Builders say delaying new regulations until next year could lower the costs of construction. (AAP Image: Dave Hunt)
Key points:
Queensland builders want new accessibility and energy efficiency regulations to be delayed amid existing challenges.
Disability advocates say the changes are a benefit to a broad section of the community.
The government says the regulations would make homes liveable for generations to come.
Industry figures say the time it takes to build a new home in Queensland has doubled, in some cases, since the outbreak of the pandemic.
They say there is no simple solution to the construction challenges, which have been prompted by labour shortages, increased demand, and high material costs.
Master Builders Queensland chief executive Paul Bidwell says the organisation has called on the state government to postpone new regulations that will standardise accessibility provisions and energy efficiency requirements for new homes.
Changes include building new homes that are easier for more people to navigate and that comply with higher energy star ratings.
Mr Bidwell said delaying the plans until next year could lower the costs of construction and ease industry shortages.
"The state government has few levers to pull, but one they do have is that they're looking at introducing new laws, regulations, towards the end of this year that will increase the cost of construction," he said.
Construction delays could ease by next year, Mr Bidwell said.
But it was a move that an advocate for accessible housing, Margaret Ward, said was "mischievous in the extreme".
Dr Ward said advocates worked with the industry and government for "decades" to establish a national construction code for accessibility standards.
"With all that work done in a very consultative way — and a high-order policy decision made by Australia's housing ministers — [the fact] that he goes out and touts this is mischievous. It's mischievous in the extreme," she said.
Extract Thanks ABC Gold Coast 8/2/23
TO DISCUSS YOUR INVESTMENT HOME BUILD NEEDS:
CALL MIKE 0419 644660
Email: mike@invisionhomes.com.au
Invision Homes Pty Ltd QBCC Builders Licence N⁰ 1089281
Comments