REDLAND City Council will turn over its building inspection and certification process to the private sector, with an increase in fees ranging from about $419 to $495.
The decision means a new fee structure will be set, leading to higher charges for residential and commercial building applications.
The aim is to save council money via full cost recovery, with losses for the service last financial year of $220,000.
Cr Julie Talty said although she supported the move, there was potential for problems to occur on the bay islands.
There had been periods in which private certifiers did not want to do island jobs because of high costs and transport issues.
This was not the current situation but it could arise again.
Cr Talty said that apart from remote areas, most local authorities including Brisbane City Council, had followed the privitisation path.
Cr Mark Edwards said although he supported the move, he also was concerned. “I will support it because I don’t want to see council operating at a loss,’’ he said.
A report by council officers recommended changes to ensure costs were fully offset.
The report said the move would have an impact on those in financial hardship but council had an exceptional circumstances policy which could be used to apply for a fee reduction.
Cr Talty said it was expected that a panel of approved certifiers would be set up.
A council spokesman said that under the new system a quote from a private certifier would be sought whenever council was asked to perform building certifications rather than using the old flat fee.
The cost of certification for a typical mainland house with a garage if using council is $1293, compared with private certifier costs of about $2100.
Southern Moreton Bay Island costs are $1908 compared with private certifier costs of about $2800.
From July 1, 2016, until February 1, 2017, there were 1287 total building applications for Redlands of which council prepared only 71.
