Overview
The monthly Building Approvals (BAPS) collection collects data relating to residential and non-residential building work above certain value limits that have been approved within the reference month. Data from this collection is an important leading economic indicator of future building activity. It also provides the sampling framework for the quarterly Building Activity Survey, which is a major contributor to the quarterly National Accounts estimates.
Building Approval statistics are used extensively by both public and private sector organisations to monitor economic activity, employment and investment.
Scope
The scope of the collection comprises the following approvals:
- construction of new buildings;
- alterations and additions to existing buildings;
- non-structural renovation and refurbishment work;
- installation of integral building fixtures; and
- full demolitions of existing dwellings.
For the purposes of this collection, a building is a rigid, fixed and permanent structure which has a roof. Its intended purpose is primarily to house people, plant, machinery, vehicles, goods or livestock. An integral feature of a building's design is the provision for regular access by persons in order to satisfy its intended use.
Construction activity not defined as building (e.g. roads, bridges, railways, earthworks, etc.) are excluded. Statistics for this activity can be found in Engineering Construction Activity, Australia.
Collection
Data collected are available as part of the normal administrative building approval process, and are generally readily available from the relevant local government or other approving authority.
Statistics of building work approved are compiled from:
- permits issued by local government authorities and other principal certifying authorities;
- contracts let or day labour work authorised by commonwealth, state, semi-government and local government authorities; and
- information about major building projects that are not subject to normal administrative approval e.g. building on remote mine sites. These projects may be sourced through media reports and the Building Activity Survey.
Coverage
The coverage of these statistics has changed over time:
- From July 1990, the statistics include all approved residential building valued at $10,000 or more and all approved non-residential building valued at $50,000 or more.
- From July 1988 to June 1990, the statistics include all approved residential building valued at $10,000 or more and all approved non-residential building valued at $30,000 or more.
- From July 1975 to June 1988, the statistics include all approved residential and non-residential building valued at $10,000 or more.
- Up to June 1975, the statistics include all approved new building, and alterations and additions involving a structural change or floor area expansion.