Investigative Journalism and Learning Hub - Waratah Strata Management Ignored Advice on Better Method for Owners to Report Hot Water Gas Readings, Security Issue, and Other Items on 3Jun2017

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From: SP52948 owner
To: Steve Carbone Uniqueco Property Services
Subject: SUMMARY Better method for owners to report hot water gas readings, security issue, and other items on 3Jun2017
Date: 05/07/18 20:40

I would like to report the following repeated issues that need our attention and help owners.

Please share this information:

a) Your recent notice in lifts about gas meter reading is incomplete:

http://www.nswstratasleuth.info/SP52948-incomplete-information-about-owners-rights-for-gas-meter-reading-2Jun2017.webp

Fact:

One does not need to provide access for gas reading. Apart from filing in the form and sending it back to Jemena office, there is much more efficient and reliable method to ensure owner's gas bill is accurate and never based on estimates.

I have been using it for many years without fail. I have never been overcharged.

Simply take photo of the gas meter and send it back to Jemena at gas-src@jemena.com.au, with subject line:

GAS SELF READING Meter Serial Number XXX on (insert date)

In the body of the email, I typically state:

Meter Serial Number: XXX

Name:

Address:

Date Read:

Hot Water Meter Reading:

In addition, owners have right to ask any visitor to take off shoes. Those that deny are requested to use plastic covers over their shoes. I even forced fire safety staff (have email from their manager), who, by law, must have shoes on, but should, if asked, put plastic covers over them when entering the lots.

Here is an extract from email from Eagle Fire on 27 February 2012:

QUOTE

Our staff in resent times have informed our office of request to remove their shoes and have asked for clarification on our company policy in relation to removing shoes. As legislation in the building and construction industry requires all employees to ware adequate foot ware at all times we legally cannot instruct them to remove their shoes, if in the event of a accident/incident they would not be covered by work cover.

I have just purchased Non-Slip Disposable Shoe Covers (as seen over doctors foot ware in surgery) that can be worn over work shoes. It is our intention to have our employees put these on over work shoes only when requested and remove them prior to leaving the apartment. This will implement this practice as a part of normal work habits only when requested by occupants once we have received the shipment from our supplier.

In relation to evacuation plans I will arrange a price to be sent over to building management. If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact the under signed.

END QUOTE

b) For quite a while now, as I go to work in the city very early, I observed that lights in various areas of the complex are turned off even when it is complete darkness. That makes our complex unsafe, and unpleasant to walk.

I stayed silent about it, waiting for anyone to act. Since nobody took action, I enclose herewith a short video session of walking along townhouses two days ago:

http://www.nswstratasleuth.info/SP52948-complete-darkness-due-to-lights-repeatedly-turned-off-before-daylight-in-front-of-townhouses-before-6am-1Jun2017.mp4

I think it is clear what needs to be done about it. It is hidden from owners that we had numerous break-ins in the complex garages and units, and even attempted rape in walkway from the bus stop some years ago.

Artificial lighting is of critical importance until daylight.

Thanks to my efforts, we have security camera system in the complex, (needs an upgrade though), and I was instrumental for introducing sound alarms on fire doors in the basement (somebody removed them from operation, which is one of the items I seek to rectify again).

c) I reported stolen trolleys from various supermarkets and other sources several times in the past. One of them surfaced today, left abandoned, with some rubbish near elevator of Block A:

http://www.nswstratasleuth.info/SP52948-another-evidence-of-stolen-supermarket-trolleys-left-in-basement-of-Block-A-3Jun2017.webp

Presently, we have three lots and you know who they are, who keep trolleys that have clear ownership outside the complex.

Please publish notice about it and help they be returned to their rightful owners (supermarkets and other shops).

d) Parking in clearly displayed "No Parking" zones in the basement of the buildings and elsewhere.

Today, a repeated incident was detected in front of my garage where a van was left unattended. Short-term drop-off is certainly not an issue. I came back from work at 17:15 hours. I waited 45 minutes on purpose to see if anyone would come and drive the van away to a safe place:

http://www.nswstratasleuth.info/SP52948-van-parked-in-no-parking-zone-again-basement-3Jun2017.webp

I also left a voice message for maintenance staff on duty. No reply was received.

In the end, I called the van owner, who came down and we had a sincere and friendly talk about it. According to Mr. Justin Millard (from Lock, Stock & Barrel Locksmiths), he was in the complex since around 14:00 hours installing child safety locks on windows. There is absolutely no information to owners that such work would happen on weekends.

In addition, as there is no urgency for weekend work, I asked him if owners corporation paid premium price for weekends (nobody works for free).

I explained the issues about long-term parking in the basement and he was very understanding.

While we are at it, I will seek answers about our choice of locksmith for child safety devices and how vastly different their prices are:

Archer Locksmith quote $15,356.00 (GST inclusive)

Archer Locksmith second quote $22,770.00 (GST inclusive)

Dr Lock quote $60,170.00 (GST inclusive)

Lock, Stock & Barrel quote $41,140.00 (GST inclusive)

None of the quotes contain any information about warranties for work and parts. As well, there is incomplete information about locks in townhouses (windows on top floors must be done).

Thank you,