NSW Far South Coast building sites put on notice in Building Commission NSW’s first regional blitz of the year
Building Commission NSW has completed its first regional inspection blitz of the year, visiting sites along the state’s South Coast to ensure electrical, plumbing and general compliance are up to scratch.
Since the establishment of Building Commission NSW as a dedicated regulator in December 2023, the Minns Labor Government has cracked down on irresponsible operators, prioritising enforcement and compliance to rebuild confidence in the building sector.
As part of its regional compliance campaign, Building Commission NSW visited both active sites and occupied homes in the Batemans Bay, Bega and Rosedale areas.
Inspectors visited 54 active construction sites to carry out both general and electrical inspections, as well as focussing on licensing. In addition, inspectors visited 62 homes to inspect solar and battery installations and another 47 homes for inspections on Hot Water Heat Pump system installations.
While compliance on the South Coast was encouraging overall, Building Commission NSW handed out 47 Written Direction Notices for electrical and plumbing issues it identified during inspections.
Building Commission NSW also issued 10 Penalty Infringement Notices, which are fast-tracked, on the-spot fines. These were for a range of electrical, licencing and general compliance issues identified during the blitz.
Many of the fines issued during the campaign were for licensing issues, including carrying out work without the appropriate licence or subcontracting work to an unlicensed person.
Holding the correct licence is a legal requirement for builders completing residential works and helps ensure they possess the correct skills and training, as well as allowing homeowners insurance.
This is part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build stronger communities with better-quality homes across NSW. By backing qualified professionals, enforcing stronger regulations, and taking action where it matters, we’re restoring trust and confidence in the building market.
Homeowners are reminded to ensure a contractor is licenced prior to handing over any money using
the NSW Government’s Verify NSW website at: https://verify.licence.nsw.gov.au
Minister for the Illawarra and the South Coast Ryan Park said:
"This is great news for the Far South Coast. On top of the continuing work Building Commission NSW does in the region to lift compliance standards and restore people’s trust in the building industry, this is a promising way to start the year.
“This isn’t just about building more homes for people to live, work and play in – it’s about making sure these homes are built, brick-by-brick, to the highest quality.”
Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:
“Every homeowner in NSW deserves the right to rest easy knowing their home is built to a high standard, is free from serious defects and will stand the test of time for their family.
“While it’s encouraging to see good overall compliance on the South Coast, these inspections reinforce why strong oversight is essential, particularly when it comes to electrical, plumbing, solar and battery installations where safety risks can be serious.
“Our regional compliance blitzes are about lifting standards across the industry, holding unlicensed and non-compliant operators to account, and protecting homeowners. I strongly advise anyone planning building work to check their contractor’s licence on Verify NSW before handing over any money.”
Member for Bega Dr. Michael Holland said:
“With more homes being delivered across the Bega electorate, it’s vital that quality and safety remain front and centre.
“This compliance blitz shows the Minns Labor Government is serious about lifting standards, holding the right people to account and backing the many builders who are doing the right thing.
“People on the Far South Coast deserve confidence that their homes are safe, built to a high standard to last and that any issues will be identified and addressed through strong and consistent oversight.”
NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said:
“This South Coast inspection blitz was about imparting the importance of proper electrical and plumbing work, because of increasing installation of energy efficient water and electrical systems.
“Last year we conducted more than 850 site visits across regional NSW, our largest effort ever. We’re going to keep that momentum going this year and have more visits around the state already lined up.”