The ACT Government will undertake an educational blitz on building companies to remind them of their requirements to protect public land while undertaking construction activity said Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury.
“In an effort to reduce damage to public land, particularly nature strips and footpaths, ACT Government rangers will commence a blitz on building and construction companies,” said Mr Rattenbury.
“While many companies are mindful of their environment and always do the right thing, unfortunately there are some who do not comply with the requirements under the land use permit guidelines and, as a result, end up damaging public land and amenities.
“Damage to public assets such as verges, footpaths, street trees, kerbing and stormwater drains creates an added cost to the public as the Government must undertake rectification works.
“During the blitz, TAMS rangers will look at issues such as whether street trees are being protected, whether public access is obscured by construction material and if suitable erosion control measures are in place to prevent soil from going onto the road and into the stormwater system. They will also look at whether damage is being caused to assets such as footpaths and road verges.
“Use of public land for construction and storage purposes requires a land use permit which stipulates conditions to ensure no damage is caused to assets. The aim of the blitz is to remind builders of these conditions and encourage them to take greater care of their surroundings, and be more accountable for their actions when using public land for construction purposes, particularly in new development areas.
“The initial focus will take an educative approach, however builders should be aware that fines may be issued. . Discussions will take place with builders and information will be collected to allow follow-up conversations with the owners of relevant companies. Further blitzes will then take place as necessary over the next 12 months.
“We’ve consulted with the Master Builders Association and Housing Industry Association ahead of this month’s blitz. Both representative groups agree that Government needs to take stronger action to ensure compliance with requirements.
“While we recognise that there are some challenges, particularly in relation to smaller worksites; we must, as an industry, engage in better practices,” said Jerry Howard, Deputy Executive Director, Master Builders Association. “Leadership needs to come from within the sector to ensure better protection of public assets.”
Mr Rattenbury urged the construction industry to consider how they are currently using and treating the naturestrip and verge so they clean up their act prior to the blitz.
“Now is the time for industry to take positive action to ensure they care for open space assets and the environment whilst undertaking building activity within the ACT.”
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