Sky-high costs smashing regional plumbers, gas fitters
A Townsville plumber says tradies across regional Queensland are being squeezed from all sides, as material costs soar and unpaid invoices leave businesses thousands out of pocket.
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A Townsville plumber says tradies across regional Queensland are being squeezed from all sides, as material costs soar and unpaid invoices leave businesses thousands out of pocket.
The financial strain is especially severe in remote and regional areas, where stretched supply chains and thin margins are turning everyday jobs into financial risks.
The Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) has warned the industry is at a tipping point.
“Plumbers and gas fitters are telling us they’re not just fighting to get paid – they’re fighting to stay in business,” MPAQ CEO Penny Cornah said.
“Without meaningful change, we risk losing vital services in communities that rely on them most.”
A recent MPAQ survey found that plumbing and gas businesses have seen an average 25 per cent increase in material and overhead costs over the past 12 months.
Despite being run off their feet, 85 per cent of tradies said they don’t chase unpaid debt simply because they can’t afford the time or admin costs.
Townsville-based Lachlan Cooke, owner of Tropical Coast Plumbing, said conditions on the ground are tough — and only getting tougher.
“You don’t have to look far to see that someone has closed their business, be it by choice or force,” he said.
“Suppliers, freight costs and wages have all jumped dramatically in the last six to 12 months — and it’s those costs which are being passed on to the consumer.
“Tradies that aren’t looking to work out their true costs of business, improve their business models and think outside the box are really going to struggle to generate leads for work and then be paid for them as things continue to tighten for the foreseeable future.”
Mr Cooke said the traditional “Do and Charge” model, where tradies complete the job and invoice later, is no longer sustainable.
“Upfront pricing and payment on completion is the only way forward for service based businesses. It’s a win-win for both the business and consumer.”
MPAQ is now urging policymakers and industry stakeholders to step up with better debt recovery systems, stronger protections against non-payment, and relief for those facing crippling cost pressures.
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Originally published as Sky-high costs smashing regional plumbers, gas fitters
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