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  • #57790
    Eve Thomas
    Flatchatter

      Here we are in lockdown in Greater Sydney with the number of daily Covid cases skyrocketing. What a shock then for an owner in our block to announce work beginning on a major renovation.

      Approval was given last year.  The premises are being gutted, masonry walls knocked down and kitchen and bathrooms refurbished. For days we have been faced with intolerable noise from drills and the like.

      Residents are furious. They can’t work from home.  Many are in sales, on commission.  Some parents are working from home while minding their their children .  The shift-workers have to try to sleep through the noise.

      Elderly residents, unable to use the stairs must share the use of our tiny lift and our small non-ventilated common areas with the passing workers. The only requirement is that the workers (maximum 2 at a time) wear a mask. No Covid Safe Plan required.
      We were forced out onto the street for days.  Snatching lunch behind bushes. Now come the plumbers and electricians. Will they spread Covid in our building?

      I can’t listen to the 11am health messaging (too noisy). I can’t see my family but different tradesmen can traipse through our hallways and commandeer our lifts. The government made these rules without ANY consideration for the impact on strata residents and we are FURIOUS.

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    • #57942
      Jimmy-T
      Keymaster

        This is the topic of my column in the AFR this week  if you don’t an AFR subscription, I will be posting it on this website early next week.

        The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
        #58129
        watchman
        Flatchatter

          Does anyone have any info about renovations during the lockdown.

          I am living in a block of 16 units in Newtown  , where the owner has started a major renovation with  loud banging, jackhammers and power drills which affects the whole block. The water had been switched off without notice for a while. Sometimes there are more than 2 tradies in the unit which is unoccupied. One of the tradies was seen walking through the lobby without a mask. I received no reply from the strata manager when I reported this , so I reported it to crimestoppers , but i doubt if the police will act on my report. From what i gather renovations can now carried out 7 days a week. Last time a tradie was using power tools on a sunday evening, i reported it to the strata manager , who suggested I call the council.  If you call the council about construction they tell you to call the police who then tell you to call the council. Any ideas anyone .

           

          #58137
          Jimmy-T
          Keymaster

            Have you read this?  You are not alone.

            I have heard mutterings about people removing the main electrical fuse for the offending flat and snipping the wires so it can’t be easily repaired but I could never recommend such drastic action.

            The opinions offered in these Forum posts and replies are not intended to be taken as legal advice. Readers with serious issues should consult experienced strata lawyers.
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