In the early days Newcastle was well known for mining. Over time, these inactive mines were filled and housing developments have since been permitted on a number of these sites.
Newcastle, Lake Macquarie & the Hunter’s predominant mining techniques left supporting structures in place and may have occurred over 150 years ago. Most homes built over an old mine site may never be impacted by mine subsidence, as the old workings are considered stable.
From time to time, parts of the old mine workings collapse (subsidence). A range of factors (like water inundation) can cause workings to deteriorate, but is usually localised and may only affect one property.
Are you about to buy a property in a mine subsidence area and how do you tell?
Vendors are required to include a section 149 certificate from the local Council in the sale contract. This certificate contains a section that provides the kind of detail necessary for your conveyancer/solicitor to verify whether or not the land you are buying is within a mine subsidence area.
If the land is noted as being located within a mine subsidence area, we will then proceed to order a certificate under the Mine Subsidence Compensation Act 1961 from Subsidence Advisory NSW. The purpose of this certificate is to obtain confirmation from Subsidence Advisory NSW that you will be eligible for compensation in the future should your property ever experience damage as a result of mine subsidence.
This certificate is to give you a little peace of mind help will be available - should this rare situation eventuate.
Below is a quick map of current affected areas. As you can see, the Newcastle/Lake Macquarie region is largely within a mine subsidence area. With the processes in place with Subsidence Advisory NSW, the buying and selling of property in this region has not been affected in any significant way.
For your protection, Stevens Conveyancing always order a certificate from Subsidence Advisory NSW if the property is listed in a mine subsidence area.
Further information about mine subsidence can be found here: http://www.subsidenceadvisory.nsw.gov.au/
For 24 hour emergency contact Subsidence Advisory NSW on 1800 248 083.
If you have any questions about your situation, contact me via leah@stevensconveyancing.com.au or call 0414 894 031 to discuss.
Please note that the information contained in this article is of a general nature only and does not constitute legal advice. Stevens Conveyancing does not take responsibility for any errors or omissions obtained from the use of this information.