<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bates-smart">Bates Smart</a> is one of Melbourne's longest standing architecture firms.

Founded in Melbourne in 1853 by Joseph Reed, the firm began as Reed &amp; Barnes and has evolved through various partnerships before adopting the Bates Smart name in the 20th century. With a continuous presence spanning more than 170 years, the practice has played a pivotal role in shaping Melbourne’s architectural identity.

In the 19th century, Bates Smart designed several of Melbourne’s enduring landmarks, including the Royal Exhibition Building (1880), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Melbourne Town Hall. The firm’s influence continued into the 20th century with notable works such as Ici House (1958), considered Melbourne’s first modern skyscraper and a milestone in post-war Australian architecture.

One of their landmark designs was&nbsp;The First Church of Christ, Scientist, at 336-340 St Kilda Road. The building, which is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register, was designed by Bates, Peeble and Smart with construction completed in 1922. Architecturally, the building is significant as a rare example of early twentieth century classicism applied to a religious building. Historically, the building is significant as the first church of the Christian Science movement.

Melbourne developer Time &amp; Place decided to bring Bates Smart back to the area to design their next residential apartment project, Park Modern.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2138]

<a href="https://www.urban.com.au/new-apartments/park-modern-south-melbourne-1-middleton-lane-south-melbourne-vic-3205">Park Modern</a>, on one of the largest island sites on the Melbourne CBD fringe, bordered by Dorcas Street, Wells Street, and Middleton Lane, will comprise two sculptural towers. It is being positioned as a design-forward response to evolving owner-occupier preferences in the Domain precinct.

Tim Price, Director at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/time-place">Time &amp; Place</a>, says&nbsp;Bates Smart have got a footprint on this city, probably like no other architect.

"It’s a really nice kind of next chapter story, that they created from a design perspective so long ago," Price told Apartments.com.au.

Park Modern will be the third time Time &amp; Place has worked with Bates Smart, having successfully designed and delivered Collins House and Opera on St Kilda Road together.

The brief focused on creating a built form that would feel contextually appropriate while offering a contemporary evolution of inner-city apartment living.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=2137]

The focus for Park Modern is squarely on owner-occupiers.

“It’s not always about downsizing," Price says.

"Sometimes it’s just about creating a space which is easily maintained, lock up and leave, reflecting people’s aspirations, whether they’re entertainers, big dining room spaces, big open terraces, they’re important parts of any design consideration.”

The building includes a mix of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, as well as penthouses, with layouts and floor plans designed to suit a broad demographic. The architecture has been shaped to capture&nbsp;view corridors to the Botanic Gardens, Port Phillip Bay and the CBD skyline.

Each apartment has been oriented to maximise natural light and provide a clear outlook, elements often cited by owner-occupiers as key criteria.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=138453 project_image_fid=351806]

Rather than defaulting to a generic luxury offering, the amenity strategy at Park Modern reflects specific insights into how residents want to live. The ground floor will include co-working areas, wellness facilities, and a concierge-led lobby that blends indoor and outdoor design cues.

“Wellness has become a more thoughtful consideration, not just gyms or lap pools, but things like magnesium plunge pools, saunas, daybeds, and studio spaces for Pilates and the regular cardio workout,” says Price.

One notable inclusion is a substantial porte-cochère, a covered vehicle drop-off zone integrated into the site plan. It’s a feature rarely seen in inner-urban developments and speaks to the team’s emphasis on ease of arrival and departure for residents and guests.

A display suite for Park Modern is now open by appointment, giving prospective buyers an early look at the project.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=138453]

Joel Robinson

100 years on, Bates Smart returns to South Melbourne's Domain Precinct to design Park Modern

One of the most significant beachfront projects ever proposed for the small suburb of Miami on the Gold Coast, has taken a major step forward.&nbsp;Monaco Property Group has secured approval for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/nalu-miami-122-marine-parade-qld-4220">NALU</a>, a $500 million development comprising just 45 ultra-luxury residences on the iconic former Nobby’s Outlook site.

Acquired by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/monaco-property-group">Monaco Property Group</a> in 2024 for $70 million, the rare 7,238 sqm Marine Parade parcel boasts more than 80 metres of uninterrupted ocean frontage.

With approvals now secured, Monaco Property Group will move NALU into its delivery phase. The project has been designed by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, who collaborated with&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/landscape-architect/ldg-landscape-architecture">LDG Landscape Architecture</a> and <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/tom-mark-henry">Tom Mark Henry Interiors</a>&nbsp;to create the low-rise building, its landscaping, and interiors.

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3fdf578e-7cc4-4b17-bbc2-ba853522a5d8" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/122_Marine_Parade_002.jpg?VersionId=zFhJWVzX0jmCO.5iIIxNELImHesTjWS4" />

Residences will range from 237 sqm layouts to beachfront homes exceeding 1,400 sqm.

At the heart of the project is a 2,200 sqm lifestyle precinct with a bathhouse, fitness centre and resort-style pool, elevated by a concierge service.

Jonathan Grasso, Co-Founder of Monaco Property Group, said the council approval marks an exciting milestone for NALU, which will launch in Q1 2026.

“The project will now progress toward construction, working alongside our world-class collaborators to bring NALU to life," Grasso said.

“Our vision is to create a legacy project for the Gold Coast, one that not only honours the history of the site but also elevates its future, setting a new standard for coastal living in Australia. NALU embodies the pinnacle of design and location and will stand as an enduring icon of prestige and liveability.”

<img alt="NALU" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="6ae8545b-87ca-4dea-90ed-ac273ec6515d" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Image7.jpg?VersionId=Wnmie4bu3x2WQonnG4Pwmh39NdZVKeOV" />

Originally developed in the 1970s as Nobby’s Outlook and later refurbished in 2019 as Nalu, the property has long held a place in the local community’s coastal identity. The new vision will build on this legacy, creating luxury residences that capture ocean views while fostering a lifestyle defined by wellness, connection, and ease.&nbsp;

Beyond its residential offering, NALU will deliver significant economic benefits to the Gold Coast through job creation and opportunities for local suppliers and contractors. Construction is anticipated to commence in early 2026, with completion expected in Q3 2028.

Monaco Property Group approved for $500 million NALU apartments on Miami beach

The most elevated residential tower in Palm Beach, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/corallo-palm-beach-5-palm-beach-avenue-palm-beach-qld-4221">Corallo</a>, has officially launched this week, however only a handful of buyers will have an opportunity to buy in to the 17-storey project.

The $200 million mixed-use project includes ground floor dining and retail and is considered so valuable its developer, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/changfa-group">Changfa Group</a>, will be staging its release of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and penthouses to the market.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=806]

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/colliers">Colliers</a> International, Director, David Higgins, said the development’s location just metres from the beach on the corner of Palm Beach Avenue and the Gold Coast Highway influenced the sculptural design by the acclaimed Plus Architecture studio.

“<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/palm-beach-qld-4221">Palm Beach</a> locals understand the rare opportunity here at Corallo, particularly being the tallest building in the suburb and its proximity to the beach and local restaurants, and they’ve represented the bulk of pre-launch enquiries,” Higgins said.

“The orientation of the apartments captures views of the coastline from Surfers Paradise to Currumbin, and the diversity of floor plans and apartment types provide an exceptional level of choice.

“The first release includes just 59 one-, two and three-bedroom apartments and two half-floor penthouses, with flexible use designed to appeal to both owner-occupiers and investors."

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=799]

In addition to the ground floor amenity, residents will also have access to a private dedicated wellness level offering 734 sqm of resort-style amenities including a pool, cold plunge, wet deck, steam room, sauna, gym, day bed, fire pit, barbecue area, dining area and yoga/stretch deck.

The project is located within walking distance of Tallebudgera Creek, Burleigh Heads village, Currumbin Alley and Palm Beach Currumbin High School. The Gold Coast Airport is under 10 minutes away.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=814]

Higgins said Palm Beach remained a hotly contested suburb for home buyers, with prices doubling in the past five years.

“What makes Corallo so appealing to the local market is the diversity of apartment types and pricing, with one-bedroom apartments starting from $841,000 and two-bedroom apartments starting from $1.34 million,” he said.

“The ground floor retail and dining offering will further expand on Palm Beach’s village atmosphere and create a meeting place for locals, and those opportunities for connection are highly valued.”

&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=112194 project_image_fid=807]

The on-site sales display, which includes a fully fitted kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, will be open until early works commence in Q1 2026. Each residence at Corallo will feature premium finishes including natural stone, artisanal brickwork, and warm copper accents.

Changfa Group has a two-decade history of delivering premium developments in Australia and internationally, having recently completed its collection of premium townhomes at Lyra, Hope Island, as well as apartment projects in Leichhardt, Carlingford, and Chatswood in New South Wales.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=112194]

$200 million Corallo Palm Beach launches with limited apartment release

In a move that aligns with NSW's accelerated planning incentives for affordable housing, developer&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/the-one-collection">One Collection</a> has revised its Hills District apartment plans, and taken it to the NSW Government, to secure approval.

The developer, which is currently delivering Horizon Hurstville, is seeking to add 80 more apartments to its <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-one-castle-hill-16-dawes-avenue-nsw-2154">Castle Hill development</a> near Castle Towers. They already have approval for 280 apartments across eight six-storey buildings.

<img alt="One Collection" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b3c298ba-1cc5-4db7-9872-607c75f8ceca" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.22%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=wN9KpFIu5ENSGZLLsaZgXQHrXcwEO3Vd" />

Now on the desks of the NSW Department of Planning is 360 apartments, 48 of which will be dedicated to affordable housing.&nbsp;Affordable housing is to be “fully integrated within the building and visually indistinguishable,” according to the planning submission.

The 15,697 sqm block, an amalgamation of 16 sites, spans across Dawes Avenue, Hughes Avenue, and Camdan Crescent, sits 550m from Hills Showground Metro Station.&nbsp;

"The existing context is quickly changing from free-standing homes into residential flat buildings in line with the Hills Showground Precinct planning framework," Place Studio noted.

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ec24948-c185-48fa-af8b-ed25adf302bf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.04%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=zNDX.IeRROX1RlDeYcS38xn8w_dqgU2t" />

They said the design was informed by the site's unique condition of having three street frontages and was developed to to respond sensitively to iots surrounding context.

"The design adopted a conventional perpendicular alignment to the primary street frontage. The massing of the development was carefully modulated to align with the evolving character of the neighbourhood. The design ensured that the scale was not excessive or out of context, but instead contributed to a cohesive urban form consistent with emerging developments in the area."

<img alt="Castle Hill" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f83ffdaa-f960-469d-b6fe-abcece57c9ef" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-10-13%20at%2010.19.09%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=4oKlCyfaKes7jLi1_EMoqa46w2h_YvDZ" />

The apartment mix will be 46 one-beds, 168 two-bed apartments, and 146 three-bedroom units, with 631 parking spaces proposed.

Along the street frontages, the building heights are four storeys with a 7.5 metre setback, and eight storeys with an 11.5 metre setback. It should cost about $150 million to build.

One Collection works hand-in-hand with the respected development and construction firm Masscon, which has built a reputation for leveraging its expertise in the built environment to take on developments others can't. That's what they're achieving at Horizon Hurstville, having taken over the project to deliver it.

First look: One Collection advances plans for Castle Hill apartments

At Yarra’s Edge, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mirvac">Mirvac</a>’s newest tower under construction, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trielle-at-yarra-s-edge-docklands-16-point-park-crescent-docklands-vic-3008">Trielle</a>, sets a new benchmark for elevated living. Rising 45 storeys, 12.5 metres from the Yarra River, the landmark building offers residents access to a private wellness retreat and spa, a resident-only golf simulator, and an elegant lounge, dining and bar complete with a self-playing piano, all without ever having to leave home.

Now, that sense of elevation has reached new heights with the Aerus Sub-Penthouses, a limited release of half-floor riverfront residences on the Collins St axis where the sought-after street meets the Yarra River.

Each Aerus Sub-Penthouse, located across levels 42 and 43, represents the most expansive offering within Trielle, aside from the yet-to-be-revealed crowning penthouses. Spanning between 269 and 301 sqm, these residences are designed to capture natural light and uninterrupted views of the city skyline, Yarra River, and Port Phillip Bay.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3784]

Among the collection are three-bedroom sub penthouses, complemented by a media room, and expansive four-bedroom layouts. All include panoramic living areas and oversized master suites with luxury ensuites reminiscent of a five-star hotel, complemented by dedicated dressing rooms finished in timber and natural stone.

The interiors have been crafted by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/mirvac-design">Mirvac Design</a>, the developer’s award-winning in-house architecture and design team. Every material has been chosen for quality and longevity, from sculpted stone island benches with feature soft wash LED lighting to bespoke joinery and chevron timber oak flooring.

Kitchens are fitted with a BORA induction cooktop with integrated downdraft extractor, alongside Gaggenau appliances, including a fridge, freezer, and wine fridge. The adjoining butler’s pantry incorporates the exclusive Gaggenau Minimalistic Series including oven, steam oven, microwave, coffee machine and warming drawer, all concealed behind handleless glass panels for a clean, integrated presentation. Bathrooms feature custom Apaisar freestanding baths and basins and natural stone benchtops, continuing Mirvac’s design emphasis on tactile, timeless materials.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=353085]

Michael Wiener, Design Director at Mirvac, says The Aerus Sub-Penthouse embodies the apex of Mirvac’s design ethos.

“Moving through your home is like walking on air - a private sanctuary where the craftsmanship is refined, the proportions generous, and the flow so effortless, you feel completely at ease in the sky,” Wiener says.

“In Aerus, we wanted to create a sense of weightlessness - a home that feels suspended in the skyline, full of light, grounded in luxury.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=114216 project_image_fid=3777]

The Aerus Sub-Penthouses are expected to attract a mix of local and international buyers seeking a long-term residence of scale and quality in a riverfront setting, from returning expats to established families and business owners who value privacy, craftsmanship, and convenience within walking distance of the CBD.

With an unmatched suite of amenities, Trielle is the most extensively appointed development Mirvac has created to date at Yarra’s Edge. Within the tower will be The Oasis, a 900 sqm podium rooftop wellness retreat designed in collaboration with spa expert Naomi Gregory. Located seven storeys above the Yarra River promenade, it features a 25-metre lap pool, spa and sauna, hot magnesium spa, biophilic gym, yoga and Pilates studio, cold-pail contrast treatment, and day spa treatment rooms. Further amenities include a piano lounge, bookable dining room, cinema room, golf simulator studio, games room, teppanyaki bar, dog wash bay, and two flexible work hubs, The Biblioteca library and Mills Place office space, catering to residents’ evolving lifestyle needs.

Construction of the $350 million tower is underway through Mirvac’s in-house construction arm, with completion anticipated for mid-2027.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=114216]

Sky-high sanctuaries: Mirvac unveils The Aerus sub-penthouses at Trielle

Apartment Cladding

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NSW Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson has today announced a major milestone for Project Remediate with the release of an independent report outlining four safe and non-flammable product categories that represent the first tranche to replace high-risk cladding.

Mr Anderson said the four categories had been recommended by the experts of the Cladding Product Safety Panel as part of Project Remediate, the NSW Government’s billion-dollar program to fast track the removal combustible cladding on 214 high-risk residential buildings.

“Thanks to our panel of experts we’ve now identified four, safe, options that can be specified for use as part of the Government’s replacement program,” Mr Anderson said.

“We are taking the lowest possible risk approach to fire safety. That’s why every component we are recommending in the first tranche will have to meet the highest fire safety standard under the Building Code of Australia. The system includes fixings, brackets, and insulation, and will also need to be completely non-combustible.”

Mr Anderson said the project would also appoint a single façade engineer who will provide guidance and quality assurance of the cladding system design on every building remediated by the Government.

“Homeowners need to be confident their building will be rectified with systems that are safe. That’s why we will also be requiring products and systems in each of the recommended categories to have demonstrated independent fire testing before they can be specified in designs under this program,” Mr Anderson said.

Chair of the Cladding Product Safety Panel Professor, Mark Hoffman said the panel would be giving further consideration to additional products and systems but only after more rigorous independent testing is completed and demonstrated.

“There may be additional systems that can safely include elements with some combustibility. The panel will consider submissions relating to these but to date, we have not been provided with robust data from independent accredited labs which tests both the product and the system,” Mr Hoffman said.

Four system categories are considered acceptable replacement options for Project Remediate, subject to additional design requirements. These categories are:

<ul>
<li>Solid aluminium panels installed with cavity barriers and fire-proof mechanical fixings</li>
	<li>Solid metal sheets installed with cavity barriers and fire-proof mechanical fixings</li>
	<li>Fibre cement panels installed with cavity barriers and fire-proof mechanical fixings</li>
	<li>Non-combustible cement render.</li>
</ul>
“It is time to get the job done. We expect to commence assessment and project design for the first batch of 30 buildings by July this year, with the first cladding removed in late 2021,” Mr Anderson concluded.
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Thanks to our panel of experts we’ve now identified four, safe, options that can be specified for use as part of the Government’s replacement program

jordan_55689

Report outlines 4 safe non-flammable cladding products

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EXPERT INSIGHT

Australia has <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19491247.2021.1893119">more than 3,400</a> buildings with flammable cladding. In Victoria alone, at least 71 of these buildings <a href="https://theurbandeveloper.com/articles/cladding-safety-victoria-ceo-appointed">have been classified</a> as “extreme risk” and another 368 as “high risk”. Despite the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2020/oct/26/director-at-grenfell-tower-tmo-describes-how-fatal-cladding-saved-800000">tragic evidence</a> of the <a href="https://theconversation.com/lacrosse-fire-ruling-sends-shudders-through-building-industry-consultants-and-governments-112777">risks</a> of <a href="https://theconversation.com/cladding-fire-risks-have-been-known-for-years-lives-depend-on-acting-now-with-no-more-delays-111186">cladding</a> fires, rectification work had been completed on only <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/secrecy-around-cladding-hit-list-attacked-as-spin-after-signs-reveal-dozens-of-sites-20210219-p573yr">11 of these buildings</a> by February 2021.

The estimated cost of making these buildings safe is <a href="https://theconversation.com/flammable-cladding-costs-could-approach-billions-for-building-owners-if-authorities-dither-118121">in the billions</a>. State governments have provided limited funding to rectify the highest-risk buildings. Occupants of lower-risk buildings have largely been left to fund the work themselves.

We know from previous building industry failures like the leaky homes crisis in <a href="https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/116236850/the-rottenomics-of-the-47-billion-leaky-homes-market-failure">New Zealand</a> and <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bc-leaky-condo-crisis-1.4609418">Canada</a> that the impacts go beyond the repair costs.

In two recently published research papers, we explore the impacts on occupants’ finances and well-being of owning and living in apartments with flammable cladding in Australia. We interviewed 16 owners and investors from Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and ACT.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=31257]

What costs are owners facing?

The <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/19491247.2021.1893119">paper</a> published last week looked at the accumulating financial costs beyond the rectification work. Participants revealed these costs include:

<ul>
<li>
	special levies, to cover rectification costs
	</li>
	<li>
	higher owners’ corporation fees
	</li>
	<li>
	rising insurance premiums
	</li>
	<li>
	legal fees
	</li>
	<li>
	fixing other fire safety defects, such as sprinklers
	</li>
	<li>
	possible loss of property value.
	</li>
</ul>
As one occupant said:

“We’ve (owners’ corporation) had to put the levies up and then we’d have rates of special levies for the legal fees and the fire engineer’s report as well […] And we still got the cladding on the building.”

The financial burdens on households have influenced major and minor life decisions. One participant said:

“I really want to retire in two years […] how will I be able to pay for all of this (cladding rectification)? I don’t know […] It might be the case that I then have to actually sell a defective unit.”

How are owners coping?

Our <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/02673037.2021.1887458">second paper</a> explores the effects on owners’ well-being. They reported frustration, concern and anger. Some in higher-risk buildings feared for their safety. Some said this range of long-term negative emotions was harming their mental health and well-being.

All owners were very disappointed that building industry-related professions and the government could allow this to happen. This was compounded by the realisation that their building warranty was mostly useless in this situation:

“And then you find out that the warranty is worth very little, and you have to then deal with the builder who’s engaged in dishonest practices essentially […] The kind of builder we had, it’s the kind of builder that would very much just disappear his company, and recreate to avoid any liability.”

Some expressed serious concerns for people’s lives because of the financial stresses the crisis had caused:

“There’s one lady who’s even worse off than me. She’s absolutely beside herself. She doesn’t know what’s she’s going to do […S] he’ll probably go insane or kill herself or something. Seriously […] she is so distraught about this all.”

Policy change needed to improve support

Our research clearly shows apartment owners are feeling the impacts of much more than just the direct rectification costs. Support to help people cope with these broader impacts is lacking. A similar lack of wider support was identified in the building defect crises in New Zealand and Canada.

Recent developments include a Victorian <a href="https://www.propertyobserver.com.au/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-01/victorian-ban-on-combustible-cladding-comes-into-effect/13107218">ban on flammable cladding</a> on all new multi-storey buildings and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/feb/09/ministers-to-increase-financial-support-for-cladding-removal">extra government funding for rectification work</a> in the UK. The Victorian government is <a href="https://www.vic.gov.au/find-out-about-cladding-safety-victorias-program">contributing A$600 million</a> towards the cost of rectifying some higher-risk apartments. In New South Wales, the government is <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/customer-service/projects-and-initiatives/project-remediate">providing interest-free loans</a> to help owners in an estimated 225 buildings.

NSW has also begun work on building industry <a href="https://www.nsw.gov.au/building-commissioner/news/a-better-future-a-better-industry">reforms</a> to:

<ul>
<li>
	improve regulations, with new powers, processes and audit practices for the regulator
	</li>
	<li>
	use a system to rate building risk that links past practice, finance and insurance records so consumers are protected from risky projects and practitioners
	</li>
	<li>
	improve procurement methods with major changes to contracting, declared design requirements, and sign-off processes/stages
	</li>
	<li>
	improve building skills and capabilities through professional education, development, responsibilities and certification
	</li>
	<li>
	develop digital systems to modernise and harmonise the industry.
	</li>
</ul>
These are clearly good steps forward. But governments and the building industry need to do more to provide broader support and protection for the affected households. As our research shows, they are suffering financially on a number of fronts and all the while the crisis eats away at their well-being.

Government policy on housing defects has focused on the cost of fixing these defects. The other indirect financial costs, such as increased insurance, and effects on well-being, have been neglected. Future policy must reduce the risks of more crises such as combustible cladding and, if there is a crisis, consider all the financial costs owners bear as well as the need to support their well-being.<img alt="The Conversation" casgev6pv="" ffbm2w6r6="" height="1" kb3entpod="" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/157307/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important; text-shadow: none !important" width="1">

<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/trivess-moore-12580">Trivess Moore</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Property, Construction and Project Management, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/david-oswald-1218862">David Oswald</a>, Senior Lecturer in Construction, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/simon-lockrey-207247">Simon Lockrey</a>, Senior Lecturer in Industrial Design and Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>

This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/only-a-small-fraction-of-buildings-with-flammable-cladding-have-been-fixed-and-owners-are-feeling-the-strain-157307">original article</a>.
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In Victoria alone, at least 71 buildings with flammable cladding have been classified as “extreme risk” and another 368 as “high risk”

urban.com.au

Only a small fraction of buildings with flammable cladding have been fixed, and owners are feeling the strain

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The NSW Parliament has received a list of 444 NSW buildings that are potentially clad in flammable material, however the public will not be notified.
The Department of Customer Service has said making the list public would increase the risk of arson and terrorism, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
The list includes buildings that have been confirmed to have combustible cladding and others that have been assessed as at risk by Fire and Rescue NSW but are awaiting a second assessment.
They suggest its public release could hurt property owners, potentially mislead the public and breach expectations of confidentiality.
The Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has released a report 'Solving the National Construction Crisis' which identifies three key recommendations the Federal government should adopt to solve the national crisis in construction.
They suggest the Federal government should require jurisdictions to demonstrate informed purchaser capacity in delivery of projects they are funded for.
They believe a further $2.1 billion of tax payers money for defects and administrative costs could be saved is there's Federal intervention to harmonise construction laws nationally.
Their third suggestion is that Federal funding should be contingent on jurisdictions having an appropriate pre-qualification regime which accounts for past performance against safety, worker’s entitlements and wages and the delivery of government projects on time, and on-budget. 
CFMEU construction and general division national secretary Dave Noonan said ‘the real crisis in construction is industry and government failures, which have wasted billions and endangered lives.
“It has left consumers with cracked apartments, flammable cladding and governments that waste billions on delivering projects," Noonan said.
“Successive Federal and State governments have consistently failed to properly regulate the sector, and unfortunately its workers and home owners who are left to pick up the pieces.
“So far, the crisis has cost <a href="/news/cladding-cracks-and-shoddy-apartments-to-cost-australians-6-2-billion-to-repair-cfmeu">$6.2 billion in building defects, remediation and associated costs</a>, while a lack of expertise has seen Australian governments waste $10.8 billion in the last ten years.
“State governments simply don’t know what they’re doing because outsourcing has gone too far. This has led to massive infrastructure delays and costs blowouts.
“Instead of doing anything about these real issues, the Federal Government’s ‘Ensuring Integrity’ Bill will try to silence union leaders, lower safety standards, clamp rights at work and cut wages.  
“The only thing it ensures is fatter profits for property developers, lower wages and worse safety.
CFMEU research found that over 3,400 apartment buildings across Australia had defective, non-compliant combustible cladding installed, and would require remediation work to make the buildings safe.
Some of the remediation has been up to $165,000 per dwelling.
The Victorian Government <a href="/news/victorian-government-appoints-cladding-safety-ceo-and-proposes-new-apartment-designs">hired a cladding safety CEO</a> following the $600 million proposal to <a href="/news/federal-government-says-no-to-300-million-victorian-combustible-cladding-compensation">fix cladding issues across the state</a>.
  “While the problems with the building and construction sector may seem entrenched and overwhelming, the Federal Government retains important levers which could be used to help solve the crisis," Noonan added.
“We’ve carefully articulated why and how this national crisis in construction has emerged.
“Today we lay out three important steps the Federal Government could take to tackle this crisis.
“Australian governments, the private sector and unions collectively owe it to the community to come together and resolve the national crisis in construction.
“As always, the construction union stands ready to work with government and the private sector to tackle this vitally important task for the Australian people.
 
 
 
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Cladding list of 444 NSW buildings to be kept secret

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Australia's building and construction crisis will cost $6.2 billion in remediation and associated costs, according to new research commissioned by the construction union.
The independent research, undertaken by Equity Economics and contained in the report 'Shaky Foundations: The National Construction Crisis', analysed the additional costs to owners of remediating water leaks, fire safety breaches, structural failure and combustible cladding and associated costs, in apartment buildings constructed within the last ten years.
The research also found that over 3,400 apartment buildings across Australia had defective, non-compliant combustible cladding installed, and would require remediation work to make the buildings safe.
CFMEU Construction and general division national secretary Dave Noonan said that the cost of Australia's building and construction crisis was now clear, and unfortunately often homeowners would likely be the ones to foot the majority of the bill.
"Australia's building and construction crisis will cost a staggering $6.2 billion to fix apartments they've already paid for."
"This includes the cost of remediating water leaks, fire safety breaches, structural failure and combustible cladding, and costs associated with increased insurance premiums, legal fees and alternative accommodation."
He added that in some cases, the costs of this remediation has been up to $165,000 per dwelling.
Australia's building and construction crisis was brought about by a range of factors the union has been raising concerns over for some time.
"This is the result of the construction industry's obsession with 'deregulation' at any cost, and poor oversight by government," Noonan added.
"It's the result of years of not enforcing building standards and of allowing industry to 'self-approve' with little or no oversight. Often, it has fallen on the union to blow the whistle."
Noonan also said that a national problem required a national solution and that the union was willing to work with government to resolve these important issues for the community.
"We'll be producing detailed policy solutions and will work with the Federal and State governments across Australia over the coming months. Now is the time to come together – not silence dissent," he concluded.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Cladding, cracks and shoddy apartments to cost Australians $6.2 billion to repair: CFMEU

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The Federal government has refused to give $300 million to help Victoria's efforts to replace combustable cladding on 500 at risk apartment blocks.
"It's a bit rich now for them or any state to say someone else has to fund a problem that they created," Industry Minister Karen Andrews told The Australian Financial Review.
Yesterday it was reported the Andrews government asked to get the Morrison government to match the $300 million that they have put aside for the remediation works.
It is understood that if the Morrison government said no, there would be an increase to the building permit levy over the next five years.
The new body, Cladding Safety Victoria, will oversee the fund and will be getting to work within the next few weeks on the 15 highest risk buildings.
<div class="block-content">
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">Planning Minister Richard Wynee said it's just as much about safety as it is about fairness for people who bought apartments in good faith and were let down by dodgy builders or dangerous building products.</div>
</div>
The move is among 35 recommendations made to the Victorian Government after 2,227 buildings had been inspected as of July 5.
Of those, seven percent were rated as an extreme risk, 40 percent a high risk and 38 per cent moderate risk.
The data, presented at an industry conference, showed one evacuation order had been issued for a private building.
Emergency orders for urgent works were made on 51 properties with building notices issued on a further 387. 
The 35 recommendations were made by the Victorian Cladding Taskforce, headed up by former Liberal premier Ted Baillieu and former Labor deputy premier John Thwaites.
 
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Federal government says no to $300 million Victorian combustible cladding compensation

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Victoria will spend $600 million to deal with the flammable cladding crisis on apartments across the state.
Around 500 buildings need rectification work to be made safe.
The state government are committing to $300 million from existing funds, but they are hoping the other $300 million will come from the Federal government.
Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews has written to Prime Minister Scott Morrison to ask for the funds to fix the issue.
If the Coalition don't match the $300 million that has been requested, funds will be sourced from an increase to the building permit levy over the next five years. 
<div class="block-content">
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">The new body, Cladding Safety Victoria, will oversee the fund and will be getting to work within the next few weeks on the 15 highest risk buildings.</div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"> </div>
<div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa">Planning Minister Richard Wynee said it's just as much about safety as it is about fairness for people who bought apartments in good faith and were let down by dodgy builders or dangerous building products.</div>
</div>
The move is among 35 recommendations made to the Victorian Government after 2,227 buildings had been inspected as of July 5.
Of those, 7 per cent were rated as an extreme risk, 40 per cent a high risk and 38 per cent moderate risk.
The data, presented at an industry conference, showed one evacuation order had been issued for a private building.
Emergency orders for urgent works were made on 51 properties with building notices issued on a further 387. 
The 35 recommendations were made by the Victorian Cladding Taskforce, headed up by former Liberal premier Ted Baillieu and former Labor deputy premier John Thwaites.
The ABC reported Daniel Andrews said the state was also examining ways to recover some of the costs from people and business "who had done the wrong thing".
It could include laws to punish dodgy providers and so-called "phoenix companies" that set up for only one project, then shut down and made it hard for people to sue them.
It has also flagged a plan that would see the Government assume the right to sue industry on behalf of residents because class actions had failed.
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Building permit levy to pay for half of Victoria's $600 million combustible cladding rectification

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EXPERT OBSERVER
The extent to which builders have used inflammable cladding on buildings in Australia and the UK has shocked us all since its discovery in the wake of a number of serious fires, including the tragedy at Grenfell Tower in London in June 2017.
The people with the highest level of concern are those who are living in these buildings - quite rightly they want the problem fixed, and fast.
But who should pay for the remediation work? It feels wrong for those who live there to be asked to fund a problem caused by someone else.
Even if Government pays doesn't that mean those who cut the corners in the first place get let off the hook rather than being held to account? Of course it does.
But waiting for those who are truly responsible to own up and do the right thing won't work either - some might, but many will at the very least prevaricate and instigate lengthy legal proceedings to argue the case. That leaves residents living in buildings they are deeply concerned about indefinitely. It's a real "Catch 22" - or is it?
The UK Government and now the Government of Victoria have recognised that public safety and restoration of public confidence must come first and have taken the decision to fund removal of cladding and remediation out of the public purse. But the battle to hold those to account must go on - through the courts if necessary to recoup as much as possible of that money.
It can't stop there either. In the last few years we have learned a great deal about the state of our buildings - particularly high rise high occupancy residential properties and what we've learned isn't pretty.
- Complex prescriptive regulations and guidance are not helpful - they lead to confusion, accidental and deliberate misinterpretation of the what is written down;
- Roles and responsibilities are also confused, and the system allows people to pass on problems to others in the system;
- The competency of large parts of the workforce is lacking which means they don't understand the importance of critical safety features they may be installing in a building and how they need to be installed to be effective;
- Even when enforcement action is taken against those who break the rules, the sanctions are so weak as to make it unlikely that lessons will be learned, and practices changed;
- Record keeping is poor which means that after a building is complete no one really knows whether it was built to design and if it is fit for purpose - why has this industry not engaged with what digital technology can do to change this so easily?
I repeat what I've been saying for more than two years now - this is about much more than cladding! We need to drive a massive culture change in the whole construction and built environment sectors that holds people accountable for designing, building, maintaining and managing buildings which are safe for people to live in throughout the full life cycle,
People - residents - must come first, they must have a voice to raise their concerns, they need to be listened to and the whole industry needs to be held to account for its responsibilities for their safety.
That will require substantive regulatory change in Australia just as it does here in the UK. A new regulatory system needs to drive the right behaviours, make responsibilities crystal clear, create significant penalties for those who flout the law and incentives for those who do the right thing.
We also need leaders within the construction industry to stand up and be counted. Those who do build with users in mind, those who understand that quality matters and have already implemented good practices should be recognised and become preferred suppliers.
The market needs to find a way to recognise the importance of quality which means changing procurement practices away from simply awarding the contract to the guy who bids the lowest cost.
The cost of building a high-rise block is a small part of the life cycle cost of the building - getting it right in the first place will lead to lower costs for the rest of the building's life and happier, safer residents. But above all such a culture change to accompany the much-needed regulatory changes is the only way to ensure that more lives are not lost in tragic fires or other catastrophes in our high-rise buildings.
Removing dangerous cladding is a very important first step on a long journey; let us not fall into the short termism trap of thinking we've fixed the problem when we've fixed the cladding.
Dame Judith Hackitt is a decorated British engineer who visited Australia in February as a guest of RMIT's School of Property, Construction and Project Management with support from the Victorian Building Association, the Institute of Chemical Engineers and the Future Fuels CRC. She presented to industry, government and community representatives about her Building a Safer Future final report. She is currently the Chair of the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, which was commissioned by the British Government following the Grenfell Tower fire
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Who should pay for the remediation work? Cladding expert Dame Judith Hackitt

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Combustible cladding is set to be completely banned on all new Queensland buildings.
The Queensland Minister for Housing and Public Works Mick de Brenni proposed the new regulation as part of a two-pronged approach to provide a lifeline to the State’s certifiers caught up in a shrinking insurance market.
The combustible cladding ban would extend to all aluminium composite panels with a PE core of greater than 30 per cent, and it would restrict usage across all buildings in Queensland.
Mr de Brenni said the proposals would help to protect Queenslanders, but called on the Commonwealth Government to protect Australians and introduce an importation ban on all aluminium composite panels with a PE core.
“I’ve made numerous calls on the Commonwealth to ban this combustible cladding at the border, they can’t keep dodging this responsibility to the people of Australia,” Mr de Brenni said.
“This is an opportunity to both reduce risk and back Australian manufacturing jobs, to which Prime Minister Scott Morrison should be jumping at the chance.
“And again, I call on Minister Karen Andrews to urgently address the issue at a national level, as the retraction of the insurance market has to be rectified by the Federal Treasury."
The proposals discussed at yesterday's meeting include also requiring certifiers to declare that combustible cladding hasn’t been used, and that there hasn’t been any product substitution during the construction process.
The other key solution to help certifiers proposed by the Queensland Government during the industry meeting, was to allow certifiers to remain licensed while they are holding professional indemnity (PI) insurance featuring cladding related exclusions.
Mr de Brenni said the ban on combustible cladding paved the way for the Queensland Government to allow certifiers to hold PI insurance with exclusions.
“By banning combustible cladding on new construction in Queensland, it means there doesn’t need to be an expense for certifiers in the form of exclusion free insurance,” Mr de Brenni said.
“However, allowing insurance with exclusions is a time-limited solution that provides the industry with immediate confidence to continue operating.
“These proposals are designed to ensure that jobs growth in Queensland doesn’t slow and construction industry practitioners continue to remain in the industry.
“We’ve already seen insurers attempting to cut and run from the market by withdrawing their insurance products and that means they escape their obligations, and that’s not on.
“This has put at risk hundreds of thousands of jobs in the sector and it’s got the potential to impact homeowners who would be left holding the can if they have to pursue litigation with dodgy buildings.
“Certifiers provide a level of protection for homeowners and we need to keep them in the industry.
“It means that as of today, the 400 licensed certifiers in Queensland will continue to be able to work tomorrow, and that means our record on job creation will continue, however subject to stringent conditions.
“The restrictions are part of the immediate term resolution of the issues to be followed by a suite of longer term system reform approaches including continuing to pursue a national ban on the importation of dodgy cladding.
“Prime Minister Morrison has a chance here to help rebuild confidence in the industry and back in local manufacturing jobs by banning dodgy cladding that fails community standards, but in the meantime we will have to impose extra requirements on the sector.”
Yesterday's proposals followed a number of weeks’ discussion with industry leaders on solutions to the certifier insurance issue.
A PricewaterhouseCoopers report released by the Palaszczuk Government yesterday shines a light on the effects caused by the deregulation of the Australian construction industry.
“Building industry professionals, from architects, to engineers and building certifiers, plus developers, play a pivotal role in ensuring that the built environment is safe and fit-for-purpose."
Mr de Brenni said PwC’s analysis showed the issue was not limited to Queensland, but a national issue affecting the building industry in all states and territories.
“Queensland has continued to work with industry on this issue,” he said. “I am committed to ensuring the viability of Queensland’s building and construction industry and am invested in ensuring the most appropriate and considered approach is taken to this situation.
“Queensland has led the way on behalf of the Building Ministers’ Forum for permanent labelling of  aluminium composite panels, reducing the issues found through investigations around product substitution.
“But whilst Queensland leads the nation with building industry reforms, there is still more work to be done.”
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Combustible cladding banned on all new Queensland buildings

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The Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews says the government is on the verge of unveiling a “substantial” package of reforms to tackle the cladding issue.
It will possibly include “quite extraordinary” new laws to try to recoup money from builders who used dangerous materials.
"There will have to be taxpayers' money, there will have to be government allocations."
"There can potentially be some money — some — recovered from those who have done this, have basically committed these errors and have used this dodgy product," he said.
"We've had a situation where a whole range of phoenix companies, they exist for the purposes of building that particular building, and then they're gone at law afterwards," Mr Andrews said.
"We don't rule out making some legislative changes so that we can go out after some of these phoenix companies."
Mr Andrews acknowledged unit owners had been "basically stranded" and unable to sell their properties while investigations were ongoing.
Andrews confirmed the government would set up a <a href="/news/cladding-safety-victoria-to-be-established-by-andrews-government">new agency called Cladding Safety Victoria</a>, which is billed as a one-stop-shop for advice and assistance.
The government’s reforms will be unveiled in the coming weeks as it waits on the final report from the state’s cladding taskforce.
It is more than four years since flammable cladding ­fuelled a blaze at the Lacrosse building in Docklands.
Meanwhile the Herald Sun reported the rogue developers who illegally demolished the historic Corkman Pub have built at least two apartment complexes with flammable cladding.
The Opposition says the “Corkman cowboys” must be prevented from working in the industry.
The Herald Sun revealed that a 200-apartment development in Lygon St, Brunswick East, has been assessed as a “moderate risk” because of the use of flammable cladding.
It was developed by Makshaq, with company records showing Raman Shaqiri and Stefce Kutlesovski are directors.
The same company is behind another apartment block in Hawthorn that was inspected in April and had emergency rectification orders issued in May.
Australia's peak insurance body says there are no plans to increase property ­premiums on the back of the combustible cladding row.
The Insurance Council Australia has called for a nationwide solution.
After Victoria confirmed its number of affected buildings was 800 plus, and some 450 in NSW as "high risk," the Strata Community Association president Andrew Chambers said the Federal Government had to step up.
The Australian Financial Review reported the dire state of Australia's professional indemnity insurance market for building certifiers and surveyors was revealed in confidential research by PwC showing the sector has been unprofitable since 2011, with nearly $3.43 paid out in claims for every $1 received.
The ABC reported recently the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews told a Property Council lunch that the state had stepped in as an insurer of last resort in the past for other sectors. 
"I am very much aware of how real this issue is," Mr Andrews said. 
But the problem, he said, was not unique to Victoria.
"The feds should be involved, that would be good, but we won't let anybody be uninsured. There are some steps we can take," Mr Andrews said.
 
 
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Victoria considers laws to recoup money from dangerous cladding builders

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The Andrews Government is set to establish Cladding Safety Victoria.
It will oversee the removal of combustible cladding from buildings to make them safe.
The word of the new government body emerged on 3AW, which did not advise on the means of the funding of the removal.
Property Observer gathers Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV) will act as a "one-stop-shop for advice and assistance to the community in relation to the removal of combustible cladding."
It will provide funding for owners to help them fix their building’s cladding by providing guidance, funding and connections to the right experts who can fix their buildings.
It will select the buildings for rectification after an expert panel review with recommendations made to the Municipal Building Surveyor.
It will support building owners by providing funding for:
<ul>
<li>Project Management support</li>
<li>Draughts people or Architectural Services</li>
<li>Building Surveying</li>
<li>Permits and approvals</li>
<li>Building materials and work</li>
</ul>
It is not known if there will be a levy on the building industry to fund the new government section within the Victorian Building Authority.
Initial emergency orders have been issued on some apartment blocks. The rectification is likely to take up to six years before all apartments are deemed safe.
Currently the rectification process centres around the implementation of Cladding Rectification Agreements (CRAs), a three-way voluntary agreement between an owner or owners corporation, lender and council to fund cladding rectification works. The lender will loan the funds to an owner or owners corporation and loan repayments will be made over time through the council rates system.
There is a cladding taskforce currently seeking to review the extent of the problem after Melbourne’s Lacrosse apartment towers caught fire in 2014.
The Lacrosse block was completed in 2012. LU Simon was ordered to pay $5.7 million to the owners of apartments of the Lacrosse tower earlier this year.
Initially up to 1400 Victorian buildings could have reportedly had potentially dangerous panelling according to the Victorian Cladding Taskforce, chaired by former premier Ted Baillieu and former deputy premier John Thwaites.
Created in 2017 after the London Grenfell fire, it is set to report in coming weeks.
The taskforce audit inspected 1,800 buildings and already identified 71 as "extreme" risk and 368 as "high" risk.
There are around 800 on the list with the search still underway. The cladding has been used by builders for the past two decades.
The councils with the most apartment blocks at risk are:
<table id="cladding-map-data" class="dataTable no-footer"><tbody>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Moreland City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">145</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Melbourne City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">64</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Port Phillip City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">59</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Monash City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">55</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Stonnington City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">41</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Glen Eira City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">35</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Greater Dandenong City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">30</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Boroondara City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">28</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Bayside City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">22</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Yarra City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">22</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Moonee Valley City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">21</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Darebin City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">19</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Banyule City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">17</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Knox City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">16</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Kingston City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">11</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Frankston City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Manningham City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Surf Coast Shire</td>
<td class="sorting_1">8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Whittlesea City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Wyndham City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">8</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Casey City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">7</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Maribyrnong City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">7</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Greater Geelong City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">6</td>
</tr>
<tr class="even">
<td>Hobsons Bay City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">5</td>
</tr>
<tr class="odd">
<td>Maroondah City</td>
<td class="sorting_1">5</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
There was a fire in early 2019 at the <a href="/news/fire-at-neo200-spencer-street-melbourne-reignites-apartment-cladding-concerns">Neo200 Spencer Street building</a> which was a significant incident which had the potential to be very serious.
In Victoria, residents have a 10-year period to claim on the builders' warranty under the Domestic Building Contracts Act. 
The Victorian Government has previously budgeted money to fix government buildings with combustible cladding, but not private dwellings.
It has been estimated the removal costs across Australia could be of the order of $6.8 billion.
 
 
 
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