Projects limo in builder flop

Geelong builder Macalister Prestige Homes has collapsed, leaving behind several unfinished building projects.
The firm’s parent company, Sale-based Macalister Constructions, last week entered voluntary administration owing millions of dollars.
Administrator SV Partners conducted a meeting of creditors in Melbourne on Wednesday.
The company established its Geelong base in an office in Fyans St, South Geelong, in 2011 but was working on a small number of projects in the region at the time of the collapse.
Macalister Prestige Homes was listed among builders slated to provide houses in the new Geelong Golf Links residential estate.
The company had built or planned display homes at Lara, Leopold and Armstrong Creek.
The company’s website said the firm had won a combined of 27 Housing Industry Australia and Master Builders awards.
“At Macalister Prestige Homes we pride ourself (sic) on producing high quality affordable homes with a personal touch.”
The company also had a commercial arm, with Federal Government contracts under the Building the Education Revolution scheme.
However, the firm’s registration to accept government contracts was withdrawn in June after it ran into difficulties paying sub-contractors.
Gippsland Trades and Labour Council secretary John Parker said Macalister Constructions had falsely signed statutory declarations saying it had paid contractors when it had not.
“Government departments like the Department of Human Services continued to pay Macalister even though they knew contractors had not been paid.
“The damage they do to small contractors is outrageous, especially in small towns. The funds are meant to stimulate the economy but instead it ends up with bottom feeders.”
Mr Parker called for a full investigation into the failure of Macalister Constructions despite warnings to government.
The Macalister collapse follows the failure of Blue Cove Homes and Kala Homes in Geelong last year.