Association Corner
Precast shows no sign of slowing Sarah Bachmann
Executive Officer, National Precast Concrete Association Australia
The 2009 calendar is already looking full for National Precast. Three new initiatives will hit the streets during 2009; the new Precast Handbook, Safety Workshops and Educational Resources for Universities.
The Precast Concrete Handbook is well known to specifiers and users of precast. Since publication of the first edition five years ago, over 2000 copies have been sold. The second edition is going to print early this year, and will be available for sale soon after from SAI Global. Printed in a hard cover, the Handbook has been updated and will be available in either hard copy or on CD. The National Code of Practice for Precast, Tilt-up and Concrete Elements in Building Construction was declared by the Australian
Safety & Compensation Council 12 months ago with progressive implementation anticipated in each state. In the second half of 2009, National Precast will be running workshops in each state which will provide a greater understanding about the Code, covering safety in design, manufacturing and erection. This important initiative is aimed at removing the current differences in design and work practices between the states.
National Precast is positive that the recent trend towards off site fabrication will only strengthen in 2009 as the building industry looks for both quality and certainty of supply in these tough economic times. A
For university lecturers who teach architecture, engineering and building, National Precast will be launching a teaching package which will include a two hour lecture, lecture notes, student handout material as well as a list of potential guest lecturers and precast factory tour contacts.
It's infrastructure we need Matthew King
Policy Officer, Association of Consulting Engineers Australia
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has drastically revised down its forecast for the global economy since November 2008 and has called for further action to support growth. This update represents the third downward revision to IMF forecasts in just four months, demonstrating how rapidly the global economy is deteriorating. The IMF is now forecasting that the global recession will be much deeper and more protracted than previously envisaged. Global growth is now expected to fall to 0.5 per cent in 2009, with advanced economies expected to suffer their deepest recession since World War II. Collectively, advanced economies are expected to contract by 2 per cent in 2009.
Most economists now expect very minor, if any, growth in the Australian economy in 2008/09. However, rapid policy responses, both monetary and fiscal, may yet keep growth positive. The Government’s $42 billion Nation Building and Jobs Plan is expected to provide a boost to economic growth, which would be a welcomed relief. The ACEA has warmly welcomed
Government initiatives, such as the Building Australia Fund and the Nation Building and Jobs Plan, which target infrastructure investment in an effort to combat deteriorating economic conditions. The ACEA believes that stimulating the economy through tax cuts and cash payments designed to boost total consumption has its limitations. Presently, debt as a percentage of household income and GDP is at a record level in most western countries, including Australia. The ACEA believes that people now primarily want to save and reduce their debt. Whilst national savings will benefit long-term economic growth prospects, it will not bring about the immediate strong boost in aggregate demand that is necessary. The ACEA has reiterated to Treasurer Wayne Swan that upgraded and expanded infrastructure will benefit all sectors of the economy and secure improved economic prospects based on productivity growth. It can play a critical role in enhancing the efficiency of the national supply chain with seamless movement of
goods and services across all modes of transport from the paddock, quarry or city to its final market. In addition to this, business confidence is likely to improve from the additional activity, particularly through engagement in early works and planning. Businesses will feel more confident in recruiting additional resources because projected revenue forecasts will have improved. The ensuing result will be downward pressure on the unemployment rate. The ACEA is also urging the Treasury to shape the 2009-10 Federal Budget according to the gloomy economic outlook. Expenditure on infrastructure must be at the heart of the 2009-10 Budget. A largescale Government investment in infrastructure around the country is the key stimulus necessary for a slowing economy. However, the expenditure must be a steady and well-planned continuum as the nation’s resources are not in a position to support a sharp increase in infrastructure projects. A
6 | Award fulldraft_complete.indd 6
24/3/09 13:18:37