Important changes to electrical, hydraulic and gas fees
From 1 July 2011, the inspection fees for electrical, hydraulic and gas inspections were abolished and were replaced with a small increase in the building levy. This new fee regime only applies to work associated with a building approval where the building levy was paid on or after 1 July 2011. Individual inspection fees for works associated with a building approval granted prior to 1 July 2011 and work not associated with a building approval are still applicable.
Previously ACTPLA provided a 5 day guarantee for inspections on the basis that applicants would receive a refund of the inspection fees payable, or combination of fees relating to large projects. The guarantee was originally brought in recognition of the significant fee impost at the time. However, under the circumstances, the refund guarantee no longer applies to electrical, hydraulic or gas inspections. Nevertheless, the Environment and Sustainable Development Directorate will aim to provide inspections as soon as practical, commensurate with peak workloads.
At present, the Directorate is experiencing a very high peak demand for electrical inspections owing to the accelerated release of residential properties onto the market and the installation of Photovoltaic panels associated with the Feed In Tariff. This means that inspection times are currently significantly longer than would otherwise be the case. We will keep industry informed on progress in working through the current backlog.
The 2011/12 Fees and Charges booklet can be found in the publications section of the ESDD website www.actpla.act.gov.au
