Construction hours extended to support industry
In the lead up to the Easter break Wingecarribee Shire Council is reminding residents of changes to construction hours introduced to support the industry during the COVID19 pandemic.
Wingecarribee Shire Council’s Deputy General Manager Corporate Strategy and Development Services, Mark Pepping said the newly introduced changes were designed to help keep the construction industry afloat during the crisis.
“The NSW State Government amended the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 in late March so that normal planning controls could be overridden during the pandemic,” he said.
“This amendment was done in order for the construction industry to continue with workers being able to spread their working week over seven days to ensure social distancing measures could still be practiced.
“This measure will help protect jobs and ensure critical construction projects continue.”
Mr Pepping said that the new Order would see construction work continue into weekends and public holidays.
“This means that Highland residents may see construction sites active over the traditional Easter break and into weekends for the immediate future.”
The Environmental Planning and Assessment (COVID-19 Development – Construction Work Days) Order 2020 will continue until the COVID-19 pandemic is over, or the advice of NSW Health changes.
“The construction and development sectors are vital to our State’s economy,” Mr Pepping added. “During this challenging period, it’s important we do everything we can to support these critical industries.”
Compliance with this Order will be monitored and reviewed if there are any adverse impacts on the community or from a public health perspective.