Goondiwindi Regional Council encourages individuals to lodge their residential building application prior to the new National Construction Code Implementations adopted from October 1, 2023
« Back- Submit your residential building application before the new National Construction Code is applied
- While the new code promises energy efficiency and accessibility, construction costs will rise
- Once an application has been received, before the deadline, it will not be subject to the new regulations
Goondiwindi Regional Council actively encourages individuals considering residential building projects to submit their building applications before Sunday, October 1, 2023.
This is due to the upcoming Queensland-wide implementation of new energy efficiency and accessibility standards for new and renovated homes as part of the Modern Homes Agenda adopted in the National Construction Code 2022 (NCC2022).
Mayor of the Goondiwindi Region, the Honourable Cr Lawrence Springborg AM, said that Council, along with other regional councils, have been advocating to the Queensland government to delay the implementation of the new code whilst all regions are experiencing a housing crisis.
While the new National code is intended to promote energy efficiency and improved accessibility in residential construction, it is however expected that it will increase construction costs.
To mitigate the impact of increased building costs, investors and residents can apply to Council for building approvals by submitting their application form and plans prior to October 1.
"Rest assured that any applications received before October 1 will not be subjected to the new regulations," Cr Springborg said.
However, any applications lodged on or after October 1 are subject to the new requirements.
Building applications received before October 1, 2023, will be assessed against the previous Energy Efficiency and Accessibility standards (NCC 2019). While building approvals can still be issued after October 1, the building application must have been received before that date.
"By submitting an application before the beginning of October, there would still be a two-year window to complete the construction of the home," Cr Springborg said.
The new NCC 2022 was adopted in Queensland on May 1, 2023, but it did not include the changes regarding energy efficiency and accessible housing design.
The adoption of Residential Energy Efficiency Standards and Liveable Housing Design Standards in Queensland is set for October 1, 2023. Consequently, these new laws will apply from that date onwards.
For further information please see the Queensland Government Department of Energy and Public Works and the Australian Building Codes Board websites: https://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/building-property-development/building-construction/laws-codes-standards