Continued community concern around “dangerous combustible cladding” in Canberra has prompted the Strata Community Association ACT (SCA) and the Owners Corporation Network (OCN) ACT to host a public forum with the ACT Government next week.
Aiming to address serious safety, financial, and insurance issues with ACT Minister for Sustainable Building and Construction, Rebecca Vassarotti, the forum will discuss the assistance provided under the Private Buildings Cladding Scheme.
Under the scheme, the ACT Government gives a 50 per cent discount on voluntary testing for cladding, and concessional loans.
Yet to be formally announced by the government are the terms of the long mooted proposed “concessional loans”, says the OCN ACT.
SCA ACT president, Shelley Mulherin, says, “We welcome action from the government, however, we hold real concerns that they have really missed the mark in terms of the timing and need for urgent financial support in the ACT, particularly regarding the Phase 2 loans, in contrast to comparable schemes in NSW and Victoria which are now well established.”
“Since 2019, OCN and SCA have consistently pushed for enhanced support from the government, advocating for logistical aid in the rectification process and comprehensive financial assurances for residents and owners of buildings with combustible cladding.”
OCN ACT president, Gary Petherbridge, says owners and residents living in buildings with dangerous cladding are being “unfairly penalised” for an issue “outside of their control”.
“Those affected have only had the choice of either living in a dangerous environment while they wait for government assistance or paying out of pocket for an expensive rectification of their building, which in many circumstances will not be financially supplemented in any way,” says Mr Petherbridge.
“Those who have waited are now faced with a concessional loan scheme for which they will have to pay interest, representing a significant financial burden to the average owner.
“Not only that, the government is still collecting the full amount of money for development applications to undergo the work. It is simply not enough of a step forward from the ACT Government.”
Ms Vassarotti is expected to give details about the government’s current plans to support the strata community at the forum, where Leader of the Opposition, Elizabeth Lee MLA, will also be taking questions from the public.
The free OCN ACT Public Forum on Residential Combustible Cladding will be held on Tuesday 17 May 6-8pm at the Canberra Southern Cross Club in Woden.
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