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ADVICE FROM MANUFACTURERS AND SUPPLIERS AS A RESULT OF THE GAS CRISIS
In times of crisis one of the most important things is communication of the real situation to avoid panic.
The major manufacturers and suppliers to the housing industry and the HIA itself are asking serious questions of Government about short medium and long term supply of energy to maintain manufacturing processes to meet supply of products to the industry. One of the major criticisms of Government has been that advice and information on the real situation has not been well communicated and is a daily proposition.
Supply of energy to manufacturing has been on a short term basis without any guarantees. Prices for available energy have dramatically increased. These factors combined make it very difficult for manufacturing business to provide advice to their employees and customers on the supply and pricing of products.
There are a number of consistent messages from manufacturers to their customers.
Majority are able to meet the immediate needs of their customers.
Majority have reasonable existing supplies that will meet customer’s needs in medium term (month to two months).
Some have the capacity to transport products from eastern states. However there may be some timing issues. Advice from Government is critical in decision making.
Consistent concerns across manufacturers about affordability. There will be cost implications as a result of dramatic energy cost increases or transport costs if manufactured in Eastern states.
Encouraging customers not to panic buy and stockpile because it may impact on ability to meet demand.
The HIA will keep members informed of advice from the Manufacturers and suppliers as well as the latest advice from Government if or when it becomes available.
For specific advice from Westpine to its customers please click here.
MINISTER URGES SMALL BUSINESS TO TIGHTEN BELT ON ENERGY USE
Small Business Minister Margaret Quirk warned today that more small businesses could feel the flow-on effects of the gas explosion on Varanus Island.
Ms Quirk encouraged small business owners to curb their energy use saying that although supply would resume, at least partially within two months, some businesses - especially those in the mining, resource and building sectors - were already feeling the pinch.
“The gas shortage has directly affected many of the bigger companies,” she said. “Some have been forced to lay off staff. “The gas shortage has a ripple effect: It affects electricity supplies and pushes up the cost of alternative energy sources, like diesel, which flows on to smaller businesses reliant on the products bigger companies provide.
To view the full release please click here.
GOOD NEWS FOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Today’s launch of the federal government’s Housing Affordability Fund (HAF) consultation paper has been welcomed by the HIA as a positive measure designed to lower the cost of building new homes and improve housing affordability.
HIA’s Chief Executive – Policy, Mr Chris Lamont speaking at the launch said HAF provides $512 million for local government to improve planning processes and assist in meeting the cost of infrastructure required to support new residential development.
Faced with increasing development contributions, statutory charges and a raft of other taxes, builders and developers are simply unable to get a basic entry-level new residential product on the market that the average homebuyer can afford. The HAF provides funding to reduce red tape and offset the cost of infrastructure for new residential dwellings which should reduce the price of new homes for purchasers.
To view full release please click here.
COMING SOON - MEMBER CONNECT
HIA is inviting members to place advertisements on Member Connect, an on-line bulletin board linking members to other members and the public through hia.com.au Member Connect allows a member to post an on-line advertisement (including photographs) in three categories: For Sale, Jobs and Wanted. Items that can be advertised on Member Connect can include power tools or equipment for sale or wanted, second-hand vehicles, building materials and products as well as positions vacant or wanted.
Click here for more information.
NISSAN BUILDS BUSINESS WITH INDUSTRY POWERHOUSE
Nissan Australia and the Housing Industry Association have agreed to collaborate in promoting the sale of Nissan commercial and passenger vehicles to HIA members.
As one of Australia’s major light commercial vehicles and SUV suppliers, Nissan is ideally suited to meet the needs of the association members.
Nissan’s award-winning Navara utility and cab chassis, iconic Patrol wagon and cab chassis and dual-purpose, work-play Pathfinder and X-TRAIL, SUV’s have been popular with tradespeople for years.
Nissan’s Managing Director and CEO, Dan Thompson said passenger sedans also featured strongly in the HIA fleet and Nissan’s Tiida, Micra, DUALIS, Maxima and 350Z are well placed to attract interest from HIA members. HIA’s Managing Director, Ron Silberberg added, “The extension of the special price discount to sedans and four-wheel drives is a first among motor vehicle manufacturers and should be well-received by members given the number of HIA members who use sedans for company vehicles.”
For HIA members looking to update their vehicles, you are now eligible for special HIA-Nissan vehicle pricing across the entire range. Plus, if you purchase this month you will also pick up the applicable end of financial year campaign offers. Full details will be available via HIA's website shortly, but, in the meantime, drop into any Nissan dealer, say you are a HIA member, and they will be happy to assist.
For more information contact your nearest Nissan Dealer.
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