Queensland unit owners could face new regulations
Investors in Queensland are being encouraged to have their say on property and strata laws before the government hands down a report, or risk facing new laws that don’t meet their needs.
The Queensland government’s first full review of property and strata laws is expected to be finalised in late 2015 and Archers Body Corporate management is pushing for unit dwellers and owners to have their say.
Archers Body Corporate managing director Andrew Staehr said many of the issues identified in the initial paper were concerns that residents in units faced on a daily basis, including smoking indoors.
“The options paper has put forward a number of feasible options to regulate smoking in lots and common areas – which is something we have been pushing for,” he said.
“The paper also looks at ways to mitigate resident disputes around the ‘three Ps’ – pets, parties and parking.
“This is the widest range of body corporate-related issues that has ever been put forward for community consultation. They are tackling the meaningful concerns, which is why we are encouraging everyone to have their say.”
Mr Staehr said as the number of people living in strata schemes continues to grow, it will be in the government’s best interest to develop more streamlined strata legislation that supported its growth.
“The strata industry is booming, with high-density developments increasing by 2.9 per cent just in the past quarter, taking the number of community title schemes in the state to 43,000 – more people than ever are making the move to units and apartments," he said.
“This is a positive step forward to creating a strata industry for Queensland that operates effectively and efficiently and provides options for harmonious living for all residents.”
Mr Staehr encouraged investors to have their say before it was too late. Consultations on the options paper close on 30 January and comments can be submitted by email or post. For more information, visit the Department of Justice website.