Pitard Group claims Geelong social housing build delayed by CFMEU visit

The developer of a social housing project in Geelong’s CBD has claimed an “unnecessary” union visit has delayed construction.

The Pitard Group’s Myers St project in July. Picture: Alan Barber

An “unnecessary and non-productive” visit from officials linked to the controversial construction union has delayed a CBD social housing project, according to the developer.

Melbourne-based Pitard Group has partnered with Homes Victoria to deliver an 11-storey apartment social housing complex on Myers St.

A Pitard spokesman said CFMEU officials were on site from 5am one day last week.

The Pitard spokesman said the officials claimed they were invited by the project’s health and safety representative to ensure the required processes were in place.

“In order to make entry he needed to issue a notice and give 24 hours warning,” the spokesman said.

“This all came about as there was a disagreement as to working hours the night before with the elected health and safety representative.”

Work is well underway at the Pitard Group’s Myers St site. Picture: Alan Barber.

The spokesman said a CFMEU official was “aggressively” talking to staff members, demanding paperwork and trying to identify any non-compliance.

“This process was ongoing for so long that the end result was that the concrete in the agitator trucks that was waiting to be pumped actually went off and as such, the pour for the day ultimately had to be cancelled,” he said.

“It has cost the project four days in delay and immense costs associated with labour having to be sent home given the circumstances.”

The spokesman described the actions as “unnecessary and non-productive”, however the CFMEU denied it was responsible for any delay.

The site, once home to Kings Funerals, will comprise 117 one and two bedroom apartments, as well as 83 car parks spread across the ground floor and level one.

Residents are expected move into the apartments by the middle of next year.

A Homes Victoria spokeswoman said the site would be purchased by the National Affordable Housing Consortium to manage it as social housing for a term of no less than 30 years.

“As with all construction in Victoria, there are strict standards and obligations to provide for workplace health and safety in line with relevant occupational health and safety laws,” she said.

“Many Victorian housing projects are being built in partnership with the community housing sector or private developers, who are contractually required to use registered builders and put in place relevant safety measures.”

In August, the CFMEU’s construction and general division was forced into administration, with 270 union officials removed from office immediately, including more than 120 in Victoria.

Mark Irving KC was appointed administrator, which comes with broad powers that include an ability to suspend, remove, expel or disqualify members or office holders.

Originally published as Pitard Group claims Geelong social housing build delayed by CFMEU visit