The implementation of the provision for private certification for Western Australia is one step closer with the release of drafting instructions for the Building Regulations that will accompany the new Building Act2011. Additionally, proposed fees have been released by the Building Commission which will allow Local Authorities and private certifiers alike to structure their budgets in light of open market competition.

It is envisaged that with the introduction of the new Act there will be quicker approval turnaround times and construction costs will be lower with the introduction of private certification for building licence applications.

The Legislation that will introduce private certification for building licence applications is currently before the State Parliament and it is expected be gazetted prior to the proposed commencement date of 31 October 2011. The Building Bill 2010 includes a range of reforms to the State’s building regulations. Private certifiers will be accredited building surveyors registered with the Building Commission of Western Australia.

The local government building licence process will enable local authorities to issue new building permits within 14 days of lodgement from a private Building Surveyor as a certified application instead of the current 35 days.

Private certifiers will be accredited building surveyors registered with the Building Commission of Western Australia. The commission will take steps to ensure that all private certifiers are appropriately qualified and insured to undertake the duties as a private building surveyor.

Western Australia is currently the only state or territory which does not have a system of private certification for building permits. Building licences may only be issued by local government authorities which produces a monopoly situation that inherently causes delays within the building construction industry.

The alignment of Western Australia with national certification will also benefit the growing mining sector where cost savings will flow through to the construction of modular buildings and all other construction that requires a building permit.

Now the proposed fees have been released for comment, market forces will no doubt fuel the competition for business between Local Government Authorities and Private Certifiers. These changes will also relieve pressure on local government authorities that have been unable to cope with the assessment of building license applications being submitted within their jurisdiction. Indeed, Local Government Authorities will be in a position to engage the services of private certifiers to assist with the mandatory obligations in the service to the community.