In one of many examples of Lot 158 efforts, on 5 October 2015 Lot 158 tried to reason with BCS Strata Management (they lost contract with SP52948 at AGM in 2016) to avoid massive and persistent mismanagement of common funds and pending large expenses due to neglect of complex. Lot 158 was ridiculed and completely ignored.
Lot 158 tried to reason with Waratah Strata Management and committee members to avoid bankruptcy and unnecessary legal costs and insurance risks on 2 June 2019. Lot 158 was ridiculed and completely ignored.
Lot 158 tried to reason with Waratah Strata Management and committee members to prevent unnecessary legal costs and assist NSW Fair Trading and Police on 18 June 2019. Lot 158 was ridiculed and completely ignored.
Lot 158 predicted risks of running out of money in email and warning to Waratah Strata Management, Uniqueco Property Services, and committee members on 29 June 2019. Lot 158 was ridiculed and completely ignored.
Seven more warnings were sent to Waratah Strata Management and committee members in 2023 - no reply was ever received:
In agenda for Annual General Meeting 2023, Waratah Strata Management continued to mislead owners, confirming problems with strata funds without disclosing any balance sheets from funds, ongoing problems with fire safety, and providing completely false and fabricated figure of 18% inflation rate over three last years:
Even layman can easily confirm that figure for official inflation rates of 18% for three years prior to 2023 were grossly inflated, false, and deliberately designed to coerce owners:
Number of SP52948 owners, tenants, and investors expressed gratitude towards this website as that was the only way to gain access to lot of critical information, which is not available in minutes and notices of meetings, or on Waratah Strata website.
The rest of the audience is anyone who might be interested in problems with strata schemes in NSW...
This website does not have any desire or intent to add own comments and therefore it is up to anybody to make up their own conclusions based on evidence and statements by others who did it in public forums, in courts, or elsewhere. All files on this website were provided to Fair Trading NSW, Office of legal Services Commissioner, NCAT, Supreme Court, and Police. The same files were repeatedly sent to Solicitor Adrian Mueller, committee members and strata managers - silence is their response.
Public is voicing strong concerns about problems with Tribunals. Issues with strata complexes and dubious quality of services provided by those who should enforce laws are common and frequent - examples: NSW-Civil-Tribunal-failing-to-deliver-services
Solicitor Adrian Mueller created dangerous precedence in two CTTT/NCAT cases (SCS 12/32675 and SC 20/33352) which, based on Australian legal system, allow other parties to use as valid defence (legal precedents). CTTT/NCAT fully co-operated with the Solicitor and effectively rendered NSW strata laws useless, and even allowed Solicitor's reprentation of large strata plan SP52948 without having any evidence of being approved by owners corporation (in fact, Solicitor was not approved at any legally-convened meeting).
CTTT/NCAT actively supported Solicitor Adrian Mueller’s predictive behaviour, contempt of court, falsified documents, and insurance claims in two cases in 2012/2013 (SCS 12/32675 and SCS 12/50460, conducted by Tribunal member M. Harrowell) and 2020/2021 (SC 20/33352, conducted by Tribunal member G.J. Sarginson). The precedence means that all evidence of the Applicant can be ignored if the Respondent fails to attend Hearings.
Tribunal had full knowledge of the Applicant's submissions about Solicitor Adrian Mueller, including ones dated 8, 27 February 2022, and 22 June 2022, which they completely ignored.
Democracy should be the leading avenue for managing strata complexes. But, democracy requires high level of sense and ethics, and right for all owners to have full access to strata files in order to make informed decisions. And when that does not happen, how to proceed? One way is to educate public and rise awareness that license to be a strata manager is one of the easiest in any industry: Strata Community Australia (SCA) are offering a three-day course on qualifying to be a strata manager with no prior educational requirements (apparently educational requirements are fulfilled by completing the course).
In period from 1 February 2017 to 4 February 2024 (seven years) Waratah Strata Management did not publish a single quote for any type of work for strata plan SP52948 on their secure website:
- Waratah Strata Management silent about irresponsible 10-Year Capital Works Fund plans in 2017 and 2021, further delaying overdue upgrades and repairs due to lack of funds
-
Waratah Strata Management failed to notify owners about flaws in 10-Year Capital Works Fund plans, further delaying overdue upgrades and repairs due to lack of funds
SP52948-risks-with-fallen-trees-and-lack-of-their-proactive-maintenance
Example of colorbond fence problem, behind townhouse, unattended for seven years:
Photo taken on 7 June 2022:
Photo taken on 20 January 2022:
This is how maintenance staff dealt with the problem in 2019: took no action because "townhouse owner did not complain":
Random check of facilities in Block D uncovered three potential electrical hazards on 19 June 2022:
Block D foyer unprotected wires for downlight:
Two garden balls damaged, allowing rain to enter the electrical installation:
Fire and OH&S risk with wire hanging out from light enclosure near Lot 114 garage in basement, unattended for more than three years since at least 13 November 2022 (as of February 2024):
Random check of facilities in Block D uncovered third potential electrical hazard with garden lights on 19 July 2022 (one month after first two were discovered):
This is how inside of light looked like - full of spider webs and remainings of water penetration:
As soon as we published this photos, Uniqueco Property Services rushed to replace it, which means they only provide reactive maintenance
Examples of delays to return abandoned shopping centre trolleys to rightful owners:
SP52948-abandoned-shopping-centre-trolley-on-Fontenoy-Road-near-townhouses-6Jan2022
SP52948-abandoned-shopping-centre-trolley-on-Fontenoy-Road-near-townhouses-photo-1-16Jan2022
SP52948-abandoned-shopping-centre-trolley-on-Fontenoy-Road-near-townhouses-photo-2-19Jan2022
This is not a new problem. Some owners and tenants also abuse property that does not belong to them. Here is an example of trolley hiding behind fire doors in 2017, directly affecting proper evacuation procedures in case of emergencies:
SP52948-hiding-shopping-trolleys-behind-fire-doors-30Sep2017
Here is an example of trolley left near caretaker's office for many days in 2015:
SP52948-trolley-near-caretaker-office-left-for-many-days-2015
Here is an example of trolley used by maintenance staff and left neat Block A elevator in 2017:
SP52948-trolley-used-by-maintenance-staff-and-left-near-Block-A-elevator-2017
Here is some of the report about trolleys in 2020, 2017, and 2015:
SP52948-concerns-about-trolleys-ignored-by-Waratah-Strata-Management-7Aug2020
SP52948-Lot-158-concerns-about-Lot-181-keeping-supermarket-trolleys-as-own-10Sep2015
Lot 158 warned about the problems number of times, to no avail:
Taking something that is not theirs with the intention of depriving others of its use – that is a definition of theft:
For crimes of theft in Victoria, just like NSW and QLD, the act of stealing is a crime if the intention is to permanently deprive someone of their property without consent.
It is duty of every law-abiding citizen to act upon suspicious and/or illegal activities. Good estimate is that the average trolley costs $150.00 to replace, however trolleys with special features (such as child seats) can cost up to $600.00. The cost of collecting and replacing abandoned trolleys is ultimately paid for by the customer through increased prices.
The trolleys might go astray and damage passing cars and the property along the street, or within the complex,
It is unsightly to see them on the pavement, near the entrance to a large building complex, or elsewhere within the complex, especially in private garages, knowing quite well that they belong to owners in shopping centres.
Unattended gate left opened near townhouses on 7 June 2022:
SP52948-unlocked-security-gate-left-unattended-photo-2-7Jun2022
SP52948-unlocked-security-gate-left-unattended-photo-8-7Jun2022
Same unattended gate left opened near townhouses on 8 June 2022:
SP52948-unlocked-security-gate-left-unattended-photo-3-8Jun2022
Unsafe and missing wooden railings behind townhouses with high OH&S risks to anyone working or passing by - photos taken on 7 June 2022. The problem was still unresolved as of February 2024:
Wall damage near Block A fire exit on 7 June 2022. The problem was still unresolved as of February 2024:
Metal mesh still unattached from wall near swimming pool on 7 June 2022:
In addition, long-term water-related damages on the wall are still unattended on 7 June 2022:
In spite of obvious unsightly appearance, garden wall near Block B was still left unattended from water-related damages on 7 June 2022:
Lack of standards for fire stair lights (four types of lighting) - examples from Block D on 8 June 2022. The problem was still unresolved as of February 2024:
Another day, and another faulty light behind Block D in gardens on 8 June 2022 - this was fourth time in two years the same light pole was faulty:
Light was faulty on 9 Jun 2022 as well:
Water-related damages continue to plague the complex - unattended damage on wall in garage area below Block B on 8 June 2022. The problem was still unresolved as of February 2024:
Two repetitive repairs of walls on garden bed near Block A and swimming pool on 15 June 2022:
And repetitive repairs of wall on garden bed near Block D on 19 June 2022:
Random check of basement after rain shows persistent leakages and damages on 3 and 4 July 2022. The problem was still unresolved as of February 2024:
Random check of garden bed walls on 11 July 2022 shows further deterioration of paint and cracks. The problem was still unresolved as of February 2024:
Random check of garden lights on 3 August 2022 shows poor appearance of majority of light balls. The problem was still unresolved as of February 2024:
Random check of gardens on 3 August 2022 showed neglect of bollards. The problem was still unresolved as of February 2024:
SP52948-Waratah-Strata-Management-ignored-report-on-repeated-maintenance-problems-22Jul2020
SP52948 some of long-term OH&S and fire safety risks and maintenance status in July 2021
SP52948 some of long-term OH&S and fire safety risks and maintenance status in October 2021
SP52948 random check uncovered five faulty lights in gardens on 2 September 2021
SP52948 random check uncovered four faulty and one unsafe light in gardens on 7 and 8 September 2021
SP52948 random check uncovered five faulty and one unsafe light in gardens on 11 September 2021
SP52948 random check uncovered four faulty and two unsafe lights in gardens on 21 September 2021
SP52948-entrance-sliding-doors-with-ageing-equipment-in-four-buildings-Oct2021
SP52948 random check uncovered seven fault with lights in gardens on 19 October 2021
SP52948-repeated-wall-repairs-near-entrance-to-complex-21Mar2021.
Problem continues:
SP52948-repetitive-problems-with-wall-repairs-near-entrance-to-complex-photo-1-1Nov2021
SP52948-water-damages-on-garden-bed-wall-near-entrance-to-complex-photo-3-13Nov2022
SP52948-unsafe-light-post-since-17Oct2021-behind-Block-D-12Nov2021
Major water leak repairs are often simply covered by metal plates:
SP52948-unattended-large-hole-in-wall-on-level-6-in-Block-C-2018-2019-and-continuing-in-2021
SP52948-unfinished-wall-repairs-Block-C-level-6-photo-1-19Dec2021, SP52948-unfinished-wall-repairs-Block-C-level-6-photo-5-19Dec2021
Similar is exibited near fire door exit on ground floor on Block C: SP52948-unfinished-wall-repairs-Block-C-ground-floor-near-fire-door-photo-1-19Dec2021
Lot 158 came across this problem by accident on 22 June 2021:
SP52948-water-leak-damaged-wall-Block-C-ground-floor-near-external-fire-exit-photo-1-22Jun2021, SP52948-water-leak-damaged-wall-Block-C-ground-floor-near-external-fire-exit-photo-3-22Jun2021, SP52948-water-leak-damaged-wall-Block-C-ground-floor-near-external-fire-exit-photo-5-22Jun2021, SP52948-water-leak-damaged-wall-Block-C-ground-floor-near-external-fire-exit-photo-9-22Jun2021
Lot 158, again accidentally, found some repairs happened in late July 2021:
SP52948-water-leak-initial-repairs-damaged-wall-Block-C-ground-floor-near-external-fire-exit-photo-4-21Jul2021, SP52948-water-leak-initial-repairs-damaged-wall-Block-C-ground-floor-near-external-fire-exit-photo-4-21Jul2021
Significant concrete wall damage and water leaks unattended for several years near garage of Lot 84:
SP52948-long-term-water-leak-damages-in-basement-near-Lot-84-garage-photo-1-12Nov2021
SP52948-long-term-water-leak-damages-in-basement-near-Lot-84-garage-photo-2-12Nov2021
SP52948-long-term-water-leak-damages-in-basement-near-Lot-84-garage-photo-3-12Nov2021
SP52948-long-term-water-leak-damages-in-basement-near-Lot-84-garage-photo-4-12Nov2021
Long-term appearance of exit near external fire door of Block C:
SP52948-appearance-of-Block-C-external-fire-exit-photo-1-12Nov2021
SP52948-appearance-of-Block-C-external-fire-exit-photo-4-12Nov2021
Light was still not operational as of 14 February 2022 and entrance to the building was visibly neglected and very slippery during rainy days, creating OH&S risks
On 1 May 2022, the door was found to be opened and left unattended. It was not self-latching:
On 2 May 2022, this is appearance of pathway near fire door:
Dubious gas supply pipe disconnection - unattended for many months. Waratah Strata Management and maintenance staff do not offer any explanation if there is any OH&S risk to occupants:
SP52948-disconnected-or-damaged-gas-supply-pipe-near-Lot-191-garage-photo-1-7Nov2021
SP52948-disconnected-or-damaged-gas-supply-pipe-near-Lot-191-garage-photo-5-7Nov2021
SP52948-disconnected-or-damaged-gas-supply-pipe-near-Lot-191-garage-photo-5-7Nov2021
SP52948-disconnected-or-damaged-gas-supply-pipe-near-Lot-191-garage-photo-4-7Nov2021
Unattended open electrical wires in foyer of Block D and basement of Block A for more than two years. Waratah Strata Management and maintenance staff did not offer any explanation if there was any OH&S risk to occupants:
SP52948-Block-D-foyer-electrical-hazard-unprotected-wires-for-down-light-photo-1-7Nov2021
SP52948-Block-D-foyer-electrical-hazard-unprotected-wires-for-down-light-photo-5-7Nov2021
SP52948-Block-D-foyer-electrical-hazard-unprotected-wires-for-down-light-photo-1-19Dec2021
SP52948-Block-D-foyer-electrical-hazard-unprotected-wires-for-down-light-photo-5-19Dec2021
SP52948-Block-D-foyer-electrical-hazard-unprotected-wires-for-down-light-photo-4-8Feb2022.webp
This is how it looked like on the ceiling on foyer of Block D, unrepaired for several years on 8 February 2022:
This is how it looked like on the ceiling on foyer of Block D, unrepaired for several years on 15 May 2022:
This is how it looks like on the ceiling on foyer of Block D, unrepaired for several years on 13 January 2023:
This is how it looked like on the ceiling on foyer of Block D, unrepaired for several years on 16 July 2023 when multiple water leaks were uncovered:
SP52948-Block-A-basement-unprotected-electrical-wiring-photo-1-7Nov2021
Example of long-term appearance of garden bed at entrance of complex on 18 February 2022:
Status did not improve on 13 November 2022:
Example of rusted external fire door frame, unattended for eight years as of February 2024, in basement of Block A on 15 February 2022
Same problem reported but unattended on same fire door, as photos taken on 15 April 2021:
Same problem reported but unattended on other fire doors, as photos taken for fire door between Block C and D on 15 April 2021
Example of what just one day of rain creates in basement of the complex, flooding some garages and causing long-term concrete wall and ceiling damages on 22 February 2022
Example of damages to door frame and walls near firedoor under Block C on 1 March 2022, with deterioration witnessed for seven years whilst no action of any remediation work:
Example of damages to door frame and walls near firedoor on 13 November 2022:
Example of damages to walls near firedoor under Block B on 1 March 2022, with deterioration witnessed for seven years whilst no action of any remediation work:
Example of major damages to Lot 186 garage and one next to it on 1 March 2022, with owner telling us that his complaint was ignored:
-
Example of wall damages due to water leaks near fire doors on level 7, 6, and 5 in Block A on 14 March 2022:
-
SP52948-example-of-selective-rights-for-owners-carwash-hose-usage-since-early-Aug2021
Number of ongoing problems behind townhouses have been ignored for as long as eight years (even before Waratah Strata Management took office in February 2017). Some of previous reports:
SP52948-REQUEST-FOR-MAINTENANCE-Wooden-fence-behind-townhouses-on-7Jul2020.html
SP52948-failed-maintenance-wooden-fence-behind-townhouses-2Feb2021
Due to Lot 158 pressure, rotten fence was suddenly partially replaced in early June 2021, and there was some leftover timber:
SP52948-extra-timber-leftover-from-fence-replacement-behind-townhouses-photo-1-4Jun2021
SP52948-extra-timber-leftover-from-fence-replacement-behind-townhouses-photo-1-3Jul2021
SP52948-extra-timber-leftover-from-fence-replacement-behind-townhouses-photo-1-28Sep2021
SP52948-extra-timber-leftover-from-fence-replacement-behind-townhouses-photo-1-14Oct2021
SP52948-extra-timber-leftover-from-fence-replacement-behind-townhouses-photo-1-26Oct2021
Timber suddenly disappeared on 27 October 2021:
SP52948-inquiry-about-disappeared-timber-behind-townhouses-14Nov2021
Third major incident with blown window frame in the complex - this time happened to Lot 190 sunroom (previous one in 2011 was mishandled by BCS Strata Management and this one was under management by Waratah Strata Management):
SP52948-third-major-incident-in-complex-blown-window-frame-in-sunroom-29Nov2020
SP52948-update-on-third-major-incident-in-complex-blown-window-frame-in-sunroom-30Nov2020
Strata funds paid $12,270.00 for repairs and insurance company declined to cover the costs of repair due to previous incidents and risks:
Insurance declined to reimburse owners corporation - an information that Waratah Strata Management and committee menbers hid from owners:
SP52948-Waratah-Strata-Management-ignored-report-on-window-frame-risk-for-Lot-202-20Dec2020
SP52948-Waratah-Strata-Management-ignored-Lot-158-submissions-for-EC-meeting-2Feb2021
Repetitive requests to repair vent grilles in Lot 158 bathrooms were ignored by Waratah Strata Management until serious risks to safety were experienced:
SP52948-report-on-accident-with-fallen-vent-grille-in-main-bathroom-9Feb2020
SP52948-Lot-158-report-of-near-miss-incident-with-vent-grille-in-main-bathroom-15Apr2020
SP52948-Lot-158-report-on-potential-vent-grille-problem-in-ensuite-bathroom-26Sep2020
SP52948-report-on-near-miss-incident-vent-grille-in-ensuite-bathroom-15Feb2021
Repetitive requests to maintain sunrooms in the complex and ensure they are watertight were ignored by Waratah Strata Management:
SP52948-Lot-158-request-for-repair-of-sunroom-water-leaks-29Nov2020
Difference between areas where water leaks are predominant on the ceiling are obvious:
SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-1-12May2021, SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-3-12May2021, SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-4-12May2021, SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-6-12May2021
Even on days when only light rain is present, the dampness of the ceiling near electrical lighting is a health and safety risk, as shown by photos on 28 November 2021:
SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-1-28Nov2021, SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-2-28Nov2021, SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-3-28Nov2021, SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-4-28Nov2021, SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-5-28Nov2021, SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-6-28Nov2021, SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-7-28Nov2021, SP52948-Lot-158-sunroom-water-leak-near-electrical-lighting-photo-8-28Nov2021
Since 2020, the deterioration of the ceiling is obvious.
As of 5 September 2022, Waratah Strata Management website still showed Lot 158 sunroom water leaks problem as unresolved and open: SP52948-waratahstrata.com.au-website-Maintenance-Open-Work-Orders-page-1-5Sep2022.webp. There are also a number of other critical items for checks and remediation work since 2020.
Photo taken in Lot 158 sunroom on 3 February 2022 shows that unrepaired water leak (fire and OH&S risks) was unresolved since September 2020:
Photos taken in Lot 158 sunroom on 7 September 2022 shows that unrepaired water leak (fire and OH&S risks) is unresolved since September 2020:
Photos taken in Lot 158 sunroom on 25 November 2022 shows that unrepaired water leak (fire and OH&S risks) is unresolved since September 2020:
Lot 158 had problems with sunroom leaks since 1998 (to this day, there are many plumbing problems in the complex), and after serios escalation to Meriton Apartments, they were resolved in May 1999. Due to poor performance of MDA Strata Services, which many owners complained about at the time, they were forced to resign:
Issues with water leaks in sunroom of Lot 158 in 1998/1999:
Lot 158 charged MDA Strata Services for lack of their service:
Screenshot on Waratah Strata website on 4 February 2024, showed that Lot 158 sunroom issue, along with number of other old problems, still existed:
SP52948-waratahstrata.com.au-website-Maintenance-Open-Work-Orders-page-1-4Feb2024
Rusted gate door on tennis court fence, unattended for several years, as shown on 13 November 2022. Still unresolved as of February 2024:
Repeatedly damaged wall near BBQ area, as shown on 13 November 2022. Still unresolved as of February 2024:
Appearance of garden bed walls near tennis courts (they were allegedly repaired and repainted without tender in 2017 and their appearance deteriorated soon after the works):
Waratah Strata Management failed to disclose to owners the following breakdown of expenses for the painting project that they were aware of as early as 3 March 2017:
Block A: $117,700.00 (including GST)
Block B: $117,700.00 (including GST)
Block C: $117,700.00 (including GST)
Block D: $117,700.00 (including GST)
Various Structures: $66,000.00 (including GST)
Townhouses: $92,950.00 (including GST)
Total cost: $629,750.00 (including GST).
Motion 3 in the Minutes of EC meeting held on 20 July 2017 shows that around half of the project cost having been paid to date. Allegedly three quotes from RJ Bird Services to carry out remedial repairs required prior to painting were accepted at a total cost of $27,580.00. No details of the "remedial repairs", and no evidence or statements about multiple quotes being sought from different providers were provided to any owner.
Motion 3 in the Minutes of EC meeting held on 28 September 2017 shows that the painting project was complete and all accounts had been paid except the 5% retention amounts totaling $28,187.00 + GST.
No details of the total costs, warranties, and other details were provided to owners.
Agenda for the AGM 2017 sent to owners contained information that the total costs for the painting project were $646,200.00 plus GST (totaling $710.820.000).
Waratah Strata Management listed total costs in the Agenda for AGM 2017 on page 25 (Capital Works Fund) as $610.357,26 (plus GST). If one adds figure of $28,187.00 (retention amount of 5% as per Motion 3 in Minutes of EC meeting held on 28 September 2017), it totals $638,544.00 (plus GST).
Since 2018, lot of extra work has done because the major upgrades were poor, incomplete, unprofessionally done, and at extra costs to owners. Garden beds are just one of good examples.
Examples on 24 March 2021:
SP52948-poor-maintenance-of-garden-beds-near-tennis-courts-24Mar2021
Example of bubbled paint on 14 November 2021:
SP52948-bubbled-paint-due-to-rain-wall-near-tennis-court-photo-1-14Nov2021
As of February 2022, the status has not improved and no remediation work has been done since 2019 (which should have been completed under warranties):
SP52948-water-damages-on-garden-bed-wall-near-tennis-courts-photo-1-8Feb2022
SP52948-water-damages-on-garden-bed-wall-near-tennis-courts-photo-4-8Feb2022
SP52948-water-damages-on-garden-bed-wall-near-tennis-courts-photo-7-8Feb2022
SP52948-water-damages-on-garden-bed-wall-near-tennis-courts-photo-10-8Feb2022
SP52948-water-damages-on-garden-bed-wall-near-tennis-courts-photo-13-8Feb2022
SP52948-water-damages-on-garden-bed-wall-near-tennis-courts-photo-16-8Feb2022
Photos taken on 2 May 2022, show further neglect:
Photos taken on 6 August 2022 prove complete neglect:
Photos taken on 13 November 2022 show a repeated attempt to repair walls, in obvious rush around Annual General Meeting on 27 October 2022:
Photo taken on 23 November 2022:
Video taken on 27 November 2022:
SP52948-appearance-of-garden-bed-wall-near-tennis-courts-27Nov2022
Example of lights not operational for prolonger periods of time:
SP52948-faulty-light-in-garden-behind-townhouse-212-photo-1-22Aug2021
SP52948-faulty-light-in-garden-behind-townhouse-212-photo-1-30Aug2021
SP52948-faulty-light-in-garden-behind-townhouse-212-photo-1-21Sep2021
SP52948-faulty-light-in-garden-behind-townhouse-212-photo-1-19Oct2021
SP52948-faulty-light-in-garden-behind-townhouse-212-since-22Aug2021-photo-1-23Nov2021
SP52948-faulty-fire-exit-light-since-31May2021-Block-C-external-door-photo-2-taken-on-4Jan2022
SP52948-faulty-light-in-garden-near-Block-C-photo-1-4Jan2022
Examples of repetitive problems with maintenance staff abusing parking regulations in the complex (parking in private garage whilst designated parking slot near tennis courts is empty) on 1 December 2021, 7 December 2021, 16 December 2021, 19 January 2022, 2 February 2022, 8 February 2022, 22 February 2022, 23 February 2022, 1 March 2022:
The abuse of private garages by Mr. Steve Carbone became more frequent and agressive in 2023 (especially garages of Lots 37 and 39), in spite of allocated parking spot being empty in front of the building (which owners corporation pays for and provides for exclusive use of staff of the building manager) - these are just some of collected photo and video evidence:
SP52948-Carbone-parking-in-private-garage-28Jan2024
Other repetitive abuses of parking:
SP52948-maintenance-staff-illegally-parked-in-clear-no-parking-zone-basement-near-Block-C-16Mar2020
SP52948-illegally-parked-van-basement-near-Block-C-1Mar2022.webp
SP52948-illegally-parked-car-in-front-of-committee-member-towhouse-Lot-200-photo-4-20Mar2022.webp
SP52948-example-of-maintenance-staff-illegally-parking-17Dec2017
SP52948-basement-illegaly-parked-maintenance-van-photo-2-15Dec2023
SP52948-basement-illegaly-parked-car-photo-2-31Dec2023
SP52948-car-illegally-parked-near-townhouses-photo-1-18Jan2024
SP52948-basement-illegaly-parked-car-20Jan2024
SP52948-permanently-parked-car-on-common-property-9Feb2024
SP52948-basement-illegaly-parked-car-9Feb2024
SP52948-basement-illegaly-parked-car-photo-2-20Jan2024
SP52948-Block-B-basement-illegally-parked-motorbike-photo-1-11Feb2024
SP52948-Block-B-basement-illegally-parked-motorbike-photo-2-11Feb2024
SP52948-car-illegally-parked-near-townhouses-photo-1-13Feb2024
SP52948-permanently-parked-car-on-common-property-15Feb2024
SP52948-basement-illegaly-parked-car-18Feb2024
SP52948-Block-C-basement-illegally-parked-van-5Apr2024
SP52948-Block-C-basement-illegally-parked-car-photo-3-7Apr2024
SP52948-permanently-parked-car-on-common-property-13Apr2024
SP52948-illegally-parked-cars-near-townhouses-13Apr2024
SP52948-illegally-parked-cars-near-townhouses-17Apr2024
SP52948-Block-C-basement-illegally-parked-car-photo-1-24Apr2024
Examples of works in units with pollution of common property in 2021 and 2024:
SP52948-Block-B-major-renovation-and-pollution-through-window-photo-1-2Dec2021
SP52948-Block-B-major-renovation-and-pollution-through-window-photo-2-2Dec2021
SP52948-Block-B-major-renovation-and-pollution-through-window-photo-3-2Dec2021
SP52948-Block-B-major-renovation-and-pollution-through-window-photo-4-2Dec2021
SP52948-Block-B-major-renovation-and-pollution-through-window-photo-5-2Dec2021
SP52948-Block-B-major-renovation-and-pollution-through-window-photo-6-2Dec2021
SP52948-Block-B-major-renovation-and-pollution-through-sunroom-photo-1-19Apr2021
SP52948-Block-B-major-renovation-and-pollution-through-sunroom-photo-2-20Apr2021
SP52948-Block-B-Lot-7-major-renovation-and-pollution-through-sunroom-photo-1-20Jan2024
SP52948-Block-B-Lot-7-major-renovation-and-pollution-through-sunroom-photo-2-20Jan2024
Maintenance staff using elevators for electric scooters. Example: two owners witnessed staff member about to enter elevator with electrict scooter on the ground floor of Block A at around 07:25 hours on 25 February 2022. CCTV recording can prove the event.
Occasionally, scooter is also left unattended on common property, as photo on 27 October 2020 shows:
Random check of gardens on 9 August 2022 shows neglect of retaining wall near Block A - paint bubbling and peeling:
Examples of unrepaired BBQ area below sink for more than four years in spite of multiple reports of concerns for OH&S and fire safety:
Example of OH&S tripping hazard unattended for many weeks in front of complex - hole near pathway towards bus stop and brick not covering the hole on 14 February 2022
SP52948-third-major-incident-with-blown-window-frame-from-seventh-floor-29Nov2020. Waratah Strata Management did not notify owners or responded to Lot 158 questions.
Waratah Strata Management did not notify respond to second inqury on 30 November 2020
Strata funds paid $12,270.00 for repairs and insurance company declined to cover the costs of repair due to previous incidents and risks:
Insurance declined to reimburse owners corporation - an information that Waratah Strata Management and committee menbers hid from owners:
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SP52948-damaged-paint-on-table-under-gazebo-near-tennis-courts-photo-2-13Nov2022
Some of recent tennis court problems:
SP52948-spot-checking-problems-at-tennis-courts-and-throghout-the-complex-16Sep2019
SP52948-poor-maintenance-of-garden-beds-near-tennis-courts-24Mar2021
Over several weeks in late August and beginning of September 2021 (without any official announcements, or any owner receiving copies of current house rules), tennis courts started being used before 8:00am again. One example is such activity was detected at 07:06am on 15 September 2021
Tennis court bookings still do not have option to schedule games from 07:00 hours in September 2021
Safety hazard - broken glass spread near carwash not cleaned for five days (photos taken on 5 February 2023, 6 February 2023, 7 February 2023, and 8 February 2023):
Damaged carpet in Block A level 2, not repaired for one year as of 6 February 2023 (photos taken on 25 March 2022, 30 April 2022, 16 January 2023, and 6 February 2023:
More than reasonable number of stolen property was reported to strata and building managers, but in spite of 16 CCTV cameras, miraculously, no-one was ever caught in theft:
Latest sudden warning on 6 February 2023:
New trend started happening in late 2022: office used by Uniqueco Property Services guards in night shift with lights regularly switched off and random checks of their staff presence could not find them anywhere in the complex (let alone in the office). Some examples:
SP52948 office with lights switched off and security guard not found on 22 November 2022:
SP52948 office with lights switched off and security guard not found on 19 December 2022:
On 28 February 2023, serious notice appeared on four notice boards in the buildings (but not published on two external notice boards):
Random check of lights in the complex found two faulty lights, one damaged light with fire and electrical hazard, and many very dirty ones on 5 March 2023:
Examples of repetitive problems with maintenance staff abusing parking regulations in the complex (parking in pricate garage whilst designated parking slot near tennis courts is empty) on 7 March 2023, 8 March 2023, and 19 March 2023:
On 19 March 2023 (Sunday) an unannounced repairs of lights in basement occurred at around 13:50 hours. No staff of building manager were seen near the basement tomonitor the repairs, Part of the area was in darkness at the time:
Repetitive problems with maintenance staff abusing parking regulations in the complex (parking in private garage whilst designated parking slot near tennis courts is empty) on 23 March 2023:
Repetitive problems with maintenance staff abusing parking regulations in the complex (parking in private garage whilst designated parking slot near tennis courts is empty) on 20 April 2023:
Repetitive problems with maintenance staff abusing parking regulations in the complex (parking in private garage whilst designated parking slot near tennis courts is empty) on 26 April 2023:
Damaged taps in carwash area, unrepaired for more than a year, also creating waste of water usage on 16 May 2023:
Spare panel for entrance garage gate disappeared again, as shown by photo taken on 21 May 2023:
Not long before May 2023, the cost of repairing entrance gate increased from around $3,500.00 in October 2022 to around $5,000.00 in May 2023, as per photos near all founr notice boards in the complex on 21 May 2023:
Lot 158 forced return of spare panel in 2019, where it was missing for four months:
On 21 January 2019, gate was broken for two days again
Spare panel was still missing as of 13 September 2023:
... but, there was a sudden notice about its return on the same day - 13 September 2023:
Here is evidence that it was returned to its original location in basement of Block B on 14 September 2023:
Damaged taps in carwash area on 22 May 2023:
Damaged taps in carwash area one of them completely broken on 26 May 2023:
Damaged taps in carwash area one of them completely broken on 5 June 2023:
Major water leak simply covered by metal plate on level 6 Block C, unrepaired since 2018:
Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services refuse to repair the damaged wall, and here is one example of email dated 5 August 2019 which they ignored:
REPORT-SP52948-Block-C-Level-6-continuous-cover-up-of-damaged-wall-5Aug2019.html
Neglected telecom cabinet on level 7 of Block B.
Photos of cleaning items left inside the cabinet on 25 July 2021, 26 May 2022, and 5 June 2023, proving that the cabinet was not properly maintained for at least two years:
Untidy cabinet still not cleaned as of 15 December 2023:
Unrepaired large wall crack with photos taken on 5 July 2021, 26 May 2022, and 5 June 2023, proving that the cabinet was not properly maintained for at least two years. Not only this is a sign of neglect, but created serious risk due to long-term roof membrane neglects in the complex, with lot of leakages that can enter areas like electical cabinets and cause major fire and life hazards:
Wall crack not repaired as of 15 December 2023:
Inadequate maintenance of roof membranes was well recorded in BCS-Strata-Management-hid-professional-building-report-from-owners-and-CTTT-Napier-and-Blakeley-Jul2012, which BCS Strata Management, committee members (lead by Chairperson Mr. Bruce Copland), and Solicitor Adrian Mueller withheld from CTTT in case SCS 12/32675 and SCS 12/50460. Roof membranes are still an outstanding issue, resulting in rampant black mould in many common areas and units, rendering som properties dangerous to live in
Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services refuse to notify owners about Napier & Blakely's professional report 2012. Only one and half roof membranes (Block B and D) were repaired in 2015 at huge costs without tender or proper approval at general meetings, while Block A and C have not been properly maintained for 26 years. Due to long-term neglect of roofs, Kintyre decreased warranties for roof membranes on half of Block B and whole Block D to only five years (down from originally expected 15 years):
Example of rusted external fire door frame, unattended for more than seven years, in basement of Block A on 11 June 2023
Rusted internal fire door frame in basement of Block D, also unattended for more than seven years, as of 12 June 2023:
Block B foyer ceiling is again experiencing significant water leaks, as on 11 June 2023
It was poorly repaired after long delays when Lot 158 raised concerns about electrical hazards in 2020:
Block D foyer unprotected electical wires for at least three years, creating potenntial electrical hazard, as of 11 June 2023:
Concrete cancer spreads out in basement of four buildings, unresolved since 2013:
By pure accident, Lot 158 was witness of entrance gate not closing properly on 11 June 2023:
Even a video from car approaching the gate was recorded as a proof:
SP52948-entrance-gate-not-closing-properly-video-1-11Jun2023.mp4
Spare panel for entrance garage gate disappeared, as shown by photo taken on 21 May 2023 and it was still not found in the basement as of 12 June 2023:
Not only the gate had some problems, but bottom panel shows primitive use of wires to keep the rubber connected with the rest of the gate, as photos on 14 June 2023 prove it:
Spare panel was still missing as of 13 September 2023:
Under pressure from Lot 158, spare panel finally reappeared on 14 September 2023:
Second entrance gate repairs in one month were announced on 3 October 2023:
Old spare panel was kept in the complex:
Newly repaired entrance gate was not properly closing (where was warranty?):
Videos confirm poor repairs on 6 October 2023:
Long part of wooden fence behind townhouses was still rotting and unrepaired, as photos taken on 9 June 2023 show:
More photos taken on 14 June 2023 show neglect:
After Lot 158 documented long-term neglect of the fence in February 2021:
SP52948-failed-maintenance-wooden-fence-behind-townhouses-2Feb2021
...in May 2021, part of the fence was replaced with new timber:
Number of ongoing problems behind townhouses have been ignored for as long as eight years (even before Waratah Strata Management took office in February 2017). Some of previous reports:
SP52948-REQUEST-FOR-MAINTENANCE-Wooden-fence-behind-townhouses-on-7Jul2020.html
Due to Lot 158 pressure, rotten fence was suddenly partially replaced in early June 2021, and there was some leftover timber, as evidence shows for 4 June 2021, 3 July 2021, 28 septem,ber 2021, 14 October 2021, and 26 October 2021:
SP52948-extra-timber-leftover-from-fence-replacement-behind-townhouses-photo-1-4Jun2021.webp
SP52948-extra-timber-leftover-from-fence-replacement-behind-townhouses-photo-1-3Jul2021.webp
SP52948-extra-timber-leftover-from-fence-replacement-behind-townhouses-photo-1-28Sep2021.webp
SP52948-extra-timber-leftover-from-fence-replacement-behind-townhouses-photo-1-14Oct2021.webp
SP52948-extra-timber-leftover-from-fence-replacement-behind-townhouses-photo-1-26Oct2021.webp
Timber suddenly disappeared on 27 October 2021:
Neglected sloping land and rotten railings which were never repaired behind townhouses create OH&S risks to maintenance staff and increase risks of land erosion, as photos taken on 14 June 2023 show:
An example of ignored complaints and risks for common property behind townhouses was ignored by Waratah Strata Management since 17 April 2021:
Long-term damage of door on hydrant pump room near entrance of the complex, as per photos taken on 19 June 2023:
Nothing was done and damage continued to worsen as of 5 September 2023:
Attempts to install EC charging stations within the complex without proper procedures and notifications to owners continue in the complex, primarily driven by Lot 133, committee member.
SP52948-Waratah-Strata-Management-organised-non-compliant-ordinary-committee-meetings-since-1Feb2017.
At non-compliant committee meeting on 1 June 2023, the following was allegedly decided:
Details of non-compliant committee meeting on 1 June 2023.
Lot 158 sent serious warnings to Waratah Strata Management, all nine committee members, and notified insurance broker and insurance company about many risks in the complex on 8 June 2023:
Waratah-Strata-Management-warned-about-SP52948-insurance-risks-safety-financial-health-and-non-compliance-with-laws-8Jun2023 (no reply or any refutal of Lot 158 evidence was received). In that email, Lot 158 documented the following concerns in regards to EC charging station:
Waratah Strata Management and committee members completely ignored NSW requirements and recommendations for EV charging station adoption which include five step process:
Step 1 - Survey
Step 2 - Energy assessment
Step 3 - Evaluate options
Step 4 - Evaluating payment options
Step 5 - Plan approval processes and identify funding solution
A Current Affair reported that as many as 450 fires has been linked to the batteries in the past 18 months.
In February 2023, residents of an apartment building in Sydney’s southwest were forced to evacuate when an e-scooter caught alight.
Combined with EV owners taking care of their battery – that is, servicing when required, following manufacturer-recommended charging habits (typically charging up to 80 per cent only and not discharging too deep), and mainly AC slow charging (avoiding frequent DC fast charging) – there’s a reduced likelihood of things going awry, not to mention maintaining a healthier battery.
When the integrity of lithium-ion batteries is compromised, the energy they store is released as heat, known as 'thermal runaway'.
Electric scooter charging stations should be located in a clean and dry place within the strata complex, meeting the relevant Australian standards. Owners corporation should ensure there is appropriate fire protection in place including intervention and suppression resources nearby (e.g., hydrants, hose reels, extinguishers, ventilation, and sprinklers). Chargers should be located away from proximate fuel loads and other flammable liquids.
The charging stations should also be accessible to Emergency Services in the event of a fire, which means they may need to be installed on common property. The charging stations should also be inaccessible to children. For added protection, one should consider:
Fire detection and early warning intercommunication systems
Smoke management and air handling systems
Fire resistance of proximate construction
Clarify who is responsible for maintaining them
In local council areas in NSW where the apartment building is in a leviable area (e.g. there are parking meters outside the apartment building on the street), then if the Owners Corporation wants to convert an existing visitor car space inside the building to an EV charging space, then this is classified as a "change of use" of that car parking space. After the Owners Corporation goes through an approval process with the local council to get the use of the car parking space changed, then this will trigger an ongoing NSW land tax which has to be paid by the Owners Corporation from that point on.
If complex has an existing embedded network, owners may be required to seek approval of the Embedded Network Manager (ENM) or energy retailer, where this party maintains ownership of the electricity meters in your strata building under a multi-year contract.
Any EV Charging infrastructure project which costs more than $5,000 will require a signed contract.
Furthermore, in states such as NSW where there is a Home Building Insurance scheme, ANY works in the building which are over $20,000 will require the EV charging installer to take out insurance under this scheme. When one Sydney based strata scheme inquired with their strata insurance company about any adjustments which had to be made, they were informed that an automated foam retardant system needed to be installed above every car space where an EV might be charging, in case the electric vehicle catches on fire while charging.
Another Sydney based strata building was told that they couldn't get insurance if they did a whole-of-building EV charging infrastructure. Another Sydney building was able to get insurance as long as the number of EV's per floor of car park did not exceed 4 EV's.
Some other requirements dictated by some insurers are that any EV charging should be in an area which is well-lit, does not have children in it, must have the car space painted and an EV charging sign erected, shouldn't have more than 4 electric vehicles charging adjacent to each other and is preferably in a separate room/area and on top of a plinth. It would be recommended to shop around for a different strata insurer to find one which has more reasonable requirements if you encounter this with your existing strata insurer.
Research from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) suggests 30,000 tonnes of EV batteries will reach their end-of-life in Australia by as soon as 2030. This is forecast to blow out to 360,000 tonnes by 2040, and 1.6 million tonnes by 2050. Experts are warning of a "huge waste stream" that poses a triple threat: fire risks in landfill, environmental impacts, and health hazards caused if toxic chemicals leech into land and waterways. The Battery Stewardship Council (BSC), the government-backed body, has long been warning about the risks of lithium batteries combusting in landfill if they are damaged or crushed, despite bans on e-waste in landfill in some jurisdictions in Australia.
DNSP or grid provider will need to provide approval for any increase of capacity from the local sub-station servicing the building.
In late July 2023, Panama-registered Fremantle Highway was underway to its final destination in Singapore when the fire broke out near Danish coast. Twenty-five of the 3783 vehicles on board were EVs. The ship’s Japanese owners, Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd, told Dutch broadcaster NOS, “there is a good chance that the fire started with electric cars.”.
On 12 September 2023, faulty lithium-ion battery was blamed for a fire near Sydney Airport that destroyed five cars in a holding yard.
On 18 September 2023, data obtained by news.com.au showed emergency services had responded to hundreds of incidents in the past 18 months, some of which led to serious injury and even death. There were 165 fires involving lithium-ion batteries across NSW in 2022, while there have been 114 incidents already this year, up to July. Last month, a 54-year-old man died when a lithium-ion battery stored inside his Punchbowl apartment exploded. When fire crews arrived, they found his lifeless body on a bathroom floor and suspected he had perished after inhaling toxic fumes while trying to contain the blaze. Early on Friday morning, a battery in a golf cart-style buggy exploded at a St John’s Ambulance facility in Burwood in Sydney’s inner-west.
On 27 September 2023, information obtained by news.com.au showed firefighters told not to put out Tesla inferno at Queensland site. Police said the fire was causing hazardous smoke in the area, with nearby residents urged to monitor QFES and police social media sites, and told to be prepared for police to doorknock homes in the area if the situation worsens.
On 4 October 2023, more than 70 backpackers were sent scrambling as fire breaks out after battery explosion. CCTV caught the incredible moment a lithium battery exploded at a Sydney hostel, causing a fire to rip through the two-storey building and pushing backpackers to flee to safety. The video showed two backpackers at the Mad Monkey Downtown Backpackers leaving their room into a hallway at 9.08am when a fireball suddenly explodes through the doorway.
On 14 June 2023, six notice boards published unsigned (it did not contain information on who created it and in which capacity) and unauthorised (who approved it) messages on three pages, with highly personal views on EV charging stations, trying to justify their installation, as shown by following pictures of notice boards in Block A and near letterboxes:
Further more, there are additional concerns about what this notice did not address:
Alleged weblink for owners to provide comments at https://forms.gle/RI6H1970JGHGPHFR7 did not exist (which some scanners decoded with CAPITAL CHARACTERS):
The correct link is https://forms.gle/Ri6hi97oJGHGPHFR7 (case sensitive).
What kind of risks one of the planned EV charging stations would create for bike riders, including children, in the basement area:
Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services have continuously failed to meet fire safety standards in the complex, so what guarantees do owners and tenants have that EV stations would not generate additional safety risks and how would they be managend and monitored proactively?
Why was the website URL published in CAPITALS, which did not exist (many customers do not use barcode readers)?
As more than 50% of owners were not living in the complex (investors), what was the assurance that such message would reach all owners and tenants?
Where were the full answers to Lot 158 email dated 8 June 2023 which document risks of higher taxes, increased levies due to ongoing lack of funds, insurance costs, and so on?
SP52948-EV-charging-survey-owner-response-14Jun2023 (nobody replied to owner's submission)
At Extraordinary General Meeting on 22 February 2024, one of alleged committee members (Mr. Stan Pogorelsky), who will be listed for removal in pending NCAT case, announced that only three owners had electric cars in the complex.
At Extraordinary General Meeting on 22 February 2024, Lot 158 highlighted that there were much more important (overdue) issues in the complex:
SP52948-discrepancies-in-BIV-report-for-10-Capital-Works-Fund-in-2017-and-2021
Why were minutes of committee meeting dated 1 June 2023 not published on any of six notice boards?
Why were owners not notified that Admin Fund had negative balance in amount of $57,657.88 on 14 June 2023 and $117,158.81 on 25 July 2023?
SP52948-Balance-Sheet-14Jun2023
SP52948-Balance-Sheet-25Jul2023
And more financial troubles since 2017:
SP52948-first-time-in-history-Admin-Fund-continuous-negative-balances-for-two-FY-quarters-Apr2023
SP52948-negative-trends-with-Admin-Fund-under-Waratah-Strata-Management
SP52948-graph-of-Admin-Fund-negative-balances-from-31Jan2017-to-31Jan2024
SP52948-effects-of-Waratah-Strata-Management-on-Balance-Sheet-from-31Jan2017-to-31Jan2024
SP52948-insurance-premium-changes-1997-to-2024
SP52948-discrepancies-between-Solicitor-Adrian-Mueller-legal-and-insurance-payments-FY-2022-and-2023
SP52948-incomplete-insurance-policy-disclosures-to-owners-in-period-2012-to-2023
Traces of burnt concrete wall near swimming pool machinery on 5 and 7 July 2023:
Resolution by Uniqueco Property Services and Waratah Strata Management was to simply paint over the burnt area on 12 July 2023, without properly repairing the whole wall:
Two serious electrical hazards due to leaks on the ceiling in Block B and D on 16 and 17 July 2023:
First, Block D:
SP52948-Block-D-foyer-multiple-leakages-from-ceiling-creating-electrical-hazard-video-1-16Jul2023
SP52948-Block-D-foyer-multiple-leakages-from-ceiling-creating-electrical-hazard-video-3-16Jul2023
Then, Block B:
SP52948-Block-B-foyer-leakage-from-ceiling-creating-electrical-hazard-video-1-17Jul2023.mp4
SP52948-Block-B-foyer-leakage-from-ceiling-creating-electrical-hazard-video-2-17Jul2023.mp4
It was poorly repaired after long delays when Lot 158 raised concerns about electrical hazards in 2020:
Uniqueco Property Services organised urgent repairs in Block D without disclosure to owners:
Notice was published about major water leak in Block D for 19 July 2023:
SP52948-Block-D-notice-about-major-water-leak-photo-3-19Jul2023
Two plumbers were on site on 19 July 2023 and repair work continued in Block D:
... but no work was done in Block B yet:
SP52948-Block-B-foyer-leakage-from-ceiling-creating-electrical-hazard-photo-5-19Jul2023
Water leak damages in Block B and D were still unresolved as of 4 August 2023:
SP52948-Block-B-foyer-leakage-from-ceiling-creating-electrical-hazard-photo-6-4Aug2023
Block D repairs were still ongoing on 16 August 2023:
Block D foyer repairs for water leakages were seemingly completed on 18 August 2023:
And Block B foyer repairs started on 18 August 2023:
SP52948-Block-B-foyer-repairs-for-leakages-from-ceiling-creating-electrical-hazard-photo-1-18Aug2023
SP52948-Block-B-foyer-repairs-for-leakages-from-ceiling-creating-electrical-hazard-photo-4-18Aug2023
SP52948-Block-B-foyer-repairs-for-leakages-from-ceiling-creating-electrical-hazard-photo-8-18Aug2023
Concrete cancer at the bottom of the swimming pool and spa in multiple areas, neglected for several years, whilst it received major upgrades in 2018 without warranties:
SP52948-swiming-pool-two-concrete-cancers-video-1-16Jul2023
SP52948-swiming-pool-two-concrete-cancers-video-2-16Jul2023
Photos taken on 1 August 2023 show the extensive concrete cancer damages in swimming pool and spa:
Status on 5 August 2023:
Status on 17 August 2023:
In "serial 18" for "Pool area + gym area", BIV's 10-Year Capital Works assessment on 6 October 2021, which was never approved or considered by owners or committee members at any meeting, pool and gym major works were planned for 2024 in amount of $21,509.00, whilst the overdue work one year earlier in July/August 2023 amounted to $55,000.00:
Brief walk around the complex on 4 August 2023 uncovered number of hazards for children in the gardens which Waratah Strata Managament and Uniqueco Property Services ignore and continue to neglect (sharp metal plates on concrete walls):
Brief walk around the complex on 5 August 2023 uncovered number of unsightly light globes in the gardens which Uniqueco Property Services ignore and continue to neglect:
Brief walk around the complex on 5 August 2023 found continuous neglect of walls at the entrance to the complex which were allegedly repaired and repainted four times since 2018 without any warranties:
SP52948-repeatedly-neglected-walls-near-entrance-to-complex-5Aug2023.mp4
Walk around the complex on 17 August 2023 uncovered destroyed bollard near townhouse 198, which is near townhouse 202, where Chairperson of the committee Mr. John Gore lives. This bollard was erected many years ago due to persistent dangers and risks to owners of townhouse 198 from various car crashes into their property and garden:
Photos taken in front of townhouse 198 (left side on the photos) on 15 February 2022 and 17 August 2023 show the missing yellow bollard, which was obviously removed in a violent event:
Brief walk around the complex on 18 August 2023 found more garden bed damages near tennis courts, in spite of recent repetitive efforts to repaint them without any warranties:
Instead of repairing faulty lights in foyers, Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services, without owners corporation approval, changed common property and removed all eight downlights in Block B and D in August 2023, as photos taken on 22 August 2023 prove:
Any changes to common property are strictly defined in NSW Strata Schemes Management Act 2015, Section 108, which states that all such modifications must be approved by special resolution:
... whilst two other buildings still have all eight downlights faulty for many years (Block A and C):
Photos taken on 25 August 2023 show another OH&S risk near townhouse 199 - unprotected electical cables:
On 27 August 2023, just on Block A ground floor, three maintenance problems were found: rusted base of a pole near building manager's office, bottom-part of elevator display, damaged wall panel
On 31 August 2023, two healthy trees were severely pruned, due to ex-committee member Mrs. Maureen McDonald complaint in early August 2023:
These trees were much smaller danger and did not cause significant growth over the private fence of Lot 151, unlike other trees in the complex, as examples in Block C and D show on 31 August 2023.
Block D:
Block C:
Lot 151 has history of special privileges, which many other owners do not have in the complex:
By her own statements presented multiple times in the past, Mrs. Maureen McDonald boasted about receiving free key fobs from BCS Strata Management.
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When change or damage has been caused by work undertaken by an owner who did not receive consent from the owner’s corporation, it is the owner’s own responsibility. Courts have held that when considering maintenance and reparation to be the owners corporation’s responsibility, it must be in relation to the ORIGINAL common property, not in relation to alterations or additions that have been made by an owner without permission. This was concluded in The Owners Strata Plan 50276 v Thoo [2013] NSWCA 270 and the case of Krimbogiannis.
If an owner wants to keep the unauthorised alterations, a by-law needs to be made to permit this (full costs of organising Extraordinary General Meeting and by-law registration must be borne by Mrs. Maureen McDonald). This new by-law should impose on the owner the obligation to maintain and repair the works. If the owners corporation does not want to work to remain, an order by NCAT should be made to require the owner to remove the work, or for the owner to allow the owners corporation to remove the work. Section 132 of the SSMA allows for NCAT to make an order that the owner that performed the work takes steps to repair the damage, or an order that the owner to pay the owners corporation the cost of repairs of the damage.
Drainage of Lot 151 courtyard was completed on 8 February 2022, whilst such services was often denied to other owners, claiming that it was a private task.
Lot 151 has two light bulbs in her garage and self-contained storage room without owners corporation approval.
Lot 151 has modified external door (common propertty) to have two peep holes without owners corporation approval.
On 20 May 2019, Director of Uniqueco Property Services Mr. Steve Carbone defended his lack of actions to repair common property because "owner was not complaining" (he sent the email to Waratah Strata Management):
There are number of overgrown trees, just waiting for a disaster to happen in the complex.
On 1 and 4 September 2023, brief walk behind townhouses and visitors' carpark uncovered multiple areas of tripping hazard:
As part of ongoing negligence, on 4 September 2023 evidence was collected about garden bed damage near townhouse carpark:
On 4 September 2023, Lot 5 provided exhaustive information about continuous leaks in wall in his ground floor unit in Block B, which affects all units on that side of the building whenever there is rain.
He tried to reason with strata and building manager, to no avail. He even sent email complaints with photo evidence.
In the end, based on his own statements, Lot 5 gave up on contacting the strata and building manager, and at OWN COST, deals with the problem himself.
Poor repairs of water leaks is also shown in an example of Lot 191:
SP52948-Lot-191-Examples-of-Repetitive-Water-Leak-Repairs-without-Permanent-Results-2011-Sep2018
Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services failed to respond to these concerns (and these are just a few of many examples):
SP52948-brief-log-of-events-related-to-risks-due-to-repetitive-water-leaks-without-proper-repairs
As part of ongoing negligence, on 4 and 5 September 2023 evidence was collected that garden lights were switched on during broad daylight, wasting energy and owners' funds for electricity costs:
SP52948-energy-waste-garden-lights-switched-on-in-broad-daylight-4Sep2023.mp4
This trend of energy waste continued throughout September 2023
Brief walk around gardens on 13 September 2023 showed continuation of signifcant damages and neglect of garden bed walls:
Brief walk around the complex uncovered number of damaged walls in the buildings and one new large damage on garden bed wall near Block B on 30 September 2023.
Cracked wall in foyer near Lot 75:
Cracked wall in foyer near Lot 75:
Repetitive damage to garden bed wall near Block B :
Block C level 6 fire stairs - water leak damages unrepaired since 2018:
Block B basement - faulty fire exit light, unrepaired for many months:
Block B level 7 - neglected large wall crack in telecom and electrical cabinet:
Block B level 7 - untidy telecom and electrical cabinet with left-over cleaning equipment, not attended to since at least 5 July 2021:
Brief check of the complex on 24 September 2023 uncovered number of ongoing problems.
Garden beds:
OH&S and insurance risks: metal plates hiding concrete cancers, with possibility of garden bed collapse and injiries to choldren playing nearby:
Unfinished repairs of wall damages due to water leaks in Block C level 6 firestairs (since February 2019) and Block C ground floor fire exit (since June 2021):
Unprotected access to Block C rooftop planter room, with unresolved OH&S risks, that were documented in Napier & Blakeley's report in July 2012:
Elevator in Block A was out of order and young staff from Uniqueco Property Services did not know the procedure to disarm alarm on external fire exit door in Block A basement:
Block A ground floor elevator display is partially operational since June 2023:
Block B basement - cancer-ridden wall near fire exit due to repetitive water leaks and unresolved since 2013:
Repetitive problems with garden beds - this one near Block B on 19 October 2023:
Brief checks of the complex on 20 and 21 October 2023 uncovered number of ongoing problems, including three damaged fire doors (unrepaired for seven years) and faulty fire exit light (evidence collected that this light was faulty since at least 9 July 2023).
SP52049-Block-A-basement-damaged-fire-door-photo-1-21Oct2023
SP52049-Block-A-basement-damaged-fire-door-photo-3-21Oct2023
SP52049-Block-A-basement-damaged-fire-door-photo-6-21Oct2023
SP52049-Block-C-basement-damaged-fire-door-photo-1-21Oct2023
SP52049-Block-C-basement-damaged-fire-door-photo-5-21Oct2023
SP52049-Block-C-basement-damaged-fire-door-photo-8-21Oct2023
SP52948-Block-B-basement-faulty-fire-exit-light-photo-1-20Oct2023
Massive (unapproved at any committee or general meetings, without evidence of multiple quotes) expenses including fire-related items in FY 2023 were sent in inquiry to Waratah Strata Management and committee members for AGM 2023:
Another major water-leak damage, this time in Lot 53 on 21 October 2023:
SP52948-Block-C-Lot-53-major-water-leak-in-kitchen-photo-1-21Oct2023.webp
Illustrative example, faulty Block B fire exist light in the basement was repaired three and half months after Lot 158 detected its status (most probably it was faulty for much longer). Staff of Uniqueco Property Services saw Lot 158 collecting evidence about this problem many times and only took action to replace the light three days before the AGM 2023 on 23 October 2023:
SP52948-Block-B-basement-faulty-fire-exit-light-photo-1-9Jul2023.webp
SP52948-Block-B-basement-faulty-fire-exit-light-finally-repaired-photo-1-23Oct2023.webp
Spot-checks in Block C confirmed many long-term problems on walls in foyers on 31 October 2023.
Block C level 3 foyer wall cracks:
Block C level 5 foyer wall cracks:
Block C wall cracks between Lot 74 and 75:
Block C wall cracks between Lot 86 and 87:
Block C level 6 unfinished wall repairs (simply covered by metal plate to hide the damages to common property) due to water leaks since 2018. Some of many pleas to Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services to maintain common property - they never responded:
Building-Manager-ongoing-issues-including-fire-and-health-safety-security-maintenance-25Aug2018
SP52948-ongoing-issues-fire-safety-maintenance-30May2019
Block C ground floor near fire exit - unfinished wall repairs (simply covered by metal plate to hide the damages to common property) due to water leaks since June 2021:
Another garden bed wall damage near townhouses on 31 October 2023.
This is how it looked on 25 March 2022, just five years after alleged major repairs in the complex:
Due to neglect by Uniqueco Property Services, one and half years later, on 31 October 2023, the damage was much larger, at owners corporation costs:
On 8 November 2023, the garden bed walls repairs started happening - of course, at extra costs to owners:
Spot-checks in Block D confirmed many long-term problems on walls in foyers on 3 November 2023.
Block D wall cracks near Lot 99:
Block D wall cracks near Lot 102:
Block D wall cracks near Lot 104:
Block D wall cracks near Lot 115:
Block D wall cracks near Lot 123:
Block D wall cracks near Lot 141:
Block D wall cracks near unidentified Lot:
Block D level 5 wall cracks near garbage room:
Block D wall cracks near second garbage room:
Spot-checks in Block B confirmed many long-term problems on walls in foyers on 5 November 2023.
Block B level 7 telecom cabinet wall cracks:
Block B level 6 telecom cabinet wall cracks:
Block B wall cracks near Lot 48:
Block B wall cracks near Lot 41:
Block B level 4 telecom cabinet wall cracks:
Block B level 4 second telecom cabinet wall cracks:
Block B wall cracks near Lot 11:
Block B wall cracks near Lot 8:
Block B wall cracks near Lot 5:
Block B wall cracks near Lot 2:
Block B ground floor foyer wall cracks:
Another concrete cancer due to poor repairs of water leaks in basement of the complex on 6 November 2023:
For more than seven years, large area with concrete cancer due to persistent neglect of water leakages in basement of Block B - best shown by video taken on 9 November 2023. For any reasonable person, it would be difficult to support Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services claims of their professionalism and duty of care.
SP52948-Block-B-basement-long-term-leaks-and-concrete-cancer-9Nov2023
Spot-checks in Block A confirmed long-term problems on walls in foyers on 13 November 2023.
Block A level 5 wall cracks:
Block A level 5 missing foyer lighting:
Block A level 4 unrepaired ceiling near lighting:
Block A level 2 wall cracks:
Block A level 2 fire exit sign:
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An audit of garages which create OH&S risks as cars do not fit them due to overloaded items in garages was conducted on 25 November 2023. Number of cars occupy common property at all times:
Example of Lot 151 (ex-committee member Mrs. Maureen McDonald) is even more drastic because it was continuous over two days:
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Brief visit of area behind townhouses on 15 December 2023 show more neglect, and OH&S safety risks, including leaning colorbond fence unpaintained for more that eight years:
Few videos as irrefutable evidence:
SP52948-townhouse-colorbond-fence-unmaintained-for-more-than-eight-years-15Dec2023
SP52948-unfinished-timber-fence-repairs-behind-townhouses-15Dec2023
SP52948-missing-railings-due-to-neglect-behind-townhouses-15Dec2023
SP52948-unsafe-common-property-near-townhouses-towards-Fontenoy-Road-15Dec2023
SP52948-unsafe-common-property-behind-townhouses-15Dec2023
Check of buildings also showed neglect on 15 December 2023, with emphasis on long-term water leaks in Block B fire stairs:
Few videos as irrefutable evidence of long-term water leaks in basement of four buildings:
SP52948-Block-A-basement-neglected-long-term-water-leaks-from-ceiling-20Dec2023
SP52948-Block-B-basement-neglected-long-term-water-leaks-from-ceiling-20Dec2023
SP52948-Block-B-basement-second-neglected-long-term-water-leaks-from-ceiling-20Dec2023
SP52948-Block-C-basement-neglected-long-term-water-leaks-from-ceiling-20Dec2023
SP52948-Block-C-basement-second-neglected-long-term-water-leaks-from-ceiling-20Dec2023
SP52948-Block-D-basement-neglected-long-term-water-leaks-from-ceiling-20Dec2023
Few videos as irrefutable evidence of neglected paving areas on 17 January 2024:
SP52948-neglected-paved-area-near-Block-B-photo-3-17Jan2024
SP52948-neglected-paved-area-near-Block-B-photo-4-17Jan2024
SP52948-neglected-paved-area-near-Block-B-photo-5-17Jan2024
Few videos as irrefutable evidence of faulty lights in gardens on 18 January 2024:
SP52948-Block-C-fire-exit-faulty-light-for-several-months-18Jan2024
SP52948-faulty-garden-light-for-seven-years-near-Block-C-18Jan2024
On 20 September 2023, fallen branches from tree on SP2948 common property damaged fence towards Fontenoy Road, near bus stop - very lucky that this repeated issue did not hurt anyone. Staff of Uniqueco Property Service hid the damaged fence planet behind the column in the little-visited area of basement:
Two months later, the problem was still unresolved on 12 November 2023:
On 20 January 2024, we "celebrate" four months of no-repair, courtesy of Uniqueco Property Services and Waratah Strata Management:
Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services were reminded about this problem. What did they do? Nothing: on 6 February 2024, the gate was still not repaired, making it a second entrance to complex that was not protected or monitored (the other one was unlocked or vandalized gate behind townhouses):
Video of damaged fence on 4 February 2024, unrepaired for four and half months:
SP52948-damaged-fence-due-to-fallen-tree-branch-unrepaired-since-20Sep2023-on-4Feb2024
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On 20 January 2024, thanks to Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services garden beds had lot of problems, including part of the wall that is in danger of collapsing near Block D:
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Garden light behind Block D that was faulty on 18 January 2024 was still faulty on 22 January 2024:
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In spite of significant deficit in Admin Fund, water waste is common occurence as shown by examples on 15 September 2023, 13 November 2023, 29 December 2023, and 24 January 2024:
SP52948-negative-trends-with-Admin-Fund-under-Waratah-Strata-Management
SP52948-repetitive-water-waste-on-sprinklers-on-hot-day-15Sep2023 (video)
SP52948-waste-of-water-sprinkers-used-on-rainy-day-13Nov2023 (video)
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Four lights in gardens were faulty on 29 January 2024:
SP52948-faulty-garden-light-near-Block-D-29Jan2024 (video)
SP52948-faulty-garden-light-for-seven-years-near-Block-C-29Jan2024 (video)
SP52948-unprotected-cables-creating-OHS-risk-near-townhouse-199 (video)
SP52948-Block-C-fire-exit-faulty-light-for-several-months-29Jan2024 (video)
Example of leaning colorbond fence problem for Lot 147, unattended for many years:
Photo taken on 5 September 2023:
Photo taken on 29 January 2024:
More damages of garden bed walls near Block D on 29 January 2024:
Unattended damages of garden bed walls near Block A, creating significant OH&S risks as children are playing near the every day, on 29 January 2024:
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Elevator in Block A was out of order from at least from 06:25 hours until 16:30 hours on 30 January 2024:
At no time there was a notice about this prolonged problem with the elevator, nor emergency exit doors were opened in the basement of Block A (a standard procedure when elevator is offline for longer periods)
Block D entrance, sliding door was again faulty on 1 February 2024:
The door was still open and issue unresolved on 2 February until around 12:45 when Uniqueco Property Services staff finally removed the notice about the fault:
The problem with ageing equipment was well known but not proactively monitored:
SP52948-entrance-sliding-doors-with-ageing-equipment-in-four-buildings-Oct2021
Gate behind townhouses towards Fontenoy Road was vandalised or deliberately left open on 2 February 2024, which meant security risk existed due to unmonitored entrance to complex:
SP52948-unlocked-entrance-to-complex-that-has-no-security-monitoring-2Feb2024 (video)
The security issue continued on 4 February 2024, 6 February 2024, and 8 February 2024:
SP52948-unlocked-entrance-to-complex-that-has-no-security-monitoring-4Feb2024 (video)
SP52948-unlocked-entrance-to-complex-that-has-no-security-monitoring-6Feb2024 (video)
SP52948-unlocked-entrance-to-complex-that-has-no-security-monitoring-8Feb2024 (video)
Not the first time it happened as photos for 4 and 30 January 2019 showed:
SP52948-keeping-secret-about-unlocked-entrance-to-complex-that-has-no-security-monitoring-30Jan2019
In afternoon at around 17:28 hours, on Sunday 11 February 2024, Lot 158 found two Bunnings trolleys abandoned in basement of Block B.
They create unnecessary OH&S risks within the complex.
They belong to Bunnings and are costly, so their business is suffering financial losses if the trolleys are not returned.
It did not seem plausible that the trolleys were brought into the complex by Bunnings staff and then just left.
Further more, as of 20:33 hours (three hours later), the trolleys were still left unattended in spite of staff of Uniqueco Property Services (building manager) being on the premise for night shift work.
Sadly, misappropriating shopping centre trolleys is common in our complex. There are owners and tenants who believe that keeping public property (trolleys) in their garages is justifiable and even go further to remove labels of ownership on the trolleys.
Bunnings was notified and email sent to Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services.
Bunnings was also advised that Uniqueco Property Services keep CCTV recordings from multiple cameras so it should be easy to find the persons responsible for bringing the trolleys into the complex.
Bunnings opened case 240212161741.
More photos:
SP52948-abandoned-Bunnings-trolleys-in-Block-B-basement-photo-1-11Feb2024
SP52948-abandoned-Bunnings-trolleys-in-Block-B-basement-photo-8-11Feb2024
The problem continued on 12 February 2024, where the trolleys were moved into private garage on Lot 37, blocking car movement and risking damage to private property:
SP52948-abandoned-Bunnings-trolleys-in-Block-B-basement-moved-into-Lot-37-garage-photo-2-12Feb2024
SP52948-abandoned-Bunnings-trolleys-in-Block-B-basement-moved-into-Lot-37-garage-photo-4-12Feb2024
SP52948-abandoned-Bunnings-trolleys-in-Block-B-basement-moved-into-Lot-37-garage-13Feb2024
This is how Uniqueco Property Services attended to the problem three days after Lot 158 organised the case and forced the return of private property to their rightful owners (and received compliments from Bunnings for such action):
SP52948-Uniqueco-Property-Services-response-about-Bunnings-trolleys-in-strata-complex-13Feb2024
The trolleys appeared to have been removed from the Lot 37 garage in the afternoon on 14 February 2024 (not visible at the front of the garage), five days after they were found abusing common space in the basement of the complex, but this was just a covert action because on 16 February 2024 the trolleys were accidentally witnessed from common area of the basement, behind the parked car in Lot 37 garage:
SP52948-abandoned-Bunnings-trolleys-in-Block-B-basement-moved-into-back-of-Lot-37-garage-16Feb2024
This was confirmed in early morning on 17 February 2024:
Lot 37 garage was known for another abuse - Uniqueco Property Services Mr. Steve Carbone regularly parked his van in this garage whilst the designated parking spot, for which owners pay their levies, was empty outside the complex. An example on 19 January 2024:
After persistent actions by Lot 158, Bunnings reopened case on 20 February 2024 because the trolleys were still in Lot 37 garage:
Bunnings notified Lot 158 and confirmed they spoke with building management staff. Uniqueco Property Services promised they would move the trolleys outside the carpark tomorrow morning, 21 February 2024 and Bunnings would collect them.
On 21 February 2024, Bunnings sent email to Lot 158, thanking them for their efforts and confirming:
The trolleys have been collected and brought back to the store-
As of April 2024, many common-property problems exist in Lot 158 alone. They are completely ignored by Waratah Strata Management and Uniqueco Property Services. Last attempt to engage with them was an email sent on 27 October 2023, a day after AGM 2023 where Lot 158 prevented illegal renewal of three-year contract with Uniqueco Property Services:
SP52948-unresolved-common-property-maintenance-issues-in-Lot-158
Because Waratah Strata Management (Mr. Robert Crosbie and Mr. Heath Crosbie) and committee members (Mr. Stan Pogorelsky, Mr. John Gore, Ms. Genelle Godbee, Mr. Ramesh Desai, Ms. Kathryn Cutler, Mr. Carlos Fornieles Montoya, Mr. Andrew Ip, and Mr. Jeffery Wang, whilst Mrs. Marianna Paltikian was notified through strata manager) did not answer any questions about dubious expenses at AGM 2023, Uniqueco Property Services was also asked to provide their responses:
Evidence on 5 April 2024 showed significant water-related damages on common property and private garages in basement of the buildings. Some of the problems have existed for more than eight years, destroying value of the complex and creating higher costs to repair them:
SP52948-Block-B-basement-long-term-concrete-cancer-due-to-water-leaks-5Apr2024 (video)
SP52948-Block-B-garage-water-leaks-5Apr2024 (video)
SP52948-Block-A-basement-water-leaks-5Apr2024 (video)
SP52948-Block-B-basement-water-leaks-5Apr2024 (video)
SP52948-Block-D-basement-near-garbage-bins-water-leaks-5Apr2024 (video)
SP52948-Block-D-basement-second-area-of-water-leaks-5Apr2024 (video)
SP52948-Block-D-basement-near-fire-exit-water-leaks-5Apr2024 (video)
Evidence on 7 April 2024 showed long-term lack of repairs of two major water leaks in Block C:
SP52948-Block-C-level-6-shonky-repair-of-water-leaks-7Apr2024 (video)
SP52948-Block-C-ground-floor-shonky-repair-of-water-leaks-7Apr2024.mp4 (video)
