Unions, builders and developers work together to keep Brisbane’s major constructions going in COVID-19 crisis

A so-called “unholy alliance” is working together to keep Brisbane’s major construction sites open in the wake of the coronavirus.

MAJOR construction sites across Brisbane remain open with builders, developers and unions working to keep projects on track in the wake of the coronavirus.

While the state’s building sector is bracing for more company collapses as home buyers and developers walk away from contracts, billions of dollars of fully funded projects in the CBD and inner city remain on track.

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An artist's impression of the Midtown Centre in the Brisbane CBD.

Consolidated Properties executive chairman Don O’Rorke, who is behind the $850 million Yeerongpilly Green masterplanned project, said it was “absolutely fundamental” that building sites are kept open.

“The construction industry has reached what some would call an unholy alliance with the unions, principally the CMFEU, to keep the sites open,” he said.

“They have also reached an agreement to keep the ports open because China is back shipping materials out to Australia and when they get here the last thing we want is for them to be stuck on a wharf somewhere.

The construction site for Queens Wharf Residences are part of The Star Casino development in Brisbane.

“The unions have said they’ll do their part to unclog any choke points on wharves and the like.”

According to Master Builders Queensland work continues on major CBD projects such as Queens Wharf, 80 Ann St, the Midtown Centre and 443 Queen St as well as others on the fringe.

However, the industry organisation warned that building sites risk being closed down if they don’t comply with the hygiene and social distancing requirements.

An artist's impression of 80 Ann St in the Brisbane CBD.

Hutchinson Builders chairman Scott Hutchinson said while current projects were proceeding, uncertainty is already impacting on jobs in the sector.

“We’re finishing the jobs we’ve got, which is $3 billion worth of projects but after that there’s nothing more coming in so we’re just scaling down,” he said.

“A lot of our projects go for the next 12 months so there’s still plenty for us to do but we’re already starting to drop staff.

“This is as bad as it gets. We’ll keep as many people as we can … there’s holiday pay and long service leave so a lot of people will be taking that.

“We’ll see what happens. We’re cashed up but cash doesn’t last forever.”