2015-01-12 General Committee Agenda

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA                                                 12 January 2015


2.   Recommendation to improve the disciplinary framework for private building
     certifiers.

This recommendation is supported as it will increase the auditing and enforcement powers of the
Queensland Building Construction Commission. This will provide the Commission with greater
capacity to enforce non-performance provided it is appropriately resourced.

3.   Recommendation that Local Governments should be required to provide advice to
     private certifiers about planning scheme compliance.

Noosa Council is already in a position to meet this proposed recommendation as Council
currently offers this service to customers under Council’s approved fees and charges schedule.
Not all Councils currently do so but this recommendation is supported.

4.   Recommendation for improvement in the current lapsing building application
     framework.

The proposed introduction of default lapsing timeframes on existing and new building
applications will assist both private building certifiers and Local Government to close outstanding
files that may not be finalised. This proposal is supported.

5.   Recommendation proposing to increase the scope of building work that does not
     require an approval.

This recommendation proposing to increase the self-assessable limits for class 10a building
works (sheds and/or decks) from 10m2 to 15m2 is supported. There do not appear to be any
adverse structural or amenity implications with the proposed change.

6.   Recommendation proposing options for clarifying when certificates of classification
     should be given for pre-1998 buildings.

Council officers support the proposal to better define section 123 of the Building Act 1975 to
enable both Local Government and private certifiers to issue a form of occupancy certificate for
class 2 to 9 buildings. (Pre-1998 building works).

7.   Recommendation proposing to align the assessment and inspection processes for
     building work conducted for or on behalf of the State, Public Sector Entities or Local
     Governments with that of assessable development.

The adoption of this recommendation by the State would require a Council to formally assess,
approve and inspect and document all building work (other than self-assessable work). Council
officers support the intent of this recommendation however it is not considered necessary for
Class 10 buildings and/or structures to be included in this proposal.

Finance & Risk

Council may see an increase in applications for building and planning advice upon the
introduction of these recommendations. Monitoring of Council’s resources and processes will be
required to ensure timely delivery of service.

External Consultation - Community & Stakeholder

Council Officers have attended consultation meetings and provided State Government
representatives with technical comments on the Wallace Report recommendations. A written
response to Wallace Report will be provided and forwarded to State Government after the
Council meeting but before final consultation closure date on 30 January 2015.



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