Whether you’re a licensed plumber, fire protection specialist, drainer, or work in air-conditioning and mechanical services, staying informed about industry developments and regulatory changes is crucial.

STC actively collaborates with key industry regulators like the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) and local councils to ensure the voice of service trades professionals is heard. Through these partnerships, STC provides direct access to important updates on compliance, licensing, and emerging best practices.

By engaging with STC, trades people have the opportunity to:

Gain insights from respected industry leaders and regulatory experts

Participate in meaningful dialogue that shapes the future of the sector

Network and build connections with peers and stakeholders across the industry

STC’s commitment to open communication and advocacy makes it a trusted hub for anyone working within service trades, fostering an environment where collaboration and continuous learning thrive.

These free sessions are tailored to support builders, subcontractors, developers, and advisors by unpacking key regulatory requirements and offering practical guidance on licensing, financial obligations, and FSC WHS accreditation. 

Why attend?

• Learn directly from QBCC and FSC experts
• Understand licensing and financial requirements
• Discover how to gain FSC WHS accreditation
• Explore opportunities in federally funded and state construction projects

Whether you're navigating the complexities of compliance or looking to position your business for federally funded projects, this is an opportunity not to be missed.

As Queensland’s building regulator, the QBCC is deeply committed to community education and industry engagement. The QBCC’s Executive Director of Regional Services, Mick Allen, will be a featured guest speaker at the Brisbane session, bringing expert insights into licensing classes, financial requirements, and the support services available to industry professionals.

This collaboration with Ai Group reflects the QBCC’s ongoing commitment to working alongside peak bodies and empowering industry stakeholders with the knowledge and tools they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

On the third and final day of the event (Sunday 21 September at 1.30pm) the QBCC’s experienced team will present a must-attend session designed to guide home owners through the building and renovation process from start to finish. The session will cover essential topics including:

• how to find a licensed contractor in your local area
• ways to check a contractors’ previous work
• navigating contracts and deposits
• managing variations
• resolving disputes and more.

You’ll also hear about helpful new resources like the Home Owner Hub and the rollout of digital licences for QBCC licensed contractors—both designed to improve your building or renovation experience and make it easier for home owners to engage with the QBCC.

Where to find us

Throughout the three-day event, the QBCC’s team will be available at booth L 08 to answer your questions, offer practical insights, and help you make confident, informed decisions—whether you’re just starting out or already mid-project.

Don’t miss your chance to connect with industry experts—visit the QBCC at the Brisbane Home Show this September.

In the meantime, visit the QBCC’s Home Owner Hub for guidance through every stage of your building and renovating journey. 

This alert provides guidance from the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australasia (EWPAA) and Timber Queensland on what constitutes acceptable practice.

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Why this matters

• Oversized holes reduce the structural integrity of buildings.
• Proactive inspections have identified repeated instances across Queensland.
• Following EWPAA guidance will help maintain compliance.

Acceptable penetrations in ply bracing panels

According to the EWPAA:

• A neat hole (not overcut) up to 100 mm x 100 mm may be cut within 100 mm of vertical and top edges, and 200 mm of the bottom edge of the panel.
• Multiple 100 mm x 100 mm holes are allowable within this envelope, but centres must be at least 600 mm apart.
• One hole up to 400 mm x 400 mm is acceptable if located between studs, framed with nogging, and fixed as required for top and bottom plates.

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Helpful links

• QBCC Standards and Tolerance Guide
• HIA article: Using AS 1684 for timber framing
• Wood Solutions: AS 1684 - Code Compliance Overview

Further information

• For more assistance, contact QBCC here
   

Disclaimer: The information in this building alert is for educational purposes only. Although the QBCC endeavours to provide accurate and current information, it does not guarantee that the information communicated in this building alert will continue to be accurate and current in the future. The QBCC is not liable for any claims arising from incorrect or out-of-date information or any decisions or actions made based on the information contained in this building alert. The information conveyed in this building alert does not constitute legal or other specialist advice and should not be relied upon as such.

As the QBCC continues to expand its digital capabilities, it is more important than ever to keep your online accounts secure.

Whether you are logging into your myQBCC account, checking email or managing your business apps, your password is often the only thing standing between you and a cybercriminal.

Why passphrases matter

A passphrase is a longer, more secure version of a password. Think of it like upgrading from a screen door to a steel one. Good passphrases are:

• at least 14 characters long
• made of four or more unrelated words
• unique to each account.

Avoid names, phrases or anything that could be guessed. The more random, the better.

Add extra protection with MFA

Wherever possible, turn on multi-factor authentication (MFA). It means even if someone guesses your passphrase, they cannot get in without a second step. Like a code sent to your phone.

Use a password manager

Keeping track of different passphrases does not have to be hard. Password managers help you generate, store and fill in passwords automatically.

A few minutes of effort = long-term protection.

Passwords should be treated like tools of the trade—essential to protect. Protect it like your job depends on it…because it does.

Quick links

For guidance from trusted sources, visit:

• Cyber.gov.au—Create strong passphrases
• Cyber.gov.au—Use a password manager
• Cyber.gov.au—Set up MFA
• Qld.gov.au—Cyber safety tips