HIA welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement today that there will be an early easing of restrictions for all construction sites, including home building and renovation sites, from this Friday. The Government has confirmed that the current limits on workforce numbers at construction sites where workers are fully vaccinated will be removed when Victoria hits the 70 per cent double dose vaccination milestone. 

“This easing of restrictions for small scale construction sites, which has been brought forward, is extremely welcome news for Victorian home builders and home owners. It will also help those industry that support home building including our building product manufacturers, suppliers and professional services providers,” said Fiona Nield, HIA Executive Director Victoria.

“It will be a relief for all home builders and their trades who have been working under heavy restrictions for months at a time over the last year.

“HIA has long argued that small scale construction sites should be allowed to return to work in the same manner as large construction sites. These changes will help everyone in the supply chain get back to business in a meaningful way. 

“It will allow builders and clients to progress building work and the thousands of families waiting to move into their completed new homes do that in a more timely way.

“The restrictions and the shutdown have been tough with home building limited to only five workers on a site and trades only allowed to visit three sites per week. Our industry has worked tirelessly to keep projects moving despite these limits and to deliver for their customers.

“HIA has highlighted to the Government the good track record of home builders and renovators that have been working during COVID as evidence that this sector can safely return to work. Today’s announcement is a welcome recognition of this.

“The reopening of renovations in occupied homes on Friday, which was announced last week also ahead of schedule, will provide a much needed boost to this vital sector of the home building industry. It will help thousands of families who have been waiting for their home renovations projects to either commence or resume over the last three months.

“HIA had expressed concerns over the lack of detail around the reopening plan for small scale construction in the roadmap earlier this week, so we are pleased that the Governemnt has listened and provided this important clarification and certainty for home building. 

“HIA acknowledges the resilience of the builders, trades and everyone in the industry who has stayed strong throughout this lockdown and the heavy restrictions they have endured. Today’s announcement will bring welcome relief and give confidence to the industry and home owners going forward,” concluded Ms Nield.