Elite AgentINDUSTRY NEWSNew South WalesNEWSQLD

Builders and tradies the biggest losers in NSW/QLD border closures


The Housing Industry Association has warned the national cabinet it is “critical to both state’s economies” that they quickly come to an agreement to relax border restrictions between NSW and QLD, in order to assist thousands of builders and tradies working either side of the border who have been unduly impacted by closures.

“When border closures started at 1am on 8 August there was little notice provided to builders and tradespeople,” said Toni Bull, HIA Executive Director – Gold Coast/Northern Rivers.

“The housing industry was given no time to prepare properly for what was a major logistical blow to normal business movements. There was a clear underestimation of how mobile the home building industry is and how many businesses would be impacted.

“The border closure and the inconsistency regarding who can work where is now causing anxiety and financial stress for many builders and tradies who need to cross the borders every day for work.

“A high number of Gold Coast and Northern Rivers builders have a dual licence that allows them to work in NSW and Queensland but under the current closure they are unable to complete work outside the border zone.

“Frustratingly, there is one set of rules for NSW-based contractors and another for Queensland-based contractors despite the fact that contractors from both sides of the border could be working on the same job at any given time.”

Ms Bull explained how a builder or tradie who lives on the Queensland side is not able to travel to the NSW side, yet those living on the NSW side can attend construction sites on the Queensland side.

“Not surprisingly Queensland tradies are not prepared to attend sites in NSW as they may not be allowed to go back home. Under these requirements a number of contractors are moving from Queensland to NSW just to finish a job.

“This simply doesn’t make sense. There should be one consistent approach and workers crossing the border for work only purposes must be permitted.

“The difficulty in moving building materials and supplies, on top of the labour movement is forcing some projects to come to a halt meaning staff are now being laid off.

“Home builders and trades are afraid if nothing is done soon then construction in the border zone will come to a halt completely. Many have said they may have to shut up shop for good.”

Ms Bull notes how COVID-19 is “under relative control in both states.”

“HIA fears hundreds of housing projects will stop, jobs will go and home owners hoping to move into their new home or finish their renovation project will miss out,” concluded Ms Bull.

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