Why the construction industry received ‘special treatment’ with reopening roadmap

The reopening rules for Victoria’s construction industry have been unveiled by the state government.

Up to 25 per cent of workers can return to work next Tuesday, and large-scale sites could return to 100 per cent capacity as soon as Victoria reaches the 70 per cent double-dose vaccination threshold.

Workers must have at least one vaccine dose to work on-site, and each site must have a trained COVID marshal.

Tea rooms may also be used for breaks, with strict density limits and additional ventilation and cleaning.

The boss of the Victorian branch of the peak body representing urban development acknowledged the reopening plan is faster than plans for many other industries.

But he says there’s good reason for that.

“I don’t think it (the construction industry) receives special treatment for any reason other than it is an industry which provides so much to the Victorian economy,” Victorian branch CEO of Urban Development Institute of Australia, Matthew Kandelaars, told 3AW Drive.

“When you look at the size and scale of not only direct construction activity but the inputs, the materials … it employs well over 300,000 Victorians, it contributes half of the state’s revenue. Half of those taxes come from property taxes.

“It is an incredibly important industry for our state and obviously moving forward … it is so important that we have a running start to that economic recovery.”

Press PLAY below to hear more on the UDIA’s reaction to the reopening plan