This warning is issued by the Commissioner of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) to the public under section 20J(1)(i) of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission Act 1991.
The QBCC is urging consumers, contractors and suppliers to be cautious in their dealings with unlicensed tradesperson Matthew Geoffrey Rixon and his fencing businesses.
Mr Rixon is associated with a number of business names including but not limited to:
- Coral Fencing ACN 35 628 833 741
- Wide Bay Fencing ACN 0 061 285 434
- All About Fences ACN 21 106 417 654
- East Coast Fencing Solutions ACN 35 628 833 741
Mr Rixon has also been known to operate under other aliases, including Matthew Douglas and Matt Douglas, and has at times been known to use similar names to legitimate and reputable companies in an attempt to lure unsuspecting consumers.
Mr Rixon is believed to be currently operating in the Wide Bay–Burnett area, particularly Maryborough, but has also recently been active in Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, the Sunshine Coast and Brisbane. Mr Rixon does not currently hold a QBCC licence and is therefore not able to carry out, advertise for, or enter into contracts to carry out, building work in Queensland at a value of more than $3,300. Mr Rixon has also been alleged to have taken deposits in excess of the maximum allowed under the QBCC Act.
The QBCC is aware of several complaints of unlawful conduct by Mr Rixon, and is aware that complaints have also been made to the Office of Fair Trading and the Queensland Police. The QBCC warns all persons dealing with Mr Rixon and his businesses to exercise extreme caution and seek legal advice before making any payments, to protect their interests.
The QBCC strongly encourages consumers to always use the free licence check on the QBCC website to confirm that the person they are dealing with is licensed appropriately.
The QBCC website also offers a free “Find a Local Contractor” search, that allows you to find licensed and skilled tradespersons in your local area.
Further information on licensing requirements can be found at QBCC's website or contact the QBCC on 139 333.