Tools down: Lockdown brings building boom to standstill

Frustrated builders say the state’s snap coronavirus lockdown is hurting the industry, which was able to operate safely in regional Victoria during the state’s deadly second wave.

Frustrated builders say the state’s snap coronavirus lockdown is hurting the industry which was able to operate safely during regional Victoria’s deadly second wave.

Bellbrae builder Mark Little had to close seven building sites with just two hours notice on Friday and is barred from picking up the tools until Thursday – if the state’s stage four lockdown is lifted.

Regional builders are facing their toughest restrictions yet after being allowed to operate throughout 2020 if they adhered to strict site numbers.

“Obviously, all of our job sites have come to a complete halt and a complete standstill,” he said.

“You don’t earn any revenue when your jobs are in pre-construction – you earn revenue when jobs are on site.”

The owner of Little Construction and Master Builders Victoria president said the lockdown was a “total shock” to regional builders who had continued to work safely throughout last year’s coronavirus lockdown.

Builder Mark Little's seven sites came to a complete halt on Friday with just two hours notice. Picture: Peter Ristevski

“If this lockdown was to go on any longer than five days, there would be catastrophic economic ramifications across Victoria,” Mr Little said.

“We project that $63 million in wages and $445 million in industry revenue is being lost every day of this lockdown.”

Geelong-based Master Builders Victoria chief executive officer Rebecca Casson said the ban on building sites operating was “incredibly disappointing” given the industry’s strong safety record.

“This represents the harshest lockdown our industry has experienced during the pandemic,” Ms Casson said.

“And, for the first time, our wider industry will be almost completely stopped. It’s a step beyond the Stage 4 restrictions we endured through much of 2020.”

Major worksites – like the M80 Ring Road project – can continue operating and builders are able to complete emergency repairs.

Villawood Properties executive director Rory Costelloe said the lockdown had yet to impact sales across the major developer’s estates.

Mr Costelloe said the Geelong market had “barely missed a beat” throughout the pandemic with the market buoyed by lesser stage three in regional areas during late 2020.

“A year ago, in March or April, we were fearful of what was to come, there was a such an unknown and a lot fears,” Mr Costelloe said.

“But our fears didn’t come to fruition.”

He said Geelong had “really shone”, but stressed that if Melbourne still had coronavirus cases of concern by Wednesday, a ring of steel should be installed so regional Victoria could enjoy eased restrictions.

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Originally published as Tools down: Lockdown brings building boom to standstill