Workplace RelationsHome Insulation Program changes
From 2 November 2009 some changes will be introduced to the Home Insulation Program to add extra safety precautions and consumer protections and reduce the maximum subsidy under the Program.
- From 2 November 2009, the maximum subsidy under the Australian Government's Home Insulation Program will be reduced from a maximum of $1,600 per dwelling to a maximum of $1,200 per dwelling.
- Program funding has been capped at $2.45 billion. The program will conclude when funds are fully expended or on 31 December 2011 which ever occurs first.
- From 2 November 2009, ceiling insulation installation must include the use of an appropriate cover over down lights and other relevant ceiling appliances, as approved and installed in accordance with relevant Australian Standards. This is a key safety fire protection. Where it is not possible or appropriate to install a cover (e.g. due to space limitations in flat ceilings) installers must still leave the minimum clearance distance required under the relevant Standards.
- From 2 November 2009, ceiling insulation must be installed without the use of metal staples or other metal fasteners to fasten insulation products as an electrical safety measure. Taping or fastening with nylon/plastic staples or any other non metallic means will be permitted.
- A new pricing table has been issued that reflects a "lower to average" price range per square metre and an "upper price" per square metre. The table has been derived from the total cost of installations from 1 July to 10 September 2009.
- From 1 December 2009, householders are required to obtain two genuine independent quotes from two businesses on the Installer Provider Register. Householders in rural areas may be exempt from this requirement if they are unable to obtain multiple site inspections for the quotes because of their remote location.
- From 1 December 2009, ceiling insulation must not be installed before a Risk Assessment has been completed by the Installer on the approved template. The completed Risk Assessment must be provided if requested for audit purposes.
- Local government housing has been explicitly mentioned as ineligible in the Guidelines, although it has always been excluded under the general banner of government housing.
For more details visit the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts website at www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency/insulation/installers/publications/index.html.
Sustainable Planning Bill passed by Parliament
September 2009
The Sustainable Planning Bill 2009 was passed by Parliament on 16 September 2009 and will become an Act as part of the parliamentary process in the coming weeks.
The Bill is a core element of the Queensland Government's reform agenda to make the state's planning, development and building system - Qplan - smarter, faster and simpler, ultimately delivering sustainable development outcomes for all Queenslanders.
The Sustainable Planning Act 2009 is expected to take effect in late 2009 and will replace the Integrated Planning Act 1997.
For more information, including a brief summary of the legislative changes, visit the Department of Infrastructure and Planning's website. Comprehensive information will be added to the website approaching the commencement date of the Act.
Approval of existing building work
August 2009
Building Codes Queensland recently provided an update on the assessment of existing building work that has been carried out without a building
development approval or without having the required inspections undertaken.
This newsflash is particularly relevant for building certifiers, as it sets out further obligations for assessing and deciding building development applications, as well as appropriate forms of evidence and assistance available to do this.
Click here to read the full newsflash from Building Codes Queensland.
Combination hand basin and cistern guideline
June 2009
Building Codes Queensland (BCQ) has released some guidelines around the use of a relatively new product - combination hand basin and cistern. They have advised that despite some versions of this product achieving product certification, their installation is not actually permitted under the Plumbing and Drainage Act.
Click here to read the full newsflash from Building Codes Queensland.
AIRCONDITIONERS UNDER THE QUEENSLAND DEVELOPMENT CODE
May 2009
Building Codes Queensland (BCQ) have issued an update to the Queensland Development Code (QDC) regarding requirements for airconditioners. As part of the energy efficiency requirements introduced from 1 March 2009, new or replaced airconditioners installed in class 1 and 2 buildings, must have a minimum tested average energy efficiency ratio (EER) of 2.9 under the QDC.
While the code applies mostly to electricians, builders should be aware of these requirements when discussing airconditioner installation with their nominated electrician.
Click here to read the full newsflash from Building Codes Queensland.
Building Code of Australia Updates for 2009
April 2009
Each year the BCA is updated to ensure it keeps pace with new technology, incorporates results of research, is cost effective, reflects current industry practices and best practice regulatory principals.
The 2009 Building Code of Australia (BCA) Volumes 1 and 2 will come into effect from 1 May 2009.
Master Builders has produced an information circular that outlines the key updates that affect builders and trade contractors.
Click here to download the circular
On-the-spot fines - Environmental Protection Act
January 2009
Due to recent changes in legislation, on-the-spot fines for breaches under various pieces of legislation have significantly increased.
Some of these fines have increased by over $500. These include on-the-spot fines for breaches under the Environmental Protection Act 1994.
Some of these changes include:
An offence for littering under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 now attracts an on-the-spot fine of up to $1,600 for an individual, and up to $6,400 for a corporation, where large amounts of litter are deposited.
For a breakdown of other littering fines, please refer to the table below. This includes litter such as cigarette butts, paper, cardboard, builders' waste and grass clippings. It may also include any building materials (bricks, sand, trusses) temporarily put onto a vacant block without the owner's permission.
An offence for depositing materials such as sand, silt or mud where they have moved or have the potential to move into storm water drainage.
Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, this now attracts an on-the-spot fine of $1,000 for an individual and $2,000 for a corporation.
For further information regarding these changes, or the management of environmental issues on your job site you can visit the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website at www.epa.qld.gov.au or contact the EPA on 1300 130 112.