Engineers Australia representatives attended a construction industry roundtable discussion at Constitution Place to address issues faced by the Canberra construction industry.
Industry and government representatives attended including Minister for Building and Construction Rebecca Vassarotti MLA, Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman MLA and Minister for Transport Chris Steel MLA, among many others.
The roundtable was organised to identify the causes of financial stress in the sector and what opportunities exist to support a thriving construction industry in the immediate situation and over the longer term.
Minister Steel emphasised the need for a comprehensive work plan, recognising pressure from various changes and the importance of giving the industry breathing room amidst policy shifts.
Concerns were noted from several sectors including urban forest laws, compliance paperwork, building quality and resource constraints.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr said the ACT Government has acknowledged the challenges and issues faced by the construction industry in Canberra over the last 12 months.
Discussion then centered on solutions, and industry raised ideas to address these challenges. There were calls for improved engagement mechanisms between the government and industry, streamlined communication channels and early-stage consultations to avoid retroactive changes.
Engineers Australia General Manager says the roundtable was a really positive avenue for collaboration and problem-solving.
“Overall, the dialogue emphasised the need for a holistic approach, clear communication and collaborative problem-solving to navigate the evolving landscape of regulatory reforms and industry demands.”
Following the Construction Industry Roundtable, Engineers Australia is actively engaged in developing a collaborative response alongside members of the Built Environment Coalition. The response will address key industry challenges and continue to foster a coordinated effort towards meaningful solutions.