Monday 29 June 2009
WESTERN Australia's leading environmental architect Mr Garry
Baverstock said rapid change was required in the way we build and
renovate our properties and prepare for disasters.
Mr Baverstock who is the principal of Ecotect-Architects said
the increase in reported damage as a result of tornados and severe
storms in recent years has reinforced the need for people to
rethink the way they build structures and prepare for
catastrophes.
"Most houses and buildings in and around Perth and the southwest
will not withstand ongoing cyclones, severe storms and tornados,"
said Mr Baverstock.
Mr Baverstock referred to the tornado that rampaged through
Bunbury Friday last and cited coastal towns and suburbs, including
Mandurah and Rockingham, as new hot spots for disasters.
He said many new homes did not comply with sustainable
principles and people should feel short-changed if problems started
to occur in their homes within ten years.
"A significant shift in building practices is necessary if homes
and buildings are to sustain severe storms," he said.
"The tie-down on roofing needs to be more solid, windows need to
be stronger and houses should be designed to complement the
surrounding environment," he said.
Mr Baverstock said houses in Germany and Switzerland were built
to 'last the distance' and Australian builders needed to construct
sturdier structures.
He said investing extra money up front to construct a durable
home will be cheaper to maintain in the long run and won't fly away
in a storm.
Mr Baverstock said people keen to live in solid homes should
tell their architects, builders and local councils to adopt
sustainable building policies and designs.
"If enough people place pressure on builders and local councils
then building codes will change.
"The knowledge, technology and courses for built environment
professionals are available, yet the take-up rate is low which
explains why many architects and builders are unfamiliar with
sustainable principles.
Mr Baverstock said the Bunbury tornado highlighted the urgent
need for the state government to create a comprehensive disaster
prevention and recovery policy.
He referred to the Auditor General's 'Coming Ready of Not:
Preparing for Large Scale Emergencies' report issued last month in
which it was found state and local governments were unprepared for
large scale emergencies, including storms and bushfires. (Ref:
http://www.governmentnews.com.au/news/article/UWJQOZFULV.html)
"It is critical we act now in the creation of strategies that
ensure Western Australians will know what to do before, during and
after future disasters," he said.
He said many cities, towns and shires did not have a cyclone
warning and planning policies in place.
.../ Ends
Further
Information
Mr Garry Baverstock: Tel: 0419 965227
(Journalist) Jacinta Goerke: Tel: 0412
338813