Australian Pavilion at Philconstruct 98 in the Philippines opened today

18/11/98

Western Australia's expertise in the building and construction industry is attracting considerable interest at a major exhibition in the Philippines.

Commerce and Trade Minister Hendy Cowan, who today opened the Australian Pavilion at Philconstruct 98, said it showcased everything from WA carpet technology and pavers to solar powered heaters and water treatment filters.

Mr Cowan said the WA display at Philconstruct 98 - the premier building and construction expo in the Philippines - reflected the new ideas and innovations being used by our builders heading into the New Millennium.

"They are part of a multi-billion dollar success story for the WA industry," he said.

"WA companies which produce building materials and products now have an annual turnover exceeding $15 billion, with an increasing proportion of this coming from overseas clients.

"That success is due to quality and competitiveness, but it also reflects the innovations in design, construction technology, finishes and project management which have occurred in recent years, fuelled by the many major infrastructure projects under way in Australia."

Mr Cowan said 12 WA companies were exhibiting at the expo, part of a contingent of more than 45 Australian companies represented at the Australian Pavilion. The WA display includes companies involved in:

·      the design and construction of bridges and multi-storey structures - especially for areas subject to earthquakes and cyclones;

·      the latest range of clay bricks and pavers together with roofing tiles manufactured with the latest in ceramic technology;

·      the latest advances in solar-powered water heaters, both for commercial and domestic applications;

·      a variety of broadloom, tufted carpets which can be made to individual specifications for a variety of building projects;

·      specialised filters for a range of water treatments, including commercial swimming pools;

·      cold roll forming machinery to produce, among other things, metal door frames;

·      independent materials testing, such as tests for soils, aggregates, asphalt and concrete;

·      contract road building; and -

·      products including decorative ceilings and acoustic panels, transmission poles and street lighting, state-of-the-art extruded curbing machines, rotational moulded plastics, security locking systems, bathroom vanity cabinets and fabric venetians and plastic moulded components for window coverings.

Mr Cowan said the Philippines, having suffered from the devastating effect of typhoons, understood the economic importance of developing and maintaining infrastructure.

"WA companies have a solid record in infrastructure development and experience in harsh environments and areas subject to extremes of weather," he said.

"Our building and construction industry has learnt from harsh experience how to respond rapidly to disaster, repairing the physical damage, and in the infrastructure area we have wide experience in the development and maintenance of roads, ports, airports, rail services, and power services."

Mr Cowan said more than 40,000 visitors were expected to attend Philconstruct 98, with many of these directly involved in recommending, specifying or purchasing products or services seen during the show.

They included architects, engineers, major corporate users, designers and planners, property consultants, property owners, suppliers, manufacturers and investors.

The Minister said the Department of Commerce and Trade would operate a business service centre in the Australian pavilion, with officers from the department and the Housing Industry Association available to answer general questions about WA's commercial and residential building industry, land development and building products and services.

The WA exhibitors include: Bristile Ltd, Chadson Engineering, Colrol, Edwards Energy Systems, Architectural Ceiling Systems, H B Brady Co Pty Ltd, Mardo Australia, Midland Brick, Riverton Engineering, Solco, Westwool Carpets and Empar Distributors.

Media contact: Peter Jackson 9222 9595