Doncaster balcony collapse to be investigated by Manningham council officials

THE Manningham council will be called upon to investigate if the Doncaster balcony that collapsed, killing two people, was cons­tructed with a building permit.

THE Manningham council will be called upon to investigate if the balcony that collapsed, killing two people, was constructed with a building permit.

Councillor Dot Haynes said she felt awful for the victims of the incident, and would ask mayor Andrew Conlon to look into it.

The collapsed balcony. Picture: Seven News.

The collapsed section of the balcony is at the front left of the photo. Picture: David Crosling

DONCASTER CHRISTMAS PARTY ENDS IN BALCONY NIGHTMARE

“They were having a celebration,” she said.

“It was their Christmas breakup party and they were taking a photo. There were too many on the balcony for it.

“You’re never certain if it had a permit or not — I would definitely hope so, but I don’t know whether that is the case or not.

“It’s usually the older places (that have non-compliant renovations).’’

Emergency crews on scene of the horrific Doncaster incident. Picture: Patrick Herve

Christmas decorations at the home which hosted a fatal end-of-year party. Picture: Patrick Herve

Balconies most have load-bearing numbers, be ticked off by a building surveyor and meet all building codes.

Cr Conlon, who lives near where the incident occurred, said he did not want to com­ment on the tragedy, and would wait for the Coroner’s report before acting.

He said all options would be considered.

A Manningham council statement said a municipal building surveyor inspected the site today and a report would be prepared for the coroner.

Emergency services attend a Veranda collapse in Doncaster East. Picture: Jason Edwards

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CITY TO AUDIT BUILDING PERMITS

But it was noted that “the building permit system was privatised in Victoria in 1994. Most building permits are now issued by private building surveyors’’.

The Building Act requires a building permit to be issued prior to any work being carried out.

Any structure built without a valid permit can attract a penalty of up to $10,000.

“Given the matter is subject to an ongoing investigation and a report for the Coroner, Manningham council will not be making any further comment on this specific incident at this point in time,’’ a media release stated.