The Victorian government has confirmed that it will delay the adoption of key provisions in the National Construction Code until May 2024.
Victoria has extended the transitional arrangements for updated energy efficiency, condensation mitigation requirements, and liveable housing requirements. This includes the lifting of minimum energy efficiency requirements for new homes from 6 to 7 NatHERS stars. These requirements were scheduled to become mandatory from October 1, 2023.
In May, the Victorian government announced that it was considering a delay due to “significant global economic challenges, including rising supply chain costs”. Minister for Planning Sonya Kilkenny has now confirmed that the mandatory commencement date will be pushed back until May 1, 2024.
“This will provide those builders who need it, more time to prepare, while still encouraging voluntary compliance with the standards,” says a statement on the Victorian Building Authority website. “This extension will be implemented through changes to building regulations.”
Practitioners can continue using the relevant provisions of NCC 2019 until the end of the relevant transition period.