WA BUILDING REFORM MEASURES SUPPORTED BY INDUSTRY

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA WA) is supportive of the State Government’s moves to draft legislation that aims to further increase consumer confidence in relation to building construction, particularly for high rise buildings.

“UDIA WA is supportive of government policy that brings greater consistency to the regulatory environment,” UDIA WA CEO Tanya Steinbeck said.  “We have worked collaboratively with the State Government in the lead up to today’s announcement and acknowledge their carefully considered and contextually appropriate approach.”

While the new legislation is yet to be drafted, it is understood that it will aim to provide greater consistency to the building inspection process, including the introduction of mandatory inspections of new apartments and other commercial buildings.

“With or without this legislation, the overall quality of apartments that are currently being delivered to the WA market is very high,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“As this new legislation is drafted, prospective apartment buyers can rest assured that UDIA members already take a rigorous approach to ensure full compliance with Australian Standards,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“The buyer is always front of mind when delivering quality apartments to the market, with developers staking their reputation on delivering a home that meets and often exceeds the expectation of the resident. High quality, compliant construction is a key component of this.” Ms Steinbeck said.

“This includes working with a host of expert consultants, actively engaging with relevant authorities who will later service the building during the design process and progressive inspections by Registered Building Surveyors throughout the construction process to identify and rectify non-compliances,” Ms Steinbeck said.

Compliance is currently monitored via a range of measures to ensure the end purchaser is protected, including:

• DMIRS through Building and Energy WA (BEWA) are responsible for registering and auditing builders and building surveyors;
• BEWA work with Local Government Permit Authorities, who are responsible for approving building permits for the construction and occupation of buildings and have the power to monitor and enforce building standards;
• Projects are designed by a team of professionals that ensure the design meets stringent National Construction Code (NCC) requirements and Australan Standards;
• Throughout the design process, there is active engagement with relevant authorities;
• Registered Buildings Surveyors review the suite of documentation that is provided with a Building Permit application along with any certifications provided by relevant consultants;
• Registered Building Surveyors prepare a Certificate of Design Compliance;
• During construction, expert consultants including the Registered Building Surveyor, visit the site regularly to ensure adherence to documentation that has already been lodged;
• A range of inspections and certification processes are undertaken at completion before an Occupancy Permit is issued.

“Developers of quality and repute have stringent processes in place, and we would encourage buyers to discuss this with them to assist in understanding how risks are managed and what the process of rectification would be if any issues were to arise during or following the process of construction,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“Our message to those buyers considering apartment living in WA is very clear,” Ms Steinbeck said. 

“Apartment living provides a fantastic lifestyle opportunity and anyone considering entering into a contract of sale for an apartment right now, can rest assured that the current process is rigorous and ensures compliance with national construction codes,” Ms Steinbeck said.  

“The proposed legislation is about consistency and providing even further confidence that apartments are built to a high standard,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“With the State Government’s vision for a more compact and connected city, apartments form an important part of the housing options offered to buyers and renters across the state,” Ms Steinbeck said.

“It is critical that the property industry is supported and indeed encouraged, to deliver quality product to buyers so that we can meet the needs of the many people seeking the apartment lifestyle.” 

End.

Contact: 
UDIA WA
Gemma Osiejak
Executive Manager Communications & Engagement
P: 0421 506 819
E: gosiejak@udiawa.com.au