Hunter residents are at risk of flammable cladding after a statewide investigation revealed over 1,000 buildings are in need of inspection.
Newcastle City Council is looking to undertake a Hunter audit to ensure local infrastructure meets adequate state and federal building regulations, and are not at risk of fire.
Newcastle Councillor Declan Clausen moved the motion at the last council meeting, saying a number of lower hunter buildings are already reported to be at risk.
'The advice we've received is that cladding has definitely been used in the lower Hunter. It's not only the choice of material but the way it is installed that causes risk; the purpose of this audit is to understand in greater detail where the cladding is used, and where it is installed in a way that exacerbates fire risk.'
The audit would attempt to look at Council records and significantly reduce fire risks in Newcastle and the rest of the Hunter.
The issue proceeds the Four Corners report that revealed international manufacturers and Australian suppliers have been aware of the risks of flammable cladding on buildings for decades, but have continued its importation due to lack of regulation and building standards.
Councillor Clausen says it's important to make the public and authorities aware if they are at risk of the flammable cladding.
'The general public and relevant authorities need to have the opportunity to review construction processes and understand the level of risk associated [with flammable cladding].'
Shadow Minister for Innovation and Better Regulation, Yasmin Catley says New South Wales has a right to know where the flammable cladding is located and who will ultimately pay for it.
'I think there has been a continual reduction of red tape in the building industry, and unfortunately, this had now led to a situation that we find ourselves in with unsafe cladding being used on buildings.
'It's important that the government address this, and it's important to have those checks and balances in place to keep people safe and accountable.'
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| Image Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefighting |
