Master Builders Queensland urges government to pay homeowners energy-efficient rebates

The Palaszczuk government has been urged to fund the cost of construction code changes if the cost of making a home more energy-efficient and accessible is above the 1 per cent to 2 per cent estimate.

Queenslanders who are set to be slugged tens of thousands of dollars to make their homes more energy-efficient and accessible should have access to government rebates, a peak construction body has said.

Master Builders Queensland, laying down a challenge for the state government, said it should fund the cost of controversial construction code changes if the verified price tag of making a home compliant was above the 1 per cent to 2 per cent estimate.

The calls for a rebate program come amid a stoush between industry and the government over changes that come into effect from October 1, requiring new builds to achieve seven-star energy-efficiency ratings, up from six.

The existing six-star energy-efficiency rating label enables consumers to compare the energy efficiency of large appliances.

The new rules would add upfront costs to building a home and households will save in the long run, though construction players have warned the hit at the start might be insurmountable for buyers amid a cost-of-living crunch and high interest rates.

Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni, who last week made a few tweaks to exemptions and delays of the new code at the behest of industry, said he had asked his department to give advice on a “way forward that balances the best interests of consumers and industry”.

Mr de Brenni said the government would “give consideration to sensible and reasonable issues raised by industry”, on top of the transition arrangements already put forward.

The government has maintained the energy-efficiency measures will add 1 to 2 per cent to the cost of a home, though industry is adamant the impact will vary wildly – from $20,000 to $30,000 a home.

Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni. Picture: Tara Croser

An example of a home at the far end of the cost spectrum was a build in the Darling Downs that notched an extra $70,000 bill to hit the seven-star energy rating, according to a quote from one builder.

Master Builders Queensland chief executive Paul Bidwell, in a letter to Mr de Brenni after last week’s proposed tweaks, said the sector was “greatly disappointed” with what had been put on the table.

“It has been stated that Queensland has the most generous exemptions and transitions,” Mr Bidwell wrote.

A solar metering app. Picture: Mark Wilson

“We cannot understand this view, when for example, Western Australia is not implementing the liveable housing provisions at all and has extended energy-efficiency provisions to May 2025.

“Given the Queensland government’s position that the cost of implementing the (changes) will be up to 2 per cent of the construction cost, we are keen to discuss a rebate scheme that would offset the costs for homeowners.”

Mr Bidwell reiterated the organisations call for the changes to be delayed until at least May 2024 to give homeowners a reprieve amid rising costs and provide industry extra transition time.