Victorian housing industry safe for now, HIA says

THE Victorian Government’s decision to recognise the importance of the housing industry as an essential industry that can continue to operate safely for the next six weeks is extremely welcome, the Housing Industry Association (HIA) says.
“The decision to allow domestic building to continue with limited numbers of workers on a domestic building site will allow hundreds of thousands of Victorians to stay in work and complete the more than 60,000 homes currently under construction in Victoria today,” HIA Victorian executive director Fiona Nield said.
“During the first wave of COVID-19 restrictions and the subsequent lock down, HIA and our members voluntarily adopted a set of industry guidelines and systems to help builders, trade contractors and suppliers safe on a building site which included a limit of six workers on site.
“From the start, the nature of the domestic building sector means that it is possible for workers to socially distance and keep home building projects going.
“As Victoria moves into this Stage Four lockdown phase, this decision is vital recognition by the government that the procedures our industry has already put into place are working and that housing construction can practice the necessary safety measures.
“The economics of this decision are also critical – allowing housing projects to continue will save jobs, limit the risk of longer rental costs and loan charges for home owners, and ensure that Victoria’s housing supply keeps up with demand.”
She said there were more than 30,000 houses under construction across Victoria as well as more than 30,000 apartments, mostly in Melbourne.
“This is an industry that can navigate its way through this crisis and stay open.
“Supporting home building with practical arrangements for trade supplies and building products and material will ensure activity can continue with sensible COVID-19 safety controls.
“HIA has been providing support for the industry through our Making space on site guidelines and other resource released since March.
“There are now seven industry guidelines for new homes, renovation projects, small commercial projects, kitchen and bathroom projects, home owners, display homes, new home buyers and returning to the workplace.
“These resources are freely available to assist everyone working in the residential building industry.
“The housing industry is committed to complying with any and all directions from government regarding health and safety and we will continue to work closely with the Victorian government as these changes are implemented.”