Southern Downs Regional Council reminds residents and contractors to comply with the Works near Council’s Water, Sewer and/or Stormwater Infrastructure Policy to avoid prosecution and costly remediation works.
A recent review of works across the region uncovered multiple cases of unapproved construction, which had the potential to pose damage risks to council’s essential infrastructure.
Common policy breaches included building over or near water, sewer or stormwater infrastructure; blocking access to these networks; changing the surrounding ground level; and altering surfaces to cause water to pool over access points.
Southern Downs Councillor Joel Richters stresses the importance of compliance for protecting critical infrastructure, avoiding additional financial costs and ensuring public safety.
“Ensuring compliance with the Works near Council’s Water, Sewer and/or Stormwater Infrastructure Policy is crucial to safeguarding vital infrastructure and avoiding unnecessary legal and financial consequences,” Cr Richters said.
“By adhering to the policy, we can prevent costly remediation repairs and maintain the integrity of our water, sewer and stormwater systems.
“Compliance also plays a key role in protecting public health and safety by ensuring that essential infrastructure remains accessible and functional.
“Following the policy not only avoids legal penalties but also supports the long-term sustainability of our community’s essential services.”
Applications for building work over or near council infrastructure must be submitted at least 20 business days prior to work. Any unauthorised works or failure to comply with policy conditions may result in prosecution under the Water Supply (Safety and Reliability) Act 2008 or Queensland Development Code MP 1.4.
Residential driveways, often linked to new shed constructions, were identified as the most common breaches.
