Building standards in Port Macquarie have come under increased scrutiny following a major compliance inspection program carried out by Building Commission NSW.

During July, inspectors conducted 123 compliance inspections at residential building sites across Port Macquarie, Forster and Nelson Bay. The inspections resulted in 21 fines with a combined value of $14,850. The enforcement action formed part of a wider inspection blitz across Port Macquarie and New England, where more than 150 building sites were inspected.

Most of the fines issued in the Port Macquarie area related to unlicensed residential building work, failure to properly display development consent signage, inadequate supervision of contractors and unauthorised plumbing or drainage work.

Inspectors also issued 21 cautions, mainly involving issues with site signage and unlicensed work. However, authorities said the overall results were encouraging because no Written Direction Notices or Building Rectification Orders were required during the latest inspections.

The compliance campaign is designed not only to identify breaches but also to educate local builders and tradespeople about their legal and safety responsibilities. Around 50 local tradespeople attended an educational seminar in Port Macquarie during the inspection program.

Building Commission NSW has indicated that further inspections will take place in the region before the end of the year. The continued inspections are intended to ensure building standards remain high and that consumers can have confidence in the quality and safety of new homes.

For homeowners and prospective buyers, proper licensing, approved construction practices and appropriate supervision are important safeguards. Unlicensed work can create risks for property owners and may lead to costly problems later.

The latest inspection results show that while breaches were identified, authorities were encouraged by the broader level of compliance across the region. Further monitoring will continue as part of the state's ongoing effort to improve residential construction standards.