The Queensland Government has announced that new plumbing laws aimed at significantly reducing red tape, delays and costs for industry, local governments and consumers have begun operation.

 

State Housing and Public Works Minister Bruce Flegg said that ‘notifiable work’ reforms expanded the amount of work a plumber or drainer can perform without the need for local government permits or mandatory inspections.

 

“These reforms mark the biggest change to the state’s plumbing and drainage industry in many years,” Dr Flegg said. 

 

“It will now be cheaper and faster for most routine work to be performed so it’s a win for everyone.  

 

“Previously, plumbing work such as a bathroom or kitchen renovation would have to go through local government approval and inspection processes which could cost up to $1600 and take up to 20 business days just for permits and inspections. 

 

“From today, plumbers and drainers simply need to notify the Plumbing Industry Council within 10 business days of completing this type of work and it will cost $25 for an electronic lodgement or $35 for a manual lodgement,” he said. 

 

Dr Flegg said the changes have created a new category called ‘notifiable work’.  

 

“This category includes most plumbing and drainage work performed in existing homes including kitchen renovations, putting in a new bathroom and extending or altering pipes.   

 

“Queenslanders are expected to save up to $25 million on plumbing application fees annually on kitchen and bathroom renovations alone.”