NSW Fair Trading Introduces New Emergency Remedial Works Process

This article highlights significant changes to the NSW Planning Portal, as of May 15, 2023. All information has been sourced directly from NSW Fair Trading.

A collaborative effort led by industry experts, including representatives from the Australasian Concrete Repair and Remedial Building Association (ACRA) and NSW Fair Trading, has yielded a short-term solution to streamline emergency repairs.

This article will outline the key aspects of the new emergency remedial works process, developed by a dedicated remedial working group, to provide essential information for builders and building managers.

The Collaborative Initiative

Recognising the need for a streamlined approach to emergency building repairs, a remedial working group comprising industry professionals and regulatory representatives was formed. This initiative aimed to develop a concise and effective process to address urgent works.

The Resulting Process

The remedial working group has devised a new process for facilitating emergency repairs. The core element of this process involves building practitioners providing substantial evidence that the proposed work aligns with the emergency works criteria. Once the evidence is compiled, building practitioners will provide evidence that the work meets the emergency works criteria and then email a form to NSW Fair Trading.

Specific Compliance Process

To ensure that emergency repairs are conducted efficiently and according to the established guidelines, the remedial working group has introduced a specific compliance process. The process mandates that building practitioners adhere to predetermined emergency works criteria and complete the requisite form for submission.

Transition to an Integrated System

While the newly established manual process addresses the immediate need for efficient emergency repairs, efforts are already in motion to integrate this process into the NSW Planning Portal. This transition aims to provide a more accessible framework for managing emergency remedial works. The projected timeline for this integration is set for mid-2023.

Acknowledgments

The development of the new emergency remedial works process is a testament to the dedication of industry experts, regulatory representatives, and other stakeholders. The valuable contributions of volunteers from the working group have resulted in a solution that addresses the challenge of urgent building works.

Key Takeaways

• A collaborative effort led by industry experts, including representatives from ACRA and NSW Fair Trading, has resulted in a short-term solution to streamline emergency repairs in the construction and building industry.
• A remedial working group was formed to address the urgent need for a better approach to emergency building repairs, involving industry professionals and regulatory representatives.
• The remedial working group has successfully developed a new process for emergency repairs, focusing on providing substantial evidence aligning with emergency works criteria. A designated form must be completed and submitted to NSW Fair Trading.
• A specific compliance process ensures building practitioners adhere to established emergency works criteria and complete the necessary submission form, ensuring guideline-compliant emergency repairs.
• While a manual process has been established for now, plans are underway to integrate this process into the NSW Planning Portal by mid-2023, aiming for a more accessible framework for managing emergency remedial works.
• The success of the new emergency remedial works process is attributed to the dedication of industry experts, regulatory representatives, and volunteers from the working group.

To find out more about any of the information contained in this article, please visit NSW Fair Trading or the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, who can be contacted on 1300 420 596.

The collaborative efforts of industry and regulatory representatives have yielded a new emergency remedial works process. This process entails presenting evidence of alignment with emergency works criteria and submitting a designated form via email to the NSW Fair Trading department. As the industry looks toward the integration of this process into the NSW Planning Portal, builders and building managers can rely on this solution to effectively manage urgent repairs in the short-term.

To find out more about any of the information contained in this article, please visit NSW Fair Trading or the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, who can be contacted on 1300 420 596.