Released 12/08/2019 - Joint media release
Canberrans that are living, buying into and running a business in mixed-use buildings are set to benefit from a suite of reforms introduced by the ACT Government today.
The Managing Buildings Better reforms will overhaul how apartments, townhouses and mixed-use buildings are managed, clarifying responsibilities between residents and business owners.
“As Canberra grows, we are seeing more and more people choosing to live in mixed-use developments in our town centres,” Minister Ramsay said.
“As people are making this choice, the Government has been listening to feedback on what regulatory measures could be put in place to make it fairer and easier for businesses and residents to manage their buildings.
“This significant series of reforms will include more accurately splitting utility costs between businesses and households in shared buildings, which should result in lower bills for many residents.
“The current legislation needs to be updated to keep pace with our growing city and the proposed changes will support great outcomes for people and businesses.
“The Government has been working with a consultative group of industry and community stakeholders to prioritise reforms that will have the most direct and immediate impact.”
The reforms build on the Government’s commitment to improving Canberra’s building and planning system as our city continues to grow.
“We’re making these Managing Buildings Better improvements now to ensure that Canberrans can confidently and fairly live, work and do business together in mixed-use developments,” Minister Gentleman said.
“Off-the-plan buyers will receive more information upfront and throughout construction and we’re improving how owners’ corporations operate to make buying and living in apartments better.
“We have explored what other jurisdictions are doing and are taking the parts that best fit the ACT.
“These reforms will complement our 2018 Planning Strategy, which sets a vision for a compact and efficient Canberra.”
An initial package of reforms to be introduced to the Assembly later in 2019 will:
- allow owners corporations to tailor the way they manage their buildings
- inform consumers upfront about their rights and responsibilities when purchasing off plan
- allow a fairer and more equitable distribution of building costs
- modernise the administrative processes used for owners’ corporations
- modify rules for owners keeping pets in their apartments and townhouses.
Further detail about the proposed reforms will be announced over the coming months.
- Statement ends -
Gordon Ramsay, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases
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