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  • #51469
    Danny D
    Flatchatter

      The apartment above commenced a massive renovation project on the 5th Aug including 5 days of jack hammering up tiles causing intolerable noise to the residents who can only leave their homes for 1 hour a day. As I understand it only ‘essential’ should be carried out during this time yet the OC have done nothing to prevent the work or check if legal.

    Viewing 7 replies - 16 through 22 (of 22 total)
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    • #51823
      Danny D
      Flatchatter
      Chat-starter

        After a month of noise from a renovation above together with a total lack of interest from the Strata Managers or Owners I have last got a result. On Friday the DHHS clarified the situation regarding apartments that building work is only allowed if the WHOLE building is empty.

        #51839
        Austman
        Flatchatter

          On Friday the DHHS clarified the situation regarding apartments that building work is only allowed if the WHOLE building is empty.

          Thank you for posting the DHHS clarification on <span class=”post-title__text blog-post-title-font blog-post-title-color”><span class=”blog-post-title-font blog-post-title-color”>Renovations during COVID-19 Stage 4 Lockdown. </span></span>

          I note that Strata Community Association now has it in their website too:

          https://www.vic.strata.community/post/renovations-during-covid-19-stage-4-lockdown

          #51907
          Danny D
          Flatchatter
          Chat-starter

            Hi Jimmy T,

            Thank you for making people making people aware of ‘no renovations in apartment buildings during Melbourne stage 4’ .It was good to get that clarified by the DHHS. Unfortunately the renovation work above my head continues. Why? You might ask. Well the owner/builder is now claiming that as he has ripped out all the services and made the place uninhabitable. He now claims the work is ‘essential’ in order to make the place inhabitable and can therefore continue. The OC take a passive attitude, whilst allowing the owner access to the common areas. The only remaining course of action now is to get the police to visit the apartment. Reporting online COVID breaches gets you nowhere and with no feedback.
            When you are dealing with someone whose only interest is ‘self interest’ then you have a battle. To say there is collusion might be wrong but when an email from the Owner to the OC manager ends with ‘Lunch is on me’ you may wonder. Any suggestions appreciated.

             

            #51909
            Jimmy-T
            Keymaster

              I know I would be on the phone to my colleagues in the media.  They’d be all over this.  I realise you have already rejected this suggestion … and here you are, suffering even more for even longer because selfish scumbags will take advantage of any hesitation to act resolutely.

              I’m not saying “I told you so …” but I kind of am.

              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.
              #51911
              Danny D
              Flatchatter
              Chat-starter

                Hi Jimmy T,

                We contacted The Age (Rachel Eddie) who kindly got the situation clarified with the DHHS. At the time they didn’t consider it a news story but that was before this rorting.  We also wrote to the Herald Sun, The ABC, Daniel Andrews and Jenny Mikakos but no reply.

                Contacted our local councillor who turned out to live in same apartment and was a friend of the owners. Anyway COVID restrictions are not their responsibility.

                If I was health worker being woken up after a night shift then the work would be stopped by now. If you have a further idea with the media then pleased to hear (need your contact dets) we are happy to take part. My partner and two other lady friend neighbours are all complaining about their mental stress which is very relevant at the moment.

                Before the DHHS ruling it was a grey area, why they didn’t consider apartment blocks when ruling what constituted an empty building, I don’t know. The OC manager has tried to warn me off speaking to the press and follow OC dispute rules.

                I think this hardly applies to an illegal act. I have reported the situation to the Strata Community Association of which they are a member. The OC  say renovations are a private matter and have no control – but surely they have control over the common areas which would stop the work as the builders would have no access.

                #51915
                Jimmy-T
                Keymaster

                  I have passed on your contact details to a trusted journalist who writes for the Age.  She will be in touch.

                  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.
                  #52156
                  Danny D
                  Flatchatter
                  Chat-starter

                    Just to keep Flat-chat readers updated. Despite it being crystal clear that no renovations can be undertaken  in apartment blocks in Metropolitan Melbourne during stage 4 unless the WHOLE block is empty this can be easily rorted. If the renovator, Strata managers and OC connive to allow same then they just go ahead and claim it is emergency work. If you protest to the police they will visit but have no clue as to stage 4 building regs and will accept anything the renovator says that it is essential work and needs to be finished. Other than getting Daniel Andrews to visit himself we see no answer to our plight.

                     

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