Operating under a COVID-safe framework for Queensland owners and committees

To help community living properties understand what they should do to manage COVID-19, we have outlined some of the useful tips for owners and committees as Queensland enters in and out of different restriction phases.

Committee members and owners should continue to maintain the common property to ensure the safety of all those who come and go while also operating under COVID-19 restrictions and frameworks.

Don’t forget to check for area-specific COVID-19 information as COVID-19 restrictions now apply to different Local Government Areas. A COVID-19 framework means body corporates, as an entity that owns, controls, or operates a restricted business activity or undertaking, should adhere to ongoing COVID-19 safety practices and plans that align with their common property facilities.

As a group, our focus has been and will continue to be providing committee members and owners with the support and resources to follow government recommendations and best practice safety procedures.Committee members and owners could consider the following:

1. Under a COVID framework, committees and owners should consider
2. Best practice COVID-safe framework tips for Queensland committees and owners

Under a COVID framework, committees and owners should consider:

• Always follow social distancing rules across all common property areas
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  • Check which restrictions have been put in place or relaxed for your Local Government Area 
  • Always keeping 1.5 meters between people — applies to residents, workers, and visitor
  • Committees should know the social distancing capacities for their common areas.
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• Open common property facilities that no longer have government restrictions in place. Committees are not allowed to restrict the use of assets or facilities unless authorised to do so via by-laws or the body corporate. Pools, gyms, and saunas are all allowed to reopen.
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• Committees can make recommendations to the body corporate should they feel certain common property facilities are increasing the risk of COVID-19 for their community.
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• The committee must keep contact information of all guests and staff who use any communal facilities on the property for tracing purposes for 56 days. Contact information includes name, address, mobile number, date and time the facility was used, and how long for. If requested, this information must be provided to public health officers. The information should be securely stored, not used for any other purpose, and deleted after the 56 days.
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• Whether a body corporate requires a COVID Safe Checklist or a COVID Safe Plan depends on the facilities on the property. Your property may have to adhere to additional regulations and requirements. Particularly if your property has short-term letting or accommodation facilities, if you have a gym or a swimming pool.
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  • COVID Safe information for accommodation
  • COVID Safe Plan – gyms and fitness facilities
  • COVID Safe Plan – swimming pools
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• Proceed with annual general meetings and committee meetings. However, social distancing regulations must be adhered to. If restrictions can’t be met, alternatives such as electronic meetings should be held — see new legislation changes that support meeting alternatives and what must be undertaken by committee members. It’s important to note, those who are entitled to vote can’t be denied a right of attendance.

Best practice COVID-safe framework tips for Queensland committees and owners:

Committees should:
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• Maintain increased cleaning and hygiene schedules around the property
• Keep common property areas well signposted to reinforce and inform restrictions. This includes lifts, entertainment areas, foyers, in-door entertainment areas and recreational rooms
• In common property areas that are deemed higher risk, such as pools, include signage that encourages users to not use facilities if feeling unwell, hygiene practices, and provide a risk disclaimer
• Confirm and check that all common property facilities are allowed to be open as of the date of opening
• Keep contact information of visitors and contractors. If this is done via soft copy, make sure pens are sanitised between uses
• Make sure all contractors submit a Safe Work Method Statement which will now include additional processes for COVID-19 personal protective equipment and social distancing measures.
• If you need help with COVID-19 signs for your property, visit Safe Work Australia and the federal government’s COVID-19 resources page.
• When in doubt, ask you body corporate manager for advice or support.
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If you’d like to find out more on managing health & safety for our property, find out more about our Community Health & Safety services by clicking here. Our team is ready to assist you 24/7.