News

The Building Commission is a statutory authority that oversees the building control system in Victoria.  We ensure the safety, liveability and sustainability of our built environment.

The new residential building standard applies across the State from 11 March 2009. The Bushfire Building Advice line, 1300 360 320, operates from 9.00am to 5.00pm on Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.   Bushfire construction regulations that have been consolidated in the Building Regulations 2006 and are available here. 

LATEST NEWS

• Building Surveyor Update
  The Building Commission advises consumers to contact 1300 360 320 where a hotline has been established to provide advice to owners and builders who have an outstanding building permit. If you are concerned about your building permit, please call the above number. The Building Commission will be contacting consumers and builders after the 60 day appeal period is over.
  
  
• Home Owner's Warranty Insurance: Lumley General
  The Building Commission has been advised that, from 1 July 2009, Lumley will be progressively scaling back in the  builders warranty insurance (26KB) market throughout Australia, with a view to exit by 1 January 2010.
  
  

• Minister's Guideline MG/13
  The Minister for Planning has issued a revised  Ministerial Guideline 13 (591KB).  Exercise of discretion when applying a new building regulation or an amendment to a building regulation.
  
  

• Annual increase in Statutory fees 
  Statutory fees have been increased by 3% in accordance with the CPI increase announced by the Treasurer.
  
  
• Annual increase for application fee for owner-builder certificate of consent
  Due to recent amendments made to the Building Regulations 2006, an increase in the application fee for an owner builder certificate of consent has been increased to $81.50.
  
  
• Regulatory Impact Statement for proposed new regulations
  Regulations have been prepared that support the 2008 amendment to the Building Act 1993.  The RIS can be downloaded here. 
  
  
• Building permit process to maximise bushfire rebuild roof material choices
  Victoria's building permit process will ensure the fire-testing of roofing materials for use in the Bushfire Attack Level (BAL) FZ zone (the highest level of bushfire risk) does not hamper home owners rebuilding after the February bushfires.  FAQs are also available to view. 
  
  
• BCA2010: Draft for public comment
  Please note that the Public Comment Draft of BCA2010 is now on the ABCB website. Comments close on 3 August 2009 and must be sent to BCA2010@innovation.gov.au.
  
  
• Essential Safety Measures Maintenance Manual - available for $40
  To order copies of the Essential Safety Measures Maintenance Manual simply complete the form and email or fax to Fiona (contact details are listed on the form).
  
  
• Building Surveyor Deregistered: 
  The Building Commission advises consumers to contact 1300 360 320 where a hotline has been established to provide advice to owners and builders who have a building permit outstanding with Mr Sam De Petro. 

INDUSTRY: CPD (TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT)

• CPD Excellence Awards 2009: now open
  The Building Commission's Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Awards will be held again in 2009. The CPD Awards are open to the state's more than 23,000 Registered Building Practitioners (RBPs) who have undertaken the required level of CPD. Nominations open 1 July 2009 and close 31 August 2009.
  
  
• Funded training for the Building industry in the Western Metropolitan Region
  Customised Training Pty Ltd has secured funding to deliver the Diploma of Building & Construction (Management) to professionals in the building and construction industry. The course runs from the 25 May - 7 Dec 2009 Mondays 6.30-9.30pm. The course is funded by the Victorian Government under the Priority Education & Training Program (PETP).  To find out more phone 5367 1630.
  
  
• Australian Building Codes Board announces the Building Australia's Future 2009 Conference
  The Australian Building Codes Board are proud to announce the next Building Australia's Future Conference, to be held at RACV Royal Pines Resort on the Gold Coast, Queensland, 20-23 September 2009.Building industry professionals are invited to register now for their chance to hear presentations by industry experts, participate in stimulating plenary sessions as well as take part in a thought-provoking workshop. Please note that CPD points are awarded for attendance.