Boosting Queensland residential construction a state focus

Queensland’s building and construction industry, including residential, is a state focus and will be outlined in a new blueprint, according to Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander.

The blueprint, ConstructionQ, aims to grow construction as one of the pillars propping up Queensland’s economy.

In order to help push residential construction, they note that they have already scrapped mandatory requirements for rainwater tanks and greenhouse efficient hot water systems in new homes.

They are looking into speeding up approvals even more, and Mander points to the total number of trend dwelling approvals at 64.3% more than January 2012.

“ConstructionQ is about building on those gains and putting in place a vision which will unleash the industry’s full potential and generate benefits for decades to come,” he said, asking industry members to come forward with suggestions.

“Although we’re hosting ConstructionQ, the Government will work with the sector to help deliver the initiative as we want stakeholders in the construction industry to take the lead.”

Master Builders deputy executive director Paul Bidwell said that it’s time to look at the long-term growth of the industry.

“This is a great opportunity to work with the Queensland Government in charting a course for growth and to shape the policy on issues that have a major impact on builders and trade contractors across Queensland,” said Bidwell.