Monthly Archives: September 2012

Positive Budget measures.

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Positive Budget measures for building sector but challenges remain for private sector recovery

The 2011 Federal Budget contains a number of positive measures for the building and construction industry, but doubts remain about the impetus it will provide for a private sector recovery, according to Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry.

Mr Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia said: “The Federal Budget strategy of a return to surplus by 2012-13 is welcome, but relies on dividends from the resources boom and provides limited guidance to businesses in the slow lane as they seek to be part of the post-GFC economic recovery.

“Master Builders strongly supports the substantial investment in skills and employment initiatives in the Budget, and the projected expansion of the skilled migration program. However, the budget contains a patchwork of savings measures, and more substantial tax, economic and productivity reforms are needed to ensure that Australia maximises the benefits of a sustainable economic recovery and the resources boom.

“A broad private sector recovery is needed to guarantee the longer term health of the Budget beyond the resources boom. But the reality for many in the building and construction industry is that it will be a bumpy road ahead as the private sector seeks to transition from a deleveraging finance environment.”

“Building and construction is the third largest employer and the largest employer of skilled tradespeople. A reinvigorated industry-led training system is a vital concern and the measures introduced in the Budget represent an important down payment on tackling the quality and size of the future workforce. An increase in the skilled migrant intake of approximately 12,000 is also a welcome measure.”

Specific budget measures welcomed by Master Builders include the creation of a $558 m National Workforce Development Fund, $201 m in increased support for apprenticeships, $1.7 billion for a new training partnership with the states (partially offset by the reallocation of $843 m Productivity Places Program funding) and a range of measures to support disadvantaged Australians move into meaningful employment.

The proposal to improve deductibility provisions for some privately funded public infrastructure projects is also is very welcome and should promote private sector investment, particularly from superannuation funds, in much needed economic infrastructure projects to lift Australia’s productivity. A number of major roads investments and other planning and infrastructure initiatives is also welcome. At the same time, there are a number of other measures that potentially increase the compliance burden on business and Master Builders will be seeking further detail on these from the Government.

“The savings announced as part of the Government’s fiscal strategy should help stem future interest rate rises, thereby assisting the building and construction industry to recover and ensure home ownership remains affordable. The Government’s investment in skills and employment alone is welcome but may not be enough to lift business and consumer confidence, and bolder leadership is likely to be needed over the coming period to secure Australia’s economic future.”

Sourced from Masters Builders Australia.

Winners of HIA House of the Year 2011.

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Winners of HIA House of the Year 2011 Toowoomba and Southern Downs $750K – 1 Million .

In 2011 well known builders, Peter & Anita Schriek of Schriek Building Group in Toowoomba enlisted Southern Cross Design and Drafting to help with the design of the family’s dream home.  With a detailed brief and a thorough knowledge of the client’s lifestyle we put together the winning design.  Set over 611sqm the 2 story home features 4 bedrooms, study, office, gym, guest room, rumpus, theatre and loads of storage.

Peter & Anita’s dream home went on to win the HIA’s House of the Year 2011 for Toowoomba & Southern Down in the $750,000 – $1,000,000, making for one very happy client!  Not only do they now reside in their dream home but it’s an award winning dream home.

We would like to thank Peter & Anita for putting their trust in Southern Cross Design & Drafting to design their home.

Press Release : First Home Owners

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Budget boon for first home owners and construction industry

Queensland first home buyers and the construction industry will benefit from the Newman Government’s first State Budget, which more than doubles the grant for new first home buyers.

Premier Campbell Newman said first home buyers would receive $15,000 – up from $7,000 – when purchasing a newly constructed home or property off the plan, under the re-shaped First Home Owner Construction Grant (formerly First Home Owner Grant).

“This great initiative will entice more people into the property market and make home ownership more affordable,” Mr Newman said.

“This is now the most generous ongoing first home owner grant in Australia.

“We want to see more Queenslanders buying their first home and this grant will certainly give home buyers a great head start,” he said.

Treasurer Tim Nicholls said the First Home Owner Construction Grant would also provide a much needed confidence boost to the construction sector.

“The property and construction sector is one of the four pillars of the Queensland economy, and one the Newman Government is supporting through real and direct action,” Mr Nicholls said.

“We’ve already wiped up to $7,000 off the cost of buying the family home by reinstating the principal place of residence transfer duty concession.

“The First Home Owner Construction Grant is another component of our positive plan for this vital sector, which creates jobs for Queenslanders.”

Mr Newman said the Government had responded to industry concerns in making changes to the original First Home Owner Grant.

“The Master Builders Association has lobbied on behalf of the sector for changes to the grant and the Government has responded in a constructive way,” he said.

“This First Home Owner Construction Grant will provide a targeted and sustainable injection of confidence to the construction sector.

“The previous Labor government’s Building Boost scheme was a short-term sugar hit which benefited property investors outside of Queensland.

“The Government’s First Home Owner Construction Grant will help more Queenslanders buy their first home and provide a much needed lift to Queensland’s property and construction industry.”