CRAIG JENNION HIA Executive Director – Hunter Association will continue in the New Year new exempt developments for farm buildings. Reflecting on another to work hard to ensure our industry has the The code will apply to development on Fantastic Year best possible operating environment. rural and residential zoned land from the HIA members should once again be proud Finally, I wish all members well for the 1 January 2019. of the contribution they have made to the holiday season, and trust you have a state economy this year, after a record happy and safe New Year. number of post GFC homes were approved Number of HIA Apprentices during the past 12 months. Grows The latest ABS figures on new home HIA lobby for DIY BASIX Reflecting the level of housing activity locally, building approvals indicate that activity Adjustment the number of apprentices placed with HIA continued to increase in the year to August, HIA members have raised concerns about members in the Hunter grew strongly in up 17 per cent when compared to the same how the DIY method within the BASIX 2018. As we approach Christmas and enter period in 2017. tool was working, after the BASIX targets the New Year I ask all members, do you A total of 7,147 approvals have been increased in July 2017. Particular concern need an extra set of hands? issued for new dwellings across the Hunter was raised in regard to granny flats and Apprenticeships are an extremely cost and Central Coast, compared to 6,103 to fairly simple single storey slab-on-ground effective, efficient and practical way to get the same period last year. house designs. the job done and we have a number of eager With very low lending rates, a high HIA raised these concerns with The young people available for immediate start. approvals pipeline, a more confident mining Department of Planning and Environment. Most importantly, HIA Apprentices sector and relatively low unemployment the Since that time the department commenced provides a total apprentice management residential construction sector in the Hunter a project to ‘fine-tune’ the BASIX tool. This service which allows you to concentrate should continue to remain buoyant in 2019. ‘fine-tuning’ has now been implemented. on running your business. For more This phase of housing activity has As a result, certain projects may be able information call the HIA Apprentices team come at a time of continuing change to achieve a pass for thermal comfort with on 1300 650 620. to building regulation and some of the more affordable options, than what could be requirements we as an industry must meet. done within the DIY method previously. Season’s Greetings In particular, changes to the Home Building The BASIX website contains further Compensation Fund and the introduction of information about the DIY method. The HIA Hunter office will be closed for the a raft of legislative amendments regarding Alternatively, enquires may be sent to Christmas/New Year period from 12 noon external combustible cladding has grabbed nsw_technical@hia.com.au. on Friday 21 December and re-open on the our attention. 7 January 2019. We have called on the government this During the festive period, the HIA Hunter year to make sure that they are mindful New Inland Code to Home Inspirations centre will continue to of the magnitude of changes that are Commence be open to help centre visitors connect, occurring, as well as the import contribution In September, the minister for planning feel and see first-hand how their home our sector provides the state economy. With published amendments to the NSW Exempt could come to life. The centre is open a state election early next year, the direction and Complying Development Code. from 10am – 3pm on the 22–23, the of HIA lobbying will move from current Inserting into part 3D of the SEPP a new 29–31 December and the 2–4 January programs to ensuring that the outlook for code called the Inland Code. before returning to our regular seven day a our sector remains positive. The new code provides a more flexible week schedule. As the year draws to a close, I would like housing code for rural areas in all council If, during this period, you need a contract to thank our dedicated Regional Executive areas west of the Great Dividing Range. In fast your HIA Shop will be open on the dates Committee members for their contribution the Hunter it will apply to Dungog, Singleton, mentioned above. If you can’t make it to over the past 12 months, and thank our Muswellbrook and upper Hunter LGAs. our office, this might be the perfect time to President and Vice President in particular for Many of our members will be able to take try the HIA contract online system. It’s fast, their support. advantage of the benefits of the code for easy to use and convenient. I also reflect on the work done by the HIA residential development (houses and ancillary If you are unsure how it works, watch the Hunter staff and thank them once again for attached/detached development such as short intro video at hia.com.au/contracts or their tireless efforts throughout the year. The garages etc). It also introduces a range of call us and we can talk you through it. BUILDING NEWS ISSUE 5/2018P5 EVITUCEXEROTCERID