The QBCC has convicted and fined its fifth unlicensed builder in 2024

Queensland’s construction industry watchdog has secured its fifth conviction this year for illegal building activities with more than $100,000 in fines issued.

A former Brisbane resident has become the fifth person convicted and fined this year for illegal building activities in prosecutions brought by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission.

The building industry watchdog has this year issued more than $100,000 in fines.

The latest was Paul Joseph Ford was convicted and fined a total of $16,000 in Beaudesert Magistrates Court for unlicensed building work, not using a contract that complies with requirements, and demanding an excessive deposit from a homeowner.

The building industry regulator also prosecuted another three individuals this year in cases where convictions were not recorded.

QBCC acting commissioner Tim Murphy (illustrated) urged homeowners to only ever use licensed contractors, regardless of the size of their building project.

He says unlicensed individuals exposed owners to illegal and potentially dangerous work, and their work might not be covered by the safety net provided by home warranty insurance.

“Owners should get more than one quote, only use a licensed contractor and a contract, and ensure they have their home warranty insurance policy in place before work starts.”

Mr Murphy says the money paid by owners to the unlicensed individuals prosecuted so far this year highlighted the risks in using unlicensed individuals and ranged from $3350 to $49,000.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission has secured its fifth fine and conviction this year for illegal building activity.

Accor takeover

Australia’s largest hotel operator, is excited to expand its network of Brisbane hotels with the addition of Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill in the heart of the River City.

Formerly the independently operated the 4-star Pacific Hotel Brisbane, at 345 Wickham Tce Spring Hill. originally had a price tae of $52m and was bought by the Gold Coast-based Singh family for $44.8m.

The family was a big player in the poultry industry and secured Accor to operate it under the Mercure brand. On a 2899sqm corner site, the 12-storeyhas 179 guest rooms and suites.

It’s Accors 19th hotel in Brisbane and third Mercure in the Queensland capital.

Singh’s Enterprises (QLD) co-owner Sammy Singh says they were proud to be partnering with Accor on their first hotel project under the Mercure banner and excited to be upgrading the property.

“We feel there is huge growth potential in the Brisbane market and having Accor as a

partner and using their unrivalled distribution and loyalty platforms and operations

expertise makes us feel very confident, as we move into this new phase of

diversification,” he says.

Pacific Hotel has been rebranded Mercure Brisbane Spring Hill.

Hi-Tech help

Leading Brisbane-based cloud hosting and web development company ATech has launched the ATech Boost incubator program.

The program is designed to elevate selected high-potential tech start-ups to new heights by offering them a $100,000 grant in complimentary cloud hosting credits, along with expert guidance and access to crucial resources.

Aimed at fostering innovation and supporting the growth of start-ups, the program’s inaugural round, Round 1, is now open and applications will be accepted until Friday June 14.

ATech managing director Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann says “today’s emerging tech companies are tomorrow’s leaders”.

“We are investing in the future success of the tech industry by providing start-ups with the resources they need to grow. The ATech Boost incubator program is more than just a funding opportunity — it’s a launch pad for innovation,” she says.

ATech managing director Sarah-Jane Peterschlingmann.