Coast builders seek solution to border woes as contracts go begging

GOLD COAST builders say they are still unable to get to their worksites south of the border bubble but those from NSW have been given the all clear to get to Brisbane as tough COVID-19 rules bite.

The Master Builders Association last week raised concerns about the delays hard border closures will cause for the industry, particularly those on the Coast who need to travel from Queensland to jobs worth millions of dollars in NSW and as far south as Lismore.

The group also said there was confusion over construction workers from NSW getting into Queensland but admit that situation has since been resolved.

“Over the weekend we saw some movements in the right direction,” Gold Coast regional manager John Duncalf said.

“The health orders made it clear construction workers could be considered essential so that is good news. However the change doesn’t address the broader issue that is builders and subcontractors who need to travel into NSW for work won’t be able to get back home without quarantining.

“We are aware plenty of people have woken up to the fact they may lose their contracts over the border now.

“We have a guy who had a job at Byron Bay, only just signed the contract and now can’t get down there and back.

“Builders are at a point where they’re looking to live in their caravans at the work sites in NSW just to ride it out.

“People can’t afford to be losing work at the moment.”

Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler said the rules were available online: “Everyone needs to go online and make those inquiries online and make an application, where they’ve got queries they should contact Queensland Health and there’s a number on the application website,” he said.