More than 100 building sites from Coffs Harbour to Tweed Heads have been inspected, which has been described as a ‘blitz’ by the NSW Labor government.
They say it was undertaken “to help lift construction standards and boost confidence in the home building industry”.
They say, “‘Operation Broadwater’ visited Casuarina, Coffs Harbour, Corindi Beach, Cudgen, Cumbalum, Goonellabah, Kingscliff, Lennox Head, Moonee Beach, Mullumbimby, Southwest Rocks, Terranora, Toormina, Tweed Heads South, Valla Beach, Woolgoolga and Yamba with a focus on compliance with licensing and signage rules, specialist plumbing and electrical work”.
35 fines
“While most builders welcomed inspectors onto site and exhibited high standards of work, the visits saw 35 fines and 40 Written Direction Notices (WDNs) issued for a range of non-compliance issues. This included 23 fines issued for unlicensed work and contracting, as well as another five penalties for incorrect display of signage.
“A further five fines were issued for non-compliant plumbing in heat pump installations, and two fines were also issued for non-compliant electrical work on heat pump installations.
“The main issues covered by WDNs issued by inspectors were for missing Safety Data Sheets for battery systems (26), inadequate main switch labelling (16) and insufficient signage detailing battery system voltage and currents (11).
“Since it was established as the dedicated regulator in 2023, Building Commission NSW has prioritised proactive, targeted enforcement action around issues like these to protect homeowners and raise industry standards.
“Alongside inspections, Building Commission NSW delivered targeted industry seminars in Coffs Harbour and Tweed Heads, engaging local tradespeople and contractors.
“The seminars focused on licensing and supervision requirements, Home Building Compensation Fund obligations and recent changes to regulatory requirements.
“This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to lift building standards across the sector as we deliver more homes and build better communities across NSW.
“Building Commission NSW will conduct further industry seminars this year, visiting Queanbeyan, Dubbo, Bathurst, Port Macquarie / Forster, Albury and back to Tweed Heads / Coffs Harbour”, they say.
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