As electric vehicle (EV) growth in Australia continues to rise, EV charging is quickly becoming a topical issue in the strata environment. The National Construction Code was recently changed to mandate that all new apartment developments be built with access to EV charging in the carpark. I believe it’s important that existing apartment buildings also…
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Here at Smart Strata, we are preparing to make waves as our lineup of speakers gets stronger by the week. The panel so far consists of Andrew Suttie – Nicholsons Solicitors, Trevor Rawnsley – ARAMA, Jason Carlson – Grace Lawyers and adjudicators Juliette Nairn – OMB Solicitors and Chris Irons – Strata Solve. Our next…
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The weather in the last week across Southeast QLD has been nothing short of devastating. Strata properties affected need to act as communities relying upon their; Strata Managers, Building Managers, Committees and Insurers to coordinate initial make safe where needed then major repairs and insurance claim management. In this article we will provide guidance on…
Read MoreMaybe the Irwin’s were onto something when they got involved with Crocodiles…. They don’t move around much or leave their home (at Australia Zoo), sleep a fair bit, just lay in a pool, don’t bark, don’t wander around depositing nasty surprises everywhere, don’t attack people on common property, don’t shed hair that may give allergies…
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The Government has announced the final design of the reinsurance pool for cyclone and related flood damage, following consultation on the draft legislation. A media release that provides more detail on the Government’s announcement can be found below. The Morrison Government has finalised the design of the reinsurance pool for cyclone and related flood…
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Australian Strata Buildings are Getting Taller Or, so says the Australian Bureau of Statistics … From low rise walk-up strata apartment blocks in the 60’s and 70’s, we’ve seen bigger and bigger strata complexes each decade. But, they’ve also been getting taller and taller as the ABS’ analysis demonstrates. Introduction I’ve written about the advantages…
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Can a body corporate “buy out” the building manager? Let me start out by making this observation – sometimes it’s tricky to figure out what someone is really asking. Perhaps because of a language barrier… like the time I went to lunch with my friend Scott to a Japanese restaurant (don’t jump to conclusions just…
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The Queensland Reconstruction Authority has set down guidelines on how the North Queensland National Disasters Mitigation Program will operate. The program aims to help reduce the cost of insurance premiums in high-risk, cyclone-prone areas. Funding for upgrades, new buildings and infrastructure, which comply with resilient homes guidelines, will be eligible to apply for funding through…
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Down the vaccination rabbit hole For those who can remember their childhood, Alice in Wonderland was quite the trip. But that mind-bending exercise in pretzel logic is nothing compared with the rabbit hole we are all about to enter with COVID-19 vaccination in strata communities. The Cheshire cat said to Alice, ‘If you don’t know…
Read MoreA plain and simple explanation of a Gallery Vie clause It really doesn’t exist, unless you think a building manager saying “It’s a simple clause the bank wants that will have no impact on the body corporate whatsoever” is all the explanation a committee ever needs. If you are looking for a more digestible explanation…
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