- Currently sites can only operate at 50% capacity
- Property Council and others recently called for the lifting of the cap
- Comes as Victorian sites have been shut down for the next two weeks
While Victoria’s construction industry has been shut down for the next two weeks, the New South Wales government has announced sites can return to full capacity, with the appropriate vaccine requirements in place, from next week.
Currently, sites only operate at 50% capacity.
The decision has been welcomed by the industry, which has been calling for the relaxation of restrictions.
Luke Achterstraat, Property Council of Australia NSW (PCA) executive director, said the announcement was a significant boost for the industry which has shown its resilience by making sites secure, rescheduling projects and implementing Covid-safe plans.
“Returning construction sites to full capacity – with appropriate safeguards in place – will provide a shot in the arm for our state’s recovery as the COVID pandemic continues to impact swathes of the economy,” he said.
“Resuming site capacity will also enable NSW to build the homes our state so desperately needs, the public transport our growing population demands, and the hospitals we know are critical to our state’s wellbeing and prosperity.”
Luke Achterstraat, Property Council NSW executive director
Mr Achterstraat said the announcement provides security to the one in four people in the state whose income comes directly from the industry.
He added that the property and construction were the first to roll up their sleeves for the vaccination program.
“Our industry not only answered the government’s call but blazed a trail for vaccine acceleration that others can now follow. This announcement is a huge endorsement of our safety priority and ability to innovate in challenging times,” he said.
“Now we can focus on the course for an economic roadmap forward, with the potential for a housing-led recovery.”
The housing sector has not yet met the state government’s target of 42,000 new homes per year.
“Jobs and homes have never been more important to NSW residents, and the property and construction industry stands ready to safely deliver both,” he concluded.
