2013 master builders queensland magazine dec-jan 2014

December 2013/January 2014

masterbuilder

And the winner is...

State & National Housing & Construction Awards

winners announced

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mb b [ 2 ] december 13/january 14

Contents

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544436

volume 51 NUMBER 3

Front cover: National Public Buildings Award $5 million to $10 million, State & North Queensland Tourism & Hospitality Facilities over $5 million – Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd, Townsville Cruise Ship Terminal

Published by

Master Builders Queensland417 Wickham Terrace, Brisbane Queensland 4000Phone: (07) 3225 6444Fax: (07) 3225 6545Email: [email protected] www.masterbuilders.asn.au

Editor: Nicole Bence,[email protected] Graphic Design: Paula Trousdell, [email protected]: Ken Lane, Crowther Blayne Media Specialists, (07) 5553 2804,[email protected]: PrintcraftDistribution: Stand and Deliver

Master Builder is the offi cial magazine of MasterrBuilders Queensland. Master Builders is the peak industry association representing building andconstruction in Queensland since 1882. We arethe voice of the industry. Our services supportmembers to operate professional and profi table businesses that deliver superior quality outcomes to their customers.

All advertising and editorial material must adhereto the Master Builders Advertising & EditorialPolicy. A copy of the policy can be found at www.masterbuilders.asn.au.

Privacy: Master Builders Queensland has adoptedthe National Privacy Principles published by the Privacy Commissioner and operates inaccordance with those principles. A copy of MasterBuilders privacy policy can be found at www.masterbuilders.asn.au.

Disclaimer: Any advice or information included inthe publication is given in good faith, but strictlyon the understanding that neither Master Buildersnor the Editor or any other person or organisationcontributing to the publication are to incurany responsibility or legal liability whatsoever(including liability for negligence) should theadvice or information be incorrect, incomplete, inappropriate or in any other way defective and allliability is therefore disclaimed. Articles publishedin this magazine do not necessarily refl ect theopinions or policies of Master Builders, its offi cersand staff .

© This publication is copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, copied, stored on a computer, published,broadcast, rewritten for broadcast or publication,or redistributed directly or indirectly in any medium without prior permission from the Queensland Master Builders Association.

Opinion8 New Building Commission

on its way

8 Making our workplacessafer & fairer

Policy & advocacy12 WorkCover changes a win

for building industry

Reports & statistics13 Healthy approvals underpin

industry confi dence

14 Confi dence surges as election result drivesimproved outlook

16 Solid new housing startspredicted for 2013–14

Employment & wages28 Are you ready for the silly

season?

30 Changes to ‘worker’

defi nition: six months on

31 Obligation of trust &

confi dence now an implied

term

Building & planning38 Doors & windows onto

external waterproofed

areas

40 Shall we BIM?

Finance feature58 Things to consider when

refi nancing your mortgage

59 Self-managed super funds:

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What a year 2013 has been – for the building industry it has been a year of change andmilestones. Following on from the 2012 state election, Australians once again voted for change and elected the LNP during this year’s landslide federal election.

Master Builders welcomed the election of the Abbott Government, calling on high priority for sound economic management, housing aff ordability, a return to sensible industrial relationspolicies, and the restoration of the Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC).

During the election campaign, Mr Abbott acknowledged the central role our industry willhave as we transition to a post-resources boom economy, and we called on his governmentto get the economy back on the right track – not just for the next three years, but for the nextthree decades.

I’m delighted to report that signs of confi dence are already starting to emerge, with buildingapprovals recently showing healthy increases, supporting our confi dent outlook for thecoming 18 months. (See page 13 for a more detailed analysis of the most recent buildingapprovals fi gures.)

Our relationship with the state government has also never been better. In 2012, we welcomed Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie to his fi rst Master Builders President’s ChristmasDrinks. The Attorney-General was once again present this year and I must acknowledge whathe has done for our industry in 2013.

In particular, we thank him for his leadership in making what were controversial changes toWorkCover laws. The changes will signifi cantly reduce premiums for Queensland businesses, whilst ensuring the scheme remains fully funded and sustainable and is preserved as the bestworkers’ compensation scheme in any state of Australia. (See page 12 for more detail on thechanges to WorkCover and why they are positive for the industry.)

We were also pleased to welcome the Attorney-General to the 2013 Master Builders Annual Dinner and State Housing & Construction Awards, where he announced the government’sintention to stamp out right of entry abuses with proposed amendments to the Work Healthand Safety Act 2011. (See page 32 for more detail on how the amendments will stop unions bringing construction sites to a halt, while ensuring legitimate safety issues are appropriatelyaddressed by the regulator.)

Both the Attorney-General and the Hon. Tim Mander MP, Minister for Housing and PublicWorks, have contributed columns to this edition of Master Builder. The Attorney-General speaks of the WorkCover and workplace health and safety law changes, while Minister Mander announces the new Queensland Building and Construction Commission, that willsoon replace the Building Services Authority (BSA) (see page 8).

In 2012 and throughout 2013, we have been urging the federal government to urgentlyaddress the outbreak of unlawful industrial conduct that crippled major contractors andprojects in Queensland. Fortunately, common sense has prevailed and the government has committed to restoring the rule of law to Australia’s building sites and cracking down oncorruption. This will bring an end to the unlawful behaviour of recent years and will ensuregreater certainty and encourage new investment in Queensland.

As we move into 2014, Master Builders will continue our eff orts to speak on behalf of members and the industry to ensure you are well represented as we move into what is hopefully, once again, an era of prosperity.

Message from the Executive DirectorGrant Galvin – Executive Director

2013: A year of change & milestones

COMMON SENSEHAS PREVAILED AND THEGOVERNMENTHAS COMMITTEDTO RESTORINGTHE RULE OF LAW TO AUSTRALIA’S BUILDING SITES AND CRACKING DOWN ON CORRUPTION.

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Since 1882, members have been the core of everything we stand for and, during my time asPresident, I’ve been honoured to meet many people who have a loyalty and passion for MasterBuilders and the building industry that is truly remarkable. From time to time, we honourpeople for their service and active involvement with Master Builders.

At the recent Master Builders President’s Christmas Drinks, I had the pleasure of presenting lifemembership status to two industry greats – John Gaskin and Lawrie Doré – in recognition of the time and expertise they continue to devote to us and the industry in general.

John Gaskin is a well-known construction industry leader and his service to Master Builders is extensive. He served as President from 2006 to 2008 and also held positions of Vice President and Chairman Construction. His reputation has been established over 40 years and he has delivered some of the state’s landmark developments, including Queensland Supreme LawCourts, Boondall Entertainment & Sports Complex and Sheraton Mirage Resort.

Since 2005 he has been at the helm of his own fi rm, but he has also successfully steerednumerous big names, such as Watpac Australia and Multiplex Constructions. His professional abilities are matched by his personal manner, which has seen him develop alliances across theindustry with colleagues, competitors, consultants and clients.

John’s industry involvement is extensive and he holds or has held numerous positions, such as Chairman of the Building Services Authority, President of the Australian Institute of Building (Queensland Chapter), and Chairman of Construction Training Queensland.

In recent years he has also been engaged by the Queensland and Australian governmentsto provide professional advice and services on issues, such as asbestos management andsustainability, as well as chairing three reconstruction taskforces following natural disasters inQueensland.

Lawrie Doré has been entrenched in the building industry since 1973. He has been involved in the contracting, supervision and building of some 2,500 homes in South East Queensland, aswell as a range of commercial projects.

His positions at Master Builders include President from 1992 to 1993, Chairman Housing, Executive Member and, more recently, member of the Master Builders Foundation committee.He also continues to be heavily involved with the Housing Committee.

He is a regular speaker at Master Builders events and has a particular passion for training and mentoring. He was a key driver of the Master Connect program, introduced in 2010, that aims to bring members together to share business knowledge and to help them develop theirbusiness skills.

Lawrie is a passionate advocate for the industry who has expressed his desire to leave the building industry better than he found it.

On behalf of Master Builders and the industry, I thank John and Lawrie. Without their commitment, we would not be such an active and well-respected association

President’s messageDerek Pingel – President

New recruits to Life Member ranks

AT THE RECENT MASTER BUILDERS PRESIDENT’S CHRISTMAS DRINKS, I HADTHE PLEASUREOF PRESENTINGLIFE MEMBERSHIPSTATUS TOTWO BUILDINGINDUSTRY GREATS – JOHN GASKIN AND LAWRIE DORÉ.

Members are the lifeblood of Master Builders and, as the year comes to a close, I’m delighted to welcome two longstanding building and construction leaders into the Life Member ranks and thank them for their service to the industry.

FLEETBETTER BUSINESS SENSE

Gold Fleet Discounts for all Master Builders Members.

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After more than 20 years, the sometimes controversial BuildingServices Authority (BSA) will soon be replaced by the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

We need an industry watchdog that properly refl ects the constructionsector’s position as one of the pillars of the Queensland economy.

Overseen by a professional governing board, the QBCC will be responsible for the licensing of contractors, dispute resolution and theHome Warranty Scheme, with internal divisions fi rewalled from eachother to prevent any confl ict of interest.

The creation of the QBCC marks an important step in the government’s10-point plan to reform building regulation in Queensland.

Other key initiatives, including reviewing the licensing and compliancearrangements for contractors and reforms to allow rapid dispute adjudication, will be implemented progressively by the new board.

As well as overhauling the way the industry is regulated, the Newman Government is also committed to slashing red tape to reduce costs forbuilders and their customers.

Over the past 18 months we have:

• Repealed the requirement for sustainability declarations when selling a residential property

• Repealed laws mandating the installation of rainwater tanks and energy effi cient hot water systems

• Streamlined the approval process for everyday plumbing jobs

• Simplifi ed development codes for building over or near water orsewer infrastructure

• Clarifi ed the rules around the assessment process for solar panelsand solar hot water systems.

In the coming year, I look forward to continuing to work withstakeholders, such as Master Builders, on policies that will help theindustry unleash its full potential and drive the future growth of theQueensland economy.

For more information about the QBCC, visit www.hpw.qld.gov.au/

construction

Thanks to input from Master Builders and other Queensland industrialorganisations, the Queensland Government has been able to forge a united way forward to make our workplaces safer and fairer for everyone.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Master Builders fortheir support on both our workers’ compensation legislation andamendments to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.

The fact is that the Queensland workers’ compensation scheme will be the fairest in the nation with the most coverage for workers and thelowest premiums for employers. It will focus on injury management,rehabilitation and return to work outcomes.

Workers will still be covered when they are travelling to and from work, ensuring Queensland remains the only state to cover journey claims of this nature.

Businesses will benefi t too, with outlandish claims and skyrocketingpremiums to become things of the past.

The Newman Government is cracking down on fraudulent claims andallowing employers to have access to the claims history of applicants

– but is still being fair to workers. Access to common law claims willremain, except for those with a medically assessed injury of 5% impairment or less.

The changes to the Work Health and Safety Act will stop unions bringing construction sites to a halt, while ensuring legitimate safetyissues are appropriately addressed by the regulator.

The past right of entry provisions simply allowed contractors to bebullied, with sites being hijacked and workers held to ransom.

I have personally heard of stories from hard working Queenslanders who have been locked out of their workplace because of militant unionactivity – one contractor lost 42 days of work due to illegal strike activity.

Every Queenslander deserves to go to work, do their job, get paid andbe treated fairly.

That’s why, under our plans, union offi cials will have to provide atleast 24 hours’ written notice before they can enter a workplace. The changes, which are with Safe Work Australia for consideration inapplying them to the national model WHS laws, will align with thefederal government’s Fair Work Act.

These new laws will complement the Building Construction andCompliance Branch (BCCB) that the government recently established to crack down on militant union activity on construction sites.

We make no apologies for making workplaces safer and fairer. Recent fi gures show Queensland’s non-fatal injury and disease claim rate for the construction industry has decreased by 24%, which is above theAustralian average decrease of 15%.

We will continue to the lead the way when it comes to workplace safety.

OpinionTim Mander – Minister forHousing and Public Works

Jarrod Bleijie – Attorney-General and

Minister for Justice

New Building Commission on its way

Making our workplaces safer & fairer

december 13/january 14 [ 9 ] mb

Important changes to work health & safety laws

The Queensland Government has been consulting with industry and reviewing Queensland’s work health and safety (WHS) laws to give business an opportunity to provide feedback on the nationalmodel WHS laws, which came into eff ect on 1 January 2012.

Industry representatives generally support the laws, but consider some aspects to have signifi cant impact on their compliance burden, especially the construction industry.

Falls from heights On 15 November 2013 amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 commenced.A key change will clarify that specifi c control measures are required where there is a risk of a fall of at least:

• Three metres in housing construction work; or

• Two metres in other construction work.

This maintains the standards for working from heights in construction that applied under the repealed Regulation. In addition, these construction specifi c requirements prevail over the general falls regulation in section 78 of the current WHS Regulation.

Work health and safety laws affecting the construction industry in Queensland have changed from 15 November 2013.

News

It is also important to note that controlmeasures may still be required for work belowthree metres in housing construction, and below two metres for all other construction work, if a risk assessment suggests control measures should be provided.

Asbestos removal licencesChanges to transitional arrangements forasbestos removal licences mean that holdersof valid bonded (B class) removal certifi catesissued under the former WHS Regulation 2008 have been extended until 31 December 2014to provide people with more time to complete the VET course CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos. This date of 31 December 2014 applies despite any other expiry date on the old certifi cate issued under the former WHS Regulation 2008.

Licence holders should book into MasterBuilders Asbestos Worker Program as soon as possible to ensure they get a place and are trained by the end of next year.

Other changesOther changes include removing therequirement for design registration of

‘prefabricated formwork’, which was identifi edby the construction industry as unworkableand not providing a clear safety benefi t.

Need a new vehicle? Let us shop around for you.Call Master Builders on 1300 55 11 61.

QMBA-13610 06_11


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Master Builders wishes you and your family a safe and happy festive season. Thank you for your continued support in 2013. We look forward to working with you in 2014.

Offi ce closuresAll Master Builders offi ces across Queensland will close over the Christmas break from noon on Friday, 20 December 2013. Offi ces will reopen as follows:

Master Builders offi ce Reopening date

Brisbane Thursday, 2 January

Gold Coast, Central Queensland, North Queensland andFar North Queensland

Monday, 6 January

Mackay & Whitsunday Tuesday, 7 January

Downs & Western, Sunshine Coast and Burnett Wide Bay Monday, 13 January

Changes to the Fire Ant Restricted Area

Fire ants are dangerous imported pests that could spread to large areas of Australia, severelydamaging the environment, our outdoor lifestyle, and the agriculture and tourism industries.

The revised boundaries for the Red Imported Fire Ant Restricted Area (RIFA Restricted Area) wereimplemented on 31 October. The risk status of 49 suburbs within these boundaries has also changed.

The RIFA Restricted Area is in place to prevent the spread of fi re ants through controls on the movement of risk items such as soil, mulch, hay, turf and pot plants.

Legislative changes in December 2012 aligned the RIFA Restricted Area boundary with suburbboundaries to make it easier for residents and businesses to identify whether they were inside oroutside the area. Suburbs within the RIFA Restricted Area were also aligned to either a high risk restricted area or a low risk restricted area based on their risk profi le.

A map of the updated Red Imported Fire Ant Restricted Area (Version 46) can be found on the

As of 31 October 2013, changes have been made to the boundaries of the fi re ant restricted area.

News

Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website at www.daff .qld.gov.au/fi reants

Restricted items include soil, manure, mulch, hay, sleepers/logs, poultry, turf, bark, pot plants, potting media and gravels. Note: Soil requires an inspector’s approval before being moved into an unrestricted area.

Businesses should review their ApprovedRisk Management Plan as inspectors willbe conducting spot audits over the comingmonths. If you require advice or assistance with your plan, please contact a fi re ant inspectoron (07) 3310 2907.

Updated fi re ant training is available at no charge for all persons. The training outlineseverything you need to know including your legal obligations, how to update or apply for a Risk Management Plan and fi re ant surveillanceand identifi cation. Call (07) 3310 2873 to makea booking.

For more information about the changes to

the Red Imported Fire Ant Restricted Area,

please visit www.daff .qld.gov.au/fi reants

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Defective electrical cable

New phone numbers

Since April 2012 this cabling has been usedwidely throughout the building industry by electrical contractors, and has been available for sale at Masters Home Improvement storesand other retailers across Queensland.

This cabling does not comply with safetycriteria and will deteriorate over time, creating a high risk of electric shock from direct contact and the potential for fi re.

Master Builders has raised this issue withthe Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, which is now collecting evidence Australia-wide with a view to issuing acompulsory product safety recall, to replace the current voluntary recall.

Who is liable? If you have completed building work wherethe electrical contractor has installed Infi nitycabling, your client will be entitled, underAustralian Consumer Law, to ask you to fi x theproblem.

The contractor who supplied the electricalcable has a duty to supply goods that are fi t forpurpose.

Are you covered by insurance? Insurance policies vary; however, generally,construction works policies will not pay the costs of rectifying or replacing defective works or materials. Public liability policies normallyrequire that all reasonable precautions be

taken to prevent personal injury or propertydamage, and generally will exclude coveragefor claims arising from known defects in yourworks. We suggest you discuss this with your insurer.

What should you do? We recommend builders take the following steps:

1. Write to all electrical contractors youhave used since April 2012, to request confi rmation, in writing, if they have usedInfi nity cabling.

2. If the cable has been used, write to theelectrical contractor directing them toremove the cable and repair any associateddamage.

3. You should inform the client that the cable has been used.

4. You and/or the electrical contractor shouldalso contact the retailer from which thecable was purchased, to establish what they intend to do about replacing thedefective cable and reimbursing the cost of any repair work. Request that theirresponse be in writing.

5. If the electrical contractor or retailerfails to provide an adequate response to your request, contact Master Buildersimmediately to access our initial free legaladvice.

Australian electrical safety regulators recently prohibited the supply and installation of Infi nity cable (PVC sheathed or PVC insulated).

News

6. You should establish what safety issuesneed to be addressed now.

We recommend electrical contractors take the following steps:

1. In writing, contact all businesses and individuals you have completed work for since April 2012, advising if you have usedInfi nity cabling.

2. If you have used the cabling, contactthe retailer from which the cable waspurchased, to establish what they intend to do about replacing the defective cable andreimbursing the cost of any repair work. Request that their response be in writing.

3. Arrange for the retailer to send a qualifi ed person to inspect the cabling.

4. You may wish to check any insurancecoverage you hold.

5. Establish what safety issues need to be addressed now.

You should keep a copy of all written correspondence between all parties for yourrecord.

What is Master Builders doing? Master Builders will continue to liaise with thestate government to establish the extent of theproblem, and will work with Master Electricians on a strategy to make the installation of safety switches mandatory in existing homes.

We will also continue to push retailers whohave sold Infi nity cabling to contact allpurchasers of the defective cable, and for the retailers to agree to cover all rectifi cation costs.

For further assistance, please

contact us on (07) 3225 6419 or email

[email protected]

Master Builders local offi ce phone and fax numbers have changed.

The change is part of a new telephone system thatwill help us to better service members, answer yourqueries and put you in touch with the right peopleeasily.

To enable the change, some regional offi ces were required to change their phone and fax numbers.

Please fi nd an updated list of contact numbers for all offi ces below. Note: Brisbane and Gold Coast offi ce numbers have not changed.

Offi ce Phone Fax

Brisbane (07) 3225 6444 (07) 3225 6545

Gold Coast (07) 5582 7100 (07) 5597 7044

Downs & Western (07) 4659 4200 (07) 4639 5144

Sunshine Coast (07) 5456 9800 (07) 5453 4670

Burnett Wide Bay (07) 4303 2400 (07) 4124 7235

Central Queensland (07) 4923 1900 (07) 4921 3235

Mackay & Whitsunday (07) 4969 4500 (07) 4951 3418

North Queensland (07) 4417 1800 (07) 4771 5777

Far North Queensland (07) 4042 8800 (07) 4041 7663


WorkCover changes a win for building industry

The changes, which were passed in Parliament in October, include the introduction of a 5% impairment threshold before being eligible tomake a common law claim, cracking down on fraudulent claims, and allowing employers to have access to the claims history of prospectiveapplicants, as well as the maintenance of journey provisions. These changes will notimpact workers who have a genuine claim.

Master Builders was strong in our message to all Queenslanders that the changes will have no impact on any individual’s right to workers’ compensation payments for lost wages, medical expenses, and rehabilitation and return to work expenses when they areinjured. The genuine 90,000 statutory claimsmade each year will not be aff ected by thechanges. The introduction of the common law threshold impacts less than 4% of total claims.The option for injured workers with less than5% impairment to claim their statutory benefi ts and then make an additional claim for commonlaw damages has been eliminated.

Master Builders recently lobbied hard for changes to WorkCover legislation, bringing about reforms that will signifi cantly reduce premiums for Queensland businesses, whilst ensuring that the scheme remains fully funded and sustainable.

Policy & advocacyGrant Galvin – Executive Director

small businesses from hiring, training andinvesting in new staff .

For several years, Master Builders has beencalling on the state government to assist small businesses by making necessary changes toensure that the focus is put back on injury management, rehabilitation and return to work outcomes for injured workers.

We strongly support and commend the Attorney-General, the Hon. Jarrod Bleije MP,for his leadership on this emotive issue, to preserve Queensland as the best workers’ compensation scheme of any state in Australia.

What it all means• All workers with a work-related injury will

continue to receive weekly benefi ts whilerecovering from injury.

• All medical, hospital and rehabilitation billswill still be paid.

• Workers who have sustained a permanentimpairment from their injury will beprovided with lump sum compensation.

• Common law claims have been maintained for serious injuries: where an injuredworker has a permanent impairment of more than 5%, they can still make a claimunder the common law.

• Workers with a degree of permanentimpairment of 5% or lower will retain allentitlements under the statutory scheme.

• Journey claims have been retained for allworkers.

For more information on the changes

see page 29 or contact Master Builders

on (07) 3225 6407 or email

[email protected]

The rising cost of workers’ compensation insurance has had a major negative impact on businesses in Queensland, particularly in the building and construction industry. Thechanges will help restore balance to a schemewhere premiums have gone up between 23% and 61% for building and construction employers over the last four years. Clearly, this situation was not sustainable and discouraged

THE CHANGES WILL HELP RESTORE BALANCE TO A SCHEME WHERE PREMIUMS HAVE GONE UP… THIS SITUATION WAS NOT SUSTAINABLE AND DISCOURAGED SMALLBUSINESSES FROM HIRING, TRAINING AND INVESTING IN NEW STAFF.


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Healthy approvals underpin industry confi dence

Building approvals for total dwelling units rose by 3.7%, which is a very positive increase of 16.8% on the same time last year. Private sector houses also showed an increase, rising 3.2% from last month and 4.9% from September 2013.

These fi gures confi rm Master Builders positive forecast for the industry for the next 18 months andreinforce the confi dent outlook the industry has for both the economy generally and the buildingand construction industry – the results of which were seen in our latest Survey of Industry Conditions report released in late October (see the article on page 14).

For some time we’ve been pinning our hopes on an improvement in business and consumerconfi dence and it seems that at last activity levels are starting to improve as confi dence seepsback into the community.

The latest round of Building Approvals from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed healthy increases for Queensland and lend further support to Master Builders confi dent outlook.

Reports & statisticsPaul Bidwell – Deputy Executive Director

Region Sep 13 Aug 13 Sep 12% change

Aug 13 to Sep 13

% change

Sep 12 to Sep 13

Brisbane 1,725 1,352 1,319 27.59% 23.54%

Gold Coast 318 259 88 22.78% 72.33%

Sunshine Coast 168 223 103 -24.66% 38.69%

Burnett Wide Bay 126 143 125 -11.89% 0.79%

Darling Downs & South West Qld 194 251 129 -22.71% 33.51%

Central Qld 190 131 198 45.04% -4.21%

Mackay & Whitsunday 167 203 169 -17.73% -1.20%

North Qld 118 124 281 -4.84% -138.14%

Far North Qld 77 80 58 -3.75% 24.68%

At a regional level, Brisbane, Gold Coast andFitzroy all reported signifi cant increases. Itis very heartening to see these areas fi ring,particularly Brisbane and the Gold Coast, bothof which are the traditional powerhouses of the Queensland building industry.


Confi dence surges as election result drives improved outlookBusiness confi dence in the outlook for the economy and building and construction industry has surged to its highest level in three and a half years, according to Master Builders latest survey.

Reports & statistics

According to Master Builders Deputy Executive Director, Paul Bidwell, the swell in confi dence can be attributed to the strong federal election result in September and favourable economic conditions.

Master Builders is confi dent that these conditions will translate into increased housing activity in the coming months, on the back of positive factors, such as low interest rates, solid population growth and stable employment fi gures.

The building and construction industry has defi nitely embraced the end of minority government, which will go a long way towards improving the uncertain political environment and providing more stability for the economy.

The September 2013 quarter Survey of Industry Conditions found that conditions in the residential sector improved for the fourth quarter in a row, although commercial sector conditions did remain challenging and conditions overall remain at less than satisfactory levels.

Fortunately, both sectors are forecast to improve further over the next three months, which is welcome news for the industry.

Another positive was the upward trend of display centre traffi c, which is a sign that the recent string of interest rate cuts may fi nally be getting some traction in the residential market.

The survey showed the most critical constraint on business was the lacklustre level of demand for the tenth quarter in a row.


Key points from each regional snapshotinclude:

Brisbane• Conditions in the residential sector have

generally improved, while commercial sector conditions remained challengingand conditions overall remain at less thansatisfactory levels.

• Turnover recorded its second consecutive quarter in positive territory for the fi rsttime in more than three years, withprofi tability also hitting its highest level inthree years.

• The most critical constraint on businessgrowth was the lacklustre level of demand.

Gold Coast• Conditions in the residential sector have


• Turnover recorded its second consecutive quarter in positive territory for the fi rsttime in more than three years, withprofi tability also forecast to return tosatisfactory levels for the fi rst time in threeyears.

• The most critical constraint on businessgrowth was the availability and cost of fi nance.

Darling Downs & South West Queensland • Conditions in the residential sector have


• While turnover and profi tability easedmarginally during the quarter, bothbusiness performance benchmarks areforecast to return to satisfactory levels.

• The most critical constraint on business growth was labour costs.

Sunshine Coast• While conditions in the residential and

commercial sectors remained at less thansatisfactory levels, they are forecast toimprove during the December quarter.

• While turnover and profi tability easedmarginally during the quarter, bothbusiness performance benchmarks areforecast to return to satisfactory levels forthe fi rst time in over three years.

• The most critical constraint on business growth was the availability and cost of fi nance.

Burnett Wide Bay• While conditions in the residential and

commercial sectors remained at less thansatisfactory levels, they are forecast toimprove during the December quarter.

• Turnover recorded its third consecutivequarter in positive territory for the fi rsttime in more than three years, with profi tability also hitting its highest levelsince the June quarter 2012.

• The most critical constraint on business growth was the lacklustre level of demand.

Central Queensland • While conditions in the residential and

commercial sectors eased during the quarter, they remain fairly strong by

FORTUNATELY, BOTH SECTORS ARE FORECAST TO IMPROVE FURTHER OVER THENEXT THREE MONTHS

historical standards and are forecast toimprove during the December quarter.

• Despite a sharp fall, turnover andprofi tability are expected to improve in the December quarter 2013 and return tosatisfactory levels.

• The most critical constraint on business growth was the availability and cost of fi nance.

Mackay & Whitsunday• Mackay & Whitsunday, along with

North Queensland, were the only regionsto record lower levels of confi dencefollowing the federal election.

• Conditions in both residential and commercial sectors are forecast to improve over the three months to December 2013.

• Despite contracting during the quarter, turnover and profi tability are expected toimprove in the December quarter 2013 andreturn to satisfactory levels.


North Queensland• North Queensland, along with Mackay

& Whitsunday, were the only regions to record lower levels of confi dence followingthe federal election.

• Conditions in both residential and commercial sectors are forecast to improve over the three months to December 2013.

• Despite contracting during the quarter, turnover and profi tability are expected toimprove in the December quarter 2013 andreturn to satisfactory levels.


Far North Queensland• While conditions in the residential and

commercial sectors remained at less than satisfactory levels, they are forecast toimprove during the December quarter.

• Despite remaining under pressure, turnover and profi tability are expected to improve in the December quarter 2013 and return tosatisfactory levels.


Master Builders Survey of Industry Conditionsreport provides information and analysis on industry expectations and business performance,based on a survey of Master Builders membersacross Queensland. For copies of the reports, visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au/publications-and-resources/reports-and-statistics

Reports & statistics


Reports & statisticsPaul Bidwell – Deputy Executive Director

Solid new housing starts predicted for 2013–14

A forecast of 32,000 new housing starts along with solid renovation activity is expected in 2013–14, according to Master Builders annual Building industry outlook report released in November.

As with last year, we anticipate the renovation market will remain solid in 2013–14, with high transaction costs, like stamp duty, and theuncertain economic environment and fearsabout job security likely to encourage somehome owners to renovate rather than upgradeto a new home. Kitchens and bathrooms arelikely to remain popular renovation options as they add value and make homes more liveable.

Looking further ahead, Master Buildersbelieves the outlook for the state’s residentialconstruction sector is positive. The major LNGprojects currently under construction will shiftto production and their exports will help tobolster the state’s economic performance.

We believe the key to driving growth and boosting consumer and business confi dence isa recovery in key employing industries, such as tourism, retail, hospitality and manufacturing.Growth and confi dence in these sectors will,in turn, encourage residential construction activity.

Master Builders Building industry outlook report includes a comprehensive snapshot of the current state of the building industry and an assessment on business sentiment andoutlook for the medium term. For a copy, visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au/publications-and-resources/reports-and-statistics/building-industry-outlook

The report includes a positive forecast, particularly for the residential sector, while acknowledgingthat conditions during 2012–13 remained tough. Activity levels in both the residential andcommercial sectors remained below par as a lack of confi dence, job security fears, the ongoingeconomic uncertainty and tight lending conditions continued to take their toll and dampendemand.

Despite 2012–13 levels remaining below the decade average, there is growing optimism that the residential sector has bottomed and a recovery is now underway. This view is supported by recentbuilding approvals data, which has gradually trended upwards since the decade lows of late 2011.

Master Builders is confi dent that a range of factors will positively impact on new dwelling starts over the next 12–24 months, such as low interest rates, which are fi nally helping to stimulatedemand for new housing, and improved consumer confi dence, a more settled domestic politicalenvironment, strong economic growth and ongoing population growth.

This optimistic forecast for 2013–14 follows stronger starts in 2012–13, which drifted upwards by3.6% to 29,343, exceeding our forecast of 28,000. We are also anticipating further growth in 2014–15, with levels conservatively forecast to rise by 10.9% to 35,500. If conditions improve further, it is possible that we could exceed 40,000 housing starts in Queensland in 2014–15.

We believe much of the rebound in activity will initially be in detached and low-rise attacheddwellings, rather than high-rise attached dwellings, mainly due to the ongoing tight creditenvironment, which is making high-rise apartment projects diffi cult.

2013MasterBuildersstate housing &constructionawards w

inners


Housing & Construction Awards

House of the YearRobilliard Nominees Pty Ltd T/A Robilliard Building & Design

Sunshine Coast

Built over two allotments in exclusive Noosa Sound, this signature home boasts a luxurious pool and tennis court. Inside features bespokebuilt-in furniture, automated lighting, a steam shower, a high output gas fi replace and solar electricity generation. Technology is seamlessly integrated through the house, including thelatest audio visual equipment, high outputLED lighting, motorised curtains and bi-folding doors. The home demonstrates exceptionalattention to detail, innovation and creativity.



Project of the YearLend Lease Project Management & Construction (Australia) Pty LimitedBrisbane Supreme Court & District Court

The $575 million Brisbane Supreme andDistrict Court is a stunningly original concretesculpture and one of the largest court buildings in Australia. It has capacity for 45courtrooms, a court of appeal, 27 criminalcourts and 17 civil courts, accommodation for 68 judges, separate internal circulation systemsand access for judges, jurors and vulnerablewitnesses, a basement cell block, a secure public garden and four levels of chambers. The fi nal product is a unique concrete structure that is stunningly original and sustainable,leaving its legacy as a landmark building forBrisbane. This project required an innovativeconstruction methodology, not relying on any conventional methods.



President’s AwardOwnit Homes Pty Ltd

Brisbane

The Mirage display home is a magnifi centdouble-storey home with dramatic, playful décor. The home is an entertainer’s dream,with open-plan living and wide sliding doorsopening up to reveal a spacious outdooralfresco area. Sparkling mirrors, bright feature walls and clever lighting stir up a partyatmosphere. With fi ve bedrooms and threebathrooms, the house is ideal for a growing family and represents great value for money.



Rising Star AwardPaul Harms

Gold Coast

Paul started PJH Constructions in late 2009 and undertook all the roles within the business,but his commitment to quality and workmanship soon saw his business grow, resulting in theimplementation of a dedicated team who share his vision and passion. Paul believes that youdon’t have clients – you develop future friends – and he has focused his business around therenovation market. Paul has developed a seven-point Customer Satisfaction Guarantee system and this has become his team’s mandate with every project.

Apprentice Employer of the YearMark L Buchanan

Sunshine Coast

Mark Buchanan is a long-time Gympie builder and proud member of the local constructionindustry. Mark has shown great commitment to Lachlan during his apprenticeship, and is proud to call Lachlan a close mate. Mark hosted Lachlan for the full term of his apprenticeship and iscurrently working with Lachlan to complete his apprenticeship and become a fully qualifi edbuilder.

Women in BuildingYvonne Pengilly

Far North Queensland

Yvonne has had a long and illustrious career in the industry – which is nowhere near done yet. Over 30 plus years, she has progressed from trade contractor to the holder of a Builder Open licence, through to Construction Manager and Managing Director of her own former, award-winning building company. Yvonne is also involved with local property developer, Stateland, asDesign Manager.

Apprentice of the YearLachlan James Kenman

Sunshine Coast

Born and raised in Gympie, Lachlan Kenman has always aspired to be a builder. After undertakingwork experience in the industry, Lachlan was off ered an apprenticeship with local builder Mark Buchanan in 2010. Lachlan has worked on numerous projects throughout the Gympie region,including new homes, multi-storey projects, extensions, bathroom renovations and house removal. With a strong work ethic and a commitment to the industry, he is well on his way tobecoming a qualifi ed builder.


Housing winners

Specialty winners


Best Bathroom

MCD Constructions (Qld) Pty LtdCourtyard Residence (Brisbane)

Best Kitchen

Russell Kelly T/A Artizan CabinetsHinrich (Far North Queensland)

Trade Contractor – Carpentry, Shopfi tting & Cabinet Making

Yes J C Pty Ltd T/A 4C ConstructionsHampton House (Brisbane)

Trade Contractor – Tiling

Peter Johnston Tiling Pty LtdTwin Towns Services Club (Gold Coast)

Trade Contractor – Swimming Pools, Outdoor Living

& Landscaping

Christopher R Smith (Sunshine Coast)

Trade Contractor – Glazing

Caribbean Contractors Pty LtdGold Coast Hospital Entrance (Gold Coast)

Display Home up to $275,000

Henley Properties (Qld) Pty LtdT/A Plantation HomesCarmelle Q1 (Brisbane)

Display Home $276,000 – $375,000

Michael Court T/A Cairns Profi le HomesBalmoral (Far North Queensland)

Display Home $376,000 – $475,000

Ownit Homes Pty LtdThe Mirage (Brisbane)

Display Home $476,000 – $625,000

Tropical Trend Homes Pty Ltd241 Litara (Far North Queensland)

Individual Home up to $275,000

Geoff rey J Longwood T/A Geoff LongwoodConstructions (North Queensland)

Individual Home $276,000 – $375,000

Ricky D Paroz T/A Comfort Homes R ParozConstructions (Burnett Wide Bay)


Mark J WinterWinter House (Downs & Western)


Geoff rey J Longwood T/A Geoff LongwoodConstructions (North Queensland)


D D B Constructions Pty LtdKuta House (Sunshine Coast)

Individual Home $776,000 – $1 million

Corbett Homes Pty LtdChantilly (Central Queensland)

Individual Home $1 million – $1.5 million

Mike Murry Homes Pty Ltd (Burnett Wide Bay)

Individual Home $1.5 million – $2 million

McLachlan Special Projects Pty Ltd (Brisbane)

Individual Home $2 million – $5 million

Alder Constructions Pty Ltd (Gold Coast)

Individual Home over $5 million

Robilliard Nominees Pty LtdT/A Robilliard Building & Design (Sunshine Coast)

Best Heritage Style Home

Qfl air Pty Ltd T/A Ezylifestyle HomesSignature, Oakland Hills (Central Queensland)

Housing for Sloping Sites up to $425,000

Val Eco Homes Pty Ltd (Brisbane)

Housing for Sloping Sites over $426,000

Braeden Constructions Pty Ltd(Sunshine Coast)

Home Renovation/Remodelling Project

up to $275,000

Bowseem Pty Ltd T/A J H C Homes‘The Shack’ (Sunshine Coast)


$276,000 – $575,000

Mark Watson Constructions Pty LtdTulloch Residence (Far North Queensland)


over $576,000

Yes J C Pty Ltd T/A 4C ConstructionsHampton House (Brisbane)

Low-Rise Multi-Residential Housing

(duplexes)

C K P Constructions (Brisbane)

Low-Rise Multi-Residential Housing

(townhouses)

Ryan Designer Homes Pty LtdBrighton Precinct Townhouses(Sunshine Coast)

Medium-Rise Multi-Residential Housing

(units/3 storey)

Abor Developments Pty LtdElysium Residences (Brisbane)

Excellence in Sustainable Living

Peter L Curley T/A Peter Curley ConstructionsCalanthe (Sunshine Coast)


Construction winners


Health & Education Facilities up to $5 million

Condev Construction Pty LtdSomerset College – The Knowledge & Information Precinct (Gold Coast)

Health & Education Facilities

$5 million – $20 million

J Hutchinson Pty Ltd T/A Hutchinson BuildersSunshine Coast Private Hospital – MentalHealth Unit “Cooinda” (Sunshine Coast)

Health & Education Facilities over $20 million

Watpac Construction Pty LtdQIMR Central Building (Brisbane)

Sporting & Community Service Facilities

up to $5 million

HPS (QLD) Pty LtdAFL Cape York House (Far North Queensland)



Carmichael Builders Pty LtdCloncurry Community Precinct (North Queensland)



Thiess Pty LtdLotus Glen Correctional Centre (Far North Queensland)


over $400 million

Lend Lease Project Management &Construction (Australia) Pty LimitedBrisbane Supreme Court & District Court

Tourism & Hospitality Facilities

up to $5 million

Buildcorp Group Pty LimitedT/A Buildcorp InteriorsFat Noodle – Treasury Casino (Brisbane)

Tourism & Hospitality Facilities

over $5 million

Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty LtdTownsville Cruise Ship Terminal(North Queensland)

Lifestyle Housing for Seniors

Watpac Construction Pty LtdHoly Spirit Care Services (Brisbane)

Refurbishment/Renovation up to $5 million

Box & Co Pty LtdSt Mary’s College Ipswich (Brisbane)

Refurbishment/Renovation over $5 million

Abigroup Contractors Pty LimitedBrisbane City Hall Restoration

Retail Facilities up to $5 million

Don Woods Homes Pty LtdTotally Workwear (Mackay & Whitsunday)

Retail Facilities over $5 million

Westfi eld Design & Construction Pty LtdWestfi eld Carindale (Brisbane)

Industrial Building up to $5 million

Spaceframe Buildings Pty LtdSSS Auto Parts (Brisbane)

Industrial Building over $5 million

Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction Pty LtdGold Coast Hospital Car Park

Commercial Building (offi ce accommodation)

up to $5 million

John Foster Projects Pty LtdABC Regional Radio Studio(Mackay & Whitsunday)

Commercial Building (offi ce accommodation)

over $5 million

Leighton Contractors Pty LimitedOne One One Eagle Street (Brisbane)

Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storey)

up to $20 million

C K P Constructions Pty LtdRair (Brisbane)

Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storey)

over $20 million

Grocon Constructors (Qld) Pty LtdSoul Residential Apartments (Gold Coast)

Innovation in Workplace Health & Safety

Leighton Contractors Pty LimitedOne One One Eagle Street (Brisbane)

Innovation in Environmental Management

F K Gardner & Sons Pty LtdMoranbah Dam Project – Dam Remediation Works (Mackay & Whitsunday)

Excellence in Sustainable Building

Thiess Pty LtdKing George Central (Brisbane)

Call us now for a quote on your next project.Rob: 0418 748 255 | Fax: 07 3803 3022 | Email: [email protected]

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A most spectacular night

The 2013 Annual Dinner and State Housing & Construction Awards was held on Friday, 4 October at Brisbane City Hall.

As the largest restoration project undertaken in Queensland to date, the newly refurbished BrisbaneCity Hall was a fi tting venue for the State Awards presentation. The restoration project took threeyears, resulting in a completely revamped masterpiece that has been immaculately restored to its former glory. Abigroup Contractors undertook the sensitive and challenging project, and were deservedly presented with the Refurbishment/Renovation over $5 million award on the night.

The Housing & Construction Awards play a pivotal role in promoting excellence in the buildingand construction industry in Queensland, so it was positive to see more than 520 guests fromacross Queensland at the event.

The awards give the industry an opportunity to showcase quality workmanship and innovation,and recognise the important contribution the building and construction industry makes towardsQueensland’s economy.

Winning a Master Builders Housing & Construction Award provides an excellent platform forpublic acclaim and is a great publicity tool that members can use to set their business apart fromthe competition.

The standard of entries from around the state was extremely high. It is a tribute to the Housing & Construction Awards that, after 26 years, they continue to be sought after by the state’s topbuilders and tradespeople.

Guests were treated to fi ne food and entertainment by the colourful and spectacular CirqueVa Voom, who wowed the audience with hilarious antics and high energy. To close the night,Australian Idol fi nalist, Casey Barnes and his band had guests on the dance fl oor through until midnight.

Thank you to all our members and guests who attended. The Annual Dinner is a great opportunityfor you to see the fruits of the industry’s labour. Also, thanks to our members who continue to support the Housing & Construction Awards program – it’s your contribution and commitment to excellence that ensures its ongoing success.

Entries for the 2014 Housing & Construction Awards will open in February.

Queensland’s best of the best were announced recently at the Annual Dinner and State Housing & Construction Awards.


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National Award winners

Queensland was well represented at a national level, bringing home fi ve awards, including three housing awards and two commercialconstruction awards from projects based inBrisbane, Gold Coast, North Queensland andFar North Queensland.

Master Builders Executive Director, GrantGalvin, congratulated all winners who represented Queensland at a national level.

“Competition at the Master Builders National Awards is traditionally fi erce and the fi ve Queensland winners must be applauded for their competitiveness in such a strong fi eld of contenders,” Mr Galvin said.

“Winning an award at a national level is one of the highest industry accolades a builder can receive.

“It is particularly exciting to see Queensland’sregional builders on display, with two of the winning entries coming from North and FarNorth Queensland, in addition to winners fromBrisbane and the Gold Coast.”

Winners included:

• National Alterations & Additionsover $500,000 – Yes J C Pty LtdT/A 4C Constructions (Brisbane)

• National Display Home$250,000 to $350,000 – Michael CourtT/A Cairns Profi le Homes (Cairns)

• National High Rise Apartment Building – Soul Residential Apartments,Grocon Constructors (Qld) Pty Ltd(Gold Coast)

• National Public Buildings Awardunder $5 million – Somerset College, Condev Construction Pty Ltd (Gold Coast)

• National Public Buildings Award$5 million to $10 million – Townsville Cruise Ship Terminal, Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty Ltd(Townsville)

For more information about the National

Awards, visit the Master Builders Australia

website at www.masterbuilders.com.au

Winners of the 2013 Master Builders National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards were recently announced in Canberra.



2013 Master Builders National Excellence in Building and Construction Award winners


National Commercial Master Builder of the

Year

Construction Control, Canberra Airport Multi-user Terminal RedevelopmentAustralian Capital Territory

National Residential Master Builder of the

Year

Prime Form Construction Pty Ltd New South Wales

National Specialist Contractor of the Year

Perth Rigging Company, Perth ArenaWestern Australia

National President’s Award

Fairbrother Construction, DevonportMaritime Museum, Tasmania

National Apprentice of the Year

Philip De Jong, Tasmania

Department of Social Services National

Lifestyle Housing for Seniors Award

Purpose Built Detached Dwelling – PBS Building, Isabella Gardens Stage 1Australian Capital Territory

Department of Social Services National

Lifestyle Housing for Seniors Award –

Multi Unit Development

Mossop Construction + Interiors Masonic Homes Lumina Apartments South Australia

National Export Award – Building and

Construction Services

Walker Corporation

National Export Award – Products and

Manufacturing under $25 million

Australian Turntable Company Pty Ltd

National Export Award – Products and

Manufacturing over $25 million

Brickworks Building Products

Wood Solutions National Young Builder of

the Year

Ryan Cole, Western Australia

Telstra Environment and Energy Effi ciency

Building Award – National Housing Project

Ambe Engineering ECON WALLAustralian Capital Territory

Telstra Environment and Energy Effi ciency

Building Award – National Commercial

Project

Baulderstone Pty Ltd, Sustainable BuildingsResearch Centre, New South Wales

National Alterations/Additions Award

under $150,000

MMM Interiors, Australian Capital Territory


$150,000 to $350,000

Brilliant SA Pty Ltd, South Australia


$350,000 to $500,000

Brother Projects and MMM InteriorsAustralian Capital Territory


over $500,000

Yes J C Pty Ltd T/A 4C ConstructionsQueensland

National Display Home under $250,000

Porter Davis (PD Group), Oakdale 28 Mernda, Victoria

National Display Home $250,000 to

$350,000

Michael Court T/A Cairns Profi le Homes Balmoral, Queensland

National Display Home

$350,000 to $500,000

apg homes, Opus, Western Australia

National Display Home over $500,000

Alan Sheppard Constructions, Infi nity South Australia

National Project Home under $350,000

Bartlett Homes, Settlers Rest CottageNewcastle

National Project Home

$350,000 to $500,000

Scott Salisbury Homes, South Australia

National Project Home

$500,000 to $1 million

Brandon Calder Homes Pty Ltd, Newcastle

National Luxury Project Home

$1 million to $2 million

Martin Builders, Victoria

National Luxury Project Home

over $2 million

Prime Form Construction Pty LtdNew South Wales

Cbus National Medium Density

2 to 5 Dwellings

Aura Prestige Homes, South Australia

Cbus National Medium Density

over 5 Dwellings

Halikos Constructions, Larrakeyah Barracks Resident RedevelopmentNorthern Territory

Cbus National High Rise Apartment Building

Grocon Constructors (Qld) Pty Ltd, Soul Residential Apartments, Queensland

National Excellence in Workplace Health

and Safety Award

Vos Construction & Joinery Pty Ltd, Sorell Council Administration Centre, Tasmania

National Commercial/Industrial

Construction Award under $5 million

Total Project Construction St Francis Xavier College Student Services HubAustralian Capital Territory

National Commercial/Industrial Construction

Award $5 million to $10 million

FDC Construction and FitoutTreasury Wine Estates, Southbank, Victoria



Watpac Construction (Vic) Pty Ltd, Hume Global Learning Centre, Victoria



FDC Construction & Fitout Pty LtdFox Sports/Gore Hill Building CNew South Wales



John Holland Pty Ltd, 60 Station Street –Eclipse Tower, New South Wales

National Commercial/Industrial

Construction Award over $100 million

Construction Control, Canberra Airport Multi-user Terminal Redevelopment Australian Capital Territory

Toyota National Civil/Infrastructure Award

under $25 million

Grindley Construction Pty LtdScenic World – Tram and Train Upgrade New South Wales

Toyota National Civil/Infrastructure Award

over $25 million

Laing O’Rourke, Newcastle K10 Berth Construction, New South Wales

ACT Government National Public Buildings

Award under $5 million

Condev Construction Pty LtdSomerset College – The Knowledge & Information Precinct, Queensland

ACT Government National Public Buildings


Seymour Whyte Constructions Pty LtdTownsville Cruise Ship Terminal, Queensland

National Public Buildings Award

$10 million to $50 million

Project Coordination (Australia), National Arboretum Canberra Visitor Centre Australian Capital Territory

National Public Buildings Award

over $50 million

BGC Construction, Perth ArenaWestern Australia


RDOs 2014

Monday 6 January

Monday 3 February

Monday 3 March

Monday 31 March

Monday 28 April

Monday 26 May

Monday 23 June

Monday 21 July

Monday 18 August

Monday 15 September

Monday 13 October

Monday 10 November

Monday 8 December

Public Holidays 2014

New Year’s Day Wednesday, 1 January

Australia Day Monday, 27 January

Good Friday Friday, 18 April

Easter Saturday Saturday, 19 April

Easter Monday Monday, 21 April

Anzac Day Friday, 25 April

Queen’s Birthday Monday, 9 June

Exhibition Day Wednesday, 13 August (Brisbane)

Labour Day Monday, 6 October

G-20 Summit 14 November (Brisbane)

Christmas Day Holiday Thursday, 25 December

Boxing Day Holiday Friday, 26 December

New Year’s Day Thursday, 1 January 2015

Are you ready for the silly season?

2014 RDO & public holidays calendar

Christmas functions If you are planning a Christmas function, remember that an employer may be heldvicariously liable for the actions of theiremployees. This may result in action being taken against an employer for harassment, WorkCover or other employment and/or workplace health and safety related claims.

Here are a few simple tips for workplace functions:

• Comply with your workplace drug andalcohol policy.

• Prior to the function make sure that employees are aware of what is considered appropriate behaviour and that incidences of fi ghting, bullying, off ensive language andsexual harassment will not be tolerated.

• Remind employees that the function isdeemed a work event and employees

are subject to the usual disciplinaryprocedures.

• Ensure there are clear start and fi nish timesfor the function.

• Only serve alcohol for a limited time andensure that there are plenty of soft drinks, low strength beer and lots of food and water available.

• If employees are attending a work-related Christmas function, then it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that they are able to return home safely, soyou may need to consider giving staff cabvouchers, hiring mini buses or nominating drivers, etc.

• Make sure you meet health and safetyobligations, not only for your employees, but also for contractors, guests andentertainers (if they are in attendance).

With Christmas just around the corner, employers need to ensure that workplace health and safety issues don’t put a dampener on the festive season.

Employment & wagesMikki Richardson – Senior Advisor Workplace Relations

• A supervisor or manager should be inattendance at the function at all times.They should signal when the function is fi nished.

• Avoid functions where drinking is on site, in construction work areas, or venues where there is no alternative transport or inappropriate entertainment is supplied.

Remember to have fun, but not at otherpeople’s expense.

For more information, contact

Master Builders on (07) 3225 6407 or email

[email protected]


Employment & wagesMikki Richardson – Senior Advisor Workplace Relations

Changes to workers’ compensation

This article outlines the recent changes to the workers’ compensation scheme, which wereeff ective from October 2013. Key processes andemployer obligations remain unchanged.

Changes effective 15 October 2013Assessment of permanent impairment

The method used for determining permanent impairment and calculating statutory lumpsum compensation will change from work related impairment (WRI) to degree of permanent impairment (DPI).

Degree of permanent impairment

Applying to injuries sustained from 15 October 2013, a worker must receive a DPI greater than5% in order to access common law damages.

For injuries that have been sustained over aperiod of time, the date of injury is taken tobe the initial consultation date with a healthpractitioner for the injury.

Rehabilitation and return to work

coordinators

The requirement to have a rehabilitationand return to work coordinator (RRTWC) haschanged. An employer is obliged to appoint a RRTWC if:

• They are in a high risk industry and havepaid wages in Queensland for the preceding fi nancial year greater than 2,600 timesQueensland ordinary time earnings (QOTE); or

• They are not in a high risk industry andhave paid wages in Queensland for thepreceding fi nancial year greater than 5,200times QOTE to appoint a RRTWC.

A RRTWC is no longer required to completea workplace rehabilitation course through aregistered training organisation; however theymust be appropriately qualifi ed.

For 2013–14 QOTE is $1,370.10.

High risk industry includes:

• Wood product manufacturing

The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation and Other Legislation Amendment Act was recently passed in Parliament, bringing about a number of changes to Queensland’s workers’ compensation scheme.

or condition they may not be entitled to compensation or damages for any event thataggravates the non-disclosed pre-existing injury or condition.

Q-Comp

Q-Comp will be replaced with the ‘Workers’ Compensation Regulator’ (the Regulator) withmost powers moved to the Offi ce of Fair & Safe Work Queensland.

Claims history summary

An employer can apply to the Regulatorfor a copy of a prospective worker’s claimshistory summary. An application must be inthe approved form, be accompanied by the application fee and be endorsed with the prospective worker’s consent.

An employer must not:

• Disclose to anyone else the contents of the information contained in the summary

• Give access to the document to anyone else

• Use the contents of or information contained in the summary for any purpose other than those related to the ‘employment process’.

Mandatory accredited return to work program

Insurers must take all reasonable steps to secure the rehabilitation and early returnto suitable duties of workers receiving compensation in consultation with the worker,employer and treatment providers.

If a worker lodges a notice of claim, the insurer must refer the worker to an accredited return to work program, unless their injury is suchthat the worker would be unable to participate in the program.

For further information, contact


[email protected]

Disclaimer: This information is provided asgeneral advice on the workplace relations system. It does not constitute legal advice and it is always advisable to seek further information regardingspecifi c workplace relations issues.

• Primary metal and metal productmanufacturing

• Fabricated metal product manufacturing

• Furniture and other manufacturing

• Building construction

• Heavy and civil engineering construction

• Construction services

• Non-residential building construction.

Changes effective 29 October 2013Defi nition of injury

For physical injuries the defi nition remainsunchanged, with employment needing to be a

‘signifi cant contributing factor to the injury’.

The defi nition of injury in relation to a psychiatric or psychological disorder has beenamended to require employment to be the

‘major signifi cant contributing factor to theinjury’. This includes claims for aggravations of pre-existing conditions.

Disclosure of pre-existing injuries

For ‘employment processes’ undertaken from29 October 2013 employers can request a prospective worker to provide informationabout pre-existing injuries or medical conditionsthat a person suspects, or ought reasonably tosuspect, would be aggravated by performingthe duties of the role in which they are applying.

The request is to be accompanied by specifi c information about the duties of the role andthe ramifi cations if the worker fails to disclose their conditions.

If a worker has knowingly made a falseor misleading disclosure about an injury

Q-COMP WILL BE REPLACED WITH THEWORKERS’ COMPENSATION REGULATOR


Changes to ‘worker’ defi nition: six months on

The new defi nition of a worker has beenoperating for six months now, which removed the failed Results Test and the Majority LaborOnly Test.

Members agree that the changes are deliveringa signifi cant improvement for the industry by aligning with the Australian Taxation Offi ce (ATO) defi nition of employee/contractor.

The new defi nition of worker introduced from1 July 2013 is:

A person who works under a contract and, inrelation to the work, is an employee for the

purpose of assessment for PAYG withholding under the Taxation Administration Act 1953 (Cwlth), schedule 1, part 2-5.

This applies to a person for whom PAYG (pay asyou go) tax installments are required or would be required to be withheld by their employer.

ATO guidelines & toolsThe ATO website provides guidelines for determining employee/contractor status.WorkCover will use the ATO guidelines andtools to determine who should be covered forworkers’ compensation.

The Queensland Government introduced a new defi nition of ‘worker’ for the workers’ compensation and rehabilitation scheme from 1 July 2013 in Queensland.

Employment & wagesDean Cameron – Principal Advisor Workplace Relations

Note: After using the online tool, employers MUST keep a copy of the determination as a record.

Master Builders recommends you take reasonablecare when using the ATO decision tools to identify who is/is not a worker. For example, the relationship between an employer and anindividual may change over time and, accordingly, care needs to be taken that any changes arerefl ected in the wages declared to WorkCover.

The ATO decision tool (building and construction industry – employee/contractordecision tool) is clearly a complex decisiontool with signifi cant anomalies. As such, werecommend you maintain a default minimum policy with WorkCover Queensland at all timesto prevent being uninsured.



[email protected]

QM

BA-1

4356

09-

11

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION GENERAL ON-SITE AWARD 2010

A special Master Builders edition of the Building and Construction General On-Site Award 2010, includinginterpretation of complex clauses.

CostMember $55 (including GST)

Non-member $110 (including GST)

Ordering a manualCall (07) 3225 6444 or go to www.masterbuilders.asn.au.


Obligation of trust & confi dence now an implied term

In the case CBA v Barker [2013] FCAFC 83, a full Federal Court found that there is an implied termof mutual trust and confi dence in all Australian employment contracts. Contravention of the termwill give grounds to seek damages for breach of contract.

This development, which follows a similar judicial fi nding in the UK, means that, without beingexpressly stated, it is automatically implied that employers and employees will not, withoutreasonable cause, conduct themself in a manner likely to destroy or seriously damage the relationship of confi dence and trust between the employer and employee. The term may be expressly excluded.

The implication otherwise means that all employers should adhere to workplace policies and actin accordance with contracts of employment. Grievance and other matters must be dealt with inaccordance with the principles of natural justice.

Master Builders recommends you review your policies annually, with systematic staff inductions on a periodic basis. A policy or procedure manual that staff have not been inducted on, not

The full Federal Court recently handed down a decision that has implied a new term into all employment agreements.

Employment & wagesDean Cameron – Principal Advisor Workplace Relations

provided access to and/or not followed in theworkplace, will have limited value when you need it most. Policies and procedures are key business tools to manage your workplaces

– not simply window dressing for tender submissions.

The 2013 revised Master Builders HumanResources Manual assists members to easilylestablish and publish internal policies andprocedures. Members have embraced the HRmanual over recent years as a quick and eff ectiveway to introduce or update their policies and procedures. The manual includes easy-to-use templates and letters that can be customised to your business in minutes, and Master Builders staff are always on hand to review your fi nalised documents for peace of mind.

To purchase the HR manual, visit

www.masterbuilders.asn.au/shop


Government to stamp out right of entry abuses

The proposed amendments will stop unions barging their way onto sites withoutproper authority or prior notifi cation. Work Health and Safety Inspectors will also have greater involvement if safety issues cannot be resolved. Master Builders hasbeen advocating for these changes for some time now.

The Attorney-General, the Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP announced the changes atMaster Builders Annual Dinner and State Housing & Construction Awards in Brisbaneon 4 October.

The Attorney-General said amendments to the Act would stop unions bringing construction sites to a halt while ensuring legitimate safety issues are appropriatelyaddressed by the regulator.

Queensland has led the way with these changes, and Master Builders Australia is now calling for similar provisions to be adopted by other state and territory jurisdictions.

Read more about the changes in the Attorney-General’s column on page 8.

Proposed amendments to the Work Health and Safety Act will better protect worksites across Queensland.

Employment & wages

NO SIGN? PAY THE FINE

Certain signage is required on site under work health and safety legislation.

If you don’t have it, you may be liable for a variety of penalties including on-the-spot fi nes.

EXCAVATIONWORK IN PROGRESSWORK IN PROGRESS

Master Builders discount signage can help you avoid fi nes and non-compliance. For signs that start at just $13.00,call Master Builders on 1300 30 50 10 or visit our website atwww.masterbuilders.asn.au/eshop/signage to purchase online.


Balancing risk for return

Within the construction industry, whether you are a fi nancier, owner,contractor or subcontractor, the ability to turn a construction project into a profi table venture relies heavily on the management of risk, and how the assignment of this risk is allocated within the contract oragreement that binds the parties.

It is no secret that both the residential and commercial construction anddevelopment sectors are competitive; arguably the most competitive they have been for over a decade. This brings to a project a diff erent set of challenges and risks that must be understood and planned for.

Competition is healthy in any market. Fierce competition – the likes of which we are seeing today – from contractors and subcontractors, heightens the risk to all parties involved. There is a greater likelihoodof companies ‘buying’ new work to preserve cash fl ow. On the face of itthere may be a sense that this brings reduced construction prices.

In reality it greatly limits a contractor’s and/or subcontractor’s abilityto deal with problems that arise and, more importantly, increasesthe likelihood of raising claims to recoup losses quickly, potentially endorsing ‘claimsmanship’ behaviour.

Within Queensland’s LNG and coal construction projects, we have alsoseen signifi cant blow outs in project costs and construction periods overrecent years. Given the international infl uences and changes in China’seconomic outlook, we are beginning to see prices falling and projectcosts rising. The subsequent eff ect means stricter budgetary controlsto curtail over spending. This has directly aff ected the fl ow of money both in and out of Australia’s top construction companies and has alsoresulted in a rise in the number and value of disputes between parties.As owners and fi nanciers continue to tighten their grip on cost control,we can expect these disputes to grow.

BCIPA’s widening gapWhen we look at the claims arising under the Building and Construction Industry Payments Act 2004 (BCIPA) it is clear that there is continuedactivity in utilising this resource to resolve small claims quickly and for more than 60% of claims under $25,000, adjudicated amounts are for the full value of the claim. Subcontractors continue to make up the largestgroup of claimants at just over 62% of claims lodged at April YTD 2013. Whilst contractor claims have dropped by 5%, head contractor claimshave more than doubled since April 2012 from 2.4% of claimants to 6.3%.Supplier claims are also on the rise.

Whilst we aren’t seeing any signifi cant increases in the volume of claimsarising over the last 12 months in comparison to recent years, what we are seeing is an increase in the value of the claims (almost double),and the widening gap between the amount claimed and the amountadjudicated and awarded. This is more prevalent at the high-value end where just over 5% of claims for over $500,000 were awarded in full as at April 2013, in comparison to 10% in the previous year and the totalamount awarded in the last 12 months is just over half of the total valueof the claims (Figure 1).

The impact of fi erce competition on construction costs and how early risk profi ling can minimise disputes that typically arise in a lean market.

Contracts & disputesGary Thompson – Mitchell Brandtman

The BCIPA statistics seem to support the industry held view thatsubcontractors continue to see it as a quick resolution process that is likely to result in the majority of the claim being awarded, if not 100%of the claim. Whereas contractors and particularly head contractors seeit as a last resort that generally signifi es a breakdown in the relationshipand the fi rst step in an expensive exercise, which can be followed by a lengthy litigation battle should the adjudication decision be challenged. It is important to consider the risks arising from using the BCIPA processwhen dealing with claims higher than $500,000.

Risk profi ling & claims reductionsWhen entering into a construction contract and making consideration on how to control costs and time, understanding and assessing thepotential risks in the new contract is a fundamental step to achieving thisgoal. Although not every risk can be foreseen or accounted for, havingmechanisms in place to mitigate risk will aff ect the bottom line fi gure of the project and minimise the disputes that may arise during the life of a project.

Early risk profi ling by conducting the correct review and consideration of the contract conditions means liabilities of parties can be identifi ed and clearly understood. Mitchell Brandtman can provide a comprehensive risk assessment delivering a ‘Risk and Opportunity Matrix’ on projects for owners or contractors at contract documentation stage and ideallyprior to contract award. Identifying the construction risks means thatdeterminations of the most suitable party to handle the risk can be made, and decisions on whether it is advantageous to retain it or transfer it can further mitigate any disputes.

Owners who take on risks that are outside the owner’s or contractor’scontrol may result in them saving on the contractor pricing the risk. However, this false economy may also result in absorbing the costs of the risk at a later date. Transferring these risks results in the contractor having to make allowances in his costs for taking on the risk, and thecontractor stands to benefi t substantially if the particular item of risk does not occur during the course of the works.

In Queensland’s resources sector the majority of the large approvedprojects are already let. The focus in the region now shifts to deliveryand it is in managing the regions’ changing logistics in relation to supply

WE ARE SEEING AN INCREASE IN THE VALUE OF THE CLAIMS (ALMOST DOUBLE), AND THEWIDENING GAP BETWEEN THEAMOUNT CLAIMED AND THEAMOUNT ADJUDICATED ANDAWARDED.


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Contracts & disputes

and labour availability that is likely to result in delays and variation claims. Conducting an early and comprehensive risk assessment will account for these unique issues to mitigate losses andminimise the escalation of disputes.

Figure 2: Mitchell Brandtman’s Risk and Opportunity Matrix

Balancing risk for returnUnderstanding the fi erce nature of a competitive environment can be a competitive advantage in itself. There are good gains to be made if risk is understood, shared and allocated correctlythrough clear and tight contracts and conditions.

A collaborative approach to risk is often the best method to manage it eff ectively. Risk profi ling at the early stages, with a keenfocus on the contract documentation priorto tendering, will provide greater control over the project and mitigate claims anddisputes during construction – whether that be for general commercial projects or thoseset within the resources sector. It is crucial for all parties to gain an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the contract and ensure that the appropriate contractadministration processes are implemented to deliver the project on time, within budget and as an expected return on investment.

Gary Thompson provides expert opinion onmatters relating to project development with akey focus on costs and quality. Gary’s many yearsowning and operating a construction business provides valuable awareness and understandingof the construction environment. His 28 years of sector experience is diverse and includeshealth care, residential, commercial and retail developments.

For more information on project risk

assessments and the risk and opportunities

matrix, contact Gary Thompson, Mitchell

Brandtman on (07) 3327 5000.


Disputes about dividing fences & pool barriers

As a brief overview, the Act includes:

• A wider defi nition of ‘fence’ (includinghedges)

• A clearer defi nition of ‘suffi cient dividing fence’

• A single ‘Notice for contribution to fencingwork’ form

• Clarifi cation that the ownership of the dividing fence on a common boundary isshared equally

• A distinction between a retaining wall anda fence (i.e. a retaining wall is not a fence).

JurisdictionThe Queensland Civil and AdministrativeTribunal (QCAT) hears most disputes relating to dividing fences. The aim of QCAT is for peopleto appear themselves (i.e. without a lawyer), making the process a more cost-eff ective wayto resolve disputes of this nature.

There are two types of disputes relating todividing fences that can be brought beforeQCAT, being:

1) Minor civil dispute – dividing fences(factual disputes)

On 1 November 2011 the Dividing Fences Act was repealed and replaced by the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act. The Act aims to provide additional options and more effective remedies for neighbours involved in disputes about dividing fences.

Contracts & disputesTom Adames, Partner & Will Golinelli, Solicitor – Gadens

such as mediation or a compulsory conference. This is to try to resolve the dispute at the earliest possible opportunity.

What is a dividing fence?The Act defi nes a dividing fence as:

…a structure, ditch or embankment, or ahedge or similar vegetative barrier, enclosingor bounding land, whether or not continuousor extending along the entire boundary separating the land of adjoining owners, and includes:

a) A gate, cattle grid or apparatus necessary for the operation of a fence; and

b) A natural or artifi cial watercourse separating the land of adjoining owners; and

c) A foundation or support built solely for thesupport and maintenance of the fence.

However, a fence is not –

a) A retaining wall; or

b) A wall that is part of a house, garage or other building.

A dividing fence is constructed on the commonboundary line of adjoining land. Sometimesa dividing fence can be built off the commonboundary line when it is impractical due to thephysical features of the land. For example, if a large tree that both neighbours wanted tokeep is sitting on the boundary line, it may bedecided that the dividing fence will need to bebuilt on one neighbour’s land.

What is a retaining wall?Retaining walls serve a diff erent purpose than afence, and are not considered to be a fence for the purposes of the Act. A retaining wall is built to support earth material and is for the benefi t of one neighbour only. Consequently, the cost of constructing and/or repairing a retaining wallwill be that owner’s sole responsibility.

Retaining walls are usually subject to special building and engineering requirements.

2) Minor civil dispute – debt dispute (when recovering a debt for fencing work basedon an agreed amount up to $25,000).

The Magistrates Court has jurisdiction tohear disputes where the amount of the debt exceeds $25,000.

How to fi le an application with QCATThe relevant forms for fi ling an application forthe above types of disputes are the Form 53and Form 3 respectively.

The QCAT application fees (as at October 2013) for the above types of matters range from $22.20 to $284.60, depending on the amount in dispute.

Once an application has been lodged with QCAT, the parties will receive a notice to attend some form of alternative dispute resolution,

GENERALLY, NEIGHBOURS MUST CONTRIBUTE EQUALLY TO THE COST OFBUILDING AND MAINTAINING A DIVIDINGFENCE.


Although retaining walls are excluded under theAct, QCAT does have some power to make ordersabout retaining walls where a fence otherwise cannot be repaired. The Act also does not applyto a fence or part of a fence that is a barrier of aregulated pool (see below for more detail).

Who owns a fence?The Act maintains the common law positionthat a dividing fence is owned equally by the adjoining neighbours if it is built on the commonboundary line. However, a fence or part of a fencethat is built on one neighbour’s land is ownedby that neighbour, even if the other neighbourcontributed to the construction of the fence.

The basic rules for dividing fences are as follows:

• There should be a suffi cient dividing fencebetween two parcels of land if an adjoining owner requests one (even if vacant land).

• Generally, neighbours must contribute equally to the cost of building andmaintaining a dividing fence.

• Dividing fences should not have anything attached to them that is unreasonable andmaterially alters or damages the fence.

• If a property is tenanted and there is a dispute about a dividing fence, theissue should be referred to the owner or property agent to deal with.

• If both neighbours do not want a dividing fence, or the land in question is public or agricultural land, a dividing fence is notrequired.

• If one neighbour wants to have more work done on a dividing fence than is reasonablyrequired then they will be liable to pay the extra costs (e.g. if one neighbour wants an

‘upmarket’ fence or a higher than standard fence for privacy or security reasons).

Pools & fencesVery specifi c obligations are imposed on the owner of land with a regulated pool (defi nedin the Building Act). These obligations diff ergreatly from the obligations of a standardlandowner under the Act and as such are regulated in the Building Act.

All laws relating to swimming pool fences (evenif they are also a dividing fence) are now foundin the Building Act. Under the Building Act, if aswimming pool fence is also a dividing fence, the owner of the pool will be liable to pay the costsof any changes to the fence that may be requiredover and above a suffi cient dividing fence.

The Building Act provides that pool ownersmust give neighbours notices about proposed work at least 14 days prior to undertaking any work. The Notice (Form 39 – notice of proposedfencing work for a pool barrier) must includeinformation on the type of fence proposed

and specify the materials that will be used. Theproposed pool barrier must be consistent withthe existing fence (e.g. similar materials and colours), unless this would prevent the fencefrom complying with the pool safety standard.

QCAT has clarifi ed a number of commonqueries relating to the laws regarding swimming pool fences as follows.

Who is responsible for the cost of fencing work?The pool laws adopt a ‘user pays’ system. Where the fencing work is required for a pool fenceto be compliant with the pool safety laws, thefull cost is borne by the pool owner. If there is a pool on both sides of the dividing fence andboth pool owners need the change to makethe barrier compliant with the regulations, thecost is shared equally.

However, where one pool owner requiresfencing work and the other pool owner doesnot, the costs are borne solely by the pool owner requiring the changes. Details about thecosts associated with the fencing work shouldalso be provided to the neighbour in theabovementioned Form 39.

What happens if neighbours cannot agree on how to share the cost of fencing work? If, one month after the Form 39 is given, theneighbour and the pool owner have not agreed about the proposed fencing work orthe contributions to the proposed fencingwork, the neighbour or pool owner may applyto QCAT to make a decision, but it must be made within two months of the Form 39 being given. If this time limitation is not adhered to,it is advised that the pool owner re-issue the Form 39 to the neighbour.

There is no fence along the common boundary line and an owner wants to construct a pool barrier. What does the pool owner need to do?Where no fence exists, the pool owner or proposed pool owner may construct part of a pool barrier along the common boundarywithout agreement from the adjoining owner.However, the pool owner or proposed pool owner must still provide the neighbour with a Form 39 notice about proposed work at least 14 days prior to undertaking any work, andthe pool fence can only be made from theprescribed materials.

What are the prescribed materials?For the purpose of constructing a pool barrier, prescribed materials include wood, chain wire, metal panels or rods, bricks, rendered

cement, concrete blocks and other material from which a dividing fence is ordinarily constructed. Given the necessary safety requirements relating to pool fences, hedgesand vegetative barriers are insuffi cient to meet the requirements of the pool safety standard.

What happens if a notice is not given?Where the pool owner commences work without giving proper notice, this fencing work is considered unauthorised. In this situation,the neighbour may apply to QCAT for an order preventing the pool owner from continuing.

Can a neighbour stop a pool owner from replacing the fence?If a pool owner proposes to signifi cantly vary an existing fence, they must obtain consentfrom their neighbour or obtain an order from QCAT allowing them to build a diff erent typeof fence. The neighbour is then able to paint orotherwise change the appearance of their sideof the fence, as long as they do not materiallyalter or damage the fence.

What are the rules for buildings that are built on the common boundary?The wall of a building on a common boundary (for example, where the house’s wall is right on the boundary) may be used as part of a pool barrier if it complies with the pool safetystandard. However, a pool owner is prohibited from altering the building without the owner’sconsent. Where any part of the wall does not meet the requirements of the pool safetystandard, the pool owner will need to construct a separate barrier, unless the neighbour agrees to changes to the wall.

For more information about dividing fences &

pool barriers, contact Tom Adames, on

(07) 3223 4702 or [email protected]

Contracts & disputes


Doors & windows onto external waterproofed areas

The Australian Standard AS 4654.2–2012 Waterproofi ng membranes for external above-ground use was referenced within the National Construction Code (NCC) on 1 May 2013.

A brief overview of the standard was provided in the August/September 2013 edition of Master Builder magazine. In this edition, we look closer at the options within the standard for doors andrwindows that adjoin external water proofed areas, such as balconies, patios and verandahs to a building.

The standard contains several illustrated fi gures described as typical acceptable methods fordoors and windows to these areas. Building contractors should be mindful that these acceptablemethods do not exclude the use of other proven systems.

It is important to understand that the selection and/or modifi cation of an acceptable methodshould be made in consideration of the various situations that can impact on its performance. Thismay include the building design, location, weather exposure, form of construction, designatedfl oor fi nishes, threshold levels and drainage provisions.

The Australian Standard includes options for doors and windows that adjoin external water proofed areas, such as balconies, patios and verandahs to a building.

Building & planningTony Mitchell – Manager Building Services

Added to this, the limitations and problems associated with the supervision of buildingworks and the entire process can prove to be a challenging exercise.

Poor installation and detailing at the sill/fl oor junction can allow moisture ingress through and under the sill sections of thedoor and window joinery itself. This can causesubstantial damage to adjoining fi nishes, structural members and underlying areas.

Rectifi cation can be a costly exercise withthe added frustration of having to manage adisgruntled owner and/or unhappy tenant toarrange access, subcontractors and materials for the remedial works.

As they say, prevention is far better than the cure. With this in mind it is worthwhile to restate the obvious. This being theperformance and detailing requirements that are so often overlooked.

Performance & detailing The NCC requires that a building is constructedto safeguard occupants from illness and/or injury and protect the building from damage caused by external moisture entering abuilding.

The NCC gives reference to AS 4654.2–2012 Waterproofi ng membranes for external above-ground use making it the Deemed to Satisfy Provision, which prescribes the detailingrequired to comply with the building code.

The objective of the standard is to provide a consistent and reliable approach to the designand installation of external waterproofi ngmembrane systems. To ensure the integrity and serviceability of the membrane systems, the installation and detailing of doors andwindows onto these areas is a critical aspect.

Sill sectionsUpon that basis, it is necessary to situate the sill section of the door/window joineryentirely within a tanked (membrane coated) profi le at the fl oor junction, which will then direct moisture to the exterior of the structurewithout damage to the adjacent building components.

It is recommended that all openings ontoexternal waterproofed areas are provided with a set down or hob to provide a verticalsurface of suffi cient dimension upon which toterminate the membrane.


Building & planning

The sill/fl oor junction should also include a membrane under the entire sill section,which continues around the back of the sillup onto the face of a water stop angle. It isessential that any sub-sill fl ashing utilised to this area actually forms an integral part of the waterproof membrane.

Alternatively, a preformed rebate in the concrete slab with an upstand with a similarly detailed waterproof membrane thatreturns up behind the sill section is a goodoption.

Eff ectively the membrane and joinery detailingshould cause any moisture ingress to be drained externally via the weep holes and membrane. It is absolutely critical that the fi xing method for the joinery that penetrates through and breaches the membrane isadequately sealed.

Upward terminationsThe standard also provides guidance forvertical upward termination heights of thesemembranes to prevent water entry. Where theinternal and external fi nished fl oor levels donot allow for an upturn, the membranes shallbe fi xed under the sill and terminate in thestormwater system.

Where circumstances do not permit theinclusion of a set down or hob (e.g. forwheelchair access), a gutter should be formed into the substrate immediately in front of the opening. Consideration should also be given to installing a continuous membraneto the reveals, head and sill sections of all exterior openings within single skinmasonry construction to integrate with thewaterproofed profi le at the fl oor junction.

In summaryBuilding contractors are responsible for providing and installing waterproofi ng systems inexternal locations that prevent the ingress of water, which may degrade structural components orcause detriment to the occupants.

The revised Australian Standard AS 4654.2–2012 Waterproofi ng membranes for external above-ground use provides specifi c advice that will assist contractors in providing deemed to satisfy construction detailing.

Contractors who perform building work involving waterproofi ng membranes in external locationsare advised to purchase the standard. The detailing within the standard may be used as areference document pursuant to the contract and for the supervision of works during the courseof construction.

For more information about external waterproofi ng requirements, call

Master Builders on (07) 3225 6419 or email [email protected]

The law has changed – has your business?

With policies, procedures and electronic templates, the manual is designed specifi cally for use by payroll staff , supervisors and managers in thees abuilding and construction industry. on i

$220 (including GST)Call (07) 3225 6444 or go to www.masterbuilders.asn.au/eshop/publications to order your copy.* go to

* Available for sale to Master Builders members only.ilders m

Master Builders Human Resources Manual is the essential step by step guide to managing your workforce and complying with legal

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Shall we BIM?Building Information Modelling (BIM) has beendescribed as many things, from a tool to cutdown on rework, improve productivity andassist with clash deletion, to a minefi eld of liability. Whatever your view of BIM, it is here to stay, at least for the foreseeable future.

By its nature, BIM is a collaborative process used to create a three dimensional digitalmodel from multiple data sources, which can be shared between all stakeholders andmaintained across the life of a building. The objective of BIM is to move away from the two dimensional hardcopy drawing model toan electronic model where specifi cations andtechnical data can be used to create an actualdepiction of the working building.

It is the collaborative evolving nature of BIM that makes our eyes bulge with ‘what ifs’ andwhich gives rise to the need for some specifi clegal considerations that need to be addressedat the start of a project to ensure that the participants in the BIM process maintain theirrights and share the responsibilities.

We all know that architects, engineers and designers have multiple working drawings that are never intended to be shared with others. What is unique about BIM is that those workingdrawings will now form part of an interactive,multi-use model, which will be available fromthe inception of the project to its conclusion,and well beyond.

How then can you manage that process so that you have some level of comfort about where,how, and who is using and manipulating yourdata? How can you maintain a level of control over your intellectual property and your exposure to the mistakes of others? The answeris to defi ne how BIM will work on your project. To do that, there are four key areas that should be considered in contractual negotiations forthe use of BIM.

1. Contractual requirements & responsibilitiesIt will not be surprising to the reader to see that contractual requirements are at the top of the list when it comes to BIM. Projects using BIM must establish a clear protocol for its use which is accepted by all those contributing to (anddrawing on) the model. When entering into acontract that requires the use of BIM, make surethat the contract specifi cally addresses:

• How BIM will work on the project?

• What software and hardware will be usedfor the model?

• Who will be responsible for inputting data into the model?

• Who can make changes to the model?

• How variations will be managed and added to the model?

• If multiple models are used, which model takes priority?

• Who is to maintain the integrity of thevarious versions of the model as the project evolves?

• What will happen if there are softwareissues during the project?

As part of managing these considerations, thenew role of ‘model manager’ should be created and defi ned. The model manager ought be responsible for maintaining the integrity of the model and for managing access, security, transmission, backup fi les, and determiningwho will input the data and how. The modelmanager should keep a clear audit trail of who inputs what into the model and all versions of the model should be kept, so that any errors can be tracked to a point in time.

Following the above processes will ensure thatmultiple inputs do not corrupt the integrity of the model.

The collaborative approach of BIM means that related rights and obligations associated withBIM should fl ow through to all of the contracts and subcontracts on a project to ensure that the same rights and obligations are imposed upon all parties providing information for the model. So make sure you have the right contract terms in your ‘downstream’ contractswith your subcontractors.

Importantly, your contract documents must make it clear that, despite the collaborative nature of BIM, no contractual privity is intendedbetween the participants (i.e. you don’t want tocreate a contract with, for example, the principalif you are a subcontractor).

2. Intellectual property & copyrightBIM deals with intellectual property rights. As such, it is necessary for appropriate approvals and access rights to be granted from and toall parties involved in the BIM model process. Permission will be needed to use individualparts of the model and approval shouldbe granted for that use in the contractual documentation at the start of the project.

In circumstances where clients are requesting that the model be handed over at the end

of the project, protecting your intellectual property for the life of the project – and beyond – becomes an important consideration.

You should consider:

• Who holds the intellectual property rightsand how, and on what basis, they will beshared or used in future

• Whether licences are required and, if so, what those licences are and on what basisthey might be suspended or terminated

• How joint authorship of data will bemanaged

• What happens at handover, how will theconsent of all joint owners of the intellectualproperty be given to enable the model tobe provided to (and used by) the owners.

3. Liability & indemnitiesLooking at the way BIM works, liability apportionment and indemnities in respect of design errors or data input errors need to be clearly defi ned. Establishing the extent towhich participants can rely on each other’scontribution, how the quality of contributionswill be verifi ed, and excluding responsibilityfor checking others’ contributions, needs to be clearly spelt out.

Your contract should address:

• Where a liability starts and where it ends

• That each party is responsible only for thedata they provide and for any errors in thatdata

• An express exclusion that the modelmanager is not responsible for checkingthe entries of other parties or for verifying the specifi cation material provided by the various manufacturers

• Indemnities in respect of, and statementsof use, for future owners

• The status of third party rights and that BIMis not intended to create any contractualrelationship with third party benefi ciaries

• Indemnities from all parties in respectof any third party intellectual propertydisputes

• Releases and indemnities for modifi cationsto the handover version of the model

• Clearly defi ned parameters for extension of time claims where one participant delaysthe BIM process (and hence the project)

• Strictly defi ned liquidated damages provisions for each participant.

Building & planningKathryn Walker – Partner, Lynch Meyer


Building & planning

BIM DEALS WITH INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS. IT’S NECESSARY FOR APPROPRIATEAPPROVALS AND ACCESS RIGHTS TO BEGRANTED FROM AND TO ALL PARTIESINVOLVED.

4. Insurance implications & requirementsOnce you have defi ned the scope of work androles of the participants it is important that youensure that your insurance policy covers youfor the use of BIM.

While BIM is not intended to alter the usualstandard of care to be imposed by the variouscontractors on a site, you should check if your insurance covers the use of BIM andthat it does not expressly exclude its use. Remembering that BIM is intended to be collaborative, ask your insurer questions like:

• Does the policy allow for collaboration of contractors?

• Can there be more than one insured?

• Are we covered for the mistakes of othersfor data errors in the model?

• Will the insurer consider the work to bedesign and, if so, are we covered for design(usually this requires cover for professionalindemnity)?

• Are we covered for the input of data into the model?

• Are risk allocation and indemnity clauses allowed under the policy?

BIM has a long history in the United States and the United Kingdom and there have been very few problems. In fact, to date, there is only one case where an architect has been sued in relationto BIM. That case settled on confi dential terms and little is known about the facts. What has emerged is that it appears that the architect, who designed a roof space storage area for plantand services, did so on the basis of a specifi c sequencing for the installation. That sequencing wasnot communicated to the builder and once the building had been built the plant and services didnot fi t. The industry has put the claim down to more of a communication issue than a complaintagainst the BIM process.

BIM has the potential to provide better outcomes through collaboration, provide greaterpredictability and reduce delays, safety risks and variations. If you take the time to clearly defi nehow BIM will work on your project, protect your intellectual property and limit your exposure, there is no reason why the answer to the question “shall we BIM?” should not be “yes”.

Kathryn Walker is a litigator and strategic advisor specialising in building and construction and environment and planning law.

As a Master Builders member, you can buy a contract and receive back up advice from our specialist staff .

Master Builders has developed a range of contracts that allocate risk fairly between builders and subcontractors and builders and their clients.

Along with that contract, you can also access our specialist advice that relates to:

Specialist contracts staff on hand

– but only when you need them

• Suitability of contracts

• Contract terms and conditions

• Progress claims entitlements and preparation

• Variation claims andpreparation

• Extension of time claimsand preparation

• Legislation aff ecting contracts

• Tender procedures

• Tender documents

To order online, visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au/eshop.

Alternatively call 1300 30 50 10 for more information.

Practising mainly in Commercial and Construction matters including:

T:

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lawyers


State planning policies

The Queensland Government has established a new approach to planning by implementinga single policy, which will replace the various current state planning policies. The draft StatePlanning Policy (SPP) will be fi nalised, approved and ready for release before the end of 2013.

Purpose of the SPPThe draft SPP sets outs policies that identify the state’s interests in planning and development, and how these are to be dealt with in planning instruments, council development assessmentprocesses and in designating land for community infrastructure.

The SPP will provide the tools to empower and support local governments to make the right planning decisions for their community and to implement state interests in the way that best suitscommunity needs.

State planning policies are planning instruments that can protect the interests of the state, and are typically developed by or in conjunction with the planning minister.

Building & planningKaren Haworth – Manager Planning Services

Interests of the stateThe interests of the state, which are relevant toour industry, can be found in the following fi ve groups of the draft SPP:

1. Housing and Liveable Communities – covers amenity and community wellbeing

2. Economic Growth – covers agriculture, development and construction, mining and extractive resources and the tourism industry

3. Environment and Heritage – coversbiodiversity, coastal environment, culturalheritage and healthy waters

4. Hazards and Safety – covers air, noise and other emissions, hazardous materials and development and natural hazards

5. Transport and Infrastructure – covers state infrastructure and services, serious state transport infrastructure and networks,strategic airports and aviation facilities, strategic ports, water supply catchments and infrastructure.

Compiling state interests into groups and expressing the state’s interest in planning and development in a single policy will makeit easier for local governments to refl ect and balance interests in their local planning. It will also encourage fl exible, innovative and locally appropriate approaches to planning and besupported by tools and guidance material to assist implementation.

The end result is to produce a prosperousQueensland with a clear vision of future needs in planning and development.

For more information, call

Master Builders on (07) 3225 6419 or

email [email protected]

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Preparing for hot conditions

The danger periods when hot conditions impact on the industry are especially found in the months of December, January and February – so it is important that workers, subcontractors and project managers work together to manage exposure to hot conditions during this period.

The main eff ects of heat stress can include fainting, cramps, exhaustion and stroke.

Most construction workers will be exposed to working in the heat at some point; however, there are certain factors that can make individual workers more susceptible to heat stress, such as:

• Factors that may cause dehydration, such as poor diet, vomiting, diarrhoea, or alcohol and caff eine consumption

• Medical conditions, such as heart problems, diabetes and hypertension

• Medication that may aff ect the body’s temperature regulation

• Age, general physical fi tness and weight.

All contractors are encouraged to re-familiarise themselves with inclement weather procedures that may be contained within their modern award or enterprise agreement, and take steps to minimise the eff ect of hot conditions.

Master Builders encourages all contractors to meet with their staff to discuss ways

Heat stress is a serious health issue for building workers who work outdoors in hot conditions.

Health, safety & environmentStephanie Gaylard – Manager Workplace Health & Safety

• Ensure air-conditioners in amenities sheds are functioning properly

• Create shade (tarp, umbrella) or fi nd a tree for rest breaks

• Ensure that water coolers are functioning properly

• Wear cooling vests and backpack-type hands-free water dispensers for extended periods of outdoor work during hot weather.

If workers are experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion, such as feeling faint, dizzy or nauseated, it is important to stop and rest, drink more fl uids and consider how the work could be rescheduled or managed more eff ectively.

Preventing heat stress through the implementation of some of the above options is the key.

For further advice on managing working

in hot conditions contact Master Builders

on (07) 3225 6404 or email

[email protected]

to alleviate or mitigate the impact of hot conditions likely to hit sites over the coming months.

Consider the following:

• Rotate jobs in and out of the sun during peak sun exposure times (10am–2pm)

• Avoid working in ceiling spaces in the middle of the day

• Encourage workers to drink 150–200mm of cool fl uids every 15–20 minutes, rather than consuming a one litre drink every now and again

• Instead of drinking tea, coff ee or milk, encourage workers to drink water or a sports drink

• If a worker is suff ering from dehydration, ensuring they do not recommence work until they are fully rehydrated

• Wear a hat or hard hat brim and neck fl ap to help minimise heat stress and sun protection


Reducing musculoskeletal injuries in the plasterboard industry

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) have announced that reducing work related musculoskeletal disorders and theconstruction industry’s capacity to reduce risksassociated with musculoskeletal disorders is a priority.

As part of this commitment, WHSQ haverecently conducted a campaign on the manualhandling of plasterboard between 2011 and2013, with the purpose of raising awarenessof hazardous manual tasks and reducingassociated injuries across the construction industry, with a particular focus on handlingplasterboard and other sheet materials.

Plasterboard was chosen as a focus due to itscommon use in the industry, as well as its sizeand the fact that it’s commonly handled intight spaces with limited access.

Hazardous manual tasks are regulated by the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice2011. Under this legislation, it is a requirementthat a person who conducts a business orundertaking must manage risks to health andsafety relating to musculoskeletal disordersthat are associated with a hazardous manualtask.

Many of the tasks undertaken in the construction industry could potentially beclassed as a ‘hazardous’ manual task underthis regulation. It can be any task that requires a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry orotherwise move, hold or restrain any person, animal or thing involving one or more of thefollowing:

• Repetitive or sustained force

• High or sudden force

• Repetitive movement

• Sustained or awkward posture

• Exposure to vibration.

During the campaign, 277 audits were conducted and overall feedback on thecampaign has been positive. Inspectorsobserved tasks undertaken on various sites during site delivery, storage and movement

of plasterboard. The tasks were then assessedto determine how well hazardous manualtask risks were being minimised, in particularwhether industry was complying with controls outlined in the regulation.

Following the completion of the campaign, a report was prepared outlining the campaignfi ndings, areas for improvement and otherrecommendations.

Some of the key fi ndings of the campaignincluded:

• 87% of businesses had completed aprocedure and/or risk assessment thatincluded the hazardous manual task of handling plasterboard.

• In 85.5% of businesses, the manual tasksrisks had been identifi ed in the procedureor risk assessment.

• Across the whole industry, 57% of workers received manual tasks training basedon the Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice.

• 34% of workers received manual tasks training purely based on safe liftingtechniques.

• 89% of workers are supervised to ensure safe work practices are followed.

• 43% of businesses reported that how theirworkers are paid can negatively aff ectthe safety elements of tasks they are undertaking.

• 79% of workers stated that they wereaware of the consultation mechanisms in place at their workplace.

It was identifi ed that builders can playa signifi cant role in reducing hazardous manual task risks associated with handlingplasterboard and various recommendations have been put forward in the report to assistindustry in better managing this issue.

Some of these recommendations include:

• Develop work-related musculoskeletaldisorder prevention initiatives specifi cally for hazardous manual tasks.

A recent campaign is helping to raise awareness about reducing injuries associated with hazardous manual tasks in the construction industry.

Health, safety & environmentStephanie Gaylard – Manager Workplace Health & Safety

• Identify the hazardous manual tasks associated with the handling of plasterboard during the planning and design stage and consider the work areadesign, work processes and the choiceof materials. These factors can have asignifi cant impact on the number of manual tasks that workers are exposed to from the point of delivery through to the fi nal installation of plasterboard.

• Consult with relevant stakeholders, including the client, designers, manufacturers, suppliers, builders,subcontractors and workers, about the risksto workers when handling plasterboardand ways of controlling the risks.

• Facilitate cooperation and coordination between stakeholders. The most eff ective way to manage hazardous manual tasksis for all stakeholders to work together. By drawing on the knowledge and experienceof all involved, more informed decisionscan be made to eliminate or minimise hazardous manual task risks. These designsneed to be made at the design stage.

• Improving access and space at the delivery site and ensuring the use of mechanicalaids during unloading and delivery.

WHSQ have prepared guidance material inconsultation with industry, including samplesafe work procedures and a builder’s checklistto assist with managing the handling of plasterboard on construction projects. Theseare available on Master Builders website, along with a copy of the campaign report.

For more information contact

Master Builders on (07) 3225 6404 or



Cash is king! Strategies to manage your cash fl ow

Cash is essentially the blood that pumpsthrough the veins of a business and keeps it alive. In most businesses, both small and large, problems occur when cash fl ow is managed poorly and causes both owners andtheir employees signifi cant stress. So in thesemore uncertain economic times, how does abusiness manage its cash fl ow to ensure itscontinued success?

There are a number of simple strategies thatcan be used to help improve cash fl ow.

1. Project monthly sales/prepare cash fl ow forecastsCash fl ow is all about timing: when your sales are likely to come in and when your expenses are likely to go out. A business can beprofi table from an accounting perspective, yet still have cash fl ow problems.

To assist with cash infl ows, a cash fl ow forecast on the timing of sales is an important tool.This will identify those months where cash fl ow could become tight and allow you to manage cash outfl ows. When preparing cashfl ow forecasts, it’s important to be realistic rather than overly optimistic. Use a worst-case scenario, review regularly and update when circumstances change.

We’ve all heard the saying before: Cash is king! But what does it mean and why is it so important?

Mastering your businessGraeme Kent – Director Audit & Assurance Services, MGI South Qld

that debts are paid and regular cash fl ow isachieved.

• Send invoices out immediately. Don’t waitto the end of the month if the work has been completed.

• Bank daily.

• Review aged debtors reports regularly and follow up when customers have fallen outside of their agreed credit terms.

3. Manage your stock effi cientlyA large amount of free cash fl ow can be ‘locked’ away in your inventory levels. However, thediffi culty with stock management is that thereis a fi ne line between having just enough stock on hand to meet the needs of your customers and having either too much or too little. In myexperience the risk is that companies buy too much and are left with large amounts of excessstock, which end up being heavily discounted tosell or even worse, is written off and discarded.

So how do you improve your stock management? Some ways include:

• Have a regular review of stock levels.Identify those lines that are not turningover regularly and look at discounting these to clear it from your storage facility.

• Don’t buy too much, even if it’s off ered at adiscount. This could tie up unnecessary freecash fl ow and also increases the chancethat you won’t be able to sell the stock.

• Set minimum and maximum levels of stock lines and stay within these limits.

4. Control your expenditureRegularly reviewing your expenditures is amust. Have a rolling budget and compare these to prior periods. If any expenditure issignifi cantly diff erent to what you budgeted for, investigate why.

2. Manage your debtorsDebtor management is a key component of any business. A sale isn’t a ‘real’ sale until thecash is deposited into your account. Debtormanagement has become more critical than ever, given the slowdown in the economy and the reluctance of consumers and businessesalike to part with their cash.

Some ways to improve your debtors include:

• Set credit limits for customers and monitorclosely.

• Conduct a credit check for all new customers.

• Off er a discount for paying invoices early.For example, look at your recent rates bill – Council gives you a discount if you pay on time and is hugely successful in ensuring

CASH FLOW IS ALL ABOUT TIMING: WHEN YOUR SALES ARE LIKELY TO COME IN ANDWHEN YOUR EXPENSES ARE LIKELY TO GOOUT.


Mastering your business

Other ways to control your expenses include:

• Always look at ways to cut yourexpenditure. Have your staff look out aswell and assist you in this role.

• Require quotes for any major expenditure.Always seek fi xed prices to know exactlywhat cash fl ows you are likely to face andwhether the company can aff ord it.

• Prepare regular fi nancial reports – alwaysknow how the business is tracking.

5. Watch the timing of your cash outlaysCash outfl ows are an area in which you havea greater level of control. Look at ways tominimise outfl ows and try to have these refl ectyour cash infl ows. For example, if you knowyour business is seasonal and achieves most of its cash fl ows in the fi rst half of the year, tryto match your largest expenditure items whencash fl ow is easily accessible.

Other ways to improve the timing of your cash outlays include:

• Negotiate with your suppliers a discountfor paying early or up-front.

• Always pay your creditors on the day theinvoice is due – don’t pay early or late.

• Negotiate longer payment terms on apayment plan if cash fl ow is tight. Manybusinesses will be happy to put you on apayment plan if they can see that you aregoing to pay your bill. The sooner you talk to them about this, the easier it is.

6. Remember your tax obligations & its impact on cash fl owWhile no one particularly likes paying tax, itis part of any successful business. A business paying tax is a profi table business and I would much prefer to be paying tax than having a large amount of carried forward tax losses. However, this doesn’t make it any easier whenyou are required to send that cheque to theATO with your BAS.

Tax commitments, whether GST, income tax, PAYG or FBT instalments can be quite

substantial and can cause businesses cashfl ow issues if funds are not put away regularly.Adjust the amount that is put away dependingon the level of sales/profi t that the businessgenerates each month.

7. Adjust for growthIt is critically important to understand the additional cash fl ow required when a business is growing. Many successful businesses fail bynot having suffi cient cash to fund their growth operations, which can leave the businessvulnerable. New sales generally require additional resources, such as new equipment, employees, marketing and potentially largerpremises. This increase in fi xed costs can occureven before new cash fl ows from expansionhave even begun.

Whether the plan is to have the statusquo or to enter into a growth phase, acash fl ow strategy is a must for any business.By managing your cash fl ow you will ensure that the business remains successful and reduce stress. As the saying goes: Cash is king!


Top 5 Microsoft Excel tips you probably don’t knowThere are so many hidden features in Excel, it could take a lifetime tolearn them all. Thankfully, Odyssey Training have done the hard work for you, and have come up with fi ve very helpful Microsoft Excel tips toresolve some of the questions you never even knew to ask about Excel.

Tip 1: Viewing multiple sheets of the same workbookHave you ever wanted to see the content of two sheets of the sameworkbook side by side at once? From the View tab, click New Window.This opens another window, with the same fi le viewed again. Click Arrange All, choose Tiled, and the fi le will appear twice, side by side.Click on another sheet in the second window to view its contents.

It’s important to note this isn’t a copy of the fi le, just another ‘view’. Changes made in one side of the screen are made in the other, too. To return to normal, simply close one of the windows, and maximise the screen again.

Tip 2: Make a message pop up when a cell is selectedYou could use a comment to add amessage to a cell, but then you need to click on the comment marker to read the message. If you want to always display the message when the cell isselected, try using an Input Message.

Select your cell, and from the Data tabof the ribbon, select Data Validation.Click on the Input Message tab, and type the message to appear. Click OK and the message will always pop up when the cell becomes active.

Tip 3: Centre cells across selectionAre you tired of getting error messages about merged cells? Merged cells can make your worksheet look good, but when you start to copy and paste, and the ghastly “Can’t copy part of a merged cell” message appears. There is a little used feature that lets you centre text acrossmultiple cells, without actually merging them. But this feature onlyworks when you want to merge across columns. There is no way to dothis for merging down.

Type your heading in the leftmost cell. Select the range of cells you want to centre across. From the Home tab, Alignment group, click the dialog boxlauncher. Select the Horizontal alignment and choose – Center Across

Selection.

The text will look centred, but all the other cells will need to remain blank for the illusion to remain.

Tip 4: Using outlines to hide content quicklyAre you always hiding/unhiding rows and columns for printingor displaying your content in presentations? Why not use anOutline instead? One click and you can easily hide or unhide specifi ccontent.

Select the columns or rows to hide. From the Data tab on the ribbon, select Group. The outline appearsacross the top or down the side.

Click the outline buttons to show/hide rows or columns as you need them.

Tip 5: Quickly display formulasWhen confronted with a spreadsheet that you’ve notseen before, it can be dauntingto locate all the cells containingformulas. Press the CTRL+` keys(HINT: the ` is to the left of the 1 on most keyboards). All cellscontaining formulas will displaythe formula in cell! Press it againto go back to normal. Use this tolocate and view formulas, and even print them.

Ok, we lied, there is one more tip. What if you want to quickly select all the cells containing formulas? Simply press F5, then click Special, andchoose Formulas. All cells containing formulas will be selected!

Finally…There are dozens of ways to quickly get the results you want with Excel. Take some time to explore buttons on the ribbon you’ve never usedbefore, or to learn what the keyboard shortcuts can do to save you time.

This article was written by Jane Pettigrew and was fi rst published on www.odysseytraining.com.au.

Mastering your business

TAD

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Don’t get stung with a nasty bill this holiday season

The story is all too common: Globe-trotting builder comes back from his overseas adventure, only to receive a huge bill in the mail a few weeks later.

Global roaming on your mobile phone can result in a nasty bill to the unsuspecting traveller. In some cases, travellers have not even used their phone for calls whilst overseas, but by failing to change their settings, their smartphone has been downloading emails or other data without their knowledge.

While global roaming can be expensive, smartphones have many valuable uses when travelling, such as e-tickets for fl ights, hotel bookings, restaurant information, checking emails, and staying in touch with family and friends.

To help keep customers informed about how much data they are using while overseas, Telstra has launched an SMS alert system, which sends travellers an alert for every 20 megabytes of data they use overseas (with the exception of Hong Kong, where the 4G phone network is not compatible with Telstra’s 3G alerts).

Aside from turning your phone off altogether, an easy way to avoid bill shock is to turn off data roaming and only use Wi-Fi. You will fi nd this under the settings or options menu on your phone.

Free Wi-Fi ‘hot spots’ are popular and easy to fi nd in many countries. Try to avoid any that ask for your phone number or email address, unless you like receiving spam, and stick to

Using a smartphone or tablet overseas can result in a horrendous bill. Here are some tips for managing your usage, without having to turn off your device.

Phones & internet

more reputable providers, such as city councils and libraries. Coff ee shops are also a good place to get connected, and many hotels now off er free Wi-Fi in guest rooms, or in public areas.

If you’re using your smartphone for maps and directions, use apps that work offl ine. Simply type ‘free offl ine maps’ or similar into your online app store to see what you can fi nd. Make sure you download the apps before you leave home, or while using free Wi-Fi. Many travel guides and city guides are also available as offl ine apps.

The trip planner Tripomatic, for example, has an iPhone app that integrates city guides and offl ine maps, so you can update your travel plans as you go, without needing internet access. The free app includes more than 30,000 attractions in more than 300 destinations around the world.

If you need to have access to data at all times, the best option is to buy a data roaming pack before you leave Australia. Just call Master Builders Telco on 1300 88 13 72 to arrange.


New tough anti-hoon laws

Business owners need to be aware that under the new anti-hooning legislation passed in Queensland, vehicles can be taken off the road immediately and penalties increase for secondand subsequent off ences.

Offending driver not necessarily the owner of the vehicleNew anti-hooning and road safety legislation came into eff ect in Queensland on 1 November2013, delivering the toughest vehicle impoundment laws in Australia. (See PolicePowers And Responsibilities (Motor VehicleImpoundment) and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2013 No. 15.)

The new legislation can have far reachingconsequences for owners of vehicles who are not necessarily the off ending driver. Under the newlegislation, vehicles can be impounded for seven or 90 days, depending on the type of off ence committed by the driver that might trigger theimpounding or immobilisation of a vehicle.

Range of penalties The off ences range from being involved in streetracing (Type 1) down to unlicensed driving, high-range drink driving; exceeding the speed limitby more than 40 kilometres per hour; driving a vehicle that is both uninsured and unregistered;and non-compliance with vehicle standards and safety regulations off ences (Type 2).

Vehicles can be immobilised, impounded or forfeited for offences under Australia’s new toughest anti-hoon laws, which came into effect on 1 November 2013.

Laws, codes & regulationsSimone Farrugia – Senior Associate, CBP Lawyers

The Commissioner of Police (or its delegate)will have fi ve business days to determine the Application for Early Release.

What should you do to protect your business and its vehicles?Because the purpose of the legislation is to stop repeat off enders in their tracks bytaking vehicles off the road immediately, this could have far reaching and immediate consequences for a business.

For this reason, it important that businesses:

• Take an active interest in the traffi c history of drivers by undertaking regular traffi c history checks.

• Consult with employed and contract drivers regarding the refreshed safety management procedures to be reconfi rmed.

• Meet the requirements of the Work Health and Safety Act.

• Ensure that all vehicles are operated safely and within traffi c, weight and dimensions legal requirements at all times.

• Conduct regular audits to ensure that the appropriate driver’s licence is held byemployed or contract drivers.

• Consult with employed and contractdrivers to formalise the company policythat it is a condition of employmentor work requirements that all drivers maintain a clean traffi c history and notify the company immediately of any traffi cinfringements that may occur in any vehicle at any time.

• Implement a company policy regarding safe driving practices and the consequencesof having a vehicle be the subject of an impound or immobilisation notice.

• Implement procedures in the event that a vehicle is the subject of an impound or immobilisation notice.

• Formalise vehicle maintenance procedures to ensure that the vehicle fl eet remainsregistered, insured and compliant with vehicle safety standards.

The timeframes for impounding or immobilisation also depend on the type of off ence, with Type 1 off ences involving a 90 dayvehicle impoundment for a fi rst off ence and the vehicle being forfeited for a second off ence. For Type 2 off ences, the fi rst off ence will resultin a warning, but the length of impoundingincreases to seven days, 90 days and forfeiturefor each subsequent off ence.

The relevant period for the committing of a Type 1 or Type 2 off ence is fi ve years and the second and subsequent off ences do not needto be the same type as the fi rst off ence.

Applications for early release of impounded vehiclesThe only way to have your vehicle releasedbefore the expiration of the impound or immobilisation period is to apply to the Commissioner of Police for early release. The application can only be made in certain circumstances, such as severe hardship or theoff ence occurring without the owner’s consent.

THE NEW LEGISLATION CAN HAVE FARREACHING CONSEQUENCES FOR OWNERS OF VEHICLES WHO ARE NOT NECESSARILY THE OFFENDING DRIVER.


Teacher puts asbestos removal skills to the test

Vanessa has a master’s degree in educationand worked (unhappily) as an English languageteacher for almost 15 years before the fatedday eight years ago when she found that her true passion lay in building. Since then she hasn’t looked back.

“I always craved a career where I could work with my hands, but it was defi nitely that ‘light-bulb’ moment when I knew I wanted to start a housing company,” Vanessa said. “Of course, when I told my boss that I was quitting to become a builder, he laughed!”

Setting out in the industry, Vanessa fi rst gained a Certifi cate IV in Building Design, followed by a carpentry apprenticeship, and more recently a Cert IV in Building. She is currently in the process of applying for her builders’ licence, and looks forward to becoming the ultimate ‘triple threat’ –designer, carpenter and builder.

Until now, Vanessa and her husband, ‘Nori’ –who she met on a working holiday in Japan

– have been running a plumbing company

in Rockhampton. The couple moved to the region from South East Queensland after completing their apprenticeships in 2010 (Nori completed his plumbing apprenticeship at thesame time Vanessa completed her carpenter’sapprenticeship), to chase the booming building industry.

But, with a builders’ licence behind her, the nextstep is to expand their company into construction.

“I am excited, and a little bit nervous, about mynext big step,” she said. “We’re just starting out, and I just completed my fi rst small renovation project.”

Always keen to learn more, Vanessa added toher list of accomplishments this year whenshe recently completed Master Builders newAsbestos Worker Program. The programprovides asbestos workers with the training needed to legally remove more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos.

“I enquired about Master Builders asbestosprogram about six months ago, and heard

Teacher turned builder, Vanessa Norimi found her true calling while watching an episode of Grand Designs just eight years ago. The episode, which featured a pre-fabricated housing company, left a lasting impression and prompted Vanessa to hatch a business plan for her building company.

Members

that one was in the works. I was happy to waituntil the program was up and running, as I knew it would be much more comprehensivethan other programs by other providers. It wasdefi nitely worth the wait!” Vanessa said.

“My business is based in Central Queensland,which means that almost every house I work on (including my own) is guaranteed to contain asbestos.

“I realised early on that it is paramount to followbest practice when dealing with this pervasivematerial, and to educate home owners about the common dangers they face if they attemptto renovate themselves.

“A few years ago, whilst working on a house renovation in Bundaberg, I spent two dayssanding what I thought was simply lino off thefl oors. It turns out I was walking around in a cloud of asbestos, wearing only a paper mask, and didn’t even know it. This is a good example of why builders need to be properly training in asbestosremoval, and why DIY renovators should engage a professional, rather than doing it themselves.

“The peace of mind that excellent traininggives you, such as the program run by MasterBuilders, fl ows through to the client – and that’s invaluable.

“The in-depth knowledge that the trainer had of the subject, and the care in which he deliveredit, were the reasons I waited for this program. And the fi nal simulation exercise really put the skills and knowledge gained over the weekend to the test!

“The devil really is in the details when it comesto asbestos removal, and it really made me think. It also brought home the basic importance of team work.

“I would not hesitate to recommend this program to others, and I am so grateful for the support I have received from the team at theMaster Builders Central Queensland offi ce.”


Farewell to respected Gold Coast builder

Bill Simpson passed away on 6 September 2013 at the age of 66, after a notable career in thebuilding and construction industry during which he secured a considerable reputation for highperformance and increased profi tability.

Always wanting to learn more, Bill undertook university studies in Applied Science Building,Local Government Urban Planning, Building & Health, Advanced Construction & DevelopmentManagement, Legal Studies and Financial & Strategic Planning, and had both Queensland andNew South Wales building licences.

During his 40-year career he held the position as Chairman for his construction company,Construction Management & Development Pty Ltd and was the Managing Director/CEO of VillaWorld Limited, Mainzeal Group Limited and Propacifi c Aust. Pty Ltd. Throughout his time in the industry, he also held the position as Executive Chairman for THG International Pty Ltd, as wellas the CEO/Director for Abigroup Limited.

These Chief Executive positions and Directorships with several major Australasian public and private construction and development groups resulted in their increased overall performance,both technically and fi nancially.

Master Builders pays tribute to a member whose career spans over 40 years in the Australian building and construction industry.

Members

Bill was responsible for some very signifi cant projects in both Australia and overseas,including New Zealand’s Parliament House,the development of the Rotorua Convention Centre and the construction of major publicbuildings, such as hospitals and schools throughout Australia.

Bill’s contribution to Australia’s building and construction industry has been invaluable, and he will be sadly missed by the building community, as well as his wife, family andfriends.

“What if I receive an application or notice of

listing from Fair Work Australia?”

Call Master Builders team on (07) 3225 6407 for timely advice on fair work laws.

[email protected]

M A S T E R B U I L D E R S M E M B E R S R E C E I V E F R E E A S S I S TA N C E I N FA I R W O R K A U S T R A L I A M AT T E R S I N C L U D I N G U N FA I R D I S M I S S A L S .

Notice of Listing

Section: s.394 - Application for unfair dismissal remedy

Title of Matter: This could b your business!

Matter Number(s): U2010/…….

T lephone, before a Fair Work Australia Conciliator at:


Major update makes COLORBOND® more durable and contemporary

The colour palette for new COLORBOND® steel has undergone its biggest change in morethan 20 years, with the addition of six newcolours that were chosen after an extensiveaudit of 170 architects, roll-formers, developersand project home builders.

“It was clear from industry discussions that there was a real yearning for a colour changeto meet emerging trends in residential and

BlueScope has launched a major update of COLORBOND® steel featuring an expanded range of contemporary colours and new coating technologies for improved corrosion resistance and paint colour durability.

Members


Members

commercial building styles,” said colour expert, Harley Anstee, of Nexus Designs.

Underpinning new COLORBOND® steel isBlueScope’s new Activate™ technology, which makes new COLORBOND® steel more resistantto corrosion when drilled, cut or scratched,thereby prolonging its lifespan.

The improved corrosion resistance has alsoallowed BlueScope to increase the warrantyperiod for new COLORBOND® steel in most applications.

The warranty periods applicable forarchitectural roofi ng panels, for example, have increased from “up to 15 years” to “up to 36years”.

New COLORBOND® steel features new painttechnology, which increases the colour durability when compared with previous generation COLORBOND® steel.

BlueScope conducted the most rigorous testing program in COLORBOND® steel’s history to verify the durability of the new paint andsupport the introduction of six new coloursinto the range.

BlueScope product development portfolioleader Detlev Mueller said the paint was testedin several outdoor locations across the countryfor a minimum period of four years.

“Our testing program for COLORBOND® steelis unique in that our procedures replicatebuilding applications in actual Australianconditions and we have multiple exposure sitesranging from moderate environments to verysevere,” Mr Mueller said.

Samples of COLORBOND® steel were subjectedto greater exposure than standard outdoortests by being placed on ‘hot racks’ – black, insulated boxes which face north at 45 degreesto closely simulate the ‘skin temperatures’ of real insulated roofs.

“We also replicate actual building applications,” said Mr Mueller. “Our assessment structuresfeature diff erent pitches of roofi ng, diff erentprofi les, varying products types and alsoinclude unwashed areas.”

BlueScope market manager – commercial andindustrial – Manu Siitonen said COLORBOND®steel is better suited than ever to Australia’sunique and demanding conditions.

“COLORBOND® steel is developed for, andtherefore more resilient to, the intensesunlight and temperatures typical of Australian environments,” he said.

“The new paint resin technologies combined with Activate™ technology will enable newCOLORBOND® steel to meet customerexpectations of appearance over a longerperiod of time.”

For more information, and full terms and

conditions and to determine the eligibility for

the warranty, visit www.bluescopesteel.com.au

or call BlueScope Steel on 1800 064 384.

BlueScope market manager – commercial and industrial – Manu Siitonen said COLORBOND® steel has new technologiesfor improved corrosion resistance and paint colour durability compared with the previous generati on product.


Timing was a crucial element, with completion required by September 2012 to meet theproduction demands in the lead up toChristmas.

The project also needed to include an energyeffi cient refrigeration system with the lowestpossible carbon footprint and zero greenhouseimpact, whilst maintaining operationaltemperatures, as well as meeting internationalfood grade standards and AQIS approval.

The sheer size of the facility also presented a challenge, as Wiley needed to achieve freezerpallet storage for 10,566 pallets within siteconstraints, while maximising production fl oorarea, creating safe fl ow conditions for forkliftsworking at height, and improving lightingperformance and reducing heat load of traditional cold storage lighting solutions.

In order to meet these challenges, a masterplan was created to ensure timely delivery of design and construction over both stages of the project, as well as fl exibility for any futuredevelopments required by Primo.

Taking design to the next levelWiley’s integrated model and collaborative approach to project delivery was important toPrimo as it provided them with confi dence inthe critical areas of design, budgeting and thedelivery timeframe.

The Wiley design team collaborated and developed building information modelling(BIM) to import and model all key elements. This consolidated communication platform was an integral project delivery tool, whichprovided 100% confi dence in constructiondetails and clash detection.

All design documentation was aligned with programmed construction cycles from the

Understanding that a project’s true success is derived from a highly collaborative approach was the thinking behind Wiley’s success in the construction of Stage 1 of the Primo Smallgoods processing plant project.

Wiley delivers award-winning innovation for Primo Smallgoods

Wiley was contracted to master plan, design and construct a $136 million integrated smallgoods processing plant that would consolidate several smaller Primo production operations andincorporate:

• A 10,566 pallet freezer for the storage of meat products used in the manufacture of Primoproducts

• A 7,656 pallet distribution chiller for the storage, picking and distribution of fi nished products.

The development, which is located at Wacol in Brisbane, was to include process areas able toproduce up to 1,800 tonnes of smallgoods per week on a double shift, with amenities for 600workers.

Due to the scale of this project, it was delivered in two stages, the fi rst of which, valued at $51 million, focused on the cold storage and distribution elements of the plant.

The project team faced a number of challenges from the beginning, the fi rst being the fact thatthe selected 8.6 hectare site was overgrown, unserviced and contained a number of derelictbuildings.

Projects


beginning of the detailed design phase. This provided opportunities for:

• Multiple work faces and rapid construction

• Resolution of services installationchallenges in the 3D model that were thenrefl ected in the construction cycles

• Prescription of service routes and place holding of large items during the designmodelling phases to avoid clashes and disputes in construction.

Ammonia was selected as the primary coolingsource – meeting key ESD criteria of zero ODP,GWP and minimal carbon footprint, while the refrigeration system is fully controlled by PLC,with user-friendly HMI and SCADA, and remotefrom base dial-in and control.

A sub-system was designed for the collection and recycling of condensate from various areasin the facility for reuse in the refrigeration plant.

The design team further solved the dilemmaof space constraints put on them by designingthe freezer rooms to optimise the limited spacefor storage and picking operations by use of wire-guided very narrow aisle (VNA) forkliftsthat operate within a pallet width.

Delivering engineering solutionsIn order to meet the heating requirements, a hydronic heating system was installed in the structural slab. By controlling the temperature of this slab, the subfl oor freezing and frost heave issues were resolved.

Superfl at fl oors (beyond normal techniques and tolerances) were designed and constructed for stable operation of VNA forklifts at high speeds and extended heights, also complying with relevant safety standards.

An LED lighting solution was designed to deliver:

• Instantaneous strike, allowing lights to be turned off without aff ecting operations

• Sensor beams on specifi c racking aisles, illuminating only the portion of the room where people are working

• Signifi cant reduction in heat output of light fi ttings and increased effi ciency of lighting in-28°C freezers

An award-winning fi nishMonths of careful planning and design resulted in an 8,760m² total building fl oor area for the freezer building and a 9,270m² building fl oor area for the distribution building. This is accompanied by 4,000m² of offi ces and amenities and a 1,000m² plant room, utilities and workshop.

Trade sequencing within the construction program ensured structural steel and roofi ng work was completed prior to highest rainfall periods and also allowed all in-ground services, concrete andinsulated panel works to be completed with minimal inclement weather impact.

The services gantry system within the ceiling space provided safe access during construction and ongoing long-term maintenance access, while the BIM model was used extensively duringconstruction site meetings, via an on-site PC, to communicate and coordinate daily operations.

Stage 1 was delivered on time and to the highest international food-grade standards, winning it several awards, including the Industrial Building over $5 million and Innovation in Environmental Management categories at the 2013 Housing & Construction Awards in Brisbane.t

The project is a testament to Wiley; a people-oriented, family company that prides itself on the quality, progressive relationships they form with their clients and the industry as a whole.

Projects


Things to consider when refi nancing your mortgage

As one of the largest debts that you will everhave in your life, your mortgage can be a greatstress. Mortgages are debts that people haveto live with for a large part of their life, so it’sobvious that you want the best mortgage dealpossible. If you don’t feel that you currentlyhave the best mortgage possible, then perhapsmortgage refi nancing is the solution for you.

Mortgage refi nancing may off er a good opportunity to relieve the burden of debtand make your mortgage work better for you; however, nobody makes decisions about theirmortgage lightly. As a signifi cant part of yourfi nancial wellbeing, making changes to your mortgage will often cause you to have doubts,such as:

• Am I doing the right thing?

• Is my mortgage going to be more expensive?

• Why am I refi nancing?

These doubts are legitimate and you shouldalways make sure to consider all factors beforerefi nancing your mortgage.

Here are fi ve points that can help you make adecision about refi nancing.

1. Is your fi rst mortgage the best possible deal?It’s more than likely that your fi rst mortgage will not be the best deal available in today’s mortgage market. Despite this, most peoplestay with their fi rst mortgage because of uncertainty, complacency or apathy. By not being a more informed consumer, many of usmiss out on better mortgage deals and wind up paying too much in interest and/or fees.

Even if your interest rate is competitive, therecould be other restrictions on the mortgage that are preventing you from extracting the best value from your loan facility. Once again, itpays to be an informed consumer.

Other mortgage deals can give access to line-of-equity withdrawals, extra payments options,increased frequency payment options or evenlump sum payments. Through mortgagerefi nancing, it may be possible to give yourself an opportunity to obtain the best mortgageproduct available for your needs.

2. Explore all potential scenariosFor the best possible savings, mortgagerefi nancing requires you to keep your property for as long as possible. In reality your savings

Refi nancing your mortgage can be a good opportunity to make it work better for you.

Finance feature

that debt by tens of thousands of dollars overthe course of the term. Be mindful that you willbe extending the term of the credit card debt,so paying higher amounts to repay it earlyshould defi nitely be a priority.

5. Calculate fees vs. interest savedRefi nancing your mortgage can often result infees, costs and taxes adding up to thousands of dollars; this discourages many people from refi nancing. However, in order to get a true picture of the savings you will be making, you should compare the costs against the potential savingsmade from reduced interest. You will often fi nd that the money saved from interest outweighsany fees you might incur. Whilst you may pay feesinitially, it is possible for you to make big savings.

Before you make any decisions about yourmortgage you should take these factors into consideration. You might fi nd that mortgagerefi nancing is the solution for you.

Be mindful of lenders or brokers encouragingyou to refi nance without asking you whatoutcomes you want, what your motivations to refi nance are or bothering to get a goodunderstanding of your personal and fi nancialposition. If their only interest seems to be torefi nance you and only speak about ‘cheap interest rates’ and ‘no fees’ but not about getting the outcome you are after – RUN! These are not the people you should entrust yourfi nancial and lending matters to.

As a fi nal comment, don’t change banks solely because they have the most expensive mortgage rate today; tomorrow, they may be the cheapest! Therefore, you could spend yourwhole time swapping from one bank to theother – costing you money each time you swap banks.

Disclaimer: This information is general in nature and not to be taken as specifi c advice as your personal situation has not been taken into consideration.

This article was written by Harry Pontikis, Financial Services Director of Master Builders Victoria and was fi rst published in the Nov–Dec 12 edition of the Master Builder Victoria.

will not be that great if you sell your propertyin two years compared to ten years. To get a clearer picture of the savings you could make,calculate the cost of refi nancing with thesescenarios in mind:

• Keeping the house indefi nitely

• Selling the house soon

• Selling the house in ten years

• Keeping the house as an investment property.

These scenarios will each produce a diff erentresult and give you diff erent savings. It’s important to consider the scenario that most relates to your situation. Only once you have explored these scenarios should you proceed with refi nancing.

3. Prepare a future budgetBy budgeting for the future you can work out whether a mortgage refi nancing deal willreally save you money. In order to budget for the future in relation to your mortgage, you need to calculate the amount of interestyou pay over the term of the mortgage anddo the same with each potential mortgagerefi nancing product you are considering. You will fi nd that some products may end up being more expensive and others cheaper for you. Only by doing this can you fi nd whichmortgage refi nancing product is best for you.

4. Use this opportunity to cancel your other debtMost of us have other debts to contend withon top of our mortgage. It is not uncommon for people to have credit cards with balances that add up to thousands of dollars. Many refi nanced loans can off er you the opportunity to eliminate this debt by consolidating it intoyour refi nanced loan. This can potentiallyremove your high interest debt of 15–20% and turn it into low interest debt. The money yousave every month on servicing that debt can be used to overpay your mortgage and reduce

MORTGAGE REFINANCING MAY OFFER A GOOD OPPORTUNITY TO RELIEVE THE BURDEN OF DEBT AND MAKE YOUR MORTGAGE WORK BETTER FOR YOU.


Self-managed super funds: Keep it simple

The last year has seen a rush by investors who have been talked into starting their own self-managed super fund and gearing into residentialproperty. The situation has become so badthat the Australian Securities and InvestmentCommission (ASIC) has issued warnings – far too many of them have fallen on deaf ears.

One of the main benefi ts of buying assets withinsuper is asset protection from creditors. This is why superannuation is the perfect investmentvehicle for anybody in business, or a professional who is in danger of being sued for negligence.

The next advantage is tax minimisation. Becausetax within a super fund is 15% and capital gains tax is 10%, there will be better net returns froma positively-geared property if it is held withinsuper. Once the fund enters the pension phase, all income and capital gains are tax free.

These are the advantages – now let’s think about the disadvantages.

First is the complexity. To gear through a self-managed fund, you fi rst have to set up a baretrust and that trust can only be involved in asingle property. So, if you were considering eventually borrowing for say, three properties,you would need to establish three separatebare trusts with all the administration and fees that would entail.

Even though there are tax benefi ts when the property is positively-geared, it works the other way when the property is negatively-geared. A

Self-managed super funds are the talk of the town.

Finance featureNoel Whittaker

Noel Whittaker is the author of Making Money Made Simple and numerous other books on personal fi nance. His advice is general in natureand readers should seek their own professional advice before making any fi nancial decisions. Youcan contact Noel at [email protected]

This article was reproduced courtesy of RACQ’sRoad Ahead magazine.

rental shortfall of $10,000 within a super fundwould save just $1,500 tax – in the name of a high-income taxpayer, the tax saving would be $4,650.

A fundamental rule of tax planning is that youtake your tax breaks sooner rather than later. I would rather have a tax deduction today at 46.5% than accept just 15% in the hope I canget a tax break in 20 years.

It has been argued that you can still have the tax breaks if you salary sacrifi ce the equivalent of the rental loss into super. But, using salarysacrifi ce contributions to prop up a rental property means less money that would be available to grow in your super fund.

When you are thinking about investing youface three fundamental decisions – the asset to buy, whether to borrow and whose name the asset should be held in.

The factors that infl uence these decisions are something to be discussed with your adviser and your accountant. My own viewis that property should be held outside superannuation where it can be leveraged tothe maximum, ideally in combination with a home equity loan – the super fund should hold only interest-bearing investments and shares. This keeps everything simple, maximises the tax benefi ts today and gives a diversifi ed portfolio.

This can be done without the hassle of starting your own fund and without getting involvedwith the rigmarole of bare trusts and all the costs that go with them.

A RENTAL SHORTFALL OF $10,000 WITHIN ASUPER FUND WOULDSAVE JUST $1,500TAX – IN THE NAME OF A HIGH-INCOME TAXPAYER, THE TAX SAVING WOULD BE $4,650.

Start using eDocs today!Master Builders eDocs – electronic documents and online core services – system is now available!

Access to the new eDocs system is exclusive to Master Builders members and makes creatingcontracts easier, faster and more intuitive than ever before.

Activate your account and start using eDocs today! Visit www.masterbuilders.asn.au/edocs.


What is SuperStream?

SuperStream is a package of reforms that the federal government is introducing to help improvethe processing of everyday superannuation transactions.

It includes measures to:

• Implement standardised forms and common data standards for electronic transactions

• Impose data requirements for processing rollovers and contributions

• Allow the use of tax fi le numbers (TFNs) as a primary account identifi er

• Encourage the use of online solutions to improve processing effi ciency.

What does this mean for employers?The main diff erence is that employers will have to process all super contributions electronically in a government-approved format (see timeline to the right).

In order to prepare for SuperStream, BUSSQ are encouraging all employers to get online as soonas possible! So for any employers who aren’t already remitting their contributions online, now’s a great time to start.

BUSSQ off ers various payment options including BPAY, EFT, authorised bank transfers and aclearing house.

BUSSQ can help to make super payments easier!BUSSQ’s new clearing house SCH Online can save time, as it lets employers make all their superpayments in one single payment. Not only is it much faster, as all employee superannuationpayments are processed through the one portal, it also provides:

• A fl exible payment cycle

• Flexible payment options

• Automatic reports

• Multiple levels of payment authorisation

• Peace of mind.

The federal government’s SuperStream is set to reform and enhance the processing of superannuation.

Superannuation

TIMELINE FOR UPCOMING CHANGES

1 Jan 2014Employers must make contributions for employees who have not chosen a fund, to a MySuper product.

1 July 2014Large and medium employers (20 or more employees) must make contributions electronically.

1 July 2015Small employers (fewer than 20 employees) must make contributions electronically.

Plus, BUSSQ has a dedicated team on hand to assist with any queries.

If you’re interested in BUSSQ’s clearing house, talk to an Employer Representative today tofi nd out more.

BUSSQ is here to help BUSSQ realises that all this new legislation is creating extra work for employers, and wantyou to know that they’re here to help.

Just contact an Employer Representative, who will provide the personalised service needed tohelp you get super compliant.

If you have any questions or would like to fi nd

out more information about joining BUSSQ,

call 1800 MY BUSSQ (1800 692 877).


Look after your mates this Christmas

By the end of November we are pretty muchhanging out for a break from the working year.It’s time to put away the tools, park the ute anddo what you want at last.

It could be a bit of fi shing and camping, or justhanging out with the family that makes yourbreak special, but it is worth remembering that it’s not always a great time for everyone. At MATES in Construction we don’t want to spoilyour Christmas, but there will be guys and galson your site who are not looking forward to the Christmas break.

Take a look around. They are probably nottalking about it, but some of your mates on site could be spending Christmas alone, as aresult of family break-ups or fi nancial struggles,and facing the problems of providing for theirfamily’s Christmas expectations. It can betough, particularly with no income for a month or more.

Ask your mate… “Are you okay?” There may be some people on site who are considering suicide as a way out during a timethat is otherwise special to the rest of us. Asimple phone call to check they are okay couldmake the diff erence.

Christmas is a time for giving, but not justmaterial things. Spending a bit of time andhaving a quiet chat and a phone call with someone who may be doing it tough, showsthat you are a real mate, not just ‘on the job’ but in real life.

A message from MATES in Construction.

Community projects

You don’t have to add another place at the Christmas table, but if you did, I promise itwould add to your Christmas spirit too!

Doing it tough? Call MATESIf you or your mate are doing it tough thisChristmas season, please call the MATES inConstruction helpline 1300 64 21 11 for help.The helpline is open 24/7.

LOOK OUT FOR MATES IN CONSTRUCTION’S LATEST NEWSLETTER, ON-SITE, INSERTED IN THIS EDITION OF MASTER BUILDER MAGAZINE.

New Home Owner’s Maintenance Manual

This book is intended primarily to be used as a general information guide to maintenance for homeowners.

The focus of this book is on the majority of typical home styles.

The booklet sets out information for home owners on how best to look after what is probably the largest investment theywill make during their lives, and describes the home owners’ responsibilities with regard to the use and operation of the home.

This book is published as a community service by Master Buildersto assist purchasers of new homes or those who are carrying out extensions or renovations.

Call Master Builders on 1300 30 50 10 to purchase a copy.

QMBA-16850 03-13


Great savings on vehicle fi nance packages

We’re excited to announce that our FleetServices provider, AP Eagers, has recently partnered with Vehicle Solutions Australia to off er members great savings on vehiclefi nance packages (or fully maintained chattelmortgages).

Need a new vehicle for your business? Wantone simple payment for all your vehicleexpenses? A fully maintained chattel mortgagemight be for you.

A fully maintained chattel mortgage is theideal solution for business owners, to take the hassle out of managing fl eets. It gives you ownership of the vehicle from the start of your contract, without any capital outlay. Youcan choose the term of your repayments andspread the purchase cost over the term, andyou can include registration, insurance andon-road costs.

The benefi ts include:

Fast approvals – no fi nancials required

If your business has an ABN, has been tradingfor more than two years and has asset-backed owners with clear credit fi les, you will not need to prove capacity and don’t require fi nancials for approval.

One simple payment for all vehicle expenses

Enjoy the convenience of one payment forall your vehicle expenses, including fi nance, registration and insurance, as well as on-road costs, like tyres and scheduled servicing.

Fixed payments make budgeting easy

Say goodbye to unexpected vehicle costs withfi xed monthly payments – a great budgetingtool for your business.

A fully maintained chattel mortgage will take the hassle out of managing your fl eet.

Motor vehicles

Tax deductible

As long as the vehicle is being used forbusiness purposes, you can claim a taxdeduction with each BAS and at the end of thefi nancial year. Plus, can you claim the GST onyour next vehicle purchase up front.

Discounted services, parts & tyres

Receive fl eet rates on labour and parts forscheduled services at over 3,000 servicescentres across Australia, and up to 30% off tyres, windscreens and batteries.

Easy reporting

No need to keep track of receipts with 24/7 access to your account online, which gives you up-to-date running costs and taxreports.

A fully maintained chattel mortgage will let you get on with your business, while we look after your vehicle management.

To fi nd out more, give Master Builders a call

on 1300 55 11 61.

QMBA-17964 11-13

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your vehicle management.

Call 1300 55 11 61 to fi nd out more.


Class of 2013

Master Builders Building Leaders in Constructionclass of 2013 graduated in October, providingindustry participants with the qualifi cationsand skills needed to move forward and succeed in the evolving construction industry.

The course, which was introduced in 2012,is a premium management and leadership program, providing participants with anationally accredited Diploma of Managementqualifi cation. Attendees are handpicked bytheir employer to attend this prestigiouscourse.

The 2013 program boasted a full classroom,with 17 future leaders participating in the course, which focuses on planning, processesand managing people as the building blocksfor professional development within the industry.

Put together by key industry experts, thecourse helps to ensure participants receive thehighest level of training to advance their skillsand careers and gain the necessary skills andknowledge needed to excel as a leader in the industry. The benefi ts of the program are two-fold, as the program ultimately provides long-term benefi ts to the participant’s employer, as well as the participant.

Designed to specifi cally expose students to aninteractive learning environment that has beencontextualised to the construction industry, the course is unique because it has companymentors/sponsors who are on hand to assistparticipants and ensure they are successful.

North Queensland was well representedin 2013, with local builder, Adrian Gabrielli,enrolling one of his up and coming staff

The building industry’s future leaders graduate.

Training & Licensing

“Keeping up-to-date with technology is crucial for any business and I’m always looking for ways to ensure my business isn’t losingpace.

“Cultivating Bernie’s interest in that arena is a way for me to reward an employee who has a fantastic career ahead of him, but also ensure my own business has staff with the right skills to stay up-to-date.

“However, the course is not just about my business, it’s about cultivating new leaders for our industry and ensuring the banner is passedthrough to the younger generation.”

Participants have usually been in their current roles for at least two years and are generally from positions like site supervisors, leadinghands, fi nishing foremen and structuralforemen.

Expressions of interest for the 2014 programare now open. Master Builders is encouragingtier-one and mid-tier building companies to nominate eligible employees for enrolment inthe program.


Master Builders on 1300 13 60 02 or


members, Bernie Travers, in a bid to providehim with additional skills and knowledge that will help take his career to the next level.

“After 32 years in the building industry, I’vealways had a passion for training and when Isaw this course being off ered, I knew sending an employee like Bernie was a win-win situation – it’s an investment in his long-term career and a way for me to keep the business up-to-date,” Mr Gabrielli said.

“I recognised Bernie’s skills as a tradesman, hisunderstanding of technology and his potential as a leader very early in his employmentwith us, and knew he had a fi rm place in my business’ future.

“Having been with us for four or fi ve years, his skills on site have developed very nicely and it was time to focus on the business side of building and aid his transition ‘from hammer to pen’.

“The course was the perfect opportunity forhim to gain new skills and network with fellow industry participants with a similar passion for moving their career forward.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FOR THE 2014 PROGRAM ARE NOW OPEN. MASTER BUILDERS IS ENCOURAGING TIER-ONE AND MID-TIER BUILDING COMPANIESTO NOMINATE ELIGIBLE EMPLOYEES FORENROLMENT IN THE PROGRAM.


Ingham Golf Day

Far North Queensland Annual Golf Day

Financial expert and bestselling author, Noel Whittaker, gave practical advice on saving tax and using the right investment mix to optimise investments at the FinancialBreakfast in Brisbane on 19 September.

Noel (pictured right with Master Builders Deputy Executive Director, Paul Bidwell) is one of Australia’s best known fi nancial experts, and gave members ideas to rev up their business.

Thank you to our sponsor MVM Legal.

Around 40 people attended the Ingham Golf Day on Friday, 11 October at the Ingham Golf Club.

The golf day was held in partnership with BUSSQ Building Super and the Endeavour Foundation. On the day, Gavin Gusmeroli from Mitre 10, BettaElectrical, Master Builders and Sports Power kindly donated furniture and equipment to the Endeavour Foundation for their residence in Forrest Beach.

Congratulations to winners Wilson, Ryan & Grose Lawyers/CBS Building Group and runners-up, BUSSQ.

The Far North Queensland Annual Golf Daywas held at the Cairns Golf Club on Friday, 20 September. The day was a great success, withperfect weather and good course conditions. The

‘Can-Do Team 2’ took home the overall award.

The raffl e was well supported again this year with the proceeds presented to the Child Developmental Unit, Cairns Health Service District.

People & events

Brisbane Financial Breakfast

Sunshine Coast Business Partners BreakfastThere was a positive vibe in the room at the Sunshine Coast Business Partners Breakfast on 16 October, prompted by the recent lift in Sunshine Coast housing approvals, major projects underway in the region, and the Council’s new economic development strategy (which willadd 100,000 new jobs to the region).

The major projects include completion of the Sunshine Coast Private hospital, SC University Public hospital, Kawana shopping world extensions, Sunshine Plaza, Big Top renovations and Nambour Coles.


Far North Queensland inaugural Women in Building event

Downs & Western Annual Golf Day

North Queensland Melbourne Cup Day

On Thursday, 24 October, Master Builders Far North Queensland region hosted theinaugural Women in Building event in Cairns, with 38 ladies attending.

The event was organised by the 2013 State Women in Building award winner, Yvonne Pengilly.

A gold coin donation on the day raised money for Mates in Construction.

The Downs & Western Annual Golf Day was held on Friday, 1 November at the Toowoomba Golf Club, Middle Ridge. There was a fi eld of 102, playing afour-ball Ambrose with a shotgun start. First place went to Gordon Bourke Constructions.

A special thanks to our business partners, especially Toowoomba Fasteners who donated a Ramset drill as the lucky door prize.

The Master Builders North Queensland Melbourne Cup Race Day was held at Cluden Park Race Course on Tuesday, 5 November 2013. The day was ahuge hit with North Queensland members, who took advantage of the great hospitality, food and the comfortable air-conditioned Raceview room.

PeoplePeople & events


The Master Builders Institute of Building Consultants Conference returnsin 2014 with an exciting program and an impressive line-up of industry experts.

Join IBC members and industry peers for a full day of learning about important issues and new products, presented by a range of interestingspeakers.

Make sure you register and pay before Thursday, 19 December to gointo the draw to win a double pass to swim with the dolphins (valued at$400)!

ConferenceThe IBC Conference will present the latest information on importantindustry issues. Sharing the practical knowledge of these industryexperts will help improve your professional standards as a Master Builders member.

VenueFamous for its theme parks, stunning beaches and sub-tropicalrainforests, the Gold Coast is Australia’s premier holiday destination and boasts 70 kilometres of uninterrupted coastline.

The Gold Coast is home to many famous tourist attractions, includingSea World Resort & Water Park.

Here you can lie back and relax in the sun, swim with the dolphins orexperience exhilarating water slides in the water park.

AccommodationThe Sea World Resort is off ering guests a special reduced rate of $149 fora Superior or $169 for a Deluxe Resort Room. Please contact the resort directly on (07) 5591 0000 if you wish to book accommodation.

Gala dinnerFollowing the conference, delegates are invited to enjoy a night of fi nefood and entertainment at the conference gala dinner.

The dinner will commence with pre-dinner drinks and canapés at RayReef, plus a ride in the theme park (optional), followed by a two-course buff et dinner and drinks, plus great entertainment.

To register, download a registration form at www.masterbuilders.asn.au/

ibcconference or call 1300 30 50 10. Registrations close 21 February 2014.

2014 Institute of Building Consultants Conference

EventsNow builders canbuy a personalised4-in-1 safety sign

Master Builders 4-in-1 safety sign incorporates four of the most commonly used site safety signs, plus a list of standard site rules, plus a personalised builder’s sign.

Under workplace health and safety legislation, builders must erect appropriate safety signs on site. Master Builders discounted signage canhelp you avoid fi nes and non-compliance.

Call Master Builders on (07) 3225 6416 or visit

www.masterbuilders.asn.au to order online.

Alternatively, call your nearest regional offi ce

for more information.

One sign –one simple and convenient solution.

AUTHORISED PERSONS ONLY

HEARING & EYE PROTECTION MUST BE WORN ON THIS

SITE WHEN REQUIRED

SAFETY FOOTWEAR MUST BE WORN

SITE RULES

• No childrenallowed on site

• All personsworking on sitemust have aGeneral SafetyInduction Card

• Electricalleads andpower toolsmust be testedand tagged.

- ous ng e a e y : :

QMBA-5315 04_08


PROGRAM

CONFERENCE

8am – 8.30am

Registration

8.45am – 9am

IBC Chairman’s welcome – Mike Decman

9am – 9.45am

Window installation & waterproofi ng – Evan Bengtson, G James Glass

Learn more about fl ashing installations requirements when using polystyrene or fi bre cement wall sheeting and window trims. Incorrectinstallation can cause massive water damage to the building and a costlyrectifi cation.

9.45am – 10.30am

Timber construction – Lex Somerville, BMCC Services

Do you understand the timber framework requirements under AS1684 – Residential Timber Framed Construction? Learn about commonproblems associated with timber framing and how they can be avoided.

10.30am – 11am

Morning tea & networking break

11am – 11.45am

Pool fencing – Rodney Webb, Awebbco

Pool fencing requirements have become much more stringent of late, so it’s important to get up-to-date on compliance for pool fencing in Queensland.Learn about how to identify defects and omissions when inspecting poolfences, the legislative requirements and who can repair a fence.

11.45am – 12.30pm

Concrete defects & rectifi cation – Ruiwen Kong, Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia

Many defects can occur with concrete, such as dusting, early ageshrinking and plastic settlement cracking. Learn how to preventdefects and how you can rectify them, as well as how to identify what isacceptable or when it is a defect.

12.30pm – 1.30pm

Lunch break

1.30pm – 2.15pm

Fire separation & services – Mark Catchpole, Catchpole Building Services

Are you inspecting buildings that require fi re separation? What are yourresponsibilities as an inspector if you see possible breaches? How does the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service fi t into the building approvalprocess? Learn about who can inspect fi re related issues, the most common fi re defects in existing buildings and how they can be rectifi ed.

2.15pm – 3pm

Waterproofi ng – Robert Rath, Wet Seal

There are many diff erent waterproofi ng products designed for certainapplications. Do you understand the requirements of AS 4654 –Waterproofi ng membranes for external above-ground use? Learn aboutwhy waterproofi ng membranes fail and how it aff ects the way youconstruct a building.

3pm – 3.30pm

Afternoon tea & networking break

3.30pm – 4.15pm

Cement products & systems – Doug Haarhoff , James Hardie

James Hardies provide fi bre cement products and systems for internaland external building construction. Learn more about their innovativenew products and diff erent materials, how poor installation can causedefects and how to prevent this.

4.15pm – 5pm

Timber cladding – Glenn Cairncross, Weathertex

Weathertex’s weatherboards and architectural panels are made from97% hardwood and 3% natural wax for water repellence. Learn abouthow this natural timber product can be used in both residential andcommercial buildings, and understand what sustainable forestrymanagement is and the sustainable benefi ts of timber buildingmaterials.

5pm

Conference close

GALA DINNER

6.30pm

Pre-dinner drinks (meet in Seaworld Resort foyer)

7.30pm – late

Gala dinner – Paradise Room, Sea World Resort


What’s on in January

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

13 14 15 16 17 18 19

General SafetyInduction (Brisbane)

BusinessManagement (Brisbane)

BusinessManagement (Brisbane)

20 21 22 23 24 25 26

ResidentialBuilding Inspectors(Brisbane)

Asbestos Worker Program (Mackay & Whitsunday)

Residential Building Inspectors(Brisbane)

Asbestos WorkerProgram (Mackay & Whitsunday)

Construction FirstAid (Brisbane)

BusinessManagement (Sunshine Coast)

BusinessManagement (Sunshine Coast)

27 28 29 30 31

Testing & Tagging (Sunshine Coast)

Asbestos WorkerProgram (Sunshine Coast)

Asbestos WorkerProgram (Sunshine Coast)

To book your place at a Master Builders event or training course, go to www.masterbuilders.asn.au or call 1300 30 50 10.

Note: Dates are subject to change.

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Apply today by calling 1300 55 11 61 or visiting www.masterbuilders.asn.au

Caltex StarCard. Perhaps the best trade tool you can own.


MASTER BUILDERS

OFFICE LOCATIONS

BRISBANE

417 Wickham TerraceBrisbane, QLD 4000 Ph: (07) 3225 6444 Fax: (07) 3225 6545 [email protected] www.masterbuilders.asn.au

GOLD COAST

John DuncalfeRegional Manager Master Builders House18 Central Park AveAshmore, QLD 4214 Ph: (07) 5582 7100 Fax (07) 5597 7044

DOWNS & WESTERN

Tony RyderRegional Manager 166 Hume StreetToowoomba, QLD 4350Ph: (07) 4659 4200 Fax: (07) 4639 5144

SUNSHINE COAST

Michael HopkinsRegional ManagerLevel 1, 91 King Street PO Box 1458Buderim, QLD 4556Ph: (07) 5456 9800 Fax: (07) 5453 4670

BURNETT WIDE BAY

Michael HopkinsRegional Manager162 Boat Harbour DriveHervey Bay, QLD 4655Ph: (07) 4303 2400 Fax: (07) 4124 7235

CENTRAL QUEENSLAND

Dennis BryantRegional Manager35 Derby StreetPO Box 631Rockhampton, QLD 4700Ph: (07) 4923 1900 Fax: (07) 4921 3235

MACKAY & WHITSUNDAY

Malcolm HullRegional Manager Suite 2, 40 Evans AvenuePO Box 3188North Mackay, QLD 4740Ph: (07) 4969 4500Fax: (07) 4951 3418

NORTH QUEENSLAND

Melissa CoulterRegional ManagerMaster Builders HouseUnit 1(B), 316 Sturt StreetTownsville, QLD 4810Ph: (07) 4417 1800 Fax: (07) 4771 5777

FAR NORTH QUEENSLAND

Ron BannahRegional Manager310–314 Gatton StreetManunda, QLD 4870PO Box 806Earlville, QLD 4870Ph: (07) 4042 8800Fax: (07) 4041 7663

Cold Front Air Conditioning’s A1 Service & Installation Guarantee

At Cold Front Air Conditioning our aim is toachieve the highest level of customer servicein the air conditioning industry. Our company focus is building our business towards meeting our customer’s needs, at every level from a singleroom to a large commercial project.

Our aspiration is to provide our customers withquality, effi cient, cost-eff ective solutions andexcellence in customer service. With our extensive experience we understand what it takes to provide business excellence in application, design, and installation of commercial and domestic airconditioning and all other aspects of heating and cooling.

Cold Front specialists will check the conditions in your home, offi ce or from your plans - dimensions,heat load, other factors/variables at no cost, drafta proposal for the equipment that that is tailored to your needs whether it be a large commercialproject or a single domestic split system.

For more information contact:

1300 COLD FRONT

www.coldfrontac.com.au

Offi ce suppliesMaster Builders members receive up to 25% off Offi ceMax’s large range of offi ce products, technology, furniture, medical, café and cleaning supplies.

Member benefi ts

EuropcarMaster Builders members can get away for less withan exclusive 10% off the best car rental rate of the day with Europcar.

Training & licensingMembers can receive up to 30% off Master Buildersrange of practical and fl exible training courses and licensing services, which have been developedspecifi cally for the industry.

Need a new vehicle? Want a fast and simple way to fi nd the best motor vehicle and fi nance to suit your needs?

Take advantage of Master Builders Fleet Service program – the one-stop-shop for all your motor

vehicle needs.

We can take care of:

• Sourcing your new vehicle through our extensive range of dealerships

• Pre-approved vehicle fi nance, as well as plant and equipment fi nance

• Complete vehicle maintenance, service and fuel card program with Caltex.

Let Master Builders help you fi nd and purchase the right vehicle in three easy steps:

1. Decide what type of vehicle you want

2. Call Master Builders on 1300 55 11 61 or email [email protected]

3. Sit back and relax while we take care of the rest.

It’s that easy! Call us today on 1300 55 11 61 or email [email protected]

and let us help you fi nd the best deal for you.

Lawyers

One business that will do the lot!

Our Company Mantra ensures we show up on time, keep our promises, be extremely polite and give a little more than expected every time; we guarantee it! Multi-residential builders, developers and residents of Brisbane and Southeast Queensland choose Baylec Electrical because of our:

> Proven track record of on-time, on-budget, defect-free projects.

> Wide range of in-house end-to-end services, Electrical, Air Conditioning, Security, Intercom, Ducted Vacuum & Solar.

> Full Design Consult facilities.

> Flexible approach and customer-first attitude

> Best quality products and competitive price

> Strong award winning environmental focus and accreditations

> Over 13 years and 2000 projects completed to date.

Baylec Electrical is South

East Queenslands electrical

contractor of choice for Project

and Multi Residential builders.

Call Baylec Electrical on 1300 BAYLEC (1300 229 532) today to book your next project or residential job!

w w w. b a y l e c . c o m . a u Your complete Electrical, Air Conditioning

and Solar solutions provider Lic no. 66061

For a company that is BIG ENOUGH TO CATER FOR YOUR NEEDS BUT SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE you can trust the award winning, family owned BAYLEC Electrical to deliver.

Master Builder Protecti onPLUS™

a division of Queensland Master Builders Associati on AFS Licence 246834

Call your nearest Master Builders Insurance offi ce on 1300 13 13 26, or email [email protected].

Constructi on Works Insurance that delivers QUALITY PRODUCT… Insurance designed by Master Builders, for Master Builders. Extensive scope of policy protecti on, automati c – always.

ON TIME… Fast turnaround for all documents and claims.

UNDER BUDGET... Discounted premiums for Master Builders members.

Insurance by Master Builders for Master Builders

QMBA-11926 09_10

IMPORTANT INFORMATION BUSSQ will use your personal information, including your tax file number, to find other super accounts in your name. Standard SMS charges apply. Before acting, you should consider the appropriateness of the action to your individual needs or seek independent advice from a properly qualified professional. Before acquisition of a BUSSQ product, a Product Disclosure Statement should be obtained. A copy of BUSSQ’s Financial Services Guide and Product Disclosure Statements may be downloaded from bussq.com.au or you can request a copy by contacting BUSSQ on 1800 MY BUSSQ (1800 692 877). Licence and registration numbers for: BUSS(Queensland) Pty Ltd ABN 15 065 081 281; AFS Licence 237860; BUSSQ ABN 85 571 332 201 Money Solutions Pty Limited AFS Licence No. 258145. Figures as at October 2012.

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2013 master builders queensland magazine dec-jan 2014

Documents

bluescope steel limited

previous colorbond steel

colour names

thermatech technology

resilient colours

colours001six new colours

thecolorbond steel palette

colour refreshsince