Urgent Need for Strata Reform and Support
Rising costs and long-term caretaking contracts are causing a financial crisis in Queensland’s strata sector. The Unit Owners Association of Queensland (UOAQ) highlights these pressing issues.
According to a UOAQ study conducted between 2022 and 2025, 42% of the state’s 1,874 body corporate legal disputes relate to the Accommodation Module regulations. This statistic emphasises the urgent need for legislative reform.
Developers in Queensland are uniquely allowed to sell building management contracts solely for their financial gain. Contracts are valued at AUD 8 billion and can be locked in for 25 years, endlessly extendable, solely benefiting management rights holders.
Since 2019, personal bankruptcies linked to strata debt have tripled across the nation. This surge increases financial pressure on Queensland’s lot owners, compounded by rising insurance premiums and strata management fees.
Role of the Unit Owners Association of Queensland
Advocacy for fair practices and reforms is led by the volunteer-driven Unit Owners Association of Queensland. Their mission is to protect the rights and financial wellbeing of unit owners in strata communities, providing resources like newsletters and a Knowledge Bank to its members.
By 2046, Brisbane City expects 54% of its housing to be strata. Despite this projection, the Queensland government has not yet amended current legislation. The UOAQ campaigns for reforms that include transparent management rights contracts and improved dispute resolution processes.
Efforts by the association involve direct advocacy with government bodies, influencing policy debates, and supporting owners in navigating complex strata issues.
Challenges in Queensland’s $245 billion, 53,000-scheme strata sector are significant. Practices suppress open tendering and informed approval, denying owners the opportunity to review competitive prices or contractor capabilities. This suppression also impacts informed voting by owners when approving management rights contracts.
With more homeowners choosing affordable options like apartment and townhouse complexes, the need for independent, owner-focused representation grows significantly. The UOAQ ensures those funding and sustaining the strata industry have a strong, informed, and effective voice.
For more information or to become a member, visit the Unit Owners Association of Queensland’s website.
