From the Minister for Planning Friday, 30 April 2010 Planning Minister Justin Madden today announced all new homes and major renovations in Victoria will have to be Six Star rated from May 2011. Mr Madden said the Brumby Labor Government’s $175 million Jobs for the Future Economy Action Plan launched today also included $5 million for Skills for Trades to assist tradespeople in meeting the new Six Star standards. “Today’s announcements reaffirm our commitment to building sustainable communities and creating sustainable jobs in Victoria,” Mr Madden said. “Victoria has led the nation on improved energy efficiency in our homes, in 2005 becoming the first state in Australia to introduce Five Star standards for new homes, and in 2008 expanding the standard to include renovations and extensions. “This has not only meant that 35,000 homes built each year are 50 per cent more efficient than their typical Two Star predecessors but the expansion enabled a further 40,000 homes each year to be upgraded.” As part of the roll-out of Six Star standards, the Victorian Government will consult with industry and the community through a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) on proposed further efficiency requirements for hot water systems as well as complementary Six Star water standards. “The Victorian Government has worked together with the building and development industry in implementing energy efficiency standards and we are keen to maintain this leadership position,” Mr Madden said. “Introducing better standards, working with owners and tenants and supporting the development of a skilled workforce is the best way of delivering sustainable communities now and in the future.” Mr Madden said the Green Door for Sustainable Buildings program announced today will encourage major commercial and institutional building projects which are committed to achieving new standards of environmentally sustainable design and construction. “This program will provide practical assistance with case management for planning permits and assistance from the Plumbing Industry Commission on plumbing regulations for the new standard.” The Jobs for the Future Economy Action Plan provided $175 million for 18 priority actions to stimulate private sector investment – supporting over 1,000 green jobs – and to facilitate training for green skills sought by industry. For more information about the Jobs for the Future Economy Action Plan, visit www.dse.vic.gov.au.
source http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/component/content/article/10190.html
