As a construction project manager, I have maybe a broader perspective on what is involved in the blokey business of building. Whilst these days I work mainly on design development and owners side supervision, I nonetheless am a regular builder by training. Someone even gave me a Degree in Building after 5 year of UNSW fun.
There has been a very strong, but now waning run occurring in the building business. The effect of this passing boom impacts on the community with noise, mess and hassle. Being sensitive to my former industries noisy early starts, I had to wage a quiet and progressive campaign with my fellow councilors before they finally conceded a 7am start, up from a 6.30, in areas jam packed full of holiday makers enjoying their few days a year, when you can sleep in. It was no major concession, but the political argument around this simple issue had the hospitality industry up in arms about the farming councillors myopic view on the matter. When we have accommodation alongside building projects, everyone needs to take a deep breath and consider their impacts. Builders would not be employed building tourist accom if tourists don’t come. Qantas and Sunlover computer screens used to show properties with construction noise next door and being on that list, as a hotel manager, is no fun.
Also, in tourism precincts, where presentation is important, having streets awash with mud and building materials is not a good look. Douglas certainly has not got a good track record when it comes to managing the messy business of construction and judging by feedback from Clifton and Palm Cove, the problem is the same there. If the rules are clear and fair for the building contractors and their areas and times of operation clearly understood, it is possible to accommodate both hospitality and building as neighbors. But if onsite reversing beepers start up along with brick saws just after dawn, well, Houston, we have a problem. I don’t advocate jihad on construction noise and dust, but I have found that dialogue, clarity and discipline in planning conditions can go along way to keeping the angst out of the construction process.
It does mean reasonable noise rule reductions, early in the morning. It means taking the day off on Sundays. It means containment of dust with water trucks and sprinklers.
It means the use of overhead hoardings instead of diversion of footpaths, where Port’s Coconut Grove is not a good example of what would be required in most built up urban situations. It can also mean traffic and parking plans for the larger projects. With experience on both sides of the public vs private debate, on this one, I hope I have the balance right.

CONTACT ROD DAVIS: vote@roddavis.org

MOBILE: 0418 235561 or HOME: 0740 994434

MAIL: PO BOX 714, Port Douglas, 4877.