The City of Parramatta Council supports the NSW Department of Planning’s efforts to make sure the developers, Ecove, and their builder, Icon, look after these residents’ needs – both during the investigation and longer term. Council will continue to work with NSW State Agencies to support residents if and as necessary.

“We await the report into the building’s issues and applaud the urgency given to this,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Andrew Wilson said. “Our heart goes out to residents made homeless over this period. Christmas is about connecting with family and friends, and instead, many peoples’ lives have been turned upside down.

“The residents’ safety must come first, it is important the issues are resolved promptly.

“I am glad the NSW State Government’s Planning Minister has appointed two independent Professors of Engineering – from the University of NSW and University of Newcastle – to investigate the building’s cracked concrete and advise on how to best fix it. The professors were expected onsite on Friday 28 December and their report will be made public.

“It is important that the investigation also highlights potential lessons that can ensure similar problems are avoided in all future developments.”

The Opal Tower development was classified as a State Significant Development. Approval was issued by the Department of Planning and Environment, while all inspections of the building and issuing of both the Construction Certificate and the Occupation Certificate were completed by a Private Certifier, not a Council Certifier.

If residents or others have concerns about their building or its safety they are encouraged to contact NSW Fair Trading on 133220 – where a dedicated hotline has been established.