Living Here
Roles and Responsibilities
Building Certifier
Building certifiers assess and inspect building and structures to make sure they are built to meet legal requirements. During inspections, certifiers physically check that structures are constructed accurately, in the approved location and to approved standards. If building certifiers identify a matter that is not reflective of the approved plans, standards or relevant codes, changes to building/structures or further development approvals or compliance permits may be required.
Finding a certifier
Council provides a range of building approval services for the construction industry, from large commercial and industrial projects to smaller residential projects (including new dwellings, extensions, alterations and additions, sheds, carports, pergolas and the like). Council’s building certification team can streamline the building certification process as they:
- Are up to speed with the relevant policy and legislation;
- Have an in-depth knowledge of the local area; and
- Do not make a profit from building certification services.
Contact (07) 4970 0700 or info@gladstone.qld.gov.au for assistance.
Private certifiers
If you wish to engage a private building certifier for your proposed building works, it is important to be mindful that they hold the necessary credentials and qualifications.
Builders
Builders oversee, coordinate and work on the construction or repair of homes and other buildings. Some key roles of a builder include:
- Reading plans or organising for plans to be drawn that meet building code regulations and client specifications.
- Providing quotes or submitting tenders for building works.
- Submitting plans to local authorities for approval.
- Arranging inspections of building work.
- Organising contractors including carpenters, electricians, plumbers and painters to carry out building tasks.
- Calculating quantities and costs and sourcing of building materials and labour.
- Supervising contractors or employees to ensure safety standards are maintained and works remain on schedule.
Engage a builder that is licensed for your type of work. Check the Building Services Authority (QBCC) website.
There is also information on the QBCC site regarding building contracts, insurance and the complaint process. Your builder will compile and lodge the working drawings and engineering drawings with a private certifier.
Town Planner
Private town planners are able to assist property owners or purchasers with due diligence by identifying development opportunities or issues on a property. They can also prepare development applications and support property owners to obtain development approvals.
You may choose to engage a town planning consultant to help you prepare your development application. This is not mandatory but may save you time and make the process easier. A town planner considers all relevant assessment criteria and will be able to guide you through the planning approval process.
If you are unsure whether your development requires planning approval please contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 or info@gladstone.qld.gov.au for assistance.
Registered Professional Engineer of Queensland (RPEQ) Engineer
There are several different types of engineers including Civil, Structural, Mechanical and Electrical. Engineers play a very important role in all renovation or construction projects involving weight calculations and structural work. A structural engineer will look at everything that affects a building’s structure and will design foundations to make sure structures are sound and safe.
In most cases, professional engineering services for projects in Queensland are required to be carried out or supervised by RPEQ-certified engineers. Certain works are also required to have RPEQ sign-off. An RPEQ engineer has obtained engineering certification which recognises the competence and qualifications of a skilled engineer. Before engaging an engineer it is best to check whether they are RPEQ certified.
Environmental Health Officer
An Environmental Health Officer makes sure all food businesses meet their legal obligations and that all food products sold and consumed are correctly labelled and safe to eat. To perform these duties, officers will visit food businesses to:
- Give advice on how to develop and improve food safety systems in compliance with food production and labelling requirements
- Educate and provide businesses with advice on correctly following food safety law and food standards
- Inspect or audit a food business’ food safety practices
- Monitor compliance with or investigate complaints and breaches, including allegations of issues like food poisoning
- Enforce action through improvement notices, prohibition orders, penalty notices or prosecutions.
Architect
Architects design new buildings or develop new ways of using existing buildings. They are involved in construction projects from the earliest stages right through to completion and prepare and present design proposals to clients.
Qualified On-site Sewerage Facility (OSSF) Designer
A Qualified On-site Sewerage Facility (OSSF) Designer is responsible for identifying the type of on-site sewerage facility which best suits your property. OSSF Designers will prepare a on-site wastewater report recommending a particular combination of treatment systems. This information must be submitted as part of the application (plumbing permit) to Council.
Site and Soil Evaluator
A site and soil evaluator’s role is to assess land for its ability to contain on-site effluent disposal. This evaluator will advise you about the best wastewater design for your particular property and situation.
Licenced Plumber
A plumber is someone who installs and maintains pipes and fixtures in our homes and businesses. These pipes need to be installed and maintained for things like bathrooms, toilets, kitchens, laundries, swimming pools, barbecues and air conditioners.
For all plumbing work, you will need to hire a licensed plumber. In most instances you should be able to check the plumber’s licence online, and for all work carried out you should request a safety certificate. Visit the government’s qbcc.qld.gov.au site to check if your plumber holds a valid license.
Surveyor
When purchasing land, or a new property, a land surveyor will be able to confirm your new property’s exact boundaries. This is extremely useful, and sometimes integral if you are looking to purchase, sell or subdivide existing land; or for putting up fences.
If you’re building a house, the measurements taken by a land surveyor will be used by your architect when designing your new home.
Contact Council on (07) 4970 0700 or iinfo@gladstone.qld.gov.au for further assistance.
