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Protecting Council's Assets
Council spends significant funds each year on maintaining the city’s assets – roads, footpaths, nature-strips and kerbs. In 2007 these assets were valued in excess of $400 million and it is important that Council has measures in place to ensure they are protected. Approval is required from Council if undertaking works that could affect Council’s assets.
The Need For A Permit
Council’s Community Local Law No. 1 makes it an offence to alter, interfere or damage Council’s assets without a permit. It is essential that property owners and contractors obtain the appropriate permits from Council before they start any works that could have an impact on Council’s. Property owners/contractors are responsible for any repairs required to Council assets if damage occurs.
Permits are required to:
- Regulate activities that may impact on Council’s assets such as roads, kerbs, drains, footpaths and adjoining parks
- Ensure that ratepayers do not bear the costs associated with damage to Council assets due to work by others
- Ensure footpaths and nature-strips are clear of obstructions associated with building activities
- Minimise damage to Council property and other Public Authority assets
The different types of permits required are listed as follows.
Asset Protection Permit
Heavy trucks and other equipment used for building projects (new dwellings, unit developments, extensions and demolitions) can cause damage to footpaths, kerbs, nature-strips, drainage facilities and other public utilities. Any adjoining parks also need to be protected.
Property owners/contractors should obtain an Asset Protection Permit at least seven days prior to the commencement of any building work.
A separate permit is required if access to the building site is required through Council-owned land (parks, car parks, Council-owned buildings etc). Please make a note in the application if access through Council-owned land is required.
Download the Asset Protection Permit Application Form below.
Asset Protection Application Form.pdf (128.41kB)
Consent to Undertake Works in the Road Reserve (Road Opening Permit)
Contractors planning to carry out work in Council road reserves (the road reserve is the whole section of road between properties boundaries, including footpaths, nature strip, kerb and channel and road pavement) must obtain Consent to Undertake Works in the Road Reserve (Road Opening Permit) prior to the commencement of work. This permit allows contractors to excavate in a road reserve or make a connection to Council’s drain, water main, gas, sewer or telecommunications services.
VEHICLE CROSSINGS
Anyone planning to construct or alter a vehicle crossing on the road reserve must obtain Consent to Undertake Works in the Road Reserve (Road Opening Permit) prior to the commencement of work, which ensures that the work is completed to a satisfactory standard and that Council’s assets are not damaged.
Application to Undertake Works in the Road Reserve.pdf (148.51kB)
Guidelines - Service Authority Works & Service Connections in the Road Reserve.pdf (102.75kB)
Guidelines - Minor Drainage Works in the Road Reserve.pdf (104.45kB)
Guidelines - Construction of Outfall Drain in the Road Reserve.pdf (134.11kB)
Guidelines - Vehicle Crossings.pdf (157.30kB)
Vehicle Crossings - General Specifications.pdf (67.91kB)
Vehicle Crossings - Drawings.pdf (235.55kB)
Road List.pdf (119.38kB)
Please be aware that under the Road Management Act 2004, service authorities or their contractors are not required to obtain permits from Council for minor works.
Separate consent to undertake works in drainage easements is to be obtained if connection to Council’s drain is required or a new outfall drain from a development is to be constructed within the drainage easement. In some cases, Council will contribute to the cost of the construction of the drain. Please refer to Drainage Policy No. 1 application form and guidelines below.
Application to Undertake Drainage Works in the Easement.pdf (142.36kB)
Guidelines - Drainage Works in Easement.pdf (137.26kB)
Drainage Policy No.1 Application Form.pdf (80.62kB)
Drainage Policy No. 1 Guidelines.pdf (20.11kB)
Permits are only issued to contractors who hold current public liability insurance to the value of $10 million.
Obtaining A Permit
Applications can be submitted either by mail to Whitehorse City Council, Locked Bag 2, Nunawading DC VIC 3131 or by email to customer.service@whitehorse.vic.gov.au. Payment of a fee (non-refundable) and a security deposit (refundable on satisfactory completion of works) is required when applying for a permit.
Credit Card Payment Form.pdf (38.04kB)
Fee Sheet for Consent to Work in Road Reserve or Easement.pdf (26.34kB)
Please note that Council reserves the right to charge additional security deposit bonds, and that the assessment of the security deposit bond will be based on the scope of works and potential damage to Council assets.
Further information on Asset Protection Permits, Consents to Undertake Works in the Road Reserve and Drainage Easements, including fees, can be obtained by contacting Council on 9262 6177 or visiting Council’s offices at the Whitehorse Civic Centre, 379–397 Whitehorse Road, Nunawading.