The Victorian Government will fast-track the rectification of buildings with dangerous cladding to make them safer, sooner and create thousands of jobs as the economy rebuilds from the coronavirus pandemic.

The Government’s $600 million plan to fix flammable cladding was originally designed to rectify up to 100 buildings per year.

However, the Government today announced the world first program will be accelerated to work closely with industry, with work to start on up to 400 buildings within two years.

Cladding Safety Victoria (CSV) will work with a select group of reputable builders to rectify their projects at no-profit. Participating builders must pass rigorous government checks and have no relevant or significant pending or past disciplinary action on their records.

Over time, more original builders will be invited to participate in this process, saving time for residents and saving taxpayers money.

Payments will only be made once milestones have been reached and work quality has been confirmed.

This new model does not change the buildings already identified as in scope within the rectification program – no buildings will be taken out or added.

In cases where builders are ineligible to participate the existing process remains in place, and the Government will proceed with its cost recovery process so that building practitioners that have done the wrong thing are financially liable.

Owners who do not want to work with the original builder do not have to participate in the fast-tracked program, however they will still have their buildings rectified by CSV.

For more information about the program visit: vic.gov.au/cladding-safety.