Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) officers visited 37 building sites on the islands, conducting contractor licence checks and interviews.
As a result, a number of potential offences were detected, including unlicensed building work, non-compliant site signage and contracting with unlicensed persons.
The QBCC is currently undertaking further investigations into these matters, and anticipates that a number of fines and warnings will be issued as a result.
QBCC Commissioner, Anissa Levy, says compliance audits help ensure building work is performed by licensed, qualified contractors, which protects home owners from potentially defective, dangerous work.
“Unlicensed building work is illegal building work and potentially exposes current and future owners and residents to unacceptable risks,” Ms Levy says.
She says the coordinated, targeted audits on the islands demonstrates that the QBCC will take action against unlicensed individuals wherever and whenever necessary, to maintain a level playing field for licensees and to protect property owners.
“Our licensees are qualified, experienced individuals who must prove their financial status with the QBCC. These requirements help to ensure that their work will be completed and done to the appropriate standards and codes.”
During the compliance audit, QBCC officers also provided building information and advice to builders and property owners.
BACKGROUND
Unlicensed building offences can result in fines for an individual ranging between $2,757 for a first offence and up to $34,462.50 if prosecuted through a magistrates court.
Other offences can attract warnings, fines and/or education requirements, depending on the type and severity of the offence.