Building and Plumbing Basics 

What is the role of Local Government in Building?
Generally, a local government is responsible for registration and record keeping of all building and plumbing work in the area.  A local government ensures that building and plumbing work is undertaken in an appropriate manner, meeting legislative requirements and inspection processes.  Before you begin a building or plumbing project, it’s advised you speak to your local council.  Contact details for your council can be found at qldcouncils.com.au.

LGAQ interacts with organisations and agencies on behalf of local government in order to shape, support and substantially influence local government matters.  The Association advocates for Building and Plumbing systems that are streamlined and easy to administer by local government whereby they have the tools and resources available to meet the needs of their residents. 

To read more about the Association’s policies specifically related to development, please view LGAQ’s Policy Statement.

What is the BSA?
The BSA or Building Services Authority is a statutory authority that regulates the building industry through the licensing of contractors educates consumers about their rights and obligations makes contractors aware of their legal rights and responsibilities, handles disputes fairly and equitably, protects consumers (including local government) against loss through statutory insurance, implementings and enforces legislative reforms and where necessary prosecutes persons not complying with the law.

For further information about the BSA, guidelines and ‘how to’ fact sheets when planning to build and the online license search please visit the Building Services Authority website.

To find out more about building legislation and policies at a State level, please visit the Department of Local Government and Planning website or if you are a council staff or elected member you can sign-in or register to the Association’s Member Area LG Online and check out LGAQ’s Legislation Explained.

Plumbing Industry Council is the independent statutory body that works to protect public health and safety through Queensland’s plumbing and drainage licensing system.   The Plumbing Industry Council, formerly the Plumbing Industry Board also investigates complaints about licensees and unlicensed work.

Discover More than the Basics
The policies, legislation and rules related to building and plumbing are diverse and can be complex.  They often change and are ever evolving to match technological innovation, government policy positions and industry standards.  To assist in understanding these changes and for further information about the current challenges of building and plumbing in local government, news and our discussion forum, please sign-in or register to the Association’s Member Area LG Online.