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DecNovOctSepAugJulJunMayAprMarFebJan

On-site Insight

In ThIs Issue

ACT Private Sector Building Activity for 2007

Life, Business & Sustainability in Building

Exposure to Sun May Cause Death

Making Tax Easier

Planning Reform Update

Cadet Program

New Guidelines for CPD Points

What is Equipotential Bonding?

Asbestos Regulations Update

Water Sensitive Urban Design

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug sep Oct nov DecNew Homes (Residential) 14.35 20.79 20.99 32.45 33.07 38.46 21.75 27.63 19.00 39.45 26.90 17.62Additions and Alterations (Residential) 2.82 5.19 5.37 7.17 5.54 6.55 7.67 8.57 5.43 8.34 5.20 4.85Garages, Pools, Decks and Similar Structures 1.11 1.16 1.48 1.13 2.64 2.78 2.92 1.10 1.82 1.56 1.19 2.40Commercial Building Work 61.44 23.16 61.02 119.28 17.43 60.83 55.64 54.47 110.33 16.64 17.60 10.96Multi Unit 0.82 24.52 15.26 48.24 1.03 1.26 2.37 3.52 13.38 14.60 0.92 1.63

Life, Business & sustainability in BuildingIn July 2007 the Master Builders Association of the ACT (MBA) held the inaugural National Remodelling Conference; this high profile event attracted hundreds of MBA members and very positive feedback, due to the quality of the international speakers. In particular, the response to the workshops delivered by Paul Winans has warranted a return visit for the Life, Business & Sustainability in Building Forum to be held at the National Convention Centre on Friday 11 April 2008.

Sustainability in building is a key agenda item for both the Federal and ACT Governments. Our guest speakers will provide up-to-date information on sustainability techniques that will place you at the forefront of your industry in selling sustainability benefits to your clients.

The Life, Business & Sustainability in Building Forum will include two high-quality training sessions presented by Paul Winans. These training sessions will be complemented by a trade exhibition and a lunch function with three guest speakers, including former Brumbies and ARU representative, Warwick Waugh. Warwick is a Partner of Girvan Waugh Commercial Remodelling, he has first-hand experience as a hands-on remodeller and is well qualified to promote the benefits of being a professional remodeller in this competitive environment.

February 2008

The above graph and table below summarises private sector building activity for the various building sectors in the ACT over the past 12 moths. The values for each month are depicted in millions of dollars.

ACT Private sector Building Activity for 2007

On-site Insight

Making Tax easierThe Commissioner of Taxation, Michael D’Ascenzo, recently launched the Australian Tax Office’s (ATO) Making it easier to comply 2007-08 booklet which outlines a range of initiatives that are part of the second phase of an ATO change program designed to make it easier for taxpayers to comply with the law.

The ATO has already implemented a range of initiatives under the change program utilising consultation, collaboration and co-design as tools to develop user-friendly solutions.

The new initiatives, to be rolled out from March 2008, include:

Replacing current registration, processing and accounting systems with a single system that will cover tax and superannuation products. Once the new system is fully implemented, most people will have a single account in which all their interactions with the ATO will be recorded. Improving the design and readability of letters, notices, statements and forms.ATO website – improved design, content, search facilities and more tools and calculators.E-tax – more pre-filled third party information.A new small business portal to be launched in 2009.

For more information visit the ATO website at www.ato.gov.au

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Hundreds of thousands of skin cancers are diagnosed in Australia each year. A large proportion of these diagnoses are determined to be malignant melanomas. It has been estimated that 34,000 skin cancers and 200 melanomas are caused by sun exposure in the workplace every year in Australia. Employers and workers who work most of or part of the day outdoors are being encouraged to work safely in the sun to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.

An estimated 1.2 million Australian outdoor workers face an increased risk of developing skin cancer due to their occupational exposure to harmful solar Ultraviolet radiation.

A past study found that men whose workplaces had a mandatory sun protection policy were more likely to protect themselves from the sun. Early detection is also an important part of minimising one’s skin cancer risks. The Cancer Council recommends outdoor workers be encouraged to regularly check their own skin for suspicious spots. It is also important that workers know what their skin normally looks like so changes can be recognised early, along with what to look for and what to do if they do notice something suspicious or are concerned about their skin cancer risk.

Protecting outdoor workers from skin cancerThe Cancer Council recommends that all outdoor workplaces have a comprehensive sun protection program in place that includes:

Risk assessment of the UV exposure risk to all employeesThe introduction and maintenance of sun protection control measuresTraining and encouraging employees to work safely in the sunA written sun protection policy A process to determine the effectiveness of the program and identify changes that may further reduce exposure

Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are tax deductible if they are needed for protection at work.

The Cancer Council can assist local workplaces toward implementing effective sun protection behaviour amongst employees. For more information contact The Cancer Council ACT on 02 6257 9999 or visit the comprehensive SunSmart Outdoor Workers section on The Council’s new website at www.actcancer.org

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Important DatesMonday 25 February

Master Builders Association Golf Day

Yowani Country Club

Monday 10 March

Canberra Day

Friday 14 March

Master Builders and Boral Excellence in

Building Awards entries close

Friday 11 April

Life, Business & Sustainability in Building Forum

Friday 30 May

Master Builders Group Training Apprentice and

Cadet Awards

Friday 27 June

Master Builders and Boral Excellence in

Building Awards

exposure to sun May Cause Death

On-site Insight

A N I N D U S T R Y U P D A T E F R O M T H E M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I A T I O N O F T H E A C T

Planning Reform updateThe ACT Government has made a commitment to change the current planning system to make it simpler to use, faster and more effective. The new system will come into effect in early 2008. As a result of the change, the ACT’s planning legislation, approval processes as well as the structure of the Territory Plan are being changed. The new Planning System is targeted to commence on 31 March 2008.

With the introduction of the Planning and Development Act 2007 the ACT will be the first jurisdiction to adopt the nationally developed ‘leading practice model’ for development assessments based on five major assessment tracks:

Exempt Prohibited Code Merit Impact

The Planning and Development Act 2007 was debated and passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly in August 2007. The regulations will support the legislation. To obtain a copy of the draft regulations visit www.actpla.gov.au and follow the links.

The new Planning and Development Regulations under the Planning and Development Act 2007 and the Building (General) Regulation 2008 are currently open for consultation.

Some of the key benefits of the new planning reform system are listed below.

Changes Details

Strategic environmental assessment

Government may initiate high level assessment prior to major land grant or major plan variation

Facilitates community input and improves accountability

New development application track assessment system

Easy identification of DA assessment path

Transparent and consistent DA process

Efficient allocation of assessment resources

DA amendment process

Establishes when amendment application can be made and process the amendment must follow

Provides the community with certainty that the amendment process cannot be used to substantially change a development proposal

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Changes Details

Territory Plan and development assessment process applies to use of land and buildings

Makes it clear that territory plan and assessment process can apply to use (as in other jurisdictions)

Development assessment and leasehold administration work more closely together

Existing lease authorised uses not affected

DA not required for lease authorised uses if building work (that requires a DA) is not involved

Development approval exemptions clarified and expanded including exemption single dwellings in new estate areas

Increased range of exemptions means reduced time and cost for proponent

Frees up Government assessment resources for remaining development applications

Greater consistency between development approval and building approval exemptions

Development assessment timelines

Applicants have greater certainty as to the time assessment of a DA is likely to take

Code track matters assessed in 20 working days

Entity referral process

Statutory time limit (15 working days)

Entities bound by advice

No advice within time limit is deemed as support for application

Time limit for DA approval

6 month limit removed

Allows ACTPLA to make decisions on large scale complex DA which might otherwise have to be heavily conditioned or refused

Appeals Eligibility requirements for third party appeals – material detriment

No first or third party appeals or reconsideration process for Code track DAs (applicant can appeal conditions)

Environmental Impact Statements

Transparent process for undertaking an Environmental Impact Statement

Scoping process permits statement to be tailored to requirements individual case

Works with the EPBC Act commonwealth requirements

Rules and criteria in Codes

Clearer guidance on assessment requirements and provides options for the applicant in designing their proposal

On-site Insight

Changes Details

Leasing More transparent criteria for direct sale of leases

Clearer rules and improved accountability for granting of concessional leases

Notation of concessional lease status on title

New procedures to permit LTO to note use approvals and other matters

Planning reports possible for major leases

Compliance requirements

New compliance mechanisms protects interests of community and individuals eg. prohibition notices

New offences and increased penalties

Clear and transparent complaints process

Public Register Documents required on register clarified

Residential floor plans exempt (privacy, copyright)

Fees and charges

Fee structure aligns with development assessment tracks

Certifiers can issue a BA for DA exempt dwellings

Certifier will be a one-stop-shop for approvals for DA exempt dwellings

Saves BA time and construction holding costs

Certifiers can work with BA applicants to achieve DA exemption

Deregulation of low-end of construction industry

Size of BA exemptions widened, saving greater than $1000 average per building

No need for certifiers, plans, BA, builder licences, inspections, surveys or certificates of occupancy and use for most non-habitable buildings and structures up to 36m2 floor area, eg. two car garages and smaller

Increased regulation of building certifiers

More reliable decision making, commensurate with certifier’s increased responsibility for vetting plans for DA exemption

Rectification order power clarified

Provides certainty that orders requiring rectification of substandard and unlawful construction work are enforceable even if Government has approved or passed the work

Responds to an ACT Supreme Court decision to the contrary

Changes Details

New development tables

Clarifies the minimum assessment track, assessable and prohibited development, and the applicable codes for a DA

Increased regulation when advising on BA application referrals

ActewAGL and fire brigade gain a veto power over BAs, thus helping to prevent BAs reflecting work that contravenes relevant laws

Prosecutions for certain breaches of relevant laws prevented if referral entities’ advice is followed (advice gives limited immunity)

Incorporates existing planning guidelines, neighbourhood and master plans

Solidates and simplifies planning controls

Technical amendments

Certain types of plan variations can go through a quicker process

Industry Training strategy, new Planning system ImplementationACTPLA is committed to ensuring that industry is able to gain a full understanding of the implications of Planning System Reform and more importantly how it works in a practical day-to-day sense. ACTPLA in partnership with the Master Builders Association will be delivering a number of training programs to assist the industry in gaining a better understanding of the new system. If you are interested in attending the training please contact the Master Builders Association on 02 6247 2099.

Implementation and transitionBuilders, Architects and Designers please note the following implementation and transition provisions:

Planning and Development Bill 2007, Regulations and Territory Plan take effect on 31 March 2008DAs lodged before 31 March 2008 will be processed under the Land ActDecisions before the AAT the repealed Act including the Territory Plan continue to apply for the purposes of deciding the applicationApprovals under the Land Act remain in forceApprovals may be extended once under the Repealed Act if the application for extension is made before the approval expires, and within six months after commencement of the new Act

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On-site Insight

A N I N D U S T R Y U P D A T E F R O M T H E M A S T E R B U I L D E R S A S S O C I A T I O N O F T H E A C T

Cadet ProgramIn December 2007 the first four cadets to complete their Diploma of Building and Construction (Management) graduated and all four have since enrolled in and commenced their Advanced Diploma program. Another six cadets are about to complete their diplomas. In 2008 four of our cadets have successfully applied for entry into the University of Canberra Building and Construction Management undergraduate degree course. The senior group of cadets, originally all of whom were employed by Master Builders Association (MBA) Group Training and hosted out to industry, have all now been employed by their hosts.

This course began only three years ago at MBA Group Training ACT and we have come a long way since that time in terms of the productivity being demonstrated by the senior group of cadets and the demand by our employers for additional cadets in 2008. Successful cadets become, amongst other roles, Project Managers, Contract Managers, and Estimators.

In 2007 we invited employers to participate more fully in the cadet program and we have had a number of senior managers deliver specialist training in their own unique niche areas since that time and this has proven popular with employers and cadets alike. Employers have enjoyed the rigour of the cadet enquiry and cadets like the diversity of opinion and practice offered by a variety of views.

The Advanced Diploma cadets will undertake a two-day course with ACTPLA as a part of their fulfilment of the qualification as well as present seminars and develop a formal research proposal. Participating employers will be invited to work with MBA to formally assess these outcomes before the Advanced Diplomas are awarded. These activities will prepare the cadets for ongoing educational requirements at University and bring the quality of their training to a level where the industry can see how much they have learned in the three to four year program.

We call the learners ‘cadets’ when they graduate from the Certificate Four courses in Contract Administration, Site Management and Estimating as up until that time they are ‘trainees’ with a very strong administrative flavour to their training and work deployments. At Certificate Two level, when they first come to the MBA Group Scheme, it is much like ‘broom time’ for our trade apprentices where trainees learn all about the workplace, and overview the skill requirements they will need to progress into the cadet career pathway.

We have maintained a complement of 26 cadets for nearly three years now and the demand for additional cadets presently exceeds our ability to fill such vacancies. Alongside trainers, cadets are the current occupational group we are having the greatest difficulty recruiting to meet industry needs.

We intend to have an ‘Expo’ in early 2008 directed specifically at year 11 and 12 students. We will engage interested employers and school students in the capital region to bring them together for presentations, ‘trade’ shows, and a midday barbecue with the aim of attracting young women and men into the cadetship program and partnering them in the final stages of the secondary education so that they leave can directly enter into our cadet training programs, after leaving college.

In the past placing advertisements in the newspapers has not produced useful results and we now know that word-of-mouth is the best way to attract young people into the program. We are also aware that often young people have incorrect preconceptions about the building and construction industry. Our intention with an Expo is to dispel these, and generate interest in career structures where young people can find stimulating work, attractive remuneration and a diverse and safe working environment.

If you know of anyone who is interested in entering the building and construction industry in the para-professional area and building a career with great opportunities then please contact Kalli Leister, Group Training Centre on 02 6280 9119.

new Guidelines for CPD PointsFor NSW Building Licence holders there are changes to the Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements under Section 40 (2D) and (2E) of the Home Building Act 1989.

As of 1 January 2008 NSW Builder License holders must earn a minimum of 12 CPD points in the 12 months prior to the renewal of their licence. If you accumulate more than 12 points in one year you can carry forward a maximum of 11 CPD points to the next year.

You must keep records of CPD point earning activities for a minimum of 3 years.

You now cannot receive CPD points for simply being a member of a Construction Industry Association nor for the purchase of the BCA.

The transitional arrangements in place state that the new requirements start when you renew your licence or if you have a 3 year licence, on the anniversary of the date your licence was renewed. Up until that point the old 25 CPD point’s requirements must be met.

For more information on the new requirements contact Office of Fair Trading or go to www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au and follow the links.

WETAREA

BOND POINT

Footing slab section

If plumbing runs under garage slab, garage reinforcing is to be included with entire earth bonding slab

Integral slab section

Continuous slab section

150mmMINIMUM

150mmMINIMUM

TEST POINT

WETAREA

WETAREA

BOND POINT

Footing slab section

If plumbing runs under garage slab, garage reinforcing is to be included with entire earth bonding slab

Integral slab section

Continuous slab section

150mmMINIMUM

150mmMINIMUM

TEST POINT

WETAREA

home Building Contract Workshop

Free to members5 March 2008

4.30 pm – 7.00 pmContact Norma on 02 6247 2099 to register

On-site Insight

Asbestos Regulations updateThe Transitional Provisions for mandatory asbestos-related qualifications have now been extended to allow occupations involved in the removal and assessment of asbestos until 1 January 2009 to obtain the necessary qualification.

These transitional provisions do not apply to prescribed occupations eg. tradespeople that work with asbestos or disturb asbestos. These prescribed occupations must complete the approved course that is currently being delivered by the Master Builder Association. If you are a trades person and you have not completed the above course please contact the Master Builders Association to register.

Visit www.legislation.act.gov.au and follow the links if you require further information on the licensing qualifications.

Water sensitive urban DesignWaterWays the Water Sensitive Urban Design General Code will come into effect 31 March 2008 with the new planning system.

The introduction of WaterWays will:

aim to reduce mains water consumption in homes built or redeveloped after 31 March 2008 by 40% (calculated on pre-2003 values)require suburbs, subdivisions and developments to better manage stormwater quantity and quality

What does this mean for your business?

You will be required to comply with new government policy and standardsYou are encouraged to incorporate new technology and practices

The new code applies to:

development of new residential neighbourhoods and estatesre-development or in-fill development within the existing built environmentsmulti-unit housing, institutional, commercial and industrial developments

To obtain a copy of the new code, go to www.actpla.act.gov.au and select publications.

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What is equipotential Bonding?As of 1 July 2008 the new AS/NZS 3000 wiring rules requires the earth bonding of reinforced steel in concrete slabs located under Wet Areas.

Basically what this means is, that at two points in the slab an electrical bonding point should be brought up prior to pouring the slab so that it will protrude into the timber frame or internal brick wall (see diagrams). This can be done by a Builder, steel fixer or concreter. It will enable an electrician to connect an earth clamp on to one of the points so that the slab mesh will be earthed. The second bond point is left as a test point to allow an electrician to test the complete earth bonding of the entire slab mesh.

The bond point should be made from a cranked length of reinforcing steel, tied at least 3 times to the slab mesh and protrude a minimum of 150mm vertically into the wall frame to ensure easy access by an electrician. This rule will also apply to multi unit and commercial construction. A blanking plate should be used for access to the bond point.

Figure 1 – Typical floor plan

Figure 2 – Typical slab cross sections

Master Builders Association of the ACT 241 Northbourne Ave Lyneham Canberra ACT 2602 Tel: (02) 6247 2099 Fax: (02) 6249 8374 canberra@mba.org.au www.mba.org.au

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