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New Permit To Protect Council Infrastructure

Asset Protection Permits will be required for all private building projects in Bass Coast Shire Council as of 1 July, 2013.

By Bass Coast - 24th May 2013 - Back to News

Ratepayers will no longer foot the bill for public property damaged by contractors on private building sites.

The introduction of an Asset Protection Permit (APP) will ensure whoever is responsible for the damage will also be accountable for any repairs.

As of 1 July 2013, anyone doing building works on private land must obtain an APP at a cost of $200 before any works begin. Bass Coast Shire Council’s Infrastructure Director, Felicity Sist, said APPs have been introduced under Council’s Local Law.

"These permits will reduce the amount of damage being caused to Council’s valuable infrastructure assets during building works, including footpaths, nature strips, kerbs and channels, and stormwater pits," Ms Sist said.

"The permit fee will allow for pre-condition and post-condition inspections to be undertaken.

"If damage occurs to Council Assets, the cost of repairs will be paid for by the offending property owner or contractor, not the ratepayers."

Council has previously not proactively monitored potential damage to public infrastructure as a result of building works on private land, and Ms Sist said repair costs were putting ratepayers at a disadvantage.

"The replacement of one panel of a footpath costs approximately $600, and the replacement of a stormwater pit lid is approximately $400. Both of these are common assets that get damaged and as you can imagine, it all adds up," Ms Sist said.

"Other councils similar to Bass Coast have saved over $100,000 since introducing Asset Protection Permits and we hope to do the same."

All damage caused during building works will, as of 1 July, need to be repaired by the permit holder within 14 days to Council’s satisfaction. Council will also have the authority to request payment of a bond if it believes there is a high risk of damage associated with the permit or permit holder.

Application forms for APPs will be available to download from www.basscoast.vic.gov.au prior to 1 July, can be collected from one of Council’s Customer Service Centres, or can be posted by phoning 1300 BCOAST (226 278).


Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com



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