20/04/2021
Peak industry body Think Brick Australia (TBA), representing manufacturers of key building materials comprising clay bricks and pavers, has welcomed the announcement by the Federal Government of the extension of the construction commencement of the HomeBuilder program from six months to eighteen months.
TBA CEO Elizabeth McIntyre said, “The HomeBuilder program and other measures introduced by State governments about a year ago have been instrumental in insulating the residential construction sector from the COVID-19 induced recession.” The HomeBuilder program especially has been enormously popular, resulting in more than 121,000 applications. The success of the program created its own issues as building suppliers started experiencing issues with material supplies and recruitment of skilled labour. These issues were endangering the program with the possibility that many projects could not be completed within their specified timeframe.
“This is why we wrote to the Federal Government and recommended the construction commencement be extended. We are pleased that the Federal Government has responded positively and has opted for a longer extension period. Now our members who produce locally will have confidence that residential home project deadlines can be met as they manufacture and supply key building products such as clay bricks and pavers,” added Mrs McIntyre.
The masonry manufacturing sector produces innovative, durable, fire and sound resistant, low maintenance, and energy-efficient products due to their outstanding thermal qualities and performance.