What is a Road Reserve?
The road reserve is the section of land between property boundaries that encompasses the footpath, nature strip, kerb and channel, road shoulder and roadway.
Consent for Works
As per the Road Management Act 2004, Consent for Works approval is required from Council before any proposed works can be commenced within a road reserve where Council is the designated coordinating authority.
Works may include proposals such as:
- The construction, extension, or relocation of crossovers.
- The reinstatement of Council assets such as footpaths.
- The installation of service connections (also known as tapping’s).
- Excavations for service proving or geotechnical surveying.
- The installation of utility authority infrastructure.
To apply for consent to work approval, you are required to download and complete a Consent for Works application form.
Download Consent to work within a Road Reserve or Drainage Easement
Assessment of Applications
A Consent for Works application will be assessed within 20 business days as per Road Management Act guidelines. Council is unable to expedite individual applications.
How long is a Consent valid for?
A Consent is valid for 6 months, or up to the expiry date of the contractor’s public liability insurance. If the contractor’s public liability insurance is only valid for a portion of the 6 month timeframe, Council will extend the Consent for the remaining time, once a copy of the contractor’s renewed insurance has been provided.
Inspection Bookings
The telephone number for booking an inspection is noted on the Consent document. Bookings can be made up to 4:30pm for an inspection to be conducted on the next business day. All bookings are dependent on scheduling availability. Inspections are only conducted between the hours of 8.00am and 12.00pm Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
Crossovers (Vehicle crossings)
If you wish to construct, extend or relocate a crossover, it is recommended that you read the ‘Crossover Guidelines Brochure’ to make yourself aware of certain conditions and requirements prior to submitting a Consent for Works application.
All proposed crossover works and proposal designs are to adhere to the Council’s standard drawings.
Typical Crossover Diagram
Utility authority and Subdivisional tie-in works
In addition to a Consent for Works application, projects such as utility authority and subdivisional tie-in works will require the submission of a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) and/or a Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP).
Further information regarding Traffic Management Plan (TMP) requirements can be obtained from Council’s City Transport team via 1300 023 411
Further information regarding Site Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) requirements can obtained from Council’s Traffic Engineering team via 1300 023 411
The TMP and SEMP submissions are to be submitted separately to the relevant departments for approval. They are not to be submitted with the Consent for Works application.
Protection of Council Assets
Prior to the commencement of any building works on a property (including works that do not require a building permit), Council must be notified of any existing damage to road assets, footpaths, kerb and channel, drainage pits, nature strips etc. For details of the notification process please refer to Protection of Council Assets.
Works in Easements, on Drainage Infrastructure or Council land
Any proposed works affecting a Council easement, Council drainage infrastructure or Council owned or managed land will require a Works Permit. To apply for a works permit approval, you are required to download and complete the Consent for Works application form.