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January 2010
Welcome to 2010!
Latest BIO System Developments!
BIO Member to Member Benefits
Industry Events & Notices
Industry Updates!
Member Updates!
Industry Training Courses!
Career Opportunities!
Current BIO Projects - Statewide!
New BIO Members
Visit our website
Email Us
P: 1300 604 001
F: 07 4755 0631
 
Unit 1, 9 Turnbull Street,
Garbutt, Qld 4812
 
Welcome to 2010!

Welcome to a new year and a fresh start to what is shaping up to be a very busy and active year for most.  The latest reports from the ABS ( Australian Bureau of Statistics ) have building approvals on the rise across all States and feedback from our members indicate a very healthy increase in contracts being signed and projects commencing. 

In this months newsletter you will find a host of industry updates and legislation changes.  Many of these changes came into effect on January 1st.  Make sure you keep your business in the loop and take a look. 

Our industry training partners have some fantastic training courses on offer, with some courses coming with full or part government funding.  Make the most of these opportunities while they last, whether it be for yourself or members of your team.

BIO Developers have been working hard to bring online some great new features in record time.  Builders are now able to fully customise profiles and get preferred teams of subcontractors and suppliers online. They simply click the link on their "My Home" page to add them in.  Read through out system updates to see what applies to you.

Membership to Building Industry Online continues to grow.  Take a minute to see which businesses are among our newest members. 

Until next month!

The BIO Team. 

Latest BIO System Developments!

Building Industry Online now has a "Stand Alone" Profile for our Builder & Project Managers.

The BIO system is now fully customisable with Builders being able to add their own subcontractors, suppliers and staff to their personal, customised regions.  Subcontractors and Suppliers added through this feature will only be accessible by the individual builder who creates them. Simply click the Register your team link on your “My Home” page to get going.

 BIO Builders Profile - Features

Standard Profile 

Premium Profile

Customised Profile 

Add in your own team of subcontractors and suppliers - Instruction Videos & Training Manuals - Automatically sent to all new members. 

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Access to all "Open Market"  Subcontractors & Suppliers / reg region/s. 

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Central Document Management System.

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Secure Data Centre - ( servers hosted in a secure data centre monitored 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Backups taken every 30 minutes) 

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Unlimited Document Upload

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Multiple Document Upload Tool ( upload multiple documents in one action - Our zip tool will automatically unzip them and place them on line for individual access by your team -  fast/efficient/effective) 

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Create Unlimited Projects

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Private Document Exchange -  Brilliant for storage and exchange of information such as quotes, RFI's, Site Instructions, Variations or Contracts. Information exchange is between you and your individual team members.  Eliminate error and lost information.

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Project Template Feature  ( Create and save templates of your projects for multiple use.)

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Self Managed Profiles  - Your subcontractors and suppliers keep their profile information up to date for you!  Contract Compliance, Insurance and Contact Information - managed by your subcontractors and suppliers from one location.

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Document Access Report - Full list of all documents accessed by your team members with date and time of access.

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Project Notification Tool - Notifications sent via email or sms.  A full history of notifications stored per project.  ( Use for Addenda, Project Updates and more.)

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On Project Report - Generate a report of all subcontractors and suppliers on your project.  Export to Excel

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Project Archive  - Archive your tender and project information for future access.

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Online Tender Advertising - All current projects with "open" requirements will automatically display in our "Current Projects"  advertising page. 

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Discount Printing & Courier Service 

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Builder Tender Profile - Get access to new opportunities- Architects, Project Managers, Developers.

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Building Industry Online has been created by construction industry professionals and our success can be directly attributed to our close consultation with our membership base. 

Feedback has enabled the BIO system to develop into an "all encompassing" solution to industry needs.  In 2010 we will continue to grow and develop the features of our system to meet the demands of our members and the requirements of industry.


Coming Soon...

Multiple Delete Option on Templates - Our templates are a quick and easy tool to use when loading your projects and we are making them even better.   Editing your template will be breeze with our multiple delete function....coming soon.

"Select All" feature in the Advanced Mail View - In line with our aim to minimise system maintenance  you will have the ability to tick one box to manage and respond to all of your system messages.....coming soon.

BIO Member to Member Benefits

New Online Promotional Pages available now!

As we grow, we are building a unique network of members focused on the Construction Industry as well as developing partnerships of common benefit.  In order to further promote these partnerships we have created a central Member to Member benefits page,  accessible from our homepage link.

For more information on how to get involved or a confidential discussion on partnership possibilities please call us on 1300 604 001.


Member to Member Benefits

BIO members benefit from our construction industry network!.

  • Training
  • Human Resources
  • Legal
  • Industrial Relations
  • Recruitment
  • Apprenticeship Services
  • Printing
  • Marketing
  • Web Development
  • Appliance Packages
  • Finance

See what business benefits are available through your BIO membership today!.


TREC - Townsville Regional Engineering Cluster - Invites BIO Members to get involved!.

TREC is an advanced and expanding industry association representing Mining, Mining Services, Engineering, Educational, Manufacturing, Construction and support services in the North Queensland Region.  Members benefit from services such as Training, Industrial Training of Employees, AESC rating, Employment agency support, Web site / Internet development, Introduction to overseas customers, facilitation in business growth locally and overseas, trade missions and networking partnerships.

TREC has been instrumental in implementing programs with state and federal members for recovery initiatives aimed at getting businesses bouncing back from the recent decline and increasing employment opportunities.

The Townsville Economic Recovery Taskforce Pilot Project Committee was formed as part of these initiatives which TREC was asked to join as a key member.  TREC woud like to invite BIO members to join TREC which will expand its ability to bid for and win new projects from all areas of civil, construction and manufacturing and is offering BIO members a special deal between now and March to join at reduced rate from $825.00 to $660.00 for all new members.  This is a great savings to join a growing cluster.

For more information, please call David on  (07) 47262150.

Industry Events & Notices

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is introducing a new initiative that involves every medium sized business across the State.

As part of the initiative Workplace Health and Safety Queensland will visit every medium sized business in Queensland in 2010 and 2011 to check their compliance with the Workplace Health and Safety Act 1995.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland is offering businesses a free voluntary advisory session to identify workplace health and safety issues and develop better safety practices before an inspection takes place.  The initiative aims to improve the overall health and safety of Queensland workers and workplaces...


Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors Seminar - Relevant to Building Certifiers, Builders, Developers, Architects, Planners, Project Managers, Engineers and the wider professional community!.

A seminar is being held by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) for Best practice in alternate solutions and the building code and will be held in Brisbane on Thursday 25February 2010 at the Hilton Hotel, 190 Elizabeth Street.

RICS is a professional body representing a range of construction and property professionals around the world.   They have applied to become an Accreditation Standard Body for Building Certifiers in Queensland and have committed to delivering a program of continuing professional development.


Changes to User Choice from July 2010 - Employers, apprentices and Trainees.

From 1 July 2010, the Queensland Government will introduce a range  of changes to User Choice to better meet the needs of employers, apprentices and trainees.

The User Choice Provides public funding to training providers to provide quality accredited training to apprentices and trainees.  The program allows the apprentice or trainee and their employer to select their preferred training provider, whether public or private.

Key Stakeholders and other interested parties  are invited to attend a free information session on the changes. Session will be held across various Queensland locations.  Click here to find out more.


Cairns Home & Lifestyle Show 2010

The Cairns Home & Lifestyle Show is on the 27th & 28th March at the Cairns Convention Centre.  Attracting over 5000 people across the two day event this show is a great opportunity to see new products or to promote your business to the Far North Queensland region.

Industry Updates!

Building Approvals On the Rise!

The latest figures from Building Approvals Australia have been released with some very positive results. As reported in the most recent publication, the trend estimate for total number of dwelling units approved in Queensland rose 3.7% in November, with the  trend estimate for the number of private sector housing approvals rising 2.3%.  This is the tenth consecutive rise in as many months.

This is in keeping with a positive result in every state, although the ABS has advised that the tread estimates should be interpreted with caution as the underlying behaviour of building approvals may be affected by initiatives within the Government stimulus package, which included the "Building the Education Revolution" (BER) program and the Social Housing Initiatives.   For more information on November key figures from the ABS  - click here.


Fire Hydrant Installations  - using onsite water storage tanks and pump sets.

As part of the government's strategy to address the sustainability of our future water resources, water service providers were required to implement a range of initiatives to save 60 megalitres per day.   The objective of AS2419.1 is to specify minimum requirements for the design, installation and commissioning of fire hydrant systems.


New Laws Commencing January 1st, 2010.

a). Electric Resistance Hot Water System Replacement

Existing houses and townhouses ( class 1 buildings) located in a reticulated natural gas area must install a greenhouse efficient hot water system. ( ie: gas, solar or heat pump) when the existing electric resistance hot water system needs replacing....

b). Electricity Sub-Metering

New Multi-unit residential ( class 2 ) and office (class 5) buildings are required to have an electricity sub-meter installed for each individual unit or for each storey in an office building where individual lettable areas have not been identified at the time of the building development approval....

c). Ban the Banners

The Building Act 1975, will prohibit new and some existing covenants and body corporate by-laws from banning certain design and energy efficient features or fixtures of a house, townhouse ( class 1a building), unit ( class 2 building) or enclosed garage ( class 10a building).

d).  Sustainability Declarations

Sustainability declarations must be completed by the seller prior to marketing or offering a house, townhouse (class 1a building) or unit ( class 2 building ) for sale.

Member Updates!

Fair Work Information Statements

From 1 January 2010, a Fair Work Information Statement is to be provided to all new employees by their employers as soon as possible after the commencement of employment.  The Statement provides basic information on matters that will affect employment.

For more information visit www.fairwork.gov.au

Click here to download copy


Get the most out of your "MY Documents" section on your profile

Your BIO profile comes with the ability to upload your documents for access by your Building clients.  Make the most of this feature and reduce your administration load.

To assist with contract compliance you can use it to upload copies of your insurance and workcover certifications as well as copies of your confirmation of Code Compliance and / or other licenses.

Your Builders are able to access this information and use it to assess your suitability to their projects requirements.

If you don’t have a website you can upload pictures or details of projects you have undertaken.

General Public members using our “Free Member Search “ facility do not have access to your  “My Documents” section.  This section is only accessible by our industry members.

Make the most of this feature today.  Log on and go to “My Account” and click “Manage My Documents”.


Plan Printing Made Easy

Need something printed to scale?

Building Industry Online has secured a partnerhsip with several different printing services in all regions.  These partnerships provide a fast, reliable, quality printing serive to  BIO members at a greatly reduced rate. The printing services offered by our preferred printers come with an optional courier service to get your documents delivered directly to your door.

For full information on the services and the special member rates offered click the "Print X" link highlighted beside all project documents.

Our built in links make sending your print requests as  simple as clicking a box.  Access to this service has been included with your membership to minimise your down time and reduce your printing costs.   A1 printing starts from $1.10 and A3 printing  from $0.20cents.   Make the most of this service and try it today. (Prices include GST and vary from location). 


Quick Links Upgrade

To make is easy for our members to have access to everything from one central place you will see our new system links are now live.  With direct links to Australian Bureau of StatisticsDIP - Building and Plumbing NewsflashesBSA Online ContractsBSA License search and Project Services Tender Opportunities, you will have instant access with one click!.  If there are any further websites or information that will assist you in your daily business click here to let us know.  We will follow up and get these new links added.

Industry Training Courses!

HIA - Funded Training Opportunities.

Ever considered becoming a Registered GreenSmart Professional? Now is the time!

As a joint initiative between Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) and the Queensland Government, funding* will be made available to applicants who complete the HIA GreenSmart Professional Training Course.

The GreenSmart  Professional Training Course is a two day workshop designed to equip participants with the skills for designing, building and selling enviromentally sustainable housing.

Normally $660  With Funding* Pay Only $330.00!!

Places are limited – So be Quick!

To enroll or obtain further information contact HIA on Email:  v.armstrong@hia.com.au                   Phone:  07 4755 6610

*Eligibility conditions apply

For a full list of the HIA training Calendar click below.


 CCIQ - Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland

Chamber of Commerce & Industry Queensland has extensive experience working in conjunction with organisations across a diverse range of industry sectors.  We provide tailored consultancy services to address the immediate and long- term needs of any organisation.  Our Training incorporates full business overahauls and organisational cultural reviews.

You can select from our extensive range of generic courses both accredited and non-accredited.  All our Professional Development Training programmes are hand picked to ensure they address and reflect current industry initiatives and competency standards.

A full list of our training courses can be found on our website.

Current Grants of up to $4,000.00 per employee are available for eligible business.  CCIQ have developed a tool to help Business ascertain whether they may be eligible.


TP Human Capital - Certificate VI in Project Management.

TP Human Capital is a registered training organisation delivering nationally accredited training in Business Administration, HR Management and Project Management.  Training in any of these qualifications could be free to eligible participants.

To find out more about free accredited training in Certificate IV in Project Management click here.


BIO Webinar Training

Webinar Training is live and active and delivered every Friday from 11am to 12pm.  

Webinar is the new convenient online training system that is being used around the nation and BIO webinars give your the opportunity to learn how to get the most out of your membership from the convenience of your own office.

The training session is linked up via the internett and a teleconference telephone call.   This is a great way to be introduced to features you may have never known.

Current Topics Include:

  • How to use the Trade Contractors & Consultants Profile.
  • How to use the Suppliers Profile.
  • How to use our Website Extra's: Buy & Sell & Employment Classifieds.

To attend our training sessions you will need to be in your office and in front of your computer and have access to speakers or a phone.  Your attendance needs to be booked in advance.  Click here for more information or to book your training session today.

Career Opportunities!

Leading Hand Electrician Required - Innisfail- Approximatly 3 months.

iPower Solutions requires the immediate services of a qualified electrician to assit with a project in Innisfail.  For more information on this contract please click here or email your resume to lindsay@ipowersolutions.com.au


Owner Manager - Allsafe Energy Efficient Products Franchise.

If you have drive, enthusiasm and commitment and are interested in energy efficiency, this could be the business
of your dreams!.  This is the perfect add on service to any business already involved in the construciton industry.

For more information click here or contact Allsafe Franchising Pty Ltd, David Jordan on 07 3268 7233 or 0428 255 723.


Employment Classifieds Advertising  -  Free with your BIO Industry Membership.

Make the most of your membership today and use our free employment classifieds advertising service to assist your business.  Every month we will pick ad's placed in our job classifieds to promote to our newsletter readership of 4000 members across Queensland.

As a member there is no limit to the amount of advertisements you can place, the number of words you use or the time in which you keep your advertisement posted.  Make the most of the ad and insert your company logo and include your website links!.

If you need help with drafting your advertisement or assistance in getting your information online, call us on 1300 604 001.

Current BIO Projects - Statewide!

Current Projects Advertising - Providing a snap shot of all current BIO projects across the state.

Our new "Current Projects" page provides all website users with a snap shot of "open"  BIO projects across the state! 

Builders, use this feature to increase your exposure to market and our members in all locations.   All projects listed as current, with 'open' requirements will automatically pull through.

This is an optional tool.  Projects created and "closed" by our Builders who only link to their preferred team members,  will not be displayed.

Click here  to view our current projects today!.
New BIO Members

Big Fish Painting; ACD Scaffolding Rockhampton P/L; Trusstec NQ; O'Hearn Consulting; KLN Electrical Services (QLD ) Pty Ltd; Sound Control; Daniel Twigg; Ralph Power Architects; Knighs Electrical Constracting ( QLD ) P/L; S & K Waterproofing; Queenton Landscaping Py LTd; K&A surveyors; Parkside Group of Companies; Side by Side Scaffolding & Rigging; MDS Tiling (QLD) Pty Ltd; Steve Harle; A & M Polkinghorne Electrical; Hardcote Trading Pty Ltd; Sign-A-Rama; Cada Formwork Pty Ltd; Project Analysis Pty Ltd; User and Son Painting Contractors; O'Hallorans Termite & Pest; Waco Kwickform Townsville; Waco Kwickform Cairns; Farina Carpentry; Super Green Land Pty Ltd; NQ Door Specialist; Haden; Queensland Terrazzo Repairs Pty Ltd; Pase Building Pty Ltd; Rojo Corporation Pty Ltd; CEC Constructions; Tropic Roofing; Ipower Solutions - Townsville; Fabulous Floor Sanding and Finishing; Queensland Windows; Project Hardware.

Membership Prices

Regions Map

    Try it today!.

www.buildingindustryonline.com.au

 

 $50.00 / region / year

$100 / region / year / unlimited products  

 From $50.00 / month - 2 week free trial

 




 


Testimonial

"Thank you for taking the time to clarify a few issues we had with B.I.O.L.  The process was easy to follow & well explained"

Cairns Glass and Glazing


 


NEWS HEADLINES

»Tender awarded for Toowoomba Brithing Centre Project.... 

»3,700 jobs created last month - fifith straight month of job creation in Queensland....

»Work starts on Cairns Cruise Ship Terminal..

»Massive Social Housing roll-out boosts Queensland economy.

 


Testimonial

"The team at Building Industry Online have been a breath of fresh air for ASP, I have personally utilised many different forms of marketing and networking businesses, but none have been able to offer concept through to the actual delivery of future project information with such ease, we currently have 7-9 new tenders a week that we never had before. BIO's unique download capability certainly outshines their competition.Australian Sheet Piling Pty Ltd 21 October, 2009



Testimonial

"The General Public Jobs Board is an excellent service.  I was extremely impressed by the response I received, as well as the quality of the response!.  BIO members were very interested in helping me with my project.  I would definitely recommend this service".  Tom Flood, General Public Member.


 



Testimonial

"BIO has saved us heaps of time.  Copying and distributing plans use to be a big part of our tender process and now this is basically eliminated.  We also get a lot more enquries from projects.  This is really helping our business".  Phoenix Constructions.



Testimonial

"I am a semi-retired Quantity Surveyor who works from home producing take-offs and budgets for clients who are Painting Contractors. Over the last couple of years modern technology has shifted some of the tendering to a web based format. In the course of my business I produce the majority of my work from four web based formats and note that Building Industry Online is a superior format to the other three. Your format is much more user friendly and certainly faster than the others. The other comments I make concerns the expedient manner in which you replied to my correspondence when I sent a query regarding BIO. To send an email mid evening and have a reply within an hour and a follow-up phone call is what I consider top shelf service. Thank you"  Graham Pritchard 26th March, 2009


This newsletter is for general information purposes only. Building Industry Online has taken all reasonable measures to ensure that the material contained in this newsletter is correct. However, Building Industry Online gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the material. Readers are advised not to rely solely on this information when making any decision. Readers should seek independent advice, where necessary, before making any decision.
www.buildingindustryonline.com.au


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