The long-term future of Queensland’s building and construction industry will be secured through a new blueprint set to be developed by industry and the State Government.
Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said ConstructionQ would help deliver on the Government’s election promise to grow the construction industry as one of the pillars of the Queensland economy.
“Under Labor, the construction industry was choking behind a wall of red tape and regulation,” Mr Mander said.
“In contrast, the State Government has made a point of slashing red tape, reducing the cost of doing business and speeding up approvals which generates growth and creates jobs for Queenslanders.
“Our reforms are already bearing fruit with Queensland showing 24 months of consecutive growth and the total number of trend dwelling approvals now 64.3 per cent higher than in January 2012.
“ConstructionQ is about building on those gains and putting in place a vision which will unleash the industry’s full potential and generate benefits for decades to come.
“It shows that we are a Government with a strong plan for the future, while Labor has no plan for the construction industry and no position.
“To get the best possible plan we need to hear from those in the industry about where they would like to see the industry go and how we should approach future challenges and opportunities.”
“Although we’re hosting ConstructionQ, the Government will work with the sector to help deliver the initiative as we want stakeholders in the construction industry to take the lead.
Mr Mander said the industry was a significant employer in Queensland and contributed around $60 billion to the economy each year.
“We’re hoping that through ConstructionQ, participants will identify a clear vision, so together we can create a strong, competitive and diversified industry that is capable of underpinning the state’s future prosperity,” he said.
Master Builders’ Deputy Executive Director, Paul Bidwell, said it was vital that measures were mapped out that supported the long-term growth of the building and construction industry.
“This is a great opportunity to work with the Queensland Government in charting a course for growth and to shape the policy on issues that have a major impact on builders and trade contractors across Queensland,” Mr Bidwell said.
“The State Government has already taken steps to boost residential construction by scrapping mandatory requirements for rainwater tanks and greenhouse efficient hot water systems in new homes.
“Through our involvement in ConstructionQ, we’ll be looking to highlight additional issues that have been plaguing the industry over the past decade.”
