A cautionary tale for apartment owners

My wife and I are long-term Docklands apartment owners and residents.

For some time, we have planned to renovate our ageing apartment to make it fit for its age- ing occupants into the future. Our renovation got underway after the first lockdown, but with the second lockdown, this was halted by our owners’ corporation manager (OCM) citing advice from the strata association and Business Victoria.

Four months later our apartment still has no bathroom or kitchen or laundry, and we cannot get an answer from our OCM, nor from the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, the Minister for Health or their departments as to when we may be able to complete our renovation. No matter that the building and the builder have a COVID-safe plan. This has serious implications for all owners of apartments in multi-dwelling complexes. If you are not permitted to start a renovation, or you have started but not completed, you may never be allowed to complete your renovation, under current rules.

Consequently, we should all fear for the liveability and resale value of our apartments in the weeks, months and perhaps years to come.

Thomas McNair

Rainbow over Docklands

Dear team,

As we are progressing through the storm and dark clouds of life, I deeply feel that the beauti- ful rainbow captured by me is an indication of a beautiful time to look forward to.

Enjoy this phase! Cheers,

Rahul Sagane

Reflective harbour

Hello team,

I clicked a few images on my walk last night. It was not windy and the reflection seems almost mirrored.

Hope it looks good to be published. Kind Regards,

Reecha Kumari