While there will still be significant economic uncertainty with us in 2021, the Canberra building and construction industry has much to be proud of from 2020, and plenty of reasons to be optimistic in 2021. A MESSAGE FROM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, MICHAEL HOPKINS
It’s Time to Celebrate Achievements and Tales of Triumph The news headlines of 2020 were dominated by COVID-19, but when you think back to what else the Canberra construction industry achieved, there is much to celebrate. Fundamentally our most significant achievement for 2020 was keeping our industry working through the pandemic. This was achieved because of the joint advocacy of all the MBA Associations, supported by other industry associations, but most importantly because our members demonstrated their commitment to safety and rapidly implemented new processes on work sites. There were a number of other advocacy achievements in 2020. The Federal HomeBuilder program was one of the most important. This program was supported by stamp duty and Lease Variation Charges implemented by the ACT Government. For the Civil and Commercial sectors, the ACT Government brought forward capital works projects and announced a $4 Billion, 4 year, infrastructure program, supported by additional Federal Government infrastructure funding. All of these programs have helped keep our members working through 2020.
members and industry at MBA events over the year ahead, which started with the Excellence Awards launch on 4 February. We held a panel discussion about the growth and projects throughout the City Renewal Authority’s Northbourne corridor area featuring speakers Malcolm Snow – City Renewal Authority, and Phil O’Brien – Amalgamated Property Group. Thank you to all attendees, sponsors and panellists for attending the event. MBA Australia Chief Economist Shane Garrett outlines what can be expected for the ACT construction industry is his article on page 64 and based on our national forecasts there are good things to come for the ACT. In the year when digital communication became the COVID safest method of interaction, the MBA social channels received more engagement than ever before. The Facebook post with the highest number of reactions was the Sutton & Horsley 30 Year Member Milestone photo.
During 2020 we celebrated the finalists and winners from the CCF Earth Awards and MBA Building Awards. Winner of the MBA House of the Year went to Daniel Fitzpatrick from Architekt Grüne Häuser for his winning home in Deakin. Construction Control and Amalgamated Property Group won MBA Project of the Year for Civic Quarter. More information about the 2020 award winners is available on page 22. While there will still be significant economic uncertainty with us in 2021, the Canberra building and construction industry has much to be proud of from 2020, and plenty of reasons to be optimistic in 2021. We look forward to celebrating our
Master Builders ACT is ready to support all of our members throughout 2021 and we look forward to assisting all of our members run safe, productive and successful businesses this year.
MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION NEWS EDITION 1 2021
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