COVID Stage 4 building restrictions in place currently limit tradespeople to three working sites a week.
Coupled with other restrictions on the industry, there will likely be a logjam of homes under construction unable to be completed in a timely manner, a situation that “could leave thousands of average Victorians and their families out in the cold during the remaining weeks of winter, and longer”, Executive Director HIA Fiona Nield said.
“The residential building industry has worked tirelessly to meet government COVID requirements, to prevent its spread and protect the health and safety of workers, clients and Victorians,” Ms Nield said.
“But with over 60,000 homes under construction across Victoria, including up to 6000 new homes with their imminent completion now on hold, the Stage 4 restrictions risk placing an additional financial and emotional burden on tens of thousands of Victorian families.
“These are challenging times for all Victorians, more so for these families now seriously affected by the criteria applied to trade workers.
“The financial stress of extending rental leases, ongoing additional rental costs, mortgage payments for homes unable to reach completion and concerns about work rescheduling once the restrictions pass will test their patience, tolerance and finances.
“With some fine tuning to the Stage 4 parameters, the industry will be better positioned to significantly reduce the impact on Victorian families.”
