50% a positive next step for construction industry re-opening says UDIA NSW

UDIA NSW welcomed today’s announcement by NSW Government of its decision to allow all sites in NSW to re-open construction, representing another positive reopening step.

Due to the continued increase in COVID numbers in the current outbreak of the Delta strain the NSW Government has moved to announce the implementation of the successful Victorian model recommended by UDIA NSW on the first day after the shutdown was announced. All sites in NSW (including the 8 Hot Spot LGAs) will be allowed to open from Wednesday 11 August at 50% of workforce capacity.

“This approach is considered more durable, given the likelihood of LGAs coming in and out of Hot Spot/Locked Down restrictions and the economic imperative that the development and construction industries stay open. The construction industry directly or indirectly impacts one in four jobs in NSW and this decision is crucial for our economy” said Steve Mann UDIA NSW CEO.

These changes will take effect at 12.01am on Wednesday 11 August after the Public Health Orders are signed next week.

Key points from today’s announcement include:

  • All sites (unoccupied) will be allowed to open and operate at 50% of daily workforce capacity . Builders will need to have evidence of that onsite.
  • No testing requirements except for workers in the Hot Spot/Locked Down LGAs (currently 8 in Western Sydney) where Construction Workers will need to have at least one vaccine dose 21 days old or one dose and COVID testing every 3 days with negative COVID-19 test no older than 72 hours, then they can travel to any sites. (NSW is currently trialling rapid antigen testing and when approved by NSW Health, that form of testing may be used.)
  • This means that some sites may have to reduce workers on-site to comply.
  • The Public Health Order only allows the workers to leave for the purposes of work. That means when they are not working, all stay at home restrictions still apply.
  • Workers outside the affected LGAs may travel into the LGAs for work and are not subject to vaccination requirements.
  • Sites are still required to have a COVID-19 safety plan in place.
  • Construction workers will be prioritised for vaccination with Astra Zeneca at a dedicated Super Sunday Vaccine Clinic to be hosted at Sydney Olympic Park on Sunday 15 August.

This is seen by all of the industry as a positive step and one which also brings great responsibility for the industry to continue to operate in a COVID safe way, taking every measure to avoid any infections on sites and protect our workers and the wider community.

”UDIA NSW is encouraging the government to develop further Stay-Open plans in order to build confidence in the industry that government will continue to work with us to keep the development and construction industry open.” added Mr Mann.

ENDS

Media Enquiries:
Deanna Lane 0416 295 898 or dlane@udiansw.com.au.
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