Pets / Pot Plants on Balconies 

  • Residents are to take care that pet urine does not enter your balcony drainage outlets, as it will flow onto those units below. Besides being unhygienic, it has caused complaints in the past and can create unnecessary tension between neighbours.
  • Also, if you have a dog, please be mindful of excessive barking, as this too can be disruptive to your Centra neighbors and our neighbours living in buildings next door..  
  • Similarly, please ensure all potted plants are placed in trays that can collect all excess water. This prevents dirty water from running into the drains and onto balconies below.

Balcony Use Guidelines

To ensure our building remains safe, pleasant, and respectful for all residents, please keep the following in mind when using your balcony:

  • Noise – Keep conversations, music, and gatherings at a reasonable level, especially in the evenings, to avoid disturbing neighbours.

  • Cleaning – When cleaning your balcony, ensure that water does not spill or drip onto units below. Use a mop or bucket instead of a hose where possible.

  • Appearance & Tidiness – Please keep your balcony neat and well-presented. Avoid storing excess items or clutter that may affect the overall appearance of the building.

  • Hanging Washing - Please do not hang washing from within your balconey area if it is visible from the street. This detracts from the buildings appearance, and does not comply with our bylaws.

  • Railings – Do not drape clothes, towels, bedding, or other items over the balcony railings. Use drying racks or clotheslines inside your unit instead.

  • Safety – Never throw or drop anything from your balcony, as this can be dangerous to people and property below.

Shutters

IMPORTANT: All shutters, and other external fictures must be approved prior to installation (By-law 17.1 refers)

Installing Shutters or Balcony Enclosures – What You Need to Know

We understand that residents may want to add shutters, blinds, or balcony enclosures for extra privacy, shade, or weather protection. However, because our building has already been certified under strict safety and planning rules, any additions must follow the law and be approved before installation.

Key points to keep in mind:

  • Approval is required – Adding shutters, blinds, or enclosures counts as building work under the Qld Building Act 1975. Depending on what is installed, you may have to obtain building development approval before starting. 
  • Fire safety risks – Non-approved products may contain combustible materials or create a “bridge” between levels, which can allow fire to spread more easily. This is a major safety concern.
  • Light & ventilation – Enclosures can reduce the amount of natural light and airflow required by the Building Code.
  • Structural safety – Anything attached to the outside of the building must be engineered to withstand strong wind loads. Poorly installed items can become dangerous in storms.
  • Appearance & planning rules – Our building’s design was approved under council planning requirements. Unapproved additions may breach these rules and trigger enforcement action.

NB: If you do wish to buy and install shutters etc, please contact the Body Corporate Committee beforehand, to obtain the required application form.