ISTM Promotes & Polices Strata Policies in NSW

I’ve blogged about ISTM a few times before.

And, as one of the leading strata industry associations in New South Wales and Australia, ISTM has things to say and influences government opinion on strata and strata related issues.

So, it’s good to see them release a new and updated 2011 Policy Position.

ISTM says “Strata is the fastest growing residential segment in New South Wales … estimating that more than half of all new residences built in NSW over the next decade will be strata titled. Further, that by 2032 more than 3 million people in NSW will live under a strata titles arrangement.”  And it believes “the growing number of people living and working under strata titled arrangements in NSW now require solutions to issues that are faced on a daily basis, including" -

• the cost of housing
• urban renewal
• sustainable living
• regulatory complexity
• skills shortages

They're right ... of course.  And, it’s clever to talk about strata policy now too since there’s a state election in NSW in March and both major parties attention is focused on the voters.

So, what does ISTM say?  Well, here are the highlights with my comments.

1.  There should be equity between all property owners and occupiers so that the impacts of different laws on free standing and high density building are the same … that’s only fair but surprisingly uncommon at the moment.

2.  Owners in strata schemes with more than 10 lots should be able to terminate their schemes if 90% (or if the building is older than 15 years 80%) of the owners agree … this idea needs more work as it's a simplistic solution to a complex problem that does not appear (at least) to be based on any empiric data.

3.  Information and help for people in self managed strata schemes should be improved … well Duh!  But why only people in self managed strata schemes?

4.  That strata buildings should have an Intention of Scheme Living Statement when created that will prescribe how they are used in the future and stop inappropriate uses … although inappropriate uses need to be managed and controlled, limiting building uses forever is overkill.

5.   That responsibility for different parts of strata buildings be defined in a separate document that's registered with the strata plan … improving understanding about strata responsibility is great but too many different documents (laws, plans, notations, by-laws and explanation documents) could may make things worse.

6.  Targeting green building and energy initiatives in high density buildings as they form a greater component of housing stock … a great position to take and absolutely necessary.  Hurrah!  And, what the hell have the politicians been doing ignoring this so far.

7.  Extending current Digital TV household assistance schemes to owners corporations … a good example of the first policy as this should have always been covered when plans for digital TV were first made.

8.  Clarification about how is the 'controller of premises' in strata schemes for Occupational Health & Safety laws … I thought this was already clear but if ISTM thinks it's an issue then it's worth pursuing since there’s a few potential players in strata and potential for confusion.

12.  That only strata managers be able to issue work orders for strata schemes (and not caretakers, on-site managers or others) … this is pretty controversial and highly self interested.  It's as a barrier to competition and I can’t understand why the strata schemes and owners would want (or benefit from) this.

Whilst ISTM should be supported for these policies, there are many important strata issues for owners, committees, managers and other stakeholders that this ISTM Policy document ignores.  This is surprising since ISTM’s membership includes all stakeholder groups and some of the missing issues were part of earlier policy ISTM positions.

Things like harmonisation of strata laws around Australia, improving owner protections in relation to building construction quality, balancing owner rights against committee controls, providing more flexibility to owners about strata corporation operations, recognising new and emerging stakeholders and their roles, improving developer involvement in strata corporations and control transition   … but I guess you can’t think of everything.

You can find the ISTM 2011 Policy here.

So, take a position on something strata (like ISTM) and push it too.

Francesco …