Alteration of public land

Council aims to protect public land for community use and enjoyment while managing necessary alterations of public land. 

If you intend to carry out work on public land, you may need approval. Public land includes jetties, landings, boat ramps, roads, or any public infrastructure.  

Examples of alterations include:

  • Excavating public land or road. For example, opening up or breaking the surface, or removing turf, sand, clay, or soil.
  • Installing, removing, or maintaining structures on public land or roads. This includes signs, awnings, safety fences, rubber kerb ramps, and scaffolding.
  • Requesting permission to access public land for scientific purposes. This includes collecting plant or animal material or monitoring native wildlife.
  • Temporarily depositing or storing goods or materials on public land or roads. Goods such as building materials, shipping containers, or construction site equipment.
  • Engaging in other activities that may temporarily disrupt the ordinary use or enjoyment of public land. For example, boat ramp closures or tree removal.

Council regulates these activities to ensure they are carried out safely. We also take other public space users and residents into consideration. It is also to maintain the purpose and amenity of our public spaces.

Accepted alterations

Certain activities are considered accepted alterations. These can be undertaken without approval provided specific criteria are met.

The following activities are an accepted alteration:

  • installation of rubber kerb ramps
  • installation of nest boxes associated with a development approval
  • using shipping containers
  • using skip bins
  • depositing or storing landscaping and or building materials
  • installing kerbside house numbering for non-commercial purposes.

Accepted alterations checklists

Before proceeding, review the relevant accepted alteration checklist. You must meet the specified criteria and adhere to the conditions in the checklist. Once completed, you must provide a copy of the checklist to Council.

If the criteria cannot be met, an Alteration of Public Land application is required.

Apply to alter public land

You need to apply with all supporting documentation at least 30 business days before you need to alter public land. This allows time to review, assess and make a decision.

Once you've provided all supporting documents, we will review your application under the Alteration of Public Land Local Law 2023.

How to apply

Step 1.Prepare a site plan

You will need to provide a detailed site plan, drawn to scale, that has the dimensions of the site. It should include the location of any equipment or materials, the layout of vegetation, measurements between the property boundary and the road, and any underground or above-ground services.

Step 2.Complete a risk management plan

Complete the Risk management plan template(DOCX, 927KB).

Step 3.Take out public liability insurance

Evidence of a current public liability insurance policy to the value of $20,000,000 in the same name as the applicant should be in your application.

Ensure the location listed on your policy includes public land, for example, Anywhere in Australia or Worldwide. This must be outlined either on your certificate of currency or the terms and conditions of your policy and provided to Council. If this is not listed, get written confirmation from your insurer.

Step 4.Collect supporting documents

If applicable, you may also need to provide:

  • a traffic management plan and completed road closure application from the relevant approving authority 
  • any relevant licenses, registrations or approvals, such as Development Approval for Building Work and Form 15 – Compliance Certificate for Building Design or Specification
  • details of all third-party operators, such as the skip bin provider
  • for permanent signs on public land:
    • details of any illumination, animation, moving parts, reflective material or third-party advertising that the proposed sign will contain 
    • if the proposed sign is to be located on land, structures or infrastructure that the applicant does not own and is not public land, please provide the owner’s written consent to the installation. 

Step 5.Review conditions

Ensure you review and understand the relevant conditions:

Specific conditions may be added after your application has been assessed.

Step 6.Review fees and charges

Per Council's fees and charges, an application fee of T1206 is payable at the time of your application. Council will contact you for payment.

There are other fees that may be payable. These are:

  • a T1194 annual commercial fee. This is charged on a pro-rata monthly basis.
  • a T1209 annual renewal fee.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees if evidence is provided.

Step 7.Submit an application

Download and complete the Alteration of public land application(PDF, 847KB) form. Submit it along with your supporting documents:

The applicant must be a legal entity, such as an individual, company, incorporated body, unincorporated body, partnership, body corporate or trustee.

Dial before you dig Australia

Dial before you dig Australia is a free pre-excavation referral service for Australian individuals and businesses. They provide a single point of contact to request information about any infrastructure networks at your planned project site without needing to contact utility organisations individually. To access this free service:

Back to top