- Under current restrictions, staff capacity is at 25% or 5 workers
- Property Council encourages workers to get the vaccine
- Renovations activity in Victoria expected to hit a record $10.5B this year
With Victoria under an ongoing statewide lockdown, restrictions for the construction industry remain in place, which could present issues even post lockdown as the state records significant activity in the renovations space.
Under current restrictions, staff capacity is at 25% or five workers on large constructions sites with a maximum of five workers permitted on smaller sites.
Danni Hunter, Property Council (PCA) Victorian Executive Director, said the industry body’s number one priority is to continue delivering Covid-safe workplaces and ensure industry-wide compliance to keep both workers and the broader community safe.
“One in four Victorians work in the property and construction sector and these measures mean that at least some of them will be able to continue working safely and keep the economy’s largest sector going as they have during previous lockdowns,” said Ms Hunter.
“We will continue to work closely with the industry and the government to ensure the industry plays its role in enforcing strict health and safety guidelines and delivering important jobs for Victoria.
“We strongly urge every property and construction industry professional to talk to their GP, book an appointment and get their vaccine.
She added the Property Council urges all professionals in the property and construction industry to talk to their GP and book an appointment to receive their vaccine.
“Vaccination is the only way out of lockdowns, and the only way to ensure the property and construction industry can keep working.”
Renovations surpass 2018 record
Ms Hunter’s remarks come as the Housing Industry Association (HIA) announced that renovations activity in Victoria, as in much of the country, is continuing to break records, with the level of activity expected to be sustained for several years.
Victorian HIA Executive Director, Fiona Nield, said annual renovations activity in the state is expected to reach $10.5 billion in 2021 – 11.8% above last year, breaking the record set in 2018.
Like fellow state and territory counterparts, Ms Nield noted that renovations vary from smaller DIY projects to larger ones such as a kitchen or bathroom upgrade and home extensions.
“HomeBuilder has supported larger renovations jobs with more than 5,900 applicants for major renovation projects in Victoria,” she said.
However, she is concerned about current restrictions in place, which has severely impacted renovation work, affecting just over a third of all builders.
“We believe there are many jobs in the pipeline, but with the continued restrictions on working in homes in Melbourne, there is some uncertainty as to if and when some of the work will proceed.
“We continue to raise with the Victorian Government the need for financial support for our members who are unable to work in the current restrictions, together with returning to work in homes with COVID safe measures in place.”
