The National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 was adopted in May, marking one of the biggest changes to an edition of the NCC, aiming to strengthen minimum requirements for the energy efficiency of new homes.
Also in May, in recognition that the building industry is experiencing significant global economic challenges, the Victorian Government announced that it was considering providing an extended transition for new energy efficiency, livable housing and condensation mitigation requirements, which were scheduled to become mandatory from 1 October 2023.
Consistent with this announcement, the Minister for Planning has announced an extended transition for these requirements, with a mandatory commencement date of 1 May 2024.
This will provide those builders who need it, more time to prepare, while still encouraging voluntary compliance with the standards. This extension will be implemented through changes to building regulations.
The transitional arrangements will allow practitioners to continue using the relevant provisions of NCC 2019 until the end of the relevant transition period.
HIA is now calling on the Queensland Government to follow Victoria’s lead and immediately delay changes to the NCC that will have a huge impact on home building.
HIA Executive Director for Queensland, Michael Roberts said that Victoria was providing a template for Queensland, recognising the impact of NCC changes in exacerbating the housing crisis.
“Victoria has seen that the midst of a housing crisis is not the time to contribute to a forced increase in the price of all new houses,” Mr Roberts said.
“We have heard from our members that the cost of implementing new NCC specifications that will make it compulsory for every house to accommodate disabled occupants, and to increase energy efficiency standards well beyond what is required in Queensland, will add $20,000 to $30,000 per house.
“We also know that the cost implications for homes built off-the-ground on stumps, like a traditional Queenslander, mean this style of construction could be consigned to the history books.
“While we have tried to work with Government, HIA’s position has consistently been that the proposed changes go far beyond the minimum standard that is supposed to be set under the NCC.
“Changes are due to come into play in just over three months. The fact is that the industry doesn’t yet have the updated software required to assess energy efficiency, and the government is yet to commence its education program. The evidence is clear that no one is ready for such significant changes.
“Now with Victoria leading the way, the Queensland Government has a perfect opportunity to change direction to support our industry in the continued supply of quality, affordable homes that is needed over a long period to address the housing crisis without additional impediments being rushed in,” said Mr Roberts.