Scott Simpson
MP For Coromandel

7 July 2014

Common Sense Decision on Farm Buildings

The MP for Coromandel Scott Simpson has described as common sense the decision to exempt farm buildings from earthquake assessments.

Scott Simpson MP says ‘As a rule, farm buildings are not places where people spend long periods of time. We’re talking about buildings that are shearing sheds, hay sheds, or milking sheds.”

Mr Simpson says ‘It’s hugely important that buildings comply with safety codes if they’re likely to endanger public safety in an earthquake. However, it’s unreasonable to expect our farmers to pay for each and every one of their buildings to be assessed under the Government’s earthquake-prone buildings policy.’

“The cost of the assessment would have been $3000 per farmer, on average. Common sense has prevailed here over excessive compliance” he said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media