The Victorian government’s response to the independent expert panel review into the Owners Corporation (OC) Act leaves in place the high barriers preventing the installation of solar, efficiency upgrades and cheaper electric appliances, Environment Victoria said today.
While the expert panel acknowledged the barriers preventing OCs from making no-brainer improvements that would lower residents’ bills, its recommendations fall short of what’s needed to overcome them.
In particular, the 75% approval threshold for special resolutions will not be changed. Instead the government has indicated ‘in principle’ support for a range of governance adjustments that might improve participation in OCs. Special resolutions are typically required for installing solar panels or changes as simple as allowing residents to use external shading to block the summer sun.
“While the expert panel has acknowledged the many problems facing thousands of Victorians wanting to lower their bills with efficient electrification and solar, the government has indicated it won’t be tackling the changes that apartment dwellers need now. Instead of opening up options for people struggling with energy bills they have chosen to kick the can down the road.”
“Rather than sitting on the expert panel report for six months, the government could have been working towards changing the voting thresholds and affording apartment dwellers more control over their energy bills.”
“We’ve heard from people all around Victoria telling us they are facing insurmountable, unnecessary and inequitable hurdles in transitioning their homes to save on energy bills and embrace cleaner technologies, just because they live in a strata building.”
“This review’s recommendations represent a missed opportunity to address these shortcomings. We encourage the Allan government to listen to people living in apartments and ensure all Victorians – not just those lucky enough to own a house – can access clean, affordable energy.”
“We acknowledge that the government has committed to a further review of the impediments to sustainability upgrades in apartment buildings, noting the upcoming report from the parliamentary inquiry into renewable and affordable energy for apartments due later this year. This review must consider changes to the Owners Corporation Act.”