More than 100 visitors and exhibitors gathered at Bundaberg Multiplex Convention Centre Exhibition Hall last week as the 2025 Master Builders BUSSQ Roadshow rolled into town.
This year’s event saw industry experts deliver advice on helping businesses ensure top-notch quality in their work to keep clients happy, employees safe and secure in their work, and keep thriving amid the tough economic climate we find ourselves in.
The expert panellists include Bernie San Diego, Queensland and NT Specification Manager at Alspec Everything Aluminium and Hardware; and Building Certifier Matt Casey from Bundaberg building inspection company Certcorp DGL.
The panel session was convened by Master Builders General Manager – Building Services & Licensing, Tony Mitchell, and Wide Bay Burnett Regional Manager Ian Langer hosted the event as MC.
Bernie and Matt shared what business owners and operators can do to check their products are fit-for-purpose, avoid dodgy products to protect themselves and their clients, get paid on time, and avoid painful and costly disputes.
The trade show featuring local trade exhibitors with the latest products and services was also a huge hit, with every attendee also taking home a goody bag.
Mr Mitchell said the event was aimed at arming builders with information about the testing process, how they can source the evidence they need that the products they’re using tick all the right boxes, and record and share that suitability information with property owners.
“It started with a few serious incidents that called into question the suitability of building products – combustible external cladding and infinity electrical cable are high profile examples,” he told the crowd.
“But there are others. And because of products like these, the National Construction Code is shining the spotlight on complying with Australian Standards more than ever.
“The QBCC is also involved – they require you to provide product suitability information to the owner – so you need to know how to meet those obligations.
“As well, we’re hearing about owners engaging expert consultants who are using product suitability requirements to prove that a contractor is in breach of their contract – even when there is no indication of product failure.
And this usually ends up costing the contractor.
We’ve heard of a builder who lost $150,000 when their client proved they used the incorrect wind speed when they ordered the windows and doors for the house.
In all these cases, if the builder had understood the requirements, they could have saved themselves a lot of money, time and heartache.
Mr Mitchell said the topic was especially important right now off the back of the severe weather seen across the state this year – extreme rainfall and flooding, and even ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred making its way so far down the coast into South East Queensland.
“These kinds of events really put the spotlight on any non-compliant products that have been used,” he said.
