From the CCF CEO

Wealth of industry issues make for busy times at CCF
You will likely have read Ross Barrett’s column and also Julie Abramson’s piece about the work that has been going on in the policy field at the Civil Contractors Federation.
I want to congratulate them on all the work that has been going on in this area and I’m proud of the many areas where our voice is being heard.
While we have been right in the action around policy matters, I want to draw your attention to some other issues where CCF has also been busy – with things that you may not be aware of.
One of the more important issues – particularly for those of you who contract for government work – is the current move towards a National Prequalification System for Civil (Road and Bridge) Construction.
This move is aiming to simplify the prequalification system and create a national set of standards. We received some overview information about the system, but having been in correspondence with Austroads, we are now anticipating a detailed document about the proposed changes.
For our members, this means we’ll be in touch soon with more information and seeking your feedback on the proposal to make sure the voice of our industry is heard.
New manager
In terms of member relations, we’ll also be expanding our CCF resources very soon with the imminent employment of a new manager in the Contractor Management Systems business unit. Watch this space for more information and an announcement very soon. Indeed this is an exciting time for us at CCF.
Another area where we’ll be seeking input from our members is in the consultation process with Safework Australia – which is drawing up uniform national OH&S regulations. A construction ‘technical advisory group’ has been formed and we’ll be involved in all of their discussions along the way.
Again – keep an eye out on our web site and in our e-newsletters for more details.
Our organisation’s communications and branding are also undergoing change – befitting of the movement we have been seeing in other areas. We’re in the process of implementing a new logo which will offer a new, fresh branding for CCF. I am excited to tell you that we will be revealing this in the latter part of this year – so watch this space for more details.
New website
In the communications area, our web site is the next big job on the ‘to-do’ list. Planning has already begun for a new CCF site that will provide members with better advice, tools, information and assistance – all in the one place. Again this accurately reflects a year that has been strong on progress for our organisation.
As part of the new web site development, we welcome you, our members, to contribute any ideas you may have or any things you would like to see in the new site and we’ll do our best to incorporate your thoughts as we move into the development stage. Please send your ideas/thoughts to Mike Steere: msteere@civilcontractors.com
Finally, I again encourage you to attend the 2010 National Conference beginning on October 20 in Canberra and concluding with our Gala Earth Awards presentation dinner on Saturday October 23. The business sessions will provide plenty of opportunities for you to hear about industry issues and contribute to discussion. Partners should enjoy the range of planned activities and there will be time to enjoy the company of industry colleagues during the social program. Register now at www.civilcontractors.com