NSW GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING OPAL TOWER RESIDENTS - EXPANDING INVESTIGATION TEAM

T he Government understands the anxiety and concern this is causing for the owners and tenants of Opal Tower. That's why we've moved quickly to appoint independent engineering experts - Professors Mark Hoffman and John Carter – who were on site within hours of being appointed to begin their investigation into how it has happened.

While it's still early in the process, determining the cause of the issues at Opal Tower will be a complex task, and Professors Hoffman and Carter will be engaging other technical experts to support them.

The Government is monitoring this situation very carefully, including arrangements being made for the relocation of residents, and if further action is required to support residents we will move quickly to ensure this is provided.

Safety and security of people is always going to be the number one priority. If residents or others have concerns about their building or its safety they are encouraged to contact NSW Fair Trading on 133220 – where a dedicated hotline has been established.
 

Quotes attributable to Professors Mark Hoffman and John Carter

"We fully acknowledge the impact this issue is having on the owners and tenants of Opal Tower. 
 

"We have been on site yesterday and today to initiate our investigation, and we are working closely with the builders and their engineers to ensure they are focusing on identifying the problems and how to remedy them as quickly and efficiently as possible.
 

"However, at this stage it would not be appropriate to speculate on the possible causes or what has happened as we need to complete our investigation, the results of which will be made public.
 

"With regards to other buildings, the use of pre-cast concrete in construction is a building method used throughout Australia and many countries across the world and has been for decades.
 

"If our investigation uncovers an issue relating to pre-cast concrete, that information will be shared with our report to government."