The New South Wales Government has passed new amendments to make it easier to install renewable energy into strata buildings.
Better Regulation and Innovation Minister Kevin Anderson said the changes to the Strata Schemes Management Act make it easier than ever for strata committees to install sustainability infrastructure, such as solar panels, battery storage and electric vehicle charging points.
“The reality is that apartment buildings have been held back when it comes to installing renewable energy, and that had to change,” Anderson said.
“For too long the high voting thresholds needed to approve these types of installations has made it far too hard for owners and residents living in strata.
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“Today we’ve changed the law so that strata committees only need 50 percent of owners to agree to install clean energy infrastructure in their apartment buildings, making it drastically easier to make the switch.
Anderson said the Government will now consult with key stakeholders on any other barriers to the uptake of sustainability infrastructure in apartment complexes.
“This Government is committed to creating a strong, safe and sustainable environment for the 82,000 people living in strata buildings in NSW. Every dollar counts at the moment, and I won’t allow red tape to stand in the way of those people accessing clean energy and the lower bills that come with it,” he said.
“Now that we’ve made it easier than ever to get approval to install sustainable infrastructure, we want to ensure there’s nothing else standing in the way.”