Storm season is an increasingly critical consideration for strata communities across Australia. From intense rainfall and flash flooding to destructive winds and prolonged weather events, the impact of storms on strata properties can be costly, disruptive and stressful for lot owners and residents alike. For committees and managers involved in strata living, preparation is no longer optional – it is a core responsibility tied closely to property protection, compliance and community wellbeing.
Across the country, strata committees have seen firsthand how weather events can expose building weaknesses, highlight maintenance gaps and create confusion around responsibilities. In 2025 severe weather in Queensland and Northern NSW prompted many communities to reassess their readiness, particularly in relation to water ingress, communication planning and preventative maintenance. This article explores storm season in Australian strata, with a focus on scheme preparedness, water ingress risks and communication and decision-making during emergencies.
Understanding Storm Season Risks in Strata Communities
Storm season brings a combination of risks that can affect common property, individual lots and shared services. These risks often include:
- Heavy rainfall leading to roof leaks and water ingress
- Blocked or overwhelmed stormwater drainage systems
- Wind damage to roofs, façades, fences and shared structures
- Power outages affecting lifts, security systems and lighting
- Access issues that delay inspections or emergency works
For committees, understanding these risks is essential when planning maintenance programs and budgeting. It is also where professional guidance from a dedicated strata manager can add real value, particularly when aligning maintenance priorities with seasonal risks.
Water Ingress: One of the Most Common and Costly Issues
Water ingress remains one of the most frequent and complex problems faced by strata schemes during storm season. It can occur through roofs, windows, balconies, basement areas and even service penetrations. While water ingress may initially appear minor, delays in addressing it can lead to structural deterioration, mould growth and disputes between lot owners and the committee.
Common contributors to water ingress include:
- Aging or poorly maintained roofing materials
- Cracked or degraded waterproofing membranes
- Blocked gutters and downpipes
- Inadequate drainage around buildings
- Unauthorised lot owner modifications
Committees supported by a dedicated strata manager are increasingly encouraged to adopt proactive inspection schedules ahead of storm season. Identifying vulnerabilities early allows works to be prioritised before heavy weather exposes them.
Importantly, while water ingress is often associated with storms, it is rarely caused by a single event alone. Instead, storms tend to reveal pre-existing issues. This is why long-term maintenance planning, rather than reactive repairs, is central to effective strata management for committees.
Scheme Preparedness: Planning Before the Storm Hits
Preparedness is the difference between a manageable weather event and a prolonged disruption. Well-prepared strata schemes typically share several characteristics:
Preventative maintenance programs
Regular inspections of roofs, gutters, drainage systems and external structures reduce the likelihood of failure during storms.
Clear emergency response procedures
Committees should understand who to contact, how decisions are made and how residents are informed during severe weather events.
Up-to-date contractor relationships
Having pre-approved trades helps avoid delays when urgent works are required.
Accurate records and asset registers
Documentation supports faster decision-making and clearer communication when issues arise.
In 2025 severe weather in Queensland and Northern NSW demonstrated how some strata committees that invested in preparedness were able to act quickly, limit damage and restore normal operations faster than those relying on ad-hoc responses. One example of community leadership and proactive decision-making can be seen in this SSKB case study on how a leading strata committee responded following ex-Cyclone Alfred: https://sskb.com.au/leading-strata-committees-how-443-queen-tackled-cyclone-alfred/
Understanding Responsibilities: Body Corporate vs Lot Owners
Clear understanding of responsibilities is critical during storm season, particularly when damage occurs or urgent action is required. Confusion around who is responsible for what can delay repairs and escalate disputes.
Generally, the body corporate or owners corporation is responsible for the maintenance and repair of common property. This often includes roofs, external walls, shared drainage systems and other structural elements that protect the building as a whole. Proactive maintenance of these areas is one of the most effective ways committees can reduce storm-related damage.
Lot owners, on the other hand, are usually responsible for maintaining their individual lots, including internal fixtures, fittings and any owner-installed modifications. Where damage appears within a lot during a storm, it is important to determine whether the cause originates from common property or from within the lot itself.
For committees and managers, clear documentation, consistent communication and timely investigation help ensure responsibilities are identified correctly. This clarity supports faster decision-making and helps maintain trust across the community during high-pressure situations.
Communication and Decision-Making During Storm Events
While physical preparedness is critical, communication is often the factor that determines how residents experience a storm event. Poor communication can lead to confusion, frustration and unnecessary disputes.
Effective storm-related communication includes:
- Clear instructions to residents before severe weather
- Updates during the event if access or services are affected
- Transparent explanations of next steps following damage
Committees working with their strata manager often rely on established communication protocols to ensure consistent messaging. This is especially important in larger schemes where misinformation can spread quickly.
Decision-making authority should also be clearly defined. Knowing what decisions the committee can make immediately, and which require broader approval, helps prevent delays when time-sensitive action is required.
The Role of the Committee, Building Manager and Strata Manager
Storm preparedness is a shared responsibility between the committee, building manager and strata manager and alignment on roles is essential.
Typically:
- Committees provide oversight, approve plans and allocate budgets
- Building Managers and/or Strata Managers coordinate inspections, contractors and communications
- All parties collaborate on risk management and compliance obligations
Consequences of Inadequate Storm Preparation
Failing to prepare for storm season can lead to:
- Escalating repair costs
- Extended disruption to residents
- Increased disputes between owners and committees
- Insurance issues
- Compliance and governance challenges
For committee responsibilities and lot owners alike, preparedness is not just about weather – it is about protecting shared assets and maintaining trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a strata committee do before storm season begins?
Committees should review maintenance schedules, arrange inspections of known risk areas and confirm emergency procedures with their strata manager and building manager.
How can water ingress risks be reduced?
Regular maintenance, timely repairs and addressing minor issues early are key. Storms often expose existing weaknesses rather than create new ones.
What happens if storm damage is ignored?
Ignoring damage can result in higher repair costs, ongoing deterioration and increased disputes within the scheme.
Who is responsible for coordinating repairs after a storm?
This is typically managed collaboratively by the committee, building manager and the strata manager, following agreed decision-making processes.
Are there examples of communities handling storms well?
Yes. Communities that plan ahead, communicate clearly and act decisively tend to recover faster and with less disruption, as demonstrated by recent SSKB-supported case studies.
Where can committees learn more?
SSKB provides a range of educational articles and resources to support committees across Australia – https://sskb.com.au/our-events/