Examining how universal access can reshape strata living into truly inclusive communities

The festive season is a time of joy, celebration and often, higher energy bills. With lights twinkling, ovens baking, and air conditioners running, it’s easy for energy use to spike. But with a few smart strategies, small businesses and households alike can enjoy the festive season while keeping costs under control. Here are our top tips for smarter energy use this Christmas: | Switch to LED Christmas Lights LED lights use up to 80% less energy than traditional incandescent

SCA (WA) is pleased to announce the recipient of the 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗦𝗖𝗔 (𝗪𝗔) 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁’𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱: Melanie Duryea FSCE. The President’s Award is a special honour presented to someone who has made an extraordinary contribution to SCA (WA) and to the advancement of our strata community. It recognises an individual whose dedication, insight and generosity have strengthened our Association well beyond the expectations of any formal role. This year’s recipient exemplifi

SCA (WA) is proud to announce that 𝗟𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 has been awarded to Marietta Metzger HFSCM at the CHU SCA (WA) 2025 Strata Community Excellence Awards held in November.

CHU is proud to launch its Green Grant Program which will support sustainable initiatives within residential strata properties. Open to policyholders of CHU's Residential Strata Insurance, the Green Grant Program will award a total of $50,000 in its inaugural year to empower body corporates and property owners to implement sustainable initiatives that reduce their environmental footprint, improve energy efficiency and foster community involvement. The program addresses a fund

Many homeowners are unaware that internal water damage poses a more common and costly risk than fire and burglary. While we generally protect our property against theft and fire with locking devices, alarm systems and smoke detectors, a far greater potential problem lies in wait – water damage. That sinking feeling The average water damage claim increased by 72% between 2014-2018, from $17,627 to $30,361*.  Water damage makes up 34% of an insurer’s property-related claims. Un

In today's dynamic energy environment, small strategic decisions can have a significant impact on the long-term performance of an Embedded Network. Understanding the current market conditions is the first step toward unlocking the full potential of your embedded network. What’s happening in the WA energy market? Several key developments are shaping the landscape for embedded networks in Western Australia: Regulatory reform: The introduction of the Alternative Energy Services

DON'T OVERLOOK CRITICAL SYSTEMS Across the strata industry, the management of physical assets has not advanced as quickly as other areas such as finance or administration. Many strata schemes still have limited visibility over the condition and maintenance needs of their plant and equipment. This often results in reactive maintenance, higher costs, and avoidable compliance risks. A well structured asset register is the foundation of effective building management. Rather than

Risks, inspections and funding pathways for existing schemes Waterproofing defects remain a major issue across WA strata, with independent studies showing high defect rates in apartments. Balconies and terraces are frequent ingress points, and WA’s Building & Energy audits are examining practices. NCC 2025 will tighten waterproofing and water-shedding provisions, but existing schemes still need action now: prioritise inspections, fast-track rectification of known leaks, and u

The common areas of residential complexes are an important part of the building and often used in marketing to attract prospective buyers. However, many serious injuries and larger liability claims are a result of incidents occurring in these areas. Recreation facilities are an integral part of a residential complex, but they can also come with a myriad of liability issues. Some facilities such as gyms and saunas may be used by people who may not have exercised for a long tim

The big picture, in plain English The Commonwealth’s Net Zero Plan puts transport, buildings and electricity at the centre of the transition. It explicitly leans on the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) —now law and in force—to shift the new-car market toward much cleaner models from 2025. As supply changes, about half of all new light vehicles sold by 2035 will need to be electric to stay inside the 2035 economy-wide target. That’s not a fad; it’s a planning assumption

The rise of embedded networks in strata schemes reflects a shift toward smarter, more efficient energy management. Yet with new opportunities come new considerations, and many strata managers and owners are asking the same questions. Here, we break down the essentials to help you navigate this evolving space. What is an Embedded Network? An embedded electricity network is a private distribution system within a strata scheme or property that connects to the main electricity gr

In today’s commercial strata environment, owners and strata managers face growing complexity in managing risk and ensuring that insurance cover remains appropriate. One often overlooked – yet crucial – aspect of this process is the early identification and disclosure of tenants in commercial strata complexes. Why it matters Insurers assess premiums and coverage terms based on the occupancy of each lot. The type of tenant – whether it’s an office, café, warehouse, or light ind

SCA (WA) is aware of the recent campaign aimed at ‘naming and shaming’ businesses in the strata sector as ‘bad actors’.   We believe it serves no one's interests to make public and unsubstantiated allegations against any individual or business. Any concerns should be submitted through an appropriate independent complaints or legislative process. To date, none of the complaints against SCA (WA) members raised through this campaign have been upheld. They have either not been su

...when it's stormwater, of course. To avoid confusing flood with other water perils, Australia has had a standard definition of flood...

What is Cured-In-Place Pipe Lining? Cured-in-place pipe lining (CIPP) is an innovative, trenchless method for repairing damaged or...

This article is based on content from The WA Strata Magazine by LookUpStrata, published in July 2025, pages 34-35. For more information, visit The WA Strata Magazine . What you need to know Understanding strata insurance is essential for both strata council members and lot owners. While it's a legal requirement for all strata companies, the type and scope of insurance can vary significantly depending on the nature of the scheme (strata scheme or a survey-strata scheme). This

A strata complex that underwent a major energy conversion to an embedded network model has paved the way for other aging properties in WA to do the same. A major electrical overhaul at Fremantle’s Johnson Court has transformed the 121‑lot strata scheme into a future‑ready, cost‑effective precinct through the implementation of a fully integrated embedded network (EN). The mixed‑use development at 23 Adelaide Street comprising 111 residential units and eight commercial tenancie

By Hana Humboldt The West Australian , published 7 June 2025 From hammering hooks in walls for artwork to painting a room in whatever shade takes your fancy – these are just a few of the simple joys which make a home feel like your own. However, according to Strata Community Association (WA) General Manager Kerrin Simmonds, many owners of strata lots are surprised to learn they need approval for changes which might seem routine in a freehold. So, just how far can you take the

For strata developers and managers, long-term asset performance, financial sustainability, and regulatory compliance all hinge on one vital tool: the Capital Maintenance Forecast. More than just a budgeting exercise, this forecast acts as a financial blueprint for the upkeep and preservation of shared property assets. By establishing a detailed and forward-thinking capital maintenance plan, developers and strata managers can safeguard the physical and financial health of thei