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Property owners responsibilities

Property owners have a range of responsibilities, which if carried out correctly, will minimise the threat of stormwater damage in the event of heavy rain:

  • You must maintain your roof water drainage, stormwater pipes, gutters, downpipes, stormwater inlet pits and any other components of your approved drainage system on your property in good condition and in compliance with any Council requirements.
  • You are required to accept natural overflow and from adjoining properties or public land and must not divert, redirect, or concentrate the flow from its natural path on to neighbouring properties.
  • It is important to note that a downstream property owner cannot erect any type of barrier by way of large walls or closed fencing that interferes with the path of stormwater – if you are downstream, you must accept the ‘natural’ run‐off on to your property.
  • Ensuring that all buildings (including sheds) have an adequate storm water drainage system connected to the legal point of discharge (e.g. connected to the kerb and gutter or inter‐allotment drainage system).
  • When constructing hardstand areas, you must control stormwater in order to prevent it from flowing on to adjacent property. It is preferable to minimise the area of water‐resistant surfaces such as concrete or paved areas and driveways.
  • If there is an easement on your property it must be maintained and kept clear of debris to allow the natural flow of the stormwater.

Property owners generally need to ensure that roof water and stormwater is drained to one of the following to comply with AS/NZS 3500.3:2003 Plumbing and Drainage Part 3: Stormwater Drainage.

  • Council street kerb and gutter.
  • An inter‐allotment drainage system,
  • Approved on-site disposal system, or
  • Council controlled drainage easement or draining reserve.