QBCC building regulator raids Townsville construction sites

Queensland’s building regulator has hammered three alleged unlicensed tradies during a three-day blitz of 100 active building sites across NQ.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission said officers checked the licences of 226 individuals in Townsville last week as part of a month-long, state-wide crackdown. Picture: QBCC

Queensland’s building regulator has hammered three alleged unlicensed tradies during a three-day blitz of 100 active building sites in Townsville.

The Queensland Building and Construction Commission said officers checked the licences of 226 individuals in Townsville last week as part of a month-long, state-wide crackdown.

QBCC Commissioner Anissa Levy said officers looked at everything from home renovation projects to new builds in Townsville.

She said the majority of on-site workers were “licensed and doing a great job”.

“However, the three people suspected of performing unlicensed work are now subject to further investigations, which could result in prosecution,” Commissioner Levy said.

“We are also investigating a number of other individuals who committed minor offences and we intend to issue them with warnings or educational letters.”

Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) Commissioner Anissa Levy. Picture: QBCC

An individual or company caught working without a licence can be issued with fines of up to $3,096 or prosecuted in court, while repeat offending can lead to up to a year behind bars.

The Townsville blitz was part of a state-wide audit throughout October to help stamp out unlicensed, illegal and defective work.

Ms Levy said unlicensed contracting and improper use of a licence were among the five most common offences investigated by QBCC officers in Queensland in the last financial year.

“During 2022-2023, the QBCC investigated 735 people for unlicensed contracting and 204 people were investigated for improper use of a licence,” she said.

“The QBCC has zero tolerance for these illegal activities and there are significant penalties for anyone caught acting unlawfully.”

Ms Levy said that by identifying and preventing unlawful activity, the QBCC was “helping to keep everyone safe”.

“It also ensures there is a level playing field for our licensed contractors who are doing the right thing by obtaining qualifications and experience and providing the QBCC with evidence of their financial stability each year.”

Originally published as QBCC building regulator raids Townsville construction sites