After many years of advocacy, government has responded to our calls by introducing some 'fixes' to the livable housing and energy efficiency changes introduced in National Construction Code (NCC) 2022.
Also released, a new Queensland Housing Code covering design and siting requirements for adoption by local governments in their planning schemes.
These reforms are aimed at simplifying approvals, cutting unnecessary costs, providing our industry with greater certainty, and boosting housing supply in Queensland.
Key changes to NCC 2022
There are several Queensland variations, proposed to commence on 14 August.
Energy Efficiency
- 5-star energy efficiency for homes under 50m2 (instead of 7-stars)
- Concession is only available through the NatHERS pathway. There is no change to the DtS tables.
- In calculating the floor area, exclude outdoor living areas, garages and carports.
- Optional credits (outdoor living area with a fan – 1 star and outdoor living area – 0.5 star) are still available.
- 6-star energy-efficiency for homes with a raised floor (instead of 7-stars)
- Concession is only available through the NatHERS pathway. There is no change to the DtS tables.
- At least 50 per cent of the total area of the building is over an unclosed space. Can be bound by battens, lattice, screening that allows airflow through the space.
- Optional credits (outdoor living area with a fan – 1 star and outdoor living area – 0.5 star) are still available.
- For Climate Zone 5 (Toowoomba, Southern Downs and South Burnett) an option for floor insulation over an unenclosed space has been added to NCC Vol. 2 Table 13.2.6a – “reflective insulation facing down with a minimum R- value of 2.5”.
Livable Housing
- Step-free access path: if access isn't available through an attached garage, an additional 'ramp-ready' option is now available for raised construction such as Queenslander-style homes. Under this option, a compliant ramp must be marked on the drawings but does not need to be constructed.
- NOTE: The exemption under H8P1 is still available for raised construction and sloping sites and likely to be an easier path to compliance.
- Dwelling entrance: a 'modified threshold ramp' has been introduced as another option to comply with the combined threshold, weatherproofing and termite management requirements.
- Reinforcing: a reduced requirement for reinforcing behind the toilet where there's insufficient wall space, addressing a drafting error Master Builders had flagged.
- Circulation space: the rigid requirement for positioning the toilet dead-centre has been relaxed, with a 30mm offset now allowed on either side – another drafting issue we had pointed out.
- We are seeking clarification on a second amendment allowing for overlapping circulation spaces in bathrooms. Because livable housing only requires one circulation space, the space in front of the toilet, it is not clear what is allowed to overlap. We'll keep you posted.
- Corridors: those no longer than 450mm can now meet the requirement for the doorway clear opening width of 820mm, instead of meeting the 1000mm corridor requirement.
- Narrow lots: the narrow-lot exemption from the livable housing requirements has been extended until 30 September 2029, if the lot was created before 1 October 2023.
Updated reference standards have been included to help facilitate these changes:
- AS 3660.1 – Termite Management, Part 1: New Building Work, and
- AS 1428.1 – Design for Access and Mobility, Part 1: General Requirements for Access – New Building Work.
The changes can be found in the Queensland Development Codes:
- MP 4.1 Sustainable buildings, and
- MP 4.5 Livable dwellings and grading to floor waste.
A new Queensland Housing Code
A new Code for detached houses and secondary dwellings has been drafted to replace the outdated Design and siting standards (MP1.1 and MP 1.2) in the Queensland Development Code.
It's intended to provide contemporary and consistent design and siting rules, and establish consistent standards for building height, setbacks, privacy, car parking, site cover and private open space.
Local governments will be able to adopt the Queensland Housing Code during a three-year transition period commencing 1 September 2026. Download a copy of the Queensland Housing Code.
Master Builders will continue to advocate for widespread adoption of the Code to reduce red tape and improve productivity.