Page 47 - Tropic Magazine Issue 22

TROPIC • CONSTRUCTION

1. Cairns Convention Centre expansion
2. Construction site, Parramatta Park Social
Housing Units
1 3. Artist’s impression of Cairns Central upgrade

Housing remains flat
Approvals for residential buildings have steadied following a
sharp fall in 2018. Master Builders Queensland figures show
there was a 31% drop in house approvals and an 80% drop in
unit approvals in the 2018/19 financial year. Since last July,
housing approvals have increased. Unit approvals, however,
continue to fall.
3

Sub-contractor prices are
likely to get driven higher
because of the supply and

demand of skilled labour
Brad Bell

of the supply and demand of skilled
labour.”
However, Mr Bell said there will be Of the 4,200 FNQ 1%
opportunities for everyone in the construction businesses
industry. “You’ve got other small
and medium size projects coming
up in the region, too,” he said. “The 57% are sole traders
notable projects in Cairns will likely
attract attention from the larger sub- 42% are small and 57%
contractors and keep them occupied. 42%
The knock-on effect and benefit to medium enterprises
the smaller sub-contractors in town
who might not have the experience or 1% are large
capacity to be bidding on these bigger companies
jobs, is a foot in the door on the small
and medium-sized projects.” Source: Construction Skills Queensland

47 • tropicnow.com.au