Kingston declared a 'termite-prone' area

26 October 2018

Kingston has been declared a ‘termite-prone’ area, with extra protection now required on new homes.

Kingston Councillors voted to declare Kingston a termite prone area, at the Monday 22 October Ordinary Council meeting. 

Mayor Steve Staikos said that this decision, which comes into effect on 1 January 2019, aims to increase community awareness about the risks of termites at properties and to increase measures to prevent them.

“CSIRO reports have revealed that termites are prevalent across Victoria. Being declared a termite prone area will ensure that developers put in measures to protect new properties against infestations,” said Cr Staikos.

Of the 31 Melbourne Councils, 15 are designated as termite areas, including neighbouring Councils Frankston, Monash and Glen Eira.

According to Archicentre Australia, some of the warning signs of termites to look out for include:

“Homeowners with existing properties who have any concerns, are encouraged to invite an expert to their property to assess their risk,” said Cr Staikos.

In March 2017 Council resolved to consult with the community, the Real Estate Institute of Victoria and the construction industry in Kingston regarding the issue of termites.

Kingston community members were invited to take part in a widely advertised online survey seeking details of the location and timing of termite attacks in Kingston, and the type of building materials affected.