NSW State Recap – Summer 20/21

As we closed 2019 with hope and anticipation for a massive 2020, little did we know that our 40th birthday would be celebrated amidst the largest global crisis we’ve had to endure.

That said, it was a massive year! And not for all the wrong reasons.

Strata Community Association (NSW) closes this year having weathered a global pandemic, celebrated 40 years in business, undertook transformative and industry-first initiatives, delivered invaluable strata resources and services, developed cutting edge consumer guides and research and of course participated in a complete strata industry overhaul with nation-leading reform and the appointment of the Building Commissioner.

It’s hard to imagine 2021 being any more action packed than this year, but with the initiatives we have underway, it’s shaping up to be very exciting 12 months to come. Restrictions allowing, we will officially celebrate SCA (NSW)’s 40th which was postponed due to the coronavirus.

We also remain committed to honouring the legacy that has gone before us with the publication of a history book. We’re excited and hopeful for a 2021 release of the book “From the Ground Up’ collated and written by John Coleman.

For now, let’s review the 12 months that’s been:

COVID-19

How do we not start with the glaring elephant in the room?

While the economy was being placed into hibernation earlier this year, strata was not afforded the same windfall. We were forced to adapt, pivot, innovate and problem solve on the run, with a huge responsibility and obligation to provide hope, support, and service to millions of residents searching for answers and navigating a myriad of competing priorities.

We cannot forget that strata entered the global pandemic still inflicted by past problems of defects, flammable cladding, behavioural challenges, and complex compliance obligations. Those issues did not simply go away during lockdown and isolation – they were ever present and compounding reminders of the minefield that strata communities across the state juggled and navigated.

We as an industry faced an unprecedented challenge and delivered an unprecedented, coordinated effort to get through.

I’m proud of the hurdles SCA (NSW), and our members have overcome as a community, and the continued work that allows us to deliver expert services and support/advocate for the Strata industry as a whole. The role we’ve played to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in high-density living and ensure all strata residents have access to the support, resources and guidance they need has been integral.

I am humbled by our response, our dedication, and our resolve!

Our Role in Construction and Confidence Across NSW

This year, the NSW parliament passed building reforms introduced in the wake of high-profile Sydney apartment defects. Both the Design and Building Practitioners Bill 2019, and the Residential Apartment Buildings (Compliance and Enforcement Powers) Bill 2020 were assented in June 2020.  

Combined, these two Bills put the interests of consumers first and show that the Government is serious about lifting the standard of work across the building and construction sector.  

These Bills were collaboratively developed through extensive consultation with industry stakeholders including SCA (NSW), to ensure that the reforms were comprehensive and addressed core issues. We now have a leading system of design and building regulation that will deliver well-constructed buildings into the future.

SCA (NSW) and the Office of the Building Commissioner have also been working closely on government projects to help foster and re-establish consumer confidence for the building/ construction industry in New South Wales.

We’re honoured to be recognised by the OBC and NSW Government as a key stakeholder and source for expert commentary on high rise living and the issues people in buildings riddled with defects have been facing.

Our next major role will be providing consultation on the statutory review of the Strata Schemes Development Act 2015 and the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015. We will represent the interests of the strata industry across the state.

We’re excited to continue our role in shaping the future of better construction standards across NSW.

Defects Rectification Guide

As the NSW Government works towards delivering better quality builds for the future; one of our recent collaborative efforts has seen the development of industry-first guides and reference material!

We launched the ‘Strata Defects Rectification Guide’ in December, which has enabled researchers to gather comprehensive data on the granularity of defects and deliver a consumer-friendly guide (a first of its kind), to help owners and managers navigate the complexity of defects.  

In partnership with SCA (NSW), researchers from UNSW Sydney’s City Futures Research Centre and the University of Technology Sydney have developed the ‘Strata Defects Rectification Guide’ for strata residents and owners in New South Wales.

The guide will provide vital information on the approach to building defects under the legislation to help property owners navigate the process of identifying, documenting, reporting and rectifying building defects in strata schemes. It will also be a handy tool for potential buyers while inspecting a building.

The guide provides easy to understand information and support on how to rectify defects in a strata scheme.

iCIRT

SCA (NSW), is pleased to be continuing our collaboration of nationally focused Industry stakeholders to assist the Building Commissioner David Chandler. Our work is to consult on the establishment of a ratings tool (iCIRT), to restore public trust and consumer confidence in construction.

Our role in the built environment industry is representing our strata managers, lot owners and stakeholders living in, residing, or working in strata titled property. We are part of the iCIRT Industry Group as part of ongoing advocacy work in the property sector.

As the mercury continues to rise, we’re reminded that we’re edging closer and closer to the end of the year, and we will use our much-deserved time off to recoup and reflect after a rollercoaster year for the industry.

For now, there is more to happen as we head into 2021 and on behalf of the Board, may we wish you a happy, safe, and relaxing Christmas break with your families!

While we’re not quite at the finish line yet, we’ll close by reminding all that the last few months has been an historical step forward for the strata industry in New South Wales; a sharp contrast for the sector which has been notoriously plagued by defects.

PSS

Earlier this year SCA (NSW) initiated the process of forming our own Professional Standards Scheme regulated by the Professional Standards Council.   

Our application has continued in the background following the successful amendments to our constitution and has advanced towards final lodgement of the scheme application and review by the Council.

Strata Defects Survey

SCA (NSW) have sought a defined and measurable improvement in consumer confidence and have called on the Office of the Building Commissioner to deliver a 50% increase in consumer confidence by 2025!

One of the key tools that we will utilise to drive research and gauge confidence levels will be a substantial industry tailored survey.

To deliver a complete picture across a large dataset. The data will be used to understand consumer experiences with defects.

This is critically important as it will deliver results on 6,000 buildings constructed over the last 6 years and 750 new buildings every year thereafter. The survey aims to dive into the granularity of defects, reviewing:

• Waterproofing 

• Structural 

• Cladding 

• Fire

Over the coming months we will need your help to complete the most extensive dataset on strata defects ever undertaken. SCA (NSW) hopes that any member who receives the survey will assist us redefining the industry!

As the mercury continues to rise, we’re reminded that we’re edging closer and closer to the end of the year, and we will use our much-deserved time off to recoup and reflect after a rollercoaster year for the industry.

For now, there is more to happen as we head into 2021 and on behalf of the Board, may we wish you a happy, safe, and relaxing Christmas break with your families!

While we’re not quite at the finish line yet, we’ll close by reminding all that the last few months has been an historical step forward for the strata industry in New South Wales; a sharp contrast for the sector which has been notoriously plagued by defects.

We turn our sights now to the festive season.

Stay healthy, stay connected and stay safe.