We have received a communication from Sue Eddy, the CEO of the Victorian Building Authority (extract below). We are optimistic that we now have their support to work with churches and municipal building surveyors to find a way forward, without the need for changing the use and occupancy permits of these buildings.
THANK YOU for all your letter writing, petition signing (5,500+ of you!), phonecalls and prayers. You have made a difference! We trust that good is coming as a result of all this attention and effort. It is our prayer that more churches in towns across Australia will also join together to offer shelter and hospitality to those who have no other options. If you’d like to find out about starting a shelter contact: info@stableone.org or check out our website.
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From the VBA:
… the VBA has committed to producing a Practice Note for all stakeholders which will provide the VBA’s recommended pathway for assessing the appropriateness of pre-existing buildings for use as shelter. The Practice Note will also address the conditions, if any, which should be imposed to ensure that this additional building use is safe.
The VBA will produce this Practice Note by the end of 2019 to ensure appropriate planning can be undertaken by building owners and charitable providers participating in Stable One or similar activities in 2020.
During a workshop with surveyors next week, the VBA will endeavour to accommodate any of their residual concerns in the Practice Note to ensure a smooth roll out of your program in 2020.
As always, the VBA stands ready to assist an impacted Council with a determination in this matter that allows Stable One to provide this vital service.”
Once again, thank you for your support.
Jenny Willetts, Managing Director, Stable One Ltd