Released 07/05/2019
The ACT Government is working to ensure that Canberra's buildings are built to the highest quality and that Canberra's builders are the suitably informed and qualified to help deliver on that commitment.
As part of this commitment, following significant consultation with industry stakeholders over the last few days, the Government has decided to adopt the majority of the 2019 National Construction code from June 1.
Minister for Building Quality Gordon Ramsay said the decision to bring forward the majority of elements in the updated code was made after it was clear that industry was ready to proceed with the new version of the code.
"Although the Government was initially prepared to wait until September to adopt all aspects of the new code, it's clear that the vast majority of industry is ready to proceed with most aspects of the new code," Minister Ramsay said.
"Based on discussions with senior stakeholders, the Government will now bring forward the adoption of most provisions to 1 June 2019."
However, the more complex provisions—fire sprinklers and condensation management—will not be implemented until September 2019.
"The new fire-sprinkler provisions for medium-rise apartment buildings include changes to practices across both building and plumbing design and installation," Minister Ramsay said.
The Government wants to make sure that plumbing and firefighting requirements and responsibilities across all relevant practitioners are adopted efficiently and effectively as a result of the new code.
Also, management of condensation in residential buildings is a particular issue in the ACT given our cooler climate. The Government is considering further guidance for specific situations where risk of condensation is high.
Equally, the changes to energy efficiency provisions will be adopted in line with all other jurisdictions which also have a 12 month transition period.
All states have differing ways of implementing National Construction Code updates, the ACT has strict requirements regarding applications for building approvals in relation to the new code.
This is to ensure that any new buildings are constructed to the highest possible standard consistent with national requirements and community expectations.
Transitional arrangements are in place to ensure industry is able to adhere to changes in the code and the Government is pleased that industry is able to adopt to these changes earlier than expected.
"In response to the feedback I have received from industry leaders, I can confirm these changes have struck the right balance for Government and industry to improve the quality of buildings and building policy in the ACT," Mr Ramsay said.
Industry leaders respond to changes:
Michael Hopkins, Chief Executive Officer, Master Builders Association of the ACT: "The Minister's announcement is welcomed by Master Builders ACT because it brings ACT building laws into greater alignment with national laws, making it easier for building practioners working across the ACT and NSW border."
Adina Cirson, Executive Director, Property Council of Australia: "Early adoption provided certainty to the property sector at a time of significant urban renewal.
"We welcome any move which demonstrates the ACT is taking leadership on design, quality of construction and safety that improves our buildings as we get on with the renewal of our city.
"We look forward to further engagement with the government around implementation and transition to full adoption of the Code – in parallel with our discussions around the reform of our building laws," Ms Cirson said.
Greg Weller, Executive Director ACT/Southern NSW, Housing Industry Association: "HIA welcomes the confirmation of a final schedule for the implementation of the 2019 National Construction Code.
As a result of a national move to the NCC being varied only every three years, there has been the need to consider transitionary arrangements where appropriate. HIA has worked actively over recent months to educate industry about the new Code, and the requirements for sprinklers and condensation are major changes that will take time to adapt to.
The NCC is a world leading reference for the technical aspects of construction, describing minimum requirements for safety, health, amenity and sustainability in new buildings. Although it continues to evolve along with improvements in methods and materials, the community should be safe in the knowledge that whether their dwelling is constructed under the current or previous version, that it will be fit for purpose."
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Media Releases
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