❓ A WA parliamentary question on notice regarding the Department of Housing's handling of a termite-infested and vandalised property in Bunbury, including costs, timelines, and future plans. The response details actions taken and clarifies responsibilities.
AnsweredQoN 2979Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
I refer to the Department of Housing property at 30 Parade Road, Bunbury, and I ask: (a) in the last 15 months, how much money was spent by the department: (i) treating the property for termites; (ii) removing all of the trees on the block; and (iii) removing parts of the verandah; (b) how much was the quote received by the department to fix the termite damage to the roof and walls; (c) when was the contract with the builder to repair the building terminated; (d) when did the department decide to demolish the building instead of repair it; (e) how much is the quote to demolish the building; (f) when will the building be demolished; (g) the building has been extensively vandalised and is a safety and fire risk, why hasn't the property been fenced; (h) in view of the long wait for pubic housing: (i) why didn't the department act immediately when informed over 15 months ago that a pile of timber on the property was infested with termites before the termites infested the building; (ii) the property has been vacant for over 13 months, why is it taking the department so long to act on this matter; and (iii) what is the department's intention once the building is demolished, will the department redevelop the site to provide more public housing; (i) will the department cover costs for a termite inspection for neighbouring properties to ensure termites have not moved into their homes; and (j) if termites are detected in neighbouring properties, will the department cover the cost of removing the termites from those properties and, if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
19 May 2015
Responded by
Minister for Housing
Response time
28 days
The Department of Housing advises:
(a)
(i) Nil. However, termite treatment was completed in December 2013, following which an independent assessment was conducted. The assessment noted no further activity.
(ii)-(iii) An itemised amount is not available as the cost of removing the trees and part of the verandah was included in the total cost of the original scope of works.
(b) The original tender to repair and refurbish the property was $79 749.80. This tender included repairs for termite damage.
(c) 31 October 2014.
(d) 27 February 2015.
(e) $17 600.
(f) The contract was awarded on 8 April 2015 and commencement of works is contingent upon the appropriate permits being issued by the local government authority.
(g) The Department installed fencing at the property on 14 November 2014, which is still in situ.
(h)
(i) Termite activity was originally identified after the most recent tenants vacated the property in November 2013. Once the Department was made aware, it arranged for an inspection and commissioned a report. Termite treatment was undertaken in December 2013.
(ii) The Department initially decided to repair and refurbish the property and acted on that basis. The decision was reconsidered once the full extent of the termite damage was established and action was taken to arrange for the demolition of the property and redevelopment of the site.
(iii) The Department is considering options for the future use of the site.
(i) No.
(j) No. Regular inspection and treatment for termites is the responsibility of property owners.
(a)
(i) Nil. However, termite treatment was completed in December 2013, following which an independent assessment was conducted. The assessment noted no further activity.
(ii)-(iii) An itemised amount is not available as the cost of removing the trees and part of the verandah was included in the total cost of the original scope of works.
(b) The original tender to repair and refurbish the property was $79 749.80. This tender included repairs for termite damage.
(c) 31 October 2014.
(d) 27 February 2015.
(e) $17 600.
(f) The contract was awarded on 8 April 2015 and commencement of works is contingent upon the appropriate permits being issued by the local government authority.
(g) The Department installed fencing at the property on 14 November 2014, which is still in situ.
(h)
(i) Termite activity was originally identified after the most recent tenants vacated the property in November 2013. Once the Department was made aware, it arranged for an inspection and commissioned a report. Termite treatment was undertaken in December 2013.
(ii) The Department initially decided to repair and refurbish the property and acted on that basis. The decision was reconsidered once the full extent of the termite damage was established and action was taken to arrange for the demolition of the property and redevelopment of the site.
(iii) The Department is considering options for the future use of the site.
(i) No.
(j) No. Regular inspection and treatment for termites is the responsibility of property owners.
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