Construction forum to set out future growth

*AUDIO OF MINISTER MANDER AVAILABLE VIA LINK BELOW*

Over 300 members of Queensland’s $60 billion building and construction industry will come together over the next two days to develop a blueprint for the industry’s long-term future.

Premier Campbell Newman said ConstructionQ was part of the Queensland Government’s promise to grow the construction industry and create thousands of jobs as one of the four pillars of Queensland’s economy.

“Construction creates almost a quarter of a million jobs a year and is one key area of the economy that we said we’d get moving and we have,” Mr Newman said.

“The reforms we’ve implemented – cutting red and green tape, reducing the cost of business, speeding up the approval process – are already bearing fruit in Queensland with the sector growing by 4.6 per cent during the 2013-14 financial year.

“New homes and renovations are also forecast to increase by 11 per cent for 2014-15. We promised at the election to get this critical industry moving and I’m proud to say that under our strong plan we have delivered.”

Mr Newman  said ConstructionQ was an industry-led initiative that aimed to build on recent gains and put in place a strategic vision to unleash the industry’s full potential for the next 20 years.

Minister for Housing and Public Works Tim Mander said that an initial workshop held earlier this year sent a clear message that the industry was looking for ways to grow and develop.

“In May, industry leaders from across Queensland came together to set the agenda for this workshop,” Mr Mander said.

“Topics that were identified for today’s workshop include the need to embrace technology, work together more effectively and deliver more sustainable housing.

“The next two days are about listening to the experts, listening to the people on the frontline and get their input on what we need to do to make sure the building and construction industry keeps driving economic prosperity into the future.”

Master Builders’ Deputy Executive Director, Paul Bidwell said the workshop was a great opportunity for the industry to have a real say on what direction the sector should take.

“The May workshop was a resounding success and we’re looking forward to seeing the discussion that comes out of the topics that were identified,” Mr Bidwell said.

“This is a great opportunity for those in the industry to have a direct contribution to the future growth and an opportunity for Government to help support this growth through effective policy and regulation.”

Industry participants can become part of the ConstructionQ discussion by visiting www.facebook.com/ConstructQ and www.twitter.com/ConstructQ

[ENDS] 2 September 2014

Media contact: Martin Kennedy 0418 891 943

Audio of Minister Mander is available at: https://soundcloud.com/timmandermp/constructionq/s-uGARR