Building Site Management
The Better Practice Building Site Management Project (the project) has been funded by the Department of Treasury and Finance to reduce the regulatory burden on the building industry resulting from inconsistency in local laws.
As councils are responsible for making local laws related to building sites, the different requirements across Victoria has created uncertainty and inconsistency for the building industry. To date, consultation in building site management has highlighted that this is a complex area, involving many entities and different local law requirements and conditions
Local Government Victoria (LGV) wrote the LGV Building Site Discussion Paper (PDF 502 KB) or (Word 391 KB) to map and identify building site management local laws reform options. LGV sought comments on the discussion paper from councils and the private sector. This feedback has been used to determine reform priorities.
Why asset protection?
Assets such as footpaths, roads, kerbing and signs are particularly at risk in the context of construction. Greenfield developments create challenges for councils who often inherit assets on housing estates, but then must manage and protect the same assets during the period of construction when they are most at risk.Asset protection is the control area of local government operation that varies most significantly between councils. LGV found that 62 councils set asset protection permit requirements for builders. There is variation between permit requirements, with some councils placing the onus on the builder to assess the condition of council assets at the time of building commencement, while other councils undertake an inspection.
Councils are using mechanisms such as local laws or permits or a combination of the two to manage asset protection. LGV consultation has found that asset protection processes and systems are a key challenge for councils and an area of ambiguity for builders. Based on the LGV research it is considered that improved practices in asset protection may reduce regulatory burden for builders and benefit councils who are responsible for the management of community assets. LGV are now commencing work to facilitate the development of a good practice model for local government asset protection.
How will the project be implemented?
LGV are establishing a governance committee to advise on the technical direction of the project. Continuous engagement and feedback will continue to assist us to identify the appropriate directions. To discuss the project or provide feedback please contact Local Government Victoria.