EXECUTIVE
PERSPECTIVE On Friday 22 April 2022, MPAQ celebrated World Earth Day to raise awareness of how businesses can reduce waste and contributions to landfill by recycling PVC off cuts for a more sustainable future. MPAQ and the Plastics Industry Pipe Association of Australia (PIPA), in conjunction with Iplex, Reece, Tradelink, and Vinidex, joined forces to launch the Construction Plastics Penny Cornah, Executive Director Recycling Scheme in October 2021. The Queensland Government has provided funding support to ensure the delivery of the Scheme’s pilot program. The Construction Plastics Recycling Scheme aims to educate and change behaviours when it comes to the disposal of PVC offcuts, working collaboratively with the broader industry to provide easy and accessible drop off points and helping to divert waste from landfill, which can be recycled into a new long-life recyclable pipe product. In total, the Scheme has collected 1,091kg of PVC off cuts (as of May 2022), of which 893kg has been useable material that can be recycled The Scheme has been developed to help industry understand the volume of PVC pipe off cuts and fittings that are removed from construction sites every year. This scheme highlights the environmental commitments of not only the partners involved but also the industry. There isn’t one person who can do it all, but now is the time for us to try. If, individually, we do our bit, together we can make a difference. Sustainability is the answer to
environmental prosperity, and plastic pipe systems are smart, efficient, and sustainable. Breakfast events were held at Enoggera Reece Plumbing Centre and Tradelink Woolloongabba on World Earth Day to promote the progress of the Scheme, as well as launch a video that highlights why and how businesses should participate and contribute to reducing waste in trade industries. A special thanks to all the plumbers who attended the event. With the support of our partners and the Queensland Government we hope to extend this for another six months. Visit www.mpaq.com.au/pvc to find out more about the Scheme. To contact me please call 07 3273 0800 or email penny.cornah@mpaq.com.au. Cindy Bray (PIPA), Carey Haden and Corey Weir (Samford Valley Plumbing Service Pty Ltd), and me
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE As the President of MPAQ, I am often asked why I do it. The answer is always the same: because I love representing the plumbing and gas fitting industry in Queensland. Our members are such special people, and I feel a duty to the 12 gentlemen who started MPAQ 122 years ago to continue to protect the legacy that has stood the test of time. Our membership base is the reason for our being, and it is so important that we maintain our presence and numbers in our industry. Some of you might think that being a sole operator means you cannot make a difference, but I can tell you that it’s not about one person. The reason MPAQ has prospered is because we have such a large member base, and this generates respect from the government and the other associations operating in our industry. As an association, we provide credibility and valuable contributions to the decisions, reviews, and legislation amendments that govern the plumbing and gas fitting trades in Queensland. I urge you all to maintain your membership and continue to support MPAQ. Our biggest event for the year is the Plumbing and Gas Industry Awards (PIA). We were unable to hold the PIA in 2020 due to COVID-19, but last year all the stops were pulled out, and the MPAQ team organised a magnificent evening. It was one of the first social events we could all attend after the lockdown and it was great to see so many familiar faces at the event. Kent Vickers, President
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| MASTER PLUMBER MAGAZINE Winter 2022
This year, the PIA will be held on 14 October. It will give our businesses, tradespeople, and apprentices the opportunity to celebrate excellence in the Queensland plumbing and gas fitting trades. I hope you all save the date and attend this tremendous event. I encourage you all to nominate, either yourself, your business, or someone else to recognise the outstanding work and people in our industry. Visit www.plumbingandgasawards.com to find out more. MPAQ, Australian Gas Infrastructure Group, and Pure Hydrogen have been in joint discussions with the Queensland State Government to develop and build Australia’s first 100% hydrogen, domestic house here in Brisbane. All parties believe it is the way of the future for this renewable, green energy, and the cohesion between industry and government has been refreshing. The opportunity to develop this project has so many positive attributes. It will raise the acceptance level of hydrogen being used in densely populated residential environments. It will give the Resource Safety Health Queensland (RSHQ) a fantastic opportunity to be involved in a ground up build. It will allow us to learn the best techniques to install and maintain these specialised appliances. It will also give us an insight into writing the training documents for the skills required to install this renewable energy. From an industry perspective, there are no negatives to progressing this project as quickly as possible. Each year MPAQ raise funds for a charity. This year the members have chosen Mates in Construction. When you attend an event this year, one of Penny’s amazing staff will be asking you to support this worthy cause. I hope you all dig deep and support this extremely important charity. All the best for a successful 2022.
Life’s good!
