Strata group pushes self regulation

LOCAL Authorities throughout Queensland are being asked to get behind a push by the multi billion dollar strata and community title industry in Queensland for more self regulation. Strata Community Australia (Qld) is pushing for the introduction of self- governing by-laws to be implemented for the strata industry to keep pace with growth in the sector

Strata Community Australia (Qld) President, Simon Barnard, said the current system was not working well.

“Self regulation and self governing by-laws need to be introduced foremost for consumer protection,” Mr Barnard said.

“Issues like smoking on strata premises and the keeping of pets should be decided by the Body Corporate of the scheme to allow owners to self-determine what their ‘neighbourhood’ is like.

“A Body Corporate can’t legally impose any form of penalties on residents who don’t abide by building rules and regulations.

“The strata industry is growing rapidly. It is an industry sector supported by one million Queenslanders, with 1000 more lots created each month.

“With this constant growth, it is vital that a framework be put in place that protects the interests of owners and gives them powers to self regulate their properties as they wish through the body corporate structure”, Mr Barnard said.

Strata Community Australia (Qld) has been in talks with State Attorney- General Jarrod Bleijie about implementing such a self regulatory framework as part of the current Property Law Review which is expected to be finalised later this year.

“As part of this Review, we are bringing strata living issues to the table,” Mr Barnard said.

“These issues impact the lives of one in four Queenslanders. Issues such as illegal parking on strata property, having unwelcome pets and excessive balcony smoking are matters that need to be addressed and this is best done by self regulation.

“Local Authorities throughout the State will undoubtedly have a policy view on various aspects of the Property Law Review and we hope they do not stand in the way of self regulation within our sector.

“We need their support and we hope they get right behind our push for self governing in strata schemes so that Government and the Strata industry can work together in accomplishing more freedom for people living in strata schemes.”

Implementing a self regulatory framework will allow for the owners of the 400,000 lots in Queensland to have legislative power to adopt by-laws specific to their strata building.