The suspension of Atomic 6's building licence and investigation into allegations of fraud and poor building practices is hitting home for families in the Bega Valley.
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The NSW Fair Trading Minister announced this week they had cancelled Atomic 6's contract licence and warned residents across the state not to deal with the company or its director Andrew Lennox "under any circumstance".
The warning was primarily directed at homeowners looking to rebuild after the devastating floods in northern NSW.
However, Fair Trading said it followed a spate of "serious complaints" by homeowners "ripped off by dodgy or incomplete work" after the devastating Black Summer bushfires.
Bega Valley Shire Council said it was aware of nine families in the shire who had engaged Atomic 6 for their post-bushfire rebuilds.
"This is obviously a significant concern for the families that have engaged Atomic 6 and is compounding their existing trauma," BVSC director of community, environment and planning Alice Howe said.
"At this stage, we are aware of nine families in the Bega Valley Shire who have been affected.
"Council's Recovery Support Service and Building Compliance teams are working closely with affected families that are currently engaged with us and invites those not currently receiving council support to access our services by contacting us on (02) 6499 2345 or emailing recovery@begavalley.nsw.gov.au.
"We are also working with Resilience NSW and our local social service organisations to identify appropriate supports for the families' living circumstances in the short and longer term."
It's understood Atomic 6 had approached council for approval to erect moveable dwellings for bushfire-impacted residents. Manufactured housing of this type does not require full development consent nor require ongoing building inspections.
Eurobodalla Shire Council said it was also aware of several families affected in the region.
"My understanding is Fair Trading has spoken to the local people impacted to advise them this was coming, and with Resilience NSW is supporting them through next steps," Eurobodalla mayor Mathew Hatcher said.
"Hopefully everyone involved has been contacted, but if not, please get in touch with NSW Fair Trading."
NSW Fair Trading Minister Eleni Petinos confirmed that Atomic 6 had been the subject of "serious complaints about defective, incomplete and poor building work conducted without NSW Home Building Compensation Fund insurance".
The immediate licence cancellation means Atomic 6 cannot advertise, contract for, or conduct any residential building work for which a licence is required in NSW.
Ms Petinos said an investigation launched by NSW Fair Trading had identified numerous consumers on the South Coast who had made payments to Atomic 6 for contracted work that had not been completed, had been sub-standard or non-compliant.
"In one case the construction was so poor that the local council issued a demolition order on the dwelling," Ms Petinos said.
"Another case saw a couple pay Atomic 6 a deposit plus additional payments over a 10-month period only to have minimal works carried out."
NSW Fair Trading reminds consumers to always check that a contractor is licensed to carry out work they're paid to do. They can do this by clicking here.
NSW Fair Trading is working closely with Resilience NSW to support consumers affected by Atomic 6.
Anyone with complaints about Atomic 6 is encouraged to contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or online at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/help-centre/online-tools/make-a-complaint
Ben Smyth
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
