By Kerry Larsen

The local building industry looks far from improving with local tradies continuing to search for work away from the region to attain an income.

In recent months, a legion of local tradies have traveled to Cyclone Yasi-effected areas, such as Tully, Cardwell, Hinchinbrook and Bedarra Island, to maintain an income as building opportunities within the Douglas region grinds to a near-halt.

And with building industry work drying up within those areas, some tradies are moving as far away as Victoria – and away from their families for months at a time – to find work.

Meanwhile, the State Government will host a free building industry seminar in Cairns this Wednesday, July 20, for those tradies still within the region.

Building Industry Minister, Simon Finn, said the seminar was primarily aimed at first-year licensees and fourth-year apprentices, but should also be of interest to contractors wanting to keep up to date with recent changes affecting the industry.

"These seminars play an important role in maintaining standards in the building industry and I especially urge all contractors who have become licensees within the past 18 months to attend," Mr Finn said.

The presentation covers the role of the Building Services Authority and Construction Skills Queensland, the role of building Acts and regulations, the Building Code of Australia and Australian Standards, the building approval process, defective work and dispute resolution.

"It also covers the major risks facing businesses in their first few years, including supervision and workplace health and safety issues,” Mr Finn said.

"Whether you are a builder, designer, trade contractor, supervisor, or fourth-year apprentice, you need to be aware of these requirements."

The seminar at the Seville Mercy Conference Centre, 35 Bauhinia Avenue, Earlville, will between 4.30pm and 6pm.

Registrations for the seminar can be placed by ringing 1300 272 272 or by emailing bsaseminars@bsa.qld.gov.au.