Residents in the Upper Murray region are asked to be kind and patient with builders as many homeowners look to rebuild fire-damaged properties two years after the Black Summer bushfires tore through the region. 

Victoria’s Upper Murray was devasted by the black summer bushfires of 2019-20, and communities are only now returning to life as the rebuild process continues. 

While Master Builders Victoria sympathises with residents facing delays rebuilding their homes, we are aware that there are a limited number of registered tradespeople in the Upper Murray region. 

There is an acute shortage of builders, bricklayers, concreters, and electricians in some areas of the Upper Murray, and there is significant building demand in the major regional centres. 

Another problem hampering the rebuilding process is ongoing materials shortages and supply chain constraints - a global issue.  

Timber suppliers across Victoria responding to requests are unsure when in-demand products will become available.  

The timber shortage and trade shortages are already significantly impacting businesses and project delivery in the Upper Murray region.  

Master Builders Victoria asks Consumers to be kind and patient with builders during these unprecedented times as our north east members continue to work with residents to rebuild fire-damaged homes.   

We know that everyone is trying their best in some exceptionally challenging circumstances, and we know that the pressures on the building industry could escalate in the coming months.  

At the request of MBV, the Victorian Government asked Commissioner for Better Regulation and Red Tape Commissioner, Anna Cronin, to investigate the complex issue of building and construction material shortages.  

The Commissioner delivered her report on the state of supply shortages in Victoria to the government last month. 

Master Builders Victoria chief executive officer Rebecca Casson visited north-east Victorian operators facing a registered builder shortage, a skilled migration freeze, materials and skills deficits, and surging prices. 

She spoke to the ABC about some of the reasons for the slow-building recovery in the Upper Murray. 

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