Construction Industry Update
The construction industry in 2023, is clouded by high levels of uncertainty.
Rising interest rates and energy prices will curtail household purchasing power and weigh on the demand for new buildings for the foreseeable future.
While materials supply-side constraints are easing, shipping costs are still around twice pre-COVID levels and the global ramifications of geopolitical tension in Ukraine make the future increasingly uncertain
Skilled labour and staff shortages is a significant problem with companies on the lookout for high calibre and experienced staff – pushing up the cost of labour in an already constrained labour market.
At the grassroots, feedback from Mecca Event’s network of design and building professionals suggests some of the most troubling factors are:
additional workload created by the various regulatory reforms that apply and the time spent... "taking us away from the real work of design and building by having to deal with more compliance and regulatory requirements meaning more paperwork."
focus of regulations - heavy responsibility on registered design professionals with negligible additional skills training for on-site workers and contractors.
potential for litigation surrounding building defects in recently constructed buildings and ensuring adequate protection from these claims
inability to source key expertise leading to guessing on site with inexperienced engineers, contractors and workers who are risk averse and unable to make 'common sense' recommendations/decisions on site.
Of course, concerns are not limited to the above and there are a host of other factors at play that have implications for every person who owns, manages, contracts to, or is employed in any business directly involved. or aligned to the construction industry.
In light of these circumstances, we think that now is the right time to take stock and have a close look at the important factors that will impact the performance of businesses within the construction sector over the next 2-3 years.
Mecca has brought together a panel of industry, engineering, and legal experts for a webinar session later this month.
Our expert panel will present their views, take your questions, and provide advice on how to mitigate the impact of these external impediments and constraints on your business.
You will have the opportunity to question the experts on:
Industry Outlook - including supply chain and labour market impacts
Cladding and Fire risk update - State by State
Waterproofing & weatherproofing defects (for facades and windows)
BCA changes in regulations and codes - accessibility, energy efficiency and building materials and fire safety – how will you be impacted
Regulatory Reform in NSW (update on Design & Building Practitioners Act 2020 and the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Act 2020
Upcoming BCA changes - fire, access & egress, services, health & amenities (inc external waterproofing membranes)
Regulatory Reform in NSW (Design & Building Practitioners Act 2020 and the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Act 2020
insurance, claims and litigation - latest rulings
Meet the Experts
Elizabeth Brooks | Lander and Rogers
Elizabeth is a partner at Lander & Rogers working in the Construction Disputes and Insurance Team. She has more than 15 years' experience acting for and advising a broad range of construction professionals, contractors, and their insurers. Elizabeth acts in a wide range of commercial disputes, including class actions and complex construction claims litigated mainly in the Supreme Courts of Australia. She provides coverage advice to local and London insurers on claims involving some of Australia's largest construction and infrastructure projects. Elizabeth has held leadership roles in construction industry associations and has worked closely with key industry figures to improve culture, safety, and risk in the construction industry.
Lindsay Beard | Principal at Design Confidence
Design Confidence is a multi-disciplined building regulatory firm which provides expert advice on Accessibility, Fire Safety Engineering and Building Code Consulting. With a combined 15 years of experience in both the government and private sectors, Lindsay brings a wealth of knowledge to his role leading the building regulations team. Lindsay is an accredited certifier in NSW and has worked on some of Sydney's most iconic buildings, providing expert advice on building code compliance and identifying performance-based opportunities. At Design Confidence, Lindsay plays a critical role in advising clients on prescriptive code requirements and ensuring that their projects meet all relevant building regulations.
Peter Karsia | Façade Engineer
Peter started his career as a structural engineer before moving into the area of facades where he has now been a specialist for over 30 years. During that time, Peter’s project-related work has ranged from new “landmark” projects to major rectification/renewal projects, through to detailed design support for cladding subcontractors. Peter is also a director of “Facade Industry Australasia”, a recently formed not-for-profit organisation that has just been set up to help focus the facade industry on better outcomes for both the industry and society.
Helen Kowal | Swaab Lawyers
Helen has a legal career which has spanned over 27 years in general practice. For the past 14 years, she has specialised in building, construction, property, and strata. Helen has worked for many owners’ corporations, developers, and builders in every facet of building and construction law within all jurisdictions. Over the past few years, in her practice, Helen has been involved in various matters regarding the Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 and the Design and Building Practitioner Regulations 2021 and the new obligations impacting building practitioners, design practitioners and engineers particularly in the remedial space after 1 July 2021. In particular, Helen is working closely with remedial building practitioners, remedial industry bodies and the NSW Government as to the implications of the legislation on the remedial sector.
Geoff Hanmer | Arina Architects
Geoff is an Adjunct Professor of Architecture at the University of Adelaide, and Honorary Professional Fellow at UTS and the Managing Director of Arina, an architectural consultancy. ARINA has run design competitions for many Australian universities (including UNSW) and statutory authorities, including the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. Geoff is a registered architect and writes on construction and buildings both contemporary and historical. He has taught and researched construction at UTS and UNSW for over 20 years.
CPD - Participation in this webinar will deliver 2.5 formal CPD points.