2013 May-Jun Master Builders WA Magazine

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE MASTER BUILDERS ASSOCIATION OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

VOLUME 10 NUMBER 2 MAY-JUNE 2013

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Strength in commercial property HOME in WA back for 2013 Trade missions to Dubai, Kuwait, India Fair Work Act amendments

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Contents

ouR CoveR The 2013 Master Builders’ awards program is under way with the Housing Excellence and South West Building Excellence gongs announced recently at lavish parties. See pages 22-30 for full details.

forewords

updates

features

President’s File................................................... 4

membership .................................................... 34

enhancing outdoor space with pavers ............. 60

Director’s File .................................................... 6

Personal Pars .................................................. 36

energy efficiency - KnX is Green .................... 63

Reports

staff Profile ..................................................... 37

roofing ..................................................................67

industrial relations .......................................... 38

What’s new .................................................... 71

master Builders General news .......................... 8

insurance......................................................... 40

master Builders Branches ................................ 32

Legal ............................................................... 42

awards

safety .............................................................. 44

Housing excellence Awards ............................. 22 south West Awards......................................... 26

technical ......................................................... 46 members’ Health ............................................ 48 Housing........................................................... 49 Business Development .................................... 52 training .......................................................... 58

PUBLISHED BY

Crowther Blayne & Associates Pty Ltd Phone: 1800 222 757 Fax: 1800 063 151 Email: publications@crowtherblayne.com.au Advertising Sales Manager: Patricia Davey 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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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 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 and Events Manager: Kelly Dewar-Matusik Technical Advisor: Romina De Santis Training Director: Neil Du Rand Training Manager: Michael Fitzgerald Regional Operations Manager: Gavin Connaughton

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 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 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

the year of elections: one down, one to go the outcome of this year’s state election might not have surprised many of us but the overwhelming result certainly did. We now have a better idea of what lies ahead for us over the next four years and can look forward to some political stability compared to our national experience with a minority government.

in DeVeLoPinG and implementing policies, it will be important for the Barnett-Grylls Government to continue listening to key stakeholders like master Builders. By consistently following this approach, our new government will avoid both complacency and arrogance.

By the time this magazine goes to print, members of our Board and senior staff will have met with each of the ministers who has a portfolio having an impact on our industry. the objective of this exercise is to make these politicians and their senior advisors and bureaucrats aware of our policy priorities (which were listed in our last magazine) and how we can help to achieve them.

As i have said before, we don’t always achieve everything we want but we never give up trying - especially when we believe we are right and know that our industry would be better off. We fight not only for the industry, but also for consumers who bear the final burden of red tape costs. extending the Construction training Fund 0.2 percent levy to civil engineering construction projects in the mining and resource sector is a classic example. Payroll tax is another example.

Lobbying our state Government is an ongoing task and our strategies vary according to the complexity and sensitivity of the issue and personnel we are dealing with. We also have an interest in the federal election on 14 september but tend to rely more on our national office in Canberra to lobby on our behalf. to ensure that WA interests are heard, several of our Board members and senior staff regularly attend national meetings to discuss policy priorities and strategies to achieve them. regrettably, the national political scene has generated a long list of changes and reforms we want from our next Federal Government. some of the more important priorities include:

Acknowledging the Support of our 2013 Partners:

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• re-establishing the Australian Building and Construction Commission to deal with unlawful industrial relations practices.

• A “fit and proper person” test for all office bearers in unions and industry associations.

• more streamlined and simplified development approvals processes.

• A uniform Building Code and regulatory system to ensure the development of an efficient and competitive building industry.

• ensuring state governments honour their long overdue commitment to abolish stamp duty on property conveyances.

• Limiting minimum energy standards to 6 stars.

• Appointing a dedicated federal minister for Building and Construction with a dedicated department to work with us to drive new industry programs and reduce red tape.

• A repeal of the tax reporting arrangements by building contractors which commenced on 1 July 2012.

• A reduction in company tax to 25 percent. the lengthy lead-up period to the september election is not something we look forward to as we will see lots of political propaganda flowing from all sides of politics. regardless of these shenanigans, master Builders’ main focus will be on highlighting our policy priorities through engaging with appropriate members of Parliament, their advisors and the media. it’s a hard slog with no short-cuts but it’s the only way to get our key messages across and obtain some commitment from our next lot of parliamentarians.

Your industry working hard to have a say and make a difference! robert Shaw

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FoReWoRd: Director’s File

Adding value to your membership Builders, specialist contractors, suppliers and kindred organisations join master Builders for lots of different reasons.

mAnY Join for the regular information updates; others join for our member services such as contracts advice, industrial relations representation, technical support, safety expertise or access to more than 150 training courses. still others like to benchmark their projects through our Building excellence Awards or simply to use our master Builder logo. some like to become active on committees and to shape the direction of their industry through representation and lobbying.

Whatever the motivation, our Association caters for pretty well all needs within our diverse industry. A growing number of small business members (who comprise the majority of our 1800 members across WA) are attaching more importance to the added value master Builder membership provides to their businesses. this added value, or leveraging, is provided by our growing list of alliance partners. master Builders’ staff choose our alliance partners very carefully as our members rely on us to only promote reputable and honourable businesses. over the years the list of these partners has grown significantly. Let’s take a look at what some of them have to offer members: • Bankwest, our Principal Partner – reductions in the cost of finance.

• toyota – national gold fleet discounts on all new vehicles.

• Jackson mcDonald – a free 15 minute consultation on our legal hotline.

• telstra – amazing deals on all telecommunication appliances.

• Caltex – discounts on fuel.

• office max – discounts on office stationery and furniture.

• true north – special rates for 6 star energy ratings.

• mates in Construction- free suicide awareness training.

• Hyatt regency Hotel – special master Builder rates on accommodation.

• Home in WA – discounted state-wide tV promotions.

Acknowledging the Support of our 2013 Partners:

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We also have alliances with businesses to provide specialist building industry expertise for our members. these businesses include rsm Bird Cameron (for financial and accountancy services), Cbus (superannuation), Hays (recruitment services), Levesys (business advisory services), reddiFund (worker redundancy benefits) and instant Waste and earth Care for waste management and recycling solutions. to service members’ insurance needs we have established our own national insurance broking business, mBA insurance services. We are about to launch an alliance with a well-known organisation to provide members with discounted health insurance premiums.

Although members may not choose to do business with all our alliance partners, you can be assured that those you do choose will give you excellent value for your dollar. each alliance partners is committed to provide the best customer service and value for money. if they don’t, please let me know. our long term objective is to provide such a comprehensive range of services to our members that you couldn’t afford not to be a member.

We are pretty close to obtaining that objective. As always, we welcome your feedback on the services and products we provide. if we can improve on the quality and range of services we offer you, we certainly will try to achieve this. As a master Builder member, you deserve the best as you provide the best.

Michael McLean

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RepoRts: General News

Master Builders’ communications director Geoff Cooper.

Politicians need to relinquish their control over infrastructure planning to address our housing shortage, says master Builders’ communications director Geoff Cooper.

infrastructure flip flop has got to stop our reCent state election is clear proof that we need a new structure for infrastructure provision to support housing development. We had a whopping 81,700 net new arrivals in WA in the year to september 2012 – that is more than 1500 people to accommodate every week! no wonder rents have jumped. meanwhile, we continue to produce around 20,000 new homes a year. the numbers are not adding up. unless we accommodate four new people in each new home, or squish more people into our existing housing stock, we are going to end up short. this housing industry shortfall is leading to escalating rental or purchase costs. Homelessness and housing stress will be the visible prices paid by our community. to address this, we need to see governments create an environment that encourages housing development. A key step will be to fix up the supply of infrastructure.

A fundamental problem with infrastructure supply by state governments is that it is announced in an apparently ad hoc and unpredictable way during heated election campaigns. investors and developers cannot really be sure what will be built, when or even where. elections can feature huge infrastructure project announcements, made with limited costing work done, sometimes by under-resourced oppositions, whose express purpose is to counter perceived polling advantages of political opponents in marginal seats.

We had the recent example in the 2013 election campaign of both Labor and Liberal urban rail projects being announced. the announcements didn’t seem part of a long-term vision, integrated with the necessary planning decisions and other social infrastructure investments. Limited consultation occurred. While being admirable plans, they were attempts to be one hit wonders with the voters, not something that will harmonise effectively with other published plans (dealing with, for example, densities, water supply, electricity networks and so on), nor are they rigorously tested against other community priorities. Going back further, some readers might recall that the Perth Arena was originally hastily drafted and costed in an election-charged

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environment. the project ended up costing a significant multiple of the original cost. While the centre is a great asset for our state, it was not sourced and delivered in a structured and properly assessed manner. not only is there uncertainty about future announcements, but existing infrastructure projects can be placed at risk in election campaigns.

For example, the opposition in the 2013 state election announced significant proposed changes to major projects at Burswood and on the swan river foreshore. Prospective investors would not have been comfortable with the debate. this flip flopping undermines confidence of private sector investors, who are the suppliers of the vast majority of housing in WA. they appreciate a stable environment with certainty in governance, because they invest a lot of money and time into feasibility studies and approvals processes.

What we need instead is to remove major infrastructure planning and investment from the direct control of politicians and have it overseen by an independent body which operates to deliver a long term infrastructure plan. this plan, always available to every Western Australian, should coordinate and publish the delivery schedule of key infrastructure with a 20-year time horizon, updated say every four years. the benefits are clear: • investors, developers, builders and home buyers would be able to see when rail may reach a location, what schools are planned and what road access should be like for a particular area. they would know what electricity supply is available, and the allowed densities in developments.

• All proposed infrastructure would go through more rigorous cost benefit analysis.

• it would allow for better coordination of Federal, state and Local Government decision making.

• the new structure also could encourage new models for infrastructure funding.

• there would be lower risk, and therefore more private investment would be attracted.

• the public would get much more value for money. the reality is that politicians will have to relinquish some control for the long-term benefit of our community in WA. they’ve done it with other independent regulatory bodies (for example, the reserve Bank, Development Assessment Panels, the Fair Work Commission), so why not do it for vital community infrastructure?

We’ll see what we at master Builders can do to push a new infrastructure delivery model to help kick-start investment in vital housing infrastructure in WA by the public and private sectors.

Send any comments to Geoff@mbawa.com. These are the views of the author and might not reflect the final view of the Association.

RepoRts: General News

Damian Stone (right) addresses the breakfast gathering with fellow panellists (l-r) Anthony De Francesco, Mark Vonic, Andrew Ross and Peter Agostino.

WA tops in commercial property sectors master Builders’ recent Commercial Property outlook Breakfast guests were told that WA has outstripped others in commercial property markets.

AntHonY De FrAnCesCo, managing director of iPD Australia and new Zealand, said WA’s return on all property types in 2012 was 12.5 percent, whereas the nation’s return was 9.4 percent. “there has been an outperformance of the WA market across all property sectors,” mr De Francesco told his audience. WA performed particularly well in the industrial sector, with a return rate of 18 percent, compared to the nation’s rate of 9.6 percent.” “the WA office sector was also strong in 2012, with a return rate of 15.6 percent, compared to the national 9.7 percent.” mr De Francesco also said there are very favourable labour market conditions in WA, with the state delivering employment growth

above the national average. the favourable conditions looked set to continue, with 2013 seeing the employment growth in WA at 3.2 percent compared to 1.5 percent in nsW and 0.1 percent in Victoria. Global macroeconomic markets were remaining weak, with the european union being the biggest drag on growth. Damian stone, principal of Y research, presented an overview of Perth suburban office markets, commenting on a change of sentiment. He identified some of the development hotspots in Perth, including the CBD, stirling, West Leederville, Fremantle and Perth Airport. “the resources industry provides the foundation of WA’s strong property performance. in the last quarter we saw a dip in iron ore prices, which sent shockwaves through the Perth office market,” he said. mr stone also noted: • in the Perth office market there is a shift in development trends towards smaller buildings.

• Access to finance is still a factor curtailing development.

• there is limited current office development

in the CBD and West Perth. Large tenants will be needed to underwrite more office development in these locations.

• office returns have again put Perth on the map for global investors. Foreign pension funds, foreign banks and large Australian listed and unlisted funds have bought Perth office buildings in the past 24 months.

• retail trends have shifted with the development of new smaller neighbourhood centres and limited expansion of major centres.

• A shortage of large warehouses and hardstand space has been a feature of the Perth industrial market in recent years.

• there have been a number of recent hotel sales including Primewest buying the esplanade Hotel in Fremantle and FJm equities buying the sebel in mandurah. other speakers at the breakfast were Peter Agostino, senior managing director of CBre, Andrew ross, portfolio manager for BWP trust and Primewest chief investment officer, mark Vonic. sponsors of the event were mBA insurance services, Hays, reddiFund and Bluescope Colorbond.

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RepoRts: General News

Master Builders Australia CEO Wilhelm Harnisch.

457 crackdown misdirected: Master Builders master Builders Australia has seriously questioned the rationale for new 457 compliance arrangements.

unDer tHe arrangements, the Fair Work ombudsman will monitor compliance with 457 visas but will refer suspicious activity to the Department of immigration investigation team. master Builders believes the Department of immigration is the appropriate agency and should be properly resourced to enable it to continue its role of supervising 457 visas and not the ombudsman. the proposed changes were announced in march by immigration minister Brendan o’Connor and Workplace relations minister Bill shorten.

Wilhelm Harnisch, chief executive officer of master Builders Australia, says there is no documented evidence of systematic abuse of 457 visa conditions. “there are only a small number of documented cases where rogue employers have been caught abusing 457 visas, which shows the current system is working,” he said. “simply citing anecdotal cases of alleged abuses does not prove the current system is failing. As a result of a comprehensive inquiry into the system conducted by Commissioner Deegan of the now Fair Work Commission, there already have been several changes made to 457 visa conditions aiming to reduce exploitation. “master Builders believes that training Australians first should be paramount, but 457 visa holders play an important role in Australia’s building and construction industry where there are skills shortages from time to time. in the case of such shortages, using 457 visa holders to fill the gap benefits all Australians. it provides economic benefits and also allows vital skills to be transferred to Australia. master Builders calls for a rational discussion between government and industry rather than the Government making decisions on the run.”

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Anti-discrimination back down a win for common sense tHe GoVernment’s march announcement that it will withdraw its proposed antidiscrimination legislation is a win for common sense, according to master Builders Australia Ceo, Wilhelm Harnisch. mr Harnisch says the exposure draft must be scrapped entirely and any new version of the legislation must be created with full consultation and scrutiny by key stakeholders and business. “the current Bill encroached on people’s basic rights such as free speech and it was particularly difficult for businesses to work with,” he said. “it was poorly expressed and could have led to an increase in disputes in the building and construction industry because it was widely open to interpretation. “the Bill also had significant compliance implications for business because it created a new definition of discrimination and reversed the burden of proof during the complaints process. the estimated cost for the building and construction industry to update policies and train staff in order to comply with the Bill if it was implemented would have been $600 million.” mr Harnisch said master Builders was pleased common sense had prevailed.

“We broadly supports efforts to consolidate and simplify five discrimination Acts into one,” he said. “However, it is imperative should a new draft Bill be contemplated, the Attorney-General actively engages with industry in developing provisions which properly balance protection for workers from discrimination and recognise the compliance burden on business.”

New Cabinet should focus on economy and productivity mAster BuiLDers Australia says the latest Federal Cabinet needs to strengthen its focus on economic and productivity policies and reforms to help business continue to grow the economy and create jobs. Ceo Wilhelm Harnisch says the building industry is looking to Government to put its internal uncertainty behind it. “master Builders is continuing to work constructively with the Government to address the nation’s challenges including building more affordable housing and investing in infrastructure,” he said. “it is crucial that stability is not only restored, but that the Government’s focus is placed on policies that help restore confidence in the business community. it is business which invests, creates jobs, drives the economy and in turn pays taxes. “the building and construction industry is one of the primary drivers of the economy. it employs one million Australians and accounts for close to eight percent of Australia’s economic output. A strong building and construction industry is critically important to the nation. However, recent anti-business policy announcements and uncertainty in the Government have been damaging. We are looking to the Government for clear and decisive leadership to help the industry to recover from a sustained downturn in activity and to start driving growth in the economy.” mr Harnisch said master Builders Australia was looking forward to working with Craig emerson as the minister for tertiary education, skills, science and research and sharon Bird as the minister for Higher education and skills. “the Government’s efforts to address the industry’s future skills needs are important,” mr Harnisch said. “the industry will have to train more than 350,000 new people over the next 10 years to meet demand as activity starts to return to normal levels. We also welcome the appointment of Gary Gray as the minister for small Business and Bernie ripoll as Parliamentary secretary for small Business. the majority of the building and construction industry businesses are small businesses and play a vital role in Australia’s economy.”

RepoRts: General News

While building contracts are covered by the Home Building Contracts Act and Construction Contracts Act, much small scale work still is done on trust with little or no paper work. the message from Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll is that consumers need to be wary and contractors need to understand their obligations.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll

Legal action against fencing contractor

Consumer ProteCtion has taken legal action against a rogue fencing contractor which has been the subject of a high number of complaints from consumers. united Fencing (WA) Pty Ltd of mandurah, a registered company of sole director James Lee Battah of Harvey, closed its Bunbury office earlier this year. the company has signed a Court enforceable undertaking under the Australian Consumer Law with Consumer Protection which places strict conditions on present and future dealings with customers. Consumer Protection has received 37 complaints against the company, most in the past five months, with customers claiming to have paid a total of $60,000 in deposits, but little or no work has been carried out. many consumers have taken action in local magistrates Courts to recover their deposits.

Complaints continue to be received despite assurances from the company that the work will be completed. united Fencing and its director have largely ignored the customers’ complaints and to date have refused requests to refund deposits paid for work that has not been started or completed. the most recent report from a consumer indicated that united Fencing may be contacting existing customers, demanding progress payments on jobs that it has yet to commence. existing customers are advised not to pay any further payments to the company until work is completed to their complete satisfaction.

the enforceable undertaking requires united Fencing to supply existing and future customers with written contracts that clearly set out a timeframe for completion of work, the costs involved and which limit the amount of deposit to be paid to 10 percent of the contract price. the company also will be required to refund almost $43,000 in deposits to 24 customers.

Consumer Protection will be closely monitoring the trader to ensure it abides by the undertaking. Heavy penalties will apply if it fails. under the Australian Consumer Law, work must be carried out within in a reasonable time. We tell consumers it would be wise to get a commitment in writing from traders setting out a timeframe for the completion of the work, a breakdown of the cost and exactly what work is to be carried out.

Being in the building industry it is worth knowing that Consumer Protection recommends the following to consumers who are engaging the services of tradespeople: • obtain at least two written quotes for the work.

• Pay only a small deposit and ask for receipts for any money paid.

• Check the reputation and qualifications of the business operators – ask for references, inspect previous work carried out and perhaps do an internet search to see if positive or negative comments arise.

• ensure there is a clear understanding about what work needs to be carried out.

• set a deadline or outline a timeframe in writing for when the work must be completed.

Fair Work visit Fair Work Building and Construction (inspectorate) has a new executive director, Brian Corney. He was in Perth recently and caught up with master Builders’ director michael mcLean and construction director Kim richardson for a briefing. mr Corney (left) is pictured with madeleine Jones (FWBC state director field operations) and mr mcLean after the session at Construction House.

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RepoRts: General News

Noting the tournament’s scant refreshments in the foreground, Master Builders’ tennis correspondent Harve Vollee captured this image of what he loosely described as tennis aces at the Master Builders-Butler Settineri Grand Slam corporate tennis afternoon.

Record number as tennis rebounds master Builders’ tennis took a leap forward in march with a record number of competitors in what was branded the year’s first master Builders Grand slam event.

neeDLess to say, master Builder magazine tennis correspondent Harve Vollee was there, cream sweater loosely knotted round his shoulders, and comfortably ensconced in a deck-chair on the sidelines sipping his Pimm’s. He reports that the grass courts of the hallowed Kings Park tennis Club provided a lower than usual bounce due to the previous day’s wet weather, but the challenging conditions and faint line markings weren’t enough to deter what he described as “the keen spirit of competition and occasional fair play” among the participants. taking full advantage of the hospitality offered by the event’s sponsors, master Builders’ auditors Butler settineri, the indolent Vollee noted a number of players were appearing on the Grand slam circuit for the first time, among them Les Hollins (WAms) whose “body could only sustain three of the five sets before injury forced him to retire”. the remainder of Vollee’s dubious and sometimes-uncharitable player-byplayer analysis follows.

“Another debutant, Barry Worthington (Georgiou) found the going extremely tough and his orientation clearly favoured the familiar surrounds of a construction site,” he reported. “scott Gibson (Kingspan insulation) found it hard to insulate his lack of tennis practice and never recovered from a disastrous 6-0 start to the tournament.

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“nathan szkoruda (Construction Apprenticeship mentoring scheme) was another debutant who struggled with more seasoned tennis artisans. His enthusiasm to be mentored by the seeded players could reap dividends.

“Kalistah shaw (Daly & shaw) showed in her debut on the circuit that the fillies can force errors from the male brigade. Her netball and table-tennis prowess provided unprecedented agility and finesse around the court.

“Joe Gangemi, the Butler settineri italian stallion, proved that a successful weight loss program and fitness regime does not guarantee success on a tough circuit. the draw did not favour the long-standing sponsor whose potential is yet to be realised. “simon Amos (Cardno) peaked early with a 6-0 win in the opening round but found the going got tougher as the afternoon unfolded and nick rosato’s debut got off to the worst possible start, though he managed to keep his dacks on for the consolation rounds, showing sufficient promise to trouble the bookmakers at the next major.

“Four players couldn’t be separated on the final score card after some impressive performances – the good old Association’s president, robert shaw (Daly & shaw), debutant Ben Keane (Construction Hydraulic Design), late inclusion ray thomas (Pyramid Constructions) and veteran stan Voloczi (also from Pyramid). the president took a few rolls during the afternoon but was up and about at the end of the slam questioning the masculinity of several of his fellow Board members for failing to appear on the circuit.

“Director michael mcLean found some of the younger, unseeded players a force to be reckoned with and confided in me that, as chief handicapper, he will ensure that the draw will favour him more at the

RepoRts: General News

next outing. You might assume, dear reader, that this was spoken in jest, but i assure you, the director was deadly serious.

will continue to trouble many of the ageing veterans (though nothing a good handicapper can’t fix, eh michael?).

“seasoned campaigners ray Kershaw snr (mondo exclusive) and tony tarzia (Coastal tiling) were as consistent as ever, maintaining their ranking for the next encounter. Debutant Barry Cottom (Brikmakers) was one of the surprise packets at this Grand slam event with his agility and competitiveness. His renowned customer service skills helped console several of his opponents throughout the afternoon. thom Baker (Georgiou) made a slow start but improved to have a successful debut. He has the potential to trouble the best.

“the outright champion at this year’s master Builders-Butler settineri march Grand slam was Damien Cranwell (WAms) with a record 28 games won. Damien’s debut was low key and contributed to keeping his winning form under the radar and at arm’s length from the chief handicapper. Few escape his scrutiny, Damien, so congratulations on securing some big scalps in winning each of your five sets.

“And so to the victory dais where in third place was Andrej Petrovic from Georgiou with 24 games won. this chap’s athleticism and consistency proved too much for the novices and his debut was impressive.

“Good to see the old school tie fraternity showing their usual class with Franky Cousin (Georgiou) the runner-up with 25 games won. He showed glimpses of his Hale school tennis form with a sensational initiation into the big time of master Builder tennis. His youth and flair

“Finally, dear reader, notable absentees from the tournament were previous winner Geoff Cooper (allegedly sick) and up-and-comer rob spadaccini (paternity leave). Both will find it hard to force their way back into the rankings with the quality of players now on the master Builder circuit.

“Which brings me to the next Grand slam on Wednesday 30 october. i am almost beside myself when i say, bring it on (and don’t spare the Pimm’s)!”

Ready for action (l-r): Master Builders’ director Michael McLean, housing director (and serious golfer) Gavan Forster, president Robert Shaw and Simon Winfield (Hays).

Back to nature at Master Builders Hays Golf Day tHe reCent master Builders Hays Corporate Golf Day was an opportunity for 48 red hot and deadly keen golfers to take on the bush, the wildlife, the weather and, of course, the fairways and greens at the Vines resort and Country Club. it was a warm day, but most of the participants were up to the challenge. shane Ball, Klae Degg, roy o’toole and John Galleghan proved to be the best of the bunch coming up as skilful winners on the day.

At the other extreme, Bill Quick, Andy Whitehouse and Andy Farrell walked away with the wooden spoon, with identification stamps for their golf balls! Winners for the novelty holes were master Builders’ president robert shaw (nearest to pin), John irvine (longest drive) and roy o’toole (straightest drive). While a poor tradesman always blames his tools, master Builders’ staffer skye mcCartney watching on, noted that some of the underperformers blamed the heat for their ordinary golf. nevertheless, the day was judged a great success and master Builders thanks Hays, and in particular simon Winfield, mark Lawton, nik Hardiman and Chris Kent, for continued support for the Corporate Golf Day. Wooden spooners (but looking remarkably happy about it) Bill Quick (Delta) and Andy Whitehouse and Andy Farrell (WCS) with president Shaw.

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Wash-up wish list in the aftermath of the state election, master Builders will be looking for Government policies which will stimulate activity in the building industry.

ACCorDinG to master Builders’ director michael mcLean the housing industry is showing early signs of economic recovery whereas the nonresidential sector continues to struggle out of a lengthy downturn. “the Government needs to establish a more conducive regulatory environment in which to transact business in the building and construction industry,” mr mcLean said. “Apart from some headline mega capital works projects, builders are keen to hear what new policies will benefit their industry over the next four years. the Association has developed a simple wish list which we believe will make the industry more productive and affordable during the next term of Government.”

The policy priority list includes: • extending the 0.2 percent Construction training Fund levy to civil engineering construction projects carried out for the miningresource sector. mr mcLean said it is a disgrace that this is the only sector not contributing to the training of building apprentices.

• reforming local government, including via fewer local government authorities, to improve the efficiency and consistency in processing new building and planning applications.

• index the threshold for payroll tax to $1.5 million to reduce the impost on employers engaging labour. ideally, payroll tax would be abolished altogether because it act as a deterrent to employing labour.

• introducing a Code of Practice and task Force to deal with unlawful industrial relations and other practices in the industry.

• exempting single detached housing projects from the planning approval process. such projects still would need to comply with relevant residential Design Codes and be subject to the current building approval process.

Reward for Curtin Uni high achiever KierAn rAFFertY is the recipient of this year’s master Builders’ prize for the most outstanding third year student in the Bachelor of Applied science (Construction management and economics) course at Curtin university. mr rafferty received a $300 cheque and 12 months’ master Builders’ student membership. mr rafferty (20) says he would like to study law and work in the field of construction law after completing his Curtin university course. While studying, he has been working in his father’s quantity surveying business, Borrell rafferty Associates Pty Ltd. He has one more year of study to complete his Construction management degree and has proven to be a high achiever with two other sponsor prizes recognising his academic prowess.

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Master Builders’ director Michael McLean has outlined policy priorities which the Association will be pushing with the Barnett Government.

• introducing stamp duty relief to encourage increased activity levels in property and construction.

• Developing a transparent infrastructure policy and appointing an infrastructure minister in response to WA’s fast growing population. this policy would make reference to such items of infrastructure as power, water, transport, hospitals and schools.

• Appointing a senior and experienced member of Parliament to take on the joint responsibilities of housing and planning. this would assist to reform the building and planning approvals processes which will benefit everyone.

• overhauling the state’s mandatory housing indemnity insurance scheme to make it more flexible, equitable, and affordable.

• introducing a system for private certification for building approvals which does not require local government endorsement, similar to the Victorian model.

• introducing meaningful financial or other incentives for employers to take on and train more building apprentices to avoid the industry again experiencing skill and labour shortages when the economy improves.

• Fast tracking the release of more residential and industrial land in anticipation of the needs of the growing population in both the Perth metropolitan area and major regional centres. mr mcLean said the policy priorities had been communicated to the major political parties before the election and master Builders now was waiting to see what the next four years will hold for the building industry. meetings with key ministers in the newly elected Government already were underway to press master Builders’ concerns.

Kieran Rafferty with Master Builders’ director Michael McLean.

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Big year for Master Builders’ Big 5 Show participants

tHe BiG 5 sHoW in Dubai will return to master Builders Australia international Division’s program this year. the mission 2013 program includes Big 5 shows in Kuwait and india as well as the Dubai event in november. international Division national manager Keith stubbs says the Big 5 show in Dubai continues to be a key attraction for exhibitors and visitors throughout the Arabian Gulf. Last year’s show hit new heights with more than 60,000 visitors, two thirds of whom came from Gulf Cooperation Council countries. in addition, almost 20,000 visitors came from other locations including middle east countries and europe. “no wonder over 2300 companies exhibited at the Big 5 show Dubai last year to tap into this excellent audience,” mr stubbs says. “Dubai is the business hub for the GCC and is now getting back to normal after the serious setback it suffered through the Global Financial Crisis.

An example of the resurgence is a new city in Dubai announced last november which will feature a park bigger than London’s Hyde Park and a retail complex – mall of the World – with the capacity to host 80 million visitors.” master Builders also will be supporting the well-known and trusted Big 5 brand at two new Big 5 shows – mumbai, india and Kuwait – in september. mr stubbs said that the launch of two new shows will enable Australian companies to build business in the rapidly growing markets.

“Kuwait’s lucrative construction budget is $us 30.5 billion, the largest Kuwait has ever seen,” he said. “And india’s $us 403 billion construction industry is certainly one of the world’s most exciting construction markets.” information packs on the three missions are available from mr stubbs on (03) 9411 4553 or email kstubbs@mabv.com.au.

Master Builders Australia chief economist Peter Jones says the latest survey hints at improvement in building activity.

Builder sentiment improves but activity lags A nAtionAL surVeY of more than 500 builders and contractors has revealed key indicators are starting to improve but are failing to result in increased activity. the march quarter master Builders national survey of Building and Construction showed that builders expect the industry to improve in the medium term, but are still struggling in the short term. the survey is another indicator suggesting the medium to longer term outlook for the building industry is starting to improve, while in the short term, recovery remains tenuous. recent Australian Bureau of statistics building approvals figures reflected the fragile nature of the upturn in residential building as well as showing a further deterioration in non-residential building.

Peter Jones, master Builders Australia chief economist, says while signs of a recovery may be beginning to emerge for the industry, the upswing is coming from a very low base and questions remain about its strength. “the turnaround in the survey sentiment suggests previous interest rate cuts may be beginning to take hold, but builders are yet to see any benefit from the rate reductions,” he said. “Builders reported less work on the books than in the previous quarter, sales contracts remained essentially unchanged and profits remain weak. “the good news for builders came in some of the industry’s forward indicators. Display centre traffic and commercial enquiries increased markedly in the quarter and are now higher than the average reading recorded over the past nine years. expectations for industry activity and own business activity also rose to levels above the survey’s neutral reading, which suggests there could be improvement for the industry in the short to medium term. mr Jones said that as a major driver of economic growth and employment, a strong recovery in the building and construction sector is vital for Australia’s economy. the industry has been earmarked by treasurer Wayne swan and the reserve Bank to play a major role lifting the non-mining sectors as the economy loses the mining investment boom as a driver. However, the industry is a long way from filling the gap.

Exhibitors in Master Builders’ Big 5 Show pavilions are supported with strong Australian branding including the Australian Made logo.

“Although the reserve Bank has done most of the heavy lifting in trying to stimulate non-mining sectors, it must not rule out further interest rate cuts,” mr Jones said. “the Government must also play their part by creating a more business friendly environment. it is important state and territory Governments also address supply side constraints and bottlenecks.”

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HOME in WA

HOME in WA’s new production team (re-joined this season by producer Adrian Faure after a year away doing other projects) assembled at Master Builders recently for 2013’s first production meeting.

year 14 off and running WitH 13 YeArs under their belts, the production team at Channel seven’s Home in WA television series is kicking off another season with their four hundred and fifty-fourth episode on 4 may. master Builders has been a major partner in the show since inception in 2000. recently the team met at master Builders’ newly refurbished offices for their first production meeting and while there, executive producer ron reddingius and master Builders’ director michael mcLean signed the 2013 agreement for this year’s series. Home in WA gives Association members the opportunity to invest in their own personalised production of a three-minute story about their businesses, products or services. “the story is scripted, presented and filmed on location in a three-hour production,” says mr reddingius (known as Dingo to all and sundry). “it creates your story, your corporate video which then gets slotted into the program. it goes to air statewide on GWn7 and on Channel 7 in the metro area but now it is also posted up on Youtube.

“With video being so popular on websites these days, we will upload your remixed, individual story to Youtube linking it to the Home in WA website.

We then supply this link to you so you can put it up on your website.”

Ron Reddingius and Michael McLean sign off on Master Builders’ 2013 commitment to HOME in WA.

Check out www.homeinwa.com.au and give Dingo a call on 0417 279 103 to find out more.

Good track record for Perry Lakes the redevelopment of Perry Lakes in Floreat is proving popular for land buyers.

Following the release of stage 2B’s first residential cottage lots in December, 18 lots have been sold.

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As WeLL As a premium location between the coast and Perth city, the estate offers purchasers the unique opportunity to build a home on the site of the historic 1962 Commonwealth Games. the historical context was a drawcard for Peter Lunt and his wife Diane who purchased a cottage lot at the Perry Lakes auction in December. A former athlete, mr Lunt was one of the first people to run on the track, in a test-run of the newly built stadium before the 1962 Games.

“Perry Lakes holds many fond memories for me,” mr Lunt said. “they all came flooding back when we came down for the auction. the lot we bought is right next to the road that was once the track i ran on.” the development has a diverse range of lots on offer, with 21 remaining, ranging in size from 251-660 square metres and with asking prices from $520,000. For more information visit www.perrylakes.com.au, call 1300 730 435 or email perrylakes@landcorp.com.au.

RepoRts: General News

Master Builders’ president Robert Shaw cuts the ribbon at the entry to the Association’s swish new offices.

John Doust and John Mitchell unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the opening of the refurbished Construction House.

office refit open for business the refurbishment of master Builders’ headquarters, Construction House in Havelock street, West Perth, was given official recognition early in April with an opening ceremony conducted by two Association and building industry veterans.

tHe muLti-miLLion dollar refit of the building, which took more than two-and-a-half years in the planning and execution, included completely replacing aging air conditioning and lifts, new ceilings, lights and carpets in tenancies and replacing the windows throughout. new fitouts were provided for two sitting tenants and a third was relocated to a modified existing tenancy. the project was managed by master Builder member West Australian mechanical services, with all the fitout work carried out by another member, interior Building solutions. master Builders relocated from level 5 of the 40-year-old building to a striking new fitout on level 3 conceived by machin Designs to reflect the Association’s preeminent role in the building industry. the official re-opening of the building was carried out by past presidents John Doust and John mitchell who regaled a gathering of about 80 industry dignitaries, Association members, staff and project team personnel with stories of earlier master Builder glory days. mr Doust played an integral part in the Association acquiring the land on which Construction House was built. mr mitchell was a councillor and treasurer of the organisation for many years before becoming president and subsequently being made a life member. His father, mac mitchell, was the president of the day who teamed with mr Doust to secure the Havelock street land.

Among the Association’s current office bearer ranks, George Alligame, John ripp, sean Gavin and malcolm Goode contributed great expertise and considerable time in overseeing the refurbishment of the building and the master Builders’ office fitout.

Call for Nominations RiC New Medal foR exCelleNCe Selection Criteria • Entrepreneurial flair, examples of lateral or creative thinking, outstanding potential and achievements of a young person (35 years and under) to the building industry in WA. • Practical applied achievements, rather than academic performance.

Prize • In addition to the Ric New Medal, a return economy class airfare from Perth to London and $2,000 expenses.

RiC New “RiSiNg StaR” awaRd Selection Criteria • Outstanding potential, work ethic and commitment of a young person (25 years and under, other than apprentices) to the building industry in WA. • Achievements (rather than academic performance), overcoming adversity and potential contribution to the building industry.

Prize • $2,000 plus trophy.

Nomination forms, to be completed by third parties, can be obtained from Master Builders (ph: 9476 9800 or email: kelly.watt@mbawa.com). the closing date for nominations is 24 august 2013.

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IFAWPCA convention brings benefits A DeLeGAtion of 20 master Builder members joined more than 800 building and construction leaders from Asia and the Western Pacific at the fortieth international Federation of Asian and Western Pacific Contractors’ Associations convention in Kochi, india earlier in the year. the Australian delegation included the national president Peter Kennedy as the iFAWPCA Board member and Ceo Wilhelm Harnisch as chairman of the Construction Business Development Committee.

Sam Buckeridge addresses the Master Builders’ gathering at the member night at Brikmakers.

Brikmakers site tour a runaway success the recent master Builders’ member night at Brikmakers saw a record crowd of more than 100 treated to an informative site tour and industry update.

memBers DonneD fluoro safety gear to gain a unique insight into the extensive manufacturing process at the south Guilford facility. it is capable of producing more than 11 million bricks a year and enables Brikmakers to use a broad selection of clays from all over WA. members heard from BGC’s sam Buckeridge who said escalating land costs are hitting housing affordability in Perth. He highlighted the ongoing imposition of infrastructure costs on home buyers, despite the fact that the WA Government was in a comfortable debt position.

Les Hollins, construction manager at WA mechanical services, highlighted the changing role of mechanical contractors in the industry and master Builders’ communications director Geoff Cooper outlined some of the key advocacy issues confronting the industry, including: • Home indemnity insurance, with 40 percent premium increases for most builders announced by QBe and with more potentially on the way.

• the need for a greater contribution from the resources sector to the Construction training Fund.

• the introduction of 6 star requirements for renovations and additions, where master Builders successfully lobbied for a one-year extension to allow industry time to adjust.

• reform of payroll tax which currently amounts to a tax on jobs that the WA Government is milking every year.

• opposing unrealistic union claims for increased first and second year apprentice wages of 33 and 18 percent respectively.

• restrictive changes to 457 visa conditions.

He also outlined a new master tradesman classification in WA for subcontractors. three more member nights are planned for 2013. the highly successful evening was sponsored by Brikmakers, Bluescope steel and WA mechanical services.

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master Builders Australia is a foundation member of iFAWPCA, which regularly brings together the leading building and construction associations and their members from 16 countries stretching from Japan, Korea, indonesia, singapore, sri Lanka, india and new Zealand.

Australia was the Partner Country for the Convention and played a leading role, including presentations by the Australian High Commission, Austrade and others, positioning Australia as a supplier of innovative and quality services and products including master Builders Victoria’s simulation training Centre. the four day program, hosted by the Builders Association of india, focused on infrastructure in Asian economies. the program highlighted many challenges facing the construction sector in the region including reducing material consumption and waste generation, managing and replenishing water resources, adopting cleaner construction methods and effective health and safety systems. A significant benefit for the Australian delegation was the Conference’s well organised B2B program. it featured individual meetings arranged by the hosts at the Convention. mr Harnisch says it is important for master Builders to play a prominent role in iFAWPCA as there are increasing numbers of large and small members who successfully operate in different parts of the world. Contacts established by master Builders and members who attend iFAWPCA conventions are important in supporting Australian businesses. “iFAWPCA has also provided many of our members with contracts for construction and other building related services not overseas but here in Australia,” mr Harnisch said. “iFAWPCA helps develop relationships and builds up trust that lead to business opportunities overseas and in Australia. the businesspeople who attend iFAWPCA conventions are not only major contractors and developers in Asia; they also invest in buildings in Australia.

“Another reason master Builders is a member of iFAWPCA is to complement master Builders’ international Division to assist members who export their products and services to Asia, the middle east and elsewhere around the world. As a result of the convention, master Builders international Division is arranging a trade mission to mumbai, supported by Austrade, to participate in the Big 5 building and construction exhibition in september.” members can register their interest for the next iFAWPCA Convention in Jakarta in march 2014 and to receive advance material about master Builders’ delegation to mumbai. Contact Keith stubbs on (03) 9411 4553 or email kstubbs@mbav.com.au for more information.

RepoRts: General News

Master Builders Australia’s national conference in Canberra is an opportunity to enjoy the ACT during its centenary celebrations.

Canberra beckons with Building Australia conference master Builders Australia’s biennial national conference, Building Australia, will be held in Canberra from 14-16 november coinciding with the ACt centenary celebrations. the conference venue is the newly refurbished rydges Lakeside Hotel in the centre of Canberra.

BuiLDinG AustrALiA will incorporate the master Builders national Awards for excellence in Building and Construction and is part of the national capital’s centenary celebrations. it will feature high profile, inspirational speakers covering topics such as the industry’s outlook, economics, workplace relations, housing affordability and specialist tips for business. exhibitors will demonstrate the latest products and innovations to help industry deliver better results for clients. Delegates also will have the opportunity to go on inspection tours to see firsthand the latest in building design and developments of Canberra’s iconic projects.” master Builders Australia Ceo Wilhelm Harnisch says the national excellence in Building and Construction Awards, being held in the Great Hall of Parliament House, will be a night to remember. “the Building Australia conference in Canberra will be the perfect mix of business and pleasure, offering something for everyone,” he said. “networking and business opportunities will be complimented with an exciting partners’ programme and social opportunities. on Friday 15 november, a special dinner hosted by Cbus will be held at the Australian

War memorial, AnZAC Hall, G for George section with a sound and light show, which promises to be wonderful experience for delegates.” mr Harnisch said Canberra is a great location for a conference, but in 2013 there will be even more to do as the Centenary of Canberra celebrations attract nationally and internationally renowned artists, entertainers and activities. “the national Conference provides an opportunity to relax and get away from the daily grind to explore our nation’s Capital. Canberra perfectly combines all the amenities of a big city, with the relaxing feel of a country getaway. You could sample the Capital region’s award winning cool climate wineries, thriving café and restaurant culture, enjoy some boutique shopping, relax in the great outdoors, visit an international art exhibition at the national Gallery of Australia or learn more about Australia’s history at Canberra’s national museums,” he said.

For more information, to register or to book, visit www.masterbuilders.com.au/events/national-conference.

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AdveRtoRiAL

Waterstop Streamline – The new industry standard for shower construction innovative product addresses one of the BsA’s consistently listed top ten defects.

A product born from necessity, the idea was spawned after witnessing a large project builder become completely frustrated by the never cycle of call-backs to fix leaking showers.

Leak testing undertaken by the builder involved plugging the waste with an inflatable bladder and filling the recess with water from another source. the recess would hold water, indicating that the membrane was sound.

From this list, a series of requirements were drawn up which would address each issue and provide the design parameters for a new method of shower construction.

The design parameters were: • A positive connection between the water-proofing membrane and the screen, with a failsafe incorporated to prevent leaks due to time-induced silicon failure. Any seal was not to be reliant on a silicon join between a screen and tiles.

• one piece design to minimise potential leak points • Correct and sufficient fall to waste • Compatibility with modern, liquid membranes • minimal tile cutting • ease of screen fitment • minimum footprint to maximise available floor space • Full compliance with Australian standards • Aesthetic traits to be adaptable across a wide range of bathroom styles and price points • As close to cost-neutral as possible Prototypes were developed, tested, refined and tested again until eventually a system was developed which encompassed all of the design requirements.

the builder would then call the plumber who would pressure test the pipework and find no leaks.

A small production run was undertaken and the showers were installed in the field with feedback from each trade closely monitored. once approval was received from all parties, the dies were cut and Gleda set about tooling up their 1500 square metre factory for production.

this cycle would repeat itself over and over until the builder, out of shear desperation, called on the industry to find out why the leaks were occurring and to come up with a more reliable method of sealing a shower.

the frustrated builder became Gleda’s first customer and is still a customer nine years later. so great has been the market acceptance that almost 56 000 showers have now been produced and installed right across the country.

Australian manufacturing firm Gleda Pty Ltd recognised the need and began a detailed examination of current methods and designs.

Gleda managing Director, Brett Krey explains “in the finished product, the input given by Water-proofers, tilers and screen installers comes through strongly in the ease at which each trade completes their respective processes. in fact, most of our new business is a result of referrals from these three trades.”

exhaustive testing was undertaken to establish exactly where and how these leaks were occurring. these tests began to show a common thread across numerous shower designs. Whether the shower utilised a tiled hob, a recessed substrate or a flow-through design with a submerged angle, any sealing of the screen was reliant on a silicon join between the screen and the tiles. over a time span much less than the warranty period, the silicon join was degrading and causing the integrity of the seal to be compromised. secondly, models using dyed water showed that even while the silicon remained intact, grout, being porous, was allowing water to seep down below the tiles and into the glue cavity between the membrane and the tiles. expansion and contraction resulting from the cycles of heat and cold was “pumping’ water over the hob or angle to escape the enclosure entirely. once this process was understood, it became clear that for any design to be successful, it would have to incorporate a method to seal the screen directly to the membrane.

A group of professionals consisting of Water-proofers, tilers, screen-installers, Building supervisors and Certifiers were called

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together to look closely at the current methods and list in detail, the issues they saw as being important to their respective tasks.

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“Waterstop streamline is fast to install, seals the screen directly to the membrane and provides a fail-safe in the event of silicon failure. it also incorporates a template for the tiler so that fall to waste is ensured and screen fitment is simple. tiling costs are significantly reduced and it doesn’t rely on an exposed and vulnerable bead of silicon to prevent the screen from leaking.”

“We now have testimonials from water-proofers, tilers, major screen manufacturers and builders recommending Waterstop streamline as their preferred method of shower construction.”

For more information contact: Phone: (07) 5426 3700 Email: sales@gleda.com.au Website: www.waterstopstreamline.com.au

Housing AWARds

The flamboyant Happy Days Diner setting.

Happy days for housing award winners more than 800 top WA home builders and their guests recently attended the Happy Days-themed master Builders Bankwest 2013 Housing excellence Awards presentation evening at the Perth Convention and exhibition Centre.

tHe eVeninG celebrated excellence in residential building throughout metropolitan and regional WA and saw Brian Burke Homes once again triumphant, winning the top Home award from a fiercely contested field of more than 420 entries. master Builders’ communications director Geoff Cooper said it was Brian Burke Homes’ tenth win since the award started in 1991.

“Well done to our overall winner, but we must also recognise all the other exceptionally high quality homes entered,” he said. “it is a credit to the industry in WA that we are producing so many homes at a high standard in price points from $150,000 to over $2 million. the awards offer home buyers the opportunity to find a quality builder of display or custom homes that can meet their budget in their region.”

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the Housing excellence Awards are unique in that they recognise the best builders based on their construction excellence and quality of workmanship. A team of 25 experienced judges inspect nominations in a variety of categories which include individually designed contract homes, display homes, renovations and transportable homes. mr Cooper said the 2013 awards were highly contested, with a record number of entrants. the judging panel reported that the quality of entries was high and that the top end houses, in the over $1million categories, exhibited a particularly high standard of construction.

Yet again the awards proved their popularity with a record crowd enthusiastically partying along to Boys in the Band and Proof until well after midnight.

Housing AWARds

Master Builders’ president Robert Shaw addresses the 800-strong audience.

MBA Insurance Services state manager Nick Vernon (left) and Master Builders’ president Robert Shaw (right) present Jason Springate of Springate Constructions with the Best Regional Project award.

Ryan Cole (centre) from Savvy Construction won the prestigious Best New Builder award. He is pictured with Mark Lawton (left) of award sponsor Hays and Robert Shaw.

Sydney act Boys in the Band packed the dance floor.

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decade’s worth of wins for Burke

Mike Burke of Brian Burke Homes proudly displays the Top Home plaque at the 2013 Housing Excellence Awards.

With him are (l-r) Mark Lavendar, Christine Hutchins and Natasha Cashmore of principal sponsor Bankwest and Master Builders’ president Robert Shaw.

Sweeping ocean views from the winning home’s luxurious interior.

For the tenth time in 23 years and the second year in a row, Brian Burke Homes has taken home the title of top Home at the master Builders-Bankwest Housing excellence Awards. the highly sought-after award was presented to Brian Burke Homes in February at the Perth Convention exhibition Centre. “it is A CreDit to Brian Burke Homes and the company’s contractors that they have demonstrated a commitment to quality construction in WA over a long period of time,” says master Builders’ communications director Geoff Cooper. the winning home also took out the award for contract homes over $3 million. Located in Watermans Bay, the three-storey home has breathtaking views from the large curved balcony, shaped like a ship’s bridge. A mammoth undercroft houses parking and storage as well as comfortable guest quarters complete with kitchen and lounge room. upstairs houses the three minor bedrooms and their respective bathrooms as well as the games and tV rooms that look out over the circular pool to the ocean beyond. the top floor houses the master bedroom, ensuite, study, bar, living, kitchen, scullery and meals area. the project also secured the builder awards for excellence in floor and wall tiling, plastering, painting and ceilings. Brian Burke Homes and a selection of other award winning builders will go on to represent WA at the national Awards, to be held in Canberra in november.

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The dramatic Watermans Bay home built by Brian Burke Homes.

Housing AWARds

Devrite Constructions’ award winning Most Liveable Home.

Taking home major prizes on the night were: Sunday Times Best Display Home Atrium Homes (Blue Gum, mt Pleasant)

Jackson McDonald Best Alterations and Additions Palazzo Homes (West Perth)

Devrite takes Most Liveable Home Award DeVrite ConstruCtions won the Housing excellence Awards most Liveable Home accolade with a project with accessible design features providing for a broader range of occupants. the award recognised Devrite’s initiatives to maximise accessibility and adaptability of the new home to enable people of all ages and abilities to live or visit in comfort. the Disability service Commission’s senior access and inclusion officer mark Hutson says the contemporary, socially sustainable home had successfully incorporated liveability, style and comfort for the whole family in its design.

Bankwest Best Customer Service – Small-Medium Builder Devrite Constructions

Bankwest Best Customer ServiceVolume/Project Builder Celebration Homes

Bankwest Best Customer Service – Supplier Brikmakers and Jason Windows

Hays Best New Builder savvy Construction

Home in WA Project Builder of the Year Don russell Homes

“it’s a great example of a beautiful home which is capable of meeting the changing needs of a family of all ages and abilities,” mr Hutson said. “Key Liveable Home design features include wide flat entry, wide hallways with a well thought out, impressive functional kitchen and modern ensuite providing easily accessible toilet and shower. it’s important to see many more homes designed with these features to meet the future needs of West Australians.” the award is part of the state Government’s Liveable Homes initiative offering free guidelines and resources for voluntary use by industry. Liveable Homes resources are available online and in hard copy. they include a technical manual, checklists, fact sheets and diagrams, point of sale brochures and an Archicad library wall chart of essential design features. Visit www.liveablehomes.net.au for information.

MBA Insurance Services Best Country Home springate Construction (marybrook)

Bankwest Top WA Home Brian Burke Homes (Watermans Bay)

For a full list of the winners, visit www.mbawa.com or Master Builders’ Facebook page.

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OPENING DOORS To Affordable Housing

WA Master Builder

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soutH West AWARds

Proud Best Country Home winners.

Master Builders’ president Robert Shaw (left) with the Wholagan Building Inspirations team, Jamie Wholagan, John Wholagan, Peter Moran, Marisa Blowfield and MBA Insurance Services WA state manager Nick Vernon.

Civilcon revellers at the Master Builders Bankwest South West Building Excellence Awards.

south West builders triumph and party Wholagan Building inspiration had a night out at the master Builders Bankwest south West Building excellence Awards presentation at Bunker Bay in march. the company took off the region’s 2013 Best Country Home title and a slew of other awards.

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Perkins Builders’ construction Manager Steve Larsson (right) receives the Best Commercial Project award from Master Builders’ president Robert Shaw (left) and Bankwest’s John Reilly.

John and Janice Reilly of major sponsor Bankwest enjoy the early evening Quay West Bunker Bay Resort ambience.

soutH West AWARds

Stunning home a labour of time and skill

WHoLAGAn LAst won the top title in 2011 and in a re-run of that year’s major achievers, Perkins Builders took off the south West Best Commercial Project. the awards, at the elegant Quay West Bunker Bay resort nestled between natural bushland and pristine beaches, saw the champagne flowing as guests settled in for a star-studded celebration of building excellence with big-screen images of homes, schools, office complexes and shopping centres. Popular mC Claudia Bertorello-Kell returned to the event after a year’s absence and was welcomed back by the enthusiastic and supportive crowd.

Wholagan Building inspiration’s win was for a magnificent stone and timber three-storey home set high on a hill among the tree tops overlooking Flinders Bay. the project entry also won accolades for the over $3 million contract homes category and awards for excellence in finishing carpentry, construction on a challenging site, painting, metal roofing and stone masonry. tym Wholagan was awarded supervisor of the Year. the Hamptons-inspired home will represent the south West region at the 2014 master Builders Housing excellence Awards, competing against other regional area winners before potentially competing against the best the Perth market has to offer.

Perkins Builders dominated the commercial entries, winning the Best Commercial Project for the south West region for work undertaken to develop the Western Australian College of Agriculture Harvey Wokalup Campus. the impressive project comprised various buildings including facilities for administration, dining and design and technology and a library-resources building, gym, eight dormitories, two houses, covered walkways and road works. Perkins also was awarded the Best steel Building prize for the same project.

WHoLAGAn BuiLDinG inspiration continues to set the benchmark with its Best Country Home project. Changing circumstances saw the design process and then the build take more than a decade before the final triumph was achieved. even before construction could begin, site works for the home, in Augusta overlooking Flinders Bay, presented problems. the builder’s expertise in dealing with the issues resulted in the award for excellence in Construction on a Challenging site.

the steel-framed three-storey house has been described as paying tribute to the character of the local area’s pre-war construction but the overall effect, including the recycling of granite from the site works for use in cladding the base of the building and in the construction of chimneys, is outstanding. master Builders’ judge Charlie Baggetta reported on the first-rate finishes and this was reflected in the array of sponsor awards also picked up by the builder.

ABBtF and Holcim supported the talented youth of the south West building and construction industry with Best Bricklaying Apprentice and south West Apprentice of the Year awards. Both went to fourth year apprentice Alex Wilson who, as he spoke of his commitment, dedication and career path through the industry, looks to have big things lined up. the Best Commercial Project and Apprentice of the Year also will be south West representatives at the excellence in Construction Awards and Apprentice of the Year Awards to be held later in the year. master Builders’ south West regional manager Geoff Bosustow says that the region will be well represented at the Perth events with quality projects and people to the fore.

He also referred to the south West awards’ customer service gongs which always set an inspiring benchmark for the delivery of quality service and products to the industry’s customers. there were joint winners in the award for Best Customer service by a small to medium Volume Builder. sam Karamfiles (and wife Franzine) of manjimup firm Karamfiles Builders was gracious and appreciative in accepting the award, shared with oswald Down south, a first-time winner in the category. steve Kirby of oswald Down south, described a challenging market but strong ties with staff, suppliers and contractors as the glue binding the company’s success. the medium to Large Volume Builder Customer service award also was fiercely contested but Ventura Home Group came out on top with Graeme Davis accepting the honour on behalf of the company and crediting its strong team of professionals. mr Bosustow reports that awards guests partied into the wee small hours with Lush supplying great live music that kept the dance floor full the majority of the time.

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soutH West AWARds

PerKins BuiLDers’ West Australian College of Agriculture Best Commercial Project winner took 16 months to complete at a value of about $23.8 million. With a total of 14 buildings spanning a combined area of 10,000 square metres, the campus was designed with the theme “Australian village” in mind, recognising that in many ways, the college functions as a home-away-from-home.

Ag College sets new standards

single story brickwork structures with Colorbond metal roofs are clustered around a series of landscaped courtyards. the main campus buildings are situated on a flat site at the foot of rolling hills, where two staff houses are located among existing residences. the project allowed Harvey Agricultural College to merge its operations from two sites to one, with outstanding facilities which set a new benchmark for agricultural education in WA.

SPONSORS

OPENING DOORS To Affordable Housing

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WA Master Builder

soutH West AWARds

Award Results Best CountrY Home sponsor: mBA insurance services Wholagan Building Inspirations Wishart rd Flinders Bay Best CommerCiAL ProJeCt sponsor: Bankwest Perkins Builders West Australian College of Agriculture Harvey Wokalup Campus mornington rd Wokalup oVerALL Best DisPLAY Homes sponsor: Bankwest Ventura Homes South West ”the odyssey” millbridge Blvd millbridge ProJeCt BuiLDer oF tHe YeAr sponsor: mBA insurance services WA Country Builders suPerVisor oF tHe YeAr master Builders’ President’s Award Tym Wholagan Wishart rd Flinders Bay APPrentiCe oF tHe YeAr sponsor: Holcim Alexander Wilson Plunkett Homes south West BriCKLAYinG APPrentiCe oF tHe YeAr sponsor: ABBtF Alexander Wilson Plunkett Homes south West Best neW BuiLDer master Builders’ Director’s Award Farnell Constructions Best Customer serViCe - smALL to meDium BuiLDers sponsor: Bankwest Karamfiles Builders oswald Down south Builders

ContrACt Homes $225,001 - $250,000 Summit Homes Kambany Approach Dalyellup ContrACt Homes $250,001 - $275,000 WA Country Builders Aldercress Approach Dunsborough ContrACt Homes $275,001 - $300,000 Ventura Homes South West meadow View, Busselton ContrACt Homes $300,001 - $350,000 Home Group WA South West Kathleen Cres Vasse ContrACt Homes $350,001 - $400,000 M & MJ Constructions Pty Ltd santons Approach Yalyalup ContrACt Homes $400,001 - $450,000 WA Country Builders Amberley Loop Dunsborough ContrACt Homes $450,001 - $500,000 Plunkett Homes South West Grosmont Glade Leschenault ContrACt Homes $500,001 - $750,000 IGM Constructions Hutchinson st Burekup ContrACt Homes $750,001 - $1,000,000 Building South West Peppermint Grove tce Peppermint Grove Beach ContrACt Homes $1,000,001 - $1,500,000 Zorzi South marshall st Quindalup ContrACt Homes $1,500,001 - $3,000,000 Cape Constructions Dress Circle Yallingup ContrACt Homes over $3,000,001 Wholagan Building Inspirations Wishart rd Flinders Bay

Best Customer serViCe - meDium to LArGe BuiLDers sponsor: Bankwest Ventura Home Group

FrAmeD ConstruCtion under $300,000 Cape Constructions norfolk st Dunsborough

emPLoYer trAiner oF tHe YeAr sponsor: toyota Karamfiles Builders

FrAmeD ConstruCtion over $300,001 Bluewater Building Co Pty Ltd Big rock Place Quedjinup

ContrACt Homes under $200,000 WA Country Builders Carramar st Binningup

resiDentiAL ALterAtions, ADDitions & restorAtions under $200,000 Cape Constructions endicott Loop Dunsborough

ContrACt Homes $200,001 - $225,000 Cape Constructions norfolk st Dunsborough

resiDentiAL ALterAtions, ADDitions & restorAtions $200,001 - $450,000 Challis Builders thomas st Bunbury

resiDentiAL ALterAtions, ADDitions & restorAtions $450,001 - $750,000 Bluewater Building Co Pty Ltd eagle Cres eagle Bay resiDentiAL ALterAtions, ADDitions & restorAtions over $750,001 Lodge & Co Builders Fern rd eagle Bay muLti-resiDentiAL DeVeLoPment under $750,000 ID South West Flowerdale Court eaton muLti-resiDentiAL DeVeLoPment $750,0001 - $1,500,000 Plunkett Homes South West Geographe Bay rd Quindalup muLti-resiDentiAL DeVeLoPment $1,500,001 - $3,000,000 Chadwick Holdings Pty Ltd station rd margaret river muLti-resiDentiAL DeVeLoPment over $3,000,001 BGC Constructions Christina st Australind DisPLAY Homes under $200,000 Aussie Living Homes ”the sovereign” millbridge Blvd millbridge DisPLAY Homes $200,001 - $250,000 WA Housing Centre “the naturalist” Caprock Cres Vasse DisPLAY Homes $250,001 - $300,000 Home Group WA South West ”Grand Corimbia” orion Lane treendale DisPLAY Homes $300,001 - $350,000 Ventura Homes ”the odyssey” millbridge Blvd millbridge DisPLAY Homes $350,001 - $400,000 Summit Homes ”the Aloha” Caprock Cres Vasse DisPLAY Homes over $400,001 Lifestyle Homes ”the Driftwood” Colonna st Dalyellup CommerCiAL ALterAtions, ADDitions & restorAtions under $1,500,000 Devlyn Constructions BHP Worsley – mulgara House mulgara st Australind

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soutH West AWARds

Award Results CommerCiAL ALterAtions, ADDitions & restorAtions $1,500,001 - $3,000,000 BGC Constructions Kearman College moore st manjimup CommerCiAL ALterAtions, ADDitions & restorAtions $3,000,001 - $4,500,000 BGC Constructions Donnybrook District High school Bentley & mead sts Donnybrook

Best steeL BuiLDinG sponsor: Combined metal industries Perkins Builders Western Australian College of Agriculture Harvey Wokalup Campus mornington rd Wokalup eXCeLLenCe in ConstruCtion on A CHALLenGinG site sponsor: s&J excavation Wholagan Building Inspirations Wishart rd Flinders Bay

CommerCiAL ALterAtions, ADDitions & restorAtions $4,500,001 - $6,000,000 Perkins Builders Busselton Community resource Centre standley Albert & Cammilleri sts Busselton

eXCeLLenCe in BriCK & BLoCK PAVinG sponsor: Boral midland Brick Vision Paving & SAS Paving Gutmann Parkway Dalyellup

CommerCiAL ALterAtions, ADDitions & restorAtions over $6,000,001 Perkins Builders the Highway Hotel Forrest Ave & spencer st Bunbury

eXCeLLenCe in timBer FrAmeD ConstruCtion sponsor: Kingspan insulation Bluewater Building Company Pty Ltd Big rock Place Quedjinup

CommerCiAL inDustriAL BuiLDinGs under $1,500,000 BGC Constructions Australind rise stage 1 Christina st Australind

eXCeLLenCe in rooFinG - metAL sponsor: Combined metal industries Moseybrook, Mark Selwood Wishart rd Flinders Bay

CommerCiAL inDustriAL BuiLDinGs $1,500,001 - $3,000,000 Civilcon (WA) Pty Ltd Bunbury Cathedral Grammar sports Pavilion Allen rd Gelorup CommerCiAL inDustriAL BuiLDinGs $3,000,001 - $4,500,000 BGC Constructions ms society – Hospital & respite treendale Blvd treendale CommerCiAL inDustriAL BuiLDinGs over $4,500,001 Perkins Builders Western Australian College of Agriculture Harvey Wokalup Campus mornington rd Wokalup Best APPointeD BAtHroom sponsor: Jackson mcDonald Zorzi South marshall st Quindalup Best APPointeD KitCHen sponsor: Brad Fiori Plumbing Pty Ltd Zorzi South marshall st Quindalup

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eXCeLLenCe in struCturAL CArPentrY sponsor: Complete Portables Wholts Contracting Wishart rd Flinders Bay eXCeLLenCe in CArPentrY FinisHinG sponsor: Complete Portables Wholts Contracting Wishart rd Flinders Bay eXCeLLenCe in CeiLinGs sponsor: Kingspan insulation Geographe Ceilings Dress Circle Yallingup eXCeLLenCe in ConCrete sponsor: Australind Premix Perkins Builders Busselton Community resource Centre standley Albert & Cammilleri sts Busselton eXCeLLenCe in FLoor & WALL tiLinG sponsor: Cbus Cape to Cape Tiling marshall st Quindalup eXCeLLenCe in rooFinG tiLe sponsor: Cockburn Cement Aussie Living Homes millbridge Blvd millbridge

eXCeLLenCe in PLAsterinG AnD/or DrYWALL sponsor: south Western times Yallingup Ceilings Johnson rd Wilyabrup eXCeLLenCe in GLAZinG sponsor: Prompt Certification Mandurah Glass Johnson rd Wilyabrup eXCeLLenCe in enerGY eFFiCienCY sponsor: solahart Cape Constructions Dress Circle Yallingup eXCeLLenCe in PAintinG sponsor: Building Commission Jason Frigeri Wishart rd Flinders Bay eXCeLLenCe in CABinet mAKinG sponsor: the Laminex Group New Age Cabinets marshall st Quindalup most AFForDABLe Home sponsor: Department of Housing & Works Summit Homes Kambany Approach Dalyellup most LiVeABLe ProJeCt sponsor: Disability services Commission BGC Constructions Australind rise stage 2 Christina st Australind siLVer troWeL sponsor: Austral Bricks Ayrton Paris Caprock Cres Vasse WAterWise ProJeCt sponsor: the Water Corporation BGC Constructions Ford rd Busselton eXCeLLenCe in stone mAsonrY sponsor: Brikmakers Africa Stone & Kingstone Wishart rd Flinders Bay

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Call for Nominations MaSteR BuildeRS aPPReNtiCe awaRdS the master Builders Association invites employers of directly indentured apprentices to nominate their best building apprentice(s) for this year’s master Builders’ Apprentice of the Year Awards. there are also categories for the best Wall and Floor tiling, Best Female apprentice and best bricklaying apprentice. Apprentices engaged by skill Hire, ABn Group training and the Department of treasury & Finance (Building management & Works) will also be participating in these prestigious awards.

How to nominate? employers wishing to nominate an apprentice should complete the nomination form which is available from the mBA. the nomination form must be received by Friday 16 August 2013. nominations should include sufficient information to allow the judging panel to properly assess the nominees and include details such as: • • • • •

academic results plus any favourable reports from teachers/lecturers; information on work skills, special skills, knowledge of trade and ability to relate to fellow workers; achievements or awards received by TAFE or other training providers; testimonials from teachers, lecturers, employers or community groups; and reports of involvement in community groups/projects.

Recognising our best apprentices is a major step in encouraging more young persons to choose a career in the building industry with employers of direct indentured apprentices urged to support these awards. the Master Builders apprentice of the Year awards will be held on friday 1 November 2013 at the Hyatt Regency, Perth in conjunction with the “Ric New Medal” for young high achievers.

for more information contact: training director, Neil du Rand on 9441 8000 or via email to: neil@mbawa.com.

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RepoRts: Branches

Regional judge Charlie Baggetta on one of his many missions inspecting entrants in the Kimberley-Pilbara Building Excellence Awards.

Di clocks up 10 years Di Gilleland front and centre, with the help of (l-r) South West regional manager Geoff Bosustow, financial controller Tony Taverner, regional operations manager Gavin Connaughton and director Michael McLean, celebrates a thriving decade with Master Builders.

PoPuLAr AnD energetic Geraldton regional manager Di Gilleland has completed 10 years with master Builders. sound judges say that since Di started in January 2003, the Geraldton mid-West Branch has never been the same. membership in the region and in the north West has grown to record numbers, award functions have attracted record attendances and the financial health of the Branch has never been stronger. “since Di has been with us, our Geraldton office has never been more active,” says master Builders’ director michael mcLean. “the building of our new office, training centre and building display centre in Geraldton has been the biggest highlight for Di. Winning a customer service award with the mid-West Chamber of Commerce last year came pretty close.

“With the growth of our services to members, we have employed megan Parker and Crystal Bagley to assist Di with our training courses, awards, membership enquiries, functions, events and managing our new building. We say well done Di on your tenth anniversary with master Builders. the next 10 should be just as memorable.”

Kimberley-Pilbara judging has its challenges WitH PrePArAtions well in hand for the master Builders Bankwest Kimberley-Pilbara Building excellence Awards in Broome early in may, the annual north West pilgrimage for regional judge Charlie Baggetta is done and dusted. mr Baggetta, a registered builder from Harvey, takes time away from his company Baggetta Builders each year to judge master Builders’ five regional building awards covering residential and commercial properties throughout the state. Judging homes and commercial jobs in the north West calls for a judge with dedication and expertise, characteristics which mr Baggetta has in spades. He has been judging the Kimberley-Pilbara awards for the past 10 years and has seen many changes while clocking up thousands of kilometers and hours flying and driving. Braving the north’s cyclones can be a challenge but this year’s judging managed to bypass march’s Cyclone rusty with exmouth first port of call followed by Broome and Kununurra. entries are judged far and wide and the number of entrants is growing each year as many new builders enter the region. the Kimberley-Pilbara awards are held in Broome each may to coincide with the Australian north West expo.

“With a 12-year track record, the awards continue to grow and always produce high standards of workmanship and infrastructure,” says regional manager Di Gilleland. “so with another year’s building excellence judged, we now await the announcement of those winning builders and trades who help shape the north West.”

getting face time on facebook Master Builders’ South West office is now on Facebook. Regional manager Geoff Bosustow is encouraging members to check out the latest postings. “The page is designed to ensure that we diversify the ways in which we connect with our members in an informal and relaxed manner,” he said. “Articles, stories and updates along with picture evidence all combine to create an atmosphere of inclusion.

“Our world is constantly evolving and with this comes pressures of work, family and other commitments. To have a forum such as our Facebook page allows members to get up close and personal with all the great things happening in the region.”

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Boating builders Master Builders’ Great Southern Branch social boat cruise recently was a test for landlubber builders. The trip started in wet and stormy conditions as the intrepid sailors stepped aboard, rugged up in jackets and wondering if they would cope. But what a fabulous evening it turned out to be, anchored at Cactus Cove, the wind and rain having subsided and with an amazing sunset and good company. Nautically inclined Branch members pictured are (l-r): Jane and Ian Michael (of event sponsor Designer Dirt Landscape Supplies) and David and Tahli Crosby (Statewide Racking & Storage Solutions.)

RepoRts: Branches

Jason Walker, Monica McAskill and Gary Smith enjoy the Master Builders headquarters’ second birthday celebrations.

The lucky draw prize of a $500 travel voucher was won by Charmaine Watson (right) pictured with Branch staff member Crystal Bagley.

Geraldton centre celebrates mAster BuiLDers’ Geraldton display showroom and training venue in Walton Close held its second birthday celebration in February with a highly successful free public open day. A sausage sizzle was put on for visitors who were eligible for lucky draw prizes of a $500 travel voucher and a hamper of local products. exhibitors were on hand to answer questions and provide information about their products, reinforcing the

showroom’s success in attracting home buyers and renovators since its opening in 2011. the purpose built training rooms also were on show to the public. the rooms have been an enormous success with local, interstate and even overseas bookings. master Builder members were treated to a sundowner at the close of the day. sponsors of the event were Cedar Woods Properties Limited, Bluescope steel and ray White.

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updAtes: Membership

exciting program for women in building master Builders’ membership services manager Veronica mill reports that new and exciting things are happening in 2013 in the Women in Building and Construction (WinBaC) sphere.

Education “our first event, an interactive workshop on effective negotiation skills for Women, was held in march and was a sell out,” she says.

“Facilitated by Dawn russell of Carcassonne Corporate training, participants gained a greater understanding of why women are naturally good negotiators, but tend to shy away from negotiation. they learnt when and where to negotiate, different negotiation styles, mistakes to avoid and a range of top tips to ensure they become successful negotiators.

“We’ve started an exciting program of WinBaC master Classes, with the first one in April utilising the expertise of rsm Bird Cameron to facilitate a round table discussion forum aimed at small to medium businesses, both existing and start-up, and looking at the fundamentals of running a successful business. “our aim is for participants to drive the agenda at these forums. the group will identify those issues that are most relevant and we’ll build on that. the one hour sessions will be held over lunch every two months, and members will have the option of booking one or all. the next session will be on 19 June and will deal with business systems.” ms mill said the Association’s technical consultant romina De santis also will be delivering the Plan reading and Building Basics workshop on 23 August. “When presented previously this was so popular we ended up scheduling three sessions, so book early for this one,” she said.

WinBaC’s Master Classes kicked off in April with a session on the fundamentals of running a successful business.

“there will delicious food and wine, lots of opportunity to meet new people, and this year we’ve added a twist,” she said. “Courtesy of totally Workwear, you will be treated to a fashion parade where you’ll see the latest in corporate office and site work wear. Plus we’ll give you the low down on how to make the most of your tax deductions.” the end of year WinBaC Lunch will be held on 29 november. “this is a favourite event for members where we get to celebrate with colleagues, establish new relationships, hear interesting speakers and contribute to a charity,” ms mill said. “our speaker for 2013 is already booked and ready to regale you with a fantastical tale (all real) of life as an army major, hostage of iraqi terrorists, and a battle with the British military.

Her story is awe-inspiring so don’t miss this event.”

Networking ms mill said there also would be excellent networking opportunities in the WinBaC calendar, including a sundowner with guests from other organisations at PCeC on 8 may.

More Toyota Gold Fleet savings for Master Builder members

Getting the Gold Fleet message out on the streets: the Toyota-Master Builders’ co-badged Hilux.

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is your name on our contact list for updates on WinBaC events? new and exciting things are happening in 2013 so be sure you don’t get left out of the loop. email your details to veronica@mbawa.com.

tHe onGoinG alliance between master Builders and toyota will see members receive gold fleet savings for a second year. the savings apply across the entire toyota passenger and commercial vehicle range. Gold fleet discounts of between about $750 and $5000 apply to Yaris, the new Prius range, Corolla, rav4, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Kluger, Hilux, Prado and Landcruisers. terms and conditions might apply. master Builders’ communications director Geoff Cooper says that the Association and toyota have co-badged a loan vehicle to promote the discount. “it will be a good vehicle to promote the savings to members,” he said. master Builder members can contact any toyota dealership in WA and ask for the fleet manager to find out how their businesses can obtain Gold Fleet pricing. members will be asked to provide a current membership number to access the discount. more information can be obtained from master Builders’ membership services coordinator skye mcCartney on 9476 9800.

updAtes: Membership

Master Builders welcomes the following

new members A.W. Custom Carpentry

08 9379 1442

Alinta Energy

08 9210 2005

Allpride Pty Ltd

08 9405 4385

Badenport Constructions

08 9286 3777

Bay Cabinets

08 9754 2055

Bossbulbs

08 6261 2251

Bowsan Property Repairs

0405 175 387

Built Rite Storage Solutions

1300 750 745

CabiCo Pty Ltd

08 9792 3600

Cameron Douglas Construction

0416 103 214

Capella Constructions Pty Ltd

08 9472 4451

Climate Build

0419 942 381

David Cook

08 9841 1353

DOIC Garage Doors

0433 003 116

Electronic Interiors

08 9472 4800

Jim’s Fencing (Hillarys)

0413 678 742

Jim’s Fencing (Ocean Reef)

08 9401 6611

Jim’s Fencing (Perth)

0428 524 445

Jim’s Fencing (Warnbro)

08 9500 9589

JL Carpentry (WA) Pty Ltd

0408 267 725

Jumbuck Wool Insulation

08 9842 5707

Leeda Projects Pty Ltd

03 9357 6320

Logan Building Industries

0417 756 511

Maintco

0419 784 846

MBS Gates & Fencing

0421 381 334

Morgan Mechanical Services

08 9370 1330

Moulded Timber Products

08 9434 5775

One Design and Construct Pty Ltd

0411 718 775

Paradigm Construction (WA) Pty Ltd

0439 771 169

Paul Ross

0439 805 141

Peritas Group

08 9388 2666

Perth Plasterboard Linings

0431 538 449

Pilbara Tiles and Carpets

08 9144 2226

Plantagenet Sheds & Steel Pty Ltd

08 9851 2236

Ron Fraser

0415 634 822

SJ Higgins

03 8552 2800

SQM Group Pty Ltd

0430 447 583

State 28 Interiors

08 9328 2209

Statewide Racking & Storage Solutions

1300 801 807

The Amigos Constructions Pty Ltd

08 9246 9439

Transbuilt Pty Ltd

0499 775 007

Vecchio Homes Pty Ltd

0401 179 760

WA Building Certifi ers and Assessors

08 9355 5484

WA Regional Builders

08 9725 7373

Well Built Landscape Construction

0401 946 232

Westland Furniture

08 9371 6825

Westridge Construction Pty Ltd

0433 714 678

Master Builders’ marketing manager Kelly Dewar-Matusik says displayhomeswa.com.au offers builders a great marketing opportunity.

Thousands flock to display homes website master Builders’ website displayhomeswa.com.au has continued its success of previous years and is attracting a big number of interested building consumers.

AssoCiAtion mArKetinG manager Kelly Dewar-matusik, who is responsible for the website, says ease of use, price bands, virtual tours and floor plan downloads ensure that it continues to attract the savvy shopper looking to view homes online.

“Last year saw an amazing number of visitors to the website and when you look at how many homes were actually approved for construction last year, the site is capturing potentially 100 percent of the interested market,” ms Dewar-matusik said. “the figures speak for themselves but we’re not content to sit back and have an idle site. With the continuous changes to social media and site search engines, we definitely have to be on our toes to keep abreast of promotional trends.

“We are determined to help master Builder members who advertise their display homes obtain as much exposure as possible. With new initiatives in the pipeline and the capturing of interested parties’ email details, a consumer-based email will be produced with those interested in building in mind.” ms Dewar-matusik said advertisers on the site have an opportunity to get out in front of these interested buyers, just by joining the display homes website community. “master Builder members have exclusive access to this successful website that received 36,000 interested home builder shoppers to its site in 2012,” she said. “to get your display home in front of 3000 additional visitors monthly, look no further than the master Builders’ Display Homes website.” master Builder members with display homes are encouraged to contact ms Dewar-matusik at Kelly@mbawa.com or on 9476 9800 to see how the site can put them in front of their target market.

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updAtes: Personal Pars

Personal Pars proudly sponsored by Hays

Congratulations to Darryl Brough, the South-West general manager of Ventura Homes, on celebrating 10 years with the company.

Sandy Randall has been appointed director of compliance and complaints with the Building Commission.

Condolences to Butler Settineri partner Pat Settineri on the passing of his father in March after a long illness.

Simon Birkhead has been appointed general manager of Webb & Brown Neaves, taking over from Justine Roberts who has relocated overseas. The new general manager of Celebration Homes is Steve Hancock.

Congratulations to Builton Group the managing director Troy Felt on winning a 40 under 40 award from WA Business News this year. Troy founded Aspireon, a residential developer focussed on stylish affordable housing.

Condolences to John Woodford (Glenway Homes) and his family on the passing of his mother in February.

Simon Amos has been appointed WA division manager for Cardno, based in West Perth.

The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) has appointed Neil Savery as its general manager to replace Ivan Donaldson who has retired. Mr Savery is a former CEO of the ACT Planning and Land Authority.

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Sincere condolences to Jack Scherbarth (Wroxton Bricklayers) on the passing of his wife in February.

Condolences to the family and friends of Dene Rundle, a long-serving member of the Peet Land Development team, who died in February, aged 73. Dene was highly regarded in both business and sporting pursuits.

Congratulations to the team at the Envar Group on celebrating their fortieth anniversary in business – primarily in the air conditioning and mechanical contracting field. Envar is one of only 12 WA companies to receive a WorkSafe WA safety record platinum certificate. Over the period 1985-2011, lost time injuries in WA have fallen from 35,000 per year to 18,000. Fatalities have also fallen over the same period due largely to an improved safety culture at the workplace.

Congratulations to Cooper & Oxley managing director George Hampel who celebrates 50 years with the business this year - a brilliant achievement, George.

Evan Campbell has stepped down as Mirvac’s national general manager of resource partnerships.

Paul Grimley has been appointed state manager for Badge Constructions.

Congratulations to Master Builders legal counsel Richard Calver on his tenth anniversary with Master Builders Australia in Canberra. Richard does an extraordinary job for members in the fields of industrial relations and contracts and legal policy.

The City of Greater Geraldton has employed Ken Diehm as its CEO following the completion of Tony Brun’s contract.

Former Registrar of the Builders’ Registration Board, Kim Fare, is now employed as one of the principal policy officers with the National Occupational Licensing Authority in Sydney.

Dean O’Rourke, general manager of Dale Alcock Homes and Dale Alcock Home Improvements, has been elected president of the HIA for 2013-2014. Kelvin Ryan (BGC Residential) has been elected vice president.

Congratulations to Master Builders’ former events manager Bianca Thompson on her engagement to James Wilson in March.

David Karotkin, the managing director of Sandover Pinder, has been elected national president of the Australian Institute of Architects. Mr. Karotkin is also president of the WA Chapter of AIA.

Graham Cuthbert, the executive director of the Queensland Master Builders Association, has retired after 10 years in the position and 28 years with QMBA. Graham also had a short stint with BUSSQ Superannuation. We wish Graham a healthy and enjoyable retirement with his wife Sharyn on the Sunshine Coast.

His commitment and contribution to the Master Builder movement over three decades is acknowledged.

A cheerio to Ken Bezant from the Environs Design Group who is recovering from a period of ill health.

Ken is one of our best trainers and 6 star energy rating assessors.

A get well message to ACIF chief executive Peter Barda who is recovering from a medical procedure.

Geraldton Brick has appointed Elle Lambert as its general manager.

Nick Perrignon has resigned as the chief operating officer with the Satterley Property Group to work for Rockingham Park Estates. Tony Carr has been appointed deputy managing director with the Satterley Property Group.

A big cheerio to Rhonda Roe (True North Energy Ratings) who is recovering well following a medical procedure in February.

Congratulations to Maria Nicotra and Rob Spadaccini (Spadaccini Homes and Next Choice Homes) on the safe arrival of their daughter, Alegra in February.

Terry Devereux has retired from the City of Swan and is now employed part-time at the Building Commission.

Congratulations to Pippa Tearne who has been appointed to the role of Master Builders’ events manager.

updAtes: Staff Profile

Pen portrait:

Kelly Watt With glowing references from her previous employer, fortuitous circumstances brought Kelly Watt and master Builders together.

What do you do at Master Builders? i am the executive assistant to director michael mcLean. i manage his dairy and appointments, coordinate all meetings/ agenda papers for master Builders Board of management and handle a multitude of other administrative tasks.

What were you doing before joining Master Builders?

Before joining master Builders in Perth i was working as the housing coordinator at master Builders Queensland, in their Brisbane-based head office.

Why did you move?

Master Builders recently appointed executive assistant Kelly Watt.

Despite being very happy in my role in master Builders Queensland, i (like many before me) moved to Perth in october last year to follow my partner who relocated for a mining-based role. i consider myself very lucky that the timing was right for master Builders WA to need a new executive assistant, and am delighted to remain a part of the master Builders family.

What was your first insight into the construction Industry? in 2010 i was working with the master electricians (meA) in Brisbane. it was here that i experienced, first-hand, the 2011 Queensland floods. it was a disaster that was so close to home it is very difficult to describe. meA worked with the Government to coordinate the re-energising of all the affected areas, and it was during this time i was first exposed to master Builders and the building industry. the extent of construction work required to repair the damage was unbelievable. Hearing countless stories of unfortunate families who’d lost their homes, the work required, and the costs involved, i became fascinated with the industry, and the whole construction process.

When you’re not as Master Builders, what keeps you busy? spending time with my partner enjoying the many beautiful sights of WA, while trying to keep fit and healthy.

How do you feel you’ve settled in your role?

Although i have only been in this role for five months, i am lucky to be surrounded by an incredible team, and am glad to say i have made the best friends here at master Builders WA. i am also proud to say that i have been quite taken with Perth - its beautiful weather, relaxed nature and friendly locals.

What would you say to females thinking about careers in the construction industry?

Long-gone are the days where the construction industry was a man’s world. the potential for females in this industry is endless, and although there will always be a predominant male influence; women have more of a voice than ever before. With more females filling highend management and executive roles, i encourage any female to pursue a career in this vast and prosperous industry.

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updAtes: Industrial Relations

Master Builders’ construction director Kim Richardson

master Builders’ construction director Kim richardson looks at the post-ABCC era and the emerging reaction of the states.

Conservative state governments back construction codes in mAY last year, the Gillard Government, at the behest of the CFmeu and against all common sense, scrapped the Australian Building and Construction Commission. the best example of the consequences of the Government’s wrongheaded decision was the very ugly and very public Grollo dispute in the heart of the melbourne CBD in mid-2012. in that incident, the CFmeu ignored court injunctions, disrupted the CBD and intimidated not only construction workers who were union members, but also sought to intimidate the Victorian Police service which was mobilised to uphold the law. the irony is that the leader of the Victorian CFmeu now calls for an inquiry into the “misuse” of Victorian police officers in that ugly show of union intimidation, saying the police were victimising union members. Apparently the union is without blame in the incident if the ridiculous comments are to be accepted. regrettably, many other examples of the growing boldness of the CFmeu in other states have been occurring since the demise of the ABCC. this includes WA. the $1.2 billion children’s hospital at nedlands has been the subject of prolonged union guerrilla action for months since late 2012 resulting in the Fair Work Commission issuing a six-month “no strike order” on the CFmeu in march. the union did not contest the matter, meaning it conceded its actions were completely out of order.

Following the Gillard Government’s ill-advised move, conservative state Governments have started looking at their options to control recalcitrant, unlawful and irresponsible union behaviour in the construction industry. the Victorian state Government introduced a Code of Practice for the construction industry in 2012 to require compliance with the law on construction sites - a reasonable position, but that code now is being challenged by the CFmeu in the Federal Court as unlawful. the irony speaks for itself.

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the nsW state Government introduced its own version of the Code of Practice in early 2013 and this takes effect on 1 July. Queensland has issued a draft Code and is seeking industry input.

All major east coast state Governments are lining up to try to keep control of major infrastructure construction costs, costs which are blowing out largely due to union sweetheart deals and delays by union industrial action, often involving contrived reasons and employer appeasement. For example, the plagued Victorian Wonthaggi water desalination plant is a reflection of how major infrastructure projects can go off the rails badly, largely due to poor industrial relations practices on site. no state Government wants a repeat of that project, hence, the impetus for introducing state Codes of Practice. master Builders is looking at a similar outcome in WA and will lobby the newly re-elected state Government for the same reasons. the WA Government has several major infrastructure projects either under construction, or approved, meaning a responsible government would want to take steps, as in the east, to protect the taxpayer and public interest. the conduct of the CFmeu on the children’s hospital project and the Fiona stanley Hospital site provide good grounds for such a code and who can forget the behaviour of the CFmeu in the construction of the William street train tunnel in 200506. the union’s conduct was so bad that the former AirC was moved to impose a “no strike order” against the union for the life of the project. History dictates the CFmeu cannot be trusted to act in a responsible manner, nor to honour its own very generous union pattern eBAs meaning the state Government must look at a Code of Practice for the construction industry.

updAtes: Industrial Relations

President who?

Controversial CFMEU assistant union secretary Joe McDonald has been elected to the honorary position of president of the union’s national construction division. The appointment only runs to October. The obvious question is, why Joe?

Militant behaviour wearing thin While the CFMEU says the return of its WA leadership team in the late 2012 union elections is a mandate for its form of union militancy, the courts and FWC are taking a different view of irresponsible union conduct. A six month “No Strike Ban” on the new $1.2 billion children’s hospital following months of union guerrilla tactics on site and the Federal Court issuing a restraining order on Joe McDonald in early 2013 preventing him going within 100 metres of the Fiona Stanley entrances show the union’s leadership is living in another world.

awu did not pay $10m fine The AWU has admitted it did not pay a $10 million fi ne imposed by the courts following a major industrial dispute in 2010 in the Victorian oil and gas industry. In return the union agreed to comply with the law on a new project EBA. Little wonder construction unions see themselves above the law with outcomes like this. Employers have little to complain about when they are party to such outcomes.

fifo?

A Victorian construction fi rm used a helicopter to get workers over a so-called “community picket line” at a water treatment plant. The local AMWU complained 457 visa workers were being used and were denying local unemployed construction workers jobs. The union picket line was replaced by a spontaneous community picket line following a “No Strike Order” against the union.

Oddly, it was alleged a union offi cial indicated that if four local workers were employed, the community picket line would disappear. Talk about support your local union.

Master Builders calls for impact statement on Fair Work Act changes master Builders Australia has called on the Federal Government to conduct a rigorous regulation impact statement to assess the cost of a range of changes proposed in the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013. in A suBmission on the Billto the House standing Committee on education and employment on the Bill lodged in April, master Builders said the significant cost implications for business, particularly small business, have been ignored. master Builders’ Ceo Wilhelm Harnisch says it is grossly unacceptable for the Government to wait for the may Federal Budget to announce the Bill’s cost implications for taxpayers and ignore the cost implications for businesses on such a major change in the law. “this Bill will have significant cost implications for the building and construction industry and Government funding for the Fair Work Commission and possibly other agencies,” he said. “the Bill must not be rushed through Parliament. it needs proper debate so the implications for business and the Government are fully examined. A regulation impact statement must form a crucial part of the debate, otherwise the Bill must be deferred.” mr Harnisch said the building industry rejects changes to legislation which increase the operating costs for businesses without at least providing an associated productivity offset. “master Builders is particularly concerned about the implications of the bullying provisions in the Bill,” he said. “under the proposed bullying provisions, employers will have to implement new compliance systems to ensure they demonstrate reasonable management action has taken place and that it was applied in a reasonable manner. otherwise, they could be open to an expensive bullying complaint while completing genuine management actions. “implementing new compliance processes is costly and diverts valuable resources from an employer’s core business of building infrastructure, generating jobs and contributing to the economy. Without a proper screening process to validate potential bullying claims, the Bill will fuel an enormous number of spurious claims to be heard by the Fair Work Commission. there is no disincentive for disgruntled employees to submit a claim as a measure to garner ‘go away’ money in the case of employment exit.” mr Harnisch said that, as an example, Worksafe Victoria received more than 6000 bullying complaints in a year, following a precedent-setting oHs prosecution in 2010. “the Fair Work Commission can expect a much higher number of complaints following the implementation of this Bill,” mr Harnisch said. earlier, master Builders also criticised the Bill as pandering to the unions.

do not park there A CFMEU vehicle recently was parked across the entrance to a local construction site blocking it. The builder, a well known union protagonist, took a dislike to the union vehicle which was shifted via a forklift. Apparently, while being relocated to a more satisfactory place the union vehicle suffered some unintended damage. Accidents do happen.

Jobs for the boys Workplace Relations Minister Bill Shorten announced six more appointees to the FWC in March. Two new deputy presidents were expected but the other four new commissioners, including ex-ACTU secretary Jeff Lawrence, were not. Only one of the six comes from an employer background.

“For instance, the Bill gives unions the ability to use an employer’s lunchroom to hold meetings,” mr Harnisch said. “this is an unacceptable prospect for employers and for 82 percent of Australian workers who are not members of a trade union. Lunchrooms are places where employees can take a spell from their job and enjoy their meal time in peace. union meetings and activities should not be forced upon non-union workers enjoying their meal breaks. “the Bill also includes provisions which require employers to pay for permit holders’ travel and accommodation to remote sites. this is an additional and unwarranted cost forced on employers, who are already facing difficult trading conditions in the building and construction industry. “However, there is a welcome addition to allow the Fair Work Commission to deal with disputes regarding the frequency of union visits to worksites for discussion purposes. the Government’s proposed reforms are not balanced. they work against the viability of business and strengthen the role of unions. the Government should be supporting businesses, as they are the ones who invest and create jobs.”

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updAtes: Insurance Nick Vernon (left) leads the WA MBA Insurance Services team – Rob Higginson, Kathryn Heremia and Peter Fallesen.

Capability to compete mBA insurance services is the general insurance brokerage owned by five of the master Builders Associations around Australia.

it HAs major offices in melbourne, sydney and Perth and smaller offices in tasmania and the northern territory. each state employs specialist staff skilled in the key areas of building and construction insurance – Contract Works, Builders indemnity and trades insurance. By supporting mBAis, master Builder members are supporting their Association and industry. over the next three years, mBAis is positioned to return more than $4 million to the building and construction industry. these are funds that will go back into the Association, ensuring that subscription increases are kept to a minimum and that high level services are provided. mBAis has built a strong platform to service the building and construction industry through the development of excellent underwriting relationships. With a focus on innovation, mBAis has delivered many new initiatives to the market, the most recent being our online home owners warranty certificate issuing system placing us at the forefront of the industry. over the past two years, we have considerably strengthened mBAis, by: • recruiting a number of people technically competent in building and construction insurance to complement our existing highly trained team.

• streamlining a number of internal and external processes in order to make our operation faster and more

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efficient and to provide our customers with the best service possible.

• Broadening our product range, including a dedicated mBAis Contract Works and Public Liability manuscript wording, enabling us to meet the demands of an ever widening variety of customers.

• Forging strong links with our master Builders colleagues, enabling us to provide a complete “business services” offering, perfectly complementing the broking and risk management of clients’ insurance programs. this unique combination of services is only available by appointing mBAis as your broker.

mBAis is focused on delivering value for money products and services, rather than simply the cheapest price, because the right cover with the appropriate underwriter is the only cover that will protect contractors, their families and their businesses. We do this by only placing insurance with insurers offering the best overall package of financial stability, broad coverage, competitive and consistent premiums and a proven claims payment record. the close relationships we develop with contractors’ key stakeholders allow us to truly understand business requirements and develop solutions that will meet and exceed expectations. the WA mBAis team of nick Vernon, Kathryn Heremia, Peter Fallesen and rob Higginson represents an excellent blend of experience, technical knowledge, enthusiasm, integrity and commitment to the highest possible levels of service. With more than 50 years’ combined insurance experience on the ground, a majority of which has been in the construction industry, the team is perfectly placed to provide the specialist construction advice that contractors need when it comes to establishing the appropriate insurance program for their businesses. the value mBAis brings to business is multifaceted, as displayed in the diagram.

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A new government incentive allows small business (less than $2M revenue per annum) to claim up to $5,000 as an immediate deduction for motor vehicles acquired after 1st July 2012.

For more information on the Accelerated Initial Deduction for motor vehicles visit the Australian Taxation Office website http://www.ato.gov.au.

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updAtes: Legal

Further Fair Work Act amendments – the impact on the construction industry the Fair Work Amendment Bill 2013 (the Bill) proposes to make a number of amendments to various sections of the Fair Work Act 2009 (the Act) which will affect employers engaged in the construction industry in WA.

tHe most relevant changes are those designed to address workplace bullying and to change certain provisions regarding right of entry. these provisions will affect all businesses operated by corporations. it is important to note that the provisions discussed below are not legally binding yet Stephen Kemp and, in fact, might not become law in the future. interested persons and organisations had until mid-April to make submissions addressing the proposals set out in the Bill.

New bullying laws the Bill 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. As the Act will adopt the meaning of “worker” under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, it will allow persons other than employees (that is, contractors, subcontractors, work experience students and volunteers) to commence bullying proceedings. 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 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. the new provisions will require the FWC to start dealing with a complaint within 14 days of receiving a bullying 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 will also 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. these provisions (assuming they are enacted) are another reason why organisations ought to review their internal processes for dealing with bullying. employers can benefit greatly from developing and implementing a clear bullying policy that ensures that any allegation of bullying is promptly dealt with before it has a chance to negatively impact on a person’s health and wellbeing or on the other employees of the organisation.

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Changes to right of entry provisions the Bill also will amend the Act in relation to the location of discussions and interviews, as well as transport and accommodation arrangements in remote areas, where permit holders exercise a right of entry under the Act. the amendments are aimed at encouraging occupiers and permit holders to reach agreement about where meetings will be conducted. in the absence of agreement, the Bill provides for interviews and discussions to be held in the ordinary lunch or break rooms provided by the occupier. this is a significant change to the current provisions which provide that the employer, as long as it acts reasonably, may determine where meetings are to occur. the employer still retains the right to give reasonable instruction as to the route to be taken when proceeding to the meeting. the FWC also will be given the power to deal with disputes concerning the frequency with which a permit holder exercises the right of entry. this will be beneficial to construction businesses where the frequency of entry is causing an unreasonable diversion of critical resources and will provide a mechanism to prevent a business from having to go to unreasonable lengths to accommodate right of entry. some of the more controversial provisions in the Bill concern the obligation of employers operating sites in remote areas to make accommodation and transport arrangements for permit holders seeking to exercise a right of entry at those sites. the employer, upon certain conditions being met (for example, reasonable advance notice being given), will be required to provide accommodation and transport where such provision would not cause it undue inconvenience. in so doing, the employer will be limited to charging a permit holder a fee that is no more than the cost of providing the accommodation or transport.

Other amendments the Bill also will: • introduce new family friendly arrangements, including expanding the right for pregnant women to transfer to a safe job, providing flexibilities in relation to concurrent unpaid parental leave and expanding access to the right to request flexible working arrangements to more groups of employees.

• require modern awards and enterprise agreements to contain clauses requiring employers to consult with employees about the impact of changes to regular rosters or hours of work.

• require the FWC to consider whether modern awards and the national employment standards provide sufficient remuneration for employees working overtime and irregular hours.

This article was prepared by Jackson McDonald Lawyers Partner Workplace Relations and Safety Stephen Kemp. For further information, contact Mr Kemp on 9426 6663 or skemp@jacmac.com.au.

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updAtes: Safety

No-one was seriously hurt in this incident, but there can be catastrophic consequences if mobile plant is not correctly used.

Mobile plant on construction sites Although the introduction of mobile plant has made vast improvements to the efficiencies of some construction activities, mobile plant has also led to a number of incidents, serious injuries, fatalities and significant damage to other plant or structures.

in ALL CAses mobile plant operators must be familiar with the plant they are operating and undergo training to be able to operate the plant safely and efficiently. in some cases mobile plant operators are required to hold a High risk Work Licence.

Electrical hazards the requirements for minimum safe clearances around live electrical conductors vary from state to state and Australian standards refer to an all round clearance to ”poles” of two metres and to ”transmission towers” of six metres.

Safe Work Method Statements Division 12 of the Western Australian occupational safety and Health regulations identifies the use of mobile plant on construction sites as a high risk work activity. in accordance with the regulations, a business or person that is involved in carrying out High risk Construction Work must, ensure that a safe Work method statement for the proposed work is developed.

Hazard Identification and Control A safe Work method statement should identify all the potential hazards associated with the task and indicate the controls to be introduced to eliminate or reduce the risk associated with the hazard.

Detailed below are just some of the potential hazards associated with the use of mobile plant.

in WA, Western Power uses voltages of up to 132,000 volts on wooden or steel poles, a situation not addressed in the Australian standard.

Without advice to the contrary from the energy supplier, in WA the following minimum clearances to live power lines should be adhered to: VOLTAGE

CLEArANCE

up to 1000 volts (insulated)

0.5 metre

up to 1000 volts (uninsulated)

1.0 metre

Over 1000 volts and up to 33,000 volts

3.0 metres

Over 33,000 volts

6.0 metres

Where it is necessary to approach closer than the distances detailed above, advice from the energy supplier must be obtained.

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updAtes: Safety

Challenging use of elevated work platforms on the Perth Arena project.

Suspended floors and slabs Before operating any mobile plant on a suspended surface the operator must ensure that, prior to commencing work, the slab or floor can support the total weight of the plant and any loads that it may be carrying.

Backfilled ground not all mobile plant is designed to be safely operated on soft or recently backfilled ground. mobile plant such as elevating work platforms, scissor lifts, cranes, telehandlers and forklift trucks are primarily designed to be operated on firm relatively level ground. recently backfilled trenches, excavations or waterlogged ground must be identified prior to setting up.

be taken to locate and clearly identify the location of underground structures, such as septic tanks, leach drains and soak wells, that might have been installed by the home owner.

Open trenches and excavations As a general rule mobile plant, other than earthmoving equipment, should not be set up or operated closer to the edge of a trench or excavation than a distance equal to the depth of the open trench or excavation. For example; a telehandler should not be set up or operated closer than two metres to the edge of a two metre deep open trench or excavation. if it is not possible to avoid setting up or operating mobile plant closer to a trench than the safe distance recommended above then operators should seek the advice of a suitably qualified person such as an engineer.

Underground services and structures it is important to identify any underground services or structures such as storage tanks, retaining walls, access pits, stormwater drains and gas, power, water and sewerage lines before setting up or operating any mobile plant in the area. the ability of underground services and structures to support the additional loads imposed by mobile plant must be considered to ensure a catastrophic collapse or failure of the structure does not occur. the construction or installation of these types of underground services may also have required excavation and backfilling of the surrounding soil. in such cases, operators need to ensure that the ground bearing capacity is sufficiently high enough to sustain the weight of the equipment and any loads being carried. these types of hazards may go unnoticed because they are underground. on new, or major construction sites, plans should be available that will identify underground services and structures. in the case of works being carried out around existing buildings or structures, such as residential properties, there might not be up to date plans of such services. in these circumstances, particularly in older areas, care must

Other workers and members of the public Visibility often is restricted in mobile plant and safe systems of work need to be developed and implemented that provide, as a minimum, a method of communication between other workers and the mobile plant operator that ensure each is aware of the other before the lack of distance between them creates a risk. Where it is not practicable for an effective communication system to be implemented, and/or the operation of the mobile plant may go unnoticed by a pedestrian worker, the area of operation for the mobile plant should be isolated by using signs, barriers and/or barricades.

All mobile plant should be fitted with both visual and audible warning devices to alert other workers in the vicinity.

Need more information Contact the master Builders safety Department on 9441 8000 or email safety@mbawa.com if you would like further information or advice.

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updAtes: Technical

Romina De Santis

master Builders’ technical consultant romina De santis looks at a common, but potentially contentious, provision of specifications.

in accordance with the BCA and relevant Australian standards….

DesiGn AnD construction of buildings includes materials, construction methodologies and finishes noted on the plans and in the specification listing Building Code of Australia clauses and Australian standard references for compliance and often including this brief catch-all, “... in accordance with the BCA and relevant Australian standards”. most of the time, the phrase implies the designer, builder and subcontractor all understand the expected outcome – and for the most part they do. unfortunately, there are scenarios where assuming the requirements can lead to expensive errors, buildings that just cannot be built to the plans provided as they contradict the referenced document, or completed buildings that are not fit for purpose.

When a builder estimates the cost of construction based on the plans and specifications, it is understood by the parties that the quotation is based on those documents as provided. Changes after the price is accepted will be variations to the contract and will incur additional costs and potentially additional construction time to complete. if the plans and specifications had to repeat all the requirements listed in the BCA and relevant Australian standards, we would never get a project documented – let alone built, so we rely on the experience of the project stakeholders. Depending on the project’s complexity, this could be just the designer-builder and subcontractors or include consultants, project managers and specialist contractors.

Toilets for persons with ambulant disabilities need to be in accordance with AS 1428.1 – 2009.

To be in accordance with the BCA… in order to illustrate how this statement could be costly for a builder that didn’t seek the necessary clarifications, i have used three case studies relevant to three areas of the BCA that most frequently create challenges for a project – fire separation, accessible toilets, and energy efficiency. in each case study, the use of notations on the plans or within the specification referencing compliance with the BCA or Australian standards could have been seen as misleading, but when is it appropriate to spell out requirements, and when is it suitable to refer to the BCA as shorthand for a long list of requirements?

Case Study 1 it was proposed to extend a building. For compliance, the building required a firewall to separate it into two fire compartments. the location of the fire wall was partly in the existing portion of the building and partly in the new portion. the plans noted the requirement for a fire wall and delineated the position of the fire wall and the construction required to achieve compliance, that is, materials and fire resistance level, but then noted “in accordance with the BCA”. the builder proceeded with the addition and the roof frame to comply with As1684 (as noted on the plans), then followed the instructions of the fire-rated plasterboard to the underside of the roof covering. unfortunately, there were a number of roof members traversing the area where the fire wall was installed. the wall was constructed around these penetrations, however, Clause C2.7 of the BCA permits a batten with dimensions of 75 x 50 millimetres or less as the only building element allowed to cross or pass through the fire wall. on completion of the building, certification could not be granted without the firewall being adjusted to meet BCA requirements or demonstrate equivalence using an alternative solution. Because it was noted on the plans, this was at the builder’s cost to rectify the work for compliance.

Case Study 2

Section J of the BCA requires glazing to achieve minimum compliance standards.

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since 1 may 2011, requirements for access to buildings and facilities for people with disabilities have increased significantly. Accessible toilet footprint and design and construction requirements have changed with the adoption of a number of new Australian standards for compliance with Parts D3 and F2.4 of the BCA. the new requirement for facilities for people with ambulant disabilities also has been introduced. these facilities have a 20 millimetre tolerance for the width of the cubicle to ensure the correct spacing of grabrails, so though we have been

updAtes: Technical

accustomed to the generous construction requirements of accessible toilets, where “the bigger the better” assisted compliance, the ambulant toilet requires accuracy in setout, signage and consideration for circulation that is very different to what we are familiar with for the accessible toilet. in a warehouse building it was proposed to install an accessible toilet and additional toilet for people with ambulant disabilities. the plans correctly noted the dimensions and required outward swinging entrance door. the plans also noted grabrails necessary and referenced As1428.1 – 2009 for compliance. the owner requested minor changes to the plans and to include a hand basin within the cubicle and that the door be re-swung into the cubicle. the builder made the cubicle slightly wider to accommodate the hand basin and changed the door to swing into the cubicle. Although the grabrails were installed, they were too far apart, the signage was incorrect, and the uniform coloured grey walls, floor tiles and doors did not provide the required 30 percent luminance contrast required. each of the minor modifications and finishes impacted the compliance of the construction and all needed to be changed for construction compliance.

Although the builder was able to recover some of the costs, the owner successfully argued that he did not know the variations requested made the building non-compliant, so the builder should have advised him he could not make these changes to the design.

Case Study 3 As part of the construction documentation for a small office building, the builder did not confirm the specification of the glazing required for energy efficiency compliance. When it came time to order the glazing specified, he remembered to check the energy efficiency report he received as part of the documentation. the glazing specified was triple the cost of the estimate and added a significant cost to the construction that was not recoverable from the client. the builder approached the energy efficiency consultant to see how the glazing specification could be reduced and though able to save on some of the cost, was still over the original estimate. Although this was a builder’s cost, he realised before he ordered or installed the incorrect glazing which would have been a significantly higher cost to change.

What builders should do if you are not sure or just curious, ask for clarification before estimating costs or before constructing.

• indicate how you intend to address items that are ambiguous and seek acceptance of this methodology so that if any modification is required, it is clear who is responsible for the cost of the variation.

• Highlight the comments on the plans and query with the designer or architect what the notation is specifically intended for – whether it is a specific BCA Clause or part of a standard or just a general reference.

• Get a copy of the BCA and some of the more relevant Australian standards for the types of buildings you build.

• When building with new products or different classification or sizes of buildings, ensure you are across requirements that you may not have dealt with before.

• Keep up-to-date with changes – most recently, changes to access for people with disabilities, energy efficiency and the introduction of the new Building Act have caused delays and costs for builders.

national Construction Code 2013 Volumes 1 and 2 of the national Construction Code (BCA 2013) have a number of amendments and new Australian standard references included for compliance. these are listed at the back of each volume.

ALtHouGH BCA 2013 is due for adoption from may 2013, the WA Building regulations 2012 were amended to include a 12-month transition period for the new requirements. the regulations allow the use of either BCA 2012 or BCA 2013 depending on the assessment by the building surveyor. this is noted on the Certificate of Design Compliance. one of the main changes to the BCA is to Clause D2.24 Protection of openable windows for Class 2-9 buildings (Volume 1) and Clause 3.9.2.5 Protection of openable windows for Class 1 and 10 buildings (Volume 2). it is advisable, given the change relates to the safety of children in buildings, that builders consider applying these requirements to applications submitted from 1 may 2013.

Discuss the new requirements with your clients and recommend compliance. Because of the regulations’’ transitional arrangements, the client might chose not to include the newly required construction and might achieve documentation compliance relying on BCA 2012 (Volumes 1 and 2). Document these discussions and the client advice to cover the situation should queries arise at a later date from new owners or in the event of an accident occurring. other changes in BCA 2013 include changes to lift requirements for people with disabilities, adoption of As1668.2 – 2012 standard for ventilation and changes to “waterproof” and “water resistant” definitions.

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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)

Dr Joe Kosterich mBBs looks at do-it-yourself health.

With health – get back to basics iF A DruG was released which reduced your chances of getting cancer by one in three it would be a genuine blockbuster drug. sales would be huge. everyone would want to be on it. such a discovery would be front-page news. the London based World Cancer research Fund has shown that one in three cancers can be avoided. it was not by taking a pill.

Perhaps if it was this story would have been on the front page. if it was a pill perhaps everyone would be lining up to take it. so what was this discovery? the report has once again highlighted the importance of simple lifestyle measures that you can apply every day. it estimates that one third of cancers are related to poor diet and nutrition and lack of physical activity. in other words, by being on a healthy diet, getting enough essential vitamins and minerals and being physically active, your chances of getting cancer can be reduced by one third. this is apart from lower rates of heart disease and stroke that also come from maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly.

Here is an interesting statistic from the Journal of the American medical Association: “since 1960, us expenditures have shifted from spending 2.7 times more on food than health care ($74 billion vs $27 billion) to spending two times more on health care than food ($2.5 trillion vs $1.25 trillion). Despite significant increases in health care spending, obesity and diabetes mellitus rates have increased dramatically.” this relative change will be similar in many other countries.

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recently a new York court overturned the proposed ban on selling sodas larger than 16 ounces (450 millilitres). to be honest, in my view it is not the role of government to nanny people. Bans like this tell people it is the government’s role to protect us from ourselves - it is not. it is our responsibility to manage our health. in 1960 you could not buy a soda of 64 ounces (1.8 litres) and the world spun quite happily. there is no need for a drink of such size. it is the responsibility of the individual to choose not to buy it. if we spent just a little bit more on good quality food we would save a lot on disease costs. And healthy food is not that expensive. Fruits and vegetables in season are cheap in terms of the nutrition you get for your dollar. Water is the cheapest drink.

Legumes are also very cheap. meat, fish and poultry cost a bit more but you do not need to eat these every day. much effort goes into avoiding disease. it can seem like an obstacle course. A better approach is to focus on being healthy. Plus, avoiding disease is in fact the result of a focus on being healthy. so what are the basics of being healthy?

• eating foods that the body requires in the right amounts.

• Drinking enough water. this means around 30 millilitres per kilogram body weight per day.

• Being active on a regular basis. this means at least 30 minutes, four times a week.

• Getting the right amount of sleep. this means an average of eight hours per night for most people.

• manage your stress. this means doing things that you enjoy and find relaxing. it can include taking up things like yoga or meditation.

Dr Joe Kosterich

ok, so most of you reading this are saying to yourselves “i already know all this.” there is an old Zen saying: “to know and not to do is not yet to know.” the question then becomes how many of you really “know” this.

By applying these basic principles of DiY health, the body can attain optimal health.

By being healthy it becomes less likely that you will develop any form of disease. it also means that you will have the energy and vitality to enjoy, and get the most out of, your life each day.

What are you going to do (know) today to improve your health?

updAtes: Housing

Builders introduced to Cockburn Central master Builders’ Housing Council went on the road recently, conducting one of its monthly meetings at Cockburn Central and getting a taste for the development described as “Perth’s future of housing”.

CoCKBurn CentrAL development commenced in conjunction with the Cockburn Central station, which was opened along with the southern suburbs railway line in December 2007, underpinning the Directions 2031 and Beyond Policy. the development is a pivotal Activity Centre on the southern suburbs line. it will serve 200,000 people and is intended to set new standards for urban living and provide a model for development around public transport.

An artist’s impression of development on the Mandurah Junction site.

Opportunity knocks for Mandurah Junction developers LAnDCorP HAs just closed its call for expressions of interest to develop a landmark building on the mandurah Junction project’s signature mixed-use site. LandCorp says the 2656 square metre mixed-use site, 150 metres from the entry to the mandurah train station, has significant development potential for residential apartments and commercial floor space, with a maximum height of five storeys. it is part of the 15 hectare residential estate adjacent to the station which ultimately will be home to up to 2000 people. the eoi period closed at the end of April. selection of a preferred proponent will be made through a two-stage process. once all eois are assessed against development criteria, a shortlist of proponents then will be invited to submit a detailed proposal.

the Housing Council met at the Department of Housing’s new mixed leisure complex in the Cockburn Central town centre, located on Beeliar Drive, west of the Kwinana Freeway. the 12-hectare town centre will provide choices in lifestyle, recreation and commercial activity and incorporates a major bus and train interchange. it accommodates service agencies, including government departments and other community organisations, creating additional employment for the area.

Rental Affordability Scheme provides welcome boost

the overall project has moved closer to realisation with stage 1 developed and sold. stage 2 is under construction with the final six lots released to the market. the first residents have moved into Australand’s apartments and FesA has relocated its headquarters to the site. Giorgi Group has completed Plaza 817 and the Department of Housing has finished its innovative Living space project with residents commencing occupation.

“this scheme serves two very important purposes,” mr Harnisch said. “it helps address Australia’s growing housing affordability problem and also provides a welcome injection into the nation’s building industry. of particular importance is the commitment to fund and fast track 1000 new homes to be completed by June 2014 and available for rent under the national rental Affordability scheme soon after.

A number of restaurants, cafes and retail stores have opened around the recently refurbished town square.

the next round of affordable housing projects announced by Housing and Homelessness minister mark Butler under the national rental Affordability scheme has won master Builders’ approval. mAster BuiLDers Australia Ceo Wilhelm Harnisch says the fifth round of incentives to build an additional 10,000 new affordable rental homes by 2016, creating a total of 50,000 under the scheme, is a win-win for industry and those struggling to enter the housing market.

“the scheme will play a role helping the industry’s tenuous recovery from a prolonged downturn in activity. A strong building and construction industry recovery will be vital for the Australian economy as the mining investment boom peaks. Building and construction is a key driver of the national economy. it employs more than a million Australians, contributes close to eight percent of the nation’s economic output and has a positive flow-on effect for other industries such as manufacturing and retail.”

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updAtes: Housing

Positive signs in housing finance

Master Builders Australia’s chief economist Peter Jones.

National Council meets RBA

HousinG FinAnCe figures released in April by the Australian Bureau of statistics show some positive signs for the building industry, but more must follow to confirm a recovery, according to master Builders Australia. the total number of dwelling commitments rose two percent in February, seasonally adjusted.

mAster BuiLDers’ national residential Builders Council met in sydney recently with a highlight being an exchange of views with senior reserve Bank of Australia officials.

the number of commitments for the construction of new dwellings rose 1.5 percent and commitments for the purchase of new dwellings rose 0.6 percent, seasonally adjusted. Peter Jones, master Builders Australia’s chief economist, says the figures are welcome news for the industry, but a run of positive results is needed to confirm a recovery.

“Commitments for the construction and purchase of new dwellings combined rose by 1.2 percent in February, seasonally adjusted, up 13.5 percent from February 2012,” mr Jones said.

Current industry conditions, challenges and the outlook were discussed. other matters on the Council meeting agenda included issues relating to shifting the property tax system from stamp duties to land taxes, the need to more broadly promote outcomes relating to the Livable Housing initiative, the Federal Government’s proposal to develop a range of industry Precincts and the demise of the CoAG-initiated Construction Cost and Productivity review.

“this is certainly welcome news, but the industry’s recovery remains anaemic. in the most recent master Builders national survey, builders reported they were confident the industry’s fortunes would improve in the long term, but activity in the short term remains quiet.

“While there has been an improvement in sentiment, this by itself will not pay the bills. it must be converted into activity. the industry needs a sustained run of positive figures to cement a recovery and allow it to really build a head of steam. the concern is the current figure could be another in the volatile series of rises and falls witnessed over the past year. the reserve Bank must continue to act by cutting interest rates and ensuring a sustained building industry recovery can take place and boost the non-mining economy.”

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WA Master Builder

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RepoRts: Business Development

Pictured at a valuable John Holland-hosted Perth City Link project site visit are YBA committee members Kristy Dyson, Matt Bowen, Isaac Heard and Alastair Brook and AIB WA Chapter vice president John Gillies (right).

Young Builders Alliance provides path for building professionals the WA Young Builders Alliance, an initiative developed by the Australian institute of Building for construction industry students and recent graduates, provides its members with constructive and entertaining opportunities including site visits, professional development sessions and networking opportunities. it Promotes networking and mentoring relationships among young builders, students and industry leaders. As a result, members expand their knowledge and experience with the YBA providing a vehicle to obtain real construction industry exposure. over the last 12 months, YBA members have had the opportunity to attend some of WA’s flagship construction projects including John Holland’s new children’s hospital site and Perth City Link project, PACt Construction’s Baldivis senior High school, Diploma Group’s Queens riverside, Perkins Builders’ HiF Building and the Brookfield Place $800 million BHP tower. While site visits provide YBA members with the opportunity to enrich their technical knowledge, social and networking events hosted by the YBA allow members to meet fellow students, graduates and industry leaders. recent events included sundowners at the Generous squire, Lost society Bar and the roof top terrace of next Generation Kings Park, as well as a meet-thebosses evening hosted by AiB on level 52 of the Bankwest tower. the YBA committee is continuing to provide more exciting and inspiring opportunities for its members in 2013. the Alliance has announced a two-year partnership with John Holland.

As well as providing integral industry support, John Holland is the YBA’s principal sponsor. A YBA official says the partnership will allow the Alliance to continue to provide important opportunities for members.

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“John Holland has been a pivotal influence since YBA’s inception and we look forward to building our relationship with the company over the coming years,” the official said. “the YBA is a great starting point for young building professionals looking to make a career within the industry. one of the added benefits of joining the YBA is that you also gain entry level AiB membership. AiB is the leading institute for building and construction professionals within Australia and is the pre-eminent body for building professionals. AiB membership provides a range of benefits including professional recognition, great networking opportunities and information on changes within the industry. Building license registration and chartered builder status can be achieved through AiB pathways.”

For further information on how to join the WA YBA, visit AiB’s website www.aib.org.au and follow the links to the membership page or email administration@aib.org.au.

RepoRts: Business Development

Fringe Benefits tax – recent changes could prove costly the end of the Fringe Benefits tax year drew to a close on 31 march, so now is the time to review how recent FBt changes impact on your business bottom line and consider the actions you may need to take to reduce the impost of this tax.

Con Paoliello

tHere HAVe been a number of legislated and proposed changes to FBt over the past couple of years, with headline changes being to the statutory formula rate for cars, the living away from home allowance concession and the in-house property benefits and salary sacrifice arrangements.

Car Fringe Benefits – Statutory Formula rates

might be more than minor, infrequent and irregular private use. You should consider updating your company policy and procedures manual to ensure that company policy limits the private use of the vehicle and obtain declarations from employees confirming the private use is minor, infrequent and irregular, in order to mitigate any potential FBt exposure. this could save you money should the Ato come knocking.

the statutory formula rates for the FBt year ended 31 march 2013 for cars with a commitment date post 7.30pm 10 may 2011 are as follows:

Living Away From Home Allowances (LAFHA)

Distance travelled during the year

Existing contracts (transitional rules)

From 1 April 2012

From 1 April 2013

From 1 April 2014

(1 April – 31 March)

0 – 15,000 km

26%

20%

20%

20%

15,000 – 25,000 km

20%

20%

20%

20%

25,000 – 40,000 km

11%

17%

20%

20%

Over 40,000 km

7%

13%

17%

20%

the old rates only apply to vehicles acquired prior to 7.30pm 10 may 2011. However, it is important to note that if there has been any material change to the contract for a vehicle covered under the old rules (for example, renegotiation of novated lease agreement, end of lease balloon payment refinancing and so on), the new rates will apply.

Action you can take to mitigate the FBt cost on cars may be to analyse your vehicle fleet and take account of the following: • For all cars on existing contracts (transitional) and for non-transitional vehicles that may be close to the 40,000 kilometre threshold, ensure they are driven the extra kilometres to access the next rate.

• ensure no action is taken to renew/refinance a contract/agreement.

• Where log books have been maintained, ensure they have been completed for the relevant period and are complete.

• utilise employee contributions to offset the cost of the FBt.

FBT Exemption on Commercial Vehicles it is our understanding the Ato will be targeting employer-provided vehicles for the 2013 FBt year, in particular where the vehicle is not a “car” for FBt purposes (for example, panel vans, single cab and dual cabs utes). it is common within the building industry for staff to be provided with single and dual cab utility vehicles. You should be aware that the exemption is not a blanket exemption. the exemption from FBt for a vehicle that is not a car is only available where two conditions are met: • the private use of the vehicle is limited to certain “work related” travel, for example, travel between work and home.

• All other private use is minor, infrequent and irregular. minor, infrequent and irregular private use is generally regarded as the occasional trip to the shops. if your employees are able to use the vehicle for unrestricted private use, or they use the vehicle regularly to do grocery shopping, take kids to sporting events and so on, you may have a FBt liability. if the ute is fitted with non-work accessories (bike racks, fishing rod holders and so on) this might indicate to the Ato that there

From 1 october 2012, the FBt rules surrounding LAFHA have changed. the key changes are: • employees are required to “maintain a home in Australia for their immediate use and enjoyment” while they are required to live away from home. the home must be where the employee usually resides when in Australia and the employee must have an “ownership” interest in the home. You should consider what declarations you obtain from your employees. the Ato will be publishing new pro forma declarations so look out for these on their website.

• the concessional valuation rules will be limited to the first 12 months the employee is required to live away from home. make sure you keep a record of this to minimise the FBt exposure.

• the taxable value for the accommodation component and for the meal component (where the allowance exceeds the Commissioner’s “reasonable” amount) will be limited to the expenses that can be substantiated. Communicate this to your employees to minimise the FBt exposure.

• there are additional concessions for fly-in fly-out and drivein drive-out employees. Are you aware, for example, that the 12-month rule does not apply to FiFos and DiDos? ensure that you review any pre-existing LAFHA arrangements to ensure that they comply with the new legislation.

In-house Property Benefits – Salary Sacrifice Arrangements From 22 october 2012, new rules apply to an employer who provides an in-house benefit to an employee under a salary sacrifice arrangement. in general, the changes are that the concessional valuation rules will no longer apply and the $1000 reduction for inhouse benefits no longer is available. if, for example, you are providing building services or completed house packages to your employees at a discount, the FBt liability effectively has gone up from 22 october 2012.

FBt is a complex area and if you have not reviewed your company practices or you do not have your procedures and documentation in place, the FBt can be very costly.

RSM Bird Cameron can assist with a FBT health check of your policies and procedures or can provide specific planning to mitigate FBT exposure. For assistance contact the author of this article, Con Paoliello, director, tax services at RSM Bird Cameron on 9261 9100 or email con.paoliello@rsmi.com.au.

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RepoRts: Business Development

Five top ways to win more customers rueben taylor of ActionCoACH has some positive strategies when it comes to getting business in the door when times are lean.

Rueben Taylor

it’s no seCret that the building and construction industry isn’t as buoyant as those boom times a few years ago. now we may not be able to influence economic conditions, but in times like this every business needs to get back to the basics and focus on creating a strong customer service and sales culture in the business. Here are my top Five tips to help you generate more leads and successfully convert them into paying customers:

Follow up existing quotes many businesses claim they are too busy to follow up quotes but you must make the time for this if you’re going to win new business and get an edge over your competition. it’s important to systemise your follow up process with scripts and email/letter templates and train your team members on every step of the process.

Create points of difference Are you same as everyone else? Are you offering the same old “we give better service or use better quality products”? What does that mean in the eyes of your customer? it’s important to clearly articulate your points of difference in all of your advertising, quotes and communications so you stand out from your competition – and you’ll win more business along the way.

Ask for referrals from your network one of the most effective strategies to drum up new business is simply getting in touch with your network of contacts. it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been in business – it’s likely you’ve got a customer base of some sort. Dig up as many contacts as you can and pick up the phone or send a tailored letter to your past customers, suppliers and past referrers.

Create strategic alliances Who else could refer work to your business? that is, who else is dealing with your target market? By partnering with other businesses with which you share a common customer demographic but no actual direct competition, your company can expand its customer base quickly and easily by creating various types of campaigns.

Train your team Your team members are often coming into contact with potential customers but it may take a certain level of professional skills to convert them into paying customers. By helping your team learn the skills needed to promote your business, it’s possible to capture new customers. team members need attention, guidance, training, education and incentives. remember, a difficult economy and an abundance of competitors doesn’t necessarily mean your business is doomed – make changes and you’ll see results. And if at first you don’t succeed, try again.

For the last 12 years, rueben taylor has been helping Perth firms grow business sustainably, creating strong cash flow and getting businesses to a stage where they can run smoothly without owners being there. rueben has written a special report for the building and construction industry “5 Ways to Double Your Customer Base in the next 90 Days” available exclusively to master Builder members by emailing bwe@actioncoach.com.

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RepoRts: Business Development

six significant risks your eRp system can mitigate the harsh economic conditions we currently are faced with are impacting almost every industry, however, in none more so than the Australian construction industry. With times as tough as they are, there is no room for error, waste or inefficiency and there is certainly no room for mistakes that can cause real disasters.

WitH tHis in mind, it makes sense that construction companies are focusing more than ever on minimising their exposure to risk. one place to turn for effective risk mitigation is your software systems. many construction companies are utilising these slower times to invest in end-to-end, industry specific enterprise resource Planning software systems to drive efficiency and reduce cost. importantly, the same systems are also highly effective for minimising exposure to the construction-specific risks you have to deal with as well as regular business risk. Here are some of the risks that your erP software systems can help you mitigate.

The risk of exceeding project budgets and timelines erP systems accurately track all costs associated with your projects, and with comprehensive cost forecasting functions, provide real-time information on the latest estimated cost of the project. With disciplined application, you are informed of actual and potential cost over-runs, providing the opportunity to take immediate action to address the margin impacts before they occur. this capability not only works to protect your profit margins but can deliver a construction company a real competitive advantage.

The risk of overpaying subcontractors Construction-specific erP systems contain the proper controls around subcontract assessment and payments. these controls ensure your company’s compliance with security of payments obligations, ensure the currency of subcontractors’ insurances and significantly reduce the risk of overpaying your subcontractors or making payment where documentation is incomplete.

performs critical functions, for example, when programs are opened and closed and when records are created and edited, the user iD, the date, the time and what occurred is recorded in the background of your system. this information is accessible through audit reporting. this means that, should something happen, you know what’s happened, when it happened, and to whom to talk.

risks to your system’s security erP systems will have built-in security permissions systems, parameter settings and highly configurable user interfaces. these mechanisms provide the platform for the controls contained in the business’s operating policies and procedures to be embedded in the system, in turn ensuring your staff are working in a system aligned totally with organisation strategy. not only does this optimise efficient process, there are natural risk mitigators in such an approach.

Mitigating risk through sound corporate governance At a corporate level, all of these preceding factors work to ensure good corporate governance practices are in place in your organisation. they culminate to deliver real time information and timely and accurate reporting of the highest integrity. this means that you can have full confidence in your reports to provide the information and insights that enable you to act rapidly to address business issues as they arise. therefore if risk mitigation is becoming a focus for your company, it is definitely worth turning to your erP system for solutions. As well as the cost-saving, efficiency-driving and profit-increasing potential these systems possess and deliver to those who use them, they are also incredibly powerful risk-mitigators and work to raise the general level of corporate governance.

The risk of not complying with OH&S requirements Your erP system will ensure that employees’ and contractors’ licenses and qualifications are constantly tracked. Alerts are generated when qualifications and licenses have expired. reporting and analysis tools will assist to ensure employees’ and contractors’ licensing meets the requirements of specific projects. this functionality ensures that occupational health and safety obligations are complied with.

For more information about how your erP system can work to minimise your company’s exposure to risk, call neil newman on 07 3004 6100 or email info@levesys.com.

The risk of fraud Proper, accepted accounting practices are built into all good erP systems. these accounting systems are designed with all the necessary controls and auditing in place to minimise the risk of fraud occurring. security levelling and authority limits facilitate sound procurement practices that minimise the risk of embezzlement. system auditing

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RepoRts: Business Development

Better communications skills equal better results What is the most powerful tool to safeguard your business in these tough economic times? How can you retain your staff, your contractors and your customers? How can you develop your business and become more successful than your competitors? You’ve surely heard it all before says Dawn russell of Carcassone Corporate training, but communication is the key.

tHe suCCess of implementing clear and open communication both internally and externally in your business environment relies heavily on the development of outstanding interpersonal skills in each and every staff member. interpersonal skills within a business can be categorised as two separate types: internal communication, which refers to the communication between members of the same company, or external communication, which refers to the communication between members of separate companies (your business relationships) or customers (your customer service and client relationships). A business that can succeed in both internal and external communication is always more successful than one that leaves interpersonal skills to chance. internal communication is based on the interaction between two or more people within the business itself. this could be teams of people who are collaborating together, a manager and their team, a Ceo and the management staff – each and every relationship within your business relies on effective interpersonal skills to get the job done to the highest level imaginable.

Communication is used every day in your business whether your staff are transferring information, brainstorming new ideas, maintaining successful working relationships or expressing their opinions. investing time, money and training in the development of interpersonal skills across your staff has an impact on the day-to-day success of your business as a whole.

When people communicate better with each other, work gets done. When communication barriers are present for any reason, the productivity of any team or individual suffers. external communication is just as crucial to the success of your business. training your staff and arming them with excellent interpersonal skills can directly affect your return on investment and the bottom line results of your business. regardless of the field in which it operates, your business requires excellent external communication to strengthen existing business relationships and forge ahead with new business partnerships, client contracts and increased sales.

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interpersonal skills are required not only during conversations, but in all business communication. Good interpersonal skills can make a deal happen, where poor interpersonal skills can easily break one.

Whether your staff are advertising, developing ideas, working as teams, dealing with customers, negotiating contracts, persuading contractors, leading training or just sitting together in the break room, interpersonal skills count. they count for your bottom line, they count to your staff happiness and they count when it comes to delivering outcomes, to your sales and business development.

Communication may be the key to success, but strong interpersonal skills are the key to communication. to find out about private Workplace Communications training for your company or one of master Builders’ regular Workplace Communications skills workshops, give Carolyn Fitzgerald, master Builders’ training coordinator a call on 9441 8020.

AdveRtoRiAL

Members of MBAWA know all about the Construction Training Fund and how it has been reducing the costs of training for WA’s construction workers since 1991. the Fund collects a levy on all construction projects in the state. the levy is calculated at 0.2% of the total project value, or $200 in every $100 000. the revenue generated by the levy is then returned to industry in the form of training subsidies for eligible workers and grants for eligible employers of apprentices and trainees.

During 2011-12, the Fund’s supplementary skills program provided training subsidies for more than 32 000 workers in WA’s construction industry to acquire the skills needed to perform their tasks effectively and safely. if you’ve recently

completed a short training course through mBAWA, it’s likely that you were one of the 32 000 workers and the Construction training Fund subsidised your training costs by up to 80%. the Fund also supported employers of more than 5 200 apprentices and trainees indentured in relevant construction trades, with grants of up to $16 500 available to defray the costs that employing an apprentice can generate (wages, superannuation, tools, tuition fees etc). the Fund’s grants are in addition to those provided by the Commonwealth Government. rest assured, if you employ an eligible apprentice through a group training organisation, you’ll already be receiving the grant as a reduction in the monthly hire-out rate charged by the Gto. Just look for the line item on your invoice that says “Construction training Fund rebate”. the Fund also offers a range of other subsidies, including up to $400 for eligible workers who complete a recognition of prior learning (rPL) assessment in a range of trade and Cert iV qualifications. Find out how the Construction training Fund can help reduce your training costs. it’s your training fund.

For more information contact: Phone: (08) 9244 0100 Website: www.bcitf.org

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updAtes: Training

Tough Love: how to give feedback, and still be liked and respected Providing feedback to staff is always tough, says master Builders’ trainer Dawn russell, but if it’s constructive, you not only get the message across, you build a more cohesive and capable team as a result.

Constructive feedback is the only way to help people learn and develop – both personally and professionally. that means, you as a leader, have a responsibility to your staff to help them develop. that means you have to give constructive feedback.

Broome Master Builder member B&J Building Consultants won a national accolade, the Australian Apprenticeships – Employer Award, at last year’s Australian Training Awards. B&J’s Paul Watling and Gareth Owen are pictured with then Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research Minister, Senator Chris Evans.

What is constructive feedback?

Well, first let’s establish what it’s not. Constructive feedback is not criticism (which has a negative connotation because it is so often generalised and personal). Constructive feedback is not personal (for example: You are lazy.), but a targeted response to an individual’s action or behavior (for example: You did not accomplish the task you agreed to complete.) that is intended to help them learn, and is delivered from a place of respect and right intention.

Constructive feedback is not “closed” but rather invites the individual receiving the feedback to shed light, share their perspective, or provide their response (for example: Do you see it differently?) Constructive feedback does not blame, but presents a collaborative approach to problem-solving (for example: if we are all to go home tonight on time, task A needs to get done. What support can the team offer to finish task A, so that everyone gets to go home on time?).

Why constructive feedback works Constructive feedback enables us to give honest, “tough messages” to those with whom we work. However, instead of insulting, shuttingdown or alienating those who receive the feedback, and thus lowering their morale and the resulting productivity, it encourages them to ask for help, and acknowledge a skill or competency deficiency, while feeling supported and respected. two of the most important factors influencing employee retention and satisfaction are: “great boss,” and “feeling part of a team” (Hay Group study on retention). Constructive feedback, because it is delivered out of respect and a genuine desire for the individual to improve, accomplishes both. Providing feedback, in this way, enables you to build the competency and cohesiveness of your team, while effectively managing performance issues. it also enables you to remain respected, well liked, and overall, considered to be “a great boss.”

For more information about private supervision and leadership training for your company or one of master Builders’ regular supervision and leadership workshops, give Carolyn Fitzgerald, master Builders’ training coordinator, a call on 9441 8020.

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WA training Awards beckon employers are being urged to nominate their outstanding apprentices, trainees and trainers for this year’s WA training Awards. individual category winners receive a $7000 study grant and organisation category winners receive a prize to the value of $8000. eligible categories also have the opportunity to represent WA at the Australian training Awards in Perth in november. some of the categories in this year’s training Awards are: • Apprentice of the Year • school-based Apprentice of the Year • trainee of the Year • trainer of the Year • small Business of the Year • employer of the Year • training initiative • small training Provider of the Year • Large training Provider of the Year Applications close at 5pm on Friday 10 may. more information can be obtained from Frances Papalia, the WA training Awards coordinator, on 6551 5606 or email trainingawards@dtwd.wa.gov.au or visit the awards website http://www.trainingwa.wa.gov.au/trainingawards/ detcms/portal/.

Footnote: Entries for this year’s Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards close on 16 August. The awards will be presented at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on 1 November.

updAtes: Training

CAMs building momentum the Construction Apprenticeship mentoring scheme is building momentum across the country, after being officially launched by the Parliamentary secretary (now minister) for Higher education and skills sharon Bird.

more tHAn 200 specially trained industry mentors in every state and territory have volunteered to provide advice and support to construction apprentices. more than 250 apprentices have signed up to receive mentoring under the scheme. master Builders is continuing to build on the momentum of the program, and will train more than 250 apprentice mentors to support at least 600 apprentices by June this year. the CAms launch in march was attended by leading members of the building and construction industry, government and training representatives and other key stakeholders. ms Bird praised CAms as great for the apprentices and important for the economy, as Australia will need more skilled tradespeople in the future. “the Australian Government has allocated $3.4 million to the scheme and is working closely with master Builders Australia,” she said. ”this

Then Parliamentary Secretary, now Minister, Sharon Bird with apprentices at the official launch of the Construction Apprenticeship Mentoring Scheme.

scheme is helping deliver the skills the nation needs and offering crucial support to young Australian apprentices.” under the CAms program, apprentices receive individually tailored mentoring and coaching support, develop great connections in the building and construction industry and can access a range of special deals and benefits. With sponsors Cbus, Home timber and Hardware, me Bank and toyota Fleet now on board to support the program, the available offers for CAms apprentices are sure to continue to grow.

For more information about the scheme visit www.masterbuilders. com.au/cams.

Call for Nominations MaSteR BuildeRS aPPReNtiCe awaRdS the master Builders Association invites employers of directly indentured apprentices to nominate their best building apprentice(s) for this year’s master Builders’ Apprentice of the Year Awards. there are also categories for the best Wall and Floor tiling, Best Female apprentice and best bricklaying apprentice. Apprentices engaged by skill Hire, ABn Group training and the Department of treasury & Finance (Building management & Works) will also be participating in these prestigious awards.

How to nominate? employers wishing to nominate an apprentice should complete the nomination form which is available from the mBA. the nomination form must be received by Friday 16 August 2013. nominations should include sufficient information to allow the judging panel to properly assess the nominees and include details such as: • • • • •

academic results plus any favourable reports from teachers/lecturers; information on work skills, special skills, knowledge of trade and ability to relate to fellow workers; achievements or awards received by TAFE or other training providers; testimonials from teachers, lecturers, employers or community groups; and reports of involvement in community groups/projects.

Recognising our best apprentices is a major step in encouraging more young persons to choose a career in the building industry with employers of direct indentured apprentices urged to support these awards. the Master Builders apprentice of the Year awards will be held on friday 1 November 2013 at the Hyatt Regency, Perth in conjunction with the “Ric New Medal” for young high achievers.

for more information contact: training director, Neil du Rand on 9441 8000 or via email to: neil@mbawa.com.

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Pavers

enhancing outdoor space with pavers With outdoor living now entrenched in our australian culture, homeowners are seeking to add lasting value and functional outdoor living space to their homes. Pavers are an easy cost effective way of adding unique style and personality to the exterior of your home.

They are also a great way to link the indoor living space and outdoor areas of your home. Paving bricks are an incredibly versatile product which you can use for many different outdoor hardscape projects including driveways, walkways, pool surrounds and outdoor entertainment areas. Now with an abundance of shapes, textures and colours available to choose from, the options for enhancing your home with pavers are endless!

Driveways Their durability and weather resistance make pavers the perfect choice for any driveway. Pavers are low maintenance and offer a variety of different laying patterns and designs which can add beauty and functionality to the entrance of your home. you should choose a paver based on the overall style that you want to achieve. For example, cobble or mini pavers create an old world look, and larger format pavers are great if you are after a more contemporary look.

Colour and texture is one of the most important elements to consider when planning your driveway.

Pavers are traditionally designed in earthy tones of brown, grey and tans. When selecting a colour,

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consideration should be given to the colour and style of your home together with the surrounding landscaping. you should also consider the extensive range of stylish new exposed aggregate pavers which are surprisingly affordable and proving to be very popular with Perth’s leading landscape designers and architects.

Once you have decided on the colour, texture and shape of your paver, consider the different laying patterns available. here are just a few to choose from: • Stretcher Bond or Brick Bond; suitable for both square and rectangular units, however recommended for square units in driveways • 45° Stretcher Bond, recommended for square units in driveways • 90° herringbone ; recommended for rectangular units in driveways • 45° herringbone ; recommended for rectangular units in driveways When considering which laying pattern is right for you, take into consideration the size and shape of the driveway as some laying patterns might make the driveway look smaller than it actually is. The recommended patterns are preferred due to their superior interlocking ability in driveways.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO BUILDERS AND BRICKLAYERS.

You told us to put together more stable, safer, more efficient and easier-to-move brick packs.

So here they are.

1. SAFER. The new stacking pattern means bricks from the 138 VertiPack and 138 DuraPack are far less likely to fall when straps are cut on-site.

2. MORE STABLE. The packs are stacked to make the entire new 138 VertiPack and 138 DuraPack more rigid.

Each slice is double-strapped and cross-strapped.

3. FEWER BREAKAGES. Greater stability and additional strapping means fewer breakages and waste.

4. EASIER MOVEMENT. The new 138 VertiPack and 138 DuraPack are easier to transport to site and slices are more stable once on-site.

5. BRICKLAYER-READY. The new packs are configured so the bricks are correctly orientated for faster and easier use by the working bricklayers.

6. ADDITIONAL PACKS. In addition to the 138 packs, this product is also available in the two-slice 92 VertiPack and DuraPack and in the four-slice 184 VertiPack and DuraPack.

7. SAVE TIME AND MONEY. All the individual improvements in safety, stability and orientation add up to greater overall efficiency of use.

Try a pack of the new Brikmakers Verticlay and Duraclay utility clay bricks.

The sooner you experience the advantages our packs offer, the sooner you’ll enjoy the associated time and money savings.

To order your 138 VertiPacks or 138 DuraPacks simply call 1300 360 344 now or just visit brikmakers.com

Pavers

Walkways & Landscaping Pavers in any form add interest, beauty and style to any landscape. They can be used in walkways throughout your garden from neat rows of interlocking pavers that link your front and rear gardens, to stepping stones through a flower bed. To create cottage charm it is best to curve the path gently in a free-flowing style using smaller paving units. If you want a more formal look, stick with straight paths with geometric pavers.

Patios Pavers provide a sturdy, aesthetically pleasing surface for entertaining, cooking or just relaxing. The expansive choice of shapes, sizes, textures and colours now available enable you to create any desired ambiance from a classic timeless look to a cosy cottage feel. To create a seamless transition from the kitchen to the outdoor alfresco area select a paver that has similar tones to your interior floor finishes. By creating an inside-outside feel, the right types of pavers can transform a tired backyard into an extension of your living space, and greatly increase the value of your home.

Pool Surrounds Concrete pavers won’t build up heat like a solid sheet of concrete. Pavers tend to dissipate heat between each piece making them a cooler option to use around a pool. exposed aggregate pavers with a bullnose or rounded edge are ideal for pool surrounds or steps.

Maintaining your Pavers To enhance the appearance of your pavers and keep them looking like new for years to come, it’s important to protect them with a durable sealer. The application of a sealer will help protect your investment and maintain its original appearance.

General Tips • For a more distinctive space, combine large and small format pavers • For small spaces, keep the design simple and stick to large format pavers in neutral colours to create a sense of space • Choosing paving colours that match your internal floor coverings will provide a subtle transition from indoors to your outdoor entertaining area • The key to a great job is to plan and prepare. Draw up a plan of the area so you can see everything that is needed. allow five percent more when ordering pavers to allow for cuts and breakages • If you want to match the colours of your existing paving, take a paver with you to your paving retailer • ask your paving retailer about the benefits of using a permeable paving product to prevent stormwater runoff and replenish the groundwater supply.

• Paving bricks are generally sold directly by the manufacturer, therefore when selecting pavers it is important to first select a local manufacturer that has an extensive range, can offer expert installation advice, or arrange the installation if required, as well as having the resources to provide after sales support.

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energy efficiency

eNerGY eFFiCieNCY

KNX is Green Climate change and ever-depleting resources mean that efficient energy use is a key social issue.

Because they account for 40 percent of total energy consumption, buildings represent considerable energy-saving potential. KNX meets the requirements of the top energy Performance Class for building automation as per eN 15232. This means that KNX is ideally suited to fulfilling the tightened energy consumption requirements for buildings. KNX allows up to 50 percent energy savings.

Buildings that are energy efficiently planned and operated are no longer unique. even the description “an intelligent building” is beginning to lose its exotic nature. Both trends are presently revolutionising the increasingly ambitious architecture and setting a course in the worldwide fight against climate change.

In reality, energy conversation in the building sector has, to a great degree, become a trend and has slowly become an everyday concept for architects as well as for building constructors. Due to the recently recurring annual natural disasters, both large and small, we can see the impact of the increasing imbalance. We are, therefore, forced to look to the future and take responsibility for the actions of our society.

The Surf Coast Shire Civic Building in Torquay Victoria.

The project won an award at the 2012 KNX Awards in Frankfurt as well as at the Victorian NECA Excellence Awards 2012.

During the construction of a building, as well as during its operation, large amounts of energy are used, for this reason targeted usage in this area is especially effective. This does not necessarily mean the ultimate goal should be a “zero-energy house”; alone the intelligent networking of all devices to a decentralised complete system brings unforeseen savings. The networking of all electrical functions in a single installation bus system provides the opportunity for optimal coordinated control.

The operation of heating, air-conditioning, lights and blinds for example can be aligned with external climate conditions and be controlled from an interface. energy consumption is thereby kept within minimal boundaries.

Since all electrical driven equipment and installations can be flexibly combined with one another and can be controlled by touch panels or by public networks (telephone, Internet), in the area of design and comfort this opens up almost unlimited possibilities – from efficient building management through intelligent security control to the storage of different light, noise and air quality requirements which can all be realised without great effort.

The creativity of the designer is now called upon, thereby bringing closer the goal of creating expressive and thrilling architecture which is both ecological and profitable. One thing is clear – we control climate change!

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eNerGY eFFiCieNCY

The Surf Coast Shire Civic Building in Torquay Victoria.

The project won an award at the 2012 KNX Awards in Frankfurt as well as at the Victorian NECA Excellence Awards 2012.

Automation makes buildings more efficient adapt the demand for heating, cooling and lighting to day-to-day operations with KNX In light of climate change and increasingly scarce resources, the energy-efficient operation of buildings is gaining in importance. essential requirements for this are an energy-efficient architectural design, an insulated building exterior and modern installation engineering with a high level of efficiency.

Ultimately, the consumption of energy for lighting, heating and cooling depends on both the building use and user behaviour. These are indefinite factors for determining the level of consumption which can scarcely be met using conventional methods. however, with a dynamic management system, the energy usage can be optimally matched to demand during operation.

Building automation with KNX offers the best preconditions for this. It ensures the economical use of energy and thus increases the energy efficiency of the building. Bus devices regulate and control the generated heating and cooling capacity in line with demand. Lighting installations are operated more efficiently using sensors and timer programs. The integrated automation system spans all the trades

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and also enables links with daylight systems, sun protection systems, ventilation flaps and other systems whereby further energy-saving potentials can be exploited. Intelligent capture of consumption data (Smart Metering) as well as coupling with intelligent networks (Smart Grid) opens up new possibilities for further optimisation and increased energy efficiency both today and in the future.

Persuasive savings rates Since the building system technology is available for the electrical installation, KNX functions guarantee savings in energy costs for artificial lighting, heating, air conditioning and ventilation systems as well as other loads. With the further development of the system which has already been in existence for 20 years, the open- and closedlooped control systems have been refined and thus increasingly better results are achieved. Nowadays, the savings rates that have been achieved in practice are up to 60 percent and more for the lighting while up to 50 percent is possible for individual room control as a practical study shows. Of course these types of comparisons assume a connection to conventional methods. In the case of renovations in which the building has been improved in terms of its energy efficiency and the installation engineering has been modernised, the control technology contributes to the efficiency gain by at least 5 to 20 percent. as often occurs in practice, if optimisation of the

eNerGY eFFiCieNCY

energy consumption has only been carried out some time after the initial occupation of the building and after experiencing day-to-day operations, the concrete results are persuasive.

Rapid amortisation In the case of at least two projects, direct investment costs for optimising the energy flow are amazingly low compared to the results. an amortisation was carried out immediately. This is linked to the integrated approach and multiple use of the system. Building automation with KNX offers all kinds of benefits: a flexible electrical installation for changes of use and extensions, more efficiency in the management and maintenance of the building, increased security for material assets and people, a higher level of comfort and wellbeing in the workplace, both in public and residential buildings. The management of energy savings is therefore only one of these.

Switching off and dimming Saving energy means switching the light off when you don’t need it. This sounds so simple but it is rarely achieved in practice in more extensive buildings with large numbers of people coming and going.

In office buildings, schools, factories, warehouses, hotels, car parks and many other buildings, artificial lighting is left switched on for many reasons. In the case of building automation with KNX, the duty cycle can for example be adapted to the actual lighting requirement with the help of a timer program.

This measure alone can achieve high savings which can be further optimised depending on the room use and building type, for example through using daylight and automatic cutoff when there is sufficient external brightness. a further enhancement of the automation is constant lighting control which guarantees a comfortable lux value at the workplace through optimum use of daylight.

AutoControl Systems

The total investment costs are thus spread across many benefits.

Once the installations and functions have been integrated, further reductions in the energy consumption can often be achieved simply through programming, without the need for additional hardware and installations.

In the projects that have been put forward, almost all of them feature possible savings measures with KNX which often simultaneously serve comfort, safety and economical operational flow.

MRB3201 AU18251 Presence-dependent and thus accurate demand-based control systems EC8391

are increasingly being applied – ideal for staircases, corridors or other spontaneously used areas of the building. Lights with presence detectors can also be operated with increased energy efficiency in offices, schools etc. They then become elements of the room automation, are integrated with the blinds, room temperature control and ventilation and thus offer multiple benefits.

...automate intelligence KNX - Intelligent Building Control KNX is the world standard for building control systems. Delivering a range of advances in automation of building systems, KNX gives you the ability to manage any size building within one coherent and cohesive system. With adaptability and extensibility, KNX allows integration and automation of a huge range of products that are able to control and manage electrical, environmental, entertainment, lighting and a host of other systems. Auto Control Systems is Western Australias premier installer of KNX systems. With a focus on quality, reliability and intelligent controls, we deliver the best solution every time. Auto Control Systems has the expertise to give you a state-of-the-art system that will provide savings in energy use, running costs and maintenance. Take the next step in building control, automation and management today with Auto Control Systems and KNX.

Presence Simulation

Environment Monitoring

Motion Detection

Audio/Visual Control

HVAC Control

Blind/Awning Control

Central Building Management Entry/Exit Access Control

Alarm System Lighting Control

Power/Water/Gas Usage Individual Room Controllers

www.autocontrols.com.au

Call 9258 4555 to find out more.

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eNerGY eFFiCieNCY

Regulating the heating and cooling electronic individual room temperature control promises a clear saving potential. It is therefore the most efficient method of using the heating and cooling energy generated via the heating system or air conditioning system. Demand-based energy use can be achieved via a timer program with a temperature profile or even via the presence signal. as the temperature variables of all the rooms are available centrally throughout the KNX system, heating and cooling energy can be generated according to demand and with a high level of efficiency. In modern, purpose-built buildings with glass facades, fully-automatic sun protection systems are indispensable. Their primary tasks are shading and cooling to ensure the well-being of the people in the building. as these are likewise controlled with KNX, additional functions for improving the energy efficiency are provided in combination with room temperature control and lighting control.

For example: daylight redirection, use of solar energy in winter and automatic night cooling in the summer.

can be recorded, archived and visualised in a central location. The energy consumption data which has been processed is particularly interesting and forms the basis for further optimisation of the energy consumption. Moreover, all the functions can be operated and monitored centrally via the visualisation. a fault indication system increases the availability of the installation engineering. high energy consumption caused by faults can also be quickly rectified.

Summary

From the perspective of energy consumption

The KNX worldwide standard offers the best prerequisites for improving the energy efficiency in buildings. System integrators can choose suitable KNX bus devices for energy-saving functions in the different trades from almost 7,000 certified products from more than 225 international manufacturers. Interconnected energy and building management systems are thus formed which allow energy flows to be controlled, regulated and monitored according to demand during operation. Practical applications are persuasive due to clear savings in energy costs. In comparison, measures for energy optimisation often pay off immediately.

The interaction of all the trades in room and building automation contains a high optimisation potential. all the functions are linked in an energy and building management system. KNX offers optimum solutions with management and visualisation systems for this purpose. Further building technology systems are integrated via interfaces. all the data that is required for efficient building operation

Article reproduced with permission. For more information on KNX in Australia please contact the KNX National Group on 02 9888 3081 or visit www.knx.org.au

Unitex® Base Board® is a lightweight cladding system that offers exceptional thermal performance and energy efficiency. It’s quick and easy to install, available in 50mm, 75mm or 100mm thickness and provides a virtually maintenance free exterior to your project. Best of all, Base Board® system holds the highest accredited and BCA compliant EIFS system in Australia today – so you can build with confidence.

For more information, contact: Stephen Kernaghan M: 0400 488 788 | E: steve@unitexwa.com Bellinda Panizza M: 0407 389 380 | E: bellinda@unitexwa.com P. (08) 9248 8788 | Unitex WA, 3 Hunt Street MALAGA WA www.unitex-wa.com 66

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advertorial

Delivering high quality work on time and within your budget With experienced staff providing a high quality service, Crest roofing are amongst the market leaders in the residential housing market.

Based in Myaree, Wa, Crest was established in 2004 to meet the growing needs of the Perth housing market, and have grown in size to become one of the main installers of Colorbond roofing products, placing roofs on over 400 new homes in both the metropolitan and country areas around Perth.

The success of Crest roofing has been built on the back of our focus on strong customer service, backed up by strong purchasing power and first class supplier agreements to ensure the supply of high quality products at the most competitive of prices.

We deliver on our service by employing only experienced staff and trades, along with the use of a system of checks

and balances that ensures the best possible finish to your project. We provide a full inspection of the roof frame prior to commencement on site to ensure that we can achieve the best possible finish to the roof of your project, along with a full inspection and certification of the completed roof installation. We back this service with a 6 year installation warranty to match the structural warranty required of all builders. We also only supply and install Bluescope Steel products on our jobs, backing your project with products guaranteed for up to 30 years. additionally we are able provide your business with a residential roof design consultancy service, backed with a leading CaD design package, to ensure that the design of the roof and it’s components complies with both the relevant Building Codes and australian Standards, along with your client’s specific requirements to ensure a low maintenance, high quality finish.

There is little doubt that Crest roofing has the capability and resources to meet your expectations every time. Consider Crest for whenever a cost effective metal roof is part of your customer’s requirements.

Phone: 08 9317 0175 Email: sales@crestroofing.com.au Website: www.crestroofing.com.au (coming soon)

Safety is just one word we live by.

Experienced supplier of metal roofing components.

Extensive product range from Perth’s leading suppliers.

Local experts to understand and meet your needs.

Consultancy service available to assist your design process.

Phone: 08 9317 0175 Email: sales@crestroofing.com.au Website: www.crestroofing.com.au (coming soon)

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advertorial

Roof decking innovation allows lapped joints on long runs an innovative roof lap joint system has simplified the way long runs of concealed-fixed roof decking are installed.

The Stramit FarLap® roof lap joint system allows long decking runs to be broken into shorter sheets that can be lapped, without the need for conventional stepped joints.

The system provides a combination of a strong joint and a weather resisting seal between lapped sheets of Stramit Speed Deck Ultra® concealed fixed decking. Builders can now lay very long roofs using shorter sheets, without the need for structural modifications or on-site roll forming. There is no need to design lapped joints and no need for the steel detailer to “step” the cleats and provide additional purlins along the roof run. Shorter sheet lengths mean lower transport costs, smaller cranes, safer work practices, smaller crews and less thermal expansion and contraction. The Stramit FarLap® joint does not compromise the integrity of the roofing structure, and does not affect the roofing warranty.

Quick, easy installation The system is simply installed by snapping on to the ribs of the bottom sheet, above a supporting purlin. The top, overlapping sheet is then pushed on to the connectors, providing a structural connection. When the lower sheets are installed, the ends are turned up using a special turnup-turndown tool. The ends of the top sheets are turned down, stiffening the sheet ends and ensuring the free flow of rainwater. Individual FarLap® units are connected into longer lengths using links supplied with each unit.

Units can be linked together before or after installation. The result is a very tidy installation. The concealed nylon connectors hold both sheets securely together, while the foam seal takes up the shape of the sheet profile, providing a water-resisting joint.

Multiple foam layers allow for tolerances in both manufacture and laying.

Fully tested

The FarLap® joint unit is simply snapped into place over the ribs of the lower sheet run.

Testing for strength and weather resistance was carried out by independent testing authorities as well as at the Stramit research & Development laboratory. During the strength test the roofing and joint were subjected to a simulated wind speed in excess of 200 km/h without failure. Weather resistance was tested using a simulated rain/wind test (with a wind speed of 58 km/h and water flow delivering 10 L/ min run-off) which resulted in no water penetration to the internal roof space, even with a low roof slope of 1.5 degrees. Testing was also carried out to investigate the effect of longitudinal sheet movement caused by thermal expansion.

Benefits for large projects

The upper sheet is pushed on to the nylon connectors. No fasteners are needed.

One of the first major projects to specify the Stramit FarLap® roof lap system was a huge Metcash distribution centre in western Sydney comprising two buildings with a total roof area of 100,000 square metres. FarLap® was selected as a cost-effective solution to managing the long roof runs, but brought the added advantage of allowing maximum internal building heights to be achieved by eliminating steps in the roof. The roofing installers, Ideal Metal roofing, were “thrilled” by the ease of laying the FarLap® system, which sped up the installation of the roof and eliminated the requirement for step flashing, which would have been labour intensive and time consuming. In Melbourne, another benefit was discovered while installing a 20,000 square metre roof on the Craigieburn Train Maintenance Facility. The open, windy site presented a problem for the roofers in handling long roofing sheets. after considering on-site rolling, it was decided that shorter, more manageable lengths of Stramit Speed Deck Ultra® concealed fixed decking were a better option, joined by the FarLap® system. With fewer people required on site, shorter sheets also meant labour savings as well as a safety improvement.

Warranties Stramit Speed Deck Ultra® roofs using the FarLap® roof lap joint system and insulated with foil-backed fibreglass blanket retain all normal warranties.

Finished join. The sheet ends are turned down with a special tool.

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For more information contact: Phone: 9493 8800 Website: www.stramit.com.au

Roof decking breakthrough: Lapped joints on long runs!

Patent Pending.

Australian Registered Design 329703.

Stramit FarLap Roof Lap Joint System ®

This innovative system from Stramit Building Products allows deck roofs to be designed to any length without stepped joints or on-site roll-forming.

With the Stramit FarLap® jointing system, long roof runs can be broken into shorter sheet lengths, with no need for structural modifications. The Stramit FarLap® joint provides a strong, weather resisting joint between lapped sheets of Stramit Speed Deck Ultra® concealed fixed decking.

Shorter sheets means safer work practices, less thermal expansion and contraction, plus lower transport costs and smaller cranes.

For further information contact your local Stramit office.

www.stramit.com.au

(08) 9493 8800

Amtel Pty Limited ABN 79 009 107 733. Trading as Stramit Building Products. A member of the Fletcher Building Group. ® Registered trademark

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WHat’s NeW

Western Force play under KNX controlled lights Life in Balance – Dorf Epic Tapware and Bathroom Accessories Range australia’s leading tapware and bathroom accessories brand Dorf, has launched its new epic tapware collection that captures the essence of luxury and redefines contemporary bathroom style. The range offers a full suite of tapware for both bathroom and kitchen along with matching bathroom accessories Designed and engineered in australia specifically to suit our australian lifestyle, Dorf’s new epic range features striking, sculptured lines reflecting an elegant, minimalist style.

a premier control system provides simple, effective and efficient control for NIB Stadium

Edgepave Forget paying a hefty premium for the safety and appeal of quality, enduringly fashionable paving for your pool surrounds or steps. The new edgepave from Brikmakers matches the popular Granite and Stonewash Collection of colours & textures for less than you would expect to pay.

Details Size: 330 x 330 x 60mm

Colours & Textures Available: • Stonewash Collection Charcoal, Grey & Silver • Granite Collection – arctic, Chert, Pebble Beach, river Shingle, Sea Mist, Storm Cloud & Tundra

The epic tapware range features clever inbuilt technologies not available in standard tapware products. The range boasts a wealth of high-end technologies to save water, conserve energy and ensure easy installation.

Features include an internal ceramic disc cartridge that can be adjusted for optimising temperature and water flow control, while silicon aerators prevent calcium and lime-build up in the tapware, meaning hassle-free, easy maintenance. Coolstart technology, available in the Coolstart basin mixer, delivers cold water when first engaged, resulting in energy and cost savings.

Flagstone Create a stylish landscape design which will make your next project stand out from the everyday with the new Flagstone pavers from Brikmakers.

Size: 330 x 165 x 60mm

Colours & Textures Available:

With an extensive range of inspirational products for bathrooms, kitchens and laundries, Dorf has built a world-wide reputation based on innovation, technology and style.

• Stonewash Collection - Charcoal, Grey, Sandstone & Silver • Granite Collection – arctic, Pebble Beach, Sea Mist, Tundra • Original Collection – Cappuccino, Charcoal, Mocha, Silver

For further information on the Dorf Epic Collection range please call 13 14 16 or visit www.dorfepic.com.au

Contact Brikmakers on 1300 360 344 to discuss how Brikmakers new innovative products can inspire your next project.

The Western Force rugby team have a new home at NIB Stadium playing under a fully KNX powered automation system controlling everything from pitch lighting to energy metering to emergency lighting maintenance. auto Control Systems have developed the KNX system integrating products from a host of manufacturers into one centralised, coherent, touch-panel interface. Building managers can even wander through the stadium and monitor or control systems wirelessly through a tablet computer.

KNX is a global, open standard in building automation used in over 70% of automated buildings in europe. It provides advantages over its competitors by allowing the integration of thousands of products from hundreds of manufacturers meaning you’re not locked in to a small range of products with potential high pricing and poor performance.

KNX has proven itself to be the best building automation and management system. auto Control Systems is Wa’s premier KNX Partner, with an experienced track record providing reliable, quality solutions for commercial and industrial applications.

Talk to auto Control Systems about KNX and discover how to automate intelligent control systems into your next project.

For more information contact: Phone: 08 9258 4555 Email: sales@autocontrols.com.au Web: www.autocontrols.com.au

WA Master Builder

71

UTE

REGENTS

OUR 5-YEAR WARRANTY^ MAKES OTHER UTES FILTHY

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Combined with its legendary and exclusive Isuzu 3.0L turbo diesel engine, it’s no wonder the Isuzu D-MAX has got other utes eating our dirt.

HUGE 2012 PLATE CLEARANCE 4X4 LS-M CREW UTE

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^Whichever occurs first, excludes Government & National Rental customers; excludes accessories and trays. #ADR 81/02 laboratory tests (combined cycle) *ABN holders only. Excludes government, fleet, rental & non-profit buyers. Includes one year business vehicle registration, CTP insurance, dealer delivery and statutory charges, manual transmission only, metallic/mica paint as shown $330 extra. Cab chassis models include Economy Alloy tray fitted at motorpool. Available on 2012 plate vehicles only at participating Isuzu UTE Dealers until 28/02/13 unless extended or until stocks last. Not available with other offers.

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BEAMS - it’s the better way to manage your building business.

ESTIMATION Nothing is more convenient than using a software package that just works, one that does

everything you want to it without having to switch between different programs. Everything you need to estimate, quote, manage and complete your projects is in one program thats’s completely integrated within itself.

CAD Image Takeoff allows you to simply load a plan, whether it be PDF, BMP, PNG or a JPEG file, select the

type of measurement you would like to make and you’re away. Start clicking on the perimeter of a house to measure the entire floor area, click on the plan to get the length of pipes needed for a plumbing job or count the number of doors needed for the house.

CONTRACTS Prepare variations, update quantities, raise purchase orders, create construction timelines, track quotes, scheduling and progress tracking. To make your work even easier Beams now offers BeamS Mobile an app for iPhone or iPad that allows you to, from site, access the plans, orders and construction time lines in real time, back in the office. How’s that for convenience. The possibilities are endless.

ACCOUNTS processes creditor/debtor transactions, issues progress claims, pays invoices, maintains

and tracks BAS, GST and payroll provides full financial reporting. Now also with the newly required ATO reporting features. It’s fast, accurate, easy and affordable. You can be up and running in a day and with the time you will save, plus the costs you will contain, It’ll probably pay for itself in less than that.

Big or small, more builders are switching to BEAMS.

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