Port to Port: Building Commission NSW inspects Hunter and Mid North Coast sites

During the three-day visit in August, a team of inspectors from Building Commission NSW 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.

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

The main defects identified were 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 site 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 Commission NSW 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 across the state.

Minister for Building Anoulack Chanthivong said:

“I am encouraged by the results of the latest inspection blitz and how the construction industry is responding to Building Commission NSW’s push for greater compliance with standards.

“Our state needs to deliver more than 75,000 new homes each year to meet the National Housing Accord target. But the Government is not interested in sacrificing quality for quantity, so tackling misconduct in the state’s building industry is more critical than ever.

“Regional blitzes are a vital part of what Building Commission NSW does and they send an important message: whether you are in a city or in the regions, you will be held accountable for your work.”

NSW Building Commissioner James Sherrard said:

"Building Commission NSW was established to ensure the construction industry in NSW is operating to the best of its ability, and this multi-day blitz is one way we stay on top of these standards.

“These visits are not just about issuing rectification orders or fines; our inspectors also aim to educate those on site when problems are identified.

“During this blitz, inspectors 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.

“Over the three-days our inspectors encountered several issues, however overall, we are happy with the direction the construction industry on the Mid North Coast is heading in.”