Combustible cladding audits

We work with the Victorian Government to investigate, assess and address the safety risks caused by combustible cladding.

Background

Some buildings have external wall coverings made of flammable or non-compliant materials, which can be a fire hazard. This danger became clear after two major fires: the Grenfell Tower fire in the UK (June 2014) and the Lacrosse building fire in Docklands (November 2014).

To address this issue, the Victorian Government formed the Victorian Cladding Taskforce in July 2017 to:

  • Identify buildings with combustible cladding.
  • Provide advice on how to address the safety issues caused by combustible cladding.
  • Suggest improvements to the relevant regulations.

We were among the first councils to partner with the Taskforce in the audit of buildings for unsafe cladding. 

What is cladding and why is it dangerous?

Cladding is the outer layer of a building. It helps with insulation, protects against weather, and improves the building’s appearance 

 There are many types of cladding, but some can catch fire easily. There are two main types of combustible cladding - follow the links below to learn more. 

If a fire starts, these materials can make it spread faster, increasing the danger.

Audits of buildings in the City of Port Phillip

Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV) is inspecting buildings in the City of Port Phillip for unsafe cladding. The audit covers:

  • Apartment buildings, hotels, motels, and student housing with three or more floors.
  • Hospitals, schools, and aged care facilities with two or more floors. 

We are working with the CSV, Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV), Owners Corporations, owners and building practitioners to investigate and address the use of combustible cladding that could put people at risk.  

If your building has combustible cladding, contact your Owners Corporation to check if they are aware of it and what steps have been taken. You can also reach out to the CSV or our Building Department for guidance on what to do next.

This audit does not include every building in the area. Instead, it focuses on a selected group of buildings identified by the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) and CSV.

Council does not provide assessments for building materials. If you need to check what materials were used in a building, you can hire a private consultant. 

Cladding Safety Victoria

The Victorian Government created Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV) to manage a $600M program to tackle the issue of combustible cladding on privately-owned apartment buildings across Victoria. CSV may provide funding to rectify combustible cladding of some higher risk buildings, and many projects have already been completed. For more information on the CSV rectification program click here.

The City of Port Phillip is working with CSV and the Department of Transport and Planning to support apartment owners in addressing fire risks from combustible cladding on external walls.

Through the Cladding Remediation Partnership Program, CSV oversees the remediation process, following clear policies on assessing and reducing cladding risks. 

This process is guided by the Minister’s Guideline (MG-15) and the Cladding Risk Mitigation Framework. Learn more about the Program, Guideline and Framework on the Department of Transport and Planning’s website - Cladding remediation partnership program (planning.vic.gov.au)

Fire Safety Tips

Here are some simple ways to make your home safer from fire:

  • Clear your balcony - remove rubbish, clutter and flammable items. 
  • Move balcony furniture - keep furniture away from exterior walls.
  • Keep a safe distance - keep items at least one metre away from air-conditioning units, including clothes out to dry.  
  • Check smoke alarms - don’t cover or disconnect them. Test monthly and replace 9-volt batteries yearly. Consider upgrading to smoke alarms with 10-year lithium batteries. Avoid fire hazards on balconies - do not use barbecues, store gas bottles or smoke on balconies. 
  • Know your building’s evacuation plan - be familiar with escape routes and escape procedures.
  • Have a fire extinguisher at home - keep a dry powder fire extinguisher easily accessible for small fire only if you are confident and able to do so. 
  • Maintain safety measures - make sure fire doors, exit paths, smoke detectors, sprinklers, hydrants, and other essential safety measures in the building are maintained and working properly. 
  • Call 000 in an emergency.

For more fire safety tips, check out:

Buying an apartment

Before buying an apartment, it’s important you do your research on combustible cladding. 

Ask the Owners Corporation and building manager: 

  • if they know whether the building has combustible cladding
  • if any Building Notices, Building Orders or Emergency Orders have been issued
  • if the insurer has made any enquiries about combustible cladding on the building and what they found
  • if an independent cladding audit has been done.

The City of Port Phillip’s Building Department can provide information on the audit status of specific buildings.

You should also have your solicitor or conveyancer review these documents for any mention of combustible cladding issues:

  • the contract of sale 
  • the Section 32 statement
  • past Owners Corporation meeting minutes (AGMs).

Make sure all documents are up to date.

Contact us

Our Building Team is here to help.

Send us a message on My Port Phillip.

Phone: 03 9209 6253

Email: helpbuilding@portphillip.vic.gov.au

In person: visit the Planning and Building Enquiries Counter at St Kilda Town Hall during opening hours Monday to Friday.