Asbestos is present in many homes and buildings throughout Victoria and remains safe if undisturbed. It only becomes a health risk when it is disturbed through activity such as drilling or during cutting, which allows asbestos particles to be released into the air where they can be breathed in.

How do I remove asbestos?

You need to be careful when dealing with asbestos. If you are building or renovating, asbestos can become dangerous to yourself and others around you if not removed correctly. You must remove and dispose of asbestos from your property safely. This is best done by a professional asbestos removalist.

The following organisations provide further information:

• Environmental Protection Authority: 9695 2722
  
• Worksafe Victoria: 1800 136 089
  
• Asbestos Victoria: 9641 1444

I'm concerned about asbestos, what should I do?

If you are concerned about asbestos that is currently being removed from a worksite, including a home being renovated, it is best to contact Worksafe Victoria. If asbestos is being removed by a homeowner, you can advise Council’s Health Protection Unit who will investigate to make sure the removal is being done safely.

If you are concerned, call us on 9205 5555 or make an asbestos report here.

MAKE AN ASBESTOS REPORT

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

You may need a planning permit and a building permit when you build a fence.

If you need to block the road or footpath in order to build the fence, you will need a Road/Footpath Occupation Permit. 

What if I share a fence with neighbours?

You may need to discuss the shared fencing between yours and your neighbour's property.

We have no involvement in shared fences or any costs relating to shared fences. We cannot help if you are having a fence dispute with your neighbour.

For more information, including which agencies to contact, visit the State Government's Fencing law in Victoria page.

Do I need a building permit?

You need a building permit for swimming pools and spas that are capable of containing water exceeding 30cm in depth. This also applies to indoor pools and above-ground pools.

Find out more on the Building permit application page.

Do I need a safety barrier?

You need a childproof safety barrier for all pools and spas that is capable of containing water exceeding 30cm in depth.

You also need a building permit for the construction of these barriers.

A safety barrier must have a self-closing gate with a self-latching device located at least 1.5m above the ground.

It is your responsibility to maintain safety barriers at your pool or spa.

More information can be found at the Victoria Building Authority's website and Royal Life Saving Australia's website.

How do I register a pool or spa?

If you own a property in Yarra with a swimming pool or spa, you need to register it with us. You must also have any safety barriers inspected by a licenced building surveyor or inspector.

Visit our pool and spa registration page to learn more.

Pool and spa registration

Water from a roof, or hard surfaces (such as driveways, roads or footpaths) flows into a stormwater drain, which drains into our waterways and then, ultimately, into Port Phillip Bay.

You are responsible for your drains up to the point of connection (the 'legal point of discharge') to our underground drainage system, kerb and channel or a constructed laneway.

For more information about stormwater drains, including how to apply for a legal point of discharge report, click on the link below:

stormwater drains and legal point of discharge