The State Government has introduced, effective from 18 October this year, a new state-wide code to the use of external cladding cited as: Queensland Development Code, Part 2.5 – Use of external cladding.

The purpose is to prohibit the use of aluminium composite panels with a polyethylene core of greater than 30 percent by mass on all buildings. This QDC part also prohibits use of an expanded polystyrene product used in an external insulation and finish (rendered) system – including as an attachment. This only applies to class 2-9 buildings of Type A or B construction.
 
The document does not have a performance requirement.
 
The introduction of this code supports the recent amendment to the Building Regulation 2006 that allows a temporary exclusion for private certifiers from holding professional indemnity (PI) insurance for works involving noncompliant external cladding.
 
If members have any questions, they are encouraged to contact the Department of Housing and Public Works directly – BLP@hpw.qld.gov.au.