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2013
April
Plumbing Magazine Autumn 2013
The online edition is available now. Click above to get your copy
February
New BAL-FZ Roofing Technical Solution Sheet now available
Click to view and download a copy.
2012
November
New Plumbing Industry Commission approved competency units
The Plumbing Industry Commission (PIC) gazetted on 1 November 2012 an updated list of approved competency units required to be contained in a Certificate II course or higher course relating to a class of plumbing work.
October
The Registered Plumber spring edition out now
Click to download a copy
Plumbing Amendment Regulations 2012
The Plumbing Regulations 2008 have been amended, with a range of changes commencing 19 October 2012. Changes to solar water heater requirements and updated reference to "AS/NZS 4234: 2008 Heated water systems - Calculation of energy consumption"; due to commence on 19 April 2013.
September
National licensing legislative package released for consultation
The COAG National Licensing Taskforce has released consultation drafts of legislation for reforming occupational licensing in the electrical, plumbing and gasfitting, property and refrigeration and air-conditioning occupations.
Plumbing Industry Commission Annual Report 2011-12 now available
The 2011-12 Plumbing Industry Commission Annual Report can now be downloaded from the PIC website.
Consultation Regulation Impact Statements for Plumbing and Gasfitting and Refrigeration and Air-conditioning released
Melbourne information sessions on the RISs are scheduled for the 11 September at the Novotel on Collins.
2011
September
Carbon Monoxide testing - FREE training
The Master Plumbers Association, in conjunction with PIC, PICAC and ESV, is offering a free training course to provide you with the skills and knowledge to use carbon monoxide (CO) testing equipment and complete the practical procedure to test appliances for CO emissions.
July
Regulated Fees CPI Increase
Please note that, in line with the Government's annual CPI regulated fee increase, the Plumbing Industry Commission's regulated fees and charges have been increased from 1 July 2011.
April
National Construction Code Update
On 1 May 2011, the new National Construction Code (NCC) Series will commence operation. The NCC delivers a range of benefits, including efficiency gains from removing overlap and inconsistency between codes and an improved regulatory framework for plumbing standards.
Amendments to the Plumbing Regulations 2008
Regulations to amend the Plumbing Regulations 2008 were made by the Governor in Council on 19 April 2011. They are the Plumbing Further Amendment Regulations 2011, which come into operation on 1 May 2011.
February
New Insites magazine out now!
The March edition of Insites magazine is now available to Download.
Register now for FREE World Plumbing Day Breakfasts!
The Plumbing Industry Commission have arranged five breakfast events at locations across Victoria to celebrate. All practitioners are invited to attend but spaces are limited, so registration is essential!
January
World Plumbing Day 2011 to see increased industry activity
Plumbing organisations in several countries are making plans to mark World Plumbing Day on March 11, in the hope that they can draw attention to the important role which plumbing plays in relation to both public health and the environment.
Information about the Victorian Floods
Over the next week we will provide as much information as possible regarding the floods including: announcements about a safe return to your property; plumbing issues; re-building issues including treatment of asbestos and the Government response.
2010
December
Plumbing Code of Australia Information Seminars 2011
The Australian Building Codes Board will take the first step in delivering the National Construction Code (NCC), when it publishes the Plumbing Code of Australia (PCA) as Volume Three of the NCC in 2011.
November
Nominations for Plumbing Industry Training Awards extended to 31 December!
The nomination period is now open for the Plumbing Industry Training Awards and has been extended to 31 December 2010. Nominate yourself, a friend, family member, employee or employer today!
October
PlumbSmarter in my home launched
New plumbing initiative, the PlumbSmarter in my home pilot program, was launched on 26 October 2010 at the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre in Brunswick. The PlumbSmarter in my home program is designed to help householders make their homes more energy and water efficient.
September
National Plumbing Regulators Forum Conference March 2011
The 2011 NPRF conference is to be held at the Melbourne Convention Centre with the theme 'Healthy industry, healthy people, healthy environment'.
August
Stage 2 Water Restrictions from September 1
Stage 2 Water Restrictions from September 1 Melbourne households will be able to water gardens at any time and wash cars at home for the first time in four years when water restrictions are eased to Stage 2 from 1 September 2010.
July
Chubb Fire & Security recall their 1kg fire extinguishers
Chubb Fire & Security Pty Ltd have initiated a recall on Chubb, Quell, Fire Smart, Motorcraft and Flameguard 1kg fire extinguishers as some of the products may be under or over filled with powder. The affected extinguishers were on sale nationally from 16 February 2010 - 1 July 2010.
June
Get a $100 for an efficient dual flush toilet
Upgrade to an efficient dual flush toilet to get a doubled rebate of $100 when you upgrade to a 6/3 litre toilet or better. Toilet must be installed by a licensed plumber.
Plumbing Industry Training Awards winners announced
The inaugural Plumbing Industry Training Awards were held at the Goods Shed North in Docklands, the home of the Plumbing Industry Commission, on Wednesday 2 June 2010. Read all about the winners here!
March
Tony Arnel - Plumbing Industry Commissioner - wins inaugural national Leadership in Sustainability Prize
The Australian Institute of Architects has awarded Tony Arnel the inaugural national Leadership in Sustainability Prize for his role in improving the standards of sustainable building practice Australia-wide.
January
Important changes to Legionella Regulations
The Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2009 commenced on 1 January 2010 and include important changes concerning the regulation of cooling towers and warm water systems for the control of Legionella.
Tap into water saving around the home
Did you know that the average family flushes the water equivalent of 80 litres of milk or nine slabs of beer down the toilet every day? That is only 20 per cent of the water used by each household daily; and what's more, it's perfectly good drinking water.
2009
December
World Plumbing Day - 11 March 2010
The World Plumbing Council confirmed details of the first ever World Plumbing Day which will be celebrated on 11 March 2010. The theme will be "Plumbing-Vital to Global Health."
AIRAH launches new online calculator
AIRAH (Australian Institute of Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating Inc.) has launched a new online calculator for assessing the water efficiency of cooling towers. There are an estimated 30,000 cooling towers across Australia.
Waterless Urinals
The National Plumbers Regulators Forum has drafted an advisory note on the effects of waterless urinals on plumbing installations.
Water Quality in Pools and Spas
The PIC would like to highlight the health risks associated with poor water quality in swimming pools and spas, and the potential to cause diseases such as legionellosis and gastroenteritis.
November
Victorian Government takes action on Royal Commission building priorities interim report
The Victorian Government supports all seven recommendations of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission interim report into priorities for building in bushfire-prone areas.
2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report No. 2
Priorities for Building in Bushfire-Prone Areaswas provided to the government by the commission on Tuesday 24 November 2009. In accordance with legislation, the report was then tabled in Parliament.
Green plumbing training supported by City West Water
The next two courses are Caring for our water - November 25th & 26th, 4.30 to 8.30 p.m. - and Inspection report service - December 1st, 3.45 to 8.00 p.m. View the PDF document for more.
New Victorian Bushfire Standard - Fact Sheet
On 11 March 2009 the Victorian Government adopted the Australian Standard AS3959-2009 Construction of buildings in bushfire-prone areas into a new residentialbuilding Standard to ensure that new Victorian homes are better protected in theevent of a bushfire.
Western Water wins national 2009 savewater! award®
Victorian Water Corporation 'Western Water' was successful at the recent national 2009 savewater!awards®, winning the prestigious 'Government Water Corporations Award' for their work in developing a state-of-the-art dual pipe recycled water scheme at the The Eynesbury Township.
Leak Check
During November the Plumbing Industry Commission and Our Water Our Future is encouraging licensed and/or registered plumbers to check for water leaks around customers' homes. Find out more by clicking above.
October
Plumbing Industry Commission relocating to CBD
On Monday 7 December 2009 the Plumbing Industry Commission's Camberwell office will be relocating to the Melbourne CBD. The address will be Goods Shed North - 733 Bourke Street Docklands Victoria 3008.
Pratt Fellowship
Plumbing practitioners have the chance to submit an application for the Pratt Foundation Overseas Fellowship. Each successful applicant receives $10,000 towards overseas travel.
National Plumbing Regulators Forum Industry Day
The Plumbing Industry Commission has pleasure in inviting you to attend the NPRF Industry Day. It's your opportunity to hear about the latest work on regulations and help shape the future agenda. So, make your views known.
September
Securing Our Water Future - National Water Week
Australians are being asked to dive into National Water Week, 18-24 October 2009. National Water Week 2009 is the premier community water awareness event in Australia and is hosted by the Australian Water Association (AWA) in partnership with the National Water Commission.
Audit Tips - Termination of condensate drains
Read September's Audit Tips: Termination of condensate drains.
Audit Tips – Identification of rainwater
Read September's Audit Tips: Where rainwater is used as an alternative water supply on site.
savewater! awards - photographic finalists announced
15 photographs from around Australia have been selected as the finalists for the national 2009 savewater! awards® Photographic competition.
Melbourne's water storages get 11 days' water supply
Melbourne's water storages have been boosted by 0.6% of capacity over the past week, but inflow remained.
August
Community Information Sheet: Bushfire bunkers
There has been some discussion in the media of whether people in fire affected areas should build bunkers to protect themselves from bushfires. The purpose of this Community Information Sheet is to explain the current situation on bunkers.
2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report
The 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission Interim Report was tabled in Parliament on Monday 17 August 2009. Download a copy of the Commission's Interim Report and Executive Summary. Copies can be ordered from Information Victoria on 1300 366 356 or bookshop@diird.vic.gov.au.
July
Water Smart Gardens & Homes Rebate Scheme
The Water Smart Gardens and Homes Rebate scheme gives you the change to save water and money when you purchase eligible water-saving products between 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2011.
PIC representative on judging panel of national Save Water Awards
The Plumbing Industry Commission's Shayne La Combre has been invited to be on the 2009 savewater! awards® judging panel. Now in their seventh year, the savewater! awards® is a program designed to recognise and reward outstanding achievements in water conservation...
Rheem now taking expressions of interest for training
Rheem are taking expressions of interest from Plumbers who wish to undergo some training specific to the installation of Rheem products including heat pumps, solar hi-line and lo-line HWS as well as their range of 5 Star gas water heaters.
Expression of interest night - Cert IV at PICAC
Bendigo TAFE is holding an expression of interest night at PICAC on the 23rd July from 6-00PM to 8-00PM to gauge interest from people wishing to pursue the certificate IV course.
Education and training updates
Information on Type A and Type B Gas Appliances training now available.
Insites magazine available now
The first edition of Insites is now available. Insites is a publication that brings together information and news of interest to registered building practitioners and registered and licensed plumbing practitioners.
June
How to save water in the garden
As the driest populated continent on earth, we can't afford gardens that require excessive amounts of water. Many Australian gardens contain plants inappropriate for our environment and we tend to water far more than necessary, because we don't know what our plants really need.
Funds for Water Conservation Projects
The Victorian Government has pledged $5 million worth of funding for water conservation projects. This funding will support 21 different projects including several focuses on recycling water.
May
Amendments to the Building Act - fact sheet
New amendments to the Building Act 1993 came into effect on 1 January 2009.This fact sheet provides information on how licensed and registered plumbing practitioners will be affected by the proposed amendments to the Act.
Water Saving program and events
savewater!® runs many programs, events and exhibits through the year showcasing great water saving products and initiatives.
April
Congratulations to Sustainable Plumbing Solutions
Winners of the 2009 Premier's Sustainability Small Business Award, Sustainable Plumbing Solutions is a company working closely with clients and community groups to develop a wider understanding of green technologies and educate people in how they can reduce their carbon footprint
The Premier's Sustainability Awards: 2009 winners announced
The Premier's Sustainability Awards recognise innovation and reward outstanding achievement in the sustainable use of our natural resources for the benefit of all Victorians, now and for the future. The winners for the 2009 have now been annoucned
March
Target 155 - Tips on how to save in your home
There are many ways to save water in the house, including bathroom, laundry, kitchen and other parts of your home. Some will even save you time and money.
Rainwater tank or solar hot water system?
In Victoria, the 5 Star Standard for new homes requires that you install a rainwater tank for toilet flushing or a solar hot water system. But many existing households are also tackling climate change by installing a rainwater tank or a solar hot water system or both.
Bushfire Bulletin Magazine
Rebuilding after the devastation - the Bushfire Bulletin Magazine lifts the lid on the new building standard.
Bendigo seminar re-scheduled
Please note the Bendigo seminar for the new plumbing regulations has been re-scheduled for Monday 23rd March at the Best Community Development Centre, 26-28 St. Andrews Ave, Bendigo, 7pm-9pm.
A guide to temporary homes and buildings in bushfire affected areas
The Plumbing Industry Commission and the Building Commission have produced a guide to temporary homes and buildings in bushfire affected areas.
A guide to building in Victoria after the bushfires
In response to Victoria's devastating bushfires, the Victorian Government has introduced a new residential building standard. You can download a copy of the guide to building in Victoria after the bushfires (PDF document)
Premier Releases Bushfire Building Standard
The Victorian Government will introduce tougher building standards for homes, targeting high bushfire risk areas, to help save lives and property.
February
Bushfire assistance for business
Generous donations to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund will help families in bushfire affected areas repair homes and start work again, the Premier John Brumby and Chair of the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Advisory Panel John Landy AC have announced.
Bushfire Building Advice Telephone Service Launched
The Building and Plumbing Industry Commission today launched a telephone advisory service to assist people whose homes have been lost or damaged in the bushfires. The Bushfire Building Advice line, 1300 360 320, will operate from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm on Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Make Sure It's a Safe Return - A guide to a safe return to your property after bushfires
Advice and information to assist people affected by the bushfires return to their properties safely will be available at all community services hubs in areas affected by bushfires. Copies of the guide to a safe return to your property after bushfires are available to download.
Victorian Bushfires
The PIC thanks all practitioners who wish to volunteer for the bushfire support effort. We encourage you to volunteer through your industry association. If unable to volunteer through your industry association, please click above whereby one of our staff members will contact you shortly.
Bushfire Help Available Now
The horrific bushfires across Victoria have devastated the lives of many Victorians. For personal, emotional and financial support visit the Department of Human Services or call the Victorian Bushfire Information Line on 1800 240 667.
January
Free Solar Hot Water Training Sessions
The PIC in conjunction with GreenPlumbers is continuing the Free Solar Hot Water Training Sessions in 2009.
How to fix leaks and save water
A slowly dripping tap can waste 20,000 litres in a year. Check for drips and take action now by calling a licensed plumber.
World Water Day - 9 March '09
The international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro.
2008
December
New Plumbing Regulations 2008 - Fact Sheet (PDF)
Read the fact sheet for information about the new plumbing Regulations.
Energy Saver Incentive - From January 2009
Discounts and special offers on selected products are available at participating businesses, to help you save energy.
Save Water - Target 155
Our dams are still low and we need to save water. The Victorian Government is asking everyone in Melbourne to use no more than 155 litres of water per day.
Summer Lovin' for your garden
With the threat of more severe water restrictions, the State's gardens need not take the heat.
Guidelines for drinking (potable) water transport in Victoria (PDF)
DHS Food Safety Unit has released an updated guidance note on water carting, entitled Guidelines for drinking (potable) water transport in Victoria.
Refinements under way to improve the Building Act
Visit www.legislation.vic.gov.au for a full copy of the amendments or view the fact sheet.
