STOP THE PRESS One:
COVID 19 Planning Relief Extended
The "COVID-19 'prescribed' period" has been extended for a further six months, until March 25, 2021.
All of the COVID-19 provisions that have been introduced to apply during the designtaed COVID-19 period are thus extended by six months.
STOP THE PRESS Two:
Building Commissioner begins his audit process - Urban Taskforce members given an early tick
The NSW Building Commissioner began the first of 200 Occupational Certificate (OC) audits this week, at sites ranging across metropolitan and regional areas.
Over 420 projects have notified in accordance with the requirements of the Residential Apartment Buildings (Enforcement and Compliance Powers) Act which commenced on the 1st September 2020.
The Building Commissioner has advised that some developers have not notified as required and they should be aware of the consequences of not doing so. Fines of up to $100,000 could apply and there may also be a prohibition order to stop an occupation certificate issuing.
Extensive briefings have occurred with all the industry’s key players including the Urban Taskforce.
A learning module to inform industry is now active on the TAFE NSW site. Over 615 people have signed up to do this module which will be free for the next 40 days.
Already the OC Audit program is revealing examples of both excellent and poor practice. Often the good practices are under reported. It is these projects that set the benchmarks that those who have yet to make a commitment to building trustworthy buildings must seek to aspire. While it is important to call out poor practice players, it is equally as important for consumers to understand that the majority of developers and builders are committed to delivering high quality buildings.
Companies ranging from the big end of town right through to small players are setting the standard with projects like Ora Doll’s Point by Helm, Meriton Suites Waterloo, Billbergia’s Rhodes Central, St Leonard’s Square by Mirvac. These companies have stable teams of managers, designers and contractors. For the consumer as well as the builders and surveyors, these are vital considerations in selecting a property to purchase.
“We’re not just here to spot the problems,” says David Chandler. “We’re here to inspire excellence. That’s how we’ll rebuild consumer confidence and get our industry firing on all cylinders. I want people to know what we expect and what to aim for. We all want to be proud of what is being achieved and I know our industry can be world-class.
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