Temporary accommodation buildings draft code consultation

Closing date for feedback: 24 August 2009

A temporary accommodation building is a building which remains on a site for a short period of time and is used for accommodation purposes. The accommodation is usually provided for rent or as part of a workplace agreement. They are also used as a ‘granny flat’ or for temporary periods while a permanent home is being constructed.

Temporary buildings are generally prefabricated but can sometimes be modified shipping containers. While they are more predominant in the mining regions of Queensland and remote areas where usual town accommodation is readily available, they are sometimes found in more populated suburban areas. They are generally removed from the site on the completion of the work.

Current building regulations applying to temporary buildings are considered inadequate.

The Queensland Government has developed a draft code for temporary accommodation buildings. The draft code was developed after extensive investigation triggered by concerns raised at a Community Cabinet meeting in 2006 and by a number of local governments.

The draft code proposes more detailed standards of structural stability, health, safety and sustainability for temporary accommodation buildings.

• Attachment 1: Temporary Accommodation Buildings and Structures ( 135 KB)
• A Regulatory Impact Statement ( 416 KB) has been prepared which details the costs and benefits associated with the introduction of a mandatory temporary accommodation code.
• Appendix E: Proposed amendments to the Queensland Development Code ( 135 KB)

If introduced, the code will form part of the Building Act 1975. The consultation is open from 25 July 2009 to 5pm Monday 24 August.

Written submissions can be made and sent to:

Temporary accommodation buildings draft code consultation
Building Codes Queensland
Department of Infrastructure and Planning
PO Box 15009 City East Qld 4002
buildingcodes@dip.qld.gov.au
tel (07) 3239 6369
fax (07) 3237 1248