Local builders urged to get the site right

Thirty-two fines, totaling more than $120,000, have been issued for building site breaches in Canterbury-Bankstown, as part of a state-wide compliance blitz called Get the Site Right.

In May, Council officers inspected 63 local building sites, targeting erosion and sediment controls, as well as the impact of runoff into waterways including rivers and creeks.

Mayor Khal Asfour said these inspections were part of Council's ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the impacts of water pollution and ensure building site compliance.

“We want to make sure our waterways thrive, not struggle due to something that can be prevented,” Mayor Asfour said

“Sediment run-off usually contains materials, such as cement, sand and soil. These materials can contaminate water and cause algal blooms that harm aquatic plants and animals.

“Sediment in the water can also affect swimming and other recreational activities by causing unpleasant odours and making the water cloudy in our rivers.”

Some of the fines issued to local building sites, included:

Rectification Notices were also issued for minor breaches, while more serious breaches were dealt with by way of Penalty Notices.

Mayor Asfour is encouraging residents to report any information regarding non-compliance at building sites to Council by calling 9707 9000.

“While our officers regularly patrol building sites, they can’t be everywhere all the time,” he said.

“Residents are our eyes and ears, and can provide information which we can act on to make builders and developers responsible for their actions.”

Pollution incidents can also be reported to the Environment Protection Authority on 131 555.

The campaign, now it its sixth year, involved multiple Sydney councils, the Parramatta River Catchment Group, Cooks River Alliance, Georges River Combined Councils Committee, NSW EPA and Department of Environment and Planning.