Builders, painters and their customers will benefit from the extension of the Builders' and Painters' Registration Boards to cover the whole of the South-West land division, from Kalbarri through to Hopetoun.
Consumer Affairs Minister Yvonne Henderson today announced the extension would take effect on January 5 and cover 76 local authorities.
From January 5, people living in 113 of the State's 138 municipalities would have the protection of the boards' jurisdiction.
"This extension results from a willingness by builders and painters to maintain and improve the image of the local industry," Mrs Henderson said.
"The move will also enhance consumer confidence and protection.
"Under the change, builders will be able to apply for registration under the Builders' Registration Act as qualified and competent builders.
"Painters will be able to apply for registration under the Painters' Registration Act.
"These extensions will ensure that consumers are protected under the Acts from unsatisfactory work by only using registered tradesmen," Mrs Henderson said.
She urged builders and painters to apply for registration now in readiness for January 5.
People should then ensure they only used registered builders and painters.
Mrs Henderson said this protection was complementary to the protection given to home builders under the Government's recent Home Builder Contracts Act.
This legislation provided statewide protection on contractual and workmanship issues.
The Minister said the Builders' Registration Board now operated in major population areas and the Government planned to extend this to the whole State as soon as possible.
The registrar of the Builders' Registration Board, Nigel Lilley, said the extension was a positive move to improve consumer confidence and the standard of building.
Mr Lilley said he was pleased that people in a larger area of Western Australia would be able to enjoy the same good standard of work.
Builders had to show technical and managerial expertise before being granted registration.
