Asset protection permits

To ensure community safety and to reduce the risk of damage to council assets a permit may be required for persons planning to conduct works on private property. This includes access to property via council parks or reserves. 

Asset protection permits are valid for 3 years from the issue date.

What kind of assets require protection?

  • Constructed footpath or walkways 
  • Kerb and channel
  • Storm water drains and pits
  • Formed urban nature strips including street trees and signage
  • Council buildings and parks 

Note: an asset protection permit must be obtained before commencing any work and is valid for 3 years from the issue date. 

Do I need an asset protection permit?

You will need a permit for building works, activities, events and practices for or in connection with:

  • Building construction or renovation
  • Building alterations, repairs and maintenance
  • Removal, relocation or demolition of a building
  • Landscaping, excavation and concreting
  • Subdivision road construction
  • Building works requiring a Building Permit
  • Access to a site via a Council park or reserve
  • Storage of building materials and equipment on council land
  • All works including construction or reconstruction of any driveway or masonry structure, the re-blocking of a building and the demolition and removal of buildings and structures will require an asset protection permit regardless of the value of the works

     

Exemptions:

  • Building works not requiring a building permit valued below $5,000
  • Landscaping works valued at $2,000 or less
  • If council assets do not exist on Council land adjacent to the property where the building work is being carried out

Depending on the scope of works, you may also require a building permit, planning permit, works within a road reserve permit or any other permit or permission covered by any other Governmental Act, regulation or Council policy. 

Security bond

A security bond is required for each property listed on the permit. This is in addition to the application fee and payable on application. 

Upon completion of works and subject to final inspection the bond will be returned provided there is no new damage to council assets. Please allow approximately 28 days for the processing of the refund. 

If costs are incurred by Council as a result of reinstatement works, these costs will be deducted from the bond. If the rectification costs exceed the bond amount, the permit holder will be responsible for these costs. 

 

 

Online

Complete your application

Notification must be provided to Council of the intention to start building work at least 15 days prior to commencement. This will allow Council the opportunity to conduct an application assessment. 

Step 1.Prepare your documentation

Please ensure that you have the following documents ready before you apply for a permit:

  • Copy of public liability insurance for the individual or contractor carrying out the works to cover a minimum of $10 million for any one claim
  • A sketch plan or construction plans showing the proposed works and all assets managed by Council within the vicinity of the work site including any pre-exisiting damage to Council assets. 

Dependent on the scope of works further documentation and or environmental management may be required. 

Step 2.Complete online form 

Complete an online application via our customer request portal. Asset protection - Asset protection permit online application form. 

Asset protection permit online application form. 

Step 3.Payment 

Once your application has been received, we will contact you to take payment for your application fee and bond over the phone or you can pay in person. A council officer will then begin to assess the permit application.  

Step 4.What happens next?

  • A council officer will inspect the site prior to works and prepare an application assessment report identifying the potential risk of damage to council assets as a result of the proposed works. The applicant may be request to be present during this inspection and will be provided a copy of the report.
  • Providing further investigations or requests for further information are not required, you will be emailed your permit within 15 business days.
  • Once notified works are complete, Council officers will undertake a final inspection to determine if any Council assets were damaged.
  • Subject to final inspection, allow approximately 28 days for the bond return provided there is no damage to council assets. Council requires a bond return request by invoice to info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

In person

Complete your application

Notification must be provided to Council of the intention to start building work at least 15 days prior to commencement. This will allow Council the opportunity to conduct an application assessment. 

Step 1.Prepare your documentation

Please ensure that you have the following documents ready before you apply for a permit:

  • Copy of public liability insurance for the individual or contractor carrying out the works to cover a minimum of $10 million for any one claim
  • A sketch plan or construction plans showing the proposed works and all assets managed by Council within the vicinity of the work site including any pre-exisiting damage to Council assets

Dependent on the scope of works further documentation and or environmental management may be required. 

Step 2.Download the application form 

Download and complete the application form:

Asset protection permit application form(PDF, 139KB)

Step 3.Submit your application

Visit our Customer service counter to submit your application and make payment for your permit application and bond.  

Corner Lyttleton and Lloyd Street,
Castlemaine, Victoria 3450
8.30am - 5pm, Monday to Friday

Step 4.What happens next?

  • A council officer will inspect the site prior to works and prepare an application assessment report identifying the potential risk of damage to council assets as a result of the proposed works. The applicant may be request to be present during this inspection and will be provided a copy of the report
  • Providing further investigations or requests for further information are not required, you will be emailed your permit within 15 business days
  • Once notified works are complete, Council officers will undertake a final inspection to determine if any Council assets were damaged
  • Subject to final inspection, allow approximately 28 days for the bond return provided there is no damage to council assets. Council requires a bond return request by invoice to info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au.

Enforcement

Enforcement and penalties may apply if works are commenced without an asset protection permit being issued or if Council assets have been identified as being damaged during the course or works on private property.

Enforcement actions may include but are not limited to:

  • Notice to Comply
  • Penalty infringement notice $500.00
  • Cost recovery

Considerations

Important:

  • Visit the Before You Dig Australia website and create a free account to lodge a query. This will help to prevent damage disruption to Australia’s vast underground electricity, gas, communications and water network, disruption to essential services, injury or death. Neglecting to lodge a query before excavating can also lead to heavy penalties. 
  • Significant Vegetation. There shall be no significant or native vegetation removed or damaged as part of the works without prior approval from council.
  • Specific protection and hoarding. Council may request specific protection of high risk assets due to the nature of the proposed works and the potential for damage. 
  • Permitted construction work hours. 

    7am – 8pm Monday to Fridays

    9am – 6pm Saturdays