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56-point environmental checklist for Queensland home sellers
Article from:
Natalie Gregg
November 13, 2009 12:00am QUEENSLANDERS selling their homes will soon have to complete a 56-point questionnaire detailing the property's environmental credentials.
Laws passed in State Parliament last night introduced the so-called sustainability declaration, which was criticised by the Opposition as adding unnecessary red tape.
Before being able to offer a property for sale, home owners must fill out a form describing its energy and water efficiency, including whether or not it has solar power, a gas cooktop, insulation, water-saving shower heads, or a rain water tank.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Stirling Hinchliffe told State Parliament the "user-friendly" form would help housing markets reflect the true value of sustainable features.
"Just as many people look at fuel economy and ongoing running costs when buying a car, sustainability features should be an important consideration for prospective home owners," Mr Hinchliffe said.
But Opposition planning spokesman David Gibson said the mandatory form, designed as an education tool, was instead a confusing and complex document only available in English and printed in very small type font, making it very hard to read.
He said many people would be forced to hire someone to help them determine the energy rating of their home.
"We support their intention but once again Labor has botched the delivery," he said.
The new laws also deliver on an election promise to "ban the banners", which was supported by the Opposition, and ensures conditions placed on new developments won't restrict the use of sustainable housing features, such as light coloured roofs, single garages or solar hot water systems.
The State Government gagged debate last night to rush the legislation through Parliament, so the laws could take effect by January 1 next year.
Article from:
Natalie Gregg
November 13, 2009 12:00am QUEENSLANDERS selling their homes will soon have to complete a 56-point questionnaire detailing the property's environmental credentials.
Laws passed in State Parliament last night introduced the so-called sustainability declaration, which was criticised by the Opposition as adding unnecessary red tape.
Before being able to offer a property for sale, home owners must fill out a form describing its energy and water efficiency, including whether or not it has solar power, a gas cooktop, insulation, water-saving shower heads, or a rain water tank.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Stirling Hinchliffe told State Parliament the "user-friendly" form would help housing markets reflect the true value of sustainable features.
"Just as many people look at fuel economy and ongoing running costs when buying a car, sustainability features should be an important consideration for prospective home owners," Mr Hinchliffe said.
But Opposition planning spokesman David Gibson said the mandatory form, designed as an education tool, was instead a confusing and complex document only available in English and printed in very small type font, making it very hard to read.
He said many people would be forced to hire someone to help them determine the energy rating of their home.
"We support their intention but once again Labor has botched the delivery," he said.
The new laws also deliver on an election promise to "ban the banners", which was supported by the Opposition, and ensures conditions placed on new developments won't restrict the use of sustainable housing features, such as light coloured roofs, single garages or solar hot water systems.
The State Government gagged debate last night to rush the legislation through Parliament, so the laws could take effect by January 1 next year.
