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CONTENTS
OUR COVER John Holland, Greg Leeder Homes, Rogers Building Contractors and Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets took top honours at Master Builders’ regional Building Excellence Awards recently. See pages 40-49 for details.
Forewords
Awards
President’s File................................................... 4
Geraldton Midwest Awards ............................ 40
Director’s File .................................................... 6
Great Southern Awards................................... 46
Reports
Updates
Word from the Hill ............................................ 8
Personal Pars .................................................. 50
Master Builders General News ........................ 10
Building Business ............................................ 55
Master Builders Branches ................................ 32
Industrial Relations ......................................... 61 Technical ......................................................... 65 Membership ................................................... 68 Members’ Health ........................................... 70 Legal .............................................................. 72
PUBLISHED BY
Crowther Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd Phone: 1800 222 757 Fax: 1800 063 151 Email: publications@crowtherblayne.com.au National Sales and Marketing Manager: Trish Riley Corporate Sales: Patricia Davey, Dean Wedding Email: sales@crowtherblayne.com.au Graphic Design: Aniko Gaspar Editor: Sue Guilfoyle Production Coordinator: Brooke Travers Printed by Newstyle Printing Master Builder is the official publication of The Master Builders Association of Western Australia. It is produced five times per year and published by Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd. Master Builders Association of Western Australia was established in1898 and is the state’s oldest building industry organisation. The MBAWA is part of the Australia-wide Master Builder movement. Master Builder is produced to keep members informed of matters affecting them. Opinions and/ or statements in any editorial and/or advertisements are not necessarily those of the publisher and/or the MBAWA. The publisher reserves the right to reject any material deemed unsuitable for publication. Other than for the purposes of and subject to the conditions prescribed under the copyright Act 1968, no part of Master Builder may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, microcopying, photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted without prior written permission from the MBAWA or Crowther-Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd.
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Safety .............................................................. 75 Housing .......................................................... 77 Insurance ........................................................ 80 Training .......................................................... 81
Features IT Communications ......................................... 87 Scaffolding ...................................................... 88 The Benefits of Shade Structures..................... 91 Bricks and Pavers ............................................. 94 Sustainability ................................................... 96 What’s New ................................................. 100
HEAD OFFICE: 35-37 Havelock Street, West Perth WA 6005 Post: PO Box 167, West Perth WA 6872 Phone: (08) 9476 9800 (Country) 1300 550 262 Fax: (08) 9476 9801 Email: mba@mbawa.com Website: www.mbawa.com MBAWA BOARD OF MANAGEMENT: President: Robert Shaw Senior Vice President: John Ripp Treasurer: Chris Lillis Immediate Past President: George Allingame Board Members: Simon Birkhead, David Crothers, Jason Kunkler, Andy Peppercorn, Dan Perkins, Jack Pleiter, Robert Spadaccini, Michael Vermey SENIOR STAFF: Director: Michael McLean Housing & Economics Director: Gavan Forster Contracts & Administration Manager: Charles Anderson Construction Director: Kim Richardson Membership Services Manager: Veronica Mill Communications Director: Geoff Cooper Marketing Manager: Kelly Dewar-Matusik Events Manager: Pippa Tearne Technical Advisor: Romina De Santis Training Director: Neil Du Rand Training Manager: Michael Fitzgerald Regional Operations Manager: Graham Bell
MASTER BUILDERS TRAINING CENTRE 594 Hay Street Jolimont WA 6014 Phone: (08) 9441 8000 Fax: (08) 9441 8001 Email: training@mbawa.com REGIONAL BRANCHES: Albany-Great Southern: Linda Gibbs Ph 9841 6232 Bunbury-South West: Geoff Bosustow Ph 9721 6547 Geraldton-North West: Dianne Gilleland Ph 9921 5061 Kalgoorlie: Jade Hayes Ph 0412 487 970 Esperance: Doug Backhouse Ph 0437 184 366 MEMBERSHIP INQUIRIES: Veronica Mill Ph (08) 9476 9800 SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES: Master Builder is available for subscription at a cost of $55/year. Contact Membership Services Manager Veronica Mill via email at veronica@mbawa.com for further information.
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FOREWORD: President’s File
Reflections of an outgoing president Can a president, in three years, add value to an organisation that is 115 years old? By the time most of you read this, my three-year term as president will have come to an end. It has been a very interesting, rewarding and humbling experience which I recommend to anyone who has the inclination to give something back to their industry.
This is a role I never expected to carry out or to be considered for. In the process, I have learnt a lot about myself and other people. At the end of the day, it’s all about communications, people and working together for the betterment of our industry. What tools do you need in your bag to be Master Builders’ president? The basic skills I believe are most essential are: • Willingness to listen, especially to members’ and stakeholders’ points of view with which you may not necessarily agree. • A capacity to dedicate a few hours each week to Association business in conjunction with your own business, family and lifestyle. • An ability to understand a diverse range of policy issues and represent the interest of the Association with politicians, senior public servants and other stakeholders.
• Working with a Board of like-minded peers who are prepared to have a go and make a difference even when the going gets tough in finding solutions to complex industry issues. It is heartening that our perseverance has paid off in helping to achieve a more stable industrial relations environment, a better building approvals process, avoiding an onerous safety regime and maintaining a strong independent contractor regime. Being such a dynamic industry, change will continue to be the norm. Our industry may not be perfect but it generates some incredible outcomes for our clients, economy and community and significant opportunities for subcontractors and suppliers. It contributes to making WA what it is to us and the world.
I feel particularly privileged to have served as president of a body as prestigious as Master Builders. I have learnt a lot, met some incredibly knowledgeable people and feel proud of what we have achieved during my term of office. Some of the more memorable highlights that stand out for me include:
We should never under-estimate the importance of our industry and never become complacent in fighting for what’s needed to keep it efficient, viable and rewarding. The risks need to be recognised, threats need to be dealt with, opportunities need to be taken and outcomes need to be celebrated.
• The opening of three new regional properties in Geraldton, Albany and Bunbury, reflecting our strength in regional WA. Each of these properties is purpose-built and already is providing members with wider and better services. • The establishment of a dedicated Training Centre in Jolimont which has enabled our range of training courses to be expanded significantly. • An upgrade of our major asset in Construction House with respect to air conditioning, windows, lifts and newly fitted out offices for our staff. • Being involved in judging of both state and national housing and construction excellence awards which has reinforced to me the quality of workmanship of WA’s builders. • Celebrating Gavan Forster’s and Michael McLean’s thirtieth anniversaries with our great organisation. Members are very fortunate to have such loyal, committed and knowledgeable staff as Gavan and Michael.
In conclusion, I would like to thank everyone who has assisted me during my term as president over the last three years. Many of you have become great friends. My wife, Penny, and business partner, Mick Daly, have been incredibly supportive and understanding. Thank you to Michael McLean and our metro and regional staff. It has been a pleasure working with all of you. To our present and past Board members, thanks for shaping the direction of Master Builders and for the support you have given me. It has been a fantastic experience which I will always reflect positively upon. I look forward to my new role on Master Builders’ Board as immediate past president and to lending support to our incoming president, John Ripp, from EMCO.
Acknowledging the Support of our 2013 Partners:
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Robert Shaw President
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FOREWORD: Director’s File
WA needs a better approvals regime The Building Act has been in operation for over 18 months now. How do you think it’s measuring up? This question was posed to me recently at the state conference of the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors.
A Building Act was on the radar in WA for over 20 years. Master Builders supported the concept as we believed the building approvals process needed to be made more efficient and we appreciated the opportunity to consult with the Building Commission. The months of consultations highlighted the problems that needed to be overcome – lengthy delays in processing building approval applications, poor customer service at some local councils and no consistency or certainly during processing. Philosophically, some councils opposed the move to private certification and weren’t too keen on co-operating with those drafting the new legislation even though WA was the last jurisdiction to introduce such a regime; South Australia and the Northern Territory having some form of private certification dating back to 1993! Since April 2012 when WA’s Building Act commenced, many building surveyors have resigned from local government and established their own private certification businesses. Some have chosen to work in both areas.
Feedback Having consulted with builder members about how private certification is going, I have formed the following conclusions: • It has taken some time to adjust to the new forms and jargon and understand the new building approvals system but it now has been generally accepted. • In some areas it has given builders more certainty regarding time lines in receiving building permits. • The private certifiers have been competent, responsive and enterprising. • There is more front end consultation between the building team to get the design of commercial buildings right. • Private certifiers now are starting to specialise in different types of buildings such as heritage, strata title developments and hospitals. • Compared to the past, the new process is more streamlined and efficient. However, the system is far from perfect. Many builders have pointed out that local authorities are exceeding prescribed time limits for issuing building permits. No penalty is imposed for doing so. Other builders
Acknowledging the Support of our 2013 Partners:
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have complained that local authorities are needlessly double checking certified approvals or imposing additional fees.
Areas for improvement The two areas that need to be sorted out are planning and Department of Fire and Emergency Services approvals. Getting the building approvals process right is one thing but the whole approvals process is being hampered, corrupted and jeopardised by an inefficient planning regime. The goal posts vary from council to council. Requiring planning approval for single houses is unacceptable. Builders are experiencing delays of three months and longer with no idea when council approval will be forthcoming. Clients tend to blame their builders under these circumstances which doesn’t help in maintaining a harmonious working relationship. Why can’t the building process start while the planners decide what to do? Better still, why not simply exclude single detached dwelling units that comply with the Residential Design Codes from the planning approvals process altogether? There are several planning reviews currently under way which need to address this situation urgently. The role of DFES in the approvals process for the commercial and industrial sectors is equally concerning. While public safety is a critical concern for all involved, there is simply no transparency, accountability or certainty in this area. The potential for alternative solutions to the National Construction Code on complex projects is often thwarted by DFES. It is a tragedy that many builders have given up on innovative design solutions. The answer is to enable qualified fire engineers or assessors to certify designs, just like private building surveyors do.
Conclusion The Building Act is a big improvement on the previous regime. Many builders and clients already have benefited. It has created a new spirit of co-operation among many builders and their private certifiers. However, the planning approvals process and DFES require an urgent overhaul before WA achieves a first class rating from builders. The potential benefits to everyone are enormous. It only requires political will to make it happen. Regrettably, we’ve already waited too long for those reforms. Michael McLean Director
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REPORTS: Word from the Hill
From time to time, Master Builder invites Government members to contribute on current topics and developments. Dr Mike Nahan faces challenges in his Energy and Finance portfolios. Builders are watching with interest as he oversees...
Big changes in Building Management and Works A strong, vibrant building and construction industry is essential to our State economy, and the Master Builders Association and its members are vital to its success. The Department of Finance’s Building Management and Works also plays an important role through its delivery of the Government’s non-residential building program, which last year involved the expenditure of almost $740 million across some 300 capital works projects. In recent years, the Western Australian building and construction industry (like most other States and Territories) has faced challenging economic conditions - with a growing number of insolvencies that have had a devastating impact on small local businesses, families and communities. Many of you will be aware of the Small Business Commissioner’s recent report on the Construction Subcontractor Investigation, which examined the extent of these issues on projects administered by BMW between 2008 and 2012. BMW has made a number of enhancements to its internal processes that implement the findings of the report, including improvements to its prequalification and business risk assessment processes for construction projects. I am also pleased to see at my initiative BMW has commenced a trial of Project Bank Accounts and launched a number of educational initiatives, including the delivery of a State-wide program to raise awareness of contractor rights and responsibilities. I would like to thank Master Builders for its continued support in 2013 and the input that they have made towards BMW’s overall improvements program. I would also like to acknowledge the contribution made by its members, particularly in the development of a model for the trial of PBAs. It is clear from the consultation process and the experience in the United Kingdom - where PBAs have been successfully used for a number of years now - that industry understanding is critical to their success. Likewise, it is recognised that our model will need to be refined as the trial progresses. PBAs will provide a greater level of security of payment for the supply chain, improve BMW’s management of project risks, and enable subcontractors to
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better protect themselves in the event that a head contractor experiences financial difficulties. In simple terms, PBAs provide an alternative mechanism for payments on a project – that involves the principal depositing funds into a dedicated bank account, as part of the normal payment cycle. Those funds are then distributed by the bank, direct and simultaneously to the head contractor and immediate subcontractors. The head contractor continues to determine payment allocations, as PBAs do not seek to alter the rights and responsibilities of the parties to a contract. The trial is expected to include up to 10 projects – ranging in value from $2 million to $45 million, in both regional and metropolitan locations. The first PBA project was released as an expression of interest on 11 November and a further two EOI’s are scheduled for mid-December. I strongly encourage you to become familiar with the changes BMW is making to its processes and the educational material that has been developed for industry. More information on these initiatives and the trial of PBAs can be found on the BMW page of the Department of Finance’s website via www.finance.wa.gov.au. I look forward to continuing to work with Master Builders on this important initiative and I would welcome feedback from participants as the trial progresses.
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REPORTS: General News
Recently released research maps out some useful management tools to succeed in construction, says Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper.
Building a successful business: an innovation! Anyone who considers the successful builders in WA over time will see some common features that have led to their success. All of these businesses have demonstrated their ability to adapt to changes in the demand for buildings. It is essential that businesses change their focus over time to deliver better buildings and to move into areas where the work is. But this requires moves to acquire different skill sets, different clients and sometimes different construction delivery processes. So successful builders in WA have demonstrated their ability to change, or as it is sometimes called, innovate. Innovation can be defined as: “Action undertaken to improve or create a product, process or service.” The University of Melbourne and the Australian Institute of Management recently released survey research of almost 2500 respondents that shows that organisations that fail to embrace innovation as a systematic performance tool are “likely to be chronic under-achievers”. These under-achievers were found to have lower levels of growth, fewer career choices for staff and had difficulty attracting and retaining skilled people.
Achieving Innovation Performance and Business Results Conclusions from the University of Melbourne-AIM report, October 2013, “Innovation: The New Imperative”: “... In order to achieve... advantage, innovation needs to be the key focus of your organisation, as is the case in leading innovation-oriented organisations such as Apple, Google, Samsung, Sony and 3M. Systematic innovation capability means that: Business strategy must be centred on finding innovative solutions to your customers’ problems. From proactively solving these problems, one creates business opportunities. Strategies need to include looking for new and different ways to solve problems for clients and new and different ways to conduct your own business processes. This means developing brand new products and services too. This work and orientation also allows your firm to win the ‘war for talent’ because many talented people have a natural affinity for innovation and will be attracted to organisations which are demonstrating innovation leadership. Systematic innovation needs to be properly resourced, and processes must allow for some experimentation, thinking outside the square, and taking carefully judged and calculated risks when needed. This includes stimulating creativity in all staff, which is a training and skilling-up opportunity. Knowledge management provides the means by which knowledge can be created, shared, disseminated and recombined to create new forms of knowledge. Human Resource Management to support innovation is an opportunity here too, requiring systems capabilities and forums for exchanging ideas between staff.
Respondents were classified into two groups - innovation leaders, that is, the top performing 25 percent of respondents – and innovation laggards, the bottom 25 percent. Revenue growth, profitability, productivity, cash flow and other elements of business performance were higher for innovation leaders when compared to the innovation laggards.
If a firm is serious about systematic innovation capability as against just paying a ‘lip service’ approach, then innovation must be measured and be a central part of the business key performance indicator system of the organisation. Remember the saying that is indeed a truism: What gets measured gets done!
So what makes a business an innovation leader according to the research? Innovation leaders embrace a structured, planned whole of organisation approach to innovation where: • Managers get involved in innovation projects. • Innovation is prioritised in the business strategy. • Business strategy and technology is strongly aligned. • There is willingness to take calculated risks. • Teamwork is emphasized. • Employees are highly skilled. • Clearly articulated employee capabilities relate to innovation. • Employees are rewarded financially for innovation contributions. • Competitors are benchmarked.
The business innovation measures are even more powerful when they are then translated into personal incentives for all staff. This means that staff are recognised, rewarded and promoted at least partly on their contribution to innovation capability and innovations. Without this, staff can get away with not ‘buying in’ to innovation. However, with this factor in place, staff achieve personal gains while doing great innovative things in the business and for clients. When the business measures are strongly aligned with personal and team success drivers and incentives, a huge amount of energy is unleashed in the workforce!
The conclusions of the report are worth highlighting – I’ve set them out in the accompanying table. I wish you well in your commitment to evolve your construction business. Send any comments to geoff@ mbawa.com.
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Emphatic leadership of innovation behaviours and culture works wonders. When we see Australian senior executives thinking outside the square, trying new initiatives, demonstrating and encouraging some sensible appetite for risk and tolerating the occasional failure as a learning opportunity then fear is removed and people embrace innovation.”
REPORTS: General News
Time for government to lead on amalgamations: Simpson The WA Government’s preferred local government model for stronger, more efficient Perth local authorities will result in the structure of councils changing dramatically. Part of the large audience drawn to Master Builders’ More Homes Less Local Governments breakfast function where Local Government Minister, Tony Simpson, and Environs Design Group MD, Ken Bezant, were guest speakers.
Ken Bezant told the breakfast audience that the omission of restrictions on overshadowing in the new R-Codes was a concern.
The proposed changes, if agreed, will see the number of metropolitan local councils decrease from 30 to 14 by July 2015, with nine new local government areas created through a series of mergers. The Wanneroo, Joondalup and Rockingham local government areas would remain unchanged, while Perth and Stirling would undergo boundary adjustments and Vincent residents would become ratepayers of either Stirling or Perth. Speaking at the Master Builders’ More Homes Less Local Governments Breakfast Briefing in August, Local Government Minister, Tony Simpson, informed the audience that the change would decrease the number of duplicated and wasted resources by grouping communities of interest into one local council. “All levels of government face pressures to provide affordable services. The mergers bring councils together to create economies of scale that offer the best opportunity to keep rates down and deliver services,” he said. “The transformation will encourage local councils to be more open minded. The smaller the local councils are, the more likely they are to have their blinkers on. Creating larger local councils should help this issue.”
New Residential Design Codes: the good, the bad, and the ugly Experienced Master Builders’ trainer, Ken Bezant, from Environs Design Group, told the breakfast briefing what in his opinion are the good, the bad, and the ugly aspects of new R-Codes applying from 2 August. He commended the reforms to allow significantly higher densities under the codes. “Over time, we’ve realised we can design good homes on small blocks,” he said. “Setbacks have been reduced, there has been a reduction in open space requirements and there are reduced car parking requirements. It will help us meet our population targets.”
“A home being built will still be covered by the town planning scheme of the original local council, even if that local council no longer exists,” he said. On the argument that amalgamations will result in a loss of local identity, Mr Simpson said: “It’s not about changing suburbs or about changing what people love about their street; it’s about creating stronger councils to serve them.”
Mr Bezant also praised the change made to the code relating to ancillary accommodation (known as granny flats). “The person or people occupying the granny flat are no longer required to be a relative of the main householder,” he said, “and the maximum plot ratio for ancillary accommodation has been increased from 60 square metres to 70 square metres.” The most concerning area of the R-Codes, Mr Bezant said, is that there is no legal right to solar access. “The provisions to restrict overshadowing of existing roof mounted solar collectors and north facing major openings to habitable rooms were omitted from the final release,” he said. “This means that a home can have its solar features blocked by a house built next door, if that house is built at a higher floor level.”
More information on the changes is available at www.mediastatements. wa.gov.au.
For the current versions of the R-Codes, visit www.planning.wa.gov. au/637.asp.
Mr Simpson said the local government amalgamations would not halt the building process. He stated that he did not want a repeat of what happened when the new Building Act was introduced, therefore, there will be no initial changes to town planning schemes.
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REPORTS: General News
Gemmill general manager, Gary Wilson (left), with Godfrey Baronie of MATES in Construction WA.
Gemmill Group backs MATES Gemmill Group has become the first WA home builder accredited under the MATES in Construction program. In an impressive display of commitment to implementing the program, more than 110 staff, including receptionists, finance officers, site supervisors, designers and managers, attended MIC mental health safety training in one session at the HIA training rooms.
To ensure operations did not suffer and that appointments and phone calls were dealt with as normal, a second smaller session was organised at a different time. Secondary level training was equally well attended, with 11 volunteers chosen from throughout the different levels and divisions of the organisation. Having supervisors trained as ‘Connectors’ (who are able to identify signs of workers having a tough time) has the added effect of allowing Gemmill to look after its tradespeople and subcontractors on site.
Gemmill Group general manager, Gary Wilson, is glowing in his praise of MIC WA. “This program is one of the best safety and welfare programs we have implemented for our staff and trades,” he says. “We are already reaping the benefits. I encourage other builders in our industry to get behind
It already has been worthwhile, with a Connector-trained supervisor approaching a stressed worker, speaking with him, establishing his issues and connecting him directly with a MIC WA field officer who was able to provide confidential help. Without the support of builders such as the Gemmill Group, supporting workers in the residential sector can be difficult. With trained, alert supervisors on the ground, problems can be identified on site and connections to help can be established.
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The impressive sight of more than 110 Gemmill Group staff undertaking MIC general awareness training.
this safety and welfare initiative.” MIC WA says that while Gemmill Homes’ marketing pitch ‘we stand behind everything we do’ is well known, the group is showing this also applies to its concern for the wellbeing of staff and trades.
REPORTS: General News
Master Builders-AIB conference a winner The inaugural Master Builders-AIB one-day conference in September focusing on the future of building proved to be a popular event says Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper.
“Modular construction, labour force shortages, overseas procurement, project management, economic volatility, political uncertainty and building information modelling are all affecting the way we build and invest in WA,” he said. “All these topics were discussed by expert panellists at the one-day conference held at the WA Maritime Museum in Fremantle. Attendee survey feedback was positive, with almost all respondents ranking the event as very good or excellent.” Mr Cooper said there was a diverse range of speakers at the conference including the then Minister for Resources, Energy, Tourism and Small Business, Gary Gray, and (at the time) shadow Defence Minister, David Johnston, economists Peter Jones (Master Builders Australia) and Gavan Forster (Master Builders WA), political journalist, Peter Kennedy, and general practitioner, Dr Joe Kosterich. Other speakers were: • Stewart Darby, Housing Industry Forecasting Group. • Nick Allingame, Pindan development management director. • Robert Shaw, Master Builders’ president. • Ralph Dawson, Construction Training Fund executive director. • Kelvin Ryan, BGC Residential executive general manager. • Loris Moriconi, ABN Training apprentice program manager. • Lloyd Jenkins, BGC Modular executive general manager. • Debra Tarabini, StratX CEO. • Jon Stone, Brookfield Multiplex regional director infrastructure. • Murray Coleman, Lend Lease construction managing director. • Shane Brown, CSI BIM project manager. • Nigel Hadgkiss, director, Construction Code Compliance, Victoria.
Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, chairs a panel session at the inaugural Master Builders-AIB conference with (l-r) Kelvin Ryan (BGC Residential), Master Builders’ president, Robert Shaw, Loris Moriconi (ABN Training) and CTF supremo Ralph Dawson, taking questions.
Mr Cooper thanked the conference’s major sponsor, Hays, and silver sponsors, Access Rentals Australia, Alinta Energy, Austral Bricks, Instant Waste Management and MBA Insurance Services. He said a follow up conference is planned for 2014.
Part of the appreciative audience at the Master Builders-AIB one-day conference.
Lend Lease’s Murray Coleman (left) and the then director of Construction Code Compliance, Victoria, Nigel Hadgkiss (recently appointed by the Abbott Government as director of the Fair Work Building Industry Inspectorate - right), with Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean.
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REPORTS: General News
There’s no ‘I’ in team Guests at the Master Builders Bankwest Support Staff Breakfast in August heard from West Coast Fever and former Australian Diamonds netball coach, Norma Plummer, who emphasised the importance of team work.
“There’s no I in team, it has to be the ‘us’ not ‘me’,” Ms Plummer stressed. “Egos must be put aside.” She stated that there was little use in her, as coach, having a vision, if it was not shared by the rest of the team. This view helped her guide the Diamonds to victory in the 2011 World Championships, despite Netball Australia’s defeated attitude towards the tournament, due to the strength of the New Zealand team and the number of injuries to key Australian players.
Master coach, Norma Plummer, addresses the Support Staff Breakfast.
To engage her team which then was under siege, Ms Plummer discussed the team selection with the leadership group, as well as her idea of including two rookies. The leadership group’s support of her tactic allowed one of those rookies, Caitlin Bassett, to score the winning goal in the final against New Zealand. “Everyone knew their role,” Ms Plummer said of the World Championship winning team. Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper, said the Support Staff Breakfast provided an opportunity for Association members to thank and inspire staff. The function reverted to the breakfast format this year with a mix of staff and their bosses enjoying the hospitality of Royal Perth Yacht Club. Bankwest, Hays and Landgate sponsored the event.
With the morning sunshine slanting in, staff and bosses alike enjoy the Support Staff Breakfast.
Palfrey kicks winner in footy tipping comp The South West general manager of WA Home Group, Shaun Palfrey, has come within a whisker of topping the 495,000-participants ESPN online footy tipping competition. He finished third, one point off the leader and based on points margin. Some consolation for Mr Palfrey was that he won an iPad Mini, donated by Bankwest, in winning the Master Builders’ footy tipping competition. “Shaun’s was an amazing achievement,” says Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper. “He excelled in the competition – just one point off the leader in Australia and third on points margin. Not surprisingly, he was best in Master Builders’ competition.” Shaun shared his top tip for picking winning AFL teams: “Tip with the brain and not the heart. Go with favourites based on the TAB odds, and hope you get the 50-50 games right!”
Gun tipper Shaun Palfrey (left) with Bankwest’s Paul Burnett
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WA Master Builder
Mr Cooper thanked Bankwest for its support for the Master Builders’ competition.
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REPORTS: General News
Updated Modern Award Manual vital for building employers Master Builders Australia has published the fourth edition of its Modern Award Manual.
The publication provides employers with comprehensive and up-to-date guidance on the primary modern award for the building and construction industry, the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010. A companion publication, the National Employment Standards (NES) Booklet as modified by the On-Site Award also was published in August.
NATSPEC boss in town NATSPEC chief executive officer, Richard Choy, visited Perth recently for a shareholders lunch. NATSPEC is a not-for-profit organisation, owned by the design, build, construct and property industry through professional associations and government property groups. Master Builders has a stake through the movement’s national body. Master Builders Australia. NATSPEC’s major service is the comprehensive national specification system endorsed by government and professional bodies. The organisation was founded in 1975 and is impartial and not involved in advocacy or policy development. Master Builders WA director, Michael McLean (right), caught up with Mr Choy and Australian Institute of Architects state manager, Meino Mirkva, at the Perth lunch.
“These are must have publications for all employers trying to navigate the complex industrial relations safety net,” says Master Builders’ chief executive officer, Wilhelm Harnisch. “This edition is the essential workplace relations guide for employers, helping them negotiate a maze of over 60 separate allowances and a cut-and-paste collection of antique provisions, particularly about outdated work health and safety issues in the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010 which can be a real headache for employers.” Mr Harnisch said the fourth edition of the manual has been substantially expanded. It analyses the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010 on a clause-by-clause basis. Updated annually from 1 July for the Fair Work Commission’s minimum wage decisions, it also provides links to key interpretations by the Fair Work Commission, practical examples and essential historical and industrial relations perspectives. This time it also includes an update from the 2012 Modern Award Review decision that was handed down in July.
Architects, builders meet Master Builders’ and Australian Institute of Architects’ representatives met recently as part of regular liaison between the organisations. Topics covered in the discussions included the state of the industry, building information modelling, quality of documentation and Building Management and Works reforms. Master Builders’ director Michael McLean (right) says exchanging information between peak industry groups is an important role for the Association. He is pictured at the meeting with (l-r) Charles Anderson (Master Builders’ contracts manager), AIA’s state manager Meino Mirkva and WA Chapter president David Karotkin.
“The important matter for employers to understand is that the Building and Construction General OnSite Award 2010, together with the NES, set the minimum standards for all employees in the building and construction industry,” Mr Harnisch said. “Even those employees on enterprise agreements must be on terms which are ‘better-off overall’ when compared to the 2010 Award. For this reason, all employers in the industry need to have a solid understanding of that Award and the NES.” The Modern Award Manual and the NES publication are available from Master Builders WA in West Perth (phone 9476 9800).
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Builders on show in Las Vegas Commercial specialist with the US Consulate General in Perth, Donna Carter, met Master Builders’ director Michael McLean recently. Ms Carter is keen to promote the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas from 4-6 February to Master Builder members. More information can be accessed via the National Association of Home Builders’ website www.buildersshow.com/Home/.
REPORTS: General News
Productivity Commission red tape report wins praise
Fremantle Dockers CEO, Steve Rosich, spells out his club’s success strategies at the Master Builders CEO and Managers’ Lunch.
The Productivity Commission’s research report ‘Regulator Engagement with Small Business’, released in October, should assist the Abbott Government’s push to slash red and green tape according to Master Builders Australia.
Master Builders’ CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch says that every day, thousands of small and medium building and construction businesses are diverted from productive activity by unnecessary regulation and over-regulation. “The Productivity Commission’s recognition that the impact of regulation falls most heavily on small business is a good first step but must be followed up with a structured deregulation process that seeks to remove and reduce the compliance burden,” Mr Harnisch said. “Regulation often overwhelms the limited staff, time and resources available to small building enterprises, drowning them in red tape and diverting them from what they do best – driving economic growth and employing people.” Mr Harnisch said that Master Builders also welcomes the Productivity Commission’s recognition of the effectiveness and efficiency of utilising industry association networks to disseminate regulatory information to their members. “But this should be kick-started at the front end of the regulatory process by consulting with industry about the likely effects of new regulation or increased compliance processes,” he said. “We welcome the Report’s identification of more efficient targeting of regulatory resources to ensure lesser compliance costs, for example, less onerous reporting requirements. “An example is the thousands of contractors in the building industry must who report each and every payment to another contractor annually to the Australian Tax Office. This is a classic case of legislation (passed by the previous Government) requiring regulators to wield a big stick to catch a minority who may be breaking the law. “The new Government indicated during the election that they would examine this particular requirement and Master Builders looks forward to working with the Small Business Minister, Bruce Billson, to advance measures to reduce red tape for small businesses, boosting productivity and resulting in more jobs.”
Enjoying the brilliant spring weather in Kings Park over a pre-lunch drink are (l-r) Daniel Hunt (WA Mechanical Services), Matt Callaghan (WA Mechanical Services), Colin Emmott (HLB Mann Judd) and John Youens (MyLeave).
Diligence, hard work, resilience keys to Dockers’ future Guests at the Master Builders Bankwest CEO and Managers’ Lunch late in October heard from Fremantle Dockers CEO, Steve Rosich, who said that hard work would help the club achieve its goal of sustained success.
He said that the AFL’s equalisation of the league, through the National Draft and the fixtures, made it the most competitive club sporting competition in the world. Mr Rosich said the Dockers had undergone a severe overhaul of management and players since he became CEO in 2008, and this had helped to achieve a reasonable amount of success this year. “Only seven of the 45 currently listed players and five of the 140 current staff members were at the club pre-2008 in the same roles,” he said. “The way to beat equalisation is through education of players, coaches and staff and by ensuring all involved with the club are hard working and resilient. The team and staff must commit to what’s possible and ensure they have the correct attitude and behaviour to make that happen.” More than 150 guests attended the function with pre-lunch drinks outdoors in Kings Park in perfect spring conditions before the lunch inside at Frasers. The highly successful event was sponsored by Bankwest, Cbus, Colorbond, Hanson, Hays, LandCorp, ReddiFund and West Australian Mechanical Services.
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REPORTS: General News
The award winning 140 William Street project is a standout Cbus project.
Cbus eyes big office, retail projects Cbus Property has told a Master Builders’ boardroom lunch, hosted by RSM Bird Cameron, that it is on the lookout for quality projects in WA. “There is just so much money floating around looking for premium assets,” Cbus Property CEO, Adrian Pozzo, told the building industry lunch guests. “Sydney is hot, you just can’t find sites. Land prices are causing problems and are making developments cost prohibitive. Our challenge is to find sites that will generate the returns required by Cbus.” Mr Pozzo said that Australian assets have yield cap rates above those in major overseas centres, where they are only about three percent. “Yields are getting too sharp and are sitting at low sixes,” he said. “Our biggest competition is with overseas investors.” Mr Pozzo also said the reduction in floor space ratios was putting downward pressure on the office space required by major tenants. “Floor space ratios are now 1:8 square metres, plus some major employers have employees working one day a week from home. The whole psyche is changed.”
Cbus Property has responsibility for the strategic performance and management of all aspects of the Cbus direct property investment business. Over the last five financial years, Cbus Property has returned an annual average of 9.31 percent. The fund has about 13 percent of its assets in WA. Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper, said Mr Pozzo would meet with the Association’s commercial builder members where there was interest in exploring the criteria used by Cbus to assess current prospective property developments and opportunities in Perth. He thanked RSM Bird Cameron managing partner James Komninos for chairing and hosting the lunch. For further details on the topics covered at the lunch, contact Cbus WA key partnerships manager, James Moore, on 0437 688 538 or email jmoore@cbusmail.com.au
Summit expands Summit Homes Group has built a new client showroom at 83 McCoy Street in Myaree, behind its existing head office on Leach Highway. The purpose built facility will assist new home-buyers in their product selections.
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REPORTS: General News
Top award to Pindan’s Allingame The man who has led one of WA’s most successful building companies for more than 35 years has been awarded Master Builders’ 2013 Robert Law Award for industry service.
George Allingame was the founding CEO and director of Pindan Constructions in 1977. The company started out building houses, caravan parks and small commercial projects but now as the Pindan Group, has various divisions covering large scale commercial work, remote and regional construction and individual and project homes.
Master Builders’ 2013 Robert Law Award winner, George Allingame (right), with Association president, Robert Shaw.
It ranks in the top handful of WA’s commercial contractors and also is one of the nation’s top 10 biggest multi-unit builders. Mr Allingame originally trained as a metallurgist and was an outstanding student at the South Australian Institute of Technology and the University of Adelaide. He worked for Western Mining Corporation in WA in the early to mid-70s, and was senior nickel division metallurgist when he took a right turn to start Pindan. He became the sixteenth winner of the Robert Law Award with the announcement of the accolade at Master Builders’ industry CEO lunch at Frasers on October 31. In accepting the award, Mr Allingame acknowledged his successful 35-year partnership in Pindan with fellow director and co-owner David Pringle. Master Builders’ director Michael McLean says the award, named after the Association’s first president in 1898, recognises exceptional service to WA’s building industry over a number of years. “The Robert Law Award is judged by Master Builders’ board and George is a terrific winner,” Mr McLean said. “Running an enormously successful business isn’t the only thing that sets him apart. He’s been involved in industry affairs, particularly through Master Builders, for more than 20 years.
The Robert Law Award has been presented annually by Master Builders since 1998, the Association’s centenary year. Previous winners are: 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
HomesWest Graham Kierath Geraldton Building Company Len Buckeridge John Roberts Plunkett Homes Graham Glick Ron Scott Gervase Purich Rob Torrance Dale Alcock and Garry Brown-Neaves Peter Hunt Peter Bruechle John Doust Julian Walter
He started with us in 1990 when he joined our Safety Committee. He served on it until 2009 including the last 16 years as chair. He also was the Association’s representative to the WorkSafe Construction Industry Safety Advisory Committee between 1997 and 2008 and since 2010 he’s chaired the peak WorkSafe Commission.” Mr McLean said that, in addition, Mr Allingame was first elected to the Association’s main governing body in 1993 and since then had served continuously in various roles, including president from 2008 to 2010. Mr Allingame also was recently appointed as WA’s representative to the board of brokers MBA Insurance Services. The Pindan Group had won many state and national building excellence awards and, reflecting Mr Allingame’s passion for workplace safety, was awarded a WorkSafe Platinum Certificate of Achievement in 2006. Pindan was committed to industry skills with scholarships through the Central Institute of Technology and Curtin University and sponsorship of Master Builders’ Apprentice of the Year Awards. At another level, Mr Allingame personally had contributed to the education of hundreds of secondary students through his service on the Mazenod College board including a decade as its chair. “George is slowing down a bit now, indulging his fishing and golfing passions,” Mr McLean said. “It’s fitting that Master Builders should recognise the contribution he’s made to WA’s building industry and the wider community over the best part of four decades and the unpretentious way he’s gone about it.”
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REPORTS: General News
John Youens, chief executive officer of MyLeave (the business name of the Construction Industry Long Service Leave Payments Board), provides Master Builder with an annual update.
Record year for MyLeave MyLeave CEO, John Youens.
It is pleasing to detail that in the 2012/13 financial year, MyLeave delivered record breaking results against various key performance indicators. MyLeave has continued to deliver an increasingly valuable service for its stakeholders especially as the construction industry in WA has undergone a period of strong growth. The number of workers covered by the scheme continued to grow in 2013 and that growth is ultimately reflected in the number and value of payments made to workers. Monitoring of payments indicates that a large number of workers stay in the construction industry to achieve the benefit of an entitlement under the scheme.
The investment portfolio (including cash deposits held by MyLeave), has grown significantly over recent years and at 2013 it was $342 million.
In regards to workers, key performance highlights for the year include:
MyLeave’s balance sheet is summarised below:
Workers
2012
2013
Growth
Total (average per quarter) contributed for:
69,619
76,748
+7,129 (+10%)
In 2013 investment markets were volatile, especially during May and June. However, at year end, markets had performed well above the long-term average return. This had a positive impact on MyLeave’s balance sheet which is now being restored following the increased worker benefits legislated in 2006 and the Global Financial Crisis impact in 2008 and 2009.
Balance Sheet 2012
2013
Movement
Assets
$268.9M
$362.8M
+$93.9M (+35%)
Number of benefits paid:
2556
3112
+556 (+22%)
Liabilities
$271.6M
$300.5M
+$28.9M (+11%)
Value of benefits paid:
$20.5M
$24.8M
+$4.3M (+21%)
Equity Surplus/(Deficit)
($2.7M)
+$62.3M
+$65.0M
The number of registered employers has not shown any growth; in 2013 the number of employers was 4892 which was slightly less than the 2012 level of 4912.
As previously commented, investment markets were strong in 2013 and MyLeave is pleased to report an investment return of 17.1 percent per annum for the year.
A key driver of the scheme is the number of workers and the ‘ordinary pay’ paid to those workers. The growth in the number of workers previously detailed, coupled with the annual average growth in ordinary pay of +6.0 percent in 2013, has a direct impact on MyLeave’s balance sheet. This affects the accrued long service leave benefit liability (as calculated by MyLeave’s actuary) and also the underlying investment portfolio required to fund the liability.
The strengthened balance sheet has resulted in MyLeave improving its funding ratio, that is, the ratio of the value of the investment portfolio to the actuarial funding liability. This will be a factor when board members make their recommendation to the Minister for the Contribution Levy rate for 2014. With the continuance of significant volatility in investment returns, board members have a very challenging task with the annual assessment of the Contribution Levy rate.
New MyLeave board appointed Commerce Minister, Michael Mischin, has announced the composition of the new Construction Industry Long Service Leave Payments Board for the next 12 months.
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The Board is a body corporate of seven members appointed by the State Government principally from nominations made by industry unions to represent employees, and Master Builders and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry to represent employers. The chairperson is a separate appointment by the Minister. The new board is: • Linda Gibbs (chairperson) • Michael McLean (Master Builders) • Ray Sputore (Decmil) • Warren Edwards (CCI) • Mick Buchan (CFMEU) • Steve McCartney (AMWU) • Les McLaughlan (ETU)
The portable long service leave scheme commenced in January 1987 and now operates as MyLeave. Building workers covered by the scheme are entitled to 13 weeks’ long service leave after 15 years’ service to the industry and pro-rata entitlements after seven years. At the time of publishing Master Builder, employers currently contribute two percent of their eligible employees’ ordinary wages to fund the scheme.
REPORTS: General News
MyLeave continues to strive for efficiencies in its operations and a key aspect of this is the volume of worker data submitted online. MyLeave is pleased to advise that this ratio has increased over the past year from 68 percent to 78 percent. The new website introduced during the year has been well received by stakeholders and has assisted in the uplift in online data. In 2014 MyLeave will continue to focus on demonstrating to employers the benefits of online submission of quarterly returns. Legislative changes proclaimed on 1 April 2012 included a key initiative which now allows MyLeave to automatically register workers when they appear on an employer’s quarterly return. This initiative has resulted in a significant increase in the number of registered workers and, in effect, the elimination of unregistered workers being contributed for by employers. As a result of the above, employers no longer need to follow up with new workers for the completion and submission of registration forms to MyLeave. From the worker’s perspective, upon automatic registration they have immediate access to their service records online and therefore can regularly check that employers are accurately submitting service records on quarterly returns. Notwithstanding the
automatic registration of workers, it is important that both employers and workers ensure that the workers are working in a prescribed job classification covered by the scheme, otherwise a benefit will not be payable to the worker. Employers will be pleased to note that the cost efficiency of MyLeave is confirmed in the level of average administrative cost per registered worker of $27.44 per annum. This well below the average of $56.78 per annum (2012) for other Australia-wide schemes. Whilst it is pleasing to present an improved financial position to stakeholders, MyLeave board members continue to maintain a cautious outlook regarding investment markets to ensure MyLeave remains in a sound financial position into the future. Finally, MyLeave board members are pleased with the continued benefit that the scheme provides to workers and therefore assists those workers to stay in the local construction industry. For further information employers should contact MyLeave on 9476 5400 or visit myleave.wa.gov.au.
BMW reforms under way The Department of Finance, Building Management and Works has begun a process improvement program to address the recommendations of the Small Business Commissioner’s Construction Subcontractor Investigation Report released in June. The four projects in the program are prequalification and business risk assessment enhancement, a trial of project bank accounts, tender process improvements and an education program for industry and BMW staff. Improvements to the way BMW manages its builders’ prequalification scheme and business risk assessment processes came into effect in September. The improvements included the requirement for a higher standard of financial information from contractors applying for prequalification, expiry of prequalification after 12 months and the introduction of random spot checks of subcontractor payment. Full details of BMW’s new builders’ prequalification scheme can be downloaded from the Department’s website on www.finance.wa.gov. au/cms/content.aspx?id=3700. BMW currently is trialling project bank accounts. It is the first time this alternative payment mechanism has been used by a state government agency in Australia. BMW’s monthly payments for the trial projects are made into a quarantined bank account, from which the funds are dispersed directly and simultaneously to the head contractor and the immediate subcontractors. The tender process improvement project includes a trial that broadens the use of two-stage procurement for lower value projects. The tender process starts with contractors being invited to submit expressions of interest for a project. EOIs are assessed using qualitative criteria and then shortlisted contractors are invited to submit priced tenders.
Policy and practice general manager, Graeme McLean, presents information on BMW’s process improvement program at an October subcontractor awareness session.
The education program includes documents and information sessions to increase awareness of leading practices and understanding of BMW’s processes. New brochures have been distributed to contractors and subcontractors that regularly work with BMW, and information sessions have been held in Perth and across regional WA. For information on the program contact the BMW feedback officer on 6551 1888 or email bmwcomplaintsandfeedback@finance.wa.gov.au.
WA Master Builder
21
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REPORTS: General News
Master Builders has high expectations of Abbott Government With the serious business of Parliamentary sittings getting under way, Master Builders Australia has restated what it hopes to see from the new Coalition Government. Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch.
CEO Wilhelm Harnisch says the building and construction industry is looking to the Abbott Government to put as high priorities, sound economic management, a return to sensible industrial relations policies, bringing back the Australian Building and Construction Commission and dealing with the under supply of housing and the issue of housing affordability.
restoring business confidence. Master Builders looks to the Abbott Government to get the economy on the right track, not just for the next three years but for the next three decades. Building and construction will be a key industry in generating economic growth, building the nation’s infrastructure, creating jobs and lifting productivity.”
“The normalisation of engagement with the business sector is another high priority that should include wide consultation, the preparation of rigorous and transparent regulatory impact statements and proper parliamentary scrutiny for the introduction of new legislation,” Mr Harnisch said. “This is crucial to
Mr Harnisch said Master Builders was looking forward to working with the Abbott Government to advance reforms in the national interest and was encouraging the government to properly recognise the contribution of the building industry to the wellbeing of the Australian community.
Bankwest and Master Builders agree to support apprenticeships Master Builders and Bankwest have signed an agreement that will promote careers in construction in WA.
Master Builders and Bankwest have signed an agreement to facilitate a referral fee for business and personal loans to members that will support apprenticeships in the industry. Referral fees will be put towards initiatives to boost apprenticeships and
traineeships in WA. The initiatives include promotion of careers, job opportunities, government incentives and other relevant information. The plus for Master Builder members is they have access-dedicated banking contacts for personal and business loans. A 0.25 percent commission will apply on the loan amount on all business, retail and private banking lending referred (up to a maximum of $10,000). Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, and Bankwest’s, Paul Burnett (pictured), signed the final agreement in November. “We look forward to promoting apprenticeships, proudly supported by Bankwest, using the funds raised by the referral program,” Mr McLean said. “There is lots we want to do to promote the rewarding careers in construction in WA, because there are many diverse, well paid office and site jobs to be filled. The industry needs more people to build homes, factories, shopping centres and office towers.” To find out more about Bankwest loans and products, contact Bankwest’s business development manager Christine Hutchins on 0457 541 200 or home loan specialist Lisa Hutchins (0467 807 662).
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REPORTS: General News
Member for life: Master Builders Bowling Club president, Bill Pitt (centre), presented a life membership medallion to George Maricic (right) at the club’s AGM. They are pictured with another life member, Colin Rutter.
Life membership for bowler Maricic The Master Builders Bowling Club has awarded life membership to George Maricic. Mr Maricic has been a member of the club, which was formed in 1966, for 34 years.
The life membership award was the highlight of the club’s annual general meeting at the Stirling Bowling Club. Mr Maricic was a popular recipient of the honour. He was described as always having a smile on his face and making visitors to the club welcome. Over the years, he has been active in different club roles including sponsorship.
Master Builders’ stand at the August Better Living Home Show.
Better Living Home Show hits 9000 visitors Master Builders had a large number of visitors at its stand at the 2013 Better Living Home Show. The show, held during August, attracted around 9000 visitors overall. Master Builders’ stand featured extensive information for consumers on how to find Master Builder members to assist with their building or renovations. Information was provided on: • Master Builders’ Find a Member online service at www.mbawa.com. • Award winning builders from the 2013 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards. • Master Builders’ DisplayHomesWA.com.au website. • The Association’s BuildIT publication. • The website A-Z Building Information Directory with more than 200 helpful topics and links to members. • Master Builders’ partners including Cbus and Bankwest. The show featured a number of building products, sustainable energy ideas, finance and legal advice.
In accepting the life member’s medallion, Mr Maricic said he was rather surprised but extremely proud and humbled to be recognised by his peers in such a way. “I have always enjoyed my time with the Master Builders Bowling Club and believe it is the best club in Australia,” he said. The AGM saw Bill Pitt re-elected president for 2013-14 along with deputy president, Ross Stewart, secretary, Carl Donaldson, treasurer, Frank Saliba and councillors, Ivan Campbell, Cyril Dew, Roy Leonhardt, Brian Young, Mel Lemos, Steve Matthews and Colin Rutter. Mal Dempsey continues as immediate past president. Games director, Ivan Campbell, reported that over the past 12 months, the club hosted 10 games with an average of 55 bowlers participating, making it the largest Master Builders bowling club in Australia. Next year’s interstate Master Builders bowling club tournament, the James Wall Cup, will be held on the Gold Coast in the week commencing 15 June. Anyone interested in joining the Master Builders Bowling Club, which bowls once a month on Wednesday afternoons at different locations, is encouraged to contact Carl Donaldson on 9246 3910.
WA Master Builder
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ADVERTORIAL
ACRS Certification: Confidence in Steel Supply The ACRS certification scheme for construction steels delivers confidence in steel materials supply through independent third party product certification of manufacturers and suppliers worldwide, on behalf of the construction industry.
The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels, (ACRS)—previously known as the Australian Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels— administers an independent, expert, industrybased, third-party product certification scheme. ACRS certifies manufacturers and suppliers of reinforcing, prestressing and structural steels to Australian and New Zealand Standards.
The ACRS difference: supplier test reporting and verification
ACRS is supported and endorsed by member companies ranging across engineering, inspection, manufacture, government, and importantly, customer bodies.
Testing of samples selected by ACRS, not the supplier, and independent, expert review of results against AS/ NZS Standards.
ACRS has undertaken more than 750 factory assessments of steel construction materials since 2003, and now certifies over 150 manufacturing and processing sites across 41 steel companies in 16 countries. ACRS provides the building and construction industry on both sides of the Tasman with the widest range of professionally witnessed and assessed steel products available to Australian and New Zealand standards.
Periodic review and approval by ACRS of the manufacture of all material types supplied to the appropriate Standard/s by each certified company. This approval is a vital part of ACRS certification, ensuring that anyone relying on ACRS certification can be confident that ongoing supply by ACRS certified company of the materials listed on an ACRS certificate will consistently meet AS/NZS Standards.
ACRS certifies construction steels to six Australian/New Zealand steel standards: • AS/NZS 4671 – Steel reinforcing materials (for both manufacturing and processing) • AS/NZS 4672 – Steel prestressing materials (bar, wire and strand) • AS/NZS 1163 – Cold formed structural steel hollow sections • AS/NZS 3678 – Structural steel – hot-rolled plates, floorplates and slabs • AS/NZS 3679.1 – Structural steel – hot-rolled bars and sections • AS/NZS 3679.2 – Structural steel – welded I sections ACRS is currently assessing further AS/NZS construction steel standards for future certification. These will be advised in due course.
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Reasons for the industry urging ACRS certification of these materials is the observed increase in incidence of materials failures, and the consequential financial and physical risk to customers, building workers and general public.
The three major components of ACRS certification are:
Supply of any non-ACRS verified materials to the certified Standard may result in termination of the Firm’s certification.
ACRS – Compliance Checklists The checklists have been designed by ACRS for the guidance of engineers and building surveyors who verify structural and reinforcing steels to AS/NZS Standards. These checklists form a valuable part of a professional verification process by highlighting the basic steps for confirming the origin and specification of manufacture of steel construction materials. Compliance Checklists for Structural Steel and Reinforcing Steel are available for download at http:// www.acrs.net.au/announcements/compliance-checklists
For more information contact: Website: www.steelcertification.com
Using non-compliant steel can take on a new meaning if something goes wrong.
Regret. (verb.) a feeling of sorrow or remorse for a fault, act, loss, disappointment, expressing regret for a poor choice.
• Don’t regret your choices. The ramifications from using non-compliant steel far outweigh the initial cost savings. • Heavy losses and damaged reputations are just some of the ways you could be affected. • It’s important to be confident that structures that are built comply with Australian/New Zealand Standards and the Building Codes. • It’s your responsibility to check the steel you use to avoid penalties in the future. • Just because it looks the same doesn’t mean it complies. • Understanding how you can protect yourself is critical. You have the power to refuse to use non-compliant steel. • Don’t leave steel compliance to chance, demand the ACRS Certificate of Product Compliance.
Demand ACRS Certificates of Product Compliance. You won’t regret it.
Call ACRS on (02) 9965 7216, email info@steelcertification.com or visit www.steelcertification.com ACRS – The Australasian Certification Authority for Reinforcing and Structural Steels Ltd ABN 40 096 692 545
REPORTS: General News
Young industry champions
This year’s Ric New Medal winner, Scott Fagan, celebrates with Marylyn New and Michael McLean.
Innovative home improver wins Ric New Medal The young owner of a home improvement business and contract supervisor with Daly and Shaw Building is this year’s Ric New Medal winner. Scott Fagan (33) beat a strong field of five other finalists for the prestigious medal which was presented in November at the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
Named after the founder of Midland Brick and a person whose success was achieved largely through entrepreneurial flair and innovation, the Ric New Medal for Excellence focuses on the same characteristics. It recognises innovation, creativity and achievement of a young person (aged 35 or under) in the context of current and potential contribution to the building and construction industry in WA. Emphasis is given to the person’s practical, rather than academic, achievements. Mr Fagan left school at 16 to work with his father as a brick paver. Since then he has completed his Diploma of Building at night school and become a Master Tradesman with the Master Builders Association. At 22, he took a chance and established Dragonfly Home Improvement to take on small renovation jobs where he did most of the labouring himself. This enabled him to acquire additional skills in carpentry, bricklaying, plastering, tiling and other trades. Renovating bathrooms and kitchens are his specialties. Three years ago, he branched out into subcontract supervision for Daly and Shaw
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Building while continuing to run his own business. His largest project has been a 16unit site in Aveley. According to Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, Mr Fagan is a worthy recipient of the Ric New Medal. “Scott is a tenacious problem solver who has developed an excellent relationship with all his subcontractors to be able to resolve some complex renovating challenges,” Mr. McLean said. “This has enabled Scott to obtain quality outcomes and value for money for his clients. Finding the time and energy to combine his home improvement business with supervising projects for Daly and Shaw is remarkable and demonstrates maturity beyond his years.” Mr McLean said Mr Fagan was the unanimous choice of the judging panel which comprised Marylyn New, 2006 Ric New Medal winner and Cachet Homes managing director, Chris Lillis, and Mr McLean. Apart from the Ric New Medal, Mr Fagan receives a return trip to London, $2000 in expenses and a nomination for the 2015 WA Business News 40under40 Awards
Since its introduction nearly a decade ago, the Ric New Medal has highlighted the achievements and potential of leading young people working in the building industry. This year was no exception with eventual winner Scott Fagan facing serious competition from five other finalists.
Thirty-five year old Homebuyers Centre building manager, Robert Leader, was nominated by ABN Group managing director, Dale Alcock. Mr Leader, who has completed his Diploma of Builders’ Registration and also has a Certificate IV in Construction, commenced employment with Homebuyers Centre in the scheduling department at 19 and was promoted to construction manager six years later. Currently, he is responsible for a large construction management team which includes 19 building site managers and 31 apprentices. Over the last 10 years, he has overseen the successful completion of nearly 9000 homes. He has adapted construction methods to create innovative home ownership solutions, has developed electronic systems for site managers and is proud of building and developing a great industry team. James Burrows (28) is a John Holland deputy project manager nominated by the firm’s regional operations manager, David Marshall. Mr Burrows completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management and Economics with Honours at Curtin University in 2006. He also holds a Diploma of Building from TAFE. He says he always wanted to be a builder and has advanced his career quickly and successfully through various roles at John Holland such as engineer, site manager and contracts administrator.
REPORTS: General News
Ric New Medal winner Scott Fagan with judges Marylyn New and Michael McLean and fellow finalists (l-r) Robert Leader, James Burrows, Ray Kershaw, Joshua Benfatta and Adam McArthur.
In his most recent role, he is responsible for the final stages of a $30 million segment of the new Joondalup Health Campus. One of his greatest achievements was the successful completion of the Central Energy Plant which is the heart of the Health Campus. Holland’s Mr Marshall also nominated project engineer, Joshua Benfatta (26), another Curtin University Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management and Economics graduate. He is currently employed by John Holland as a project engineer at the Joondalup Health Campus Redevelopment project; having advanced quickly through the ranks. He is responsible for the quality assurance and code compliance of several critical parts of the multi-million dollar project as well as the structural elements of a three-level, 85 bed ward and emergency department. One of Mr Benfatta’s greatest achievements was managing the demolition of existing structural columns over live hospital wards and the construction of new columns in a live ward. It was largely through his perseverance and ingenuity that the project was so successful. He is now the main liaison between the builder and client, consultant and subcontractors which requires excellent problem solving skills.
The principal of Mondo Exclusive Homes, Ray Kershaw (29), is a former winner of the Ric New Rising Star Award. He was nominated by Tristan Kirkham, managing director of New Home Building Brokers. Mr Kershaw started out as a roofing and fixing carpenter before completing his Diploma of Building. Rebranding his building company from Kershaw Construction WA to Mondo Exclusive Homes (to focus on mid- to upper-level homes) has resulted in a significant increase in business over the last three years. In 2013 he is on track to build 15 homes. He attributes part of his success to the use of social medial and a reputable building broker. He is passionate about improving standards in the building industry and is playing a practical part in this as a member of Master Builders’ Housing Council and on the Association’s judging panel for its housing awards. He is a hands-on master builder who recently engaged a business psychologist to enhance his company’s productivity with great success.
relations issues and unions prompted him to get his Diploma of Building and start his own business with the support of his brother and several mates. Element Construction was formed in 2010 and specialises in residential renovation projects but also builds new homes and small commercial projects. Mr McArthur focuses on the construction management side of the business, with responsibility for 12 employees and numerous subbies. The company turnover is likely to grow sixfold in just four years. Mr McArthur developed the company’s logo and marketing strategies to achieve widespread brand recognition. He also developed the ‘Element Construction Constitution’, a light hearted set of rules for his staff and contractors which has increased team morale. He is aiming to have Element Construction in the winners’ circle at the 2014 Master Builders Housing Excellence Awards as a reward for the team’s quality work.
Owner-director of Element Construction WA Pty Ltd, Adam McArthur (33), was nominated by fellow director, Ben McArthur. Adam completed his carpentry apprenticeship with Multiplex Constructions and progressed through the ranks to become a supervisor with the company. Exposure to industrial
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REPORTS: General News
Ric New Rising Star Award winner Eileen Wong proudly displays her trophy with Mayrlyn New, award finalist, Patrick Hollingworth and Master Builders’ director Michael McLean.
Young engineer is rising star Eileen Wong, a 23-year-old engineer, is the winner of this year’s Ric New Rising Star Award. She is the second female to win the award since it was introduced in 2006.
In 2003, Ms Wong came with her mother from Malaysia to Australia to complete her secondary education. She then spent four months in Japan and seven months in the UK to broaden her horizons. She completed an Arts and Civil Engineering Degree at the University of WA before being accepted into John Holland’s graduate program. Since 2012 she has been working as a graduate engineer on the Children’s Hospital Project and has undertaken three rotations including site engineering, contracts administration and planning. She also has assisted with the procurement and administration of the key trade packages. The Ric New Rising Star is awarded to a high achiever aged up to 25 who demonstrates outstanding potential, work ethic and commitment in WA’s building industry. As with its big brother, the Ric New Medal, selection for the Rising Star focuses on practical achievements and not academic results. The judging panel is Mr New’s daughter, Marylyn New, Master Builders’ director Michael McLean and Cachet Homes managing director, Chris Lillis. The award was introduced by Ms New to recognise the enormous talent in the building industry’s younger generation and to inspire others to be successful. The winner receives a cheque for $2000 and a unique trophy featuring one of the original bricks from Midland Brick.
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According to Mr McLean, Ms Wong is a confident woman who is an inspiration to her family and work mates. “Eileen has demonstrated great initiative and her determination to learn has led her to excel in all activities she has undertaken,” he said. “An example of Eileen’s innovation is her use of four dimensional modelling to track the progress of construction projects, which will benefit other John Holland projects. “Eileen’s achievements clearly demonstrate that young women can succeed in the building industry if they have the right attitude and commitment. She is an excellent role model and mentor for other young women and has a very bright future.” The other finalist for the 2013 Rising Star Award was Patrick Hollingworth (25), a graduate contracts administrator at John Holland. He completed a Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management with Honours at Curtin University and also is employed in John Holland’s graduate program at the Children’s Hospital project in Nedlands. The Rising Star Award was presented at Master Builders annual Apprentice of the Year Awards at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre in November.
REPORTS: General News
AIB presents its top professional awards The WA Chapter of the Australian Institute of Building recently hosted the 2013 AIB Professional Excellence in Building Awards in Perth at which John Holland senior site manager, Paul Thompson, was presented with the WA Building Professional of the Year.
AIB says the awards are the ultimate personal achievement for a building professional, recognising the contribution and leadership shown by individuals to the successful completion of construction projects and reinforcing the fact that the success of any building firm can be attributed to those responsible for the construction projects.
in its construction phase as opposed to the characteristics of the completed structure.
The awards were presented at a dinner attended by 250 of the building and construction industry’s leading figures. Mr Thompson received his top award for his work on the Joondalup Health Campus redevelopment.
Recipients of Professional Excellence Awards from the WA Chapter attended the National Awards held in Melbourne in September where Mr Thompson received a Professional Excellence Award as did Leonard Mundy for his work on the Dumas House refurbishment. High Commendations at the National Awards went to Frank Dilizia of Georgiou Group for the Birrabirra Village, Cape Lambert project, Andrew Lea (PS Structures, City of Canning Leisure and Community Centre) and Andre Conradie (PS Structures, 32 Kings Park Road).
The judging criteria for the AIB Professional Excellence in Building Awards weight the contribution of individuals and the challenges they face. Awards are based on challenges associated with the complexity of the project
AIB general manager, Robert Hunt, congratulated the winners, noting that the quality was testament to the high level of professionalism that exists in the construction industry across WA.
Building Professional of the Year, Paul Thompson (second from right) with (l-r) AIB national president, Robert Whittaker, Jay Whitman and WA Chapter president, Graham Teede.
The PS Structures team show off their High Commendation Awards.
Institute active in Curtin degree course accreditation It’s been a busy time for AIB’s WA Chapter recently, hosting the AIB Course Accreditation Team from Canberra, Sally Allen (AIB education manager), Professor Hisham Ekardi (Deakin University) and Atul Kumar (Village Building Company). The team has the task of rolling out the AIB Accreditation Program at 13 Australian universities. This includes the Construction Management and Economics Degree at Curtin University. Course accreditation is valid for four years and during this time there are annual reviews and face-to-face meetings including with industry to ensure what is being delivered is current and relevant to meet industry and professional standards. The Chapter also hosted a meeting attended by 25 senior representatives from leading Perth builders to discuss important changes in the way the Degree program will be delivered in the future as universities take on more of a research stream. This will see the need for industry in conjunction with the profession to engage and develop programs to enhance the quality of graduates and to ensure they are job ready. Chapter president, Graham Teede, also explained the Tertiary Education Quality Standards Agency and how the role of the profession is enhanced by way of establishing sound programs for undergraduates and graduates as they develop into well rounded building professionals.
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REPORTS: Branches
The new South West Branch committee poses together in front of the Association’s refurbished Bunbury premises, due to be officially opened early in December.
New South West Branch committee Graeme Davis has been elected chairman of the Master Builders South West Branch for 2013-14. Mr Davis, of Ventura Homes Group, was elected unopposed at the Branch’s recent annual general meeting.
He succeeds Rade Ristovic who oversaw the redevelopment of the Association’s Bunbury premises during his tenure. Mr Davis said he was honoured to lead the Association’s South West regional operations in what will be a most exciting year, building from solid foundations and the valuable investment made back into the region with the establishment of the South West Building Training and Function centre. Master Builders’ regional manager, Geoff Bosustow, says the Association’s focus has strengthened in the last few years through a passionate and committed committee. “The committee is made up of members who are leaders in their respective fields, be they residential, commercial construction or the supply of trades, labour and products,” he said. “It is truly representative of the entire South West with members operating in areas such as Manjimup, Dunsborough, Busselton and Bunbury. Their
combined commitment to Master Builders has ensured that members have benefited by being kept up to date with information surrounding their legal, contractual and employment obligations and through the successful events that take place annually.” Other Branch officials are Rade Ristovic (past chairman, WA Country Builders), Shaun Palfrey (vice chairman, WA Home Group), Andrew McIntyre (treasurer, Smith Constructions) Committee members are Jaco Bosman (Perkins Builders), Christine Pidgeon (Innovest Construction), Dean Baker (Smith Constructions), Phillip Best (PB Design & Construct), Sam Karamfiles (Karamfiles Builders), Wayne Oldfield (Building South West), John Buckingham (Bunbury Building Company), Shaun Scadden (Pindan Construction), Alan Migliore (Plunkett Homes South West), Anton Smith (Bluewater Building Company, Oscon) and John Hovey (Australind Premix).
Call for industry support A joint industry sundowner information night with Master Builders, the Construction Industry Training Fund, the Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation and the Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council was held at the Master Builders’ Geraldton Branch recently with strong attendance by industry. Representatives from Durack Institute of Technology, Geraldton Regional Community Education, Apprentice & Traineeship Co, Skillhire, Skilled, ApprentiCentre, builders and trades were all enthusiastic about the outcomes of the night.
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Master Builders’ Construction Apprentice Mentoring Scheme engagement officer, Nathan Szkoruda, was well received, demonstrating the Midwest’s support for apprentice training. “This event has shown the genuine passion from business owners, enhancing the need for mentors, not only in the building and construction industry but in every avenue of business,” says Master Builders’ regional manager, Di Gilleland. “The amazing amount of information available for industry is all there for the taking. Sincere thanks to everyone for their attendance and fantastic support.”
Geraldton sundowner participants (l-r) Ian Fitzgerald, Peter Kelsall, Scott Thomson, Vicki Buscomb, Nathan Szkoruda and Sharren Holt.
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REPORTS: Branches
Judging up, up and far away Judging Master Builders’ Building Excellence Awards project home and commercial building entries throughout the Midwest region requires judges with dedication and expertise.
The Association has such capable people in head regional judge, Charlie Baggetta, and joining him this year with many years of experience in the Metropolitan awards, registered builder, Kevin Sale. Mr Baggetta, a registered builder from Harvey, takes time away from his company each year to judge Master Builders’ five regional building award entries. Master Builders Geraldton-based regional manager, Di Gilleland, says Mr Baggetta has been judging the Midwest region awards for the past 12 years and has seen many changes and clocked up thousands of kilometres and many hours’ flying and driving. “Location of properties sometime can be a challenge,” she said. “As time is always at a premium, especially this year with an excess of 15 entries on last year, Shine Aviation offered their assistance. This is the second time they have supported our regional Branch and we certainly appreciate their generosity. Additionally, corporate sponsors, Toyota, provide all regional managers with a comfortable vehicle during the judging period, which makes it very hard to go back to driving our regular vehicles after a week on the road.” The winning builders and trades in the 2013 Geraldton Midwest Building Excellence Awards were presented in October at the Geraldton Grammar School.
All smiles after a successful visit to Construction House (l-r): regional operations manager, Graham Bell, Master Builders’ Goldfield-Esperance Branch chairman, Michael Young, and financial controller, Tony Taverner.
Productive visit by Young chairman Michael Young, chairman of Master Builders’ Goldfields-Esperance Branch, took time out of his busy schedule to visit staff at Construction House during a recent Perth trip.
After being initially greeted and briefed by Association director, Michael McLean, Mr Young then met staff from several departments. “His ideas and comments were well received,” Mr McLean says. “Mr Young was very insightful about the region and the challenges that lie ahead. He is looking forward to working with our regional representatives, Jade Hayes in Kalgoorlie and Douglas Backhouse in Esperance, to ensure the continued grown of Master Builders in his region.” Mr Young’s visit also meant the chance to meet the Association’s newly appointed regional operations manager, Graham Bell. “Michael has a wealth of local knowledge about his community and the building industry and combined with his proactive approach, will be an asset to our regional representatives,” Mr Bell said. “I’m looking forward to working with him.” When not wearing his Master Builders’ hat, Mr Young works for Westralia Homes in Kalgoorlie.
Branch backs Holmes’ charity fundraiser Master Builders’ Albany premises were pressed into philanthropic use in October with local Association member, Marina Holmes, raising nearly $4000 for charity Canteen through a quiz night. About 120 people from the Great Southern Branch and wider Albany community turned up for the event. Canteen supports, develops and empowers young people living with cancer. Ms Holmes first foray into fundraising for the cause was when she cycled 270 kilometres from Perth to Bunbury in March.
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REPORTS: Branches
Smiling faces across the political divide (l-r): Melissa Price, Di Gilleland, Shane Van Styn, and Daron Keogh.
Candidates’ bout in seat of Durack Labor, Liberal and Nationals candidates for the House of Representatives seat of Durack participated in a feisty round of policy questioning at Master Builders’ Geraldton HQ in the lead up to the Federal Election.
The candidates were contesting the 1.5 million square kilometre seat, the largest electorate in Australia, larger than some Australian States and reportedly the second largest single member electorate in the world. They faced off on a range of issues including skills development, foreign ownership, infrastructure investment and tax reform.
reform agenda including abolition of the carbon tax, a tax white paper reform process, a policy for northern Australia to promote investment and a plan to cut debt. Labor candidate, Daron Keogh, prioritised infrastructure investment and said more had to be done to tackle the housing shortage with more land and more social housing.
Nationals’ candidate and Geraldton Councillor, Shane Van Styn, highlighted several policies that impact on the construction industry. He said government needed to better support the use of 457 visas, the extension of the CTF levy to incorporate the mining sector, a review of taxes and a Fair Share Fund modelled on the popular Royalties for Regions funds. Liberal candidate, Melissa Price, discussed her party’s
Master Builders’ regional manager, Di Gilleland, provoked a discussion around the major community issue of housing affordability and what could be done to tackle the problem which is locking young people out of home ownership. Master Builders’ acting director, Geoff Cooper, who chaired the discussion, said the candidates provided a refreshingly honest view on the policy topics.
One year up for Albany HQ Master Builders Great Southern Branch celebrated the first anniversary of the opening of its Graham Street, Albany premises in October. About 70 members descended on the headquarters for a celebratory barbeque (and some birthday candles) to mark the special occasion. The premises provide the Association with modern offices, training facilities and a display centre. They were developed with significant input and involvement of local Master Builder members providing labour, materials, planning and coordination.
Great Southern Branch member, Rob Buegge, of BDI Wall and Ceiling Contractors, lends a hand adding some decoration to the Association’s Albany centre hallway with a display of Building Excellence Awards memorabilia.
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REPORTS: Branches
Friday Thirteenth lucky for Broome golfers The date – Friday the thirteenth – didn’t deter eager golfers (and non-golfers) attending September’s Master Builders’ third annual Broome Golf Day. More than 80 participants came together for the fun Ambrose event in perfect weather and a light breeze.
Out on the course: Master Builders’ Gavan Forster, Charlie Baggetta, Bankwest business development manager, Paul Burnett, and Peter Davies.
The day began with lunch, then out onto the course which bore witness to some interesting shots and antics including a few young golfers caught taking a short nap. Along the way, the smell of sausages drew the golfers to the barbecue tent where Brodie Proctor and Adam McPherson provided a welcome stop. Afterwards, it was back to the fairways to complete the round. Winners on the day were Tim Ford, Mick Smyth, Troy Dahlstrom and Chris Lane and runners up, Patches Fiorenza, Martin Long, Paul Hope and Mark Ronwick. Master Builders’ regional manager, Di Gilleland, thanked the many sponsors and golfers for making the day such a success. Association staffers, Megan Parker and Crystal Bagley, who abandoned their regular posts in Geraldton for their first trip to Broome, said they loved the event with the competitors providing a modicum of skill and great entertainment and humour.
The Bankwest team in relaxed mode – Peter Jurgenson, Deon Paoliello, Eddie Nietrzeba and Shane Earl with Master Builders’ regional manager, Geoff Bosustow, in the background.
Sociable Bunbury golfers up to the challenge The October Master Builders South West Branch Bankwest Golf Day at the Bunbury Golf Club was an at times challenging, but for the most part, relaxing day for members and associates according to regional manager, Geoff Bosustow.
On course and in charge: Crystal Bagley, Zoe Marsh, Megan Parker and Di Gilleland.
“Teams comprising suppliers, subcontractors, builders and professionals all took to the course with much gusto and friendly camaraderie,” he says. “Team Holcim – David Thornton, Russell Lines, Tony Booth and Rob Hewison – took out the competition with S&J Excavation and Australind Premix rounding out second and third spots. Last place was Beyond Bricks representing Midland Brick. I’m pretty sure the Midland Brick crew were very happy with that result!” Players were treated to a light lunch on arrival. The sustenance was maintained on course with a barbecue provided by Kingspan Insulation before things were wrapped up with dinner presentations at the clubrooms. Event sponsors were Bankwest, MBA Insurance Services, S&J Excavation, Australind Premix, Midland Brick, Combined Metal Industries, Kingspan, Hays Recruiting, WAMS and Holcim.
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Broome golf winners, Tim Ford, Mick Smyth, Troy Dahlstrom and Chris Lane.
REPORTS: Branches
Service with a smile: Broome High School Year 11 and 12 students catered at the industry forum. The school is looking forward to continued partnerships in 2014, with Try-a-Trade in April coinciding with the West Kimberley School-on-Board Careers Week.
Broome forum looks at training options Industry providers met at the Broome Trade Training Centre in September with a strong group of Master Builder members, keen to learn about funding and support available in taking on apprentices, funding for up-skilling staff and more. “Securing a strong future for the building industry can only be achieved by making sure that we take on the role of looking after young people in the industry, to encourage, lead and provide them with the skills necessary for their future career pathways,” says Master Builders’ regional manager, Di Gilleland. “The very successful Broome evening was held for the second year to provide all key partners with up to date information on available initiatives and funding support.” Speakers at the forum were Broome Senior High School principal, Saeed Amin, Scott Thomson (Construction Industry Training Fund), Sharren Holt (Construction and Property Services Industry Skills Council) and Melissa Hawk (Master Plumbers). The forum presented awards to successful first, second and third year apprentices training through Kimberley Training Institute.
“It was an extremely appropriate forum for the awards to be presented,” Ms Gilleland said. “It up-skilled the Department of Education practitioners on the huge value of these pathways that commence at school and the partnerships that are created when working collaboratively with industry.” The evening also was an opportunity for Master Plumbers to launch the VET in Schools initiative which starts in 2014 at Broome SHS with a Certificate II over two years. The program will complement the already popular Construction Trades Pathway Certificate II program. Hospitality for the evening was provided by Broome SHS Year 11 and 12 catering students who demonstrated their skills with professionally presented finger foods.
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ADVERTORIAL
Enviro Chasing Services – serious about workplace safety Wall chasing operator, Enviro Chasing Services mitigates wall chasing hazards using its unique range of purpose-designed equipment The hazards and risks associated with wall chasing are well known and outlined in the Concrete and Masonry Cutting and Drilling Code of Practice. Amongst the most serious of these hazards are toxic fumes such as carbon monoxide from petrol-powered saws, hazardous dust by-products of cutting and chasing such as crystalline silica, and violent kickback forces from using hand-held saws.
The hazards explained: Carbon Monoxide Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless and odourless gas emitted from petrol-powered saws commonly used in wall chasing. CO exposure results in symptoms such as headaches, nausea, impaired judgment, heart and lung damage and, in extreme cases, convulsions, coma and death can occur. CO also has significant detrimental long-term health effects. Monitoring domestic worksites has revealed that CO can quickly build up to dangerous levels, even when the roof is off. This puts chasing operators directly at risk if fumes are not evacuated away from the operators’ work area. In May 2005, Worksafe in Western Australia notified the industry of the requirement to use exhaust extraction systems when using petrol-powered saws for wall chasing.
Crystalline Silica Crystalline Silica is a by-product of cutting bricks and concrete and is present in the dust generated from the cutting process. Studies have revealed that repeated exposure to Crystalline Silica can lead to silicosis, a serious disease involving scarring and stiffening of the lungs. The effects are irreversible and can result in death. Short-term effects of this exposure are throat irritation and bronchitis.
The use of purpose-designed blades that are smaller than standard general purpose blades reduces the kick-back forces associated with cutting masonry and concrete with hand-held saws. We also employ a large blade guard and a longer saw arm for additional operator protection. Since 2005, Enviro Chasing Services has made over 1.25 million chasing cuts with no reported cases of kick-back. This is the equivalent of chasing over 40,000 homes.
What’s in it for you, the site operator or contractor? The Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 states that main contractors, and the people in control of worksites, are also responsible for workplace safety. As part of this responsibility, the associated regulations require main contractors and people in control of workplaces to identify all hazards, assess the injury risk and take action to control or reduce this risk. Enviro Chasing Services, through the design and deployment of its specialist equipment can assist you with managing this responsibility. The benefits of using Enviro Chasing Services include: • Risk mitigation of workplace hazards associated with wall chasing and concrete cutting on work sites you are responsible for. • Peace of mind for you that workplace hazards are controlled and risks are reduced as required by the Code of Practice • Potential cost benefits from reduced financial risks associated with poor safety practices • Reputation and brand benefits
What can you do now to ensure you are complying with the OSH regulations and protecting your business?
How does Enviro Chasing Services mitigate these risks? Our purpose-designed wall chasing saws and associated equipment reduce these key risks in a number of ways: All carbon monoxide is evacuated from the operator’s work area through the use of the FUME TUBE and a vacuum
For more information contact: Phone: (08) 9399 1644 Website: www.envirochase.com
Kickback is a potentially violent force that can be difficult to control and can occur when using hand-held saws, especially in wall chasing situations. This kickback can result in serious injury and death to operators.
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Water is supplied to the cutting surface to reduce the amount of Crystalline Silica dust in the operator’s work area. The resulting slurry and most remaining dust is safely and powerfully vacuumed away, through the FUME TUBE from the cutting area, using a specially designed blade guard and suction system.
• Ask your contractors how your wall chasing is currently being conducted • Compare your current practices with those outlined above and with the Code of Practice • Act to protect your workplace and reputation, especially if you can see non-compliant practices or better ways to reduce risks • Call Enviro Chasing Services for additional information or assistance
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system that safely disperses the poisonous gases outside the building structure. This eliminates the risk associated with this deadly gas.
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Southside Service and Tyre Centre The brand new state-of-the-art 28 bay service and tyre centre offers its customers, retail and fleet, the complete servicing experience.
The Southside Service and Tyre Centre has been located in Cannington for over 40 years. The brand new service department and workshop is newly fitted out with stateof-the-art equipment and now boasts 28 service bays. With this immense capacity, Southside Service and Tyre Centre is able to service all fleet vehicles, passenger and commercial, quickly and efficiently.
Servicing and repairs Knowing that the technicians at Southside Service and Tyre Centre are factory trained gives customers peace of mind that their vehicles are in safe and reliable hands. Along with conducting log book servicing, Southside Service and Tyre Centre also offers a free six months AHG Roadside Assist which is renewed at every scheduled service. Log booked servicing isn’t where it stops, we can repair and service all parts of your vehicle including tyres, batteries, engine rebuilds, timing belt changes, brakes, filter changes, fluid flushes, air-condition re-gas and 120 point safety check. The parts department stock all genuine parts which are used on your vehicle. With every service at the Southside Service and Tyre Centre we carry out a 120 point safety check on your vehicle. We assess over 120 items including all lights and indicators, air conditioning and heating, load test your battery, check your tyre tread, seat belts, fluids and filters. This comprehensive report enables our factory trained mechanics to identify any problems with your vehicle big or small. If anything that is cause for concern is identified we call you on the day, advise you of the issue and offer the option for you to get it fixed that day.
As a part of our outstanding customer service to you we also offer loan vehicles that you can hire. There is a huge range of vehicles for hire which include utility vehicles. There is also a courtesy shuttle bus that runs daily and is able to take you back to home or work within the local area. If you would prefer to wait in the service lounge there are complementary WIFI facilities and coffee available with TV entertainment.
Competitive pricing The cost of servicing and repairs are very competitive and if you find a cheaper comparable quote we will beat it by 10%*. That is how confident we are in the services we provide. Southside Service and Tyre Centre has services starting from a low $125 and tyres starting from $85.
Make Southside’s you preferred Service and Tyre Centre The team at the Southside Service and Tyre Centre pride themselves on offering first class customer service, being able to meet all your needs and ensuring that we remain your preferred service and tyre centre for everything automotive. The friendly team are there to answer any of your motoring questions. Book your next service at the Southside Service and Tyre Centre in Cannington to experience better deals and even better service.
For more information contact: Phone: 9358 9549 Email: service@southside.com.au Web: www.southside.com *Ask in store for terms and conditions
We make it easy If you are unable to bring your vehicle into the Service and Tyre Centre we have a mobile mechanic that is able to come to your home or work and can perform the service on site. All costs are upfront so you know how much each service will cost. If you have a few vehicles we can send the mobile mechanic out to service your entire fleet on the same day. This means that your fleet will experience less downtime and will be more cost effective.
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AWARDS: Geraldton Midwest
Steve Nanninga (left) and Tim Rogers of Rogers Building Contractors accepted the Best Country Home Award from Master Builders’ president, Robert Shaw (right).
Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets took out the Best Commercial Building Award. Pictured are Master Builders’ president, Robert Shaw (second from right), with (l-r) Angelo Biviano, Steve Biglins and Paul Pollard representing the winners.
Jungle fever gets awards treatment While elephants, leopards and zebras were on the prowl, biggame hunter Tim Rogers bagged himself a trophy of a different kind at the Master Builders Bankwest Geraldton Midwest Building Excellence Awards in October.
The awards decor set the tone for the night’s theme – jungle fever.
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AWARDS: Geraldton Midwest
WITH A JUNGLE FEVER theme, the 300 guests at the awards participated by dressing in stripes and patterns to add to the night’s highlights which also included Rogers Building Contractors continuing its run of wins in the Mitchell & Brown sponsored Best Country Home Award. A decal-liveried Toyota Landcruiser from the philanthropic African tour company, Safaris-R-Us, set the scene for guests arriving at the entrance to the awards venue, the Geraldton Grammar School, with its Batavia Hall decked out in the jungle theme. In his last trip to the region as Master Builders’ president, Robert Shaw opened the night’s proceedings, commenting on how much he enjoyed his visits and the knowledge he gained along the way. Speaking as a chief judge of the metropolitan Housing Excellence Awards, he also had some handy hints for local builders on how to put together their future entry submissions.
City of Greater Geraldton Mayor, Ian Carpenter (right), with Apprentice of the Year, Jackson McClurg, and Matt Silvester (Durack Institute of Technology).
Rogers Building Contractors’ award for the Best Country Home was the company’s fifth win in succession. The Parmelia Boulevard, Park Falls Estate project first was judged the winner of the $750,000-$1 million contract homes category before going on to take the overall gong. On the non-residential side of the ledger, Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets also continued a winning run, taking off the Bankwest Best Commercial Building Award for the third successive year, this time for the Nagle Catholic College Gymnasium in Geraldton. The company also had wins in a number of other category and subcontractor awards including Best Customer Service (small to medium builder).
Looking like anything but victims of jungle fever, Geraldton Branch chairwoman, Serena Giudice (right), and Tahnee Smith add some cool glamour to the awards evening.
Regional awards judges Charlie Baggetta and Kevin Sale reported they were impressed by the calibre of projects in the 2013 awards with the evenness of entries making final decisions most difficult. Master Builders’ Geraldton regional manager Di Gilleland commented that it was pleasing to see a number of new faces emerging at the awards this year. Mandosio Homes won both Best New Builder and the Judges’ Innovation Award. Steele Campbell Building won the Brian Neil Award, named after the Geraldton Branch founding member and Association life member. Mr Neil served the Association in a variety of roles over many years and the commemorative award recognises the winning company’s overall pursuit of excellence. The Kevin Giudice Apprentice of the Year Award for the best regional apprentice was won by carpenter Jackson McClurg, employed by ATC Midwest and working for host employer Port Denison Builders. Apprentice of the Year was presented by Mayor Ian Carpenter representing the award sponsors City of Greater Geraldton, and the Durack Institute of Technology. The award is named in honour of the late Kevin Giudice, a chairman and long-serving committee member of Master Builders’ Geraldton Branch and a great supporter of the apprentice system. The ABBTF Bricklaying Apprentice Award winner was Mirzap Manap, employed by A & D Basto and the Apprentice Encouragement Award went to painter Andrew Hunter (Associated Painting Enterprises). Employer Trainer of the Year was Glass Co WA, the Best Customer Service Award for volume builders went to Plunkett Homes and Gavin O’Malley from WA Country Builders was the recipient of the Supervisor of the Year Award.
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AWARDS: Geraldton Midwest
Fine detail in award winning house The Geraldton Midwest Best Country Home winner, built by Rogers Building Contractors, is a luxurious single-level residence on acreage in the Park Falls Estate providing expansive views of Geraldton’s coastline. It was designed by David O’Meara. Main features externally are painted, rendered walls, extensive use of cedar-lined ceilings and exposed aggregate concrete to the alfresco and portico areas. Inside, there is open plan living including the entry, kitchen, living and dining with polished concrete floors throughout. The centralised kitchen has Caeserstone tops, lacquered door-fronts, glass splashbacks and top-of-the-range white goods. The main bedroom and walk-in-robe, with their marri floors, and the associated ensuite are separated from other bedrooms and the living areas to provide privacy.
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Gym has it all The Nagle Catholic College gymnasium, which won Geraldton Building Services and Cabinets its third successive Best Commercial Building title at the Geraldton Midwest Building Excellence Awards, is a sophisticated project incorporating multiple sporting areas and additional facilities. The new gym has an international-sized basketball court, three volleyball courts, three badminton courts and two junior basketball courts. It has seating for 1200 and also includes a teachers’ administration area and five classrooms overlooking the gym. There are separate male and female showers and toilets and an electric fold out stadium.
AWARDS: Geraldton Midwest
Awards Honours List BEST COUNTRY HOME Sponsor: Mitchell & Brown Rogers Building Contractors Parmelia Blvd Park Falls Estate Design: David O’Meara BEST COMMERCIAL BUILDING Sponsor: Bankwest Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets Nagle Catholic College Gymnasium Maitland St Geraldton BRIAN NEIL AWARD Steele Campbell Building
CONTRACT HOMES under $200,000 Steele Campbell Building Desmond Rd Walkaway CONTRACT HOMES $200,000 - $250,000 WA Country Builders Lincoln St Deepdale CONTRACT HOMES $250,000 - $300,000 Kevin Giudice & Co Strathalbyn Rd Strathalbyn CONTRACT HOMES $300,000 - $350,000 Mandosio Homes Spindrift Vista Glenfield
JUDGES’ INNOVATION AWARD Sponsor: CMI Mandosio Homes Spindrift Vista Glenfield Design: Blend Residential Designs
CONTRACT HOMES $350,000 - $400,000 Sponsor: Western Power Plunkett Homes Endeavour Dr Wandina
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE SMALL TO MEDIUM BUILDER Sponsor: Bankwest Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets
CONTRACT HOMES $400,000 - $450,000 Sponsor: Western Power Shane Crothers Homes Chivers Concourse Dongara
BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE VOLUME PROJECT BUILDER Sponsor: Bankwest Plunkett Homes
CONTRACT HOMES $450,000 - $500,000 Sponsor: Brikmakers Plunkett Homes Eliza Shaw Dr White Peak
EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING PRACTICE Sponsor: Building Commission Steele Campbell Building
CONTRACT HOMES $500,000 - $750,000 Sponsor: Brikmakers Rogers Building Contractors Cargeeg Bend Park Falls Estate
KEVIN GIUDICE APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: City of Greater Geraldton and Durack Institute of Technology Jackson McClurg Employer: ATC Midwest Host Employer: Port Denison Builders BRICKLAYING APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: ABBTF Mirzad Manap Employer: A & D Basto APPRENTICE ENCOURAGEMENT Sponsor: Ray White Andrew Hunter Employer: Associated Painting Enterprises EMPLOYER/TRAINER OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Bunnings Warehouse Glass Co WA BEST NEW BUILDER Sponsor: Market Creations Mandosio Homes SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Patience Sandland Gavin O’Malley WA Country Builders
CONTRACT HOMES $750,000 - $1,000,000 Rogers Building Contractors Parmelia Bvld Park Falls Estate RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS under $100,000 Coral Coast Homes & Constructions Bellimos Dr Wandina RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $100,000 - $200,000 Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets Glengarry Homestead Glengarry Rd Moonyoonooka MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS under $1,000,000 Sponsor: Toyota WA Country Builders Hill Way Geraldton MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS $1,000,000 - $2,500,000 Sponsor: Toyota Plunkett Homes Derna Pde Wandina
MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS $2,500,000 - $6,500,000 Crothers Construction Pty Ltd Hillcrest Lodge Extension Onslow St Geraldton MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS over $6,500,000 Crothers Construction Pty Ltd Batavia Mixed Use Development Museum Pl Geraldton COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $1,000,000 - $2,500,000 Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets St John Ambulance Lot 600 Magee Cres Kalbarri COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $2,500,000 - $6,500,000 Crothers Construction Pty Ltd City of Greater Geraldton Civic Accommodation Upgrade Cathedral Ave Geraldton COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING $2,500,000 - $6,500,000 Crothers Construction Pty Ltd Outback Travel Centre Roadhouse North West Coastal Hwy Carnarvon COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING over $6,500,000 Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets Nagle Catholic College Gymnasium Maitland St Geraldton BEST APPOINTED KITCHEN Sponsor: Cbus WA Country Builders Gilmore St Wandina BEST APPOINTED BATHROOM Sponsor: Tradelink Steele Campbell Building Seahaven View Drummond Cove WATERWISE HOME Sponsor: Water Corporation Crothers Construction Pty Ltd Hillcrest Lodge Extensions Onslow St Geraldton MOST AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOUSING Sponsor: Department of Housing Redink Homes Midwest Rifle Range Rd Rangeway LIVEABLE HOME Sponsor: Disability Services Commission Shane Crothers Homes Swordfish Vista Sunset Beach
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AWARDS: Geraldton Midwest
Awards Honours List SILVER TROWEL Sponsor: Midland Brick Zahnatu Bin Abdul Arnie Strathalbyn Rd Strathalbyn
EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERING Sponsor: MBA Insurance Services Total Plastering Parmelia Blvd Park Falls Estate
EXCELLENCE IN METAL CLADDING/ROOFING Sponsor: Hays Geraldton Carpentry & Patios Desmond Rd Walkaway
EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY (EXTERNAL/ INTERNAL) Sponsor: Jackson McDonald Terry Watson Defiance Cnr Wandina
EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETING Sponsor: Holcim Geraldton City Concrete Bellimos Dr Wandina
EXCELLENCE IN STEEL Sponsor: Bluescope Steel Crothers Construction Pty Ltd North West Coastal Hwy Carnarvon
EXCELLENCE IN PAINTING Sponsor: Valspar Des Fowler Defiance Cnr Wandina
EXCELLENCE IN BRICK & BLOCK PAVING Sponsor: Geraldton Natural Limestone Batavia Classic Paving Stormking Loop Wandina
EXCELLENCE IN WALL & FLOOR TILING Sponsor: Geraldton Ceramic Centre T & M McGinnis Parmelia Blvd Park Falls Estate
EXCELLENCE IN GLAZING Sponsor: Alspec – Aluminium Systems Specialists Glass Co WA Nagle Catholic College Gymnasium Maitland St Geraldton
EXCELLENCE IN CABINET MAKING Sponsor: The Laminex Group Geraldton Building Services & Cabinets Gilmore St Wandina EXCELLENCE IN CEILINGS Sponsor: GIBS and CSR Gyprock Patten Ceilings Parmelia Blvd Park Falls Estate
Sponsors
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ADVERTORIAL
Construction Training Fund Members of MBA know how the Construction Training Fund can reduce the costs of employing apprentices in WA’s building and construction industry. The Training Fund has introduced a range of new incentives for eligible employers of apprentices in construction trades, with up to $19,000 in cash now available to help reduce the costs of adding a new apprentice to your business. The minimum standard grant available to an eligible employer is now $4,000 (for a 12 month traineeship), rising to a maximum of $10,000 for a 48 month apprenticeship in core construction trade areas. In addition to the standard grants, the Training Fund can provide a one-off bonus to an eligible employer of up to $4,000, depending on trade qualification. Existing allowances for employment of indigenous and regional trainees/apprentices remain, bringing the maximum grant available to a total of $19,000.
The new grants are available to employers of trainees/ apprentices registered with the Department of Training & Workforce Development on or after 1 July 2013. Direct indenture employers receive the grant in three equal instalments. The first is paid after probation and six months of employment; the second at the half-way point of the indenture and the final payment is made after successful completion of the qualification. Trade bonus payments – up to $4,000 – are paid to the employer together with the first instalment. You’ll also receive the grant from the Training Fund if you host an apprentice through a group training organisation (GTO). The GTO claims the grant on your behalf each month and then passes it on to you in full as a reduction in the GTO’s hire-out rate. Look for the note on the GTO’s invoice that says “Less Construction Training Fund subsidy”. The new one-off trade bonuses will be claimed by GTOs after the apprentice has completed six months of employment, and then passed on in full to the host(s) that employed the apprentice.Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 for more information about the Construction Training Fund’s apprenticeship grants and other support programs for the construction industry. It’s your training fund.
RECEIVE UP TO $19,000 CA$H WHEN YOU EMPLOY A NEW APPRENTICE
Employ and register a new apprentice or trainee in a recognised qualification after 1 July 2013 and you may be eligible to claim a grant of up to $19,000 from the Construction Training Fund. Visit bcitf.org or call 9244 0100 to find out how you can reduce your training costs.
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AWARDS: Great Southern
Great Southern builders can-can do. Can-can dancers opened the night at the September Master Builders Bankwest Great Southern Building Excellence Awards heralding a night of French-themed frivolity and serious celebration of the region’s most accomplished builders.
Most of the guests got into the spirit, tailoring their eveningwear with an eye to Paris fashion of the 1950s and enjoying the delicious Gallic cuisine. Completing the atmospherics, a violinist entertained the diners with French music and song. While Janet Snell and Noel Mickle were judged the most authentically attired, and Denise and Steve Amato took the honours as the best dressed couple, nothing overshadowed the success of Greg Leeder Homes on the night. For the second year in a row, the company picked up the night’s major award, the Laminex Group 2013 Best Country Home. The Kalgan home was the top entry in the over $1 million contract home category, but Greg Leeder Homes projects also topped two other contract home categories and the under $1 million commercial alterations and additions division. The company also took out an energy efficiency award and was named the winner of the important Excellence in Building Practice award.
Prize winning builder, Greg Leeder (right) celebrates his company’s Best Country Home Award with (l-r) Master Builders’ vice president, John Ripp, Luke Leeder and Mark Weldon.
Where would a French-themed night have been without the can-can?
John Holland was this year’s major winner in the non-residential sector, taking out the Bankwest Best Commercial/Industrial Building award with its Albany Health Campus project. It also won the over $6 million commercial/industrial building category. Other winners on the night included Skillhire Apprentice of the Year, Brett Jefferis (Byron Bird Plumbing and Skillhire), who just pipped fellow plumbing finalist Kirsty Willis (Active Plumbing and Skillhire) and Corey Hill (Tectonics Construction Group). Luke Leeder was named Jackson McDonald Supervisor of the Year. Two new awards were included in the 2013 judging. The Judges’ Innovation award was won by Schlager Homes for its La Perouse Road Goode Beach project and the Judges’ Special Commendation went to Robinson Buildtech for Padre White lookout. The judges reported that the quality of entries in 2013 once again was of a high standard making for a difficult task to pick the overall winners. The Dog Rock Convention Centre again was the venue for the Great Southern industry’s big night with about 170 guests turning out for the occasion. And if pulling off awards wasn’t the order of the day for some, regular updates on a couple of other minor events – the Dockers’ historic win over Geelong in the qualifying final, and the Federal election – provided something for everyone.
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AWARDS: Great Southern
Bankwest’s Bronwyn Oreo presented Jason Nelthorpe of John Holland with the award for Best Commercial/Industrial Building.
Winning home mixes modern and traditional
Brett Jefferis, flanked by finalists Kirsty Willis and Corey Hill, was named the Great Southern Region’s 2013 Apprentice of the Year.
The 2013 Great Southern Building Excellence Awards Best Country Home is a custom built house on the banks of the Kalgan River. It showcases meticulous attention to detail, highest quality materials and skilled workmanship. A cedar lined entry tower allows natural light to filter through the home which includes an opulent kitchen with marble bench tops and European appliances. The kitchen is the heart of the house, surrounded and complemented by entertainment and lifestyle areas integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. A feature of the Greg Leeder Homes project is a hand-crafted, curved timber staircase with rustic wrought iron balustrade blending modern design and traditional eras.
Health Campus sets new standards The $171.5 million Albany Health Campus, the Great Southern Building Excellence Awards Best Commercial/Industrial Building winner, is the biggest public health construction project undertaken in regional WA. John Holland was contracted to design and construct the 21,000 square metre state-of-the-art hospital capable of providing secondary care to 55,000 residents and visitors to Albany annually. The result is a contemporary, environmentally sustainable facility able to provide enhanced services to the community. The campus, replacing the ageing Albany Hospital, was built on the existing hospital site with the original facility remaining in operation throughout construction. The project requirements included design and construction of an emergency department, a four-bed short stay observation unit, inpatient mental health ward and secure unit, purpose-built surgical centre, maternity unit, ambulatory care centre, cancer centre and 15-bed rehabilitation ward. The new facility also required 134 beds for patients, up from 117 in the former site, and substantially more car parking. To achieve the complex brief, John Holland entered a collaborative process with the State Government through the Office of Strategic Projects and worked closely with the hospital and other stakeholders to ensure the development could be completed with minimal disruption to hospital operations.
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AWARDS: Great Southern
Awards Honours List BEST COUNTRY HOME Sponsor: The Laminex Group Greg Leeder Homes South Coast Hwy Kalgan BEST COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING Sponsor: Bankwest John Holland Albany Health Campus Albany BEST CUSTOMER SERVICE Sponsor: Bankwest Ryde Building Company JUDGES’ INNOVATION AWARD Sponsor: Soil Solutions Schlager Homes La Perouse Rd Goode Beach JUDGES’ SPECIAL COMMENDATION Robinson Buildtech Padre White Lookout Mt Clarence APPRENTICE OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Skillhire Brett Jefferis Employer: Skillhire Host Employer: Byron Bird Plumbing SUPERVISOR OF THE YEAR Sponsor: Jackson McDonald Luke Leeder Greg Leeder Homes EXCELLENCE IN BUILDING PRACTICE Sponsor: Building Commission Greg Leeder Homes South Coast Hwy Kalgan CONTRACT HOMES under $200,000 Ryde Building Company Lancaster Rd McKail CONTRACT HOMES $200,000 - $275,000 Ryde Building Company Grevillea Way Yakamia CONTRACT HOMES $275,000 - $350,000 WA Country Builders Morilla Rd Lower King CONTRACT HOMES $350,000 - $425,000 Schlager Homes La Perouse Rd Goode Beach CONTRACT HOMES $425,000 - $500,000 Ryde Building Company Greenwood Dr Willyung
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CONTRACT HOMES $500,000 - $575,000 Schlager Homes Nockolds St Denmark CONTRACT HOMES $575,000 - $675,000 Greg Leeder Homes Bushby Rd Lower King CONTRACT HOMES $675,000 - $850,000 Greg Leeder Homes Mermaid Ave Emu Point CONTRACT HOMES over $1,000,000 Greg Leeder Homes South Coast Hwy Kalgan MULTI-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS over $1,500,000 Daly & Shaw Queen St Little Grove RESIDENTIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS over $200,000 Tectonics Construction Group Hill St Little Grove COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING $1,000,000 - $2,500,000 Smith Constructions North Albany High School Trade Training Centre Albany COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING $2,500,000 - $6,000,000 Smith Constructions Great Southern Grammar Kalgan COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL BUILDING over $6,000,000 John Holland Albany Health Campus Albany COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS under $1,000,000 Greg Leeder Homes Amaroo Club House Albany
WATERWISE HOME Sponsor: Water Corporation Schlager Homes La Perouse Rd Goode Beach POLE HOME Tectonics Construction Group Champion St Albany TRANSPORTABLE HOME Sponsor: Toyota Kent Corporation Jade Park Home Denmark BEST STEEL BUILDING Sponsor: Metroof John Holland Albany Health Campus Albany LIVEABLE HOME Sponsor: Disabilities Services Commission Real Force Trio Cres McKail MOST AFFORDABLE FAMILY HOME Sponsor: Department of Housing Real Force Trio Cres McKail EXCELLENCE IN CONSTRUCTION ON A CHALLENGING LOT Sponsor: Structerre Consulting Engineers Robinson Buildtech Padre White Lookout Mt Clarence EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY EFFICIENCY Greg Leeder Homes Churchlands Rd Kalgan EXCELLENCE IN BRICK/BLOCK PAVING Sponsor: Boral South City Paving Grevillea Way Yakamia EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY (INTERNAL/ EXTERNAL) Coffey Carpentry South Coast Hwy Kalgan
COMMERCIAL ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS $1,000,000 - $2,500,000 Plantagenet Sheds & Steel Mt Barker Co-operative Mt Barker
EXCELLENCE IN CARPENTRY STRUCTURAL Sponsor: The Laminex Group Schlager Homes La Perouse Rd Goode Beach
SILVER TROWEL Sponsor: Austral Brick Lombardo’s Bricklaying Prideaux Rd Lower King
EXCELLENCE IN CABINETRY Sponsor: The Laminex Group Great Southern Cabinets Greenhills Rd Katanning
AWARDS: Great Southern
Awards Honours List EXCELLENCE IN CEILINGS G Taylor Ceilings South Coast Hwy Kalgan EXCELLENCE IN CONCRETING Sponsor: Holcim Albany Formwork Padre White Lookout Mt Clarence
EXCELLENCE IN PAINTING Sponsor: Hayme’s Paints (Neville’s Hardware) Chris Liron Painting Services South Coast Hwy Kalgan EXCELLENCE IN PLASTERING Sponsor: MBA Insurance Service David Cook Plastering and Rendering South Coast Hwy Kalgan
EXCELLENCE IN PLUMBING Sponsor: Cbus Cooke & Dowsett Albany Health Campus Albany EXCELLENCE IN ROOFING METAL Sponsor: Combined Metal Industries Dek’s Decking Greenwood Rd Willyung
EXCELLENCE IN FLOOR & WALL TILING Sponsor: Bathroom Décor DG Casa Constructions Greenwood Dr Willyung
Sponsors
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UPDATES: Personal Pars
Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays
Congratulations to the Brookfield Multiplex team on being named Overall Winner at the 2013 WA Engineering Excellence Awards for their Brookfield Place project in Perth. At the time Master Builder was going to print, Brookfield Multiplex were waiting to see whether they also would be winners at the Master Builders National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards in Canberra.
David Tjhung has left Landcorp as one of its youngest ever project managers to work with a private investment group developing an entertainment hub in Malaysia. Garry Itzstein has taken Peter Tuck’s role as CEO of the National Electrical Contractors Association in Perth. Garry is a former president of NECA in WA and previously worked for Downers. Condolences to the family and friends of Jack Best who died in August, aged 95. Jack was a foundation member of Master Builders’ South West Branch and a well-known builder in the Bunbury region over many years. Congratulations to Master Builders Australia chief economist, Peter Jones, who has been rated a Gold Medallist in the annual Fairfax Economist Review for his forecasts for the building industry in 2012-13. Congratulations to Robert Travers and his team at Addstyle Master Builders on celebrating their twenty-fifth year in business. As a consistent winner of Master Builders’ Housing Excellence Awards, Addstyle has built an enviable reputation as a leading renovation company. September was a month when several members celebrated milestone wedding anniversaries: Dean and Natalie Wauters (Wauters Enterprises) 20 years, Robert and Penny Shaw (Daly and Shaw) 30, Colin and Terri Emmott (HLB Man Judd) 30. Kelvin Ryan (BGC Residential) celebrated his pearl wedding anniversary (30 years) in August.
Retired secretary to a string of Master Builders’ executive directors, Carroll Brown (centre front), visited the Association recently to catch up with old workmates and to inspect the refurbished offices. In the 1980s, Carroll worked with EDs John Mander and Harvey McLeod before smoothing the way for the incumbent Michael McLean (right) in the mid90s. She is pictured with former colleagues who survive with the Association even to the present day (l-r), Charles Anderson, Gavan Forster, Veronica Mill and Kim Richardson.
Richard Udinga, the president of the Airconditioning and Mechanical Contractors Association, is now working with the MPM Group as its special projects manager. Former AMCA executive director, Alan Layton, is working for the Department of Commerce at WorkSafe WA. Alan had a brief stint at the Pony Club Association before obtaining a job closer to home in West Perth. Condolences to the family and friends of Brian McCubbing (BMC Properties) on the passing of his father, John, in August. John McCubbing was a former state manager of the ANZ Bank in Perth. Richard McAllan is now working as a housing consultant with Wilson and Hart after leaving OfficeMax.
Congratulations to Hays Recruitment’s Mark Lawton and his wife on the birth of their first child, Oliver, in September. On the work front, Mark also was on top of the world, winning a leadership award – one of only four given across Australia and New Zealand – at Hay’s recent National Sales Conference.
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Peter Iancov has resigned as CEO of Doric. Vince Mulholland has been appointed as general manager, commercial.
UPDATES: Personal Pars
Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays
Master Builders’ past presidents were entertained by the current Board recently at one of the periodic gatherings put on for the former Association leaders. Pictured (l-r) are Ron Doubikin (president 1988-89), Ray Sputore (1998-99), John Doust (1968-70), Tom Oxley (1981-83) and Max Rivett (1995-97). Immediate past president, George Allingame (2008-10), is in the background.
Congratulations to Denise and Andy Peppercorn (Built Environs) on the safe arrival of their third grandchild, Grace Margaret, in September. Mahesha De Silva, RSM Bird Cameron marketing manager, is on maternity leave until September 2014. Kellee Crabtree is her maternity cover. Adam Harry has resigned as general manager of John Holland’s western region. David Marshall, the regional operations manager, building, has been appointed acting GM. Adam Harry also has resigned as president of the Construction Contractors Association. Paul Broome from McConnell Dowell is acting president.
Condolences to the family and friends of Don Cousens, the founder of Merym (now EMCO) who died in October after a short illness, aged 65. Don was a qualified engineer and builder who was highly respected throughout the building industry. The project he was most proud of was the St Marys Cathedral refurbishment which won a Master Builders’ Construction Excellence Award several years ago. Don, and his business partner, John Ripp shared the construction, financial, technical and administrative responsibilities at EMCO for more than 20 years. The large gathering at Don’s funeral in October reflected the high esteem in which he was held by those who worked with him and knew him well. He also was active in the Australian Institute of Building in pursuing higher professional standards. Don represented WA at baseball and leaves behind wife, Sue, and three children and several grandchildren.
Judge Alton Jackson QC, a former partner of Jackson McDonald Lawyers from 1968-1981, died in October, aged 72. Judge Jackson joined the independent bar in 1981 and took silk in December 1989. He served as a District Court judge from 1992 until retirement in 2004. His Honour was the son of another distinguished partner of Jackson McDonald and former Chief Justice of WA, Sir Lawrence Jackson.
Dean Goodliffe has been appointed CEO of Broad Construction in WA. Dean is from the UK and previously worked for Leighton in NSW. Nick Cater has left Broad to work for ADCO Constructions as its WA manager. Martin Huber, a traditional master builder working in Perth for many years, passed away peacefully in his home country, Switzerland, in August, aged 87. Bill Scanlon has left the Economic Regulation Authority after completing a review of WA’s housing indemnity scheme, to become a senior consultant with ACIL Allen Consulting. Bill currently is assisting the Department of Finance with a review of the building and planning approvals process. Congratulations to Master Builders Bowling Club member, Doug Leicester, who celebrated his eightieth birthday this year. Glenn Smith has left Daly and Shaw and is now working for Niche Developments. Congratulations to Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, who married his partner Elaine in Canberra in September after a lengthy apprenticeship.
Condolences to family and friends of former Master Builders’ executive member, Peter Ratty, who died in Perth in October after a long illness, aged 65. Peter was born in Birmingham, one of eight siblings. He was a keen guitarist and singer who played in a band called Batman and Wonder Boys. At 19, he left to go to the Mexico Olympics but his travels took him to Perth where he married on his twentieth birthday and subsequently brought up his family. In partnership with John Abrusci, he established commercial building company, Keywest. The company built Queensgate in Fremantle and many other projects, including several restaurants for Umberto Tinelli who became a long-standing friend. Peter was also a judge of Master Builders’ Excellence in Construction Awards and at various times was an Association vice president, chairman of the Contracts Committee and member of the Council of Management. He was a true gentleman and high achiever who will be sadly missed. He is survived by wife, Stella, seven children and seven grandchildren.
Former KPMG Partner, Jason Berry, has been appointed chairman of Keystart which is forecast to generate a $45 million dividend to the Department of Housing in 2013-14. John Coles continues as Keystart chief executive. Peter Haxby has left Silver Trowel Trade Training as its general manager. Eric Lumsden has been appointed chairman of the WA Planning Commission for a three-year
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UPDATES: Personal Pars
Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays
“Never laugh at your own jokes,” they say, not an adage which Master Builders’ events manager, Pippa Tearne subscribes to.
What are you working on now? Time flies when you’re having fun, which is a fairly regular occurrence in Events HQ. We’re already knee-deep in entries for the 2014 Master Builders Bankwest Housing Excellence Awards, and have some pretty exciting ideas for the awards night in February, so watch this space. As always, there’s a plethora of fun, educational and informative functions coming up before the end of the year for members, so make sure you’re on the mailing list for ‘What’s New in Events HQ’!
Pen portrait: Pippa Tearne Over the years, the number, size and range of events and functions Master Builders runs annually for members and the industry has boomed. Organising the program calls for hard work, dedication and professionalism from the small events team. Heading things up is events manager, Pippa Tearne.
How long have you been at Master Builders? Approximately two-and-a-half years. I started as a very green, wide-eyed assistant and worked my way up through every events-based role, from officer to coordinator to manager.
When you’re not at Master Builders, what keeps you busy? I spend most of my time laughing at my own jokes and drinking tea. I like to watch Friends with my friends and eat soup. It’s superb. (Editor’s note: suspected pun which doubtless had Pippa cracking up over her own sublime wit.)
What made you choose an events life? I’m not entirely sure. I started off at university intending to graduate as an accountant, and somewhere along the way got distracted and changed paths. I have an inability to go to any kind of function without wanting to take control, or at least hand around drinks; so the events life is probably a good choice for me.
What’s your favourite event? What were you doing before joining Master Builders? I spent three years studying at Curtin University, and eventually came out with a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing & Business Law. To fund my live music habit, I worked at Balloon World, creating and delivering bunches of helium fun to unsuspecting birthday celebrators. I also interned at Sunset Events, working on some of Perth’s major music and arts festivals.
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I’m pretty proud of our events calendar in general, and get a bit of a kick out of everything from breakfasts to cocktail sundowners. My favourite though, would probably have to be the Housing Awards. It’s a yearlong process for us, and having all the data-entry, judging schedules and hair-pulling moments end in a massive party is pretty fun. I also love seeing the builders take such great pride in their projects. The passion they have for their work gives me passion for mine.
term. Mr. Lumsden has resigned as director general of the Department of Planning, effective from early November, after a five-year term. The Real Estate Institute of WA has elected David Airey as president for a second year. Other members on the REIWA council of management include Hayden Groves (deputy president), Sarah Kingsey, Joe White, Ian Cornell, Brett Thorpe, Krys Tully and Peter Lawrence. Mel Congerton has been appointed to chair the Local Government Advisory Board which is responsible for determining the new local government boundaries. Congratulations to Alwyn Even who celebrated his thirtieth anniversary with the Alcock BrownNeaves Group in August. Well done Alwyn, you’ve seen a lot of great homes built in 30 years. Congratulations to Jane Vallance (Building Commission) and her husband Michael, on their pearl wedding anniversary in October. Privately certified no doubt! Bob Wilkie (Bobrik) has retired from bricklaying and is now a proud grandfather. Former Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, has been re-appointed chairman of the Cbus Superannuation Board which now has more than $23 billion in funds for over 700,000 members. Peter Davis has accepted an appointment with Newcastle University and has relinquished his role as head of the School of Built Environment at Curtin University. A replacement is being recruited. A big cheerio to Rhonda Roe (True North Energy) who is making good progress in recovering from illness. Condolences to the family and friends of Ray Sputore (Decmil) on the passing of his father in October – sadly one day before Ray’s birthday. After 17 years’ service, Andre Gillet has left the City of Stirling to establish his own private certification practice, Fastrack Approvals. Andre still is actively involved in the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors and its annual state conference. James Pearson has left CCI as its CEO over the last six years to head up Shell’s communications and government relations team.
UPDATES: Personal Pars
Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays
Condolences to George Allingame (Pindan) and his family on the passing of his wife Mary’s mother in Adelaide in October. A big cheerio to Master Builders Northern Territory executive director, Graham Kemp, who is recovering from a period of ill health. Phil Milne and Don Fowlie have joined Cbus Superannuation as employee coordinators in WA following Alan Hughes’ retirement. James Moore is the employer contact in WA (phone 9463 3934). As well as her role as ReddiFund business development manager, Jill Dixon recently has been appointed to the WA Chapter council of the National Association of Women in Construction as membership chair. Jill’s aim is to grow NAWIC membership in WA. NAWIC is an international not-for-profit organisation that seeks to support the endeavours, and raise the profile, of women in the construction industry. Condolences to the family and friends of Peter Eden, a past president of Master Builders South Australia, who has died after a courageous battle with melanoma. He established Galaxy Homes in 1979 and went on to develop the Eden Living brand. Peter was a free thinker who was always ready to challenge tradition and look for an alternative and better way to improve the industry.
Master Builders’ outgoing president, Robert Shaw, the passionate West Coast Eagles supporter (and seafood connoisseur?).
After three years:
30 questions for Shaw
At the end of his three-year tour of duty as Master Builders’ president, we sat down with Robert Shaw and asked him the tough (and not so tough) questions:
When did you start working in the building and construction industry? When I was 17 years old in Wagga Wagga, New South Whales. When did you decide to become a builder instead of continuing on with your carpentry trade? This was a very natural progression for me, as I was doing a lot of contracting and work for a builder over many years. How did you and Mick Daly join forces to form Daly and Shaw Building? Mick and I met when then girlfriend, now wife, Penny, and I were travelling around Australia on a working holiday when I was 24. What inspired you to become a part of Master Builders? We joined to keep a Master Builders’ staff member who was calling on us happy. He was very insistent membership would add value to our business. After joining the Association what encouraged you to become more actively involved? Master Builders’ staff member, Veronica Mill, was very persistent to get me to attend a Housing Council meeting just for a look. The rest is history. Who was the President when you joined the Board of Management? Dan Perkins. What have been some the greatest challenges you have faced being Master Builders’ president? It’s always time management but that’s one of the challenges. I love fitting in as much as I can into a day.
What will be your favourite memory as president? The opening of our first regional Master Builders’ building in Geraldton. What has been the biggest challenge being president and running your own business? I have had to utilise technology to make sure I am across things and contactable. My iPad and I have become very close! What do you do to relax? Spending time with my wife and two daughters, travel, boys’ fishing trips, boating, AFL and netball. Are you involved with any other organisations? Yes, I’m current president of Netball WA. As president and business owner what has been the most novel place you have visited? The Kimberley’s Horizontal Waterfalls and El Questro Homestead and Niagara Falls. Who do you admire most in the industry? Len Buckeridge. What are the biggest challenges confronting our industry? Without a doubt, red tape is my number one, and then followed by the looming trade shortage. What have you enjoyed most about being president? Working with the Association Board, our CEO and our staff to improve the future of our industry. If you could change one thing in the building and construction industry, what would it be and why? I would make the planning and building approval process
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UPDATES: Personal Pars
Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays
On holidays, horsing around on the hay wain.
totally private. This would remove a lot of red tape and delays and reduce costs. It works well in other States so why not here? Who has been your biggest influence to get you to where you are today? Without a doubt, my business partner, Mick Daly. Who would you say has been the biggest contributor to the building and construction industry over the years? Dale Alcock. Which football team do you support? West Coast Eagles. If you weren’t a builder, what would be your job? Race car driver. Which has been your favourite event to attend at Master Builders? The endof-year members’ Christmas functions. Who has been the most interesting person you have met since being President? Joe Hockey. How much longer do you intend to keep going in the industry? I am a big believer in work-life balance so if I can keep that going, 20 years.
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Working in the building and construction industry, have you experienced any shocking moments that have taken you by surprise? No. Do you have any regrets? Not having the opportunity to spend more time with my dad. If you could be the Premier for the day what would you do? I would make the resource sector pay the CTF levy. What has been the best advice anyone has given you to help you with working life? When I was 17, a man said to me are you teachable? I said yes. His reply was, good, then I can do something with you. What is your family status? Married for 30 years to my wife, Penny, with two daughters, Kalistah (25) and Narissah (22). What advice do you offer people who want to start a career in the building and construction industry? Work hard, learn as much as you can from your peers, take your opportunities, always build relationships and never burn your bridges. Now that you have completed your term as president, what are you going to do with your spare time? Work, family, fishing trip and a trip to South America.
REPORTS: Building Business
Why would you spend money on construction software? Construction software can be categorised as anything from a simple estimating package to a full accounting module or even a company-wide fully integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. Your construction software is a valuable asset and the right software should save you money and increase profits from day one.
When is it a good idea to purchase software? It’s a good time to purchase software: • As soon as you recognise a need or disturbance within your day-to-day operations that begins to question your processes, your costs and your ability to forecast a profitable outcome; and • When the cost of the software package is less than the benefit your company will receive from having the software up and running. • Simple - or so it seems.
What are the problems with adopting a simplistic approach? Changing software programs can be very difficult, disruptive and expensive. A simplistic approach means that your company cannot adapt as you grow. The solution to this problem is foresight – knowing where your company is heading and by when. You need to know not only how the software would help you run your business better by reducing risk, increasing productivity and profitability through process improvement, but also how it will continue to help you well into the future. Separate programs and systems for estimating, accounting, service and project management etc. may be suitable for smaller companies but create significant room for error and lower productivity for emergent or larger established companies.
Who does construction software help and how? Begin with the end in mind; the purpose is to integrate and streamline all aspects of your business. Different software packages impact different areas of your company’s day-to-day operations and its resource capabilities. The image accompanying this article shows some of the key personnel that make up a medium to large construction company. It lists the modules/functionality
that staff would find useful when operating an ERP system for example. And, because all the information captured is within one system, the reporting functionality and levels of access granted allow decision makers to make the right choices.
AND, when the implementation will assist your company to reach its potential. When looking to purchase software, both of these are extremely important considerations if you are to achieve the highest benefit to cost ratio in the long term.
So why would you spend money on construction software?
For more information, contact Master Builder member Levesys’s business development consultant, Neil Newman, on 07 3004 6100 or visit www.levesys.com. Levysys – Smarter Construction Software.
It is worth investing in construction software when the benefits outweigh the time and monetary costs of implementing the system
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REPORTS: Building Business
How to communicate effectively in your business Communication is a critical skill in business – after all we are communicating with staff, subcontractors, suppliers and clients every day. Problems can arise as we tend to communicate with others in ways we like to be communicated with. This can lead to misunderstanding, arguments and costly errors.
The more we can understand our own natural preferences and behaviour and that of others, the more effective we can be in getting things done through people. After all, people respond to people they like and the more they think you are like them, the better they will respond. A simple system I use with my clients is the DISC personal analysis tool. This looks at human behaviour in two dimensions. Are people more extrovert or introvert? And are they more task or people focused? There are four main styles, represented to different degrees in each of us: Rueben Taylor
Dominant Profile The Dominant style refers to extrovert and task focused people. This style is very driven, focused and ambitious. They like to take charge and be in control. They often are innovative with lots of ideas. The D style is very goal oriented, determined and competitive. This style prefers to lead and often moves up the corporate ladder. They fear loss of control or being taken advantage of. If you are communicating with someone with this style, you need to be direct and to the point, provide choices and never force them into a losing situation. They tend to make decisions fast so provide them with the facts, let them feel like they are in control and it is their idea.
Influencer Profile The Influencer style refers to extrovert and people focused people. This style is very social with peo-le who like to be the life of the party. They tend to be high energy people who attract others and get work done through people. They are great at building rapport and friendships and inspire the people around them. They are very persuasive and optimistic and very open in communicating their feelings. They fear social rejection or not being accepted. When communicating with an Influencer style, be social and spend time socialising and being chatty. Have fun and let them tell stories. Be more open and speak about people and feelings.
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Stability Profile The Stability style refers to introvert and people focused people. They value security and do not like change. This style is very loyal and is the glue that holds the team together. They resist change and will bring order to chaos. The S style are very patient, good listeners and dependable. They like harmony in the workplace. They fear change and confrontation. Take your time when communicating with an S style profile. Build trust and present information step by step. Do not dominate. Be sensitive to their needs. Focus on people and be patient.
Compliance Profile The Compliance style refers to introvert and task focused people. They are detail people with the ability to research, analyse and interpret information. They tend to be perfectionists and like to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. They have high standards of themselves and others and do not like to make mistakes. The C style prefers to work on their own and is very careful and systematic. They tend to be serious and disciplined. They fear criticism and confrontation. The Compliance profile likes detail so be prepared to provide plenty of it. Focus on the facts and not personal issues. Do not pressure into a decision and be patient and slow down your approach (they often need to time to analyse and process any information you provide). As you can see each style is very different and in some cases opposite. Some ways of communicating will just not work with different styles. Take the time to understand your profile and become a more effective communicator in your business. For 13 years, Rueben Taylor has helped Perth businesses achieve sustainable growth, strong cash flow and to run smoothly without the business owners constantly being there. He is offering a free DISC Personal Style Analysis to Master Builder members: email bwe@actioncoach.com.
One of these tubes could save lives on your worksite Are you aware of the hazards associated with wall chasing? Two of the worst culprits are Carbon Monoxide & Crystalline Silica, hazardous by-products that can cause serious ailments and even death. Only the patented Chase Safe Saw & FUME TUBE extraction system from Enviro Chasing Services eliminates all Carbon Monoxide fumes and most Crystalline Silica dust from the operator’s work area. No other system is as effective. Fume extraction on petrol powered saws, when chasing, is mandatory in Western Australia. Protect your worksite and your reputation from the hazards of wall chasing. Insist on Enviro Chasing Services.
Call today for your free assessment P (08) 9399 1644 E reception@envirochase.com W www.envirochase.com
CArBON MONOxIdE
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REPORTS: Building Business
Super obligations have changed – are you ready? July marked the beginning of the Federal Government’s Stronger Super roll-out. Stronger Super aims to improve outcomes for both employers and employees by introducing two major reforms: • MySuper – a simple, low-cost super product. • SuperStream – a package of measures to improve the back office of super, making super transaction processing easier, cheaper and faster.
Cbus Clearing House lets Cbus employers pay super for all their employees in one simple payment, so they’ll have more time to spend on their business and less time doing administration. It is a free service for registered Cbus employers.
What does MySuper mean for employers?
Employers can log onto Cbus Clearing House at any time to confirm when the super payments have been sent to the relevant super funds. Those super funds will then use their normal systems to allocate payments to their members’ accounts.
From 1 January 2014, employers must pay compulsory Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions into a MySuper product for employees who haven’t chosen a super fund or made an investment choice. Cbus officially launched its MySuper product on 1 October. Cbus employers don’t have to do anything, as our default investment option, Growth (Cbus MySuper), is MySuper compliant.
What does SuperStream mean for employers? If you have 20 or more employees, from 1 July 2014 you’ll need to pay their super electronically under the Government’s SuperStream requirements. For small employers with 19 or fewer employees, the requirements take effect from 1 July 2015. Using the Cbus Clearing House will mean you are ready for these changes.
What is the Cbus Clearing House?
How will you know contributions have been successfully paid?
Who is the Cbus Clearing House provider? Cbus has chosen Westpac Banking Corporation to deliver the Cbus Clearing House. Both Cbus and Westpac know how important it is to keep information received for Cbus Clearing House confidential and secure. For information, call the Cbus Service Centre on 1300 361 784 or go to www.cbussuper.com.au/registernow and follow the prompts to join. Cbus’ Trustee: United Super Pty Ltd ABN 46 006 261 623 AFSL 233792 Cbus ABN 75 493 363 262. Read the relevant Cbus Product Disclosure Statement to decide whether Cbus is right for you. Contact Cbus for a copy.
The Clearing House is an online tool which allows Cbus employers to pay into multiple super funds. Cbus Clearing House then distributes employer super payments to all funds (including Cbus) on the employer’s behalf. If your employees have choice of fund, you’re probably paying super into several different funds – increasing the time and complexity of super administration.
457 visa holders can save on school fees The WA Government recently announced proposed changes that will result in parents working in the State on 457 visas being forced to pay up to $4000 per year for each of their children to attend public schools.
An eligible employee might be able to salary sacrifice education costs such as tuition fees, books and tutoring without triggering an FBT liability for the employer.
The policy change is likely to place a severe financial burden on many employees. However, there may be an opportunity to reduce the overall cost to affected employees with the right salary packaging strategy.
There might be considerable income tax savings for an eligible 457 visa employee in salary packaging these education costs, but also potential savings for the employer (for example, payroll tax, retaining experienced employees).
Many 457 visa holders would qualify as ‘overseas workers’ under the Fringe Benefits Assessment Act 1986 and, as such, an opportunity exists for them to take advantage of an FBT concession for the education costs of the children of these employees.
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For advice or assistance with salary packaging in general or with packaging benefits for 457 visa holders, contact RSM Bird Cameron on 9261 9100.
REPORTS: Building Business
How to set your sails to increase building sales in the current market There is an old saying, we cannot change the winds, but we can change the set of our sails. As I look at the stats from a presentation by Master Builders Australia chief economist, Peter Jones, this saying keeps ringing in the my ears. Leigh Farnell
The data says residential building will continue to grow by 22 percent in 2013-14, 17 percent in 2014-15 and nine percent in 2015-16 while the non-residential and engineering construction sectors will contract. What does this mean in terms of how you set your sails? The wind is changing. It will be up to you to adapt. Get ready to change the set of your sails.
How to set your sales and marketing sails in this environment The good news is that for the first time in years, on the front page of a recent edition of the West Australian the headline read ‘Business Confidence Bounces Back after Abbott Election Win’. Inside, the West reported consumer shopper confidence up by 4.7 percent to a threeyear high.
Six costly facts you can take advantage of • The fact is 90 percent or more sales managers have been good or very good salespeople then get promoted to sales and/or marketing manager with little or no training in how to manage a sales team. • In most cases, the only training they have had is from the manager they worked under/with for the past 5-10 years. • In over 70 percent of cases, the last sales training a sales rep had was a half-day or one-day three or more years ago. • In over 80 percent of cases, there is no agreed sales system or best practice system to help reps in taking an interested prospect and converting them to high margin, highly satisfied customer sale. • Over 90 percent of sales reps cannot and do not articulate the uniqueness, benefits or compelling value transfer of their companies. • When asked ‘why should I buy from you compared to your competition?’ most undersell or bumble their way through the answer.
The challenge for builders and sales and marketing managers is to harness this sentiment to get as big a slice of the pie as possible.
Test it with your team for yourself.
What we see successful builders doing
Three powerful tips to set your sails (and sales)
As a sales and marketing coach, I see successful builders maximising their share of market growth by: • Being very clear about which market sector they are targeting (new homes, first homes, premium homes etc.). • Creating powerful campaigns that speak to the needs of their target markets – not one shot-one off marketing. • Recruiting, training, incentivising and managing sales teams to follow proven sales conversion systems to optimise leads. • Creating a high performance, service based team culture.
• Capture your best practice sales system so reps have clear guidelines and checklists to help maximise their chances of truly uncovering needs and closing sales. We have a tool we call the ‘Sales Color Zones – Sales Circle of Life’. This is a Color Zone system of guiding reps through sales to maximise chances of converting leads into not just high paying-high margin, satisfied customers, but referral generating advocates of your business. • As part of your sales management system, have clear, documented expectations of what is acceptable and unacceptable in your team. We call them ‘Red and Green Zones’. • Even though many builders and sales managers say it’s about the reps as a group of individuals (not really a team), there is great power and value in effective sales team meetings and training. Have a powerful, positive structure to your team meetings – meetings that engage, enthuse, excite and educate are a critical part of the success jigsaw puzzle. Never underestimate the power of a champion team.
Five costly mistakes in building industry sales teams • Sales teams being run like individual ‘lone rangers’ rather than a team of professionals learning, sharing and competing in a healthy environment. • Little or no sales training – but left up to the individual’s personality or experience to close the sale – the ‘sink or swim’ culture. • Little or no building of team, culture or service attitude. The ‘prospects as pawns’ culture. • Ego driven salespeople living on past success. • Salespeople forgetting that when you’re green you’re growing and when you’re ripe you rot.
Leigh Farnell is a Perth-based sales team consultant and coach with over 30 years experience around Australasia coaching over 300 different sales teams to be more innovative, productive and profitable. He will be conducting his one day training ‘The Sales RevUP’ and Sales Management Masterclass days early in 2014. These will be customised and tailored for the building industry to provide systems, ideas, skills and strategies that will increase sales for your building business.
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REPORTS: Building Business
Redundancy payments – employers must be compliant Did you know that employees could be deemed to be redundant if their employment ends for any reason other than misconduct or refusal of duty?
This means employees are entitled to redundancy payments if their employment is terminated or if they resign after one year’s service. All employers in the construction industry are required to pay redundancy pay, including small businesses and sole traders employing workers. Employees are entitled to redundancy pay under the award based on the amount of time they’ve been working for your business. The redundancy entitlements in the National Employment Standards do not apply to employees covered under the modern federal award. It is important to note that ‘weeks’ pay’ is the ordinary time rate of pay an employee was receiving when their employment ended. Any period of service with the employer as a casual employee will not count towards years of service for calculating redundancy entitlements. Apprentices aren’t entitled to redundancy pay while they’re under a training contract. If you keep employees on after they complete
PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE
REDUNDANCY PAY
Less than 1 year
1.75 hours per week of service (doesn’t apply if the employee resigns)
1 year but less than 2 years
2.4 weeks’ pay plus 1.75 hours pay per completed week of service after 1 year Maximum of 4.8 weeks’ pay.
2 years but less than 3 years
4.8 weeks’ pay plus 1.6 hours pay per completed week of service after 2 years Maximum of 7 weeks’ pay.
3 years but less than 4 years
7 weeks’ pay plus 0.73 hours pay per completed week of service after 3 years Maximum of 8 weeks’ pay.
4 years or more
8 weeks’ pay.
their apprenticeships, however, the period of the apprenticeship will be counted as service for the purposes of notice of termination and redundancy. The same applies if they are terminated at the end of their apprenticeships but re-hired within six months. See the Apprenticeship clause in the Award for more details. ReddiFund can help you to meet your obligation while reducing your tax liability, easing your administration burden and avoiding a potential cash flow crisis – and at no cost to you or your employees. For information, contact ReddiFund business development manager, Jill Dixon, on 9481 0259, 0437 554330 or email jdixon@reddifund.com.au.
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UPDATES: Industrial Relations
Kim Richardson
Master Builders’ construction director, Kim Richardson, takes a swipe at a recent Fair Work Commission decision destined to adversely affect building industry skills.
Fair Work Commission lets down apprentices In August, the Fair Work Commission seriously undermined the prospects of many young people who want to take up trades in the building industry as apprentices in 2014 and beyond. In essence, FWC awarded to new apprentices commencing from 1 January 2014, wage increases of between 5-10 percent in the first year of the apprenticeships. The wage differential set by the FWC is based on whether or not the new 2014 apprentice has completed year 12. If the answer is yes, the first-year apprentice will be paid 55 percent of the trades wage rate increasing to 65 percent in second year. If no, the first-year apprentice wage rate will be 50 percent of the trades rate increasing to 60 percent. Notably, no party to the lengthy FWC proceedings which commenced in 2012 proposed this outcome. The FWC asserts the new apprentice wage rates protect the employment prospects of apprentices while encouraging young people to complete year 12. This aspect of the decision defies all logic. The parties have been directed to confer and reach agreement in a report back to the FWC. Given the breadth of the FWC decision (which also encompasses developing a competency based learning model founded on the two decades-old metals training system) and other labour cost increases involving payment of text book costs by employers and training course costs, the task is not easy. While the significant increases in new apprentice wages will be hard to swallow for employers, the fact is the ACTU, along with several unions including the CFMEU, made ambit claims for much higher increases. Disappointingly, the former federal Labor Government strongly supported the union claims with significant legal representation during the hearings but ignored the adverse impact the claim will have on meeting Australia’s future skills needs. The employer groups in part succeeded in clawing back the unions’ dangerous claims as well as persuading FWC to dismiss much of the red tape duplication sought by the unions of existing State and Territory apprenticeship regulation being inserted in federal awards. Employer groups, including Master Builders, strongly opposed the extreme wage claims on the basis of making apprentices simply unemployable and doing little to add to the skills debate. Regrettably, FWC dismissed much of the employer opposition to the union-inspired, Labor Government-supported wage increase, and naively found increasing apprentice wages will magically increase apprentice numbers. Master Builders will lobby the new Coalition Government to increase employer support to soften the major blow to those wishing to take on apprentices. The new wage costs are expected to commence on 1 January 2014 but the proposed competency based training regime is realistically some way off given the need for input and agreement as to the end product from many stakeholders. Sadly, the FWC decision will likely mean fewer building apprentices employed from 2014.
Safety first, not A Victorian CFMEU official was fined $1500 for assaulting a site manager. In an extraordinary defence, the union lawyer said the official “lived for safety” and only assaulted the site manager in frustration. Seems the union has a unique view of work site safety.
FWC did what? A recent Fair Work Commission appeal saw it find a Victorian flight paramedic unfairly dismissed following his delaying an urgent flight by 35 minutes due to his shift ending. The overriding edict of patient care was forgotten. One wonders what the outcome would have been if a FWC commissioner was the patient.
CFMEU shops workers Pluto construction workers recently were fined a total of $1 million for unlawfully defying a 2008 Australian Industrial Relations Commission return to work order. They also disregarded directions by the construction unions to return to work. The local CFMEU labelled the fines “vindictive”. This conveniently ignores the union’s own court action that proved it did not organise the stoppage. The construction workers were exposed to their own fate as the union deflected all responsibility. What did the union expect?
MUA misses boat Recent legitimate criticism of the MUA about its excessive wage claims in the local oil and gas industry caused it to prepare a report on the industry’s profitability. Trouble is, that has little to do with escalating labour costs in offshore oil and gas construction and maintenance in WA, declining productivity and the much better return to investors overseas markets are offering. The loss of the Browse mega gas project should have been a wake-up call for the union.
FWC silliness A FWC Full Bench recently unbelievably allowed a former employee claiming unfair dismissal to present his case in a separate room from the employer’s lawyers. A security guard was put in place to prevent the employee seeing the employer’s lawyers. Why? The employee claimed stress in being in the same courtroom as the employer. A ridiculous, embarrassing decision by FWC.
No strike order extends 12 months With one month remaining to run of a six-month no strike order issued by FWC against the CFMEU on the $1.2 billion Children’s Hospital, the union for its own reasons, ignored the order and again took strike action at the project. The result was FWC extending the order for another 12 months. How the union can argue it was not breaching the initial order remains to be seen. Oddly, the union did not contest the extension order.
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UPDATES: Industrial Relations
Courts highlight ABCC scrapping folly The misguided decision of the Gillard Government to abolish the Australian Building and Construction Commission in early 2012 again has been brought into sharp relief by recent court decisions around the country and an economic report.
Newly appointed Fair Work Building and Construction Inspectorate head, Nigel Hadgkiss (right), pictured recently at the Master Builders-AIB conference in Fremantle with BGC Residential executive general manager Kelvin Ryan.
Master Builders supports Hadgkiss appointment Master Builders has strongly supported the Abbott Government’s appointment of Nigel Hadgkiss as the new head of the Fair Work Building and Construction Inspectorate.
Association construction director, Kim Richardson, says Mr Hadgkiss has a proven track record in dealing with deeply embedded problems in the construction industry where unlawful conduct is considered the norm. His previous experience as deputy commissioner of the Australian Building and Construction Commission and other law enforcement agencies places him well in his new role. “This appointment is welcomed but the Coalition Government needs to follow through with its election commitment that it will restore the former ABCC and its governing laws,” Mr Richardson said. “Recent months have seen the Courts impose over $400,000 in fines and penalties on construction unions for taking unlawful industrial action. One case even cited the CFMEU choosing not to adopt lawful means to pursue its grievances but, rather, intentionally taking unprotected industrial action. Conduct like this clearly shows the CFMEU and other construction unions continue to see themselves as above the law, accountable to no-one and unwilling to follow the industrial relations laws and even their own enterprise agreement dispute provisions.”
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Illustrating the need for, and success of the ABCC, in August the Federal Court imposed $184,000 in fines and penalties on the Queensland CFMEU and Queensland CEPU for unlawful industrial action in 2011. In early October, the Court also imposed $230,000 in fines and penalties on the Victorian CFMEU for unlawful industrial action in 2010. The charges were filed by the ABCC. Also in August, the Fair Work Commission in Perth issued an extended no strike order against the local CFMEU on the new Children’s Hospital for another 12 months. In February the FWC had issued a six-month order against the union for the site, an order which the union breached. In Victoria, the Supreme Court heard from Grollo Construction in August on a $5 million damages claim arising from seven contempt of court breaches by the Victorian CFMEU in connection with the ugly 2012 Melbourne dispute. Notably, the union did not contest any of the contempt charges and concedes fines will be imposed. However, it argues the fines should be only 10 percent of that claimed or about $500,000 of union members’ funds. The conclusion is that construction unions have lost just over $415,000 in members funds for pointless industrial action and this could increase to almost $5.4 million if the Grollo claim is sustained. Adding to support for the position of the Coalition Government in resurrecting the ABCC are the economic benefits that again have been validated in relation to the ABCC’s impact in the construction industry. A report commissioned by Master Builders Australia by Independent Economics shows the ABCC was a major contributor to the construction industry saving an estimated 9.4 percent per annum since 2005 and improving the sector’s industrial relations culture. The savings alone represent about $7.5 billon per year. The report also indicates the savings generated since 2005 are being eroded by the previous Government’s 2012 decision. The new Government has indicated it wants to restore the ABCC as a priority and as part of its national productivity measures, a move which Master Builders supports. For vested reasons, the Labor Opposition and Greens continue to oppose the ABCC indirectly defending the reckless industrial relations conduct of construction unions.
UPDATES: Industrial Relations
What are they up to? Following his retirement as President of the Fair Work Commission in 2012, former Federal Court Judge, Geoff Giudice has been working as a legal consultant with international law firm, Ashurst.
At an Industrial Relations Society function in Perth earlier this year, Judge Giudice was the guest speaker. One of his comments was that Australia needed a more stable IR system with more predictability. Judge Giudice felt that IR legislative change was extremely costly via lobbying, advertising and employing additional public servants. Not surprisingly, he commented that IR had become too politicised and tended to exaggerate the differences between the parties. Interestingly, Judge Giudice believed unions exerted more influence than their percentage of the workforce (less than 20 percent) suggested. Perhaps their strong financial position and links with the Labor Party contribute to this. Speaking of the Industrial Relations Society, former Confederation advocate and Deputy President of the Federal IR Commission, Jack Gregor, is the organisation’s patron. His daughter, Melanie, is the current president. Most members of the Society are now academics and lawyers, with a sprinkling of employer representatives and very few union officials – a lot different to 20-30 years ago.
Val Gostencnik, the former director of Fair Work Building and Construction, visited Perth in August to meet key industry stakeholders including Master Builders. Mr Gostencnik has 30 years’ workplace relations experience with the Australian Nurses Federation and Corrs Chambers Westgarth where he acted for several major construction companies. He is pictured (second from right) with (l-r) Master Builders’ construction director, Kim Richardson, Madeline Jones (FWBC Perth operations) and Cliff Pettet (FWBC Perth legal team) after the August meeting.
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6 Brolo Court, O’Connor, WA 6163 PO Box 2065, Palmyra DC, WA 6961 abn: 87 712 338 613
Phone: (+61) 08 6363 5953 Fax: (+61) 08 9331 3384 Email: gary.grimes@octagonlifts.com.au
www.octagonlifts.com.au
OUR RANGE HOME LIFTS from 250kg - 1000kg DUMBWAITERS from 5kg - 450kg GOODS HOISTS from 500kg - 3000kg PANORAMA Lifts from 450kg - 4500kg MRL Passenger Lifts from 300kg - 3500kg HANDICAPPED Access Lifts from 225kg - 400kg HYDRAULIC Passenger Lifts from 250kg - 4500kg
UPDATES: Technical
Master Builders’ technical consultant, Romina De Santis, was in Brisbane for the 2013 ABCB Building Australia’s Future Conference.
ABCB Brisbane conference hits the mark The 2013 Australian Building Codes Board Conference, Building Australia’s Future, in Brisbane recently included a number of important topics for the delegates in attendance.
For the first time, the program included sessions for the new Plumbing Code (Volume 3 of the National Construction Code), and also covered discussion on the performance-based approach, access for people with disabilities and climate change. Delegates from a cross-section of industry were in attendance from each State and Territory to hear from local and international speakers on matters impacting the built environment and its regulation for healthy, safe and sustainable buildings.
The theme of the first day of the three-day conference was managing risk and liability. Building commissioner, Peter Gow, spoke on the implementation of the Building Act in WA. The Victorian bushfires and Queensland floods also were discussed looking at insurance, life safety and regulation. Day two looked at understanding Codes and Standards and focused on climate change and fire safety and day three covered topics around trends and the future including sustainability, Building Code trends and national licensing.
Future demographic and social trends were discussed, taking into account future needs for the built environment and workplaces where the different generations – baby boomers, generation X and generation Y - work together creating challenges for businesses to maintain productivity through very different motivators for each group.
The ABCB holds its conference on the National Construction Code and related matters every two years. Master Builders’ technical consultant, Romina De Santis, who also operates a private building surveying and consultancy business, attended the Brisbane conference.
Plan reading course a WinBaC winner Since 2010, Master Builders has regularly run a training seminar for residential plan reading and building basics. More than 30 participants attended technical adviser Romina De Santis’ Plan Reading and BCA Basics seminars in September and October.
a walk through the approvals process, and get a basic overview of the Building Code of Australia. The seminar package includes the Master Builders’ Bag of Tricks for the many terms and abbreviations used as industry vernacular – demystifying the shorthand many use without thinking.
The three hour seminar in a workshop format is tailored for newcomers to the building industry and support staff who often are expected to read and understand plans, but often are not provided with formal training. Participants work through building plans, take
Feedback from attendees is always positive, with increased confidence in understanding plans, basic building terminology and WA construction practices. Master Builders will run the seminars in 2014, so keep an eye out for the next course to be plan reading-ready.
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UPDATES: Technical
Steps to safe movement in residential buildings A consequence of smaller lots is the increased demand for two-storey homes. Most builders now build both single and two-storey homes and must be across the construction requirements for stairways, balconies and upper level windows for the safety of occupants.
Stair treads and landings, balustrades and handrails and upper level windows, already restricted by planning requirements, recently have had added compliance requirements in the Building Code for minimum safety for occupants - mainly children.
Getting back to basics - stairs The BCA requires a flight of stairs have a minimum of two and a maximum of 18 risers. These need to be constant through the flight and meet a minimum size and slope ratio. This means that you cannot split a half landing into two quarter landings with a single riser, and winders need to maintain a constant ratio for safe movement of occupants. Treads must be slip resistant or provide a non-skip strip at the edge of the nosing. As the builder, you are required to ensure the stairway is safe. Discussing the compliance requirements of stairs is essential so clients can compare surface finishes or provide the necessary edge strip for safe movement along the stairway. Stairs at a door threshold often occur between garages and carports and the main dwelling. A landing is not required where there are not more than three risers (maximum height of 570mm). Where this is exceeded a minimum 750mm landing is required from the doorway. Figure 1 below shows the requirements of the BCA for compliance with Clause 3.9.1.3.
Handrails At least one handrail must be provided where a flight has a change in level greater than one metre (where a balustrade is provided). It is no longer sufficient to have the stairway bound by walls and only a balustrade, there must be a separate handrail, or the top of the balustrade must provide suitable construction to be used as a handrail. Construction as per Figure 2 below is no longer compliant with the new handrail requirements. The handrail must be continuous, and only be interrupted by a newel post or stanchion. Parts 3.9.1 and 3.9.2 of the BCA (Housing Provisions) detail the minimum requirements for stairs, balustrades, handrails and openable windows. However, other Standards are applicable - as suggested AS1170.1 and AS1288.
Figure 1 - Landing requirements at doorways
Figure 2 - Previously acceptable to provide walls as a barrier for a stair without a handrail
Enhancing safety in stairways Balustrades Balustrades need to be a minimum of one metre high from a floor that is more than one metre from the level beneath, landing or balcony and a minimum 865mm along a stairway. A transition is required where there is a landing to ensure the minimum one metre height is provided for the balustrade at the intermediate and top landing and floor level. The BCA does not nominate the load requirements the balustrade must resist. This is covered by AS1170.1. Builders should obtain design compliance certification from the installer that the balustrade is designed and installed to meet the requirements of AS1170.1. Wire balustrades are not as popular now as they were a few years ago, but construction requirements for strain or deflection are noted in the BCA. Again, it is recommended the builder obtain a Certificate of Design Compliance. It is important to note where a glass balustrade is installed; the Building Code does not provide compliance requirements. Builders must refer to AS1288 (Glass in Buildings). Where the balustrade is protecting an area with a floor level below greater than one metre, the balustrade must include a handrail in accordance with the Standard.
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What the BCA doesn’t cover is illumination in stairways of residential buildings. Considering stairs are one of the common places for accidents in the home, it is wise to discuss lighting in stairways with your client. Consider the installation of handrails or balustrades in areas that are less than one metre high. Falls from verandahs and on lower parts of stairways still occur and result in injuries and sometimes death.
Openable windows Openable bedroom windows, where the level beneath exceeds two metres, are required to be suitably protected from falls. A new clause included in BCA 2013 provides that windows with a sill height greater than 1.7m require protection. When the finished level beneath is greater than four metres, the requirements are more stringent for climbable elements between 150 and 760mm. Although WA provides a 12-month transition for the implementation of the BCA, it is recommended the requirements of this clause be considered in the design and construction of multi-storey residential buildings prior to its adoption from 1 May 2014.
UPDATES: Technical
Connecting to the national broadband system Getting broadband, communications and entertainment into the home is vital for home buyers, says Doug Crocket from Master Builder member Electronic Interiors. Broadband, communications and entertainment are now high on the wish list of the modern home resident.
To make this happen, the pathway to get the services to the premises is more important than ever. For builders, this means that the choice to provide the pathway has a direct impact on the lifestyle of the occupants. To minimise the impact on construction, the conduit is best put in prior to concrete paths and driveways and before the landscaping. With the National Broadband Network rollout, builders need to take into consideration providing for the appropriate ‘lead-in conduit’. This is the way the cable gets from the street to the home. Whether builders and developers are dealing with projects that have the new optical fibre, traditional phone cabling or might have fibre in the future, the conduit is the method that allows different cables to be used. Mr Crocket says there are there definite requirements which need to be maintained. This gets down to making sure the pathway can be used by the network provider, so it needs to be fit for purpose and undamaged when the technicians come to connect the premises. The network providers give guidelines for preparing lead-in conduits. There are some minor differences between them, but in the main, the concept is common. One example of a special requirement for NBN Co, is that a pit cannot be placed in a driveway. Developers take driveways into account in the telecommunications plans to avoid pits being placed in proposed driveway locations.
Below is an example section from a network provider guideline. This comes from NBN Co Doc NBN-NO-GDE-0011 V8 Residential Preparation and Installation Guide SDU’s & MDU’s, found at www.nbnco.com.au. There can be confusion within the building industry that you need more than one lead-in, if you were thinking about getting fibre broadband later. One lead-in is sufficient in the event that copper has been laid and the NBN will not rollout within the near future in that area. You can use the guidelines above in new builds and run current services through the same conduit. When the NBN comes to an existing area, NBN Co will arrange to use the existing Lead-in Conduit. New lead-in conduits are required to be physically connected to the Developers Starter Pipe. Be sure to use solvent cement to bond the conduit lengths and bends that form part of the pathway to the premises where the network provider’s utility box will be mounted on the outside of the premises. This reduces the risk of the pathway coming apart before the technician arrives, along with other planning measures like going a bit deeper in the trench under a driveway, are all good tips for being fit for purpose. The network provider will fit the utility box at the end of your lead-in. You may have also aligned an internal conduit for new broadband networks such as NBN Co fibre. The work you have done to make the broadband available to your customers will be greatly appreciated, your Lead-in Conduit, is actuality a great investment, because as a pathway, it can evolve and allow cables to come and go during the long life of a building.
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UPDATES: Membership
Master Builders welcomes the following new members
Absolute Painting (WA)
08 9965 4919
Alpha Wall & Floor Tiling
0406 126 854
Andy Pollard Homes
08 9315 9276
ARB Carpentry & Construction
08 9140 1871
Aspireon Homes
08 9361 2622
Associated Shopfitters Pty Ltd
08 9249 3090
Assured Homes Pty Ltd
0412 000 820
Aussie Fencing
08 9242 8555
Bartlett Consulting Engineers
0439 923 045
Beyond Bricklaying Pty Ltd
0416 363 307
Blueprint Building Inspections
0421 665 337
BMT Constructions
08 9192 7906
Carpets By Design
08 9331 4956
Cartman Designs
08 9071 1255
Eclipse Refrigeration
08 9842 1072
Goldmanor Design
08 9295 0005
Instant Roofing
0404 569 859
Jim’s Fencing (Melville)
08 9414 8580
Kullarri Building Pty Ltd
08 9192 7755
Meales WA Concrete Pumping
0433 684 837
Mi Construct (WA) Pty Ltd
08 9228 9699
Next Level Extensions
08 9240 5888
Opes Construction & Building Supplies
0419 855 549
Outdoor World Bunbury
08 9725 6166
Past Investments
0407 980 036
PB Design & Construction
08 9721 5435
Promenade Construction Pty Ltd
08 9349 8004
Protek Total Facility Management
08 9399 8660
Psaros Pty Ltd
08 6380 3030
Q Residential New Homes and Improvements
0424 007 344
Ray White Broome
08 9192 2122
Renew Perfection Pty Ltd
08 9447 5541
RJD Contracting
0439 703 010
Scho Homes
08 9240 5000
Sermac Contracting
0418 811 291
Seymour Roofing Pty Ltd
08 9407 8052
Solar Dwellings
08 9444 4400
South West Roof Painters
08 9725 2525
Swan River Constructions
0421 273 330
Trevor James Grant
08 9448 0001
Trumos Building Services
0418 915 675
Ubuntu Developments Pty Ltd
0439 006 615
WDM Construction
0428 734 343
Wells Building Designers and Consultants
08 9071 5178
West End Fabricators
08 9844 7007
Western Building Pty Ltd
08 9470 9779
Wholts Contracting
08 9758 7645
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Earlier this year, Master Builders Australia had a 20-person delegation at the IFAWPCA convention in Kochi, India. For 2014, WA membership services manager, Veronica Mill, is looking to put together a WA contingent to visit our closest and important northern neighbour, Indonesia.
March date for IFAWPCA Jakarta conference The International Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors Association’s next conference, in Jakarta in March, will offer top speakers and business opportunities in a great venue, the Grand Hyatt Jakarta Hotel. “If you’re looking for an industry convention that is close to home, provides an opportunity to exchange important information with representatives from across Asia, Australia and New Zealand, hear from professional speakers and open the door to new business opportunities, you need to be in Jakarta in March,” says Master Builders’ membership services manager, Veronica Mill. “IFAWPCA’s forty-first convention will include discussion on various infrastructure issues, both technically and financially. It will cover numerous funding options, as well as providing insights from countries with successful infrastructure development experience.” The convention will be held in the plush surroundings of the five-star Grand Hyatt Jakarta Hotel. Attendees can choose a suitable accommodation package either at the Hyatt or other designated hotels and can round off their trip with one of the pre- or post-convention tours. IFAWPCA offers a unique platform for the building and construction industry across the Asia-Western Pacific region, fostering shared information, building innovation and business and social relationships. “Are you open to the possibilities?” Ms Mill asks. “WA members are invited to join Master Builders’ representatives and your Australian industry colleagues at the Jakarta conference hosted by the Indonesian Contractors Association.” To discuss participation in a WA delegation, contact Veronica Mill by email veronica@mbawa.com. Further information is available from the Indonesian Contractors Association, phone (62-21) 7200794 / 72790672, fax: (62-21) 7206805, website www.aki.or.id/ifawpca2014.
UPDATES: Membership
Using a Smartphone or tablet overseas can result in an horrendous bill, but you don’t have to turn it off. Here are some tips for managing your usage.
Beating bill shock of global phoning The story is all too common: builders coming back from overseas and being hit with a huge bill for global roaming on their mobile phone. In some cases, the travellers have not even used their phones, but in failing to change their settings, have been downloading emails or other data without their knowledge. We all know global roaming can be expensive, but there are so many valuable uses for Smartphones when travelling, including airport apps, hotel bookings, restaurant information, checking emails and staying in touch with family and friends. Telstra has launched an SMS-alert system to keep customers informed on how much data they are using while overseas. Travellers will be automatically sent an alert for every 20 megabytes of data they use overseas so they can keep track of their usage. (The exception is Hong Kong, where the 4G phone network is not compatible with Telstra’s 3G alerts.) Aside from turning your phone off altogether, an easy way to avoid a big bill is to turn off data roaming (you will find this under the settings or options menu in your phone) and only use wi-fi. Free wi-fi hot spots have become easy to find in most countries, although you do need to pick and choose which ones you use. Unless you like receiving spam, try
to avoid any that ask for your phone number or email address and stick to more reputable providers such as city councils and libraries. Coffee shops are one of the best options for getting connected - and many hotels now offer free wi-fi in guest rooms or at least in public areas. If you want to have data access at all times, the best option is to buy a data roaming pack from Master Builders Telco before you leave Australia. The other key way to manage your data usage is to refer to maps and other apps that work offline. Simply type ‘free offline maps USA’ or similar into your online app store and see what you can find. If you do it before you leave home, you can download a few different ones at no cost and then try them out when you are there. Many travel guides and city guides also are available as offline apps, so you can download them before you go and avoid using any data while away. The trip planner, Tripomatic, for example, has an iPhone app that integrates city guides and offline maps so you can update your travel plans as you go, without needing internet access. The free app includes more than 30,000 attractions in more than 300 destinations around the world and is only one of many such apps on offer.
S S E L R O F A R T S L E T
TELSTRA
$130 CAPPED
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$90 CAPPED
CALL 1300 88 13 72 TO GET CONNECTED QMBA-17803 09-13
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27/09/2013 11:40:50 AM
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UPDATES: Members’ Health
BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE MASTER BUILDERS HEALTH ALLIANCE Holyoake (www.holyoake.org.au), Perth Integrated Health Clinics (www.pihc.com.au), Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (www.prostate.org.au), Conan Fitness (www.conanfitness.com), The Well Men Centre (www.wellmen.com.au), Usana Health Sciences (www.cheeseman.usana.com)
• Do not get into a car with a driver who is under the influence of alcohol/drugs. • If someone is acting aggressively, remove yourself from the situation if it is safe to do so. • Have enough money for a taxi in case the need arises. • Keep emergency numbers in case you need assistance (family, friends etc).
Be self-responsible with alcohol • Know the people you are partying with and look out for one another. • Space your drinks out, drink water at regular intervals and be conscious of eating well. • Do not mix your drinks and do not let anyone keep refilling your glass. Know how much you are drinking.
The office Christmas party
Cheerful tips for a safe and happy festive season Christmas is a fun time of holidays and happy family get-togethers, but it also can be stressful for many people. Families do not always get along and some of us will dread having to get together with certain relatives. It also can be a tricky time for estranged members of the family, step families and in-laws. The pressure to shop at this time of the year can add financial stress on families. A recent study by Roy Morgan revealed that 60 percent of Australians dislike Christmas shopping.
our expectations, be more realistic and decide what we really want to get out of Christmas for ourselves and those we care about. Here are some practical tips for various situations:
All this build-up and stress can cause people to over-indulge or turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. This can be particularly difficult for those who are struggling to deal with their own, or someone else’s, alcohol/ drug dependency.
Remember you have choices
Stress and anxiety are not unusual during the festive season; it would help to try and manage them as best we can. We can lower
Keep yourself safe
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• Decide what is right for you; do not be influenced by others. • Remember you have the right to say no. • Trust your feelings; if it doesn’t feel right then it usually isn’t.
• Set up a plan before leaving home, organise who will drink and who will drive.
• Do not use alcohol as an excuse for bad behaviour and do not accept this from anyone else. • If you are responsible for the party, know your responsibilities. Provide water, soft drinks, food, low alcohol beverages, and talk with guests about how they are going to get home safely. • Office parties are well-remembered for what should not have happened. Be mindful of your reputation at work. If you are concerned about your own, or someone else’s, alcohol/drug use, try talking to someone about it. Holyoake offers a wide range of customised programs for people who are affected by substance misuse – directly or indirectly. Call 9416 4444, email clientservices@holyoake.org.au or visit www.holyoake.org.au for more details. It is worth noting that drink driving is responsible for more than 30 percent of the 1400 lives lost due to road accidents across Australia each year. So please be safe this festive season.
UPDATES: Members’ Health
Dr Joe Kosterich MBBS has some good news for smokers… Dr Joe Kosterich. Visit www.drjoe.net.au.
Quitting is easier than you might think
It is little wonder that people get confused about health. The messages can be contradictory. Worse than that, the messages might reflect vested interest which is not declared. Many “news” stories are pushed by those who might have a product to sell or an agenda to push. So it was that a survey reported that long-term smokers could take up to seven goes before successfully quitting. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 40 years, you will know that smoking is not good for your health.
It is also worth noting that the biggest reductions in cigarette smoking occurred during the 1960s and 70s when there were no stop-smoking aids. And this is long before plain packaging or even packs with disease photos, which are designed to (but don’t) turn people off smoking. The availability of various stop-smoking aids can help some smokers. However, it comes as a surprise to many smokers that the highest success rates in quitting come from just doing it - without aids. We often overlook the most simple and obvious solutions.
Around 75 percent of poll responders reported two unsuccessful attempts to quit. This prompted an expert to suggest that nicotine addiction was as powerful as heroin addiction. Strong words and not likely to inspire smokers that they could quit unaided. The thrust of the report was to encourage smokers to seek help in quitting. In particular, it recommended pharmaceutical aids, which could help smokers.
One of the problems for people seeking to quit smoking is that if you believe you can’t do it then it is unlikely you will. There is also the problem of being seen as a ‘victim’ of tobacco. Seeing yourself as a victim is disempowering. Hence, if you are led to believe that you cannot quit by yourself, you are more likely to fail. In the studies on successful quitters, many remarked that it was easier than they expected. The main reason they would have thought it hard, is because of messages telling them that.
A pharmaceutical company commissioned the survey. However, an earlier report showed that stopping smoking is not actually that difficult and that the vast majority did so without any assistance or ‘stop-smoking aid’. This was shown in over 500 studies. Essentially 70 percent of quitters did so unaided. Many reported finding it less hard than they had expected.
Also the fact that it may take a few goes to succeed is not a problem. It is said that Thomas Edison had 10,000 failures before inventing the light bulb. There is no issue with not succeeding if you learn the lessons and apply them next time. Eventually you will succeed. So to those of you who want to stop smoking, the news is actually good. You can do it if you want to, even if it takes a few goes. It will almost certainly be easier than you have been led to believe.
Healthy partnership Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean (left), signs the documentation for an alliance agreement between the Association and Medibank Private while the health insurer’s business relationship manager (sales and services alliances), Stephen Lee, looks on. Mr McLean says the alliance is a national partnership which Master Builders is confident will provide members with many benefits, including an 8.3 percent reduction in Medibank Private premiums.
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UPDATES: Legal
Preparing for new anti-bullying laws Businesses should start preparing for the new anti-bullying laws due to commence on 1 January 2014.
Stephen Kemp
Scope of new laws
Preparing for the new laws
The requirement to comply with the new anti-bullying measures extends to all organisations which are ‘constitutionally covered’. Generally speaking this will include all Pty Ltd companies. The new laws will allow ‘workers’ who reasonably believe they have been bullied at work to apply to the Fair Work Commission (the FWC) for an order to stop the bullying. ‘Workers’ are defined to include not just employees, but also contractors, subcontractors, work experience students and volunteers.
These provisions are another reason why businesses ought to review their internal processes for dealing with bullying. Employers can benefit greatly from developing and implementing a clear anti-bullying policy that ensures that any allegation of bullying is promptly dealt with before it has a chance to negatively impact on a worker’s health and wellbeing or on the other individuals within the organisation.
The new changes do not create an offence of bullying in the workplace. Instead, the amendments identify actions and behaviours that may constitute workplace bullying and provide for the FWC to make orders directed at stopping that behaviour. The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) (FW Act) will provide that a worker is ‘bullied at work’ if an individual (or group of individuals) ‘repeatedly behaves unreasonably’ towards the worker and that behaviour creates a risk to the health and safety of the worker. The definition expressly excludes reasonable management action carried out in a reasonable manner. However, ‘reasonable management behaviour’ is not defined.
The role of the Fair Work Commission The new provisions will require the FWC to start dealing with a bullying complaint within 14 days of receiving an application. The FWC will have the power to require an employer to provide it with documents, including any internal anti-bullying processes, and information about any management action that may have been taken. The FWC also will have the power to convene a conference between the parties or hold a formal hearing. If the FWC is satisfied that the worker has been bullied, and there is a risk that the worker will continue to be bullied, it may make an order preventing bullying. However, the FWC cannot order reinstatement or the payment of compensation. Furthermore, an individual cannot be subject to criminal or civil sanctions as a result of an application unless that person fails to comply with an order made by the FWC. If a person fails to comply with an order, a penalty may apply. The maximum penalty is $10,200 for an individual or $51,000 for a corporation, per breach.
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Proposed amendments Although these amendments to the FW Act were enacted by the previous Labor Government, the current Coalition Government has said that it will retain them subject to two proposed variations. The Coalition proposes that: • Before applying for an order to stop bullying, a worker ought to first seek preliminary help, advice or assistance from an independent regulator; and • The new anti-bullying laws should be expanded to include union officials and their conduct towards managers, employers and workers. As no Bill has been put before Parliament, there is no indication of when these proposed changes are likely to be passed or come in to effect. This article was prepared by Jackson McDonald Partner Stephen Kemp. For further information, contact the Jackson McDonald Workplace Relations & Safety team: Partner, Stephen Kemp, or Senior Associate, Joanne Alilovic, on 9426 6663 or skemp@jacmac. com.au or jalilovic@jacmac.com.
UPDATES: Legal
Take a close look at BMW prequalification changes RSM Bird Cameron Perth Managing Partner, James Komninos.
The Department of Finance’s Building Management and Works recently made changes to the Builders’ Prequalification Scheme, arising out of the Small Business Commissioner’s Construction Subcontractor Investigation Report.
The changes, which took effect from 1 September, now require additional financial information from all contractors who are applying for prequalification, renewing prequalification, participating in a tender process, or at any other time at the request of BMW. Some of the key changes to the financial information requirements for prequalification are: • All levels (1-5) must provide management accounts which are less than three months old and signed by a director. • All levels must provide financial reports prepared by a qualified accountant. • Level 5 contractors also must have their financial reports audited by a registered auditor. The additional financial information is designed to enable BMW to more accurately assess a contractor’s financial capacity and specifically, allows BMW to determine the contractor’s ability to meet the following tests: • Five percent of turnover in net tangible assets (NTA). • Ten percent of upper band of prequalification level represented by working capital. • Tenders limited to maximum aggregate contract value (MACV). While these financial ratios may appear easy to assess, there may be some financial traps lurking in their calculation methodology that contractors should be aware of.
Twelve tips for improving your application for prequalification or renewal • Account for work-in-progress to recognise percentage of completion. • Ensure your accounting system records all assets, such as prepayments, retentions receivable and tax assets. • Ensure assets and liabilities are correctly classified between current and non-current amounts. • Where possible, manage (collect) related party receivables. • Manage dividends (declared) to maintain adequate financial capacity. • Source alternative security to supplement your balance sheet (if you don’t otherwise meet the tests). • Ensure financing facilities expire in a period greater than 12 months from year end so they can be classified as non-current liabilities. • Consider the most appropriate legal structure for your business, eg company versus trust. • Consider borrowing against non-current assets to improve your working capital position. • Calculate your financial ratios prior to submitting your application to BMW. • Ensure all required information is submitted to BMW in the first instance. It will be an expensive use of your time re-submitting information. • Ensure you have appropriate accounting systems to carry out activities described above.
Project Bank Accounts Net Tangible Assets Test Contractors are required to have greater than five percent of turnover in net tangible assets (total assets less intangible assets less total liabilities). Intangible assets, such as goodwill, are excluded for the purposes of the NTA test.
Working Capital Test Contractors are required to have greater than 10 percent of the upper band of prequalification level in working capital. It is important to note that the calculation for working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) disallows any intangible assets or related party balances. Related parties are broadly defined as directors and their family members, and other entities with common ownership.
Finally, it is also worth noting that the Department is about to commence trials for the use of project bank accounts (PBAs). Briefly, PBAs are trust accounts that contractors will be required to maintain, with the aim of ensuring all subcontractors are paid for work performed. The PBAs will restrict a contractor’s ability to make progress claims until subcontractor payments have been made. We will provide further information on PBAs in a future edition. At the time of writing, RSM Bird Cameron met with and has subsequently written to representatives of BMW raising a number of queries about the practical implication of some of the measures for prequalification assessment. We look forward to being able to obtain clarity surrounding these issues and communicating our findings with affected contractors.
Maximum Aggregate Contract Value Building contractors will be ineligible to tender for work in excess of their MACV. The MACV is calculated by taking the average turnover from the previous three years and adding 30 percent. A trap for contractors who have experienced significant growth in that three year period is that their MACV might actually be less than the turnover they recorded in their most recent financial year.
RSM Bird Cameron is offering complimentary consultations to contractors to assist in reviewing their submissions for prequalification and to discuss options for improving their financial position. To take advantage of this, contact James Komninos on 9261 9376.
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UPDATES: Legal
WA building industry falls victim to PPS Act Lawyer Alana Dowley of Encore Legal Pty Ltd has criticised legislation which she says leads to Government sanctioned stealing.
She says the Commonwealth Personal Property Securities Act introduced a new system drastically affecting the rights of ownership in property and because of the WA Construction Contracts Act, the WA building industry has been left at a major disadvantage. Alana Dowley of Encore Legal is proposing an amendment to the Construction Contracts Act to overcome a disadvantage WA building operators have under the Commonwealth’s Personal Property Securities Act.
In a paper on the issue, Ms Dowley says the Personal Property Securities Act introduces the concept of apparent ownership arising from possession or apparent possession of property.
“Anyone who places property into the apparent possession of another is taken to have a ‘Security Interest’ in the property and may lose the property if they do not register their interest,” the paper says. “Actual ownership of the property is irrelevant.” The paper then introduces two “example victims”:
Contract for the supply and install of roof sheeting Roof Company delivers roof sheeting to a construction site in the possession of Builder Company. Roof sheeting is on the site wrapped in protective plastic and not yet installed. Builder Company is taken to have granted a Security Interest to Roof Company in relation the roof sheeting that is on the site wrapped in protective plastic. Note: the goods have not been paid for and so they are still owned by Roof Company.
Contract for the hire of scaffold Access Company erects scaffolding on a construction site in the possession of Builder Company under an arrangement for weekly hire (for an indefinite period). The scaffolding is being provided under an arrangement that will constitute a ‘PPS Lease’. Therefore, Builder Company is taken to have granted a Security Interest to Access Company in exchange for possession of the goods that are owned by Access Company. The paper argues that under the PPSA, unless Roof Company and Access Company register their Security Interest in their own property, then regardless of the fact that Builder Company is NOT the owner of the goods, if it defaults on any finance arrangement secured by a Security Interest over its property or becomes insolvent, then the financier or liquidator of Builder Company can take Roof Company’s and Access Company’s property and sell it to satisfy Builder Company’s debts leaving the actual owners of the property as unsecured creditors.
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Security of Payment – State Bias Ms Dowley’s paper then turns to the issue of security of payment in the building industry where, over about a decade, State Governments have legislated to overcome the problem of slow or non-payment and problems of businesses failing all the way down the contracting chain as a result of payment disputes. The paper says: “The Eastern States legislation is based on a different model to that adopted in WA and the NT. In WA, the policy was to preserve freedom in contracting but to imply into any insufficient contracts, certain terms that would protect businesses from non-payment. Three relevant terms were provided to cover retention of title in unfixed goods, obligations on company liquidators to ensure that unfixed goods are preserved and a term to provide that retention monies are held on trust. “In the Eastern States model, the legislation provides a statutory right to payment (apart from any contractual right) and security for that payment is provided partly by the conferral of a ‘statutory lien’ over unfixed goods. “Why does this difference matter? Section 8 of the PPSA provides that certain interests do not need to be registered including ‘statutory liens’. Interests arising under statutory liens (and therefore those goods) would not vest in the liquidator of the person in possession of the goods. Further, section 73 of the PPSA provides that those statutory liens (if the legislation conferring those liens so provides) will enjoy super-priority of other general ‘Security Interests’. “So, in the case of our example victims: • If this contract is for works in NSW then the supply is protected by a statutory lien conferred by section 11 of the Building and Construction Industry Security of Payment Act 1999 (NSW). • If this contract is for works in WA then current opinion is that the goods would be forfeit to a financier of Builder Company with a general security interest or to a liquidator of Builder Company in the event of insolvency.”
Dowley’s Solution Ms Dowley says that for the WA building and construction industry, the answer is a simple amendment to the Construction Contracts Act. “The CCA currently provides for contractual terms securing payment obligations that are rendered entirely irrelevant by competing interests under the PPSA,” her paper says. “If the CCA were to provide a statutory lien (as the Eastern States model does) then the industry in WA would be protected.” Encore Legal has prepared a proposed amendment and is inviting those with an interest to express their support by emailing the firm (admin@encorelegal.com.au). Ms Dowley says all emails will be submitted along with the CCA amendment to Shadow Treasurer, Ben Wyatt.
UPDATES: Safety
High Risk Work licences coming up for renewal WorkSafe has issued a reminder to workers engaged in high risk work that they need to check the renewal dates on their licences and ensure they are renewed.
MC Karl Langdon interviews inaugural Mark Allen Memorial Fund Occupational, Safety and Health Award winner, John Hardman, at the 2013 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards.
Cool-headed apprentice wins recognition ABN Training painting and decorating apprentice, John Hardman, has been named the winner of the inaugural Mark Allen Memorial Fund Occupational, Safety and Health Award at the 2013 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards at the Perth Convention and Entertainment Centre in November.
Mr Hardman received the award for his cool handling of a situation where, on only the second day of his apprenticeship, his trainer suffered a seizure on site. Apprentice Awards master of ceremonies, Karl Langdon, told the audience that Mr Hardman didn’t panic when confronted with the crisis. “He stayed calm and phoned an ambulance while comforting his trainer, something which would have been very difficult [at the best of times], let alone on your second day on the job,” Mr Langdon said. “Thanks to John’s quick thinking and ability to stay calm, his trainer was stabilised and has made a full recovery. Amazingly, John has since had to prevent two more similar scenarios where his host trainer has gone into diabetic shock and he has handled each situation in a very calm, confident manner.” Mark Allen was a young union organiser tragically killed in a workplace accident. Nominations for the Mark Allen Memorial Fund Award were open to all apprentices and trainees who displayed an exceptional contribution to workplace health and safety either in the workplace or the community. Mr Hardman received a prize of $500 and a framed certificate provided by the Mark Allen Memorial Trust. Mr Langdon said the judging panel for the award also wanted to make special mention of Zac Caffrey-Kerr who had been an apprentice for only a few months when he stepped up and volunteered to be site safety officer. “Zac leads by example when it comes to safety, and takes initiative to ensure that the workplace is compliant with standards,” Mr Langdon said. “It is remarkable that someone of Zac’s years has such confidence, pride and ability in a voluntary role, and does it so well and so passionately.”
The first High Risk Work licences with a five-year expiry date were issued in October 2007, so licence holders need to check expiry dates and take action to renew licences or risk being unable to work in their chosen field. WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch recently issued a reminder to workers that it was their responsibility to check the currency of their licences and to keep their contact details up to date. “WorkSafe sends a renewal letter to every licence holder to remind them of the need to renew, but obviously this reminder will not reach someone who has changed their address and failed to notify WorkSafe,” Mr McCulloch said. “Our best advice is to treat your High Risk Work licence in the same way as your Driver’s Licence – ensure you know your renewal date and take action while your licence is still current. WorkSafe makes it very easy to keep your details up to date by telephoning us or filling in an online change of address form on our website. “In agreeing to adopt the national licensing standard back in 2007, we acknowledged the important role high-quality training plays in helping provide workers with the skills to perform high risk work safely and competently. These licences apply to anyone engaged in work considered to be ‘high risk’, including forklift operation, scaffolding, dogging and rigging work and the operation of cranes, hoists and pressure equipment. “Workers who allow their licences to expire risk not only being banned from performing tasks classified as high risk, but also having to be retrained, an expensive and time-consuming exercise.” Further information on High Risk Work licences can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 1300 424091 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Workers in high risk tasks such as scaffolding need to be conscious of renewing their licences.
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UPDATES: Safety
Construction company fined $65,000 over fall death A Great Southern construction company has been fined $65,000 in October over the death of a man who fell seven metres through a skylight in the roof of a shed under construction near Esperance.
As the entity in control of the workplace, Cochrane & Sons Pty Ltd pleaded guilty to failing to ensure that the workplace was safe for a person who was not an employee and, by that failure, causing the death of a worker. It was fined in the Kalgoorlie Magistrates Court. In March 2011, Cochrane & Sons began construction of a 28 metre long, 18 metre wide and seven metre tall steel shed at Wye Farm in Salmon Gums near Esperance. On May 31, the steel frame of the shed had been erected and the wall cladding and roof sheeting (made up of zincalume sheets and polycarbonate skylights) was being installed, with five workers involved in the task. During the morning, the roof sheets and skylights had been put into place and ‘tacked’ down with a small number of screws to temporarily hold them in position. After lunch, the workers proceeded to permanently fix the sheets in place. In the mid-afternoon, one of the workers needed to cross the roof to retrieve the screws for the polycarbonate skylights from the other side of the roof. In the process, he stepped from a zincalume sheet over the ridge and onto a polycarbonate sheet. The sheet gave way and the worker fell around seven metres to the ground, suffering fatal injuries. The court heard that safety mesh had not been installed under the roof, despite the requirement on the plans to do so. No edge protection had been installed on the building, and there were no harnesses available on the site for workers performing tasks at height.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner, Lex McCulloch, expressed his disappointment that court cases involving falls from height were still arising. “It’s really disappointing that employers and persons in control of workplaces are still neglecting to protect workers against falls from height when falls are so easily preventable and it need not be difficult or costly to ensure that safe systems of work are in place,” he said. “In this case, there was no mesh, no edge protection and no harnesses – it really was just a tragedy waiting to happen. “After the incident, the company bought two rolls of safety mesh that cost $80 a roll, along with two roofer’s kits containing static lines and harnesses for $450 each. This is not a huge outlay to prevent a fall, and unfortunately it was made too late for the worker who lost his life on this job. Falls are a significant cause of workplace death, and 17 Western Australian workers have died as a result of falls in the last four years. Many others have been seriously and permanently injured as a result of preventable falls. “A Code of Practice on fall prevention has existed in WA for more than 20 years. The current code is comprehensive, providing information on the identification of common fall hazards. I urge any person or entity in control of a workplace that presents a risk of falls to ensure safe systems of work are in place and that this code is available in the workplace at all times.” Further information on the prevention of falls can be obtained from WorkSafe on 1300 307877. The Code of Practice on the Prevention of Falls in Workplaces can be downloaded from the WorkSafe website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
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UPDATES: Housing
More than 70 apartments will be built by Georgiou as part of the LandCorp Claremont on the Park project. Development of the site will provide medium to high density apartments and townhouses for more than 1000 people as well as a number of specialty boutiques, cafes and offices on an under-utilised parcel of land in the heart of the sought-after suburb.
Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper, looks at problems facing the rapidly expanding metropolitan area and regional centres and concludes that...
... higher densities are inevitable in WA Our media is periodically filled with dire reports of traffic congestion, petrol costs, public transport costs, State Government debt blowouts, mosquito-borne diseases, growing education costs and unaffordable housing. A significant contributor to all these community problems is our current planning system in WA. Our planning system imposes multilayered restrictions that push new home buyers to the suburban fringes. Height limits, plot ratio restrictions, set back requirements, heritage impositions, design guidelines, zoning laws, local councils and permitted uses conspire to limit the capacity to develop more homes in popular established areas. These planning laws ensure that the costs of delivering inner city homes are a lot higher than should be the case. Meanwhile, our population continues to boom, demanding more than 20,000 new homes each year. The most affordable option for most new home buyers, then, is to build in a new estate on the suburban outskirts. To achieve the Australian dream of home ownership, families are setting themselves up in new subdivisions that are often a long way from their employment and places where they grew up. While the good news is that these families are being accommodated in new homes that are often more energy efficient, with modern amenities and flexible living spaces, all the various factors have made the Perth metropolitan area one of the lowest density cities in Australia or indeed the world. You can jump in your car and it will take you more than an hour and a half to travel along the freeway spine of Perth through the coastal suburban strip.
Perth, and our regional centres in WA, inevitably will have to change. In new subdivisions, the developer and the community are having to supply new social and economic infrastructure. This includes power, water, roads, rail, schools, libraries, health services, police and public open spaces. Further, subdivisions are having to occur on more difficult to develop land. Challenges include high water tables, restrictions on clearing, proximity to wetlands, endangered species protection, conflicting nearby uses, sand limitations and transport availability. The upshot is that that low density development is becoming more costly. Unless we want dramatically higher cost homes, we are going to have to allow for more higher density development. The WA Government’s rhetoric, under both the Coalition and Labor, has recognised this for more than a decade. Some commendable steps have been made to improve the R-Codes, but otherwise the WA Government has been slow-moving in its attempts to reform the planning system I’ve seen faster moving millipedes in the garden. The heavyweight planning restrictions on development in established areas remain. They are unnecessarily limiting the market’s ability to deliver high density homes. WA families deserve more choices, so planning reform is keenly awaited to accommodate our inevitably higher density living in the decades ahead. Master Builders is actively working to push for more flexible planning laws in WA. Email your thoughts to Geoff@mbawa.com.
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UPDATES: Housing
Commissioned for Craigie – local artist Trevor Bly’s sculpture will draw on the thoughts of generations of locals in its design.
Putting art at the heart of new communities Residents are having a greater say in the creation of public art in their communities as part of a LandCorp commitment to give people a sense of place and ownership in newly developed neighbourhoods. For LandCorp, significant emphasis is placed on community consultation before public art works are designed and created in key areas of new estates.
“Liaising with members of the community about what is significant to them in their local area and what they would like to see highlighted through public artwork is ensuring residents connect with, and embrace the work that will enhance their local streetscape,” LandCorp chief operating officer Nicholas Wolff says. A recent consultation process in Craigie provided local artist and Craigie Senior High School alumni, Trevor Bly, with inspiration for the sculpture he has been commissioned to create at The Vive, an estate being developed at the site of his former school. “Generations of locals have shared their thoughts with me, which I’ll use in the design, with the end result being a sculpture that represents Craigie through the eyes of the people who live here,” Mr Bly said. “Craigie is a great place to live. Having grown up here, I have a strong attachment to it and the feedback we received highlights why locals love their suburb, and rightly so.” Among the top things locals revealed as their favourites were the beach, the parks, the great schools and the friendly community. In addition to the sculpture planned for the central park in the development, Mr Bly is creating an artistic representation of Craigie’s 6025 postcode which will be positioned at the entrance to The Vive.
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Mr Wolff said public art played a key role in LandCorp’s place-making philosophy. “It has become an integral feature of all new residential communities and commercial developments, creating a point of interest and a sense of place for new home owners and businesses,” he said. “It also enables the developer to pay homage to the history and culture of the area. For example, at Perry Lakes we have paid respect to the sporting history of the site through the artwork we have commissioned there, while at Springs Rivervale local artist Lorenna Grant has used the Swan River as inspiration for a meaningful sculpture which creates a connection between the land and the river.” Mr Wolff said LandCorp recognised the importance of creating a sense of vitality and creativity around its new communities. “LandCorp has embraced the philosophy of place-making,” he said. “This is all about using a multi-pronged approach to planning, designing and managing public spaces. It ensures we make the most of the public space within our communities to promote health and wellbeing and to foster a sense of community. Integrating public art within these spaces is just one way we can contribute to this philosophy.”
UPDATES: Housing
Master Builders Australia CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, says the Government needs a Ministerial advisory council if it is to properly engage with industry, particularly on the matters of housing supply and affordability.
Master Builders calls for Ministerial advisory council Master Builders Australia says the Federal Government must ensure housing supply and affordability issues remain a high priority despite the demise of the National Housing Supply Council. National CEO, Wilhelm Harnisch, has called for a Ministerial advisory council to be formed.
Prime Minister Tony Abbott announced the abolition of the NHSC while launching a range of measures to boost productivity and deliver more effective and efficient government. Mr Harnisch says housing affordability is the elephant in the room and affects, and will affect, millions of Australians now and in the future. The Abbott Government, he said, must seriously address supply and affordability challenges if the next generation is to realise the dream of home ownership. Mr Harnisch said Master Builders welcomed the Social Services Minister, Kevin Andrews’ strategic approach to supply and affordability outlined in a closing address to the National Housing Conference in November. “In his speech, Mr Andrews set out the Government’s plan to energise housing construction and work with the public, private and community sectors to avert the social crisis we face if we do not act now to address these challenges,” Mr Harnisch said. “The important thing is that the Government is properly and purposefully informed. It must now follow through on its commitment to receiving advice through genuine engagement with industry and community stakeholders.” Mr Harnisch said the building industry must be a key partner if the Government’s plans to tackle housing supply and affordability are to succeed. The NHSC had performed a valuable role in raising such vital issues and in conducting research to identify the key factors in undersupply and the affordability challenge. “The abolition of the NHSC leaves a gap which the Government must urgently fill by moving ahead with the establishment of a building industry Ministerial advisory council,” he said.
Reform home indemnity insurance: ERA Sweeping changes to the State’s home indemnity insurance arrangements are proposed under recommendations released recently by the Economic Regulation Authority.
The ERA’s 145-page final report on its Inquiry into Western Australian’s Home Indemnity Insurance Arrangements has recommended that insurance risk be restricted to construction period only as part of a package to attract new insurers to the market. Since the introduction of indemnity insurance in 1997, private insurers gradually have exited the WA market arguing poor profitability. The collapse of HIH Insurance in 2000 and the withdrawal of Vero more recently triggered mini crises in the home building industry with builders unable to access the mandatory insurance and commence work. Currently, only two providers operate in the WA market, QBE and Calliden, the latter of which has a tiny market share. The ERA has recommended that a safety net through the Building Commission be introduced for builders unable to access insurance in the private market. Industry associations would be able to offer indemnity cover for the warranty component which is part of the current policy. Insurers have suggested that this ‘tail’ of contingent liability is a disincentive for them to offer the product. Insurance premiums are also likely to be higher under another ERA recommendation that the full cost of government underwriting of the scheme is recovered. Under current arrangements, the State Government acts as a reinsurer to the private insurers for any one event over $10 million. The ERA recommends that the full cost of this reinsurance should be charged to the insurers. Readers interested in the ERA’s report should look at www.erawa.com.au.
Stop press: The State Government has announced new transitional arrangements for indemnity insurance while it considers the ERA recommendations. A 40 percent increase in premiums will apply from 1 January 2014, and the Government will provide 100 percent reinsurance to the insurers QBE and Calliden.
Tiered builders’ registration on the way The WA building reform process continues with the likely introduction of tiered and State-wide registration of builders in the near future. The Building Commission has initiated a series of discussions with training institutions and industry bodies to establish the possible tiers of registration and education and experience requirements for each tier. It seems likely (and arguably is well overdue) that WA will adopt some sort of limited registration for residential construction only. As many industry operators are only interested in residential building, it is logical to create a category of registration for this sector, with lower benchmark requirements than for an unrestricted ticket. The introduction of State-wide legislation for registration of building practitioners is another overdue part of the reform process. The need arises from an historical anachronism under the previous Builders’ Registration Act which required registration in only certain areas of the State.
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UPDATES: Insurance
Nick Vernon
MBA Insurance Services’ WA state manager Nick Vernon and his team are experts in building industry insurance. When it comes to the cover required under the Home Building Contracts Act, he has some tips in response to the question....
What’s in a name? Builders’ Home Indemnity, Builders’ Home Warranty, Home Indemnity Insurance…It doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s all the same product and anyone undertaking domestic works over $20K must have it! Let’s call it Home Indemnity Insurance (HII) for the purposes of this article. We know it’s a consumer product that offers protection to the home owner to repair defects or complete unfinished works if the builder dies, disappears or becomes insolvent. The builder is responsible for taking out this insurance each time a contract for domestic building works is entered into.
In the paragraphs following, we’ve provided some guidelines and information to help you understand the importance of ‘what’s in a name’ and to help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Once the broker receives the information, it will be passed onto your insurer, who’ll assess the viability of the new trading entity. Depending on the annual turnover limit requested, the insurer might take between 8-40 business days to respond (however, the majority of applications get assessed in between 8-15 business days). Following the completion of the assessment, eligibility will be held under your new trading entity name and ABN. (Note: depending on the information supplied there might be a request for further information at which time your broker will contact you to discuss this.)
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Certificate of Insurance
Carried out by the builder:
ACME CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD
ACN: 12 345 678
Certificate of Insurance
JOHN CITIZEN Carried out by the builder: ABN: 12 345 678 910
Certificate of Insurance
Carried out by the builder:
ACME CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD
ABN: 12 345 678
NO MATCH ABN or ACN does not match.
Then, whenever you are looking to change your trading structure (for example, from a sole trader to a company, a company to a trust, and so on), you will also need to notify your HII broker in advance. This is to ensure that the HII is not voided when you sign domestic building contracts with your new entity name.
Here are some examples of what’s acceptable and what’s not.
NO MATCH Name of builder does not match.
Firstly, the entity name in which you sign your domestic building contracts must hold a current HII eligibility facility. The entity may be a sole trader, a partnership of two or more individuals, an incorporated company or one of these three as trustee for a trust. This is dictated by the ABN number attached to the business. Whatever your trading structure, you must have HII.
At all times, the builder’s name and/or its ABN on both the certificate of insurance and the domestic building contract must match EXACTLY. Further, the entity being used MUST have an active eligibility facility.
MATCH Both name of builder and ACN or ABN match.
So what’s in a name? Well, it’s everything when it comes to HII. Firstly, it’s the entity name that you, the builder, use to sign your domestic building contracts, and then, the entity name you use on an HII application form. If these names don’t match (and we mean EXACTLY) you are headed for delays, additional documentation requirements and frustration before your HII certificate will be released.
If there is a change in the entity name, but no change to the ABN, you are still required to advise your broker and provide them with the ASIC Name Change Certificate. This ensures the entity name in which you sign contracts will be identical to the entity name displayed on your Letter of Eligibility. Depending on the timing of your previous assessment you might be required to provide updated financial and business information to support this change.
Domestic Building Contract
ACME CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD Builder:
ACN: 12 345 678
Domestic Building Contract
Builder:
CITIZEN CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD
ABN: 12 345 678 910
Domestic Building Contract
ACME CONSTRUCTIONS PTY LTD Builder:
ACN: 87 654 321
For further information, contact our office on 9476 9898, or email us at warrantyeligibility@mbais.com.au.
UPDATES: Training
Master Builders 2013 Apprentice of the Year, Samuel Lewis, with chairman of the Association’s Training Committee, Robert Spadaccini.
Brickie takes home top apprentice award Bricklaying apprentice, Samuel Lewis, has been announced as the winner of the 2013 Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Award. Mr Lewis is employed by ABN South West and is expected to finish his three-year apprenticeship in January.
The Apprentice of the Year Awards were presented at a gala event in November at the Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, with a record crowd of more than 340 guests. The Awards recognise outstanding apprentices employed directly by builders and by three group training schemes – Skill Hire, ABN Training and The Apprentice and Traineeship Company. They include metropolitan and regional apprentices and there are specialist awards to bricklaying and wall and floor tiling apprentices. Master Builders’ communications director, Geoff Cooper, says the awards are a great opportunity to recognise the diversity and skills of the next generation of the building industry. Mr Lewis won a cash prize and automatic entry into the Master Builders Australia national awards, competing against the top apprentices from all other States. He was described by the WA judges as a hard working young man producing strong tradesman-quality work every day and Mr Cooper added that Mr Lewis has leadership qualities that impress other workers. Donna Leigh Paull, a painting and decoratorating apprentice from MPA Skills, won the Best Female Apprentice Award, and Jonathan Falconer, a carpentery and joinery apprentice from KJ’s Construction in Broome, won the Most Outstanding Regional Apprentice Award. Along with Mr Lewis, they were joined as finalists for the Apprentice of the Year Award by: • Lawrence Adamos (Skill Hire). • Brodie Douglas (Element Construction). • Matthew Ilsley (Apprentice and Traineeship Company). • Mick Ivey (West Wide Tiling Service). • Dylan Laudehr (ABN Training).
Nominations for the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Award were assessed on overall standard of achievement in studies and onthe-job training. Judging criteria include personal skills, trade skills, relationships with fellow workers and contractors, ability to work unsupervised, ability to make decisions, level of competency, academic results and awards, non-academic awards, prizes or achievements and community work. Judges in 2013 were Spadaccini Homes managing director, Robert Spadaccini, who also chairs Master Builders’ Training Committee, the Association’s training director, Neil Du Rand, and Construction Training Fund executive director, Ralph Dawson. The highly successful awards night was supported by major sponsors Cbus and Department of Finance Building Management and Works. Other sponsors were ABBTF, Abenra Construction, Aurenda, Apprentice and Traineeship Company, Austral Bricks, Construction Training Fund, Department of Training and Workforce Development, Genesis Homes, Masters Home Improvement, Just Tile and Stone, MEGT, Pindan, Skill Hire and Steel Blue. For information on the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards or to get involved in 2014, contact the Association’s marketing manager, Kelly Dewar Matusik, on 9476 9800.
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Training and Workforce Development Minister, Terry Redman, addresses the Apprentice of the Year audience.
Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards 2013 Results Master Builders Association Master Builders Apprentice of the Year
Samuel Lewis
Outstanding Regional Apprentice
Johathan Falconer
Best Female Apprentice
Donna Leigh Paull
Outstanding Direct Indentured Apprentice
Brodie Douglas
Outstanding Wall & Floor Tiling Apprentice
Mick Ivey
Outstanding Brick & Blocklaying Apprentice
Samuel Lewis
ABN Training 1st Year
Chris Murray
2nd Year
Jason Gerritsen
3rd Year
Dylan Laudehr
Most Improved
Reece Walters
Host Trainer of the Year
Colin Healey
Skill Hire 1st Year
Jack Jones
2nd Year
Jackson Fleay
3rd Year
Ky Van Nguyen
4th Year
Lawrence Adamos
Safety Award
Ross Gibson
Comedian Gary Steele added humour to the celebrations.
Oriental was the theme for the awards night event and guests were entertained by a spectacular lion dance by members of the Chung Way Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe.
The Apprentice and Traineeship Company 1st Year
Mathew Murphy
2nd Year
Jordan Sibbald
3rd Year
Benjamin Hingston
4th Year
Matthew Iisley
Host Employer of the Year
Geoff Allison Carpentry
Mark Allen Memorial Fund Safety Award
John Hardman Donna Leigh Paull (second left) was named 2013 Best Female Apprentice. She is pictured with Training and Workforce Development Minister, Terry Redman, and award finalists Danealle Geddes and Brooke Pannell (right).
Talented Apprentice of the Year lineup (l-r): award judge Robert Spadaccini, major winner Samuel Lewis, Dylan Laudehr, Brodie Douglas, Jonathan Falconer, James Moore of major sponsor Cbus, Lawrence Adamos, Donna Leigh Paull and Matthew Ilsley. (Absent: Mick Ivey.)
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UPDATES: Training
Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards 2013 Sponsors
Broome carpenter is top regional apprentice Carpentry and joinery apprentice, Johnny Falconer, was named 2013 Master Builders Regional Apprentice of the Year at the Association’s Apprentice Awards at the Perth Convention and Entertainment Centre in November.
Mr Falconer left school at the end of year 11 to commence a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship with KJ’s Construction in Broome and according to Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, was a standout nominee for the regional award, ticking all the selection criteria. “He obviously has been trained and mentored well as he is very resourceful and confident on building sites,” Mr McLean said. “Some of Johnny’s greatest strengths are his energy, accuracy and ability to motivate younger apprentices.” Master Builders’ North West regional manager, Di Gilleland, was thrilled that for the third time in eight years, an apprentice from the Kimberley had won Master Builders’ top regional apprentice award. “Johnny’s win reinforces the quality of training being carried out by KJ’s Construction and is a fantastic reward for the effort that he has put into his apprenticeship,” Ms Gilleland said. “In the North West,
Johnny Falconer and proud employer, Victor Butera, from KJ’s Construction.
most tradesmen are multi-skilled and Johnny has demonstrated his capabilities beyond the carpentry and joinery trade.” The Regional Apprentice of the Year is determined from each of the best apprentices announced at Master Builders Building Excellence Awards in the North West, Midwest, South West, Great Southern and Goldfields-Esperance regions each year.
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UPDATES: Training
Apprentice commencements are falling, the workforce is aging and some sectors of the building industry are on the up and up. It’s a recipe for serious skill shortages in the near and long-term future. Master Builders’ director, Michael McLean, has a plea to industry.
We need more apprentices Michael McLean
Master Builders’ Board is continually looking at ways to boost the number of apprentices being trained in our industry. No one strategy will be enough to ensure we have enough apprentices to meet the future needs of our industry. It is both a supply of apprentices and demand for apprentices issue.
be horrendous in the future. We are very fortunate in WA that we have the Construction Training Fund to subsidise the employment of building apprentices and trainees. For some of our trades in particularly short supply, such as bricklayers, plasterers and tilers, these subsidies can be as high as $19,000.
We are concerned that a 30 percent reduction in apprentice commencements over the last two years will contribute to serious skill shortages in the foreseeable future. The Construction Training Fund, which collects more than $30 million from our industry annually, has an important role to play in developing and implementing effective strategies to boost apprenticeship training in WA. We believe they are on the right track with their careers promotions initiatives which include a new vocational education training program in schools. This already is receiving positive feedback from school principals, parents and students alike.
Master Builders has set our members a target of employing an additional 100 building apprentices between now and the end of February. We also intend to promote each of our members who currently employ and/or train apprentices or trainees via our website and Master Builder magazine. The future of the building industry lies in the hands of builders. Unless we are all prepared to stand up and be counted, we deserve to cop what lies ahead and it won’t be good for anyone.
Master Builder members are encouraged to show leadership in finding ways to train more apprentices. It’s easy to do nothing but the cost of not doing anything will
Please give this matter your serious consideration. Within your own business, please discuss how you might be able to take on an apprentice or trainee on one of your construction projects. If you already train an apprentice or trainee, please let Skye McCartney (skye@mbawa.com) know at Master Builders so we can record your details.
The building industry urgently needs an injection of youth. Employers looking for apprentices could benefit from the new Certificate II in Building and Construction Pathways qualification which gives secondary students the opportunity to begin a career in the building industry as part of their WA Certificate of Education and aims to bring on Year 11 and 12 students to a productive workplace level.
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UPDATES: Training
Master Builders recognises the role that the following 101 members are playing in employing and/or training apprentices in WA: ABN Training Group
Crown Construction Service Pty Ltd
Northcraft Construction
A E Hoskins and Sons
Cuccovia Contractors
NYFL Housing and Construction
Active Plumbing
Dale Alcock Homes
Pendlebury Constructions
Advance Formwork
Dale Alcock Home Improvements
Perkins Builders
APG Homes
Dale Alcock Homes South West
Perth Tiling and Stone Company
Associated Painting Enterprises
Designer Building Pty Ltd
Pindan
A.T Brine and Sons Pty Ltd
Devlyn Constructions Pty Ltd
Quicklock
ATC Worksmart
Diploma Plumbing Services
Redink Homes Midwest Pty Ltd
Australian Brick and Blocklaying Foundation (ABBTF)
EMCO
Robinson Buildtech
Envar Engineers and Contractors Pty Ltd
Simply Unique Constructions
Fox United Building
Skill Hire
Fremantle Engineering
Spadaccini Constructions
Gemmill Homes Pty Ltd
Star Plumbing Pty Ltd
Genesis Home Master Builders
Stepnell Carpentry
Geraldton Natural Limestone
Summit Home Improvements
Global Decorating
Summit Homes
Grandwood Homes
Sun City Plumbing
Green Choice Painting and Decorating
Tara Constructions and Homes
Gregory Gibson Plumbing Pty Ltd
The Apprentice and Traineeship Company
Higgins Coatings Pty Ltd
The Maker
Highbury Homes (WA) Pty Ltd
Tooltime Constructions
Hi Point Roofing
Top Gun Roofing and Restoration
Home Buyers Centre
Total Project Solutions
HS Hyde and Son
Trac Building Services
Interior Building Solutions
Trasan Contracting Pty Ltd
John Holland
Troy Leeman Building
Just Tile and Stone
T & T Plumbing Air-Cond and Gas
Kimberley Group Training
The West Australian Group Training Scheme Inc
Longreach Building Services
Universal Constructions Pty Ltd
Majestic Stairs Pty Ltd
WA Ceiling Industries
Martell Builders Pty Ltd
WA Country Builders (Geraldton)
McGrath Homes Pty Ltd
Warner Bricklaying Services Pty Ltd
Mosman Bay Constructions Pty Ltd
Water Corporation (Geraldton)
MPA Skills
Webb and Brown-Neaves
Australand Property Group Pty Ltd Aquatic Leisure Technologies Badge Construction Baggetta Builders Batavia Constructions BGC Residential Bill Pitt and Sons Boeing Plumbing Brolga Developments and Construction Brown Brothers Furniture Built Environs Cachet Homes Capella Constructions Carter Roofing and Slating Pty Ltd Ceiling Solutions Celebration Homes Civilcon (WA) Pty Ltd Coastal Ceilings Colgan Industries Concretus Cooling Bros Glazing Pty Ltd Cooper and Oxley Builders Pty Ltd Cottesloe Constructions CPD Group
If you aren’t on this list and believe you should be, advise Skye McCartney. Phone 9476 9808 or email skye@mbawa.com.
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UPDATES: Training
Jack Pleiter presents a Homes Building Scholarship to Calvin DeBruin.
The Australian Brick and Blocklaying Training Foundation, which strives to support a strong bricklaying workforce, also has concerns about the apprenticeship system. In the lead up to the September election, the organisation’s CEO, Geoff Noble, issued this media release making some telling observations.
Apprenticeship policies do not create jobs ABBTF’s efforts to increase training numbers for bricklaying apprentices are being thwarted by Government policies which appear to assist young people in their apprenticeship, but not employers who provide the employment and training.
Genesis Homes sets an example Genesis Homes has awarded a scholarship to help train the future construction workforce, and to promote careers in construction. The new builder has offered a Homes Building Scholarship to Calvin DeBruin enabling him to complete his Certificate IV in Residential Drafting in 2014 with all expenses paid, and also providing him with the opportunity for some paid work in between his studies. “We are encouraged by his enthusiasm and wish him the best in his chosen career,” says Genesis Homes principal, Jack Pleiter. “We hope colleges and other businesses get behind initiatives like this to provide our students with alternatives in their career aspirations. The building industry not only provides great apprenticeship and traineeship schemes on-site but also para-professional pathways from the office.” The initiative is commended by Master Builders and complements the Association’s plans to push to increase apprenticeships and traineeships in WA. “We are proud of the members who are recruiting apprentices and trainees and are joining our Association’s campaign to boost apprentice and trainee numbers,” says communications director, Geoff Cooper. “We have reached a total of 272 apprentices, beating our target of 100 before Christmas already.” Master Builders’ website (mbawa.com) now features an honour roll of builders who already are taking on apprentices this financial year. Genesis Homes is one of the members on the honour roll. “It is a credit to the industry, and we look forward to more builders featuring on the honour roll,” Mr Cooper said.
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We welcome support for apprentices, however, with apprentice numbers falling in the construction sector, more needs to be done to create jobs and support employers in the residential housing sector. Bricklaying apprentice numbers have fallen 30 percent in the past two years and the following policies have only centred on assistance to apprentices: • Liberal Party promise of interest free loans to apprentices. • Labor Party promise of additional Trade Training Centres. • Pay increased for apprentices – up to 31 percent. • Apprenticeship Mentoring Program investment of $80 million. • Increased Tools for Your Trade Payment to $5500 per apprentice. Government support of employers has been $4000 in subsidies which has remained unchanged for the past decade. Two temporary periods of Kickstart bonuses over the past five years have not been extended and do not provide the ongoing certainty that small business desperately needs. Many employers have also had to pay higher training fees for their apprentices due to State Government cuts to TAFE funding. The lack of support for employment and training comes at a time when residential housing is depressed and the small businesses of contractors cannot cover their costs due to lower rates and uncertainty of work. There is now a real risk of a skill shortage in future years when housing commencements are expected to recover. There is also the concern that with the ageing workforce, many contractors are close to retirement or likely to leave the trade to take up less physical occupations. The [new] Government... will need to examine their policies in relation to vocational training and jobs to ensure a serious skill shortage in bricklaying and other construction trades does not occur.
IT COMMUNICATIONS
Information made possible through MOBILE DEVICES In the competitive environment that is the Australian construction industry, up to date and accurate information about your business and projects is a must. This is now being made even easier through clever mobile technologies.
Immediate, accurate information is often the source of success in today’s competitive construction industry . A punter with intelligence on a horse’s racing history, preferred weather conditions and warm up on race day, will undoubtedly make a more informed bet than a punter who bases their flutter on horse name or jockey’s racing colours. A driver armed with a GPS device will undoubtedly arrive at an unknown destination faster than someone relying on street signs and instinct. Similarly, the construction company with timely information on project progress and costs will make better informed decisions than the construction company running on best guesses or yesterday’s information. Within the construction industry, the use of real-time information revolves around capturing information from the field and getting it back to Head Office at the time events occur – and vice versa. Having accurate and timely information available in an easily understood format, sees head office decisions made faster, significantly reducing paperwork getting lost or detail being hidden on complex jobs. By increasing speed of intelligence to and from field operatives, job effectiveness is improved and job efficiency is markedly improved. Having a suitable software package in use at your construction company is the best way to ensure your company runs in a sustainable and streamlined way. For a smaller construction company, basic payroll, project or standalone estimating packages can work effectively. Once your construction company reaches a certain size however, an endto-end, industry specific ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software solution becomes necessary if you are to reduce your risk and costs, increase revenue and stay competitive and sustainable for the long-term. ERP software brings together the financial and the project management sides of your company. In terms of the data captured into your ERP package and the information reported to your company’s decision makers, yes, information is presented to your internal project teams in real time. The information that lags behind, however, without a mobile device connecting to your ERP, stems from the time it takes to get project and job information from the field, back into the software system at the office.
For example, say one of your contractors is sent to complete a simple job on a construction site. However, they arrive to find that the job is far more complicated than first thought. Until this contractor sends the updated information regarding any variation in hours materials and requirements for other tradespeople to complete the job, Head Office (and associated project reports) will continue to show that a routine job is in progress on a project via the internal job boards with no variations to the electronic, financial data at that point in time. When a business takes days or indeed a week for Head Office to learn of the issues on site and adjust their reports accordingly such timeframes have a significant impact on projects, maintenance schedules and overall costs to the business if they cannot be claimed as a variation and otherwise effectively managed.
What real-time technology exists for construction? The key to value-adding real time technology for construction lies in mobility. The idea here is that the operative in the field can use their smart phone or tablet to send immediate, real-time information about what is going on in the field to Head Office. Further, having this real time information able to be sent direct from the mobile device to the associated job within your construction company’s ERP system will see real time savings and truly real-time information available for the company’s decision makers. Examples of functionality that real-time mobile data capture devices might be able to send back to Head Office includes: • Time-sheets • Stock entry • Purchase order • A task list • Photo and video capabilities • Job notes • And much more.
Who is currently using this technology? Mobile data capture solutions that link to your ERP software are proving particularly beneficial for electrical and service contractors. While the technology is relatively new on popular Android and Apple™ devices, it is apparent that information captured on site via mobile devices will become the norm within the next few years for all types of construction businesses.
For more information on real-time information via mobile technologies, please contact LEVESYS or visit www.levesys.com.au.
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SCAFFOLDING
Safer SCAFFOLDS Both main contractors and scaffolding companies engaged to erect scaffold have a duty of care to ensure the scaffold is erected in a safe manner. The responsibility to ensure it remains safe and fit for purpose rests with the main contractor and the person who caused the scaffold to be erected.
Having scaffolding erected by a licensed scaffolder is one of many steps required to ensure that scaffolds are erected and maintained in a condition that is safe for all workers on site, as well as the public. Builders must remember that there are four key requirements for a safe scaffold: • The scaffold must be appropriate for the task • All scaffolding components must be compatible • There is safe and clear ladder access and egress to all working platforms • The scaffold must be complete This article is designed to assist builders manage the safety of scaffolding and scaffold users on site, from the time an order for scaffolding is placed, to the day it is dismantled and taken away.
Procurement of scaffolding Once it has been established that scaffolding is required, the type and configuration of the scaffold needs to be considered, including determining what the scaffold will be used for, so that a ‘fit for purpose’ scaffold is designed and erected. Different trades will require differing duty/load ratings. Bricklayers, concreters and demolition workers need heavy duty scaffolds, which can support up to 675 kg per bay. Carpenters and general trades may need medium duty scaffolds that can support up to 450 kg per bay. This information must be specified to the scaffold supply company so that the load rating, including point loads, can be determined with consideration to the number of allowable working platforms per bay. The minimum/ maximum width of platforms is also critical for material stacking and access. Specific designated bays or special duty platforms may also need to be factored in to the design, that might be wider that the standard bay. Such bays might be required for specific tasks, such as for storage of materials or as a loading platform for the loading of materials by crane. Note that no materials are permitted on platforms 450mm wide or less. The required height and existing ground and/or supporting surface conditions are also considered in the design process. The main contractor and the scaffold company should assess the location of underground drains or pits, or recently filled trenches. Work should be planned to avoid excavation work under, through or adjacent to areas scaffolding is likely to be needed. If hoarding, shade cloth or brick guards are required, the scaffold must be engineered for the different
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types of loads that will apply to the scaffold structure. The supplier should also be informed of any access points for brick and tile elevators or materials hoists so that appropriate fall prevention measures can be included adjacent to them.
What the scaffold supply company should be providing When engaging a scaffolder or scaffold supply company to supply and erect scaffolding on your site, it is imperative that you ensure the workers are suitably qualified to do the task. Anyone constructing, altering or dismantling any scaffold from which a person or materials could fall more than 4 metres (including mobile scaffolds), must have an appropriate class of, and current, high risk work licence for scaffolding work. A register of workers’ license numbers (with expiry dates) and Construction Induction card (Blue or White card) numbers should be kept as part of the site induction process. An area should be set aside on site for the set down of scaffold components. The scaffold supply company should supply a set of design drawings for the erectors on site to build in accordance with. Scaffolds fitted with containment sheeting have increased dead loads and are exposed to increased wind and rain loads. The design of such scaffolds and ties must be approved by a competent person, such as an engineer experienced in structural design. Where construction work is performed that involves a risk of a person falling more than 2 metres, a safe work method statement is required. This is something that the scaffolder must supply to the main contractor, describing how the scaffold will be erected in a safe manner. It should also cover off on any alterations required on the scaffold, and the dismantling processes. “Scaffold Incomplete” signs should be displayed around the perimeter of the scaffold while it is under construction. The WA Code of Practice AS/NZS 4576:1995, Guidelines for scaffolding, recommends that the scaffolder should supply a scaffold handover certificate after the initial erection and each time alterations are made to the scaffold. If one is not supplied, ask for one. The handover certificate will contain such important information as the duty rating of the scaffold, type of scaffold, size, the number of lifts, number of working platforms and a sign-off that the scaffold has been erected in accordance with the design specifications. The handover certificate should be kept on site until the scaffold has been dismantled. If a person or materials could fall more than 4 metres from the scaffold, the scaffolder must place scaffold tags at each access point. The scaffold tag is important for a variety of reasons; it informs the users of the scaffold’s erection date, the last inspection date and most importantly, the duty or load rating of the scaffold.
Protection from vehicular traffic If the scaffold is to be built in an area that is used by vehicles and other mobile plant, the following precautions are recommended to prevent or minimise exposure from the hazards of mobile plant and traffic: • Re-route the traffic away from the location of the scaffold, • Provide physical barriers, guards and signs to prevent contact with the scaffold, • Assign a person to direct the traffic. • Ensure scaffolding does not have any unnecessary protrusions, such as over-length transoms, putlogs, tie tubes or over-height standards.
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Our goal is to continue to provide market leading scaffolding equipment exceeding our customers’ expectations with high quality, competitive and reliable services for both hire and sales. Oldfields Advance Scaffold values our workforce and each employee’s unique contribution to the team. We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to diversity in the workplace. Our people are the secret to the sustainability of our business. They help us build relationships and connect with our customers. We are therefore focused on making Oldfields Advance Scaffold a great place to work and an employer of choice for talented ambitious people. Oldfields Advance Scaffold offers a complete range of lightweight scaffold products including aluminium and fibreglass scaffold. We hire, sell and provide a complete labour service with expert advice. Our many locations ensures a rapid response to your scaffolding needs Australia wide with branches in Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Melbourne, Newcastle, Adelaide and Perth. Give our staff at Fremantle a call and try us for service and price.
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Isolation of the public and unauthorised users The public and other workers must be isolated from the work area and protected from any potential hazard. The following precautions are recommended: • Install physical barricades or divert unauthorised personnel away from the work area • Obtain advice and the appropriate permits from the local council and/or power companies. • If necessary perform the work outside normal work hours. • Prevent access when the scaffold is left unattended.
Scaffolding used for demolition work Scaffolding used for demolition work should be no less than heavy duty class. Care should be taken to prevent damage to scaffold planks and components from falling debris. Damaged planks and components should be removed and replaced by the scaffold supplier or licensed scaffolder. The scaffold should be dismantled progressively as the structure is demolished, otherwise what will remain above the structure will be an unstable scaffold with increased risks of internal falls.
Ongoing maintenance Scaffolds will fail structurally for generally one of three main reasons: • The supporting surface gives way (backfilling, flooding, excavations, lack of support), or • The scaffold is overloaded (too much material or too many working platforms), or • Insufficient ties or bracing (which results in distortion of the standards and general instability of the structure), • or varying combinations of all three. Other factors may include mixing different brands or components in modular scaffolds that are not compatible with each other, or wind loads on shade cloth that was not factored into the original design. For these reasons, main contractors and all others involved with its use need to ensure the scaffold remains safe for the duration of the time it remains on site. All workers on site need to be made aware of the requirement and importance of keeping the integrity of the scaffold intact. Also important is that once erected, the scaffold must only be used for the purpose for which it was designed.
Training and induction of users All persons using the scaffold should have sufficient knowledge and training to use the scaffold correctly. Users must understand the load limitations and restrictions relating to the particular scaffold (as per the scaffold tags). They must be inducted about work practices for the safe use of the scaffold, including maintaining clear access along the full length of platforms, not climbing on guardrails to gain extra height, not altering the scaffold in any way, such as removing planks, ties, guardrails or signage and the emergency procedures relating to the scaffold.
may result in catastrophic collapse. There are times when certain alterations can be critical to the stability of the scaffold structure (e.g. the removal of ties or braces, or the addition of bays, lifts or shade cloth). Procedures therefore need to be put in place to ensure users understand who, when and how modifications may be permitted. This information should be passed on to workers as part of their site induction, but it would also be beneficial to occasionally remind workers of these procedures as part of a toolbox meeting. Any alteration without management approval should be strictly forbidden and also regularly discouraged through toolbox meetings. All alterations must be coordinated through site management to ensure that control and management of the scaffold is not haphazard. The “innocent” removal of the odd tie or handrail for access purposes may seem innocuous enough. However, a series of small alterations of individual components can lead to a very dangerous piece of plant. “Do Not Alter Scaffold” signs should be placed around the scaffold to reinforce the issues discussed during inductions and toolbox meetings. Alterations to a scaffold of any height, but particularly scaffolding from which a person or materials could fall more than 4 metres, should only be made by a suitably licensed person. Upon completion of a major alteration such as the addition of an extra bay or lift, another hand over certificate should be issued to the builder. The scaffold will need to be inspected by a suitably licensed person and the scaffold tag updated.
Inspection of scaffolds Verification that the scaffold has been inspected and complies with the appropriate sections of AS/NZS 4576 parts 1 to 6 should be obtained for each of the following events: • Before first use of the scaffold • Prior to use following repairs or modifications • Prior to further use following an incident or dangerous occurrence or other occurrence that could have affected the integrity, stability or adequacy of the scaffold, such as severe storm conditions or being struck by mobile plant or similar, and, • At regular intervals not exceeding 30 days. Discuss appropriate intervals for inspection with the supplier when the scaffold is first installed. The scaffold supply company should be invited back to conduct inspections of the scaffold on a monthly basis, to make any repairs or alterations as required and to provide the builder with a copy of the inspection report. It is prudent to inspect the scaffold more frequently, especially after adverse weather or climatic conditions.
Alterations to the scaffold
Any unauthorised alterations or other site hazards are best picked up by conducting an inspection prior to commencing on-site activities, rather than only relying on a formal monthly inspection. Weekly inspections are recommended to ensure the scaffold continues to remain safe and fit for purpose and it should be combined with the builder’s normal housekeeping inspection program.
Where an alteration to a scaffold is required, the scaffold supply company or the scaffold designer should be consulted prior to any alterations made. Ideally the persons that erected the scaffold should be the ones that alter the scaffold, due to their knowledge of the original structure. All scaffold users must understand that any unauthorised modification or alteration to any part of the scaffold
Reproduced with permission. This article is an extract from The Guide to Safer Scaffolds, a publication produced by the Victorian Scaffolding Safety Committee. It has been amended by Master Builders WA to reflect local requirements.
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THE BENEFITS OF SHADE STRUCTURES
The benefits of SHADE STRUCTURES Why is shade important? Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world, with Western Australia second only to Queensland (AIHW, 2008). At least two in every three Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70 (Staples et al 2006). Over 1,800 Australians die each year from skin cancer (ABS, 2012) and the Australian health system spends more money on the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer than on any other cancer, estimated at over $500 million each year on non-melanoma skin cancer alone (Fransen et al 2012). Skin cancer is a serious public health issue but one which could largely be prevented. Skin cancer is usually caused by overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. Shade provides good protection from the sun and it can be easy for people to use. Most forms of shade can reduce UV exposure by up to 75 percent (Parsons et al. 1998).
supporting structure which keeps the shade structure in place and holds it up. Secondly, the primary shading element, which is the material that makes up the canopy or roof of the shade device. Built shade structures have the following advantages over natural shade: • The shade they cast is more predictable. • They can provide protection from the rain. • Some types can be erected quickly. • They have a range of alternative uses, for example, to collect rainwater for irrigation or to support a solar power device. For all built structures, no matter what the size, it is vital to seek professional advice. Certification from a qualified structural engineer may be required to ensure structural integrity and safety. Additionally, to build any permanent shade structure, you will need to gain approval from your local government to ensure compliance with local planning requirements.
Different types of built shade Built shade structures are often described using one or more of the following terms: • Permanent systems. • Demountable systems. • Adjustable systems. • Tension membrane structures. • Portable shade.
Permanent systems When used in conjunction with other protective measures, such as sun-protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen, shade can be the best route to maximum UV radiation protection. The provision of shade has also been identified as an important component in the design and creation of safe and healthy communities (National Heart Foundation of Australia 2004).
Permanent shade systems are those that are designed to last for at least ten years. It is very important that permanent systems are durable as they need to withstand the harshest of weather conditions, such as exposure to the sun, rain and wind. Regular maintenance of these systems is essential to ensure their long life span. The various parts of a permanent shade system should be cheap and easy to replace.
Demountable systems A resource is available to assist individuals, organisations and local governments who wish to increase the provision of quality shade in a range of Western Australian community settings, such as playgrounds, pools, sporting venues, beaches, parks, schools and childcare centres. The Shade Handbook: A practical guide for shade development in Western Australia is an updated version of Shade for the public - Guidelines for local government in Western Australia, written by Ann Blunden and Jude Comfort and first published in 1999 by Cancer Council Western Australia (formerly the Cancer Foundation of Western Australia). The resource guide will assist you to appreciate the importance of providing quality shade, to develop an understanding of the issues associated with sun and shade, to identify your shade needs, including how to conduct a shade audit, and to plan, implement and evaluate a shade project. This extract from The Shade Handbook addresses built shade.
An overview of built shade Built shade can be stand-alone or it can be built onto existing buildings or structures. All built shade consists of two parts. Firstly, the
A shade structure is considered demountable if it can easily be put up and pulled down. Examples include tents, marquees and lightweight tension membrane structures. A demountable shade system is ideal when: • A site only needs shade occasionally. • Temporary shade is required at different places at the same time. • A permanent structure would not be suitable, given the type of activities that take place at the site. Demountable systems need to be strong enough to withstand frequent transportation, assembly and dismantling. It is important to have a strong and easy-to-carry bag to transport it in, as well as a suitable place to store it. Some demountable systems can be placed on a variety of ground surfaces, such as grass, sand or concrete. The temporary nature of demountable systems means they are less likely to be vandalised.
Adjustable systems Adjustable systems offer a high degree of flexibility as they allow the way the shade falls to be modified in response to the movement of the sun during the day and at different times of the year. Adjustable systems are often attached to buildings or existing structures. Examples include retractable devices, such as a canvas awning, or a louvered device on a roof or wall.
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It is essential that adjustable systems are easy and convenient to operate. If operating the device becomes time-consuming or difficult people will be discouraged from using it. To ensure that the adjustable system remains in good condition it is important to buy stainless steel parts so that pulleys and cables will not rust or wear out quickly.
Tension membrane structures Tension membrane structures, or shade sails as they are commonly called, are increasingly being used in shade projects. These often impressive structures are used to provide shade as well as enhance the aesthetics of an outdoor area. Tension membrane structures can be permanent or demountable. They usually require minimal support structures due to the combined effect of tension and the curved fabric used in the design. They can be a cost-effective option where shade is required for large areas that need to be column-free, such as over playgrounds and swimming pools. However it must be remembered that UV radiation can still enter the site through the open spaces that often exist between the sails. The design and construction of tension membrane structures is a very specialised field and professionals will need to be engaged if you choose to use this type of shade structure.
Portable shade Portable shade is ideal for places where other shade options are not available, such as on the beach. These structures provide a quick and often cheap solution to a shade problem. There is a wide range of portable shade structures available in many different sizes, shapes and designs, such as small tents, beach shelters and umbrellas. While
portable shade can be ideal for individuals or small groups, it generally offers limited protection from indirect UV radiation.
Selecting the right shade material For guidelines to help you select appropriate materials for your shade project, please refer to the publications section of the Cancer Council WA website for comprehensive information.
References
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) & Australian Association of Cancer Registries (ACCR). 2004, Cancer in Australia: an overview 2008, AIHW Cat. no. CAN 46, Canberra. Australian Bureau of Statistics. Causes of death 2010. 3303.0. Commonwealth of Australia: Canberra, Australia 2012. Fransen, M., Kahalios, E., English, D., Giles, G., Sinclair, R. 2012, ‘Non-melanoma skin cancer in Australia’, Medical Journal of Australia, vol 197, no.10, pp 565- 568. National Heart Foundation of Australia (Victorian Division). 2004, Healthy by design: A planner’s guide to environments for active living, National Heart Foundation of Australia (Victorian Division), Melbourne. Parsons, P., Neale, R., Wolski, P. & Green, A. 1998, ‘The shady side of solar protection’, Medical Journal of Australia, vol. 168, pp. 327-330.
For further information and statistics on skin cancer and sun protection: SunSmart, Cancer Council Western Australia 15 Bedbrook Place, Shenton Park WA 6008 Phone: (08) 9388 4333, Fax: (08) 9388 4399 www.cancerwa.asn.au Cancer Council Helpline 13 11 20 Reproduced with permission. This article is an extract from: Cancer Council Western Australia. 2012, The shade handbook: A practical guide for shade development in Western Australia, Cancer Council Western Australia, Perth. ISBN: 1 876628 61 8 November 2012
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“We wanted a contemporary paving product. Brikmakers delivered.� Perkins Builders
To discuss Brikmakers quality paving potential to make your next project stand out, email info@brikmakers.com or visit brikmakers.com or simply call 1300 360 344.
INSPIRING INNOVATION
BRICKS & PAVERS
Choosing BRICKS Bricks are available in many textures that can set a home apart. The texture of brick can add contrast or define a feature, such as an alcove or porch, and bring out the natural colours of the bricks. There are many variations in texture from modern and sleek to more traditional quarry styles.
Colour expression Because clay bricks are a natural material, made naturally in a kiln, each one has a unique character. This allows you to design a home with a very distinctive character. There are more than 800 different brick colours, from the lightest of whites and creams to the darkest blues and purples - and an unlimited opportunity to blend or accentuate. New generation colours offer a range of monochromatic tones for a more subtle appearance. Clay brick pavers enhance any outdoor space with their natural appearance.
Think brick for paving The benefits that clay pavers can bring to your outdoor living and other exterior spaces - include inherent colourfast quality through to their strength and longevity. Permeable brick paving is a technique designed to limit environmental issues caused by water runoff. Permeable paving can be applied to improve the sustainability of outdoor spaces, including patios, parking spaces, walkways and roads.
Mortar Generally the mortar represents about 15 percent of the total visible brickwork area and can dramatically change the look of the brick and the home. For example, mortar coloured to match the brick will give the impression of a large area of one colour, whereas a contrasting mortar colour will highlight the shape and colour of the bricks. The overall appearance is also determined by the joint, with raked and rolled joints being most commonly used to achieve the ‘character’ look in a new home.
Types of mortar joints When selecting bricks it’s necessary to also consider the mortar colour and joint type. This will profoundly affect the end product, as will the combination of other building materials and colours used in the building. Three important points when selecting bricks • Customers should research bricks from a variety of sources: ie display houses, display centres, display boards and sample packs, but ultimately it is best for the customer to choose bricks from an actual building or house to ensure they understand what the brick looks like in a finished wall. • Select mortar colour and joint type with reference to the actual brick being used. • Select the correct grade of brick.
Typical mortar joints Tip: Order all the bricks, sand and materials for mortar required at the start of the job to avoid batching colour differences.
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Prevention is the best cure As a builder, your goal is a straightforward flow of work on the site to deliver the project in line with your customer’s expectations. For brickwork, a few important guidelines will help: • Always discuss mortar colour and bond with the customer at the time of choosing the bricks, not afterwards. Avoid the term “natural mortar” as sand supply can vary the mortar colour considerably and if in doubt, samples should be made up from your sand supplier. • Be clear about the environment of the project and whether any special consideration is needed. For instance, if the project is marine-based then the brick and mortar grades must be suitable. • Make it as simple as possible for customers to select bricks. Use display homes and/or actual walls to assist them with their selection. • Explain to customers examples of incompatible combinations of brick, mortar colour and joints, and why. Some examples include: • A rough face brick with flush joints because it is difficult to clean, especially with a high contrasting mortar colour. • Rolled edge tumbled bricks with flush joints. These emphasise the irregularity of the bricks and reduce the attractiveness of the finished wall. • Surface coated and glazed bricks with a raked joint. These can expose the body colour beneath the coating. Tip: Once the customer has selected their bricks, ask the brick sales rep for the locations of other houses with the brick so the customer can confirm their choice, when in a whole wall, is correct.
The four classes of mortar In Australia, the Masonry Standard AS 3700 specifies the requirements for mortar in terms of a series of classes from M1 to M4. Class M1 mortar, lime mortar with no cement, is only permitted for use in the repair of heritage structures. The other three classes, M2, M3 and M4, can be used in a range of structures depending on the requirements for strength and durability. The most commonly used mortar is M3, which typically has a composition of one part cement, one part lime and six parts sand. While it is the most common type of mortar, it is a misconception that it is the ‘standard’ mortar ratio. M3 mortar is only required in marine environments between 100m and 1km from a non-surf coast, or between 1km and 10 km from a surf coast. Inland of these areas M2 mortar, which is one part cement, two parts lime, and nine parts sand, is sufficient. M4 mortar is required for severe marine environments, which are up to 100m from a non-surf coast and up to 1km from a surf coast. Brickwork below a DPC or in contact with the ground may require a different class of mortar (and brick) than required for brickwork above, eg. M4 with exposure grade bricks are required in aggressive soil.
Profiles and sizes Although the most common face brick size is 230mm x 76mm x 110mm, you can order square bricks, elongated 50 mm bricks, double height bricks or modular sized bricks. There are rounded bricks, bricks for window sills, bricks for lintels, lightweight bricks and accent bricks. Article by Think Brick reproduced with permission. Think Brick Represents Australia’s clay brick and paver manufacturers. We aim to inspire contemporary brick architecture and building design in all areas of the built environment: commercial, residential and landscape.
For more information go to: www.thinkbrick.com.au
Brikmakers Romanbrik enabled me to create a comfortable 21st Century space with classic design integrity and style. Emiliana Vanni Project Architect | JCP Construction
To discuss the Lloyd Wright Collection’s potential to make your next project stand out, email info@brikmakers.com or visit brikmakers.com or simply call 1300 360 344.
The
INSPIRING INNOVATION
SUSTAINABILITY
Solar PV myths and facts
Household solar power in Australia Many myths exist about solar power to do with what it costs, what it can do and whether governments should support households and businesses in going solar. This article by Clean Energy Council sets the record straight.
The costs of solar to consumers
2
MYTH: Subsidies for solar and ‘green schemes’ are why electricity bills are going up. FACT: Subsidies for domestic solar power account for only around 6 per cent of the average household electricity bill now and this is forecast to fall by 20202.
1
MYTH: Solar panels are very expensive. FACT: Solar panels are an increasingly affordable option that will save households money in the long run. The cost of producing and installing solar power systems has fallen dramatically over recent years, and continues to fall. The solar panels installed on rooftops today are more than 500 times cheaper to produce than the first solar cells of the mid-1950s and costs are still coming down fast. Four years ago a solar system could cost as much as a small car; now it costs about the same as a big TV.
But how does solar compare to traditional energy, such as coal and gas? If you count the cost of setting up a fossil-fuelled power source by including the return on investment, operation costs, fuel and maintenance over its entire life, solar is close to the cost of fossil fuel-based energy and will be the cheaper option within a few years. Solar is an insurance policy against the rising costs of fossil fuels like coal and gas.
Solar panels are already affordable and cost-competitive. The costs of solar panels has been falling by about 45 per cent per year, and in some countries is already competitive with diesel-generated power 1.
The cost of deploying renewables across Australia is just a small proportion of electricity bills. By far the largest component of electricity bills is network costs (40 to 50 per cent of bills)3 – that is, upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure such as poles and wires to handle rising peak demand and replace old equipment. The growth in ‘peak demand’ – those few times a year when demand for electricity is the highest (usually the hottest few days in summer) is a major factor driving up costs. More houses, more air conditioners and other gadgets, all being used at the same time for just a few hours a year, puts enormous strain on the system. To avoid blackouts during these few hours we need to build extra power plants – at considerable cost. This is the real issue that Australia needs to confront if we want to stop power price rises. The next largest component of electricity bills is the wholesale price of electricity (20 to 30 per cent of bills) 4. Solar is an insurance policy against rising costs.
Australian Government: “Strong growth in peak or maximum daily demand over recent years has been a significant contributor to rises in electricity costs... the main drivers of the growth in inefficient peak demand are the increased use of relatively low-cost, energy-intensive domestic appliances, such as air conditioners and large-screen TVs...” Energy White Paper 2012
Australian Energy Regulator (AER): “The main driver of higher retail energy prices has been rising charges for using energy networks - that is, the poles and wires, and gas pipelines that transport energy to consumers.” AER State of the Energy Market, January 2013
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SUSTAINABILITY
3
MYTH: Solar panels are often installed badly. FACT: The solar industry is well regulated and safe.
Solar panels and inverters (the component that converts the power generated by the panels into a form compatible with the electricity system) have to comply with the relevant Australian Standards, and every solar installer must first be qualified as an electrician, and then undergo additional training and accreditation in solar systems. The Clean Energy Council has a free consumer guide on its website to help people ask the right questions of their solar installer and get a quality product and installation 5.
4
MYTH: Household solar is just ‘tinkering round the edges’ of the electricity market. FACT: Household solar is helping reduce our overall demand for energy. In mid 2012, the Australian Energy Market Operator revised its annual forecast for energy demand down by 5 per cent, driven partly by the increased uptake of rooftop solar power as it acts to reduce overall demand. This trend of declining demand is suppressing wholesale electricity prices which, roughly speaking, are around half of what they were five years ago.
5 MYTH: Solar systems drive the need for expensive grid upgrades. FACT: The need for grid upgrades is driven by rising peak demand and insufficient investment in the electricity network over the last 20 years. The single largest reason for rising power bills is the cost of upgrades to transmission and distribution infrastructure (for example, the poles and wires which in some cases are decades old). This makes up about 40 to 50 per cent of the average household power bill, and would exist with or without the addition of solar power systems.6 The call on our electricity supplies at peak times during the day and year (for example, on really hot days when people come home from work and turn on their air conditioners) is a key driver of power price increases. This is known as ‘peak demand’ and it’s getting worse thanks to population growth and the rising use of energy-hungry appliances.7 It is estimated that 25 per cent of retail electricity costs are created by peak events that occur over less than 40 hours per year.8 Meeting this demand requires enormous investment in infrastructure that is sometimes only turned on a few times a year. On rare occasions in some remote places, network upgrades are needed to handle solar. But in most areas, solar can be connected to the grid without requiring network upgrades. It is estimated that the installation of a 2 kilowatt reverse-cycle air conditioner costs a consumer around (on average) $1500 yet imposes costs on the energy system as a whole of up to $7000 when adding to peak demand. The $7000 system-wide cost must then be spread across all other customers.9
SOLARGAIN ARE THE DEMONSTRATED EXPERTS IN
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Solargain PV Pty Ltd ACN 132 725 501 EC10367
WA Master Builder
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SUSTAINABILITY
6
MYTH: Solar panels are an expensive way to cut greenhouse gas emissions. FACT: Cutting emissions is just one of solar’s benefits. Solar power helps households offset the impacts of increased electricity prices resulting from a price on carbon, while many other cheaper forms of carbon reduction do nothing to help households adjust to the impact of the carbon price. Compared to the former Government’s $23 per tonne carbon price, the effective price per tonne of reduced carbon emissions through small-scale solar power can look expensive. But the two things are not the same. Solar power does two things: it reduces emissions and produces electricity, compared to companies purchasing carbon offsets which reduce global emissions but do not help supply Australians with electricity. The solar power industry brings another benefit: it supports a lot of local jobs. When viewed holistically solar stacks up well as not just a method of reducing emissions, but of simultaneously providing other social and economic benefits.
7
MYTH: Solar can only ever make a small contribution to our energy needs because it doesn’t produce power at night. FACT: Solar already makes a significant contribution and it’s just getting started. Solar power and energy efficiency schemes are helping cut our overall demand for electricity. Data released in 2011 by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) shows that overall demand for electricity in Australia actually fell for the first time in decades.10 “It is becoming apparent that electricity consumers are changing their energy use in response to rising electricity prices, adopting energy efficiency programs and the installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems,” AEMO Managing Director Matt Zema has said. 11 The Federal Government’s Energy White Paper, released in November 2012, projects that by 2035 solar PV will provide 17 per cent of Australia’s energy and 29 per cent by 2050. Already, over one million Australian households have solar panels installed, a number that will continue to grow as prices become more and more competitive. This just goes to show that solar is already a mainstream part of Australia’s energy mix.
8
MYTH: Renewable energy can’t compete economically with burning coal for power. FACT: The fossil fuel industry is heavily subsidised. The energy market in Australia is not a level playing field. The fossil fuelbased electricity system we have today is built on government subsidies, and fossil fuels continue to enjoy government assistance. For example, the Tamberlin Inquiry in NSW revealed that the government-owned Cobbora coal mine sold coal to power stations ‘at cost price’ (roughly 30 per cent of the price paid by other generators on the open market), which meant that: ‘...State-owned generators and gentraders [had] access to coal at a lower price than would have been available to them had they had to source such coal through a tender process.’ 12 This amounts to a subsidy of around $4 billion over the life of the contracts, and it is just one example of where taxpayers are footing
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the bill. On top of that, fossil fuels have been subsidised by not having to pay for the greenhouse gases they produce, and for the other health and environmental impacts they cause. Analysis published in the American Economic Review calculated that the economic damage caused by air pollutants from coal burning (in terms of health impacts and local pollution) exceeds the value of the electricity produced.13
The economics of solar
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MYTH: All the solar panels are made in China so there are few Australian jobs in solar. FACT: Thousands of Australians are employed in the solar industry It is true that most of the solar panels in Australia are produced overseas. However, there are thousands of Australians employed in the local solar industry. It is estimated that there are 39 jobs directly supported in Australia for every 1 megawatt (MW) of solar installed. In 2011, 500MW were installed, taking the national total to over 1000MW. This equates to around 14,000 jobs.
Jobs in the Australian solar industry: Research and Development – 3 per cent Manufacturing – 3 per cent Installations and customer service* – 64 per cent Distribution – 6 per cent Utilities – 2 per cent Other (financial, legal, training etc) – 21 per cent *includes companies performing installations, though this likely understates the utility staff supporting installations through call centres, billing, system inspection and meter changes.14 Due to rounding figures do not add up to 100 per cent.
10
MYTH: We need big breakthroughs in solar research and development to push the price down further, so government subsidies in Australia make no difference. FACT: Government subsidies help build local economies of scale, not reduce technology cost. While there have been some important technology breakthroughs over recent years, the primary driver for the recent cost reductions in solar has not been technical, it has been a result of competitive pressures and economies of scale. An independent report from the University of Melbourne confirms this assessment: Photovoltaics (PV) and wind power have historically shown that a large proportion of cost reductions have come from the increased knowledge and economies of scale associated with large-scale global deployment – not just improvements in technical efficiency.15
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WA Master Builder
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WHAT’S NEW
SUSTAINABILITY
In other words, winding back or shutting down government assistance in Australia will not have much impact on the global price of solar panels, but it will have a substantial impact on the local installation costs by affecting the scale of the industry and therefore levels of competition in the market.
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MYTH: Green schemes help the rich buy solar, subsidised by the poor. FACT: Lower and fixed income households are driving the solar boom. The suburbs with the highest percentage of solar installations are overwhelmingly low- to middle-income suburbs and places with a high proportion of retirees. These are the households that are the most concerned about rising electricity prices.
In 2012 the top 10 solar postcodes were: Dubbo, NSW – 28 per cent of houses with solar Caloundra QLD – 27.3 per cent Victor Harbor, McCracken, Hindmarsh Valley, SA – 25.9 per cent
NOTES:
1 ‘Re-considering the economics of photovoltaic power’, Bloomberg New Energy Finance, 16/5/12 2, 3, 4 CEC analysis 5 www.cleanenergycouncil.org.au/ resourcecentre/Consumer-Info/solarPV-guide 6 CEC analysis 7 Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, Queensland Energy Management Plan, Queensland Government, Brisbane, 2011 8, 9 R. Fraser, ‘Demand side management’, paper presented at the Australian Institute of Energy symposium, NSW’s Electricity Future 2020 (and beyond): What will it look like and how do we get there? 24 May 2010, Sydney 10 Statement of Opportunities, August 2011, AEMO 11 AEMO reports power usage dip, Climate Spectator, 6 March 2012 12 Special Commission of Inquiry into the Electricity Transactions, p.9. 13 Environmental Accounting for Pollution in the United States Economy, American Economic Review, Vol. 101, No. 5, August 2011 14 Review of the Australian solar PV industry 2011, Clean Energy Council, p.18. 15 Renewable Energy Technology Cost Review, Melbourne Energy Institute, March 2011, p.1. The Clean Energy Council (CEC) is the peak body representing Australia’s clean energy sector. It is an industry association made up of more than 550 member companies operating in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency.
Pinjarra, Oakley, Ravenswood, WA – 24.7 per cent Currency Creek, Goolwa, Hindmarsh Island, SA – 24.7 per cent Aldinga, Port Willunga, Silver Sands, SA – 24.1 per cent Jimboomba, North & South Maclean, QLD – 23.9 per cent Ellenbrook, Brigadoon, The Vines, WA – 23.8 per cent Hallett Cove, Sheidow Park, SA – 23.6 per cent
For more information visit cleanenergycouncil.org.au
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DIRECTORY
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CONTRACTS in Beams refers to jobs that you have estimated and have been awarded the job. You can automatically
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