Rodney Stevens
A motion to push for legislative change to enforce the responsibility of testing and maintenance for smoke alarms in relocatable accommodation developments targeting seniors on the developments owners was defeated in a split vote at the July CVC meeting.
The motion was introduced by Cr Allison Whaites following the tragic death of a 73-year-old woman at Yamba’s Palm Lake Resort in June, after it was discovered, a faulty electric blanket caused the blaze.
Cr Whaites moved her motion which was seconded by Cr Debrah Novak that council write to NSW Minister for Planning Paul Scully to effect change to the Housing State Environmental Planning Policy, the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2021 and or the Local Government Regulation 2021 to ensure that relocatable home style residential development that targets seniors, places responsibility for annual testing and maintenance of smoke alarms with the complex management and not the individual unit owner.
The three-part motion also called on council to submit a motion to the Local Government Annual Conference seeking legislative change and seek the support of Member for Clarence Richie Williamson to advocate for legislative change.
Cr Peter Johnstone asked Cr Whaites what the annual cost for a smoke alarm inspection was, which she replied was $109 a year for a home rented through a real estate.
Cr Whaites said smoke alarms are a critical lifesaving device that provide early warning to sleeping occupants of the presence of fire and to neighbouring properties.
In March 2020, Cr Whaites said legislation changed for tenants and smoke alarms became an annual responsibility for the homeowner or landlord to sign off on.
She said NSW lagged behind other states, who have mandated stricter laws with smoke alarms required to be connected to mains power.
“The legislation should identify these estates separately,” she said.
“We are dealing with a higher risk than normal homeowners.”
After an amendment to the motion to defer the matter for consideration at a workshop was defeated 5-4, Cr Whaites motion was lost 5-4 with Cr’s Day, Novak, Smith and Whaites in support.