2 October 2020 / COVID-19

COVID-19 Update / Roadmap to Easing Restrictions

Queensland Media Announcements

Please note this is a public announcement – not an announcement from Hutchies.

From Thursday 1 October at 1am:

> Stage 4 of the QLD Roadmap is now in effect

> the New South Wales border zone (PDF) was extended

> the Queensland border zone no longer exists

> Queensland residents are able to travel anywhere in the New South Wales border zone for any purpose, provided they have a border pass on re-entry

> New South Wales border zone residents are able to travel anywhere in Queensland for any purpose, provided they have a border pass on entry

> more people can go to outdoor events or businesses (venues with COVID Safe Plans can now have one person per 2 m2) 

> up to 1000 people per day permitted at outdoor events with a COVID Safe Events Checklist

> 75% seating capacity in outdoor stadiums and amphitheatres

From today at 4pm (Friday 2 October):

> Standing eating and drinking: Standing whilst eating and drinking permitted at indoor and outdoor venues with a COVID Safe Plan or Checklist 

From 1am, Sunday 1 November (if COVID Safe Check Point met):

> Borders reopening to all of NSW: Visitors and returned travellers from New South Wales can enter Queensland with a valid Queensland Border Declaration Pass without having to compete mandatory quarantine, provided community transmission is under control (including whether there have been any unlinked cases in the previous 28 days).  

> Gatherings: Gatherings of up to 40 in homes and public spaces across Queensland.

> Weddings: Up to 40 people can dance at a wedding with a COVID Safe Plan.

Other Recent Activities

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18 December / General

Congratulations all of our Hutchies' veterans and to the winner of Constructor of the Year 2024.

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30 October / Quality Alert

Engineered stone ban effective 1 July 2024

ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage will be banned


Alternative products must be considered and implemented on all projects.

The industry is shifting away from engineered stone due to the risks of respirable crystalline silica, which can cause silicosis and other silica-related diseases. Although the consultations are under way and there has been no official announcement by Federal or State Governments on the issue, the health and safety risks along with the uncertainty around this issue warrants a decision to ban all engineered products entering job sites nationally. The ban will take effect on 1 July 2024 and will extend to ALL engineered stone regardless of the silica content percentage. 

An update to this alert will be provided before the end of the year when the Federal and State Governments are expected to issue a formal decision on the ban. In the meantime, to mitigate the impact of potential delays and variations, the best approach is to inform the clients of the pending ban and to propose and seek approval for an alternative product. Similarly, ensure all future estimates have the stone specification qualified and priced accordingly.

Product alternatives going forward include:

Compact Laminates

  • Under 1% silica content
  • Extremely competitive pricing
  • Only comes in 12mm thickness
  • Heat resistance is an issue
  • Product not suitable for high end applications

Porcelain Surfaces

  • Under 10% silica content
  • Price dependant of product and supplier
  • Large variety of colours and thicknesses (4, 8, 12, 20 and 30mm)
  • Great resistance to staining, scratches, UV and heat
  • Good warranty terms

Acrylic Solid Surfaces

  • 0% silica content
  • More expensive alternative
  • Limited thickness availability
  • UV stable and heat resistant but direct heat exposure not advised
  • Minimising wastage through flexibility in sheet sizing
  • Seamless joints

Natural Stone*

  • Various silica content percentages
  • Variety of products at different price points available
  • Ongoing maintenance may be an issue
  • Unlikely to satisfy specific warranty requirements

*Although this alert does not directly impact natural stone, some types have high silica content so risk of using these on projects should be considered carefully.

For an up-to-date list of available products and their usability, click here.


More information

If you need additional support, please contact the Quality Team:

Phone 1300 HUTCHIES
Email QualityTeam@hutchinsonbuilders.com.au

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