Hunter Region March 2026

Summary and key outcomes of our compliance inspections in the Hunter Region in March 2026.

Aerial view over the Hunter River coastline at Newcastle.

Summary of the inspections

Our inspectors visited 44 sites, focusing on general compliance. They noted several instances of licensing non-compliance and issued 11 penalty infringement notices for undertaking residential building work when unlicensed. 

Some of the towns we visited

  • Cameron Park
  • Elermore Vale
  • Gillieston Heights
  • Hamilton South
  • Lochinvar
  • Newcastle

Overview of the regional inspection

2
Inspectors
44
Class 1 sites inspected

Compliance outcomes

22
Penalty Infringement Notices
13
Caution letters

Reasons for Penalty Infringement Notices

1
Contracting for building work without a licence

s4(1) Home Building Act 1989

4
Contractor licensee contract to unlicensed contractor

s4(2) Home Building Act 1989

11
Do any residential building work when unlicensed

s12 Home Building Act 1989

4
Do any specialist work when unlicensed

s12 Home Building Act 1989

1
Not display sign as prescribed on development consent work

s32 Home Building Regulation 2014

Reasons for caution letters

2
Contractor licensee contract to unlicensed contractor

s4(2) Home Building Act 1989

3
No builder sign

s32 Home Building Regulation 2014

5
No certifier sign

s75 EP&A (DC&FS) Regulation 2021

2
Unlicensed specialist work

s12 Home Building Act 1989

1
Owner-builder permit holder contract with unlicensed contractor

s32(3a) Home Building Regulation 2014

Inspection findings

A high number of unlicensed workers and contractors were identified with both cautions and penalty infringement notices issued by our inspectors for these non-compliances. 

Learn more about licensing requirements for building and trade work

Reports from other regions

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