Alteration of public land

If you intend to carry out work on public land, you may need Council approval. Public land includes jetties, boat ramps, roads, footpaths, parks and other public infrastructure.  

What are alterations to public land

Council aims to protect public land for community use and enjoyment while managing any necessary changes, such as:

  • excavation works, including breaking the surface of a road or footpath, or removing turf, sand, clay, or soil
  • temporarily depositing or storing goods or materials on a road or footpath, such as building materials, shipping containers, or construction site equipment
  • installing artificial turf on the road verge
  • installing, removing, or maintaining structures on public land or roads, such as awnings, safety fences, rubber kerb ramps, and scaffolding
  • accessing public land for scientific purposes, for example, to collect plant or animal material or for monitoring native wildlife
  • engaging in other activities that may temporarily disrupt the ordinary use or enjoyment of public land. For example, boat ramp closures, tree removal, or planned burns.

Council regulates these activities to ensure they are carried out safely and with consideration for other public space users and residents. This helps maintain the purpose, accessibility, and amenity of public spaces.

When Council approval is not needed

You do not need Council approval for some activities. These activities are considered accepted alterations and include:

  • installating rubber kerb ramps
  • installating nesting boxes under 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
  • maintaining existing residential stormwater pipes/kerb adaptors on a road verge.

If your activity is an accepted alteration, you must:

You will need to complete and submit a copy of the checklist to Council by post, email or at a customer service centre. If the criteria cannot be met, you will need Council approval. To apply for approval, submit an Alteration of Public Land application.

Accepted alterations checklists

Applying for Council approval

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(PDF, 839KB).

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 a 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.

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

An application fee is payable at the time of submission per Council’s fees and charges. Council will contact you for payment.

The first column is the type of fee, the second column advises the fee amount, and the third column explains the fee's purpose.

Fee type  Amount Details
Application fee  201206 This is a one-time fee paid when submitting your application.  
Commercial use of public land annual charge  201194 Charged monthly on a pro rata basis for the approval period, or if renewable, charged pro rata from the approval date to 30 September. Then annually, each September, for the approval term between 1 October and 30 September.
Renewal fee  201209 Charged annually in September to renew an approval for the approval term between 1 October and 30 September.
Amendment application fee  201207 Payable when an application to change an existing approval is submitted. There is no fee for minor changes, for example, trading name or contact details.
Transfer application fee  201208 Payable when an application to transfer an existing approval to another person or business is submitted. Note: Not all approvals are eligible for transfer. Check the approval conditions before applying.

Charities and not-for-profit organisations are exempt from paying fees with evidence of eligibility.

Step 7.Submit an application form

Download and complete the Alteration of public land application form. If you are accessing public land for scientific purposes, you will need to complete a Permission to access public land for scientific purposes form(PDF, 864KB). Submit it along with your supporting documents:

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

Dial before you dig

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:

Permanent signs on public land

Council regulates the installation of permanent signs on public land to protect the landscape and ensure public safety. Installation requires local law approval. For more information or to apply, visit Signs (except election signs).
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