We Take 5 With Ash, Our Council Liaison Manager

Ash works for us in the capacity of ‘council liaison manager’ and handles all the applications and permits for every build. In a role that requires great communication skills and organisation, Ash excels on every level.

We took 5 with her recently, to get to know her a little better, and get some insights into her thoughts on ‘all things Tasbuilt’

Tell us a little bit about yourself..

When I was younger, I told my Dad that I wanted to be a builder and he said “I don’t think that’s a good idea”.

Since that day I have constructed three houses and fully renovated two others as an Owner Builder. Sorry, Dad!!

I’m a mother of two children and instead of employing the services of a daycare centre, I picked up the tools and worked from home.

What appealed to you in our initial job offer, and made you reach out?

The position touched on something I had a good experience in, and I have always enjoyed construction.

I like a challenging fast-paced environment and when I set foot in the office, I could tell how meticulously organised the systems were. It sets the groundwork for an environment that supports growth.

Your role would certainly have its challenges, what’s your strong point to handle the pressure?

I wouldn’t say that I have a strong point. I think that we are all multi-faceted and being driven and resilient helps, but it takes a good team culture to keep everyone striving to achieve their best.

What comes to mind when you think of our company?

Beautiful family business with honest and hard-working staff.

In which type of office environment do you excel most?

I work best in an environment where all staff work hard in their roles, but are also happy to step out, learn new things and assist others. When everyone is growing together it creates a nice culture.

What stands out to you, as the most important thing this role has taught you?

Be willing to learn anything and everything, allow yourself to take things on board what are and help other team members.

I’ve just walked in off the street and I’d like to build soon – what’s three things regarding council applications I should know?

1. It’s a good idea to check your titles for easements and covenants - we can assist with this.

2. Before buying a property call council to discuss what overlays exist on the property and if your property is zoned appropriately for what you’re trying to achieve. Remember that the decision to take on the expense of driveways, connections and onsite works is often decided when you purchase the property.

3. Depending on what overlays exist on your land, your planning application may require supporting reports from suitably qualified professionals to accompany the application. These reports may include one or more of the following:

Engineering, Natural Values Assessment, Bushfire Report, Agricultural report, Land Stability Assessment.

We have contacts in the industry that can assist us with these reports.

Provide an example of a time when you successfully mediated a conflict between two parties, since taking on your role at Tasbuilt

I had a client that had significant floor restraints that they had to meet in order to satisfy the Council’s Engineers' requirements. They had purchased a block of land that had a covenant that suggested that the land was prone to flooding and any application would need supporting documentation.

We employed the services of a Hydraulic Engineer that had provided quite a strong report to support the application. Council and the Hydraulic Engineer had differing opinions which made it very tricky to navigate.

I just mentioned to Council that any unprofessional behaviour between professionals is not acceptable and to remember that client had a lot riding on a resolution and planning approval.

Someone once told me that a good builder is someone that can solve problems effectively and efficiently. I think that they were referring to making good decisions onsite, but sometimes it could also be said for solving conflicts between people.