Media response - 24 Saltfleet St, Port Noarlunga

Published on 11 October 2024

Response to The Advertiser.

• I've been talking to former business owner Michelle Lowe who operated Cheffy Chelby's from 24 Saltfleet St in Port Noarlunga. Ms Lowe has claimed the building was declared derelict and unsafe by the city of Onkaparinga in February 2023. She said once the building had been condemned, she was given just 48 hours to vacate. Doing my due diligence, does the council have a record of that? What is the usual practice for building inspections for commercial properties in the area?

Ms Lowe contacted the council with concerns about the safety of the building she was leasing/renting in Port Noarlunga, and a building inspection was undertaken in late 2022.

An emergency order was issued to the owner of the building (a failing roof/ceiling being the immediate safety concern), with a requirement for the building to be vacated for repairs. After a period of time, the owner subsequently chose to demolish rather than repair the building.

The council's Economic Growth and Tourism team worked with Ms Lowe through her relocation to a new site on Beach Road, Christies Beach, from which she traded until earlier this year.

The council's qualified building officers undertake inspections in accordance with the state's Practice Direction for Inspections, and in response to issues raised by the community.

ENDS