Property development 

There is a set of required processes you must follow if you are undertaking property development in the Western Water region:

• Process
• Fees & charges
• Design

Generally, when subdividing land in Western Water's service area, each lot must be provided with reticulated sewer and water mains.

This is the process for property development in Western Water's service area:

1. Planning permit applications are referred to Western Water from local councils. Western Water places conditions on the planning permit.
2. Once the conditions are met, Western Water issues a Statement of Compliance. This notifies local council that the conditions on the permit relating to sewer and water have been completed.
3. A planning permit or certified plans are granted by council to the developer.
4. The property developer completes a Request for Conditions Form (45 Kb) and returns it to Western Water with a copy of:
   (a) Plan of subdivision
   (b) Planning permit
   (c) Functional layout plan
5. Western Water issues a Notice under Section 268 of the Water Act 1989 to the developer. The notice provides the details of the fees and conditions placed on the subdivision.
6. The developer uses a consultant engineer to carry out the detailed design of the water and/or sewer mains extensions required to service the subdivision. The design must meet the requirements listed below.
7. Western Water approves the detailed design. A minimum of seven days notification is required before works can commence.
8. A Western Water approved contractor is appointed by the developer (at their expense) to complete the works.
9. The developer uses a consultant engineer to carry out site inspections and manage the project. Western Water will also supervise construction and testing of the new infrastructure.
10. Once Western Water is satisfied the developer has satisfied our requirements, we provide council with a "Consent to issuing a Statement of Compliance" document.
11. The land then becomes a declared property. The land is now subject to water and/or sewer tariffs and a 12 month maintenance period begins. Any defects arising in the works during this time will need to be rectified by the developer.
12. Following the 12 month maintenance period, Western Water issues a Final Acceptance Notice to the developer. Western Water accepts the new mains as our assets and takes ownership/maintenance of the works. Any remaining bond is returned to the developer.

• Western Water conducts actual cost recovery for supervision and administration costs incurred throughout the property development process. $300 per lot (plus GST) is required at the start of the project and is adjusted either as a reimbursement or request for further payment from the developer.
• Feasibility studies are occasionally a requirement of the planning permit. When this is requested, the developer is required to fund the study.
• Western Water will hold a maintenance bond of 5% of the actual cost of the works during the 12 month maintenance period.
• Charges vary for properties provided with Class A recycled water.
• New Customer Contribution fees are payable as follows and increase annually with CPI.

2011/12 fees - Customer contribution fees

2011/12 fees - Customer contribution fees for dual pipe recycled water developments or subdivisons

Charges vary for properties provided with Class A recyced water.

Design of new sewer and/or water mains must be in accordance to:

• WSA 02-2002-2.3 Sewerage Code of Australia MRWA Edition for Sewer Mains.
• WSA 03-2002-2.3 Water Supply Code of Australia MRWA Edition for Water Mains.
• Water Services Association of Australia (WSAA) Dual Water Supply Systems First Edition Version 1.2 (Only applicable to subdivisions with potable and recycled water).

Western Water places additional design requirements which must be met. The requirements are:

•  Western Water Design Standards (91 Kb)
•  Pump Station Design Requirements (169 Kb)
•  Detailed Design Form (45 Kb)
•  Western Water Dual Water Supply System Schemes Design and Construction Standards (26KB) (only applicable to subdivisions with potable and recycled water)

For more information, contact Western Water Property Services on 1300 650 422 or email property.service@westernwater.com.au.