Here we are almost at the end of January. Now, how did that happen?

Please, speak your mind. One things we'd really like to see on the site this year is an increase in comments on our posts. So, if you've got something to say, please leave a message in the comment section (at the bottom of each article). Feel free to share experiences with visitors and members of the LookUpStrata community. I'm sure others can relate to your situations.

We've introduced the Strata Positions Vacant section. Looking for a change in 2019? Check our exciting jobs (in exotic locations!) towards the bottom of the newsletter ↓ . The OPPORTUNITY may be just what you're after.

If you enjoy our newsletters, please forward them on ☞.

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Join our growing list of Sponsors. Take advantage of our increasing traffic stats. Advertising spots are limited. Lock down your spot ready for a great 2019!

Latest Articles

NSW: Q&A Can We Avoid Strata Manager Insurance Commissions?

Mario Esera, HWL Ebsworth
Question: Can a strata manager charge higher strata management fees if a committee decides to place the insurance independently of the strata manager?

NSW: Q&A Fined for not using the visitor parking spaces

Leanne Habib, Premium Strata
Question: I was fined for not parking in a visitor parking space at my girlfriend's apartment. They are pursuing her for the money. Is this parking fine from the owners corporation valid?

WA: Fire Risk Identified in Solar Panel Installation by Cowboy Operators

Strata Community Association WA
WA apartment owners are being urged to be on the lookout for cowboy solar panel installers in the face of new laws in Western Australia making it easier than ever to install solar panels and other sustainable features.

QLD: Q&A Lot Owner’s Liability for Building Faults in Their Lot

Todd Garsden, Hynes Legal
Question: What happens when building faults in one unit cause damage to another unit? Defective plumbing installation to one unit has cause damage in the unit below. Who is liable?

NSW: Cladding Registration Deadline Looming. Follow our 5 Step Guide.

Sedgwick
On the 22nd February 2019, the NSW Cladding Registration deadline will hit. Are you prepared? Do you need help? What happens if you fail to register?

Download our 5 Step Guide: "Registration to Completion".

3 Key Things To Research When Considering Buying A Strata Unit: Don't Shy Away From It

Allison Benson, Kerin Benson Lawyers
When buying into a strata scheme, the most important thing is to do your due diligence. This is absolutely crucial and cannot be emphasised enough. Don’t hide under your desk avoiding it.

Last Edition's Star Articles

NSW: Q&A Motions on an agenda, Explanatory notes [PLUS a Sample Motion]

Leanne Habib, Premium Strata
Question: What are the protocol and procedures for dealing with requests from a Lot owner for an EGM and a motion on the agenda?

QLD: Q&A Body corporate voting rules – What you can and can’t do

Todd Garsden, Hynes Legal
Question: We are looking for information about the body corporate voting rules for a committee at an AGM who was elected without counting votes.

Our Sponsors

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Big News

What lies beneath the cracks in Opal Tower — and buildings across Australia

Laura Crommelin, Bill Randolph, Hazel Easthope and Martin Loosemore, ABC News
Governments have been promoting greater housing density, but they haven't always ensured this density has been done well, including in terms of building quality.

QLD Safer Buildings: understanding the combustible cladding legislation

To assist bodies corporate in understanding the new legislative requirements for combustible cladding, the Office of the Commissioner for BCCM and the QBCC have prepared this factsheet.
 

Strata Positions Vacant

State: Western Australia
Location: Perth City
Role / Position: Strata Insurance Broking Opportunity
Email: [email protected]
Link: More information
State: Queensland
Location: Townsville
Role / Position: Strata Manager
Email: [email protected]
State: Queensland
Location: Cairns
Role / Position: Strata Manager
Email: [email protected]
Have a strata position to advertise? It's FREE. Contact us here

Industry News

Todd Garsden

Hynes Legal has announced the promotion of Todd Garsden to Partner within the firm’s strata practice.

Todd works closely with leading body corporate and management rights specialist, Partner – Frank Higginson.

Todd has spent his entire legal career at Hynes legal. His primary focus is the firm’s body corporate practice, however, he also actively assists in many aspects of the management rights practice where the two areas regularly combine.

Todd is an active industry participant who collaborates with a variety of stakeholders, he regularly presents to strata managers about body corporate issues and also presented at the Strata Community Association (Qld) annual conference with the Commissioner for Body Corporate and Community Management about by-law issues.

Donate

One of our valued article contributors, Tony Johnson from Horner Management, is organising a fund raiser for a local SA charity organisation committed to doing wonderful things for displaced Children in S.A - Backpacks 4 SA Kids Inc and he needs your help. Visit Tony's Charity link here for more information.

Breaking News

Yes, you can have a dog in an apartment (if you tick these 5 boxes)

10,000 buildings suspected of having flammable cladding

Make your apartment standout with these reno tips

NSW: Firefighters rescue dog from burning block of apartments

Sydney's Opal Tower: What We Know So Far
 
QLD: Smoke forces evacuation of Surfers high rise

Townsville: Body corporates urged to dive into Water Smart Package


VIC: Legislative changes affecting short-stay apartments from 1 February 2019

Nightingale Village architect reveals how award-winning idea shapes apartments

WA: Penthouse fire evacuates Westralian Apartments in Perth CBD
 

ACT: 'You have to be realistic': Lawyer's warning for buying off the plan

Upcoming Events

New South Wales


Seniors Rights Service: Strata Living in English Kogarah: 18 Feb, 10 am – 12 pm

SCA (NSW): Strata Community Title Committee Training Course Chatswood: 19 & 26 Feb, 9 am – 1:30 pm

SCA NSW: Masterclass Sydney: 20 Feb, 8 - 10 am


UNSW Continuing Legal Education (CLE): Property law update: Sunset clauses; share economy; strata plans Sydney: 21 Feb, 8:30 am – 12:45 pm

Seniors Rights Service: Strata Living in Mandarin Hurstville: 22 Feb, 12 – 2 pm

SCA NSW: Sailing Day Darling Point: 22 Feb, 12 pm onwards

Our Energy Future: Saving energy in your apartment - Northern Beaches Council Warriewood: 19 Mar, 6:30 – 8 pm

Victoria


Nightingale Housing: Nightingale 1 private tour Brunswick: 21 Feb, 2 – 3 pm

Nightingale Housing: Nightingale 1 private tour Brunswick: 28 Feb, 2 – 3 pm

Upcoming Events

Queensland


Stansure Strata - Body Corporate Information Seminar Bundaberg: 11 Feb, 8 am

Stansure Strata - Body Corporate Information Seminar Rockhampton: 12 Feb, 2 pm

Stansure Strata - Body Corporate Information Seminar Gladstone: 13 Feb, 8 am

Western Australia


SCA WA PD - 2019 Strata Outlook Burswood: 1 Feb, 1 – 3 pm

Perth City Farm: Composting 101; Grow - Cook - Connect East Perth: 16 Feb, 9 – 11 am

SCA WA Owner Workshop: Committee Training TBA: 19 Feb, 1 – 5 pm

Follow us for your most up-to-date and comprehensive stream of strata news.

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