Research Progress Showcased at SCA Convention

The progress of the NCCARF & Griffith University research on Strata Climate Change was showcased at the SCA National Convention in Adelaide this week.

The presentation slides and key points follow.

Survey of Strata Stakeholders Underway

As this research progresses we're surveying strata stakeholders about strata climate change issues and awareness and possible changes to strata laws and operations.  

The survey is open until 6 July and can be accessed here.  Plus there's the chance to win a prize if you participate.  All participants will go into the 13th July 2012 prize draw for the chance to win a $200 JB Hi Fi gift voucher.

Please spend 15 minutes answering the survey and help improve the research outcomes?

Research Presentation at SCA Convention

Later in May, there'll be a short presentation about the NCCARF & Griffith University research project on climate change in strata and community title buildings.

The presentation will be made by Francesco Andreone at the Strata Community Australia Convention in Adelaide between 27 and 29 May.


You can find out more about SCA and the Convention here.


A full copy of the presentation will be published in this blog after it is given.

First Stage Interviews Completed

The first stage of interviews for this research is now completed and have revealed some fascinating and interesting thoughts and ideas from  leading strata industry figures.


The research team thanks all interviewees for their time and for sharing their knowledge and experience.  Without their contributions the research project would not be as focused and valuable as it is turning out.


The research interviewees so far are -

Brad Robson, CGU

Paul Keating, CHU

Dr Hazel Easthope, UNSW

Mark Lever, SCA

James Freestun, Solutions IE

Paul Morton, Lannock Strata Finance

Kirsty Chessher, UDIA

Trevor Rawnsley, ARAMA

Kaylene Arkcoll, Leary & Partners

Stephen Goddard, OCN

Julie McLean, Ace Body Corporate

Alan Buckle, Vesture Ltd

Christine Byrne, Green Strata

Jim Montague, Owner & Resident

Chris Duggan, SCA NSW

Michael Teys, Teys Lawyers

Over the next few months, we'll be highlighting some of the interview comments and thoughts at this blog so keep an eye on it.

Australian Government Report on Strata Insurance

After almost 6 months of enquiries and investigation and over 445 submissions, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs published its report In the Wake of Disasters Volume Two: The affordability of residential strata title insurance has been released.


There'll be more posted about it here soon but in the meantime you can get and read a copy here.

A New Index for Building Resilience to Extreme Weather

One of the impacts of climate change is more extreme weather that causes floods, fires, hailstorms, wind gusts, cyclones and tsunamis.  And, we've experienced those things recently in strata and community title complexes around Australia with devastating effects.


Understanding what makes a building more vulnerable and more resilient to extreme weather can help prepare for and better cope with such things.


So, a new initiative by the Insurance Council of Australia might just help.   


The ICA is creating a resilience rating tool to enable homeowners to assess the resilience of their property in the face of extreme weather events.  And, while the tool will take three years to build, it will enable the 
insurance industry to be at the forefront of changes to building standards.


And, you can read more about the initiative here.

Industry Reference Group Formed

An Industry Reference Group for this study has now been formed with the following members.

• Kaylene Arkcoll from Leary & Partners
• Alan Buckle from the Vesture Group
• Bill Chandler from the Planning Institute of Australia
• Kirsty Chesser from the Urban Development Institute of Australia
• Michael Courtney from NSW Fair Trading
• James Freestun from Solutions IE
• Stephen Goddard from Owners Corporation Australia
• Professor Chris Guilding from Griffith University
• Mark Lever from Strata Community Australia
• Trevor Rawnsley from Association of Resident & Accommodation Managers of Australia
• Brad Robson from CGU Insurance & Strata Unit Underwriters
• Professor Jan Warnken from Griffith University

The group will meet regularly to assist the study and ensure that the best outcomes are achieved.


Thanks to all members for their time and contributions.