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LATEST NEWS |
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2013 National Construction Code seminar video now online
Video is now available for viewing of the Building Commission's recent National Construction Code 2013 updates seminar. These videos are free of charge and can be played without limit.
Click here to watch the videos online. |
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Two new Practice Notes issued effective 1 May 2013
The new Building Code of Australia came into effect 1 May 2013 and the Building Commission has updated the following Practice Notes for the use of Building Practitioners:
 PN 2013-05 Swimming pools and spas and safety barriers (323KB)
PN 2013-65 Flood hazard areas and Building Regulations (706KB) |
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Building owners reminded of responsibility to ensure structures are safe
The Building Commission is reminding all building owners of their responsibility to maintain the safety of buildings and structures - including residential, accommodation houses, nightclubs, commercial, industrial, hospitals and public buildings - on their properties. For more information, click here. (28KB). |
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The Registered Building Practitioner Autumn 2013 edition is available now
Click here to download your copy. |
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The death of three people due to a wall collapse in Melbourne late last month has emphasised the importance of ensuring all buildings, including free-standing walls and fences, are appropriately braced to make them safe and secure.
While the cause of the wall collapse is currently the focus of investigation, the Building Commission has written to all councils and registered building practitioners encouraging them to have programs in place to minimise building-related risks. The Commission has asked practitioners to reassess all sites that they are involved with and take appropriate action - which may include reporting any potential risks to the relevant Municipal Building Surveyor where an emergency order may be required to be issued.
Anyone with a concern about a building's structural soundness should, in the first instance, report it to their local Council.
Registered building practitioners who have technical enquiries about this matter should contact the Building Commission's Technical Services team on 1300 815 127 or by emailing technicalenquiry@buildingcommission.com.au |
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Builder fined $24,000 for non-compliant building work
A building practitioner has been fined $24,000 for carrying out domestic building work at a Reservoir property without a building permit, without insurance, and without registration. |
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2013 NCC/BCA seminars now open for registration
Registrations for the Building Commission's National Construction Code seminars are now open. The seminars will discuss changes to the Building Code of Australia and provide an opportunity for practitioners to speak directly with Building Commission technical officers. All seminars are free to attend and will run for half a day.
Registered Building Practitioners will receive Continuing Professional Development points on attendance.
Locations and dates with places available:
Shepparton - 18 April
Traralgon - 23 April
Mildura - 30 April Click here to register now, or phone the Commission on 1300 815 127. |
ABCB Flood Standard and Handbook now available
The National Construction Code (NCC) 2013 will reference the ABCB Flood Standard to be used for the design of residential buildings that are in flood hazard areas. The ABCB Flood Standard and Handbook are available via the ABCB website. |
2013 NCC/BCA seminars now open for registration
Registrations for the Building Commission's National Construction Code seminars are now open. The seminars will discuss changes to the Building Code of Australia and provide an opportunity for practitioners to speak directly with Building Commission technical officers. All seminars are free to attend and will run for half a day. Registered Building Practitioners will receive Continuing Professional Development points on attendance. Locations and dates:
Melbourne - 9, 10, 22 and 30 April
Geelong - 16 April
Ballarat - 17 April
Shepparton - 18 April
Traralgon - 23 April
Mildura - 30 April Click here to register now, or phone the Commission on 1300 815 127. |
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Practice Notes Updated
A number of Practice Notes have been updated:
PN 2013-29: Using the Building Code of Australia (BCA)
PN 2013-37: Fire performance requirements of the BCA
PN 2013-59: Sprinkler Systems - alternative solutions and role of chief officer (179KB)
PN 2013-62: Documentation required for applications for building permits
PN 2013-63: Alternative Solutions - procedures and documentation
PN 2013-64: Classification of Buildings |
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The Registered Building Practitioner Summer edition is available now
Click here to download your copy. |
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New fees for Building Practitioner registration
Fees for Building Practitioner registration are changing 1 January 2013. The fee schedule is available here. |
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Business as usual
On 29 November 2012, the Planning Minister, Matthew Guy, announced plans to reform oversight of Victoria's building industry regulation, with the establishment of a new Victorian Building Authority, which will have responsibility for setting and enforcing building industry regulation. The functions of the Building Commission, Plumbing Industry Commission and Architects Registration Board of Victoria will be absorbed into the proposed new Authority, with the industry consulted on the proposed changes prior to legislation being introduced to Parliament in 2013. Until the legislation is passed by the Parliament and the new arrangements are in place, the Building Commission will continue to operate as normal. |
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Expressions of Interest
The Commission is calling for Expressions of Interest from suitably qualified and experienced practitioners for roles in:
An External Audit Panel (closing 19 December 2012) and The Commission's Technical Panel of External Consultants (closing 31 January 2013). More information is available here. |
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Preparing your home for bushfire season
The Building Commission has produced several publications on Bushfire regulations, how to retrofit your home for better protection from a bushfire and more. |
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Victorians warned against buying non-accredited bushfire shelters
The Building Commission is warning Victorians against buying non-accredited private bushfire shelters, or using 'storage shelters' for personal use in the event of a bushfire. More information is available here. |
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Information seminars on Building Code of Australia amendments
The Australian Building Codes Board will run half-day training seminars on 25 and 26 February on the Building Code of Australia (BCA) amendments which will begin on 1 May 2013. The seminars will include a presentation on changes to Australian Standards. For more information, visit the ABCB site. |
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The Registered Building Practitioner spring edition out now
Click here to download your copy. |
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Plumbing Amendment Regulations 2012 and Victoria's 6 Star building standards updates
The Plumbing Regulations 2008 were recently amended with changes relating to solar water heater requirements and updated reference to "AS/NZS 4234: 2008 Heated water systems - Calculation of energy consumption" due to commence on 19 April 2013. Read more |
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Annual Report 2011-12 Now Available
The 2011-12 Building Commission Annual Report is now available to download. Click here to view a copy. |
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, announces new round of Builing Surveyor internships
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional and Rural Development, Peter Ryan, this week announced that the Victorian Coalition Government will help address a shortage of qualified building surveyors in regional and rural Victorian by providing $75,000 for the Building Surveyor Internship Program. The Building Commission will also contribute $25,000 to the project.
Mr Ryan said five internships would be available over a two year period and that each council that commits to an internship would receive a subsidy of $20,000. Read More |
Slab Heave
The Building Commission continues to investigate, and is working with the industry, to determine the extent and cause of the slab heave issues in isolated parts of the western suburbs of Melbourne. Read more |
Bushfire Regulation Information
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Building Amendment (Bushfire Construction) Regulations 2011
The Building Amendment (Bushfire Construction) Regulations 2011 came into effect on 8 September 2011. These ongoing Regulations replace the interim Regulations made in March 2010. Read more
Reaching BAL 12.5 - Costing Information
Under the new bushfire regulations all new houses and alterations/additions in bushfire prone areas must meet a minimum Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) of 12.5. The additional cost imposed on reaching BAL 12.5 is dependent on many factors. Read more
Seminar Presentation Now Available
The Building Commission conducted free seminars throughout October and November on the new Regulations, the seminar presenttaion is now available. Download here
New Fact Sheet - Victoria's Bushfire Mapping System
In line with the 2009 Victoria Bushfires Royal Commission (VBRC) recommendation, extensive state-wide mapping has been undertaken to designate bushfire prone areas for building homes. Download
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