February 27, 2019
South Burnett Regional Council is updating IT and administration systems ahead of the introduction on July 1 of new State Government plumbing and drainage legislation.
Property Portfolio chair Cr Terry Fleischfresser told last week’s Council meeting the changes were necessary to comply with the new simplified Plumbing and Drainage Act 2018 which was passed in mid-November.
The former legislation – the Plumbing and Drainage Act 2002 – had been amended more than 30 times during the past 15 years.
Cr Fleischfresser said repeated amendments to the old Act meant if a plumber wanted to check the technical requirements of a job, they first had to check the Act, then the Regulations, and then the Codes.
“This made it hard for plumbers to just get on and do their job,” he said.
The new legislation includes:
- A revised Queensland Plumbing and Wastewater Code,
- Significant reductions in standard permit application processing times for home owners and developers,
- The introduction of mandatory WaterMark certification for plumbing products sold to consumers,
- A new licensing requirement for mechanical services to address the dangers posed by incorrectly installed medical gas systems, and legionella in commercial air-conditioning systems, and
- Tougher penalties for plumbers and gasfitters who perform work likely to put people’s lives at risk.
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The discovery of legionella in the Lady Bjelke-Petersen Community Hospital’s pipework system last year is being effectively managed by Council officers, Cr Fleischfresser said.
Council has installed filters on the taps and shower roses in the hospital’s day surgery area, administration and medical consultation rooms.
It has also engaged contractors to flush the building’s water pipes each month, carry out monthly water testing, and report the results to the necessary authorities.
- Related article: Old Pipes Blamed For Legionella
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Council’s former Wondai Caravan Park in Mackenzie Street is no more.
Cr Fleischfresser said the last resident left the caravan park in 2018 and the facility was permanently closed soon afterwards.
Demolition of the site’s amenities block was carried out in January, and the area cleared and made safe.
Visiting caravanners can now use the Council’s free limited-stay parking area next to the former Wondai Railway Station in Haly Street, or commercial-style facilities at the Wondai Showgrounds in Baynes Street.
- Related article: Caravan Park To Be Demolished
