Future-Proofing Your Scheme

MELISSA FRANZEN • August 7, 2025

Sustainability, Accessibility & Innovation Under the 2025 CSMA Reforms

1. Sustainability Discussions Now Mandatory at AGMs
From 1 July 2025, all community schemes must include sustainability infrastructure on their AGM agenda. That includes options like:

  • Solar panel installation
  • EV charging stations
  • Water-saving or energy-efficient upgrades

Even if you're not installing anything just yet, schemes are now expected to discuss and consider these items regularly. This is a push toward future-proofing and responsible planning.

2. Accessibility Just Got Easier
Previously, accessibility improvements like ramps or mobility rails required a special resolution (75% approval). That hurdle has now been lowered to a simple majority vote. This change removes a major barrier to creating inclusive and age-friendly communities, and supports the rights of residents with disabilities or reduced mobility.

3. Going Digital: Easier Access to Records
The reforms also encourage schemes to modernise how they manage records. Digital formats are now the norm for:

  • Meeting minutes
  • Insurance and financial documents
  • By-laws

This improves transparency and makes life easier for owners needing quick access to records—no more chasing paper trails!

📌 Takeaway: If your scheme hasn’t already embraced sustainability planning, accessibility upgrades, or digital systems—it’s time to get ahead.

Governance, Developers, and Car Parking – What Else Has Changed in 2025?

By MELISSA FRANZEN • August 7, 2025
The 2025 reforms to strata and community scheme laws bring more than just minor tweaks—they reshape how schemes are governed, how costs are shared, and even how parking is managed. If you own in a strata or community title scheme, here’s what you need to know.

Renovations, By-laws & Design in Community Schemes, What owners need to know in 2025

By MELISSA FRANZEN • August 7, 2025
1. Design Controls: No More Vetoing Based on Aesthetics Alone One of the key reforms to the Community Schemes Management Act is around sustainability and accessibility infrastructure. If a resident wants to install: A garden shed Rainwater tanks Solar panels Small paved patios Or other minor outdoor upgrades... The scheme cannot refuse approval purely on aesthetic grounds (e.g., “we don’t like how it looks”), unless valid planning or heritage restrictions apply. This is a major shift that protects owners’ rights to upgrade their homes in a functional, sustainable way, while still respecting the shared nature of community schemes. 2. Sustainability Upgrades Must Be Considered Every Annual General Meeting (AGM) must now include a standing agenda item for discussion of sustainability upgrades. This includes: EV charging infrastructure Solar or battery systems Water efficiency improvements Even if your scheme isn’t ready to act, you must still have the conversation annually. This sets a strong foundation for future planning. 3. Review Your By-Laws and Community Management Statement (CMS) Many community schemes are still operating under outdated CMS documents that don’t reflect current legislation or owner expectations. It’s a good time to review: Whether your CMS allows for reasonable renovations If there are unnecessary aesthetic restrictions Whether sustainability provisions are covered This is especially important if your CMS still references pre-2021 legislation or doesn’t differentiate between renovation, maintenance, and exclusive use rights. 📌 Takeaway: Community schemes must now support practical, sustainable improvements and avoid excessive restrictions based solely on appearance. Make sure your CMS and by-laws are up to date with the 2025 reforms.