austlii:qld/QBCCMCmr/2025/307
General information, not legal advice.
QBCCMCmr
2025-09-08
Original judgment source is linked above.
Park Avenue at South Bank [2025] QBCCMCmr 307
The Body Corporate for Park Avenue at South Bank (respondent)
Section 77(1) of Schedule 4 of the South Bank Corporation Act 1989 (Qld) (SBC Act)
COMMON PROPERTY - IMPROVEMENTS - where the body corporate resolved by ordinary resolution to carry out works to common property - whether the works are 'maintenance' or 'improvements' - whether the improvements form a single project or 'one case' - whether the motions must be passed by resolution without dissent.
(i) in any 1 case, the cost of the improvements does not exceed the prescribed amount; or
(ii) the body corporate resolves by resolution without dissent to do so; or
(iii) the body corporate resolves in general meeting that the improvements are considered to be essential for the health, safety or security of users of the common property and the referee makes an order approving the making of the improvements.
Motion 3 Engagement of Contractor for Maintenance Works
THAT the Lessees resolve to authorise the Committee to engage Revolve Projects as Contractor pursuant to the attached Proposal Q0363 for maintenance works described as follows:
1 Rear section - from new rear glazing to gym area - $1,165,266.19 ex GST
2 Front Section - from new front glazing to front signage - $229,661.05 ex GST
3 BBQ Area - Sauna & Bathrooms - $100,230.43 ex GST
at a total quoted cost of $1,843,243.63 including GST (subject to any reasonable amendments or adjustments as approved by the Committee).
Are the works proposed under Motion 3 'maintenance' or 'improvements'?
After 18 months of careful planning, extensive owner engagement and consultation, we are very pleased to present proposed works for Stage 1 of Planning the Future.
The works relate to the pool area, gym and front entrance, collectively "Stage 1", which is a clear priority of Owners and areas in need of attention. The objective of the Planning the Future is to take opportunity, when conducting required maintenance, to execute it in the framework of an overall vision for the future and incorporate elements that will enhance our home and living experience.
The works will address the waterproofing failures including the common garden areas. We will have a new entertaining area which is more weather resistant including built in seating and new equipment. Inbuilt seating for the pool surrounds will provide more bespoke areas for small groups to enjoy the pool and facilities. The addition of an all-access bathroom, sauna and outdoor shower near the pool will provide added amenity, allow the existing bathrooms to service the internal common area and free up space in the gym increasing its utility.
The gym will be refreshed, larger and modern. The front entrance will have added security and prominent signage befitting an A-Grade residence. Improved letter boxes and parcel delivery will add to the efficiency and security of the building. Selected materials are as previously presented to owners and are neutral in tone, selected by the design team to combine well with the existing colour scheme. Funds already raised in the special levy passed at the AGM for tiling around the pool, will be incorporated such that the additional special levy to fund Stage 1 is reduced.
Motion 4 Engagement of Project Manager for Maintenance Works
THAT the Lessees resolve to authorise the Committee to engage Woodsters as Project Manager pursuant to the attached Project Quote for maintenance works at a quoted cost of $150,419.27 including GST (subject to any reasonable amendments or adjustments as approved by the Committee).
Motion 5 Engagement of Contractor for Improvements to Common Property
THAT the Lessees resolve to authorise the Committee to engage Revolve Projects as Contractor pursuant to the attached Proposal Q0363 for improvement works described as follows:
3 BBQ Area - Sauna & Bathrooms - $100,230.43 ex GST
1 Rear section - from new rear glazing to gym area - $1,165,266.19 ex GST
2 Front Section - From new front glazing to front signage - $229,661.05 ex GST
at a total quoted cost of $110,253.47 including GST (subject to any reasonable amendments or adjustments as approved by the Committee provided the cost remains less than the Prescribed Amount of $112,000).
[28]...there is no obvious basis in the words of the legislation for the notion that multiple proposals should necessarily be determined to be one project simply because they have the same or similar subject matter or are directed to the same end, are considered by a committee at the same time, or are undertaken at the same time.
[29] The only context provided by the legislation is the amount of the expenditure on the proposal or project and the nature of the authorisation required - that is, in the context of a decision on whether to spend money. Accordingly, it would seem logical to characterise two or more proposed expenditures as either separate or part of one project with that in mind.
1 Rear section - from new rear glazing to gym area - $ 1,165,266.19 ex GST
2 Front Section - From new front glazing to front signage - $229,661.05 ex GST
3 BBQ Area - Sauna & Bathrooms - $100,230.43 ex GST
THAT the body corporate approves an additional Special Sinking Fund Levy in the amount of $1,386,418.00
(including GST) for the purposes of Maintenance Works and that the contributions are hereby determined at a rate of $187.00 (including GST) per lot entitlement to be issued by instalments as follows:
Please note: the 1st levy period 01/08/2025, is in addition to the previously approved special levy of $33.00
Levy Period Amount Per Lot Entitlement Due Date
[1] Section 77(1) of Schedule 4 of the SBC Act
[2] On 14 July 2025, at the applicant's request, I extended this interim order for 3 months so that it has effect until 6 November 2025.
[3] Section 37(1)(a) of Schedule 4 of the SBC Act
[4] Section 37(1)(c) of Schedule 4 of the SBC Act
[5] Section 37(2)(f) of Schedule 4 of the SBC Act
[7] See section 47 of Schedule 4 of the SBC Act and section 12 of the Building Units and Group Titles Regulation 2008
[8] Morcom and Ors v Campbell-Johnson and Ors [1955] 3 All ER 264
[9] Per Adjudicator Rosemann in Carmel By The Sea [2020] QBCCMCmr 559 at [33]
[10] See for example, Loganholme Industrial Centre [2025] QBCCMCmr 173
[17] See section 162 of the Accommodation Module (formerly section 149)
[18] See section 162(2) of the Accommodation Module (formerly section 149(2))
[21] Section 38A(2) of Schedule 4 of the SBC Act