Council pauses building services

Published on 06 March 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council has temporarily suspended accepting new building permit applications until further notice as it works to recruit a replacement Municipal Building Surveyor and review its Building department’s current level of service.

The decision will impact how residents and project managers apply for building permits, which are required for all major projects, including new homes, home extensions, garages and commercial projects.

“Council’s decision to suspend accepting building permit applications is not uncommon, with more than 90 per cent of these permits processed within Victoria now carried out by private certifiers,” Council’s Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“The building industry has access to private certifiers in the area, and we are now advising residents and project managers who regularly access this service through Council regarding the new arrangements.

“Building permits currently under the Council's management will proceed with minimal delays and be processed according to permit conditions.”

Council’s decision to pause accepting building permit applications will not impact its statutory building functions, which includes report and consent applications, providing building information certificates, enforcing compliance with the regulations, investigating suspected non-compliance with the Building Act 1993 and utilising emergency powers to protect public safety.

Residents and project managers seeking private building surveyors for their projects are encouraged to visit www.vba.vic.gov.au/tools/find-practitioner or www.aibs.com.au