PETER FRY Cyclone disaster relief and council PRESIDENT water exemptions for building work NORTH QUEENSLAND were a focus for HIA North Queensland during 2017. In the wake of Cyclone Debbie ravaging the North Queensland coast between Bowen and the Whitsundays in late March, 2017, HIA joined the state government’s relief taskforce to help coordinate the recovery process. HIA assisted the Queensland Building Construction Commission in establishing and maintaining a database of local builders and contractors willing to tender for work. JOHN FUTER Under the guidance and influence of EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HIA, the state government publicly NORTH QUEENSLAND announced a preference to engage local contractors wherever possible. The initiative paid off with a number of members in an economically depressed region picking up much needed work. In May, HIA was successful in HIA’s lobbying initiatives during lobbying Townsville City Council to the year delivered a number of allow water restriction exemptions wins for members. The 2017 to local housing display villages. Queensland state budget The result saved members in showed a number of positive housing estates significant costs in measures for the residential having to source external supply. construction sector. A payroll A number of major work projects tax rebate on apprenticeship in progress, and others earmarked wages was one measure. for 2018 helped lift confidence, jobs The budget also provided an growth and investment towards the extension of the $20,000 first end of 2017. Mining, civil works, homeowner’s grant for a further commercial and infrastructure six months (until 31 December enhancement projects are set to 2017) for new house, unit or engage thousands of local workers, townhouse purchases valued increase population growth and under $750,000. It also included enhance the real estate and an allocation of $1.8 billion over residential building industries over 10 years to deliver on the the next few years. Queensland Housing Strategy, aimed at boosting the supply of social and affordable housing. North Queensland 24|HIA ANNUAL REPORT 2017