Qld construction code: New rules won’t be delayed despite outcry
Queenslanders building new homes will still be slugged added upfront costs amid a hip-pocket crunch due to new construction rules, despite the state government’s timing tweaks.
QLD Politics
Don't miss out on the headlines from QLD Politics. Followed categories will be added to My News.
New construction code rules expected to cost Queenslanders more cash to build a house won’t be delayed wholesale, despite an industry outcry, with Public Works Minister Mick de Brenni instead opting to tinker around the edges.
Mr de Brenni is standing firm on a starting date of October 1 for most of the new construction code rules, after calling an emergency meeting of housing industry stakeholders on Tuesday to put forward a few exemptions and delays.
It came amid growing pressure from industry leaders, who warned the new rules – intended to make homes more energy-efficient and accessible for seniors and those with disabilities – would add to building costs in the middle of a housing affordability crisis.
But the timing changes – after a long period of negotiation between the industry and Mr de Brenni – don’t go far enough, according to stakeholders.
Master Builders Queensland boss Paul Bidwell is still calling for a delay to May 2024 for energy-efficiency measures.
The changes put forward include exempting “small lot” homes – or lots with a frontage of 12.5m, found commonly in masterplanned communities – from new accessibility standards until March 2025.
Queenslander-style homes on steep lots will also be exempt from external accessibility design measures moving forward.
But all new builds from October 1 must achieve seven-star energy-efficiency ratings, instead of six stars, in a move expected to add upfront costs to building a home but help households save in the long run.
Among industry concerns was the lack of software tools needed to assess a building against seven-star energy efficiency ratings, though Mr de Brenni said these would be ready next week.
He said this would add just one to two per cent to the total cost of a new home, while saving homeowners up to $185 a year on energy bills.
He also refuted suggestions the government’s move was a backdown, saying the industry and government had been working on the transition arrangements for months.
Mr de Brenni also defended the new construction code – championed by Queensland from the beginning – saying the accessibility and energy-efficiency measures cost 20 times less upfront than attempting to retrofit a home later on.
And, while the measures would save households money in the long run, it didn’t “change the fact” government needed to work with industry to ensure they’re ready.
“We’re giving them sensible transition in time frames and making those reasonable exemptions where it’s appropriate to do so,” he said.
Queensland Conservation Council director David Copeman said the government’s own figures showed the new code would reduce emissions from new homes by 1.64 million tonnes.
Fears Productivity Commission gives LNP license to ‘dissect’ workers’ lives
A new government productivity agency tasked with improving lives will instead be used as a trojan horse to “dissect” the pay and conditions of workers, with powers to inquire into any aspect of Queensland life, opposition MPs say.
Has Labor lost the regions to Qld’s ‘de facto National Party’?
Katter’s Australian Party claims its support base is surging in the aftermath of Labor’s state election drubbing, and it’s a shift in dynamic that could have major implications for both parties in regional Queensland.