Council to boost Building Certification services

Published on 22 April 2021

From 3 May, Uralla Shire Council will extend its building certification services to a second day per week, with a service on Monday to be available in addition to the existing service on Wednesdays. 

“Increasing our service in this area gives greater flexibility for local residents, developers and builders should they choose to take advantage of Council’s building certifying service,” said General Manager, Kate Jessep.

“Of course, developers and builders can go directly to other local certifiers in the market – they are not required to use a council-based certifier. However, there appears to be a preference for using a Council arranged certifier and the extra day of availability will improve Council’s service to anyone looking to build or extend,” said Ms Jessep.

Council’s Infrastructure and Development team has been in discussion with its contract certifier for several months about the possibility of an extra day, and arrangements have now been finalised.

Uralla Shire Council processes on average 80 construction certificates and 40 complying development certificates a year. 

“Recruiting a full-time Building Certifier and Health Inspector may be an option in the future subject to market demand for the service.  Council is also discussing options for a shared service with neighboring Councils. The current shortage of experienced, quality certifiers makes it a challenge for small councils to attract and retain suitably qualified and experienced staff,” said Ms Jessep.   

“Many of Australia’s original building certifiers are of retirement age and private certifiers face increased challenges such very large increases in insurance premiums and the requirement for ongoing education due to recent changes in the National Construction Code (formerly Building Code of Australia),” said Ms Jessep.

“Our staff and Councillors have heard from the community that there is interest in extending the building certification services that Council currently provides,” said Mayor Michael Pearce. 

"The additional day effectively doubles the level of service for building certification services provided by Council,” Mayor Pearce said.

Any resident wishing to book a complimentary pre-DA meeting can contact Council on 6778 6300 or submit an online request via the website at uralla.nsw.gov.au. 

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For media enquiries, please contact: 

Heidi McElnea | Communications Officer | hmcelnea@uralla.nsw.gov.au | 02 6778 6329 |