Building and construction confidence continues to grow
The Sunshine Coast continues to stand out as a driver of building and construction industry growth, with the new Master Builders’ Quarterly Building Insights report supporting the positive results of Council’s Development Indicator Report.
The Sunshine Coast continues to stand out as a driver of building and construction industry growth, with the new Master Builders’ Quarterly Building Insights report supporting the positive results of Council’s Development Indicator Report.
Regional Planning Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said the Master Builders’ Building Insights report highlighted the continued buoyancy of the residential sector and a rebound in the commercial sector, which mirrored Council’s reported increase in building approvals and the number of major projects currently under construction across the Sunshine Coast.
“Sustained confidence across the building and construction industries, coupled with significant capital investment in the Sunshine Coast, is creating a positive economic environment for our region,” Cr Dickson said.
“The increased building and construction activity is contributing to economic growth and investment opportunities that are helping to position the region as a leading economic and urban centre in Australia."
Master Builders’ regional manager Will Wilson said the quarterly Survey of Industry Conditions provided information and analysis on industry expectations and business performance, based on a survey of Master Builders’ members across Queensland.
“The Master Builders’ Survey of Industry Conditions is one of the best ways to gauge specific industry expectations and business performance in all regions across Queensland,” Mr Wilson said.
“Survey respondents on the Sunshine Coast have enjoyed strong results in both turnover and profitability, and are optimistic for still more gains in the upcoming quarter,” Mr Wilson said
“The optimism is boosted by a strengthening of employment levels in the industry over the three months to June 2015, with one in five businesses (21%) reporting higher employment levels.
“Encouragingly, results for apprenticeships are even stronger with nearly one in three respondent businesses (31%) recording an increase.
Cr Dickson said optimism in the industry was not misplaced, with Sunshine Coast Council recently recording building development approvals in excess of $1 billion for the third consecutive year.
“During the April to June 2015 quarter, the estimated value of construction for building applications was $296 million, bringing the total value of approvals across the Sunshine Coast in 2014/15 to $1.18 billion,” Cr Dickson said.
“The steady and consistent growth of development across the region fits with Council’s strategic approach as we shape a positive future for the Sunshine Coast.”
Sunshine Coast Council’s Quarterly Development Indicator reports up to June 30, 2015 are available on Council’s website at www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.
Development Applications can be viewed via PD Online and Open Data.
Copies of the Master Builders’ Quarterly Building Insights report and results for each region, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Burnett Wide Bay, Darling Downs & South West Queensland, Mackay & Whitsunday, Central Queensland, Far North Queensland and North Queensland are available at www.masterbuilders.asn.au.