The Cairns Post, 26th October 2016 – Hayden Smith

A Cairns building guru will use his influential new role to shine a light on the Far North’s construction sector.
Ralf Dutton, owner of Cairns’ Value Homes, has been elected president of Master Builders Queensland.
It is understood the position had previously never been held by a Far Northerner.
A Master Builders board member for more than a decade, Mr Dutton (pictured) intends to use his presidency to benefit the region.
“It felt like the time was right to put my hand up,” he said. “Cairns seems ready to go but the success of the tourism industry isn’t flowing into the broader community just yet.
“The demand is there but we just need the confidence.
“Rental vacancies are tight and prices are increasing, which usually means people are ready to build – but they’re not.”
Born in Cairns, Mr Dutton gained his open building licence in 1986.
He opened his award winning company, based on Mulgrave Rd, in 1992.
Mr Dutton said he would ask the Master Builders Queensland board to hold meetings in regional centres such as Cairns.
“Doing this would highlight the diversity of the state and only be beneficial for Cairns,” he said.
“I’ve always been passionate about the industry. This is one way of doing something for the region.”
Mr Dutton is joined by construction chairman Rod McDonald, housing chairman Ross Hongo, and board members Geoff Baguley, Drew Brockhurst, Adrian Gabrielli, Nick Herron and Peter Schriek.

The board will next meet in late November.