Photo: Brimbank City Council

At the Sunshine Magistrate’s Court on Thursday 29 November 2018, the offending land owner who did not attend court, was convicted and ordered to pay fines as well as Council’s full legal and investigation costs, which amounted to a total of over $20,000. The Magistrate Court issued a Court Order requiring the illegal work to be demolished within 30 days.

The offences included carrying out Building Work without a building permit, and failing to comply with a Building Order.

Mayor of Brimbank, Cr Lucinda Congreve said the decision sends a clear message that illegal building work and flouting of planning requirements is a serious offence, and will not be tolerated within Brimbank.

“Council does not hesitate to take enforcement action against anyone who fails to get proper building approvals.

“Despite being given plenty of opportunity to do the right thing, the land owner and occupier failed to act and Council followed through with a prosecution.

“Checking with Council to find out if you need a permit before you start work can save you time and money.

“It is important that buildings are properly approved as structurally sound and safe”, Cr Congreve said.

The Building Act 1993 and Building Regulations 2018 set out building permit requirements.

Undertaking building work without obtaining the necessary building permit is a serious offence and can result in severe penalties. The Act prescribes maximum penalties of almost $80,000 for an individual, and up to a maximum of just over $396,000 for a body corporate for anyone carrying out work without a permit.

For more information contact the Council Building Services Department on buildinghelpdesk@brimbank.vic.gov.au or call 9249 4000.