Planning a brighter future for construction sector

A blueprint for the future of Queensland’s construction industry is beginning to take shape with 75 industry leaders coming together for the first stage of the Queensland Government’s ConstructionQ initiative.

Minister for Housing and Public works Tim Mander said the Industry Leaders workshop was an important first step on the path towards a 30 year vision for the industry’s future.

“The construction industry employs around a quarter of a million Queenslanders and is worth around $60 billion to the economy each year,” Mr Mander said.

“We promised at the election to grow it as one of the four pillars of the economy and we are delivering with ConstructionQ.

“Unlike Labor, who wanted to tie the industry up in red tape, the Government recognises the need for a strong plan to ensure the construction industry has a bright future and continues to be one of the key drivers of economic growth in the state.”

The workshop held at QUT drew a broad cross-section of industry participants with builders joining architects, urban planners, engineers and tradies to identify key themes for the broader ConstructionQ forum to be held later this year.

“ConstructionQ is about consulting the experts to find what the industry needs and how we can help make it happen,” Mr Mander said.

“The workshop raised a number of issues including the need for greater collaboration between industry participants around things like education, training and workforce capability and the need to embrace technology to remain competitive on a global scale.”

Mr Mander said up to 350 industry representatives would come together in September to expand these key themes and produce a 30 year vision for the sector. 

“Construction is one of the pillars of the Queensland economy and ConstructionQ will play an important role in ensuring it remains at the forefront of our state’s future prosperity,” he said. 

To become a part of ConstructionQ visit www.facebook.com/ConstructQ and www.twitter.com/ConstructQ

[ENDS] 29 May 2015

Media contact: Martin Kennedy 0418 891 943