All members - particularly Pool Builders - should become familiar with far-reaching changes proposed by State Government.

The  Building  Legislation  Amendment  Bill  2014,  which  is  currently  before  the  Victorian Parliament, will introduce huge changes to the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) - the impact on how builders go about their daily work will change in several significant ways.

The VBA will become a “one stop shop”, entirely responsible for a raft of activities not previously conducted under its roof. Builders will also be exposed to several new processes, including -

- a practitioner demerit scheme & practitioner disciplinary procedures

- home warranty eligibility & certificate issuing (via the VBA)

- warranty claims management

- domestic building disputes, complaints, assessment & resolution process

- the ability to enforce rectification orders (upon builders) 

- expanded practitioner registration processes

- a new CPD (continuing professional development) requirement 

See further coverage from related stakeholders –

Tress Cox Lawyers - Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2014

HIA - The Building Amendment Bill Revealed

State Government Victoria - Legislation will improve building regulation and better protect consumers

Your association is meeting quarterly with the CEO of the VBA to deal with ongoing issues and keep up to date with likely impacts to members. These will be communicated to you as soon as information comes to hand. Members with immediate queries are able to contact Colin Sloggett 0417 536 541 or Brendan Watkins 03 9501 2040.

Builder Survey Regarding Permit Renewals / Extensions

We thank the many builders who participated in the recent survey to ascertain the frequency of permit renewals taking place in our sector. This data is to be used in our submission to the Victorian Government. We’ve been advised that strong supporting evidence was required by SPASA to illustrate the scale of the problem caused by the non-alignment of the permits. SPASA has engaged The Civic Group as independent credible consultants to assist with the process.

Congratulations to Shane Cantwell, the lucky Pool Builder who has won the randomly selected $100 SPASA Credit.

Practice Note

Secondly, we are told that release of the long-awaited VBA Pool & Spa Practice Note is “imminent”.

We have done much lobbying of our issues and hope that this new interpretation document will address several of the “in play” industry issues including:

 - permit extensions,

 - documentation required for Permit applications.

As soon as it is published we will forward a copy to all Builders.

Ladies and Gentlemen, step right up to the Greatest Show on Earth! Reserve your spot at SPASA Victoria's Gala Dinner celebrating the 2014 Awards of Excellence winners. 

With the quality of award submissions improving each year, this year's Gala will be more spectacular than ever.

To be held in the Plaza Ballroom at the Paris end of Collin's Street, this event is one not to be missed. Recently awarded “Venue Caterer of the Year” by the Restaurant & Catering Association, Victoria, the venue is renowned for its exceptional food matched with fine wines, outstanding service and a setting unmatched in history, grandeur and ambience.

With entertainment provided by Cirque Mystique and past Cirque Du Soleil performers and music to dance the night away too - the stage is set for the best Awards of Excellence Gala event yet. 

The evening will give you the opportunity to network with the who's who of industry and see who takes home the prestigious awards, including the coveted Remco Pool of the Year.

 

 

Category Sponsors

 

The Rich River Country Club in Echuca/Moama was the place to be on May 27th & 28th where over 30 members congregated for the Country Chapter training, meeting and dinner. 

Industry Training covering Chemistry - Basic & Advanced, was delivered by the ever knowledgeable Paul Jacobson, with Country Chapter head Callum Ross and CEO Brendan Watkins presenting on a wide range of topics such as 'Knowing Your Legal Obligations', 'Pathway to a Single Entity Body' and the VBA. The topics raised resulted in some great discussion and feedback for the association.

The Country Chapter meeting continually proves to be a popular event on the SPASA calendar with all events well received by industry members from across the state. It provides our Country Members with the opportunity to network, engage and learn.

We extend a sincere thank you to those who took the time to attend and support SPASA's initiatives.

Members can request a copy of the slideshow by emailing rowena@spasavic.com.au.

SPASA Victoria has just changed the login details to the Member Area on www.spasavic.com.au. 

As a financial member you are encouraged to utilise these resources, including archived copies of past member bulletins and meeting minutes, the SPASA event calendar, OH&S resources (including SWMS templates) and various booking forms.

The new case sensitive username and password effective from today are in the email.

Please check your email to see these new details!

We trust the new login details are easy to remember and use.

If you haven’t logged in recently, please take five minutes to have a look around at the resources that are available.

NB. Pool Builder Members who have registered for online construction contracts should continue to use their personalised username and password for contract access.

SAI Global have recently revised the 'Guide to Standards - Dangerous Goods' relating to the topic of working with different dangerous goods that are common in our industry. This handy reference tool will help you and your colleagues to understand how Standards may apply to your business.

The recently revised Dangerous Goods guide provides you with a breakdown of the technical information applicable to areas such as:

• Gas
• Flammable and Combustible Liquids
• Explosives
• Toxic and Infectuous Substances
• Tanks and Containers
• And much more...

It also includes information on the Australian Dangerous Goods Code, Safe Work Method Statements, Emergency Response Guides, Australian Standards and relevant Certification Schemes.

To download your copy of the guide click here.

The Fair Work Building and Construction (FWBC) website has 28 new templates to make record keeping simpler. The templates include information that is required to be kept by law, as well as information that is desirable to keep when managing your staff. 

They have added the documents to the website, which you can download and use in the management of your business. They can be accessed by clicking on the ’Resources’ section at www.fwbc.gov.au, and are listed under the following sub-headings: 

•           Pay-slips and record keeping
•           Employing staff
•           Annual leave and long-service leave
•           Variation to hours of work
•           Flexible working arrangements
•           Parental leave
•           Managing and ending employment

FWBC's aim is to make it easier for employers to comply with workplace laws. This page should be a one-stop-shop for employers who want to make sure their records are up-to-date and they are doing the right thing.  They also serve as a prompt reminder of the information that you should be keeping.  Save the templates to your computer today. 

Visit www.fwbc.gov.au. 

CPSISC (Construction & Property Services Industry Skills Council) represent the workforce training and skills development needs of the construction and property services industries and are committed to encouraging recruitment to meet current skill shortages and the future demand for a skilled workforce.

They have recently questioned the idea put forward by the Commission of Audit under Recommendation 39, to devolve all VET policy/programs to the States, labelling it as inappropriate and damaging in the context of a national economy which relies on a skilled, mobile workforce with up-to-date and nationally consistent skill standards.

This is an economic efficiency and productivity issue, and not an educational issue. Industry strongly supports the existing system of national standards for vocational education and training.  Whether or not education as a constitutional responsibility is devolved to the States, the Commonwealth has an overall responsibility for Australia’s economy and economic management, and a skilled, productive, mobile workforce is a fundamental part of national economic performance.

To read more on this topic visit www.cpsisc.com.au

A swimming pool is more than a great way to beat the heat. A pool is also a lasting investment in your property.

Reprinted from earlier Member Email communication:

Australia boasts 1.2 million household swimming pools; the world’s highest per capita rate of pool ownership. An overwhelming majority of homeowners believe pools add value to their property and now the figures are in to prove this really is the case. A study on the impact of pools on house values in Melbourne’s inner east suggests that pools can greatly push up values. The report, by buyers’ advocates, Secret Agent, looked at three to five-bedroom houses sold between 2010 and 2013.

The report states that “swimming pools can add anywhere from $97,118 (6.61 per cent) in Camberwell to $530,017 (33.27 per cent) in Kew to the value of a house”.

Property valuer and adviser David McCrae, of McCrae Property says “Typically a 3-metre or 2.5-metre-wide by 7 or 8-metre lap pool costs $50,000 or $60,000 to build. If you put that in the right place, it can easily add $100,000 to the property”.

This increase in value is due to a swimming pool’s aesthetic charm and recreational appeal, both important qualities to potential buyers. Swimming pools are a lifestyle thing and lifestyle is what buyers are seeking.

There is no doubt that a pool’s value is much more complex than dollars and cents. Australians love to live the warmer months around their pools – especially those families with kids – so the pool can become a focal point of a property and the outdoor living space can be just as important as the indoor living space.

SPASA Victoria CEO Brendan Watkins states “We have always known that investing in a pool is a great lifestyle choice but here is the proof that it is also a good financial decision. Families consider their outdoor living spaces to be as important as indoor. We are an outdoors nation and we love to entertain around the BBQ and pool in summer. It’s all about living a healthy lifestyle in the sun”

“Overall, it can be concluded that for the right property and location, a pool can be a wonderful addition, as well as a way to add value to one’s residence” according to the Secret Agent report.

It’s interesting to note that Andrew Wilson, senior economist at Fairfax-owned Australian Property Monitors says the number of building approvals for pools is on the rise – leading to an optimistic outlook for the future of the pool & spa industry and the health & wealth of future pool owners.

For a copy of the report titled ‘Take a Dive’ by Secret Agent visit www.secretagent.com.au

The Board of SPASA warmly welcomes new members to the Association.

New Provisional Members:

Affordable Glass Pool Fencing
Principals or Directors: Debra Barton
Membership Category: Pool Fencing - Provisional
Website: www.affordableglasspoolfencing.com.au

Australian Spas & Pools
Principals or Directors: Matthew Ramke-Meyer / Paul Bonaddio
Membership Category: Restricted - Provisional
Website: www.australianspasandpools.com.au

Change In Member Category:

Showpiece Pools
Principals or Directors: Moreno Staffieri
New Membership Category: Pool Builder
Website: www.showpiecepools.com.au

In The Swim
Principals or Directors: Cameron Gale
New Membership Category: Pool Builder
Website: www.intheswim.com.au

Featuring profiles on association members

Bisazza was established in 1956 in Alte Vicenza, Northern Italy, an iconic location set halfway between Venice and Lake Garda.

Entrepreneurial leadership, a mastery of modern technologies and an ability to anticipate interior design trends, quickly established Bisazza as the industry leader in the production of interior and exterior glass mosaic tiles.

Today, Bisazza’s mosaic collections span a huge array of applications – wherever beautiful design can touch people’s everyday lives. Bisazza glass mosaic is enjoyed in the homes of private clients, in hotels and large architectural schemes. Their mosaic designs are applied to pools, bathrooms, lobbies, living areas and public spaces.

This month we catch up with VIC, SA & Tas Manager, Jo Campbell who gives us an insight to Bisazza.

What does your business offer?
Bisazza Australia was set up in 2002 to look after the local market. We offer company representation in every state, and hold stock for our customers in our Sydney warehouse. In short, we offer a wonderful Italian glass mosaic to line swimming pools, and a friendly local to help you with anything you may need!

What are the most exciting & challenging parts of your business?
Having an Italian Head Office can be both exciting and challenging! It is always exciting to see the new products and designs released each year, but it can be challenging to meet the needs of our market. So we are very proud and excited about the release of our new Australian Pool Range this year. It has been designed only for Australia - specifically meeting the decorative and technical needs of our market, including colours which are unique to pools in Victoria.

What’s a typical day in your world?
After many hours in hair and make up I casually stroll on stage and wow the audience!

What’s something you’ve always wanted to do?
Win a Logie. It looks easy!

Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My Mother. She was an amazing lady.

Bonus question... Boardies or Budgies??
Bikini

View Bisazza for more information on their product range.

                     Like to be featured in a SPASA Bulletin Profile? Just let Rowena know: rowena@spasavic.com.au

Spa & Pool Show at MCEC (Winter Show) 2014 - Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 August, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre, For bookings contact AEE on 9676 2133

Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner - Saturday 30 August, Plaza Ballroom 

Pool Construction Essentials - Monday 15 September, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Hydraulics (Basic) - Tuesday 16 September, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Hydraulics (Advanced) - Wednesday 17 September, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Chemistry (Basic) - Monday 22 September, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Chemistry (Advanced) - Wednesday 24 & Thursday 25 September, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

Chemistry (Basic) - Friday 10 October, SPASA Training Centre, Notting Hill

SPASA AGM - Wednesday 12 November. SPASA, Notting Hill

Pool & Spa Expo 2015 - Friday 30 January - Sunday 1 February, Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. For bookings contact AEE on 9676 2133

Partner Association Events

SPASA Australia - Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner - Thursday 17th July, Crowne Plaza, Gold Coast in conjunction with SPLASH! Pool & Spa Trade Show - Booking forms can be found here!

Queensland– Golf Day ~ 22 August, Trade Show & Awards of Excellence Dinner ~ 23 August 

Western Australia – Awards Night ~ 26 July, Get Ready for Summer Expo ~ 13-14 September

South Australia – Pool & Spa Show ~ 5 & 6 July, Golf Day ~ 3 October

      

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