit www.picac.edu.au/picac-beenleigh.

Article supplied by QLD Government Media

MPAQ VISITS THE HYDROGEN HOME

Development and research into hydrogen have been ongoing for a number of years, which has led to the development of hydrogen gas meters.

Pietro Fiorentini has developed this H2-SSM smart meter capable of measuring both natural gas and 100 percent hydrogen. It is capable of switching between the two fuel types without any additional intervention.

UK. Both boilers are able to be installed now using natural gas with the ability to change over to hydrogen once it is rolled out. These two appliances in the Hydrogen Home are working on 100 percent hydrogen. The switchover of gas types would involve swapping a few components and would need to be performed by a licensed gas technician.

Hy Grove is two semi-detached homes built in partnership between Cadent and Northern Gas Networks and the government’s Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), to provide the public with the opportunity to experience a zero-emission gas-fuelled home of the future.

Unlike natural gas, which is responsible for over 30% of carbon emissions in the UK, hydrogen produces no carbon at the point of use.

The houses showcase 100 percent hydrogenfed appliances from leading manufacturers such as Worcester Bosch, Baxi, and Stoves.

The other gas meter featured at the Hydrogen House is from SIT Group. The Domusnext 2.0 MMU6 H2 is a residential meter that, once again, is 100 percent hydrogen compatible. This meter was the first in the world to obtain the Measuring Instrument Device (MID) certification.

Moving inside the Hydrogen Home, the kitchen is home to a boiler. This appliance provides central heating for the house by way of radiators in each room. It also supplies hot water by means of heating a mains-fed hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard.

One house has a Worcester Bosch boiler and the other one has a Baxi boiler. Both units were developed for the HY4HEAT scheme in the

The boilers are room-sealed, high-efficiency, condensing appliances. Flue gases are expelled at a low temperature. This is because much of the latent heat is recycled using a secondary heat exchange. Condensing gas appliances have been compulsory in the UK since 2003.

The Baxi boiler was slightly louder than the Worcester Bosch—it’s likely that there was not much soundproofing in this demonstration appliance. Both units heated the houses nicely, and you wouldn’t have known they were running on hydrogen gas.

The cooking facilities feature a hydrogen cooktop and hydrogen oven in one house and an all in one hydrogen stove in the other house.

Stuart McConnell visited Hy Grove, a hydrogen house in the United Kingdom.

One of the gas meters at the Hydrogen Home

The Domusnext 2.0 MMU6 H2 pictured at the Hydrogen Home

Worcester Bosch boiler

In September, MPAQ’s Technical Officer and Trainer Stuart McConnell visited the Hydrogen Home, Hy Grove, operated by Cadent at the Northern Gas Networks innovation site in Low Thornley, Gateshead in the United Kingdom.

Can you see the rear burner? You will notice the green LED lit up.

As hydrogen flames are nearly invisible, the appliances have been designed with certain colours to highlight the orange flame that is produced from hydrogen combustion.

The appliances also have green LEDs next to the control knobs that light up once a flame is present. This adds another safety feature to the cooktop. The cooktop ignites with a slightly louder pop, and there was a bit of condensation present until the splash back heated up—as you would expect when the product of combustion is water vapour!

The last appliance that is installed in the Hydrogen Home is a gas fire. This decorative space heater provides more of an ambience for a room rather than a heat source. Much like a natural gas equivalent, they will suffice to take the chill off a room, but they are more of a focal point in a lounge area.

This appliance was a Gazco Logic H2 and worked on a remote. It is a room-sealed gas appliance, meaning no further ventilation is required within the room.

You will notice in the picture that once the fire has been on for a couple of minutes, the coals will start to glow orange. The flames underneath were hardly visible.

I would like to thank Alexandra Brightman, the Hydrogen Home Coordinator from Northern Gas Networks for giving me the VIP treatment and showing me around the Low Thornley site, although, I didn’t see the onsite electrolyser as it has gone back to the producer for modifications and repairs. In the meantime, the site is running on bottled hydrogen that is delivered periodically.

The aim is to have the site running on a localised electrolyser producing green hydrogen

powered by solar and wind power, showcasing entirely off-grid green hydrogen.

There is a lot happening at the Low Thornley site. I was given a sneak peek at the next phase, which is a series of five buildings that are all being built using old-fashioned building methods from the 1950s up to the 1990s. Although they are being built using modern materials, the structures will be built in the way they were constructed years ago. This way, tests can be carried out to make sure hydrogen is a viable source of heat in colder, less insulated houses.

The majority of the housing stock in the UK is of old construction, so it is very important to make sure hydrogen could be a viable option for older, inefficient houses.

The Hydrogen Home has proved that hydrogen is a viable option for new homes and developments, so the next step is to prove it is also the case for older houses. Visitors will soon be able to see houses like their own being heated by hydrogen gas.

It is really important to understand that hydrogen isn’t the golden ticket to Net Zero targets. All renewable energy sources will play their part. Some houses may utilise hydrogen gas, some may use heat pumps and electrification, and

others may harness wind, solar, or wave power. All renewables will assist in the greater good to cut carbon emissions.

I applaud Cadent and Northern Gas Networks for commissioning the Hydrogen Home. The HY4HEAT scheme has also brought manufacturers together to produce these innovative appliances. Public awareness is so important when there is a possible change in gas type. Making sure the public is on side and confident with the technology is critical.

The looming energy crisis may well force consumers to take a closer look at where their energy is coming from.

Although the Hydrogen Home is in the United Kingdom, I would recommend anyone visiting the UK to drop in and have a look. It is booked out until early 2023 so plan your visit wisely!

Closer to home, the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) in Beenleigh has opened its renewable hydrogen training facility. This state-ofthe-art facility is gearing up for the development and delivery of hydrogen training courses. These courses will allow gas fitters to get the necessary qualifications to work with hydrogen gas.

Article written by Stuart McConnell – EngTech (MIGEM) –Technical Officer, MPAQ

Baxi boiler

The flame is visible in the oven.

A close-up of the flame.

From 2023, PepsiCo Australia will trial a hydrogen fuelled heavy duty truck at one of its Brisbane manufacturing sites. The trial is in partnership with Pure Hydrogen, a company positioning itself as a supplier of both hydrogen powered vehicles via leasing arrangements, as well as hydrogen itself.

Pure Hydrogen is casting its net wider with a terms sheet reached with giant food and beverage conglomerate PepsiCo for the trial of a hydrogen fuel cell prime mover.

Under the terms sheet, the company will supply PepsiCo with a hydrogen fuel cell 160kW 6x4 prime mover for use at one of the latter’s preferred delivery points in Brisbane from mid-2023.

Additionally, Pure Hydrogen (ASX:PH2) will provide additional hydrogen supply as required, including refuelling.

After the trial PepsiCo will determine if the prime mover has a commercial use-case, and they may order further hydrogen powered vehicles over the period 2023-25.

The trial is the latest in a number that Pure Hydrogen is undertaking – including its agreement for JJ Waste & Recycling to trial Australia’s first hydrogen fuel cell refuse collection vehicle – as part of a broader market strategy to demonstrate the commercial use-case of affordable hydrogen and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. With this also being done here in Southeast Queensland.

The truck will be supplied by BLK Auto under a Master Supply Agreement covering the distribution of trucks, buses, and storage pods for Asia Pacific and Africa for 10 years and exclusively for these trucks for a period of one year from the delivery of the trial truck.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with a globally recognised and respected company such as PepsiCo, to commence trials for a prime mover vehicle powered by hydrogen fuel cells,” managing director Scott Brown said.

“This trial will further showcase the potential of Australia’s hydrogen energy markets – particularly for the commercial trucking industry, which relies heavily on existing fossil diesel. Pure Hydrogen is leading the way in providing use cases for hydrogen, covering many different uses including hydrogen generators, hydrogen utes, and now hydrogen trucks.

PepsiCo ANZ Sustainability Manager Brent Gapes said the company was excited to partner with Pure Hydrogen on a first for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.

“This trial demonstrates our commitment to net zero emissions across our value chain by 2040 – a goal that forms an integral component of PepsiCo Positive, a sustainability framework for how we operate within planetary boundaries and inspire positive change for the planet and people,” he said.

“As one of the largest food manufacturers in Australia, we recognise we have a role to play in reducing our impact on the environment and I look forward to working with Pure Hydrogen on how we can extend the trial further.”

To find out more, visit www.purehydrogen.com.au.

Picture:

QLD

On Friday 14 October, the 2022 Plumbing and Gas Industry Awards recognised the outstanding achievements, hard work, and dedication of Queensland-based individuals and companies. This year’s winners have broken all expectations through growth, development, community engagement, and standards of excellence, making Queensland’s plumbing and gas industry beyond compare.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2022 WINNERS!

AITC School Based Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Cody Sharp, Super Bowl Plumbing

Cody Sharp, a student at the Australian Industry Trade College, is completing his school-based apprenticeship with Super Bowl Plumbing on the Gold Coast. Having been attracted to the trade due to its hands-on nature, Cody demonstrates a solid technical knowledge of plumbing and drainage for someone so early in his career. Described by his employer as a hard worker that always shows up on time, Cody has already overcome adversity on site and his confidence has grown in the process. With a bright future ahead, Cody hopes to one day be able to take on his own apprentice and impart his experience and knowledge.

Construction Skills Queensland Merv Harris Memorial Bursary Award

Winner: Matthew James, Allanna Plumbing Services

Matthew James is a second-year apprentice with Allanna Plumbing Services in Brisbane and is described by his employer as reliable, responsible, and as having exceeded expectations, especially given he is only halfway through his apprenticeship. With a goal to complete his Certificate IV right after his apprenticeship, Matthew aims to work his way up to supervisor level and gain the ability to run job sites and learn as much as he can about all the varied plumbing pathways available to him. Impressing his teachers at the Service Trades College with his ability to understand the industry, Matthew has a bright future ahead.

Rheem Second Year Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Reuben Thomson, Shaw’s Plumbing and Gas

Reuben Thomson is a mature-aged apprentice with Shaw’s Plumbing and Gas in Brisbane. Successfully transitioning from an accounting background, Reuben hasn’t looked back since participating in work experience and commencing his apprenticeship only 18 months ago. Reuben demonstrates strong communication, adept problem-solving skills, and meticulous attention to detail. Demonstrating a strong level of technical knowledge incorporating legislation, industry standards, and licensing requirements in Queensland, Reuben impressed the judging panel with his initiative, his dedication to all aspects of the plumbing industry, and his passion for helping customers and building networks in the industry.

Third Year Apprentice of the Year

Reece Queensland Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Daniel Crimmins, Calibre Plumbing and Drainage

Daniel Crimmins set himself apart for the judging panel through his very high level of technical knowledge, his passion for the industry, and his willingness to see projects through from start to finish. Described by his employer as persistent, detail-oriented, and an asset to the business, Daniel Crimmins joined the plumbing industry after a decade-long career as a motorcycle mechanic when he tasked himself with finding a new passion through a career change in his early thirties. While also studying for a Bachelor of Health Science, Daniel has found his calling with his apprenticeship through Calibre Plumbing and Drainage in Brisbane and looks forward to establishing himself as a tradesperson in the commercial sector and gaining skills and knowledge across a wide range of areas.

The Service Trades College Fourth Year Apprentice of the Year

Winner: Henry McGahan, Tru-Flow Services Pty Ltd

Henry McGahan is a fourth-year apprentice with Tru-Flow Services in Ipswich, gaining experience on a range of high-level civil and commercial plumbing projects including Defence projects through to high-rise units. Aspiring to one day own and run his own plumbing business, Henry is described by his employer as a reliable, humble, and knowledgeable team member who showcases great leadership and has excelled throughout his apprenticeship through numerous challenges. Henry enjoys working on challenging projects and was attracted to the industry because of the diversity that the trade offers on a day-to-day basis.

Paul Adams and Reuben Thomson Second Year Apprentice of the Year

Daniel Crimmins and the Hon. Di Farmer MP Third Year Apprentice of the Year and Reece Queensland Apprentice of the Year

Cody Sharp and Richard Petherbridge School Based Apprentice of the Year

Matthew James and Michael Kinnane Merv Harris Memorial Bursary

Henry McGahan

Fourth Year Apprentice of the Year

PLUMBING & GAS

Department of Energy and Public Works Tradesperson of the Year

Winner: Mark Brodhurst-Hill, Q Plumb and Gas Pty Ltd

Mark Brodhurst-Hill is a plumber, gas fitter, and business owner who is passionate about the industry and who strives to be the best at what he does. He is also a problem solver his customers and team can rely on. Having started his business over 12 years ago, Mark has endeavored to utilise innovative approaches combined with technical knowledge and a good eye for detail to deliver outstanding service. With a focus on networking, training, and mentoring, Mark has ingrained continual improvement and lifelong learning in himself, his business, and his staff and is most proud of guiding his team to grow in both technical ability and knowledge.

Austbrokers Comsure Andrea Vogler Women in Business Award

Winner: Paula Brodhurst-Hill, Q Plumb and Gas Pty Ltd

Paula Brodhurst-Hill joined her husband Mark in business in 2016. With a background in marketing and communications, having worked for major retailers and Queensland’s largest university, Paula was able to bring a fresh approach to the business. With a focus on making Q Plumb and Gas a profitable and sustainable leader in the industry, Paula injected a new vision, set higher goals, and worked hard to shake things up as a business, leading to increased profitability and turnover in just a few short years. Paula is an active participant in business and networking groups and aims to challenge preconceptions of the plumbing and gas industries to improve its reputation in the wider business community as a highly skilled profession.

RWC Businessperson of the Year

Winner: Lachlan Cooke, Tropical Coast Plumbing

As a plumber, Lachlan Cooke has over 22 years of experience striving to provide the best plumbing service and support to customers. As a business owner, Lachlan is a leader with vision, and he advocates that all employees are equally important and all roles are pivotal to each other. Initially based in Mackay, rapid growth and demand have seen Lachlan take Tropical Coast Plumbing and extend their reach and influence across Rockhampton, Yeppoon, and soon to include Clermont and Townsville. Listening to customer feedback, diversifying the services offered by the business, and a high level of engagement and encouraged contribution from team members have been the secret to his success, which is evident in excellent staff productivity, commitment, and purpose.

Zip Water Industry Leadership Award

Winner: Paul Halliday, Emerson Automation Solutions

Paul Halliday has been entrenched in the backflow industry since 1995 when he filled in for the owner of Valvtec. Soon after, he became the QLD Sales Specialist covering Cairns down to the Mid Coast of New South Wales following overwhelming feedback from customers. Over the past 27 years, Paul has been involved in teaching through various industry bodies and you’d be hard-pressed to find a plumber with a backflow licence that doesn’t know his name.

Paul is described by his peers as passionate, trustworthy, dependable, ever-present, and a solution provider, always there to help troubleshoot or share his industry and product wisdom. To his colleagues, Paul is a loyal mate and a true asset to Emerson.

Darren Smallhorne and Paul Halliday Industry Leadership Award

Rochelle Turner and Paula Brodhurst-Hill Andrea Vogler Women in Business

Shane Yourell and Lachlan Cooke Businessperson of the Year

The Hon. Mick de Brenni MP, Mark Brodhurst-Hill and Anne Neuendorf Tradesperson of the Year

BUSSQ Service Excellence Award

Winner: Evermore Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd

Evermore Plumbing & Gas specialises in all aspects of maintenance plumbing across the domestic, industrial, and commercial industries. As a team that always endeavours to adhere to a consistently high standard of work by implementing best practices and offering top-quality materials and service, customer service is their number one priority and they’re led by the belief that their clients’ needs come first and foremost. With a focus on nurturing relationships with repeat clients overtaking on new clients, and on the wellbeing of their team, Hannah and Damian have fostered a sense of community and team pride within their business, which is evident in the glowing references provided by their clients.

AHSCA Hydraulic Consultancy Design of the Year

Winner: Jacobs Group (Australia) Pty Ltd, Caboolture

Hospital Redevelopment

The Caboolture Hospital Redevelopment design completed by Jacobs Group Australia was of a very high standard. The judging panel was most impressed with the presentation of the hydraulic services design drawings, the consideration taken in the design process, and coordination of the project. The design included several additional water supply, distribution safety, and reliability measures necessary for a large public health facility. The level of detail and product data provided indicated that sufficient research and consideration had been undertaken to ensure that the residents of Caboolture, and its surrounds, had access to a modern, well-equipped, and serviceable facility.

Gas Project of the Year

MM Kembla Outstanding Copper Plumbing & Gas Project of the Year

Winner: Shaw’s Plumbing and Gas, RNA Showgrounds

Shaw’s Plumbing and Gas completed the upgrade to the hot water system at the RNA Showgrounds in Brisbane. The team calculated the required volumes of water and delivered a gas fired system that exceeded the expectations of the client with a more compact and energy-efficient solution. A Rheem Tank Pak system incorporating a manifold of 5 Rheem High Efficiency continuous flow units with vertical flues, storage tank, and secondary return line dramatically cut gas consumption while intelligent controls ensure stored water can cope with the showgrounds demands. This allows for quick recovery and provides continuous hot water.

simPRO Domestic and Residential Technical Award

Winner: Oz Plumbing and Gas, Cambridge

Oz Plumbing and Gas were engaged in the transformation of a 100-yearold cottage located three kilometers from Brisbane’s CBD. The small size, steep gradient, and limited frontage of the block posed several challenges for the duration of the project as site access was limited. The site’s internal drainage was a combined sewer and most of the plumbing fixtures featured in this project were below the level of the sewer connection, which added additional complexity. Meticulous attention to detail was required to execute all aspects of plumbing, drainage, and gas to ensure the work performed reflected the integrity of the home’s design and craftsmanship. The team installed luxurious plumbing fixtures and incorporated the use of state-of-the-art systems to deliver an outstanding project.

Commercial and Industrial Technical Award

Winner: Calibre Plumbing and Drainage, Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club – Commercial Hospitality Building

Calibre Plumbing and Drainage were engaged to upgrade the plumbing, drainage, gas, and fire services to the Moreton Bay Trailer Boat Club for the most significant refurbishment of the club since it was built 56 years ago. This was a challenging task for the team who faced many uphill battles such as the mud flats the building was originally constructed on and dealing with water ingress to their trenches and compaction issues on the highly reactive soil. The team used innovative techniques to overcome the challenges and produced an amazing finish. The project includes four new bars, a new kitchen, four new amenities blocks, new hot water systems, a new fire system complete with a diesel pump, new storm water, trade waste, and sanitary drainage including pump out stations.

Damian Connor, Daniel Campbell Paoli and Brett McIlvride Commercial and Industrial Technical Award

Adam McLucas and Trent Rae Outstanding Copper Project

Simon Gardiner and Stephen Hassett Domestic and Residential Technical Award

Jacobs Group Australia Pty Ltd and Chris Tritton Hydraulic Consultancy Design of the Year

Kent Vickers and Trent Rae Gas Project of the Year

Evermore Plumbing and Gas and BUSSQ Service Excellence Award

PLUMBING INDUSTRY LEADING THE WAY WITH PVC RECYCLING SCHEME

The Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme

expands, further contributing to a responsible and sustainable future.

Plastic pipes have transformed the way we live. The majority of PVC resin imported into Australia is used in the manufacture of PVC pipes and fittings, so it’s no secret that it plays an important role in many industries, most notably, plumbing.

The key to a circular economy is designing products to last. One of the common plastics used for pipe production is PVC. Thanks to its durability and long service life, typically more than 100 years, this material is found on all building sites today. Although most of the PVC goes into the buildings, there can be offcuts that can be reused and reprocessed into new PVC pipe.

As society moves towards a more sustainable future, the plumbing industry is leading the way in playing a role in diverting offcuts of plastic pipes from landfill, increasing the levels of post-consumer recycling (PCR), and contributing to a circular economy.

Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme

To understand the volume of available PVC pipe offcuts and fittings from construction sites, Master Plumbers’ Association Queensland (MPAQ) and Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA), in conjunction with Vinidex, Iplex, Tradelink, and Reece, joined forces and launched the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme in November 2021 as part of their environmental commitments. The Queensland Government provided funding support to ensure the delivery of the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme.

Since the Scheme officially launched on 1 November 2021, collection bins have been set up at eight participating locations across Southeast Queensland,

growing from the seven locations at the launch of the scheme. These bins have been providing alternative outlets for PVC offcuts to be discarded. The offcuts recorded in these bins during the scheme have been audited and data has been recorded.

Through the six-month period, the scheme collected a total of 1,699kg. Out of the collection, 1,194kg (approximately 70%) was able to be re-used in the manufacture of PVC non-pressure pipe. This included approximately 102kg of PVC fencing. The remaining 505kg (30%) was not able to be used, reasons included other materials such as metal, fibreglass fittings, water tanks screens, general waste, screws, other pipe materials, and O-rings. This highlights the importance of education on what can and cannot be disposed of in the collection bins and that behavioural change takes time.

The scheme to date has proven to be popular, with bins being returned full of PVC offcuts. There has been overwhelmingly positive feedback from people within the industry about the scheme, motivating businesses to go out of their way to use the bins at the locations or drop their offcuts directly at the pipe manufacturers.

During the six-month period, the scheme has been marketed through articles and press releases, a video providing an overview of the

scheme and the recycling process, breakfasts on World Earth Day and National Recycling Week, and promoted at trade exhibitions.

Expansion of the Scheme

It was recognised that the six-month timeframe of the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme wasn’t long enough to get a realistic understanding of the PVC construction waste opportunity. With all stakeholders keen to continue and expand the scheme including the continued support from the Queensland Government the scheme has now moved into the next phase with the expansion of more merchant stores, construction sites, and training facilities. The next phase commenced in October 2022 and will run through May 2023.

One of the scheme’s aims is to educate and change behaviours when it comes to the disposal of PVC offcuts. This will be one of the focus areas during the next phase of the scheme providing further guidance on what materials are acceptable and not acceptable in the collection bins to reduce the amount of contamination.

A new addition to the scheme will also be champion plumbers nominated by merchant stores participating in the scheme. These plumbers have been issued with recycling bags to make it easier to capture offcuts on site and transport them to a collection bin.

Into the Future

The goal is to take the learnings from the next six months of the scheme to design, develop and implement a long-term sustainable solution for the collection of PVC offcuts and other plastic pipe materials from the plumbing industry.

Did You Know Plastic Pipes and Fittings Are Different from Single Use Plastics?

Unlike single-use plastics, plastic pipes do not end up as pollution in our waterways or oceans. They are engineered products that are recyclable and designed to last, with minimal waste ending up in landfill. Plastic pipes do not biodegrade or corrode and, generally, their properties remain stable in the long term. These properties are ideal for a product such as pipes, as a long-life expectancy is required.

What Can Be Recycled?

The most common plastics used for pipe production are PVC, polyethylene, and polypropylene, which are all thermoplastics. In simple terms, this means they can be cut up, remelted, and reformed into another shape or product, allowing them to be easily reprocessed and recycled.

The Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme focuses on PVC. PVC non pressure and pressure pipes and fittings are 100% recyclable and like the other plastic materials noted above can be reprocessed and manufactured into new pipe.

Recycling Facts

Pipe offcuts that are collected can be recycled back into new pipes. The amount of recyclable pipe that can be manufactured into new pipe is currently

limited by the low volume of plastic pipes in the waste stream, due to the pipe’s long service life.

PVC pipe can be recycled six to seven times without significant reduction in pipe material quality requirements, highlighting the many benefits of collecting and recycling the offcuts. Assuming a pipe lifetime of 100 years, the PVC material in PVC pipes may have a lifetime in excess of 600 years!

The plastics pipe industry is already recycling post-consumer waste collected from the waste stream and recycled back into pipe products, as well as scrap generated during manufacture, which is reground and fed back into the manufacturing process. This recycled material is incorporated with virgin materials at varying levels to manufacture new pipe, having the same life and performance expectations as pipe made from solely virgin materials.

Production plants for plastic pipes have a lower carbon footprint than alternatives, boasting low emissions and lower embodied energy. The main inputs for the equipment are electrically powered to melt the plastics, resulting in a very clean, enclosed process. The development has no combustion or chemical reaction, resulting in no smoke or emissions produced. From here, the thermoplastic material melts and can be formed into shape.

Overall, the process of producing, recycling, and reusing pipes have minimal environmental effects highlighting the never-ending benefits of implementing the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme. Plastic pipes are smart, efficient, and sustainable, providing long-lasting and reliable infrastructure both now and in the future.

The Construction Plastics Recycling scheme partners are committed to the Australian community and environment. The scheme aims to educate and recycle plastic pipe and fittings waste, diverting from landfill to contribute to a responsible and sustainable future.

To continue to follow the Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme journey follow us on Facebook or Instagram. To find out more about how sustainable plastic pipes are and the benefits it has on today’s society, visit www.pipa.com.au/our-sustainability-story.

Carbon Services Group and Ben Maschotta from Reece

INCREASE TO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PAID PARENTAL LEAVE SCHEME

The Federal Government has announced that the governmentfunded paid parental leave entitlements will increase to a total of 26 weeks, paid at the relevant federal minimum wage rate, for families.

The 26 weeks will be made up of 24 weeks’ paid leave for the primary carer and two weeks for the secondary carer with single parents having access to the full 26 weeks if they meet the eligibility requirements.

The new paid parental leave scheme is set to be phased in from 2024 to 2026 with increased flexibilities of the scheme being introduced from July 2023 to allow parents to take periods of paid parental leave between periods of paid work outside of the home.

Additionally, from July 2023, parents will be assessed on a dual income basis with a combined income of up to $350,000 to be the cut off to the scheme.

The Federal Government is hopeful that the changes are expected to benefit more than 180,000 families across Australia.

Further details on the processing of the revised paid parental leave scheme are still to come. For more information, please contact MPAQ HR team on 07 3273 0800.

Written by Emma Ross – Human Resources Advisor and Office Coordinator, MPAQ

The Fair Work Ombudsman is responsible for enforcing the Fair Work Act 2009 as it applies to all Australian workplaces, including the building and construction industry. The Fair Work Act 2009 includes provisions on:

MAJOR CHANGES TO THE FUNCTIONS OF THE AUSTRALIAN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION COMMISSION

From 10 November 2022, the role of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) has changed significantly. The ABCC’s role in enforcing the Fair Work Act 2009 in the commercial building and construction industry will transfer to the Fair Work Ombudsman.

• wages and entitlements;

• right of entry;

• general protections under the Fair Work Act 2009 , including freedom of association;

• discrimination;

• industrial action;

• sham contracting; and

• strike pay.

Where Can Building Industry Participants Go for Assistance?

From 10 November 2022, you will need to contact the Fair Work Ombudsman for assistance with any new matters relating to the Fair Work Act 2009

If you have a current matter that is being investigated by the ABCC, you will be advised when it has been transferred to the Fair Work Ombudsman. Until then, you can continue to discuss your matter with your current ABCC contact officer.

For further advice please visit www.fairwork.gov.au or contact the MPAQ HR team at 07 3273 0800 or email hr@mpaq.com.au.

Written by Kym

Campbell – Senior HR Advisor, MPAQ

WHAT HAPPENS IF THERE IS A Workplace Accident?

6. Determine a return to work and rehabilitation plan.

Injuries or illnesses can happen in the workplace due to work-related incidents. Whether you’re an injured worker or an employer, there are steps you must take if a work-related injury or illness occurs, no matter how severe the accident.

The following information details these steps, from seeking medical attention and making sure people are safe, to reporting the injury and making a workers’ compensation claim.

1. Seek medical treatment.

Following a work-related injury or illness, it is essential medical treatment is sought. It is important the injured worker sees their doctor or attends the hospital immediately for initial treatment.

The treating doctor will provide a work capacity certificate outlining the injury and the worker’s ability to work. This certificate is needed if a workers’ compensation claim will be made. The treating GP or hospital may also send it directly to WorkCover Queensland. If the certificate is sent directly to WorkCover, they will contact the injured worker to find out if a claim will be submitted.

2. Inform the employer.

The injured worker should advise their employer of the injury or illness as soon as possible. This ensures the employer can provide the most appropriate support and make necessary workplace adjustments. The worker should also provide a copy of the work capacity certificate to the employer. Each workplace is unique. Therefore, all workplace health and safety procedures related to the relevant workplace should be followed.

3. Report as required.

Depending on the nature of the injury, it may be necessary to notify Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) or the Electrical Safety Office (ESO).

A serious injury, illness, or death is considered to be a ‘notifiable incident’. This means you must tell WHSQ or the ESO it’s happened as soon as you become aware of it. If you don’t let them know straight away, you could be penalised. Anyone can notify but the employer is the one legally responsible for making sure this happens.

WHSQ or the ESO will investigate the cause of the incident and how to prevent something similar from happening again. All employers must report injuries sustained by workers for which workers’ compensation may be payable by WorkCover. As an employer, you must report a work-related injury or illness to WorkCover within eight days of becoming aware of it. It is important to note that reporting the injury isn’t the same as making a claim for workers’ compensation.

4. Make a claim.

If the injured worker wants a claim to be made, WorkCover will start the claim process. The injured worker does not need to make the claim; however, if an approved claim is not made, any costs incurred relating to the injury, will be the responsibility of the injured worker.

There are a few ways a claim can be lodged with WorkCover. The fastest and easiest way is to submit an online claim. Alternatively, phone 1300 362 128 and talk to the team directly, who will complete the application on behalf of the injured worker over the phone.

5. Provide information to WorkCover.

It is important that the injured worker and employer provide WorkCover with the required information to determine the claim and make payments if the claim is accepted. Examples of such documents include a work capacity certificate and confirmation of wages.

It is best for everyone if the worker can remain at work post-injury. If the worker is unable to return to work immediately, the injured worker and employer need to work together to develop a list of suitable duties as determined by the treating doctor. If needed, WorkCover can assist by arranging a workplace rehabilitation provider to identify suitable duties at the workplace. If suitable duties are not available at the employer’s workplace, WorkCover can arrange a host employer to increase capacity for return to work.

7. Keep communicating.

An employer who provides support and maintains contact with the injured or ill worker makes a big difference in their return to work and mental health. It is important to stay in touch with injured or ill workers during all stages of the return-to-work process, e.g. regular check-ins and updates on the progress of medical treatment. On occasion, injury counselling may be required for the injured worker.

8. Rehabilitate.

As well as the employer and WorkCover, there are other people who can help the injured worker achieve a successful return to work, such as their supervisor, rehabilitation and return to work coordinator, treating doctor and/or allied health provider and workplace rehabilitation providers.

9. Attend medical appointments.

It is important that the injured worker attends all medical appointments recommended by the treating doctor, allied health professionals, or arranged by WorkCover.

10. Reflect and learn from the incident.

Following any incident, it is important to reflect and learn from the incident to protect workers from further injury. Conduct a risk assessment to prevent further injuries and consider if and how the injured worker could have safely returned to work earlier. Creating a safer workplace means looking after your workers. It results in fewer workplace injuries (and WorkCover claims). The lower your claims costs are, the better your policy rating and the lower your premium.

Visit www.worksafe.qld.gov.au for more information. Article supplied by WorkCover Queensland

MANDATORY QBCC REPORTING

It is also a requirement that contractors notify QBCC when there in an incident.

Fatalities and serious injuries on building sites have heightened the need for licensees to notify QBCC quickly of safety incidents on-site. If you don't tell QBCC about safety incidents straight away, they can't do the enquiries needed, making it harder for them to reduce unsafe work practices. If you are a licensee looking after a building site or on a site carrying out work, you must notify QBCC of a notifiable incident immediately. You may be subject to enforcement action if you don't notify them.

For more information, call the MPAQ HR team on 07 3273 0800.

Profit Benchmarking for Plumbers

How does your business stack up?

Written by Mick Renton, Founding Partner and CEO of Xact Accounting

Ever wondered how your profit compares with other businesses in your industry? I get to see the books of lots of plumbers – after years of seeing the numbers I now have a clear picture of what a good set of books looks like – and the KPIs you can use to see if a business is operating in what we call the profit sweet spot.

Market Dynamics and Profit

In the white-hot market, we’ve had for building and trades in Queensland over the last few years, plenty of businesses have seen a significant increase in top line revenue – but how many businesses can say that profit has followed the same path? Given how much demand has been in the market it’s a real shame more operators haven’t been able to benefit.

Sure, you can say that materials, labour, and operating expenses have increased in this time, but the real failing here is the inability of businesses to A) properly track their margins and B) use this feedback to adjust pricing, ensuring they maintain what I would call the profit sweet spot.

In fact, when it comes to your take home profit, which after all should be what we’re all chasing, I see time and again operators who are able to turn a significantly higher profit from much lower revenue than other businesses – all by following a strict approach to defending margins – and you’ll see this in the numbers following in this article.

So, What Is the Profit Sweet Spot?

This varies depending on the nature of work a business takes on. For the purpose of this article, I’m focussing on domestic maintenance plumbing.

For these businesses, it’s critical that Gross Profit (GP) is in a range between 40% to 45%, ideally as close to 40% OR BETTER if you can get it! That is, for every dollar of revenue you generate, you’ll be left with between 40 to 45 cents of gross profit after accounting for materials, labour, and any other Cost of Goods (COGS) items used in producing the revenue for a specific job.

I have to stress, I’m referring to an average GP%, meaning that, on larger items like hot water systems you’ll have to wear thinner margins but then make it up on smaller items like consumables, aiming for 200% to 500% mark-ups in some cases on these very small dollar value items.

From the figures below you can see how defending GP can result in the same dollar amount off a much smaller top line number. In FY 22 Plumber B generated almost exactly the same GP (approx. $300,000) from only $780,000 in revenue compared with Plumber A’s $1.3 million in revenue… I bet you can guess who’s got more time on their hand for the family and fishing...

Remember, increased revenues without healthy margins just means you’re busier, not wealthier!

How a Fixed Price Approach to Pricing Guarantees Margin

Whilst it’s been around for a number of years, fixed pricing is being taken up by more and more operators as a solution for driving higher margins.

And when you look at the numbers, the benefit to the business owner is undeniable. Not only does it build efficiencies into the sales process,

resulting in increased revenue and shorter quote-to-cash times, fixed pricing systematically locks in your margins, taking out the guesswork.

Based on four plumbers using fixed pricing that were consulted for this article, hourly rates ranged from $203 inc GST to $610 in GST, with the average across the four being $422.75 – a compelling argument for a fixed price approach.

An early adopter of fixed pricing and a client of ours, Joseph Egan, shared with me that it’s not as simple as just updating your price book, there is a range of operational changes that need to be made to realise the benefits.

A good example of this is carrying stock on hand so that when on a call out for a common repair, you can offer on-the-spot additional services, saving the customer time and energy of a future call out.

“We carry a range of popular product lines in our vans, rather than just replace one set of faulty flexi-hoses we can replace the remaining four sets for a client who wants to take advantage of having a plumber on hand,” says Egan.

“We don’t need to make multiple visits or go back to the office to put a quote together, the customer makes a decision on the spot, knows exactly what the job will cost before the work commences and because the price is fixed, they aren’t watching the clock to get the work finished in a quick time frame”.

Benchmarking Operating Expenses and Net Profit

The next item to stay on top of is operating expenses because every dollar you spend on “keeping the lights on” will eat into your gross profit and leave you with a lacklustre take home profit.

The KPI we use to benchmark operating expenses is overhead percentage i.e. Overhead : Revenue as a percentage. The sweet spot we’re looking for here is less than 10% if you’re operating out of home and under 15% for those with a separate commercial shed.

Continuing the example from above, this time adding in our overhead figures to determine actual take home profit, Plumber A has some serious work to do to reign in overheads – not a great place to be after all that effort!

Owners

Name of the Game: Take Home Profit

So, in summary, if you’re a domestic maintenance plumber you should be aiming for 30%-40% GP and keeping your Operating Expenses less than 10% of Revenue. The impact on your take home profit of hitting this sweet spot is VERY REAL! In the examples given above, a disciplined approach to gross margin and containing overheads saw Plumber B buck the trend, in the face of rising costs, and increase their profit.

Mick Renton is Founding Partner and CEO of Xact Accounting, Queensland’s leading building and construction accounting firm. You can find more articles and resources on their website: https://xactaccounting.com.au/building-and-construction-accounting/

2022-2023 FEDERAL BUDGET

Jim Chalmers, the Federal Treasurer, handed down the federal budget on Tuesday 25 October 2022.

It is Labor’s first budget in a decade, and it hasn’t delivered too many surprises. Labor has set a target of one million new homes to be delivered over the next five years from mid-2024 when capacity constraints are expected to ease. It includes 20,000 affordable homes, with an additional 30,000 affordable and social homes to be delivered via housing Australia future fund returns. Some 10,000 first home buyers in the regions will also be eligible to buy a home with a federal government guarantee of up to 15% of the purchase price.

There are a number of savings where the razor has been taken to some of the previous government’s programs and bodies it set up, including the abolition of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC). The Registered Organisations Commission (the regulator for unions and some employer associations) loses nearly $27 million, which has been diverted to the Fair Work Commission for various programs.

Most of the funding for VET is unsurprisingly focussed on TAFE, but we have been advocating for industry not-for-profit RTOs like MPAQ/PICAC training to also get a share and this message has been featured in media interviews by our partner the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

In terms of taxation, there are no changes to the planned Stage 3 personal tax cuts in the Budget, which lowers the 32% tax rate to 30%, abolishes the 37% tax rate, and increases the 42% tax threshold from $180,000 to $200,000, effectively applying a 30% tax rate to all employees.

Key Announcements

• New housing accord – one million new homes over five years from 2024.

• 30,000 new social and affordable homes within five years.

• The Government will establish the Regional First Home Buyers Guarantee to support eligible citizens and permanent residents who have lived in a regional location for more than 12 months to purchase their first home in that location with a minimum five per cent deposit, with 10,000 places per year to 30 June 2026.

• Stage 3 tax cuts remain

• $120,000 to $180,000 bracket abolished

• Top rate to start at $200,000

• Marginal rate for $45,000 to $200,000 cut from 32.5% to 30%

• The Paid Parental Leave Scheme will become more flexible for families:

• Both birth and non-birth parents are allowed to receive the payment if they meet the eligibility criteria (to take effect from 1 July 2023).

• Parents will also be able to claim weeks of the payment concurrently so they can take leave at the same time.

• From 1 July 2024, the Government will start expanding the scheme by two additional weeks a year until it reaches a full 26 weeks from 1 July 2026.

• Both parents will be able to share the leave entitlement, with a proportion maintained on a “use it or lose it” basis, to encourage and facilitate both parents to access the scheme and to share the caring responsibilities more equally. Sole parents will be able to access the full 26 weeks.

• $1 billion in fee-free TAFE and vocational education resulting in 180,000 places in 2023 for priority areas.

• No funding for Hells Gates Dam, Urannah Dam.

• Net overseas migration increase to be around 235,000 this financial year.

• New Energy Apprenticeships program providing 10,000 apprentices with up to $10,000 in a support payment ($2,000 on commencement, $2,000 per year for up to three years and $2,000 on completion), focused on clean energy trades.

• Unlimited instant asset write-off finishes from July 2023 returning to the original form (small businesses with a turnover of up to $10 million limited to writing off assets worth up to $1,000).

• Almost $70 million over four years for Fair Work Ombudsman to take on ABCC’s regulatory role with changes to the scope.

• Australian Skills Guarantee sees one in 10 workers on major Government projects as an apprentice, trainee, or paid cadet. Targets for women also being considered.

Visit www.budget.gov.au to find out more.

Written by Glen Chatterton – Manager, Industry Engagement and Strategic Projects, Services Trades College

COULD YOU SAVE ON FEES AND CHARGES?

One in five people hold a second superannuation account they lost touch with when they changed jobs or moved house¹. If you’re one of these people that additional account is costing you money – money you could save.

If you have multiple super accounts, you’re paying multiple amounts of fees and charges. You may also be paying additional insurance premiums as super funds generally provide default insurance for members, with premiums deducted from the super account.

Over time the money you have in any additional super accounts will be eroded by these costs and you’ll have less money in super to spend when you retire.

Start Saving on These Costs

Right now, it’s more important than ever to save money where you can.

It’s easy to find out if you have additional super accounts and start saving on fees and charges by rolling them into one account. As a BUSSQ member, you can do a simple super search online to find other accounts you might have and roll any funds you find into your BUSSQ account.

If you’re not a BUSSQ member you can complete a super search online through the ATO.

Before Rolling Over

It’s important to check with your other fund/s about any insurance benefits you’re giving up by rolling your money into one account. It could be a good time

to review your insurance and with BUSSQ you may be able to transfer your existing insurance.

If you’d like to know more, BUSSQ is here to help you. Call Troy Wolter on 0417 702 822 or visit bussq.com.au/supersearch.

1. https://www.ato.gov.au/about-ato/research-and-statistics/in-detail/super-statistics/ super-accounts-data/multiple-super-accounts-data/. This is general information only and does not take into account your personal financial situation or needs. Before acting, review the PDS to ensure you have all the information about the BUSSQ product and consider the appropriateness of the information to your needs or obtain financial advice tailored for your personal circumstances.

See BUSSQ’s PDSs and TMDs at bussq.com.au. Issued by BUSS(Queensland) Pty Ltd ABN 15 065 081 281 AFSL 237860, Trustee of Building Unions Superannuation Scheme (Queensland) (BUSSQ) ABN 85 571 332 201. Article supplied by BUSSQ

PLANNING FOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Professional development is not only beneficial to your employees, but it may also have many advantages for your business overall. By boosting the professional skills of your employees, you will assist them to achieve their career goals and enable them to provide a better service to your customers.

One of the key elements to increasing employee engagement and satisfaction in the workplace is by giving staff members the opportunity to grow and develop. As business owners, it is important to encourage your workforce to learn new skills and to keep up with the latest industry trends.

Planning ahead is a must. Following the steps below will assist in making professional development easier:

1. Through discussions with your employee, identify their specific career goals and training needs.

2. Identify and assess what the future business and organisational needs and goals are.

3. Create an employee development plan and explore what opportunities are available.

4. Create a plan for training and professional development.

5. Monitor and evaluate the results to inform future decisions.

The units of competency listed below are delivered by MPAQ and lead to professional development and an endorsement to complete specialised work:

• CPCPWT4022 Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices

• CPCPWT4023 Commission and maintain hot and heated water temperature control devices

• QLD334SWH01A Evaluate and plan the installation of solar water heating systems

Please call the Training Services Team on 07 3273 0800 to discuss the specific requirements of these units.

Written by Tracy Bob – Training Services Manager, MPAQ

TRAINING INFORMATION

YOU MAY NEED TO KNOW!

The backflow prevention revalidation is required for all plumbers and provisional plumbers who need to renew the backflow endorsement on their plumbing licence. The revalidation is required to be successfully completed every five years to maintain

MPAQ delivers an approved, online backflow prevention revalidation that is required for all plumbers who need to renew the backflow endorsement on their www.mpaq.com.au/training. Once you have completed your Backflow Prevention Revalidation successfully, you will need to provide a certified copy of your certificate to QBCC along with photo identification. You must also complete Form 24 – application for an endorsement. Form 24 can be

This form is also sent to you via email along with your certificate once you have

WORK LICENCE IN QUEENSLAND

Students wishing to progress from an interim gas licence to a full gas licence in Queensland are required to complete four Certificate IV competencies while their interim gas licence is still valid. Please see further information below: You must have completed a Certificate III in Plumbing or Certificate III in Gas Fitting within the last 12 months to apply for an interim gas licence. Must apply for an interim gas licence issued by the Resources, Safety and Health Queensland.

If you don’t already have an interim gas licence and wish to apply for an interim gas licence, please contact the Resources, Safety and Health Queensland office on 07 3330 4249 or email gaslicence@rshq.qld.gov.au for further information about licensing.

The four required certificate IV units are outlined below. For further information on each of the courses, please contact the Training Services team on 07 3273 0800.

CPCPCM4011 Carry out work-based risk control processes

CPCPCM4012 Estimate and cost work

CPCPGS4011 Design and Size Consumer Gas Installations

*CPCPGS4022 Service Type A gas appliances

TRAINING CALENDAR

2023

MPAQ has released course dates for the start of 2023. Visit www.mpaq.com.au/training to found out more and enrol.

Save time, Plumb online.

Save time, Plumb online.

with our new Business Portal at tradelink.com.au

with our new Business Portal at tradelink.com.au

Contact our friendly Customer Service Team on 1300 658 277 to verify or register your account online.

Contact our friendly Customer Service Team on 1300 658 277 to verify or register your account online.

4CHANGES TO THE PLUMBING TRAINING PACKAGE

On 27 November 2020, the new CPC Construction, Plumbing, and Services training package was released and has superseded the previous versions.

The most notable changes that have affected the plumbing industry are regarding post-trade training courses like Backflow Prevention and Thermostatic Mixing Valves. These courses now require pre-requisite units to be completed prior to undertaking the Certificate IV units to gain an endorsement on an occupational plumbing licence. This may not affect everyone who has completed a Certificate III in Plumbing previously, but older qualifications completed before 2013 may be affected and require the undertaking of the prerequisite units identified below prior to the training required for the endorsement.

Unit of Competency

CPCPWT4022 Commission and maintain backflow prevention devices

Pre-requisite

CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements

CPCPWT3027 Install backflow prevention devices

Unit of Competency

CPCPWT4023 Commission and maintain hot and heated water temperature control devices

Pre-requisite

CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements

CPCPWT3022 Install and commission water heating systems and adjust controls and devices

Unit of Competency

CPCPGS4022 Service Type A gas appliances

Pre-requisite

CPCPCM2043 Carry out WHS requirements

CPCPGS3053 Disconnect and reconnect Type A gas appliances

The MPAQ Training Services team has put in place a streamlined process for these changes to be as smooth and pain-free as possible. For further information regarding the prerequisite units, please contact the Training Services team on 07 3273 0800.

SPECIALISED PLUMBING CENTRE ACHIEVES FIVE YEAR MILESTONE AS A CORPORATE SUPPORTER

Specialised Plumbing Centres was cofounded by three lads in 2007. Sole Director Ken, a plumber, is at the helm today. The company has moved from a few premises to our two locations today at Albion and Acacia Ridge.

We’ve grown in customers and products to evolve with the changing plumbing industry. We specialise in expert product knowledge, strong customer service, and speedy delivery. Specialised Plumbing Centres has a focus on staff mentoring and promoting from within the company, and Luisa, the Company Director was a finalist in the Women in Business category at this year’s Plumbing and Gas Industry Awards night.

The industry has changed, technology has had a huge impact on not just plumbing but how the books of the business are kept and administered, and there has been more encouragement of gender diversity with apprentices.

Our MPAQ subscription has kept us in the loop with code changes, given us access to a variety of information that can help inform our business decisions, financial help with discounts on Ute purchases, and provided a stronger network of people.

Our goals are to continue to become wellknown in the industry, an employer of choice, and continue to support plumbers in more ways with the new technology we have injected into the business this year.

NICHE FIRE SAFETY SERVICES BUSINESS

Superb opportunity to acquire a highly profitable business with a steady, mandated income and an exceptional reputation that has required no marketing spend to grow. Recent legislative changes have improved the outlook further by reducing the number of competitors operating in this highly regulated space.

• Predictable, mandated revenue

• “Sticky” customers (over 130)

• Seen as the “go to” service provider in the industry

• More work than they can manage

• Genuine retirement sale

Please note: Only certified holders of Fire Sprinkler Fitter or Plumbers licence need apply.

• Business asking price: $349,000 inc. SAV

• Approx. stock value: $10,000

• Our Reference: SC00368

• Broker: Ivan Carlse

For further information including a copy of the comprehensive Information Memorandum please fill out the online confidentiality agreement here: https://linkbusiness.com. au/businesses-for-sale/SC00368/FabulousProfit-from-Mandated-Fire-Safety-Services.

Luisa Marinelli, Specialised Plumbing Centre

THOMAS KING MARKS 40 YEARS AS AN MPAQ MEMBER

renovations. The thing with the high-end housing was to convince the client of the benefit of paying a lot more, in some cases double the nearest tender, to achieve a high-performance, troublefree installation for now and into the future; often we didn’t issue a quotation until the job was well underway, just an estimate at commencement.

paperwork and bureaucratic loops to jump through but also has its benefits.

How did your company change over the years?

The company, Robina Plumbing, became larger with key personnel and much more professional, thanks, in no small way, to numerous courses run by MPAQ. We were one of the earlier plumbing companies to embrace estimating and accounting software and tools, think MS Dos—boy now do I feel old. We also became very selective of whom we would contract to. Even so, we still got caught a few times.

What did your company specialise in?

As a mid-tier plumbing firm, we concentrated on luxury high-end homes with builders who had the same vision of quality for the very wealthy in areas, such as Hedges Ave, Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island resort, Sovereign Islands, etc., and you had to get it right as these people had very deep pockets. We also carried out work on factory complexes, small shopping centres, office blocks, and up to seven-storey apartment buildings. We carried out very little in the way of maintenance or

An interesting contract was for the original Big Brother reality show; everything was a big secret and impossible to give a firm price on, but money was no object, say no more. As an interesting aside, one of my plumbers went on Big Brother in a later series. He won it along with his twin brother. Who says you can’t get your name in lights in plumbing?

How many people worked at the company?

Like most people, I started by myself but quickly put on staff. At the height of the company, I had 14 plumbers on the books along with a brilliant secretary/PA Sandy Hayward, whom I have known for at least 30 years. She worked for me for at least 15 to 18 years and still carries out some small bookwork for me. It was this small group of three to four plumbers and Sandy that were essential to the success of the company. We managed to instil a sense of pride to work for Robina Plumbing. How do you feel the industry has changed over the years?

Products have changed immensely since I started, from earthenware and gall piping to the current range of uPVC, HDPE, and numerous choices for hot and cold-water supply. There are now aspects to plumbing that didn’t exist 30, or even 20, years ago, such as backflow, solar, heat pumps, TMV—the list goes on. The industry has also moved to more self-certification, which has its own problems, with an ever-increasing amount of

MADONNA HODGE TAKES HOME THE WOMEN OF O’BRIEN 2022 AWARD

The O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing 2022 Advantage Conference was held earlier in the year in Port Douglas, Queensland. Over 200 delegates from the electrical and plumbing network, suppliers, and head office reunited for the first time in three years to reconnect, share, and celebrate achievements over the four days.

The gala awards night, held on the last night of the Conference is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise businesses within the network. O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Coopers Plains were finalists for the Marketing Excellence, Excellence in Software & Systems, Giving Back and Innovation Categories and took home the Networking Excellence Award.

Madonna Hodge, the Business Development Manager at O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Coopers Plains was the very worthy recipient of he Women of O’Brien Award, which recognises the outstanding contributions and achievements by women in their local community, business, and industry. Madonna leads the dedicated Coopers Plains team and has made the business one of Brisbane’s most reputable electrical and plumbing maintenance companies in the region.

The Networking Excellence Award was another huge achievement with the team readily working with other businesses in the network and are generous with their time and resources.

Chris Leslie, Director for the O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Group says “O’Brien recognises Madonna Hodge’s positive contributions to her community. Madonna is an excellent O’Brien Business Manager, and a highly valued member of the O’Brien Group.”

How has your

subscription to MPAQ helped the business over the years?

Regardless of what profession you are in, if you don’t belong to the association that represents you then you have no voice, and nor do you deserve one. It is in your own best interests to belong to an industry body that supports your profession on both the State and Federal levels. Also, I found the networking abilities of MPAQ to be a great help, as no matter what problem you come up against someone else has been there before and can offer help and advice. Also the staff at MPAQ have come to my aid on several occasions through legal advice and courses MPAQ has run. We also had a successful outcome with an issue several years ago with the certification of fire hose reels and hydrants and the refusal by the building certifier to approve the installation purely because of the wording of the QBCC licensing board. It was solely due to MPAQ that this matter was resolved with a heads-of-table meeting with all involved. This alone was worth all the subscription fees I have paid over the years.

As well as the above, the numerous courses and training seminars that MPAQ has run over the years have been invaluable.

What are your future goals?

I have been out of the industry now one way or another for six years. The plumbing industry has been an incredibly rewarding industry to be in but my day in the sun is over, and it’s now up to the young ones coming through.

There are so many scopes in plumbing that you can go down. It’s such a varied industry that can take you to many different areas and locations. It’s not all blocked drains and tap washers.

Madonna Hodge

NAME

Rob

Craig Poynton

Brisbane South 35

John Salmon Salmon Plumbing Services Brisbane North 30

Frank Grossinger Frank Grossinger Brisbane South 30

Col Baldock Baldocks Plumbing Service Pty Ltd Mackay 30

Craig Nixon Nixon Plumbing Pty Ltd Mackay 30

David Ball All Come Plumbing Pty Ltd Brisbane North 25

Eberhard Vinke Vinke Enterprises Pty Ltd Brisbane North 25

Peter Edwards Esk Plumbing & Drainage Ipswich 25

Tamara Pitt Laser Plumbing Chinchilla Country 20

Damien Bonner Damien’s Plumbing Services (Qld) Pty Ltd Brisbane North 15

Nicole Kowaltzke No Cracks Plumbing Pty Ltd Brisbane North 15

Erhan Dursun EMD Trading Brisbane South 15

Darren Norris HN Developments Pty Ltd Brisbane South 15

Anthony West ANA Plumbing & Roofing Pty Ltd Mackay 15

Chris Ferguson Plastec Australia Pty Ltd Sunshine Coast 15

Trevor Latham Terdanator Plumbing Draining Gasfitting Brisbane North 10

Randall Grant Frog Plumbing QLD Ipswich 10

Thomas Mellick TMP Civil Services Pty Ltd North Qld 10

Peter Hawthorne Filtercare Sunshine Coast 10

Nick Jones Nick Jones Plumbing Toowoomba 10

Greg Stafford Hewitt Trade Services Brisbane North 5

Salvatore Mattioli Matti Plumbing Pty Ltd Brisbane North 5

Navid Aghdam NAVCO Plumbing Brisbane North 5

Scott McIntosh Positive Plumbing Qld Brisbane North 5

Eliza Linforth Primate Plumbing Pty Ltd Brisbane North 5

Ken Clarke Specialised Plumbing Centre Brisbane North 5

Joseph Egan The Brisbane Plumbers Brisbane North 5

Matthew Jones MSJ Plumbing Brisbane South 5

Jared Seiler Reds Plumbing and Drainage Brisbane South 5

Scott Wilson Scope Services Qld Pty Ltd Brisbane South 5

Adam Wolbers Totally Workwear Brisbane South 5

Mark Cross Enviroplumb Central 5

David Lehmann Lehmann Plumbing and Gas Country 5

Timothy Debnam Timothy Debnam Country 5

Nicola Matthews Plumbnorth Pty Ltd Far North Qld 5

Matthew Carter Adept Plumbing and Gas Gold Coast 5

Geoff Covich Gas & Flame Gasfitting Gold Coast 5

Jarron Miller Aqua Jem Plumbing Toowoomba 5

MWF Plumbing

Kent Vickers, MPAQ President, and Jenny and Jeff Ritchie J & J Ritchie Plumbing

Allan Goodson GWA Group

Bede Boyce, Gina Boyce-Rowe and Kent Vickers, MPAQ President Everhard Industries

Kent Vickers, MPAQ President, and Stuart McIlroy Bacal and Co Plumbing

Thomas King

Steven Knapman S & IE Knapman

Trevor Latham

Terdanator Plumbing Draining Gasfitting

Leah Govorko, MPAQ Sales and Membership Specialist, and Simon Wise Wise Plumbing and Gas Services Pty Ltd

Luisa Marinelli Specialised Plumbing Centre

Chris Ferguson and Tracy Bob, MPAQ Training Services Manager Plastec Australia Pty Ltd

Luke Wilkes and Rowena Ablett

LPW Plumbing and Gas Solutions Pty Ltd

Daniel Cummins

Dan Cummins Plumbing Pty Ltd

Chris Christensen, Aimee Costello, Michael Brockwell and Dave Pugh CVSG Asset Services Pty Ltd

David Ball and Nick Ball All Come Plumbing

Mark Foster Coastside Plumbing & Maintenance Pty Ltd

Luke Grinter, Paul Grinter, Tim Grinter and Rhys Grinter Pipe Optics and Locations Pty Ltd

Gino Fornataro Suburban Plumbing (QLD) Pty Ltd

David, Fraser and Vicki Spratt Spratt Plumbing Services

Kent Vickers, MPAQ President, and John Salmon Salmon Plumbing Services

Alan Brown SA & LG Brown

Joseph McCoy

NAME COMPANY DIVISION

Ravinesh Nand 4 R Plumbing Pty Ltd

Brisbane North

Nathan Parnaby Aestec Services Central

Daniel Peters Aqua-Tech Plumbing and Gas Brisbane South

Benjamin O’Farrell Ben’s Plumbing and Gas Gold Coast

Zane Richardson Blockage Plumbing & Gas Central

Christopher Bourke Blue Bourke Plumbing

Sunshine Coast

Benjamin Brown BMB Plumbing and Contracting Pty Ltd Brisbane South

Andrew Morris Cal Pacific Outside QLD

Ethan Congram EC Plumbing and Drainage Ipswich

Jason Ede Ede’s Plumbing North Qld

Adam Leary Elevated Plumbing Group Gold Coast

Paul Elson Elson Solutions Pty Ltd Brisbane South

Luke Billington Flamingo Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd Brisbane North

Luke Trenowden Flotek Plumbing and Gas Pty Ltd Brisbane South

David Cudmore Gas Components Australia Brisbane South

Braydon Vincent Good Flow Pluming Gold Coast

Kevin Hall Great Northern Plumbing Services Far North QLD

Jessica Griffiths Griffo’s Plumbing and Excavations Pty Ltd Brisbane North

Jacob Lanesbury HB Plumbing and Gas Sunshine Coast

Jack Henderson IAP Plumbing and Gas Brisbane North

John Dines JA & Vl Dines Pty Ltd Central

NAME COMPANY DIVISION

Daniel Leyden Leyden Plumbing & Gas Fitting Pty Ltd

Michael Pascoe MJ and MD Pascoe

Mellissa Found MKD Plumbing & Drainage Services

Andrew Minton Nautical Plumbing Group

Brisbane North

Sunshine Coast

Gold Coast

Sunshine Coast

Keturah Lewis Origin Energy LPG Limited Brisbane North

Robert Brinedell Pipe Services & Installation Pty Ltd Brisbane North

Andrew Douglas Plumb Commercial Toowoomba

Rhys Brennan Plumbing & Construct Brisbane South

Dean Humphries Pro Plumbing & Gas Brisbane North

Shane Worrall QLD Quality Plumbing Brisbane North

Matthew Ryan Queensland Wastewater Brisbane North

Timothy Hauswurz Rivers Plumbing And Drainage Central

Daniel Robertson Robertson, Daniel Mark Brisbane North

Colin Considine Specialised Plumbing Installation Pty Ltd Toowoomba

Matthew Sawyer Speedy Hot Water Gold Coast

Brent Hansen Stanthorpe Plumbing & Gas Country

Josh Pescod Sunny Plumbing Gold Coast

Theodore Vasiliou TLV Plumbing Solutions Pty Ltd Brisbane South

Michael Bryant Trades & Services Alliance Pty Ltd Brisbane South

Josh Reid Tube Time Plumbing Sunshine Coast Matthew Torpey Your Mates Plumbing & Gas Pty Ltd Brisbane North

THE SUPPORTERS OF OUR INDUSTRY

Platinum Corporate Supporters

Reliance Worldwide Corporation 07 3018 3440

The Ser v ice Trades College Australia 07 3255 5698

Toyota 1800 679 247

Tradelink 1800 758 624 WFI Insurance 1300 934 934

Gold Corporate Supporters

Austbrokers Comsure Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd 1800 122 194

Australian Valve Group 07 3801 8384

AustWorld 1300 780 430

Bretts Trade Plumbing Supplies 07 3203 2105

BUSSQ Pty Ltd 07 3369 1111

Caroma Industries Ltd 13 14 16

Geberit Pty Ltd 02 9889 7866

Kembla 07 3868 7888

Plumbing Plus Bathroom Kitchen Laundry Pty Ltd 03 9600 1899

Rheem Australia Pty Ltd 07 3412 9293

Rinnai 07 3137 6600

simPRO Software Pty Ltd 1300 139 467

Zip Heaters (Aust) Pty Ltd 02 9796 3100

Silver Corporate Supporters

Construction Skills Queensland 1800 798 488

Halgan Pty Ltd 07 3208 8339

Position Partners Pty Ltd 1300 867 266 Reece 03 9274 0000

Corporate Supporters

Advanced Enviro-Septic 07 5474 4055

Aqua Cooler Pty Ltd 0421 246 504

Aquacure Water Treatment Pty Ltd 07 327 76696

Aquaknect 07 3805 3800

Aquatech Solar Technologies Pty Ltd 07 5520 6701

Ascot Pipe Relining 0428 037 358

AusPress Systems Pty Ltd 1300 287 773

Australian Gas Networks 1300 001 001

Australian Industry Trade College Gold Coast www.aitc.qld.edu.au

Australia n Pump Industries Pty Ltd 02 8865 3500

Bermad Water Technologies 03 9464 2374

Brand Hero 07 3881 3211

Busy At Work 13 28 79

Cal Pacific 0447 465 688

Chantal Gerardy 0400 107 706

Con-Serv Corporation Australia Pty Ltd 07 3630 5744

Cornwalls Law + More 07 3223 5900

Decina B at hroomware Pty Ltd 07 3271 1944

Elson Australasia Pty Ltd 02 9625 7899

Emerson Valvc heq Backflow 07 3260 2555

Enware Australia Pty Ltd 02 8556 4000

Everhard Industries Pty Ltd 131 926

Fair Water Meters 1300 324 701

Finlea se 07 3324 2655

Gas Components Australia 07 3255 9256

Globa l Roto-Moulding Pty Ltd 07 4697 7099

Gould Instruments 07 4779 6750

Groundplan Software 07 3062 7737

Hilti (Aust) Pty Ltd 131 292

InSinkE r ator 0447 886 648

Level Group Australia 02 8904 0859

Life sty le Tradie Group Pty Ltd 1800 704 822

Mascot Engineering Group 1300 885 295

Modus Opera ndi 0421 399 107

Origin Energy Lpg Limited 0499 756 250

Ozzi Kleen 07 5459 4900

Plastec Australia Pty Ltd 0754134444

Plumbers’ Supplies Co-Operative Limited 02 8118 6000

Podium 0416 705 584

Porters

07 4967 3333

PROTRADE United 1300 767 774

Pure Hydrogen Operations Pty Ltd 02 9955 4008

QLeave 1300 753 283

QUT Facilities Management 07 3188 2331

Rain Harvesting 07 3248 9600

RBM Systems Pty Ltd 0435 217 237

Reh au Pty Ltd 07 5527 1833

Ridge Tool (Aust) Pty Ltd 03 9930 7000

Rostron Carlyle Rojas Lawyers 07 3009 8444

Samios 07 3907 8399

SFA Australia Pty Ltd 1300 554 779

Shower Sealed Pty Ltd 1300 519 133

Snap Fire Systems Pty Ltd 07 3348 9417

SolarEast Australasia Pty Ltd 0400 984 243

Specialised Plumbing Centre 07 3862 1166

Stiebel Eltron (Aust) Pty Ltd 1800 153 351

Stoddart 07 3440 7600

Storm Plastics Pty Ltd 08 8374 3277

Stratco (Qld) Pty Ltd 07 3451 4444

Studor Australia Pty Ltd 1300 551 519

TAFE Queensland 07 3244 0209

Taylex Australia Pty Ltd 07 3441 5200

The Bidet Shop 07 5591 7744

The Couta Group Pty Ltd 03 8405 3386

The Shower Repair Centre 1300 888 806

The Wondercap Company Pty Ltd 07 5539 3665

Totally Workwear 07 3249 4000

Tradie Bookkeeping Solutions 0468944130

Tradie Finance 1300 391 390

Troy Legal 07 3012 6657

Valves R Us 07 3865 1488

Vinidex Pty Ltd 07 3277 2822

Wilo Australia Pty Ltd 07 3907 6900

Xact Accounting 1300 233 723 Zetco Valves Pty Ltd 02 9516 1336

Associate Councils

Brisbane City Council

07 3403 8888

Bundaberg Regional C ouncil 07 4130 4814

Gympie Regional Council 1300 307 800

Isaac Regional Council 07 4964 5400

Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council 07 4083 7100

Livingstone Shire C ouncil (LSC) 07 4913 5000

Logan City Council 07 3412 3412

Mackay Regional C ouncil 1300 622 529

Mareeba Shire Council 07 4086 4720

Moreton Bay Re gional Council 07 3205 0555

Mount Isa City Council 07 4747 3200

Quilpie Shire Council 07 4656 0500

Rockhampton Regional Council 07 4932 9000

Southern Downs Regio nal Council 1300 697 372

Sunshine Coast Regional Council 07 5420 8618

Toowoomba Region al Council 07 4688 6764

Townsville City Council 13 48 10

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