Victorian Cladding Rectification Agreements: Understanding the Process
In recent years, the issue of building cladding has become a major concern in Australia. With several high-profile fires in residential buildings, the government has been working to address the problem of combustible cladding. One of the solutions offered by the Victorian government is the Cladding Rectification Agreement.
But what exactly is a Cladding Rectification Agreement? And how does it work?
Firstly, let’s define what is meant by building cladding. Building cladding is the exterior material that covers the walls of a building. While it can be made from a variety of materials, some of the most commonly used include aluminium composite panels (ACP), expanded polystyrene (EPS), and polyurethane (PU). Unfortunately, some of these materials, particularly ACP, have been known to be combustible and have been linked to several high-profile fires around the world in recent years.
The Victorian Cladding Rectification Agreement is a program offered by the Victorian government to help building owners rectify combustible cladding on their buildings. The program provides a loan to building owners to pay for the rectification work, which can include removing and replacing the cladding, as well as any associated works such as fire safety upgrades.
To be eligible for the program, the building must meet certain criteria, such as having combustible cladding and being over three storeys tall. The building owner must also agree to pay back the loan through an annual charge on their rates notice over a period of up to 10 years. This means that the cost of the rectification work is spread out over time, making it more manageable for building owners.
The Cladding Rectification Agreement is designed to help building owners who may be struggling to fund the rectification work themselves. It is also intended to ensure that buildings with combustible cladding are made safe as quickly as possible.
One of the benefits of the Cladding Rectification Agreement is that it is designed to be flexible. Building owners can work with their own preferred contractors to carry out the rectification work, providing they meet certain requirements. This means that building owners can choose a contractor who they trust and who has experience in building remediation.
In addition to the Cladding Rectification Agreement, the Victorian government has also established the Cladding Safety Victoria agency to coordinate the rectification program and provide expert advice to building owners. The agency also works with local councils to identify buildings with combustible cladding and ensure they are rectified as quickly as possible.
Overall, the Cladding Rectification Agreement is an important initiative to help building owners address the issue of combustible cladding. If you are a building owner with concerns about the cladding on your building, it is worth exploring this program and seeing if you are eligible to participate. By working together, we can make our buildings safer and reduce the risk of future fires.