Modern Homes Standards: Final Queensland Development Codes and Guidance Documents Released

The Queensland Government has released the final Queensland Development Codes and supporting guidance materials for the updated Modern Homes Standards, following consultation with industry, local government and technical stakeholders. The updated materials are intended to provide greater clarity and consistency around the application of the Modern Homes Standards, while reducing unnecessary complexity and supporting the efficient delivery of new and renovated homes across Queensland.

The final documents now available include:

• Queensland Development Code 4.1
• Queensland Development Code 4.5
• Guideline for Queensland Development Code MP 4.1 – Sustainable buildings
• Guideline for Queensland Development Code MP 4.5 – Livable dwellings
• Modern Homes Standards – Home renovation guideline

The Queensland Government has advised that feedback received during consultation was carefully considered and, where possible, incorporated into the final guidance. The aim is to ensure the requirements are practical and responsive to the realities of designing, assessing, and delivering housing in Queensland.

For the plumbing industry, the release of the final documents provides an important opportunity for contractors involved in new residential construction and renovation work to familiarise themselves with the updated requirements and understand how they may apply to future projects. The reforms form part of the Queensland Government's broader building reform agenda and are intended to support appropriate accessibility and energy efficiency outcomes while making it easier to deliver more homes for Queenslanders. The Government will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the guidance following implementation, with a six-month review planned. This will provide a further opportunity for industry feedback on how the requirements are operating in practice. MPAQ encourages members involved in residential construction and renovation work to review the updated Queensland Development Codes and guidance materials and consider how the changes may affect their projects.