Shared fencing with Council land

A shared fence is a boundary fence that separates 2 neighbouring properties. In the context of the council, it refers to a fence running along your property boundary adjoining a council property.

Examples of council properties where shared fencing would be approved include council reserves and council-owned and managed buildings like community centres and sports centres. Council does not contribute towards fencing along roads, road reserves, drainage reserves, laneways, rights-of-way, pathways, or walkways.

Where approved Council will contribute up to half the cost of constructing, repairing or replacing a standard timber paling fence between private land and the Council-owned reserves/properties up to an overall finished height of 1.95m (palings, posts and plinth).

Approval must be obtained prior to any repair or replacement of fences. Council may refuse to contribute towards the cost of shared fencing if works have been undertaken prior to Council approval being obtained.

The Shared Fencing Application requires the property owner to obtain 2 written quotes (3 if the cost of the fence is greater than $5000) from reputable fencing contractors and submit them along with the Shared Fencing Online Application.

Please ensure that you review the shared fencing fact sheet to check the eligibility before applying.

Shared Fencing Application

Step 1.Check your eligibility

Check your eligibility by reviewing the shared fencing fact sheet.

General enquiries regarding the process: Shared Fencing Enquiry

Step 2.Obtain written quotes

Obtain written quotes from a minimum of 2 fencing contractors (3 for works greater than $5000.00)

Note that quotes should clearly outline the following:

Length, height and material of the proposed fence.
Cost of any trellis/capping/screens/ retaining walls or reserve access gates forming a part of the fence included as a separate item in each quotation.
When submitting quotes for non-standard fences (such as Colourbond), please ensure that the quotes additionally include the pricing for a standard timber paling fence of the same height.

Step 3.Submit

Complete and submit online (include written quotes):

Shared Fencing Application

Note: A separate gate permit application must be submitted for any gates forming a part of the proposed fence in addition to the shared fencing application. This requirement applies to new gates as well as the repair or replacement of existing ones. The permit fee is usually waived in the latter case.

Gate Permit Application

Step 4.Confirmation

Await confirmation of shared fencing application approval/feedback and Gate Permit approval from the Council before commencing fencing works. Allow up to 10 working days once the application is submitted.

Step 5.Payment

Owner pays their share directly to the contractor upon completion of the fencing work. The contactor invoices the Council for the agreed Council share (allow up to 30 days from the date of receipt of invoice).

Submit Shared Fence Receipt/Invoice

Alternatively, the owner can pay the contractor in full upon completion of the fencing works and seek reimbursement from the Council for the agreed Council share by providing payment receipts and relevant bank details (allow up to 10 working days).

Submit Shared Fence Receipt/Invoice

Any Gate Permit fee is invoiced to you. Upon payment, you will receive the Gate Permit.