Current at: 08 June 2006
The NSW Planning Minister today announced major changes to the application of BASIX for alterations and additions following extensive lobbying from the Housing Industry Association (HIA).
HIA, Australia’s peak housing body cautiously welcomed the changes which will delay the full implementation of BASIX.
HIA’s Executive Director of the Hunter Region, Mr Steve Jeffries, said that the compulsory implementation of BASIX for alterations and additions has been deferred until 1 October and will apply initially only to projects valued over $100,000.
“HIA is also supportive of a voluntary phase in period from 1 August. We have always said that industry and consumers need time to adjust to such requirements.
“For alterations and additions the exemption of work valued at less than $100,000 makes sense. BASIX is about reducing overall household use of energy and water. Minor house extensions have very little impact on overall household consumption. The introduction of the threshold is therefore a practical change,” said Mr Jeffries.
From 1 July 2007 it is planned to reduce the threshold of $100,000 to $50,000.
“We are however concerned that the NSW Government has not recognised the cost impact and burden of increasing the energy target from 25 per cent to 40 per cent from 1 July 2006. This again has a negative effect on housing affordability making it harder for first home buyers to purchase a new home.”
“Housing affordability was significantly affected when the NSW Government introduced BASIX in July last year, requiring a 25 per cent energy reduction and the more onerous 40 per cent water reduction leading to significant cost increases for new housing.”