The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the ACT Governments’ decision to allow a partial recommencement of construction from next Friday, 3 September, subject to the public health situation remaining stable.
Council ACT Executive Director, Adina Cirson, said the announcement that construction was to be the first industry to reopen was a step in the right direction for Canberra’s economy and people’s livelihoods.
“We welcome the partial re-opening of construction and [the] recognition of the contribution that our industry makes to the Territory,” Cirson said.
“It’s fantastic news that thousands of jobs will be saved, but it is imperative the industry follows the strict new health measures; that our culture of compliance remains and we maintain the strictest adherence to the new requirements.”
She added: “As always, the health and safety of our workers and our community is our number one priority. Never before has that been so important as we prepare to [reopen] many construction sites across the city.”
According the Property Council, the draft ‘ACT Building and Construction Requirements’ was released on Friday, 27 August.
“Police now have the powers to shut down any site that is not following these new requirements, but we are confident that those operating from [next] Friday will adhere, as no one enjoys the stress of being out of work,” Cirson stated.
“What we will see is a gradual recommencement of civil construction, new roads and suburban infrastructure. It will also include large-scale projects on large footprints, as well as ACT and Commonwealth projects. Manufacturing, fabrication and equipment testing necessary for this work is also permitted.”
Cirson noted that density limits would be put in place on all projects – as per the one person per 4 square metre rule.
“Under the gradual recommencement, the requirements will be strictly enforced. And before the final go-ahead [is] given, a [last] safety check will be conducted mid-next week to ensure the Industry Requirements have been implemented.
“The future of lockdown conditions beyond 2 September will be considered next week and based on the public health advice at that time,” she said, emphasising that “there are business supports in place for smaller operators in construction”.