Six stars soon

ALL new homes and major renovations in Victoria will have to be six star energy rated from May 2011.
Planning Minister Justin Madden said the State Government’s $175 million Jobs for the Future Economy Action Plan launched on Friday also included $5 million for Skills for Trades to assist tradespeople in meeting the new six star standards.
“Today’s announcements reaffirm our commitment to building sustainable communities and creating sustainable jobs in Victoria,” Mr Madden said.
“Victoria has led the nation on improved energy efficiency in our homes, in 2005 becoming the first state in Australia to introduce five star standards for new homes, and in 2008 expanding the standard to include renovations and extensions.”
He said since introducing the five star rating, more than 35,000 homes built each year were 50 per cent more efficient than their typical two star predecessors but the expansion enabled a further 40,000 homes each year to be upgraded.
As part of the roll-out of six star standards, the Victorian Government will consult with industry and the community through a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) on proposed further efficiency requirements for hot water systems as well as complementary six star water standards.
For more information about the Jobs for the Future Economy Action Plan, visit www.dse.vic. gov.au.