The loads to which a building may be subjected are dead, live, wind, snow and earthquake loads. Further information on building loads can be found in AS 1170.1 or AS/NZS 1170.1.

In Queensland delete definition of primary building element and replace with the following:

Primary building element means—

Termites are not considered to be a risk in Tasmania and a lesser risk in parts of Victoria. The appropriate authority may have records of termite activity for each area and may be able to advise you on whether termite risk management is needed.

Where individual primary building elements are susceptible to termite attack and the remainder of the primary building elements are constructed of termite resistant materials, only the susceptible elements need to be provided with a termite barrier.

3.1.3(b)(ii)(E) is replaced by the following clause in the Northern Territory

(E) Naturally termite resistant timber in accordance with Appendix C of AS 3660.1 in areas where Mastotermes darwiniensis are not prevalent.

AppropriatePerformance Requirements:

Where an alternative termite barrier or system is proposed as an Alternative Solution to that described in Part 3.1.3, that proposal must comply with—

In the Northern Territory delete 3.1.3.0(b) and insert 3.1.3.0(b) and (c) as follows:

In Queensland delete 3.1.3.0 and replace with the following:

3.1.3.0 Acceptable construction manual

Performance Requirements P2.1 and P2.1.1 are satisfied for termite risk management if—

(i)  installed by excavating trenches, treating the exposed trench and backfilling the trench with treated material; and
(ii)  protected by a 50 mm thick concrete cover strip not less than 300 mm wide measured from the external wall of the building; and

The intent of these requirements is to provide for a termite barrier that will ensure that termites will not enter a building by a concealed route. The installation of termite barriers will not stop termite activity from occurring on the site.

3.1.3.1 is replaced by the following clause in the Northern Territory.

Compliance with this Part satisfies Performance Requirement P2.1 for termite risk management provided that additional termite risk measures are used in areas where Mastotermes darwiniensis are prevalent.

In Queensland delete 3.1.3.1 and replace with the following:

3.1.3.1 Application

Compliance with this Part satisfies Performance Requirements P2.1 and P2.1.1 for termite risk management.

Durable notice

A durable notice must be fixed to the building in a prominent location advising the building occupants that the system should be inspected and maintained.

The notice should be clearly written, on a material that will not deteriorate or fade over time and be located in or near the meter box or similar location so that it can be easily seen and read by future owners of the building. Additional information may be included if desired by the person placing the notice.

In Queensland delete 3.1.3.2 and replace with the following:

3.1.3.2 Installation of termite barriers

(i)  AS 3660.1 subject to Clause 3.1.3.0(a); or
(ii)   3.1.3.3 for concrete slabs on ground; and
(iii)   3.1.3.4 for suspended floors.

(i)  the method of termite risk management; and
(ii)  the date of installation of the system; and
(iii)  where a chemical barrier is used, its life expectancy as listed on the National Registration Authority label; and
(iv)  the installer’s or manufacturer’s recommendations for the scope and frequency of future inspections for termite activity.

A “partial system” as referred to in Table 3.1.3.1 is one that when used in a combination with other systems, will form a “full system”. This is similar to 3.1.3.2 which refers to a “termite barrier or combination of barriers”.

For example, if a concrete slab is used as a barrier, it in itself will not provide a complete barrier to termites. Then, depending on the construction methods and the site conditions, additional requirements will be necessary for service penetrations. Each of these are “partial” treatment, yet when integrated, will form a “full system”.

In addition to the acceptable termite barriers described in Table 3.1.3.1, other methods or systems can be used if it can be demonstrated that they meet the relevant Performance Requirements of the Housing Provisions. Forms of evidence of suitability are described in Part 1.2—Acceptance of design and construction.

In Queensland delete Table 3.1.3.1 and replace with the following:

a.  Sub-floor ventilation—In suspended floor areas it is important that termite activity is not encouraged by inadequate subfloor ventilation. In conjunction with physical or chemical barriers air flow is critical. Air flow will not only restrict the growth of fungus which attacks subfloor members (which makes them more susceptible to termite attack), but also creates a climatic atmosphere less conducive to termite activity.
b.  Subfloor access—Termite shielding installed below suspended floors relies on access for both inspection and maintenance to be effective. Accordingly, minimum clearance heights will need to be achieved between the building structure (including ducts) and the ground to allow easy access to all areas where termite shields are used.