There are many misconceptions about the differences between a proxy and a representative. Although both involve exercising someone else’s voting rights, these terms are not interchangeable. If you are unable to attend a body corporate meeting, someone may be able to represent you as your proxy, or as your representative. There are many misconceptions about…
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When it comes to spending limits in strata schemes, there are as many myths as the ancient Greeks about who can approve how much to be spent on what. The Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (BCCM Act) and related Modules set out a number of spending limits. Some of these intersect with others, some…
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New land valuations are about to be issued for: these areas in South East Queensland: Brisbane, Noosa, Logan, Ipswich and Scenic Rim; and these areas in regional Queensland: Balonne, Barcaldine, Blackall-Tambo, Burdekin, Cloncurry, Flinders, Gladstone, Gympie, Hinchinbrook, Lockyer Valley, Mackay, Maranoa, McKinlay, Mount Isa, Redmond, Southern Downs, Tablelands, Weipa and Western Downs. For most body…
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Common property maintenance is a regular source of contention in bodies corporate. Understandably, it can be frustrating for residents when they see that the common property is not being maintained in good condition. However, often this frustration is mistakenly directed towards the caretaker for the scheme. When speaking to clients, we caution the assumption that…
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Shade sails, often located on rooftop courtyards, are often the subject of maintenance disputes. The disputes can be complex including because of crucial facts such as when the structures were built, by whom, what they are made of, what maintenance has already been done to them and who paid for that. An excellent example involving all…
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Last week the debate roadshow travelled to North Queensland with great success and resounding feedback that the format was both engaging and informative. Jason Carlson (Grace Lawyers), Trevor Rawnsley (ARAMA) and Mario Esera (HWL Ebsworth) delivered their respective viewpoints and strategies for achieving harmony within strata schemes while debate facilitator Chris Irons (Strata Solve) looked…
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The transition from life in a detached dwelling, where one is accustomed to a degree of autonomy, to life in a body corporate is a challenge for many residents. How well the realities of community living are managed hinges upon communication. It is not an overstatement to say that good communication is the cornerstone of…
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QLD and NSW, in particular, have experienced an unprecedented amount of rain and as a result, the volume of Insurance claim lodgements has increased significantly. A number of insurers have set up dedicated Catastrophe claim teams and Loss Adjusters have been brought into affected regions. Whilst from the outside, it seems that there is not…
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The Great Strata debate is essentially the gift that keeps on giving. Over the past 3 weeks, we have announced some highly regarded, well-known specialists within the Strata community who will be taking the stage as adjudicators and panelists for the upcoming Strata Community Education Seminars. This has included Chris Irons – Strata Solve, Juliette…
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If you are an owner, investor or committee member within a strata scheme or bodies corporate this message is for you! Twice a year Smart Strata proudly delivers a seminar series to Queensland connecting the strata community to strata professionals. Our next seminar series will be no different, as you will see, as we unveil…
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