Construction will return to full capacity at unoccupied sites in New South Wales with COVID-safe plans, if vaccination requirements are met.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the construction industry was crucial to the NSW economy contributing around $46.8 billion each year and directly employing 380,000 people.
“Construction is going to play a key role in our economic recovery and it’s vital we get tradies back on the tools as quickly and safely as possible,” Perrottet said.
“The industry has shown the way when it comes to getting back to work and is a prime example of how our workplaces will progressively reopen as we reach vaccination targets and will provide a much-needed boost to the State’s economy.”
From Monday, the cap on construction will be removed completely for all unoccupied construction sites, and the cap on the number of outdoor workers at occupied sites will also be removed. Workforce vaccination requirements and requirements for COVID-safe site plans remain in place.
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Workers from LGAs of concern who meet vaccination requirements are already permitted to leave their LGAs for construction on unoccupied sites. Workers will also be able to leave their LGAs to do outdoor work on occupied sites, provided they meet the current vaccination requirements for authorised workers.
Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Minister Stuart Ayres said the easing of restrictions is an important step on the road to construction fully reopening in NSW and to keeping people in jobs.
“Today’s announcement comes in recognition of the effort made by the construction industry to put COVID safe practices in place and to get workers vaccinated in large numbers. Those other measures will remain in place even once the cap is lifted,” Ayres said
“We would like to thank the industry for the work they have put in to get the right outcome for the industry and for the wider community.”
“Getting vaccinated workers back on the tools as soon as possible is our priority, but we need to ensure it is done in a safe way to protect both workers and the community.”