MBT Applauds Residential Code
02 September 2011
The announcement by the Planning Minister that the Government will introduce a state wide residential code is welcomed by Master Builders Tasmania.
Mr Michael Kerschbaum, MBT's Executive Director said, "the residential code will simplify and accelerate the approval process for many new homes across the State. In most instances a new home which complies with the provisions in the code will not require planning approval at all and will be able to be lodged immediately for building and plumbing approval. Bypassing the planning approval stage will save hundreds of dollars in costs and up to 42 days in the approval process. More importantly, people purchasing a block of land will know with certainty that their proposed home will be approved if it meets the provisions of the code"
Mr Kerschbaum added, “Master Builders Tasmania, along with the other members of the United Industry Coalition for Planning Reform has been lobbying for this change for six years, and it is good to see this critical reform finally taking place. Industry is keen to work with Government and to assist it in achieving its bold and ambitious planning reform agenda. Government is moving positively and has recognised the important role a simplified planning system plays in attracting millions of dollars of additional investment into the State.”
Mr Kerschbaum concluded, “Government’s focus should now be on low cost initiatives such as the one demonstrated in the planning reform area, focussing on reducing red tape and business compliance costs which make business easier. Certainty and a pro-development environment will greatly assist the building and construction to maintain employment for over 20,000 Tasmanians.”
