New Year’s Day will mark the beginning of a new era for Tasmania’s building and construction industry.
From tomorrow, gaining approval to build in Tasmania will be faster, fairer, simpler and cheaper as the Liberal Government’s building reforms come into force with the commencement of the Building Act.
The changes cut red-tape and help to encourage investment and the creation of new jobs. The amendments also introduce a risk-based approach to approvals.
This means licensed builders and plumbers will no longer need council building permits for a range of works, up to and including two-storey homes, saving time and money for industry and consumers alike.
The new Act is the result of wide-ranging consultation with stakeholders, and has been hailed by industry bodies and local builders as nation-leading.
The costs and delays from trying to obtain permits can do more than frustrate individuals and businesses; they can cause projects to be shelved altogether.
Our reforms are about ensuring that Tasmania is open for business, welcoming of new investment – from new homes to businesses – and of the jobs that this building activity can bring.
Tasmania’s building and construction industry employs close to 20,000 people, making it an important contributor to our economy and to our community.
Together with our planning reforms and our $20,000 first home builder grants, the new Building Act shows the Liberal Government’s commitment to backing this industry to create more jobs for Tasmanians.
We look forward to seeing developers – whether they are businesses or families wanting to build their own homes – take advantage of our reforms in 2017 and into the future.
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
More Media Releases from the Minister for Building and Construction