Figtree East [2003] QBCCMCmr 312 (6 January 2003)

Last Updated: 7 September 2007

RA MeekREFERENCE: 0769-2002

INTERIM ORDER OF AN ADJUDICATOR

MADE UNDER PART 10 OF CHAPTER 6

BODY CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT ACT 1997

Number of Scheme:	21938
Name of Scheme:	Figtree East
Address of Scheme:	81 Salerno Street, ISLE OF CAPRI QLD 4271

TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to an application made under the abovementioned Act by the secretary, Eric Johnston on behalf of the body corporate for Figtree East

RA MeekI hereby order that the application by the secretary, Eric Johnston on behalf of the body corporate for Figtree East for an interim order that the cat maintained in Villa 15 of the complex contrary to the by-laws by Heather Brooks be removed from the complex immediately, is dismissed.

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STATEMENT OF ADJUDICATOR’S REASONS FOR DECISION - REF 0769-2002

"Figtree East" CMS 21938

The applicant the secretary, Eric Johnston on behalf of the body corporate for Figtree East has sought the following order of an adjudicator under the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 (the Act), quote -

That the cat maintained in Villa 15 of the complex contrary to the by-laws by Heather Brooks be removed from the complex immediately.

The applicant body corporate has also applied for an interim order to the above effect.

Section 225(1) provides that an adjudicator may make an interim order if satisfied, on reasonable grounds, that an interim order is necessary because of the nature or urgency of the circumstances to which the application relates. An adjudicator’s order may contain ancillary or consequential provisions the adjudicator considers necessary or appropriate (section 230(1)).

In any consideration of an application which seeks the making of an interim order, it is necessary to determine at the outset whether, because of the nature or urgency of the circumstances relating to the application, an interim order is in fact necessary or appropriate. The examples included in the Act under section 225(1) are suggestive of the usual circumstances where an interim order might be made. Both examples are in the nature of injunctive relief. Whilst the range of matters which might be the subject of an interim order is not capable of definition, the applicant does need to establish that the circumstances of the application warrant the making of an interim order.

An interim order will not be made, or will be dismissed, in circumstances where the only urgency relates to the applicant’s desire to resolve or expedite the matters in dispute, or where the nature of the circumstances are such that the matter is not capable of being dealt with in the context of an interim order. Again, it is not possible to define these circumstances. However, given that an interim order may be made ex parte (ie. without reference to, or submission from the respondent named in the matter), then as a guide, where the circumstances or matters in dispute include matters or allegations not capable of objective consideration, or ready determination, or relate to issues of credibility or character, for example, where an interim order would be inappropriate, then the request for an interim order will be dismissed. It is a matter for an adjudicator to determine in respect of each application.

The matter of compliance with by-laws is not a matter which can be dealt with by way of interim order. It is a matter which requires full investigation before the making of any order. Moreover, the applicant has not sought interim relief, but rather that a final order be issued as an interim. In the circumstances, I am not satisfied that the applicant has established that either the nature or urgency of the circumstances warrant the making of an interim order. Accordingly, this application for an interim order is dismissed.

This matter will now be investigated in accordance with the usual processes undertaken by this office. A final order regarding the application will be made in due course. n