Rules of the road work
Residents who wish to construct a driveway, dig a drain, remove or plant a tree near a public road must obtain prior permission from the Cassowary Coast Regional Council.
CCRC Director of Works, David Trotter, said a council permit was required to undertake any works or alterations within the road area.
“This includes the construction of driveways and property accesses, removing or planting vegetation, drainage works and trenching works,” he said.
Mr Trotter said the aim of the permit process was to ensure a consistent approach to works undertaken in road areas, in order to minimise liability issues not only for the council, which was the legal trustee of such areas, but for individuals, who also became subject to legal liability as a consequence of any work they undertook near roads.
The permit process also endeavoured to minimize negative impacts on the environment, as well as address road safety concerns.
“For example, plans to clear or plant vegetation beside a road must be assessed to ensure that lines of sight are adequate, along with the aesthetic impact of the proposed changes,” he said. “The proliferation of unnecessary signs also raises issues regarding road safety and visual attractiveness.
“The installation of a driveway to a property close to a road intersection would not be in harmony with the built environment, due to the creation of road safety issues. Placement of an access as far from the intersection as practicable would be required by the council.
“Undertaking works that could alter drainage and impact negatively on neighbouring properties or cause erosion, is another example of activity that needs to be assessed beforehand, in order to avoid potentially serious and expensive problems further down the track,” he said.
Mr Trotter advised residents to contact the Cassowary Coast Regional Council to determine permit requirements, if they were contemplating any type of work near a road.