Master Builders' Deputy Executive Director Paul Bidwell said the survey was one of the best ways to gauge specific industry expectations and business performance in all regions across Queensland.
"These results reflect a period of stability in Queensland, following the state election and the scaling back of mining investment," Bidwell said.
"Optimism has been boosted by an improved unemployment rate and continued low interest rates.
"The good news for the construction sector is that relative to the wider economy, it is expected to perform strongly. And within the industry there are a significant number (37 per cent) that expect the industry to improve further."
The report also found:
As the nation continues to debate tax reform and economic stimulus, 84 per cent of respondents said there would be a significant or moderate impact of scrapping negative gearing and capital gains tax concessions on the demand for new construction.
The level of business activity strengthened with more than a third of respondents reporting stronger levels of work in progress.
Turnover and profitability rebounded, recovering much of the previous quarter losses. Turnover has returned to positive territory and profitability is just slightly below.
Employment levels have remained at the same level for the past 12 months, with an expected improvement in the coming September quarter. The story is similar for apprentices, with demand flat over the past 12 months.
For the first time in the history of the survey (five years), labour costs are regarded as the number-one constraint by the industry.
The lackluster level of demand also rated as a critical constraint on business growth. The fact it continues to rate as a concern in the face of state-wide improvement is a reflection of the patchy nature of the current growth which has failed to reach many regions and sectors of the industry.
And while interest rates remain low and building costs are competitive, the ability to invest in new construction has declined due to stagnating wages and a tightening of finance terms by banks, especially for investors.
In the regions:
For the most part the south east corner continued to drive growth, with the Gold and Sunshine coasts being the standout performers across the state.
Central Queensland has had a strong quarter as a result of the Cyclone Marcia repair work. The challenge now will be to turn this kick-start into ongoing momentum.
While Mackay & Whitsunday continues to struggle, some optimism is beginning to return and this is expected to continue.
Each of the remaining regions returned an improved performance on the previous quarter but continue to struggle with less than positive results.
