Works Within the Road Reserve (formerly Road Opening Permit)
Mildura Rural City Council has updated its previous Road Opening Permit process to better align with the Road Management Act 2004 (RMA) - Victorian State Government legislation that provides the framework for managing, maintaining, and operating public roads across the state.
This updated process is now referred to as Works Within the Road Reserve.
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Works Within the Road Reserve Permit
A Works Within the Road Reserve Permit is required for builders, contractors/road managers or public utilities to carry out excavation within road reserve.
The road reserve includes:
- The road itself
- Roadside verges
- Footpaths and sidewalks
- Median strips
- Any land designated for road-related purposes
Who can apply
Applications for a Works Within the Road Reserve Permit can be submitted by:
- Builders
- Contractors
- Public utility managers
Examples of permitted works
- Vehicle Crossing Permit (Crossover)* - to construct new, replace, widen or a secondary crossover.
- Water tapping – Connecting a property to the water main
- Stormwater connections – Connecting house downpipes to Council stormwater pipes, pits or property connector in kerb
- Sewerage connection – Connecting a property to main sewerage lines
- Roadside excavation – For construction of service roads or slip lanes
- Laying stormwater pipes – Including connections to existing drainage infrastructure
- Laying/Connecting to water mains
- Works by public utilities – Including telecommunications, electricity, gas, etc.
- Other general works within the road reserve
Note:
Gardening works such as mowing or work done by hand tools do not require a permit.
However, any use of mechanical equipment (e.g. bobcat, dingo) does require a permit.
* Vehicle Crossings (Crossovers)
It is the property owner’s responsibility to construct and maintain the crossover.
The Council is responsible for maintaining the section of footpath that runs through a crossover.
Traffic Management
Some works may require a Traffic Management Plan (TMP) to ensure safety for road users and workers.
Council does not endorse Traffic management plans; all applicants should seek out a suitably qualified traffic management plan consultant for the design.
It is the road managers' (person/s conducting the works) responsibility to ensure the traffic management plan is in line with the Road Safety Act 1986 and Road Management Act 2004 and any other Act relevant to the works being undertaken in place at the time of the works.
The road manager is responsible for undertaking regular site audits during the works to ensure compliance with the TMP.
Council Standards
- All works must comply with Council Standards.
- Reinstatements must meet Mildura Rural City Council standards and requirements to ensure the safety, and ongoing useful life of public infrastructure.
Permit fees
The permit fee must be paid by the contractor, builder, or company that holds the relevant Public Liability Insurance.
The fee is set by the Victorian Government and varies depending on the type and size of the works. It covers the cost of site inspections and associated administrative processes.
Fees and Definitions of Works and Minor Works are outlined in the Road management (Works and Infrastructure) Regulations 2015
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Works other than minor works (Major) (area over 8.5m2)
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Minor Works
(area under 8.5m2)
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On roadway,
shoulder or pathway
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Not on roadway, shoulder or pathway
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On roadway, shoulder or pathway
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Not on roadway, shoulder or pathway
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Municipal Roads, speed over 50km/h
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43.1 fee units
$724.50
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23.5 fee units
$395.00
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9.3 fee units
$156.30
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6 fee units
$100.90
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Municipal Roads, speed under 50km/h
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23.5 fee units
$395.00
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6 fee units
$100.90
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9.3 fee units
$156.30
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6 fee units
$100.90
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Vehicle Crossing Permit
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Application
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$240.00
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Additional Inspection Fee
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$115.00
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Examples of application Fees
- Minor works not on roadway, shoulder, pathway <50km/h ($100.90)
e.g. water tapping, sewer connection, drainage connection.
- Minor works (not affecting more than 8.5m2) on roadway, shoulder or pathway <50km/h ($156.30)
e.g. sewer, water, electrical, or telecommunication trenching works etc.
- Works not on roadway, shoulder, pathway with road speed <50km/h ($100.90)
Sewer, water or electrical, or telecommunication trenching works etc. (typically > 100m of trenching).
- Works (affecting more than 8.5m2) on roadway, shoulder, pathway with road speed <50km/h ($395.00)
Sewer, water or electrical, or telecommunication trenching works etc.
- Works not on roadway, shoulder, pathway with road speed >50km/h ($395.00)
Sewer, water or electrical, or telecommunication trenching works etc. (typically > 100m of trenching).
- Works (affecting more than 8.5m2) on roadway, shoulder, pathway with road speed > 50km/h ($724.50)
Sewer, water or electrical, or telecommunication trenching works etc.
Application Requirements
When applying for a Works Within the Road Reserve Permit, you must provide:
- A fully completed and accurate application form
- Proof of current public liability insurance cover (minimum $10 million)
- A Traffic Management Plan (if required)
- Detailed fully dimensioned plans showing the scope of works or endorsed planning permit plans.
- Endorsed Town Planning approved plans if related to a town planning permit
Public Liability Insurance
Applicants are required to hold a current public liability insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $10 million, specifically including coverage for works carried out within the road reserve.
If the existing policy does not explicitly cover activities within the road reserve, a cover letter from the insurer must be provided, confirming that such works are included under the business policy.
Detailed Fully Dimensioned Plans
- Site plan nomination location of hoardings etc. with dimensions (a neat hand drawn plan is acceptable).
- Location of kerbs, building line, nearest intersecting street, street furniture, signs, power poles, traffic lights, litter bins, bus stops, street trees etc.
- Details of the type of hoarding proposed (i.e. sections, elevations, structural details).
- Signage and any safety measures (i.e. ramps for pedestrians) that will be used while the proposed work is carried out.
Hold Point Inspections
Contact Council’s Asset Preservation Team on (03) 5018 8100 to request an inspection once the site is ready. Please provide at least 24 hours’ notice. Bookings are subject to availability.
Approval Timeframes
- If your request is approved, you will receive the permit via email within 5 business days.
- If your request is denied, an officer will contact you to discuss your application further.
- If there are changes to the works from the original application, you must notify Council before commencing any works.
Conducting works in a road reserve without Council consent is a violation of Local Law and the Road Management Act and may result in penalties.
Works Within Road Reserve permit application
Need Help?
Contact us and we will get back to you.
Or call the Asset Preservation Team on 03 5018 8100