Sydney high-risk mega-block secretly locked down
NSW Health’s rush to push through new Public Health Orders for “high-risk” high-rises may have been motivated by an out-of-control spread of the Covid-19 virus in one of the city…
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ACT bans renos in blocks where any unit is occupied
Just a day after announcing an extension to the Capital Territory’s Covid-19 lockdown, the ACT Government has banned all renovations in any apartment blocks where people are still in residence.…
Forum: How do you put a serial pest back in his box?
In our many and varied strata laws in Australia, which we often feel intrude into our daily lives to an extent that makes the idea of a “nanny state” feel…
Podcast: Blockdown roll call carries a $5000 sting
As we edge ever closer to relief from our various lockdowns – and the inevitable spike in infections that will follow before vaccinations fully kick in – the NSW government’s…
Poor air quality increases covid risk in high-rises
Apartment residents are at the most risk of COVID-19 cross-infections via both the poor air quality in so many units and the contamination of air in common areas, particularly lifts,…
Buying property ‘blind’ likelier than picking a pet
We are more likely to purchase a property sight-unseen than we are to choose a rental or a pet, car or boat, according to a new survey of more than…
Would you advise a friend not to buy off the plan?
There was a survey of 500 apartment blocks conducted earlier this year by NSW Building Commissioner David Chandler’s team. It found that more than one-third of new buildings had serious…
Forum: Online meetings fail election connection
Here’s a juicy little conundrum that’s very much of our times. Last year the government changed strata laws so that we could all hold meetings by Zoom or Skype, or…
Podcast: Anti-anti-vaxxers and 20,000 listens
Forgive us for patting ourselves on the back this week but, having surpassed 20,000 downloads and listens to the podcast, I reckon we’ve earned a little self-indulgence. Suffice it…
Strata owners wrestle with vax-passes for gyms
Should strata facilities like gyms and swimming pools be restricted to vaccinated residents? Would “vax-passes” for apartment block communal areas be reasonable, especially if state and federal Governments ever introduce…
Blockdown blitz as Govt targets high-risk high-rises
The NSW Government is preparing for a blitz on apartment blocks with new rules for residents of and visitors to units in the event that even a single home in…
Comfort food kitchen: Easy Baja fish tacos
I bought a lot of stuff on the internet during the last Sydney lockdown (didn’t we all?) but two of the smartest purchases were a tortilla keeper and taco holder…