On Sunday 2nd August, Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced that Victoria has entered a State of Disaster. Metropolitan Melbourne has moved to Stage 4 restrictions, and the rest of the state will enter into Stage 3 lockdowns as of 11:59pm on Wednesday 5th August, in order to manage the state’s second wave of coronavirus outbreaks.
On Monday night, Daniel Andrews announced that property and real estate businesses in the Stage 4 restricted areas must close, with online inspections and auctions permitted. The Real Estate Institute of Victoria (REIV) confirmed in a statement on Sunday 2nd August that the rest of Victoria – under Stage 3 lockdown – will move to remote auctions and inspections by private appointment from 11:59pm on Wednesday, 5th August.
The leading body for development and construction, UDIA Victoria, said in statement on Monday 3rd August:
“We welcome construction being able to continue at a reduced capacity, but we have numerous concerns. UDIA Victoria is working hard to gain clarity and negotiate fine detail with the Victorian Government before the changes come into force.”
The restrictions for construction and development are as follows:
From Friday night at 11.59pm, construction projects will be split into three categories with varying restrictions that will dramatically reduce the industry's output.
1. Large scale – projects of more than 3 stories exc. basement
- Maximum 25% of normal employees onsite at any time
2. Small scale – projects of 3 stories or less exc. basement
- Maximum 5 workers inc. supervisors
3. State and civil construction projects
- Exempt from staff reduction targets, but assessed on a project basis
Requirements across all sites:
- No blending shifts.
- Workers may only work on one site.
- Contact tracing is required as part of the COVID Safe plans.
UDIA Victoria confirmed that they will be working through the details of the changes with departmental staff and key decision-makers for the rest of this week – aiming to have extended worksite hours allowed in order to keep projects viable and keep more workers employed. UDIA have said that they are seeking clarity on the 'small-scale' project requirements, how they apply to land development sites, and what the implications are for site preparations and civil works.
Melbourne’s new rules will apply until at least 13th September, Daniel Andrews has confirmed.
Click here to view the many off-the-plan developments available to view via virtual inspection.
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