Media Release
15 DECEMBER 2008
Climate Change Will Challenge Building Industry
Statement by Mr Wilhelm Harnisch, Chief Executive Officer
Master Builders Australia, the peak body for the building and construction industry,
has given cautious support to the Government’s Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme
White Paper, welcoming the boost for investing in green technology designed to
soften the blow of tackling climate change.
Mr Wilhelm Harnisch, CEO of Master Builders Australia said “Dealing with climate
change in the building and construction industry is extremely challenging, more so in
turbulent times as a result of the global financial crisis and economic slowdown.”
“The devil is in the detail, but
the White Paper
seeks to strike the right balance in
ensuring Australia has a leadership role in shaping a long term global response to
climate change,
and in making sure that Australia assumes no more than its fair
share of the international community’s burden to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”
Mr Harnisch said, “For the residential sector, the cold hard reality is that moving
towards carbon neutrality will result in higher cost to every household in Australia
and therefore welcomes the $6 billion in household compensation measures.”
“Whilst interest rates have come down and housing affordability is beginning to
improve, we need to be mindful of the increased cost to home ownership associated
with climate change measures, and the inefficiencies of more stringent and
mandated policies”, said Mr Harnisch.
“Master Builders is pleased to see that the Federal Government has responded to its
calls for appropriate measures for the building industry to soften the blow.”
“The $1.4 billion small business capital allowance program announced today should
assist builders and others to invest in energy efficient equipment such as hot water
systems, insulation, lighting, heating and air conditioning.”
“The introduction of climate change measures will see sweeping changes throughout
the building and construction industry supply chain to bring Australian buildings up to
green standards”, he concluded.
For further information contact: Wilhelm Harnisch on 0402 039 039
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