Renovating in a Strata Community: What You Need to Know

Dreaming of a fresh new look for your apartment or townhouse here on the Sunshine Coast? At Sunstate Strata, based in Marcoola, we understand the desire to personalise your home. However, when you live in a strata community, renovating isn’t as simple as grabbing a hammer and paint. There are specific rules and approval processes […]

Smart Living, Smarter Strata: Tech Enhancing Queensland Communities

Here at Sunstate Strata, located at Marcoola, we’ve witnessed firsthand the evolution of strata living. No longer are body corporates simply about managing lawns and pools; they’re about fostering vibrant, connected communities. And increasingly, that means embracing smart technology. Queensland’s sunny climate and laid-back lifestyle make it a prime location for enjoying the best of […]

When can a Body Corporate withhold access to records?

Section 205 of the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (the Act) requires a body corporate to provide Body Corporate’s records within seven days after receiving: A written request from an ‘interested person’; and The fee prescribed under the regulation module applying to the scheme. An ‘interested person’ includes an owner, buyer or their […]

Insurance: Changes in Terrorism Act

We’ve Listed The Latest Changes to Terrorism Insurance Act 2003 (Cth)(the ACT) Below: Changes to the Terrorism Insurance Act 2003 (Cth)(the ACT) become effective from July 2017, and some mixed-use commercial and residential strata buildings will see new terrorism levies of up to 16%, plus statutory charges on affected policies. These changes broaden the definition of […]

Smoke Alarm Requirements From January 2017

We’ve Listed The Most Recent Smoke Alarm Requirements Below; For dwellings being sold, leased or an existing lease renewed these are the latest smoke alarm requirements. Existing smoke alarm manufactured more than 10 years ago must be replaced with photoelectric smoke alarms which comply with Australian Standards. Smoke alarms that do not operate when tested […]

Warning: Marblesheen Pool Coatings Containing Asbestos

What is Marblesheen/Marblelite? Marblesheen also known as Marblelite is a decorative coating applied to the surface of concrete pool shells with the average thickness between 5-25mm.  It is primarily composed of white cement and white marble chips between 1-2mm in diameter.  If the Marblesheen coating was applied prior to 1990, it may include asbestos. How […]

Smoking in Strata (Qld)

A Body Corporate cannot ban smoking in strata altogether and similarly, owners and occupiers may not just smoke wherever they want to. Smoking on common property can only be restricted if it unreasonably interferes with the enjoyment of another lot or the common property.  However, this is not the case when there are substantially enclosed […]

Ridiculous Motions

Can the Committee Refuse To Accept Ridiculous Motions? When such motions are submitted to the committee for inclusion on the next general meeting agenda, committees are left wondering how they are meant to deal with them. This is particularly so when the motions submitted are defamatory of owners or occupiers within the scheme. The first idea […]

Smoke Alarm Requirements

The Queensland Government has introduced changes to overhaul smoke alarm systems. Changes to smoke alarm systems include the following; From 1st January 2017, all smoke alarm installations will need to be fully compliant for new buildings or when significant renovations occur. Smoke alarms will need to be interconnected and either hard-wired or powered by a 10 year […]

Termite Control – West Indian Drywood Termite

Termite Control -West Indian Drywood Termite Property owners and other affected parties are being invited to provide feedback on the future management of the West Indian Drywood Termite.  Feedback is particularly sought with regards to who pays for treatment of the termite.  Under the new Biosecurity Act 2014, which is due to commence on 1st July […]