A decade has passed since a late-night cigarette ignited a blaze that rapidly engulfed 13 storeys of the Lacrosse apartment building in Melbourne on November 24, 2014.
The fire, which caused over $5.7 million in damages but miraculously claimed no lives, exposed the widespread use of flammable cladding and sparked a series of investigations into the construction industry.
As the anniversary approaches, experts question whether enough has changed to prevent similar incidents.
Associate Professor Trivess Moore, co-author of a recent article in The Conversation, argues that while progress has been made, significant challenges remain.
Moore’s research reveals that the construction industry still has a long way to go.
Even basic tasks, such as identifying buildings with flammable cladding, remain incomplete in many areas.
This lack of progress highlights the need for a central, accessible repository of construction materials used in buildings.
The aftermath of the Lacrosse fire led to numerous recommendations for industry reform.
However, implementation of these suggestions has been limited.
Moore highlights the need for stronger, enforceable warranties and measures to prevent companies from avoiding responsibility through “phoenixing” — the practice of closing one company and starting another.
One key issue is the industry’s focus on cost over quality, which often results in limited consideration of a building’s long-term performance and safety.
Moore advocates for a shift in this mindset and clearer processes for addressing dangerous defects when they emerge.
The construction sector’s resistance to change and the typically slow pace of regulatory reform present ongoing challenges.
However, Moore stresses that addressing these systemic issues is crucial for ensuring the design and construction of livable, defect-free, high-quality, and sustainable buildings.
As the industry reflects on the lessons learned from the Lacrosse fire, it’s clear that while some progress has been made, there is still much work to be done to prevent future disasters and improve the overall quality of construction in Australia.
