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Empowering Communities and an Incredible ROI: Solar for Apartment Residents (SoAR) Grant Program

Fostering Client Involvement in Australia’s Renewable Future

Australia stands at the forefront of renewable energy innovation, with an ambitious vision to integrate solar technology into everyday living. Among the initiatives propelling this movement, the Solar for Apartments Residents (SoAR) grant aims to democratize access to solar energy for residents in multi-unit dwellings—a group historically left behind in the solar revolution.

Newcastle and the Hunter region lead the nation in making real progress towards a clean energy future with new infrastructure investments being announced and coming online at a rapid pace (such as the Waratah Super Battery).

A Bright & Duggan Hunter (B&D), we make a concerted effort to inform and engage client,s and many of our clients have applied for the grant (some of which have already been approved).

This grant enables schemes to install solar benefiting individual apartment occupiers, using revolutionary solar sharing systems. The return on investment of the program after the grant is huge, with a payback period of c. 2-3 years in some cases.

The Vision Behind the Solar for Apartments Program

The SoAR program was launched to address a pressing challenge: while rooftop solar has become commonplace for standalone homes, apartment residents have traditionally faced significant barriers. These include technical complexity, issues of shared ownership, and decision-making processes that often frustrate progress. The program seeks to bridge these gaps, offering tailored pathways and incentives for strata communities to enjoy the financial and environmental benefits of solar power.

Bright & Duggan: Champions of Client Involvement

Acting Quickly

The SoAR program was announced in February 2025, and expressions of interest opened immediately.

B&D quickly reviewed our portfolio of schemes in the Hunter region and we reviewed applicable schemes (being schemes 3-55 lots with a residential component and no existing shared solar system).

We established that around 40 schemes were applicable for the program, and after gaining consent from the individual client, registered their interest in the scheme and commenced a feasibility study via solar companies.

Once we had a feasibility, our managers engaged with the committee to confirm further interest and identify who on the committee would ‘champion’ the project.

Of the 40 applicable schemes, we ended up with around 12 schemes that have applied for the grant. Some schemes were keen but had other current priorities (e.g. remedial works), and in all cases, have the benefit of a feasibility study for later use.

A Proactive Approach to Education

One of the most significant hurdles to participation in solar initiatives among apartment owners and residents is the lack of understanding about the feasibility and benefits of solar technology in multi-dwelling contexts. The B&D teams have developed comprehensive educational campaigns, including:

· Hosting webinars and in-person information sessions demystifying the SoAR program, explaining government rebates, and breaking down technical jargon.

· Developing easy-to-understand guides and infographics tailored for owners’ corporations, highlighting case studies and success stories.

· Facilitating Q&A sessions and workshops where residents can voice concerns and receive expert advice from solar consultants and engineers.

Building Consensus in Diverse Communities

The diversity of residents in apartment complexes presents unique challenges in reaching consensus about shared investments. The B&D teams have pioneered approaches to consensus-building, such as:

· Orchestrating community forums that encourage open dialogue among owners, tenants, and committee members.

· Implementing transparent voting processes and offering neutral third-party facilitation to ensure all voices are heard.

· Presenting clear financial projections that illustrate payback periods, estimated savings, and the value added to the property through solar installation.

Through these strategies, the teams have transformed what might have been contentious or stagnant meetings into productive, forward-thinking collaborations.

Partnering with Industry Experts

Recognising that the successful adoption of solar systems requires more than administrative support, B&D have cultivated partnerships with solar installers, technical consultants (such as Sustainability Now and Wattblock), and government agencies. This approach brings several advantages:

· Clients gain access to vetted professionals who ensure high-quality, customised installations suitable for individual building layouts.

· Owners’ corporations can leverage expert advice on system design, grid connection, and energy monitoring solutions.

· Access to exclusive government pilot programs and subsidies is streamlined through these established networks.

Tailored Solutions for Complex Properties

Apartment buildings vary significantly in structure and energy needs. The teams have worked closely with clients to develop tailored solutions that maximize the benefits of solar for each unique site. Their services include:

· Conducting detailed site assessments to evaluate roof space, sunlight exposure, and electrical infrastructure.

· Designing bespoke solar systems that can serve both common areas and individual units, ensuring equitable distribution of benefits.

· Assisting with grant applications and navigating regulatory requirements specific to strata properties.

Real-World Outcomes: Success Stories and Measurable Impact

The efforts of the B&D team and the schemes that have been implemented are translating into measurable outcomes. Across multiple apartment complexes, we are predicting the following

· Significant reductions in common area and apartment energy costs.

· Solar benefits are available to tenants, reducing their energy costs and potentially generating higher rents for the landlord.

· Improved property values and increased interest from environmentally conscious buyers and tenants.

· Greater community cohesion, as residents unite around shared sustainability goals.

· Enhanced awareness and adoption of related green initiatives, such as battery storage and electric vehicle charging.

We look forward to sharing specific case studies in time.

Overcoming Challenges and Looking Ahead

Despite their success, the teams continue to navigate challenges, including:

· Ensuring equitable cost and benefit sharing among resident owners and tenants (e.g. commercial owners/occupants were not able to participate in the scheme, and this created several issues with mixed-use schemes).

· Keeping pace with evolving government regulations and incentive programs (acting quickly is tough and requires significant commitment of busy resources).

· Addressing technical limitations in older buildings with less compatible infrastructure.

Through ongoing dialogue, adaptability, and advocacy, we have addressed these hurdles and educated ourselves along the wa,y which in turn enhances our ability to serve all schemes.

The Broader Significance: Leading the Way in Sustainable Living

Beyond immediate economic and environmental gains, the involvement of Bright & Duggan Hunter’s clients in the Solar for Apartment Residents program signals a shift in Australia’s approach to urban sustainability. By empowering apartment communities to participate in the clean energy transition, our teams are not only reducing carbon emissions but also setting new standards for community-driven change.

Their work demonstrates that with the right support, education, and partnership, even the most complex strata environments can embrace renewable energy. As demand for sustainable living grows, the tireless efforts of these strata management leaders promise to inspire further innovation, making solar energy accessible to all—one apartment at a time.

In sum, the path blazed by Bright & Duggan Hunter in fostering client participation in the Solar for Apartments program is a model of how collaboration, ingenuity, and commitment can reshape the future of energy in Australian cities. The ripple effects extend far beyond individual properties, lighting the way towards a greener, more inclusive tomorrow.

What are the benefits of having a building manager?

A building manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a building or property. Some benefits of having a building manager include:

Maintenance and repairs: A building manager can ensure that the building is properly maintained and repairs are carried out in a timely manner. This can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems that can be costly to fix.
Safety and security: A building manager can help ensure the safety and security of the building and its occupants. This can include implementing security measures such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and access control systems.
Tenant satisfaction: A building manager can help ensure that tenants are satisfied with their living or working environment. This can include addressing concerns and complaints promptly, and ensuring that common areas are clean and well-maintained.
Cost savings: A building manager can help identify cost-saving opportunities by implementing energy-efficient measures and negotiating with vendors for better pricing on maintenance and repair services.
Compliance: A building manager can help ensure that the building is in compliance with all relevant regulations and codes, including building codes, fire safety regulations, and health and safety regulations.
Convenience: Having a building manager working for you on or off-site can provide convenience for tenants by allowing them to quickly and easily report issues or concerns, and have them addressed in a timely manner.

Overall, having a building manager can help ensure that the building is well-maintained, safe and secure, and that tenants are satisfied with their living or working environment.

What are the benefits of having a strata manager?

A strata manager, also known as a property manager or body corporate manager, is a professional who is responsible for managing and overseeing the operations of a strata scheme or community title development. Here are some of the benefits of having a strata manager:

Expertise and Experience: Strata managers are experts in their field, and they have extensive knowledge of strata schemes, community titles, and other related laws and regulations. They have experience in managing common property, dealing with maintenance and repairs, and handling disputes and conflicts that may arise within the community.

Time-Saving: By hiring a strata manager, property owners can save time and effort in managing the property. Strata managers take care of all the administrative tasks related to the property, such as collecting fees, paying bills, and maintaining records. This allows property owners to focus on their other priorities.

Financial Management: Strata managers are responsible for managing the finances of the property. They create and manage budgets, collect fees and contributions, and ensure that all expenses are paid on time. They also keep accurate financial records and provide regular reports to the property owners.

Maintenance and Repairs: Strata managers oversee the maintenance and repairs of the common property. They ensure that all repairs are carried out promptly and efficiently, and they supervise any contractors that are hired to do the work.

Dispute Resolution: Strata managers are trained in conflict resolution and are experienced in dealing with disputes that may arise within the community. They can mediate between parties and help to find a mutually agreeable solution to any conflicts that arise.

Overall, a strata manager can provide valuable expertise, time-saving services, and effective management of the property’s finances, maintenance, and disputes.

What concerns should we have in relation to EV charging for strata buildings?

Here are some of the key concerns to consider when installing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in strata buildings:

Cost: Installing charging infrastructure in strata buildings can be expensive, and the cost is often shared among residents. It is important to ensure that the cost is divided fairly among residents and that the installation is cost-effective.
Space: Strata buildings often have limited parking spaces, and it is important to ensure that there is enough space for the installation of charging stations without impeding access to parking spots.
Power availability: Strata buildings may not have the necessary electrical infrastructure to support the installation of charging stations, and it may be necessary to upgrade electrical systems to accommodate the additional load.
Legal and regulatory requirements: The installation of charging stations in strata buildings is subject to local regulations and building codes, and it is important to ensure that the installation complies with all relevant requirements.
Maintenance: Charging stations require regular maintenance, and it is important to ensure that maintenance responsibilities are clearly defined and that a maintenance schedule is in place.
User agreements: It is important to establish clear guidelines for the use of charging stations, including usage fees, scheduling, and etiquette.
Safety: Charging stations pose electrical safety risks, and it is important to ensure that charging stations are installed and maintained to meet industry safety standards.

In summary, when installing EV charging infrastructure in strata buildings, it is important to consider cost, space, power availability, legal and regulatory requirements, maintenance, user agreements, and safety.

What’s the benefit of a building manager?

A building manager is responsible for the day-to-day operation and maintenance of a building or complex. The benefits of having a building manager include:

Increased efficiency: A building manager can ensure that building systems and facilities are operating optimally, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
Improved safety: A building manager is responsible for ensuring that safety and security measures are in place and properly enforced, helping to reduce the risk of accidents and incidents.
Enhanced aesthetics: A building manager can coordinate maintenance and improvements to the building’s exterior and common areas, helping to maintain or improve the appearance and value of the property.
Better communication: A building manager serves as a liaison between building residents and managers (owners corporation/strata manager), helping to ensure that concerns and requests are addressed in a timely and effective manner.
Reduced stress: A building manager can handle many of the day-to-day responsibilities of building management, freeing up time and reducing stress for building residents and owners.

Overall, the role of a building manager is to maintain the property, assisst in the management of its finances, and ensure the comfort and satisfaction of residents.

Strata Insurance – Quick Guide

This guide has been prepared by Bright & Duggan to assist owners and occupiers, it is not advice, and should you have specific queries, these may be issued to your broker or insurer for their response.

‘SSMA’ – Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and its successors

Owners corporation is responsible for insuring the ‘building’ under a damage policy (S160 SSMA), which is the structure and includes owners fixtures within the lot (e.g. kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, etc). S161 of the SSMA deals with the further specific requirements for strata policies.
The owners corporation should routinely have the building valued for insurance purposes to ensure that the building sum insured is appropriate.
The owners corporation is typically responsible for any deductible/excess payment, however there is situations where a claim arises to only lot property (e.g. kitchen cabinetry) at the fault of the occupant (e.g. conducting renovations) and the owners corporation may look to recover the excess from the responsible party (per OFT advice). The by-laws for a scheme may also give rise to responsible parties paying excess in the event of certain claims (e.g., flexible hoses).
Where a broker is involved for the owners corporation they will generally lodge and manage the claim with the insurer and also advocate for the owners corporation,
All owners are benefitted under an insurance policy and have a right to lodge claims directly with the insurer, however claims will generally be managed by the strata manager, with the broker.
Owners should expect claims to be handled promptly, however in the event of large or complex claims, there is often time involved for quoting and assessment as these become large projects. There is cover within the building policy for loss of rent/alternate accommodation if a property is uninhabitable.
Insurance claims should be avoided wherever possible – claims will generally increase the cost of a policy and types of a particular claim (e.g., water damage) may increase deductible amounts under the policy. Insurers may also go off risk if policies exceed loss ratios. Just because a potential claim is notified does not require the owners corporation to proceed with a claim – it may choose to withdraw a claim (as it does not want to lodge a claim or repairs don’t meet excess).
Insurers do not cover defective works (e.g., balcony waterproof membrane), it will however generally respond to resultant damage arising from defective works.
We find it increasingly difficult to place cover for buildings with defects or extensive claim history and/or complexities (multi member BMC with high sum insured).

Event

Event Occurs (refer Product Disclosure Statement of particular policy – from the CHU residential policy, defined as:

means any partial or total accidental physical loss of, or destruction of property from any sudden and accidental cause not otherwise excluded by this Policy.

Common claims:

Water damage
Accidental
Impact damage
Malicious damage
Fire damage
Storm damage

Claims may be denied if they are not appropriately notified.

Notification

As soon as becoming reasonably aware of a claim, the owner/occupant/building manager/strata manager should inform the insurer (directly or via the broker).

The owners corporation should mitigate further loss (e.g. arranging dryers in the event that water has flooded flooring/slab).

Claim Assessment

Depending on the nature and scale of an insurance claim, the insurer may require:

Involvement of an internal or independent insurance assessor.
Multiple quotes for repairs
Involvement of a panel builder/trade

Claim Completion

An insurance claim is finalised once funds are repaid for repairs or repairs are carried out directly at the cost of the insurer. In the event that a claim is denied, insurers have internal appeal panels and the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) can assist.

Owners’ obligations

Check for risk
- Inspect flexible hoses
- Turn off water to property if away for extended period
- Do not leave cooking appliances on if away from property
Notify early
- Advise the insurer/broker/strata manager as soon as practically possible in the event of a possible claim
Access/evidence
- Ensure to provide access to the property if required as part of any claim
- Keep maintenance records on file (owners corporation or owner if lot property)
- Always provide up to date contact details to the owners corporation

Managing Condensation in Apartments Fact Sheet

What is Condensation?
Condensation is commonly experienced in apartments buildings particularly in colder months of the year. It can occur in any type of building including precast cladding systems. It is caused when humidified air comes into contact with cold surfaces such as windows, doors, walls and ceilings and the air chills and water vapour is extracted from the humidified air and remains as condensation on the cold surface.

Condensation will not occur if the humidified air is removed and replaced with dry air. Typical causes that can increase the likelihood of humidified air include space heaters, steam cooking, dish washing, clothes dryers, showers, and damp clothes left indoors.

Signs of High Humidity Levels / Condensation
Fogging and water droplets (condensation) appear on windows.

Moisture and mould appear on cold surfaces such as windows, doors, walls, and ceilings.

There is an increased instance of static electricity within your apartment

Tips to Prevent Condensation
 Reduce indoor humidity by providing sufficient ventilation.
 Windows should be opened during the day whenever possible, and it is highly
recommended to open windows and doors whenever possible.
 If condensation does appear, wipe the surface dry immediately.
 Dry damp clothes thoroughly before storing.
 Allow sunlight to filter into your home whenever possible.
 Operate exhaust fans for 5 minutes after using showers or clothes dryers. Even when
steam may appear to be removed, moisture is still likely to remain and humidify the air.
 Operate kitchen rangehoods while oven, cooktop, dishwashers and microwave ovens are
in operation.
 Some condensation may also be controlled by using air conditioning units refer to air
conditioning user manuals contained within your handover documentation
 Use of a window vacuum (purchase from Kmart, Bunnings etc)

Covid-19 – Strata Budgets

Strata Corporations are self-funded entities and at this time there is no government relief funding available for them to assist in the management and cashflow of their funds.

A Strata Corporations has a statutory duty to repair and maintain its common property in a good and structurally sound condition, which includes cleaning of common areas, maintain adequate insurance policy and provision of essential services (i.e. lifts, security, electricity, gas, and water).

To ensure a Strata Corporations is able to meet its financial obligations, Owners are still required to pay their levied contributions, as approved at a General Meeting.

In some instances, the Strata Corporations can review ways to reduce their expenditure during these times of uncertainty and to assist cashflow requirements.

It is suggested that any non-urgent sinking/capital works should be placed on hold and consideration be given to temporarily cutting the sinking/capital works levy if owners require levy relief (further noting that this will not be possible unless a scheme has adequate savings, and if any works are able to be placed on hold). We recommend that the Strata Corporations undertakes a revision of their Capital Works Fund Plan, to defer all non-essential works for another 2-3-year period. This will provide for an opportunity to catch up, as well as maintain their legal requirements under the Act.

Generally review your contracts, as sometimes a contract is on a rollover, and if the service is non-essential, it may be able to be suspended or services limited if possible.

A breakdown of services considered essential and non-essential for a Strata Corporations is noted as follows (note: other services may be available to the building).

Item	Notes	Action
Strata Management base fee	Contractual cost – no saving to be made, noting that we have an increased workload relating to COVID-19, additional costs incurred which are not recoverable and pressure on parts of our revenue	n/a
Strata – Additional Services	These are costs that are effectively optional for an owners corporation/body corporate	Committee consider undertaking the work themselves (e.g. running committee meetings themselves, preparing agendas/minutes) Lesser costs for meeting Put off non-urgent works
Taxation	Statutory Requirement – unchanged	n/a
Legal Costs	Unless a legal matter is ongoing, these may be able to be delayed (e.g. tribunal action for a breach of by-law) Note that defect statutory timeframes still need to be complied with	Consider whether matter important enough (or possible) to pursue legally and whether there is a requirement/obligation to do so
Disbursements	Must be incurred when owner has only provided a mailing address in relation to levies/statutory notices (e.g. agendas/minutes), as well as operating costs under the Agreement	Owners/agents should provide email addresses to reduce disbursement costs and otherwise discuss with their manager how these costs might be reduced
Software	n/a contractual cost	n/a
Insurance	Required	As always, broker should be working to ensure owners get the best deal. Payment installment or premium funding may be options.
Building Management	Contractual cost	Building Managers are now busier as a result of COVID-19 and are considered an essential service provider. Services delivery may be delivered by alternative means to ensure social distancing. Critical to scheme and resident management.
Security/Concierge	Generally contractual in nature	This should be reviewed case by case.
Cleaning	Essential service – may increase due to extra cleaning required	Cleaners are now busier as a result of COVID-19
Gardening/Landscaping	Possible to reduce cost but ensuring that gardening/landscaping doesn’t get out of hand	Residents could consider undertaking the work themselves, but ensure you notify the insurer of the type of work being undertaken, in order to maintain liability coverage under Voluntary Workers Policy
Fire Maintenance	Essential service	n/a
Fire Monitoring	Essential service	n/a
Fire Repairs	Essential service	n/a
Lift Maintenance	Essential service	n/a
Lift Telephone(s)	Essential service	n/a
Air-Conditioning	Essential service	n/a
Pumps/Irrigation/On-site detention	Essential service	n/a
Access Control System	Essential service	n/a
CCTV	Essential service	n/a
Electrical	Essential service	n/a
Exhaust/Ventilation	Essential service	n/a
Garage Doors	Essential service	n/a
Garbage Compactor	Essential service	n/a
Gym Equipment	Gym should be closed	Costs to maintain equipment/utilities in relation to gym offset
Hot Water Equipment	Essential service	n/a
Locks/Keys	Essential service	n/a
Pest/Vermin Control	Possible to reduce costs by decreasing the amount of sprays completed; not applicable to termite sprays due to warranty	review
Pool (Servicing/Chemicals)	Pool should be closed Nb – Councils still require compliance and chemical/maintenance costs cannot be fully eliminated.	Costs to maintain equipment / utilities (heating/lighting) / chemicals in relation to pool offset
Plumbing and Drainage	Essential service	n/a
Window/Facade Cleaning	Able to reduce cost	Reduce the amount of window/facade cleaning visits NB – if cleaning is required under warranty, ensure that it occurs as normal
Electricity	Essential service	n/a
Water	Essential service	n/a
Gas	Essential service	n/a
Rubbish Removal	Essential service	n/a
Carpet Cleaning	Possible to reduce costs by decreasing number of cleans	Review needs
General Repairs & Maintenance that could pose OH&S (i.e. broken tiles)	Essential service	n/a
Roof/Gutter Repairs & Maintenance	Essential service	n/a
Telephone Expenses (i.e. lift/fire)	Essential service	n/a

Strata Manager VS Building Manager

In the Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and Hunter area, I constantly hear differences of opinion between owners, committee members, service providers, strata managers and building managers as to what a strata managers role is when there is also a building manager contracted by the owners corporation.

Owners need to be better aware of what they are paying for and whether they are potentially paying for it twice (e.g. building manager should be issuing work orders as part of their fee, however, they ask the strata manager to issue work orders and they charge a fee to do so).

Furthermore, the understanding of what a building manager can and should be doing has changed greatly over the past decade – whereas once they were a cleaner with a tool belt (e.g. caretaker), they are very much now the professional onsite interface between residents, contractors and the strata manager.

We often educate potential and new clients as to who should be doing what. The Strata Schemes Management Act is somewhat vague on the role of a Building Manager and it’s defined as below:

STRATA SCHEMES MANAGEMENT ACT 2015 – SECT 70

Functions of building manager

70 FUNCTIONS OF BUILDING MANAGER

(1) A building manager may, in accordance with the building manager agreement appointing the building manager, assist in exercising one or more of the functions of the owners corporation of managing and controlling the use of common property (otherwise than by the owners or occupiers of lots) and of maintaining and repairing common property.

Noting the above, the scope of what is in the agreement between the owners corporation and building manager is what is important here, however, it’s now better understood what the role of a professional building manager entails:

Item	Strata Manager	Building Manager
Repairs / Maintenance	Administration with strata committee – e.g. approvals	– Issuing work orders – Contractor management (sourcing, insurance, SWMS, Site induction) – Monthly/routine reporting – Arrange quotes for committee review for routine and ad-hoc maintenance
Defects	Advisory/escalationManagement via committee/OC	-Processing / administration of in-unit and common property defects with builder – Escalation of common property defects to strata manager/strata committee where not addressed by builder
Moving	Collect bond if applicable	– Establish process for moving of goods over common property – Manage bookings/lift covers – Inspect common property for any damage
Software / Communications	Use of software for announcements if requiredInvolvement in Whatsapp committee groupIssue communications from owners corporation/strata committeeDeal with owner/committee queries in relation to owners corporation	– Management of Buildinglink or other system – resident database, announcements, – Management internal communications – e.g. Whatsapp cleaning group, committee group – Place signage on site as required – Dealing with all resident queries – e.g. metering, by-laws, approvals
AFSS	Approvals via committeeSubmission to council	– Source relevant contractors – Arrange inspections – Coordinate statement requirements
Site Inspections	n/a	Weekly inspection all common property areas – ensure proper functioning equipment, by-law breaches
Waste	n/a	Ensure functioning of chute/waste room and collection of rubbish with cleaner
Meetings	Manage all OC/SC meetings	– Prepare quotes/reports as required – Attend committee meetings – Potential involvement in sub-committees
Emergencies/out of hours	Provide out of hours contact service	– Provide 24/7 contact service for onsite issues – Attend site if required
By-laws	By-law escalation – e.g. final notice/notice to comply and any formal proceedings – committee action/approval	Manage first action – e.g. direct communication with resident via call/sms/email/in person
Bookings – common facilities	Assist in establishing rules/procedure for booking common facilities, including SC approval	Establish and manage the booking of any common facilities – e.g. BBQ area
Contracts	Execute and negotiate contracts as instructed	Obtain pricing for R/M OC contracts as required – Fire, lifts, pumps, cleaning, gardening, etc)
Budgeting / Finances	Prepare annual budgetsPay all invoicesReport to strata committee	– Assist strata manager with budgeting. – Invoice approval as required
Keys	Take deposits as required	– Issue keys – Authorise keys – Maintain key register
Community / Place making	Advice (insurance, etc)	Facilitate community events and other placemaking exercises
SSMA and other legal requirements	Manage OC compliance with the SSMA and other OC legislation	Be aware of the requirements of the building manager under SSMA and other relevant legislation – e.g. authorisations, timelines, approvals

NB – if BM fails to perform duties, SM steps in and manages at hourly rate if requested.

SC – Strata Committee

OC – owners corporation

Covid 19 – Strata and Building Management Perspective

We have now entered an unprecedented period for the 21st century with the onset of Covid 19 virus and the measures which need to be taken to control the spread of it.

Businesses across Australia and the world are all affected in one way or another – there’s very few that will be able to thrive in the circumstances due to the effect on our workplaces, clients, and staff.

The response in Australia is increasingly drastic and we need to adequately prepare for a difficult period over the next few months as services and facilities are shutdown or become increasingly stressed. We are blessed with one of the worlds leading health systems, however, we need to act with caution and be ready to give our support to the most vulnerable within our society.

Bright & Duggan and Cambridge Management Services have introduced a policy of having all frontline strata management staff work from home and ceasing face to face meetings – I applaud our Executive Management Team in reaching this decision as quickly as it did. The update is available on the front page of our website – https://www.bright-duggan.com.au/ . We have different policies for Building managers and other staff within the business – these are being continually updated.

Strata and building management business are very much affected by the fact that we have workforces that have a lot of external meetings, have a number of visitors to our offices, that we provide a variety of onsite services at buildings and have large numbers of office-bound administration staff. That said, we are able to offer a great number of our services remotely.

Some strata and facility businesses have the ability to enable their workforces to work from home (which wholly depends on the staff member having the technology to do so); it’s very difficult to offer building management services offsite when the contract requires onsite services.

We manage people’s homes (and in some cases workplaces, where we manage commercial schemes) and thus have very serious obligations to the occupants to show leadership during this time and do whatever we can to assist authorities in mitigating risks.

What should we all do as soon as possible:

Give staff the ability to work from home where possible and ensure that we are aware of the workplace that staff are working from – employers still have work health safety obligations where their staff work from home;
Support your staff with whatever circumstances are put on them (sickness, schools/childcare services ceasing for a period);
Cease face to face meetings and adopt alternate means of meetings provided for under legislation – this may include meeting via proxies, phone/video conferencing, online or paper voting papers, etc;
Take practical steps at your buildings to reduce the risk of infection – additional cleaning, signage, etc.

Some of the potential issues we need to overcome

Continuing compliance with strata legislation which can become difficult without being able to conduct certain meetings, arrange onsite inspections, etc;
Annual inspections – particularly annual fire safety statements;
Defect timelines and the potential inability to do defect inspections/commence proceedings;
Contractor attendance – what happens if electricians, plumbers, etc won’t attend site?;
Waste management (we presume that council and private collections will continue as normal – if they didn’t it would be bedlam) – we may have to deal with much-increased levels of waste in the event that buildings have all occupants at home for long periods;
Residents needing help and assistance throughout any period of enforced isolation;
Conflicting and complex legal obligations;
Owners/occupants coming under financial stress – non-payment of levies; and
Continuing to facilitate strata searches, collection of keys, etc.

One of the great opportunities we have here is to change the way we operate our businesses (with a move to electronic meetings) and provide help and support to people that need it most.

It’s not business as usual but we need to make sure this is the best business we can do.