How the Biosecurity Act 2014 could benefit the Queensland construction industry:
Last week, we briefly examined the recent introduction of the Biosecurity Act 2014, which changes the way that pest, disease and contaminant management is handled in Queensland. It puts the responsibility in the hands of the individual, business or organisation, to take reasonable steps to minimise risks, when these risks are identifiable.
The Act also gives the government broader powers to deal with risks. This includes biosecurity programs, which allow the government to identify and respond to risks in non-emergency situations, and biosecurity orders, which permit the government to enforce individuals, businesses or companies to comply to certain obligations.
Why these changes matter – the need for improved pest control in the construction industry:
Any builder could tell you that pests cause significant damage to buildings. From termites and mice, to ants and bees, there’s no shortage of pests that can destroy materials, or reduce the value of a property. Just ask the residents of Brisbane, Maryborough, Bundaberg, Townsville and Rockhampton, who’ve been confronted by a serious termite problem, as reported earlier this year, in the
ABC’s QLD Country Hour. The West Indian drywood termite inhabits structural timbers, earning itself a reputation as one of the most destructive drywood termites in the world. Mike Ashton, Queensland Chief Plant Health Manager with Biosecurity Queensland, told the ABC that “ongoing infestations” have been significant and costly, resulting in the need to treat multiple buildings each year.
Infestations can also create significant delays in the timelines of project developments.
The expectation is that the Biosecurity Act 2014 will minimise the severity of pest infestations, through prevention and control, because of stricter regulations and an emphasis on shared responsibility for biosecurity.
Next week, we’ll look at examples of specific pest control methods, which could benefit the construction industry. We’ll also examine how the sector might be required to adapt under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
