- Published:
- Monday 1 February 2021
The Andrews Labor Government continues to lead the world in its response to combustible cladding with a ban on high risk cladding products on new multi-storey buildings coming into effect today.
Minister for Planning Richard Wynne today announced a prohibition on flammable aluminium composite panels and rendered expanded polystyrene as external wall cladding on all future multi-storey developments.
The decision to ban the use of these products on certain building types was based on expert technical advice, which found they can contribute to the spread of fire when used inappropriately or installed incorrectly.
Taking effect from February 1, the ban will prohibit the use of these products on apartment buildings, and other residential buildings such as hotels and aged care facilities with two or more storeys.
The ban also applies to the use of these products on office buildings, shopping centres or other retail premises, warehouses, factories and car parks with three or more storeys.
Applying the ban to new multi-storey developments limits the potential risk to the public from any future inappropriate use and reduces the risk of cladding fire incidents.
The Government also commissioned a cost benefit analysis, which found the ban will result in a net economic benefit of approximately $1 million annually due to reduced insurance costs.
The Victorian Building Authority will enforce the cladding ban in its role as Victoria’s building regulator, with penalties of up to $400,000 for significant breaches.
In July 2019, the Labor Government established the $600 million Cladding Rectification Program to enable rectification of hundreds of buildings identified through the State-wide Cladding Audit being conducted by the Victorian Building Authority.
The Victorian Cladding Taskforce recommended prohibiting the use of combustible cladding in multi-storey buildings and the Government conducted a five-month consultation process last year on the proposed ban.
More information about the specific cladding products and technical information about the risk posed by their inappropriate use can be found at: planning.vic.gov.au/building-policy/cladding-rectification-program(opens in a new window)
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning Richard Wynne
“This ban will ensure new developments are built to the highest standard to keep Victorians safe while we continue to rectify existing buildings through our world first cladding rectification program.”
“We’re continuing to act on the most up to date expert advice on cladding products and anyone caught flouting this ban will face significant penalties.”
“These products are a high risk when used inappropriately or installed incorrectly – that’s why we’ve acted to ban them for new multi-storey buildings.”