Building, construction and development sites to remain OPEN amidst non-essential business closures

UDIA Victoria (the Urban Development Institute of Australia) announced this morning that the shutdown of non-essential activity implemented by Premier Daniel Andrews yesterday does NOT include the building, construction and development industry. 

At this stage, building, construction and development sites can remain open, with recommended social distancing rules to be adhered to. The Premier has advised that if there are any employees within this industry who are able to work from home – which may include administrative staff – they should do so.

For essential building, construction and development staff for which working from home is not possible, the Premier has advised utilising flexible working arrangements, including off-peak travel when and where possible to ensure the health and safety of these workers and the greater community.

UDIA Victoria has also announced that they have advised the State Government that local government, state government agencies and authorities must remain operational and productive during this time so that a pipeline of projects and development activity can be approved, and industry can return to full productivity as soon as possible. 

UDIA Victoria will be submitting an Action Plan focused on the industry's economic survival this week, with further updates to follow.

Victoria Police have established an enforcement squad of 500 officers to ensure the containment measures put in place to combat coronavirus are followed, including the cease of non-essential activity such as gathering in pubs, clubs, restaurants, cinemas and other establishments, as laid out by the Premier and the Prime Minister yesterday.

“Looking ahead, the building, construction and development industry will resuscitate our economy if we give it the ability to do so. As we talk with Government leaders, we're highlighting how important the industry is to the state economy. The sector employs hundreds of thousands of people and contributes 45 percent of Victoria's taxation revenue base,” says UDIA Victoria in their statement.

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