In March, 40 builders and tradespeople from Sydney’s Pittwater area attended a free information night hosted by Pittwater Council. Council’s compliance officers addressed a number of topics including pollution awareness, sediment controls, erosion management, construction guidelines and maintenance procedures. Attendees also earned five free continuing professional development (CPD) points.
Under the New South Wales Department of Fair Trading, tradespeople need to earn 100 CPD points every three years. Points can be earned in a number of ways including formal accredited training through an Australian university, building and construction industry trade nights, exhibitions, conferences, seminars and by mentoring registered apprentices, cadets or trainees.
Pittwater’s Education Officer, Henrietta Alexandra, said one of the main issues for the Pittwater area is erosion, as sites can be very steep.
“The topic of erosion management detailed the how tos of containing waste and building supplies on site, for example, sediment/green mesh fencing to contain piles of sand and gravel, crates of bricks and tiles, and piles of waste materials.”
Pittwater’s General Manager, Mark Ferguson, said Council aims to host around four of these sessions per year.
“They have proven to be quite popular as they are offered after hours and in the local area, making them accessible to most people,” he said. “Last year, these information nights booked out very quickly, proving to us the value of these events to our community. We are encouraged by the positive feedback received from participants, as they improve the communication lines between our local builders, tradesmen and Council staff. They are also a good networking opportunity for local tradespeople.”
As part of these programs, Council offers a free barbecue and light refreshments before the presentations begin. At the end of the program, participants receive show bags with further information on the topics discussed, necessary building consent and development application forms, along with give aways including tape measures, spirit levels and note books.
For further information contact Henrietta Alexandra on (02) 9970 1194.
