Master Builders Association reveals five-point plan to supercharge Tasmania’s economy and save jobs

The state’s lead construction lobby has revealed key details of a five-point plan focused on construction projects, economic stimulus and creating thousands of jobs. See the details>>

A CONSTRUCTION boom in Tasmania would supercharge the state’s economic recovery from coronavirus and save hundreds of jobs, the Master Builders Association says.

The association has revealed a five-point plan featured in a policy paper it and the Civil Contractors Federation of Tasmania will submit to the State Government, saying the state can build its way out of the COVID-19 crisis.

It comes as the government prepares to outline details of an unprecedented construction program the Premier has said would be the most aggressive in the state’s history.

Master Builders Tasmania executive director Matthew Pollock said the construction industry could play a leading role in the state’s coronavirus recovery strategy.

Mr Pollock said independent modelling prepared by Ernst and Young showed boosting residential, civil and commercial construction would give the state’s economy a lifeline.

“What we’re asking for is stimulus, not subsidies. We’re asking for a program which prioritises jobs, infrastructure and promotes productivity within the economy and a package that has households and home ownership at its core,’’ he said.

Executive director for Master Builders, Tasmania, Matthew Pollock as they are releasing their major policy submission to State Government to kick start the economy. Picture: Zak Simmonds

Mr Pollock said the five-point plan would contribute more than $500 million to the Tasmanian economy over the next 12 months, $270 million in activity in the building and construction industry and support more than 2000 jobs in the sector.

The policy paper is focused on preserving jobs and stimulating the economy, and includes:

• A plan to make homes more resilient to natural disasters, saving 460 jobs and costing the government $62 million but creating $118 million in economic activity;
• A commercial building rectification program to remove asbestos from public buildings and provide support for owners of private buildings to do the same;
• A reduction in developer contributions and infrastructure charges on residential land development;
• Bringing forward five per cent of the government’s infrastructure works pipeline, saving 129 jobs and generating $33 million in extra economic activity;
• A previously announced policy of a $40,000 new home builders grant, which would save 1200 jobs, cost the government $80 million and create $285 million in economic activity.

Premier Peter Gutwein has promised “the most aggressive construction program in Tasmania’s history” as the state plots its economic recovery from coronavirus.

Mr Gutwein said the government’s plan to use construction to bounce back from coronavirus, including infrastructure projects that will be brought forward, would be announced in Parliament next week.

“I have every confidence that by building off this base we will get through this,’’ he said.

Labor has called for a tailored recovery package for the state’s North-West because the region was hardest hit by a significant COVID-19 outbreak and an associated lockdown.

The party said targeted investment in infrastructure projects in the region would stimulate the economy and provide local businesses with confidence.