The Building Commissioner David Chandler joined Ray Hadley on 2GB this morning to talk about the start of the OC Audits this week (you can listen in here from 50:10). In the interview he talked about what he’s seen so far, and how the process that’s now underway, will help lift the standard of building development, and restore consumer confidence in purchasing apartments. To coincide with the interview, here’s an update on how this important first step, is progressing.
The first of 200 Occupational Certificate (OC) audits began on Monday, at sites ranging across metropolitan and regional areas. Over 420 projects have notified us in accordance with the requirements of the Residential Apartment Buildings (Enforcement and Compliance Powers) Act which commenced on the 1st September 2020. 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 Property Council of Australia, the Urban Development Institute of Australia and the Urban Taskforce Australia. The briefing material provided to these important industry leaders has been widely circulated. 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.
“I’m excited to see what’s yet to come” he says. “Stay tuned!”.