Results released from Port to Port building blitz

THE Building Commission NSW has released the results of its three-day inspection blitz of worksites between Port Stephens and Port Macquarie.

During August, a team of inspectors visited 41 sites across Nelson Bay, Forster, Diamond Beach, Bonny Hills and Port Macquarie.

Inspections focused on identifying defective building work, monitoring for unlicensed or unsupervised specialist trades and ensuring site safety and management controls were in place.

Building Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said that while the state needs to deliver more than 75,000 new homes each year to meet the National Housing Accord target, it is not interested in sacrificing quality.

“So, tackling misconduct in the state’s building industry is more critical than ever.”

While the overall standard of work was good, inspectors have either issued or expect to issue 13 rectification orders for a range of defects.

These are mostly for non-compliant masonry work, with inspectors noting particular issues with control joints and bricks overhanging the concrete slab.

Positively, no incorrect installations of Damp Proof Course were identified in this round of site visits, after inspection blitzes in other regional parts of NSW found it was a common issue.

Damp Proof Course is designed to prevent moisture from the ground seeping upwards into the brick work and if not installed properly can lead to long term issues with mould and damp.

During the inspection blitz, Building Commission NSW also issued 22 Penalty Infringement Notices (PINS) worth $17,970, with over half (13) relating to improper builder or certifier site signage.

Clear and correct signage is vital to ensure workers and visitors are aware of who is working on the site, as well as the relevant safety procedures, hazards and restrictions on the project.

The remaining PINS were issued for unlicensed work or contracting (4), non-compliant electrical work (3), insufficient supervision of trades (1) and undertaking work without insurance (1).

An additional nine Written Direction Notices (WDNS) were issued for non-compliant electrical work, with the main issue identified being non-compliant residual current devices (RCDS) and switchboards used on construction sites not configured and labelled for construction use.

Before Rectification Orders are finalised and made public, Building Commission NSW must consider written representations from the developer or principal contractor, as required by legislation.

In the coming months Building Commission NSW inspectors will re-inspect sites where issues were identified to ensure orders are complied with and defects are rectified.

Building Commissioner James Sherrard said the inspections were not just about issuing rectification orders or fines.

“Our inspectors also aim to educate those on site when problems are identified.

“[They] delivered 40 on-the-spot education notices to trades, covering issues such as signage and licensing, with the goal of preventing these problems from recurring.

The Commission will continue to visit a range of regional sites across NSW in the coming months, deploying teams of inspectors to ensure building quality is maintained.