Like all Victorians, we are devastated by the ongoing issues our state is having with COVID-19. The decision to scale back the building and construction industry is one we are equally devasted by. As the Premier said today, building and construction is the lifeblood of the Victorian economy.  However, we acknowledge the State Government’s difficult decision regarding our industry during these challenging times.

Despite the great work everyone in our industry has done to keep it safe,  we understand the broader issues at play and we will continue to work with the Government and DHHS to ensure this scaling back is as brief as possible, and the effects to the Victorian economy are also minimised by being ready to go at full capacity when allowed.  

We know that infection rates in the building and construction industry have been well below community average, and we know that all of the proactive measures our industry has taken including onsite testing, physical distancing, daily sanitization procedures, temperature screening and face masks have demonstrated the agility of our industry to adapt to public health challenges. 

The detail of how much impact this move will have on our industry will be assessed over the coming days. There are many unanswered questions, and we continue to work round the clock in pursuit of answers.

Our concern for the moment though is ensuring that employers and employees can navigate a way through this period with businesses and jobs intact. To do so, we will continue to collaborate with other industry associations and unions, and the State Government, to ensure livelihoods and projects are protected.

We know how important the building and construction industry is to the 300,000 people employed within it and to all Victorians through the 13% of the economy it feeds. Our track record on safety controls, willingness and ability to adapt, and collaboration with other industry groups and unions means we can make this period as short as safety allows, and lessen the blow to the economy.

There are more challenges ahead and it is incumbent on everyone in the building and construction industry to be vigilant while we work daily with DHHS and the Government to adapt best practices to keep our industry safe.

New Stage 4 Lockdown Measures – applying to Metropolitan Melbourne only

From Friday night at 11.59pm, construction projects will be split into three categories with varying restrictions that will dramatically reduce the industry's output.

1. Large scale – projects of more than 3 stories exc. basement

  • Maximum 25% of normal employees onsite at any time
  • Must implement high risk COVID Safe Plan


2. Small scale – projects of 3 stories or less exc. Basement

  • Maximum 5 workers inc. supervisors
  • Must implement universal COVID Safe Plan

3. State and civil construction projects

  • Exempt from staff reduction targets, but assessed on a project basis
  • Must implement high risk COVID Safe Plan

Requirements across all sites

  • No blending shifts
  • Workers may only work on one site
  • Contact tracing is required as part of the COVID Safe plans

See this LINK for full information

There will be many more questions that we will work on with members over the coming days as more details of the announcement are known.

In the meantime please stay safe and we at Master Builders Victoria will be here to work with you right through this difficult time.

At this time of uncertainty, we encourage members to take advantage of the numerous support resources available to them including:

Members should always feel free to call us for information on (03) 9411 4555.