Q1: What is Qleave? - www.qleave.qld.gov.au
The Building and Construction Industry Portable Long Service Leave Levy, Building and Construction Industry Training Fund Training Levy and Workplace Health and Saftey Fee are payable on the total cost of all building and construction work in Queensland costing $80,000 or more.
The levies and fee are usually paid by the project owner and must be paid prior to receiving a development permit. If a development permit is not given, they must be paid prior to the start of work.
The combined levies and fee are calculated at 0.425% of the total cost of work and can be paid at any Australia Post Office or agency, or directly to Qleave.

 

Q2: Do the Energy Efficiency requirements apply to commercial buildings?
Yes, the provisions introduced into the Building Code of Australia apply to all classes of buildings, including shops, offices, factories and institutional buildings.  All new building work for a commercial building must comply with the provisons, which regulate building fabric, glazing, air conditioning and lighting systems.

 

Q3: How long does a building approval remain current before lapsing?
The building work must commence within two (2) years and be completed within three (3) years of the date of the Decision Notice.  If you believe you will not start before the two (2) years expires, you can make a request to the building certifier for an extension of time prior to the expiry date.

 

Q4: I need to make changes to the approved plans, how do I do this?
Before implementing any proposed design changes on site, you must lodge the revised drawings to the building certifier for approval.  Once the changes have been approved, then work relating to the changes can start.  A fee will be charged to assess such changes. 

 

Q5: Do I require any inspections during the construction of my building project?
Yes, your Decision Notice attached to your Approved Plans, will advise of what inspections are required.  The more complex the project, the more inspections that will be required, generally by competent persons (RPEQ engineers).  The builder must contact the certifier the day prior to the inspection to ensure the booking is made in sufficient time for the inspection to be carried out on the requested day.

 

Q6: Do I need a building approval for a simple shop fitout?

Generally, Yes you do. While this work is often of a non-structural nature, new tenancy walls and other internal alterations can affect access, emergency egress and existing emergency services, so it is critical to obtain a building approval before commencing on site to ensure you meet the requirements of the Building Act.

 

Q7: When do the fire brigade (Queensland Fire and Rescue Service) become involved in my commercial project?

The fire brigade is a referral agency for any commercial project where you are proposing a new, or altering an existing Special Fire Service, or proposing an Alternative Solution ie. fire engineered design.  As an example, a three storey walk-up will typically require a referral for access to a fire hydrant and for the smoke alarm system.  A building certifier needs the comments of the fire brigade before issuing the Building Approval, so it is important to be aware of this requirement when scheduling the project.  We can lodge the plans to the fire brigade on your behalf, and also conduct the liaison with them.

 

Q8: I am also doing plumbing work, do I need hydraulic design drawings?

Yes, you do, but the hydraulic plans will form part of the plumbing application that is lodged to the relevant Council.  Any commercial plumbing work, no matter how minor, will require specific hydraulic plans.