PDF | 8 MB - Australian Building Codes Board

ChAirmAn’S ADDreSS
Mr Graham huxley AM
Welcome to the Spring 2010 edition
of the Australian Building Regulation
Bulletin.
In response to the 2009 Victorian
Bushfires Royal Commission, ABCB has
completed the development of a new
national standard for the design and
construction of bushfire shelters for
personal use. The new performance
standard has been released and is
available for use by State and Territory
regulators. The Bushfires Royal
Commission has also released its final
report and we are responding to the
issues it has raised.
The Building Ministers’ Forum (BMF) met
early July to consider the ABCB annual
business plan and several matters
impacting on the building regulation
reform agenda. BMF endorsed our 2010-
11 business plan and were appraised
of the considerable progress that has
been made with the implementation of
the National Construction Code reform,
which incorporates on site plumbing
requirements with the BCA.
The Disability (Access to Premises –
Buildings) Standards are expected to
be introduced on 1 May 2011. They will
lead to significant improvements in the
level of access required in new buildings
and existing buildings undergoing
renovation. It is also anticipated that
corresponding changes will be included
in BCA 2011 at the same time. The ABCB
is partnering with the Australian Human
Rights Commission to deliver awareness
seminars to all capital cities in August
and September 2010. The seminars will
provide industry, disability groups and
other interested stakeholders with an
overview of the Premises Standards and
their effect when implemented.
I encourage you to attend the Premises
Standards Seminar Series commencing
in August. Further information on the
Seminars can be found in this edition, or
on our website at www.abcb.gov.au
Graham Huxley AM
Chairman
2 • Australian Building Regulation Bulletin