Access through Reserves

In most cases access is allowed for the following:

Minor Works

• Tree Removal/Pruning
• Installation of small sheds
• Removal of rubbish using small trailers

Major Works

• Swimming Pool Works
• Retaining Wall Construction

Larger constructions of buildings, such as houses or units, will not be allowed to be undertaken through the reserve due to the time needed, the amount of damage that will be caused and the hazard of the larger vehicles moving through the reserve to the general public. Skip Bins will not be allowed to be delivered into sites via reserves.

When applying for this permit online you will need to pay an Application Fee, which is non-refundable. Council will process your application to determine if you are able to access your property via the reserve, when, for how long and under what conditions.

If successful, and given that all required documents have been submitted, a tax invoice will be issued via email. Council may request further documentation before being able to proceed with invoicing. The Permit Costs and Refundable Security Deposit vary, depending on the reserve, distance you need to travel through the reserve and type of vehicles accessing the reserve.

Reserve Access Application fee: $136.50 (non-refundable). Please note, the application fee is paid at time of applying through the online application portal.

Reserve Access Permit fees:

• Minor Works: $157.50 (non-refundable)
• Major Works: $546 (non-refundable)

A refundable security deposit may also be required.

More information: Engineering Permit Fees(PDF, 157KB)

In submitting your application, we require as a minimum:

• Site plan of the proposed works with all measurements and features of the street, including driveways, trees and street furniture. The site plan must include the exact route through the reserve. Any area of vegetation along the route is required to be marked on the plan.
• Site photos taken prior to access commencing (minimum 5 photos). Please provide photos of the exact location of the area to be used for access and along the route to the property being accessed showing the conditions of Council's assets. See: examples below of correct photos.

If you are successful, you will be required to supply the following before the permit is issued (but only get these if asked, as there is a cost to obtain them):

• Traffic Management Plan as per the Road Management Act 2004 and the Road Safety (Traffic Management) Regulations 2019. Council requests you obtain your plans through an experienced provider to ensure high-quality plans are produced, as poor-quality plans in the past have not met these basic requirements (hand-drawn plans will not be accepted). The Traffic Management Plan should cover temporary changes to traffic conditions, reserve road and footpath closures, and any traffic detours. Council will assess the impacts on movement and safety for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles (check the VicRoads website: Register of prequalified contractors & consultants).
• Copy of the Works Manager's Public Liability Insurance (Certificate of Currency).

Council may also require a copy of a Neighbour Notification Letter advising affected residents of the works

The Access through Reserves application advice may take up to 10 working days depending on complexity of the works involved.

If more information is required to complete your application, you will receive a letter with advice via email. If Council does not receive the required document(s) within 1 month from the dated letter, your application will be cancelled, and you will need to apply again on a later date. Please note the application fee is non-refundable.