Fed’s insulation plan will increase Australian jobs
10/Mar/2009
There is no doubt that the Federal Government’s insulation rebate package outlined in its Nation Building and Jobs plan will both support and increase Australian jobs in metropolitan and regional areas, according to the Insulation Council of Australia and New Zealand (ICANZ).
Dennis D’Arcy CEO ICANZ said, “Supplying and installing insulation is labour intensive and the vast majority of people are employed after manufacturing, in local metropolitan and regional areas.
“Through the Government’s insulation initiative, added employment opportunities will arise across a broad range of occupations – for example transport, storage, local supply, measure and quote, installation, supervision, inspection and training areas.”
An estimated 5,000 people are already employed in Australia’s insulation manufacturing and supply chain and we anticipate several thousand new jobs to result from this program, most of which will be community based downstream of manufacture,” Mr D’Arcy said.
“We can also expect added flow on opportunities for non-insulation jobs involving automotive, tools and protective clothing, office supplies and catering, all of which derive income from a vibrant insulation industry,” Mr D’Arcy said.
Mr D’Arcy added that there were many factors already built into the industry’s capacity that will enable it to meet potential new demand.
The housing and commercial building construction downturns have affected all levels of the building industry resulting in additional significant spare capacity in building products manufacturing.
“For every new house not being fitted with ceiling and wall insulation, two older homes can now be retrofitted with ceiling insulation. This now under utilised capacity can be directed up to increase production for this program,” Mr D’Arcy said.
In recent times major companies like CSR Bradford and Fletcher Insulation, which supply around 70 per cent of the insulation sold in Australia, have invested in new plant and improved production processes to increase productivity and reduce their environmental footprint. These investments will now be utilised for this Government’s insulation program.
“Australia also has a very efficient and effective supply chain, all the way from manufacturing insulation to self-employed installers operating in local metropolitan and regional communities. Additional semi-skilled and skilled trades’ people can be quickly trained to meet new labour demand.
“The Federal Government’s stimulus package is very welcome and timely. The insulation initiative will help to save and grow local jobs during difficult economic times,” Mr D’Arcy added.
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Media inquiries: Glenn Schaube: GRS Communications 0439 320 151
