The Warrnambool City Council provides roads and drainage systems to collect and convey stormwater to creeks and rivers. Council only maintains stormwater mains owned by Council on roads and drainage easements.
Further information
Warrnambool City Council
Ph: 5559 4800 E: wbool_city@warrnambool.vic.gov.auPlumbing Industry Commission
Ph: 1300 815 127
http://www.pic.vic.gov.auDepartment of Justice
Ph: 03 8684 0000 Ph: 1300 365 111 (regional callers)
http://www.disputes.vic.gov.auFurther documentation which may be required
Responsibility for stormwater - private land
Council receives a number of complaints each year regarding stormwater run-off and over flow from private land causing a nuisance to an adjoining or downstream property. In such instances Council’s intervention powers are very limited.
Owner’s responsibilities
You are required by law to maintain the stormwater pipes, gutters, downpipes, stormwater pits and any other components of your approved stormwater drainage system in good condition and in compliance with any Council requirements. For more information contact the Plumbing Industry Commission.
You are also required to accept natural overland flow from adjoining properties or public land and must not divert or redirect the flow from its natural path onto neighbouring properties.
A downstream property owner cannot erect any type of barrier that interferes with the path of stormwater unless provision is made for the flow to discharge to an approved drainage system. If you are downstream, you must accept the ‘natural’ run-off onto your property.
When constructing hardstand (hard surfaced) areas e.g. driveways, concrete and paved areas, landscaping and any other impervious surfaces or drains you must control the stormwater in order to prevent concentrated flows onto the adjacent property.
Council’s responsibility
Council provides roads and drainage systems to collect and convey stormwater to creeks and rivers; they also maintain the stormwater mains owned by Council on private property.
Council may direct a property owner to connect to Council’s stormwater drainage system or other legal point of discharge, if available and practical to do so.
The Victorian Water Act 1989 makes provision for the control of stormwater and Council may issue property owners with a written notice if they are in breach of this Act.
Driveways
If you construct a driveway onto public land you must ensure that drainage along the road is not disrupted. The land owner is responsible for all damage caused to driveways from local flooding. You may also be required to apply for a Road Reserve Works Permit from Council.
Runoff from public land
You may experience drainage problems when stormwater runs off public land or roadways and forms ponds or flows through your property. All of these enquiries should be directed to Council’s Customer Service Department on 03 5559 4800 during office hours.
Disputes between neighbours
Problems with overland stormwater flows between neighbours are generally a civil matter to be resolved between the respective land owners. Respective land owners should discuss the situation to try and find a mutually agreeable solution.
If a solution is not reached, the matter can be referred to the Department of Justice for mediation.
For more information regarding stormwater pipes, gutters, downpipes and stormwater pits contact the Plumbing Industry Commission.