Strata Schemes Continue To Be Updated 30/11/2009 Strata schemes, the small communities where owners share responsibilities and obligations are continually being updated by Fair Trading legislation. New South Wales regularly updates strata laws as shown by a new amendment that came into effect that helps clear the air about Executive Committee Members.
Mr Richard Tooker, the director of New South Wales Strata Management, says the revision has seen a higher level of transparency come into being as the air is cleared around Executive Committee Members personal discloser of any link with either developers or caretakers of a strata title scheme.
“As things currently stand Executive Committee Members must make mention of any personal business or financial connection with any person or entity associated with matters that could come before the Committee.
“This is perhaps appears at first glance a small issue, but it lends a welcome air of transparency and ensures the Committee is free from any unknown or outside influence. The Executive Committee Members are, after all, the elected representatives of the owners and are the people that administer the day-to-day operating of the scheme on behalf of all.”
Mr Tooker said the disclosure requirement ensures that there was no opportunity for a member of the Executive Committee to silently and unknowingly to others, represent an interest of the developer, wither through friendship or association.
He said any disclosure must be made in writing to the Secretary of the Executive Committee under a full disclosure arrangement. This allows all the buildings’ owners to consider a candidates association when voting on their prospective membership of the Executive Committee.
He noted that these and other amendments to existing legislation update the administrative provisions to ensure fair dealings and a high level of equity remains as the hallmark of modern strata living.
“Whilst strata style accommodation continues its expansion as a friendly and highly modern community way of living there needs to be a continued level of vigilance by non-partial authorities such as the NSW Government Department of Fair Trading to ensure that a level playing field is maintained for all participants. And this is indeed the current case.”
He said that strata living does come with some restrictions which regulate use of what is termed ‘common property’, but the cost and benefits of strata schemes continues to increase along with its popularity. Buyers and potential owners still however need to fully understand the various differences inherent in such living so that owners are well positioned in advance to reduce any chance that a dispute could arise over use of communal activities over time.
Mr Tooker said it is the role of stand-aside professional strata managers to be aware of any and all alterations or amendments to Strata Law, so that they will be able to accurately explain changes.
Small strata buildings often see the major role of legal compliance passed by a vote of owners at their annual general meeting via the buildings’ Executive Committee, who decide to have professional oversight handled by people specifically trained in this area. For the larger schemes, which can run to many dozens of owners and extend to skyscraper size buildings the use of such strata managers has become virtually routine.
“Because the Strata Management Company operates from an arms length distance from the Owners’ Corporation they are able to provide unbiased advice. In our oversight role we can greatly assist strata communities to live both within the law and with greater harmony than would otherwise be possible.”
Mr Tookers said that an Owners’ Corporations wishing to investigate the use of such professional assistance can contact New South Wales Strata Management on 9890 1841 to arrange a discussion of costs and the range of services available.
New South Wales Strata Management (formerly Gilmour Strata Management) commenced business in early 1991, as a member of the highly respected J A Gilmour & Sons group of companies. Licensed solely and specialising only in strata management services, the company has steadily grown to become one of the largest such organisations in New South Wales.
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