Strata Community Association Queensland (SCAQ) is proud to launch StrataWeek, a dedicated initiative to spotlight the growing importance of strata living in Queensland. The week will run from 24-30 March and culminate in the QStrata Expo and Conference, running from Wednesday to Friday at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
SCAQ General Manager Laura Bos said StrataWeek is a pivotal opportunity to showcase strata’s potential while calling for urgent reform and investment in the sector.
“Strata is growing at an extraordinary pace in Queensland, yet public understanding and government support haven’t kept up,” said Ms Bos.
“With the state facing a housing crisis, strata offers one of the most viable pathways for more Queenslanders to own their own homes. Given the government’s commitment to increasing housing supply, we’re urging them to fully embrace strata as part of the solution.”
Ms Bos highlighted strata’s broader benefits, including its potential to reduce urban sprawl, ease congestion, and support environmental sustainability.
“Strata developments encourage higher-density living, which means fewer cars on the road, less land clearing, and stronger community connections—leading to real environmental and mental health benefits. A thriving strata sector is a win for homeowners, a win for the government, and a win for the planet.”
The case for reform
Despite these advantages, Ms Bos said Queensland’s outdated strata laws are failing to support the sector’s growth, leaving many residents vulnerable.
One of the most pressing concerns is building defects. Research suggests that 85 per cent of residential strata buildings have at least one defect. Ms Bos is calling for stronger consumer protections and better insurance options to shield owners from the burden of faulty construction.
She also pointed to the urgent need for strata management regulation.
“Right now, anyone can call themselves a strata manager without formal education or ethical standards. This lack of oversight weakens confidence in our industry. It’s time for professionalisation and regulation.”
Strata insurance reform is another major issue, with rising premiums creating significant cost-of-living pressures.
“With insurance being compulsory for strata properties, these skyrocketing costs are unfairly impacting owners. We need action on taxation and mitigation funding from all levels of government,” said Ms Bos.
Ms Bos also called for greater community autonomy, arguing that strata owners deserve the same rights over their homes as those in detached housing.
“Outdated regulations restrict communities from making democratic decisions about how they live. Strata residents should not be hamstrung by excessive by-law restrictions.”
Shining a light on strata
Despite these challenges, Ms Bos said the primary goal of StrataWeek is to educate and inspire more people to engage with the sector.
“We want to demystify strata—helping people understand its benefits and complexities while building a stronger case for reform. That’s why we’re excited to welcome Attorney-General Deb Frecklington to open the QStrata Conference this week.”
“We encourage policymakers, property professionals, and everyday Queenslanders to take part, learn more, and be part of shaping a better future for strata communities.”
