Building Commission NSW inspects 120 sites and helps 160 locals during Queanbeyan campaign

The three-day visit aimed to connect with residents, the construction industry, skills sector and local government, as part of the Commission’s commitment to lifting building standards.

The Queanbeyan-Palerang area was targeted due to its healthy construction industry, with the region boasting around 400 active sites and more than 2,700 licence holders.

Inspectors conducted 121 site visits in Queanbeyan, Jerrabomberra, Tralee and Googong, as well as the Southern Highlands and Tablelands towns of Sutton Forest, Moss Vale and Goulburn.

Inspectors received a generally positive response from trades during the site visits, with many welcoming inspections and demonstrating good standards of building, supervision and licensing.

However, Building Commission NSW has drafted seven Rectification Orders for free-standing homes where defects were identified.

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

The key defects found during inspections were predominantly related to weather proofing, including issues with damp proof course, roof sarking and metal roofing not being installed correctly.

The incorrect display of building and certifier signage was the main compliance issue noted, with six Penalty Infringement Notices (PINS) issued for these offences.

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

Four PINS were also issued for unlicensed work or contracting, with a further nine matters relating to these offences still being investigated by Building Commission NSW for potential action.

Building Commission NSW staff also held three community “drop-in” sessions at the Queanbeyan Service NSW Centre, met with councils and toured the local TAFE NSW campus.

The drop-in sessions saw Commission staff engage with around 160 people, offering free, expert advice on how to pick the right builder, complaint handling, investigations and other construction- related issues.

During the Queanbeyan TAFE NSW campus tour the NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard met with local Civil Construction students, toured its Brick and Block Workshop and viewed the Skills for Education and Employment (Try a Trade) Program. 

Quotes to be attributed to NSW Building Commissioner, James Sherrard:

“These types of regional campaigns allow Building Commission NSW to provide advice to locals, inspect building sites, meet with councils and engage with the construction industry.”

“The response from students, residents and trades was mostly positive, which is a good sign the community is engaged, and industry is keeping quality and compliance at the forefront.”

“While the standards were good overall, we did identify some areas for improvement, particularly around weatherproofing defects, site signage and unlicensed work.”

“Trades should keep in mind the defects and compliance issues we identified can have long-term impacts if not addressed and we will ensure they are fixed through orders or fines, if necessary."