Australia’s population is continuing to grow, a fact that’s good news for tradespeople throughout Queensland. As families grow and more people migrate to the Sunshine State, demands for new houses, apartments and other dwellings will keep rising.
While the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported that overall construction decreased in the 12 months between December 2014 and December 2015, the residential construction sector emerged as the industry’s saviour. In this time, the total value of residential products completed grew by almost 10 per cent, offsetting some of the drops in other sectors.
Queensland is looking to continue this trend, with a new appointment to the position of Queensland Building and Construction Commissioner (QBCC) likely to further grow apprenticeship opportunities across the state.
Residential construction on the rise
There are a number of different demographic and economic conditions that influence the health of the residential construction sector, or any industry around the state. One of those is the person who will oversee the sector or industry and ensure those that depend on its success are confident in its future.
The Queensland government recently announced a change in the role of QBCC. Brett Bassett, currently also the Queensland Regional Commissioner for the Australian Securities and Investment Commission, will take over the role and ensure the sector remains as strong as it has been in recent years.
According to the Queensland government, the sector as a whole is responsible for the employment of around 220,000 people who complete $52 billion worth of work each year.
Mr Bassett’s appointment to the position was endorsed by the Minster for Housing and Public Works, Mick de Brenni, who says a long history of experience will ensure the sector remains healthy under his watch.
“Mr Bassett has significant expertise with regulation of the construction industry having chaired the inaugural Federal Government Building and Construction Roundtable and led ASIC’s response to the Senate Inquiry into Insolvency in the Building and Construction Sector,” he explained
“The QBCC has a vital role to play in making sure that Queenslanders continue to have confidence in the construction industry and I expect the QBCC to be a professional organisation of the highest standard.”
As Queensland’s population continues to grow, it’s important that these people can rely on a strong pool of apprentices to keep construction ticking over in the sunshine state.
By Leanne Macnamara, Public Relations Coordinator
