VIC:Residents evacuate Qld apartment block

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2010
VIC:Residents evacuate Qld apartment block

MELBOURNE, Aug 17 AAP - Residents have been evacuated from a block of flats in Melbourne
after an inspection revealed water damage and inadequate fire safety procedures.

The company that owns the block of 10 flats at Pinehill Drive, Frankston, in Melbourne's
south, had already been placed in receivership prior to the evacuation order.

Resident Erin O'Reilly said lawyers had issued a notice on Friday to vacate by 5pm
on Tuesday, and a second notice was issued on Monday evening.

The notice listed safety issues with the property as the reason for the evacuation, she said.

"There are a few families from overseas who obviously don't have anywhere to go at
this stage," she told Fairfax Radio on Tuesday.

"I find it all hard to believe."

A letter from Frankston City Council chief executive George Modrich to affected residents
says an occupancy permit should not have been issued by the surveyor.

"Safety concerns that may result in death or permanent injury to occupiers of the building
warrant the issue of an emergency order to evacuate and prohibit occupation of the building,"

it said.

A statement from insolvency firm KordaMentha said it had recently arranged a building
inspection after concerns about building defects were raised by some occupants.

"As a result and in consultation with the receivers and managers, the building inspector
contacted Frankston Council which this week issued the residents with notices to vacate
the building," the statement said.

"The receivers and managers will work with all parties in relation to the relocation
of the occupants."

The council and Westpac Bank, which has taken control of the property, is helping people
arrange alternative accommodation and relocation if they are unable to stay with family
or friends.

AAP ees/ce/pc

KEYWORD: BUILDING

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