Building Commission NSW visited the Central West in early June to conduct inspections on new residential properties as part of the agency’s continued commitment to monitor building work in regional NSW.
The Central West inspection blitz saw the NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard and a team of inspectors visit 62 sites across Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and Blayney.
15 inspectors split their time between general building work inspections, specialist trades like plumbing, electrical, gas and air conditioning, as well as Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) checks.
As a result of the compliance campaign Building Commission NSW has drafted 15 Rectification Orders for a range of defects detected during the four-day blitz.
Before these orders are finalised and made public, Building Commission NSW will consider written representations from the developer or principal contractor, as required by legislation.
The blitz also saw Building Commission NSW issue 18 penalty infringement notices (PINs) valued at $13,700 for issues related to builder and certifier’s signage, unlicenced work and supervision of trades.
In addition to the PINs, Building Commission NSW inspectors issued 57 written direction notices (WDNs) for specialist electrical work.
Building Commission NSW also used its time in the Central West to conduct three council meetings and four community “drop-in” sessions providing residents the opportunity to raise building-related issues and ask questions about the regulatory process.
In Orange, Building Commission NSW partnered with the Master Builders Association (MBA) at an evening industry event where 140 attendees shared insights about construction within the region.
The regional inspection program has seen inspectors visit the Mid-North Coast, Tweed and Riverina-Murray so far this year, to ensure residential buildings outside the metro postcodes are up to par.
Including the Central West blitz, Building Commission NSW has visited 223 residential building sites, expects to issue or has issued 58 orders for building defects, and issued 72 PINs, as part of this regional push.
Building Commission NSW also plans to visit other regional locations across the State to ensure local construction sectors are working to the highest possible level.
Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“Building quality is one of the top priorities of the Minns Government.
“The NSW Government is committed to lifting standards in the residential construction industry across the entire state and that includes our regions.
“The Central West inspection blitz is part of an ongoing program to ensure that homeowners, no matter where they live, can have confidence in the quality of their homes.”
Minister for Western NSW Tara Moriarty said:
“Inspecting 62 sites across Dubbo, Orange, Bathurst and Blayney, Building Commission NSW is about ensuring regional communities are confident local builders and developers are all working in accordance with building standards and regulations.
“The Central West visit didn’t just focus on enforcement, with council meetings, community “drop-in” sessions and the well-attended industry event in Orange, Building Commission NSW listened to locals and heard directly from the sector about the challenges and opportunities in the region.
“That feedback is invaluable as the Minns Government shapes its future policy and regulatory approaches.”
Member for Orange Phil Donato MP said:
“Homeowners in the electorate of Orange deserve to be confident that their home is safe and sound when they move in.
“I’m pleased that Building Commission NSW is focused on ensuring building standards in the Central West, and I look forward to the Commission continuing its inspections right across the regions in order to protect hardworking homeowners.”
NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said:
“On this trip to the Central West, 30 Building Commission NSW staff travelled 822 kilometres to conduct compliance inspections, engage with local councils, communities and stakeholders.
“While inspections were just a small part of what our team did in the Central West, it was still very important to check in on the local industry and ensure the building work is of good quality.
“After almost 150 interactions with tradespeople on sites across Bathurst, Orange, Dubbo and Blayney, we were pleased with the level of compliance we saw.
“But the 57 written direction notices issued for electrical work alone speak to the importance of checking in, as there is still work to be done.
“Whether it’s the Central West or the coast, homeowners deserve confidence that their home is safe and sound when they move in.
“We will continue to visit the regions to make sure our standards are being met and if not, we’ll act.”