The following are frequently asked questions that have been compiled for the following groups to provide additional context and information:

• Planners, Consultants and Developers
• Councils and Public Utility Authorities
• Other Utility Entities

Planners, Consultants and Developers

I am working on a development application and review of State Development Assessment Provisions State Code 1 lists some Performance Outcomes (PO) as "No acceptable outcome prescribed". What does this mean?

In regard to utilities, installation within the State-Controlled Road or access to maintain utilities in a State-Controlled Road Corridor requires referral to Transport and Main Roads and agreement sort to install utilities within the State-Controlled Road Corridor. Similar, any PO that has “no acceptable outcome” requires referral and liaison with the department for the proposed development. This liaison and agreement must be conducted prior to stamped approved council developments or Utility stamped approved drawings. Waiting to conduct this interface or receive agreement during development construction (contractor onsite moving dirt) lacks planning considerations and may delay projects due to rework required to obtain agreements. For more information refer to State Development Assessment Provisions - Planning.

Where can I get information regarding Planning and development on or within 25m of a State-Controlled Road Corridor (SCRC)?

Transport and Main Roads provides guidance through technical publications and information provided on the following departmental webpages:

• Planning and development assessment under the Planning Act, and
• Technical publications.

My development has an underground carpark abutting the SCRC boundary, do I need a referral?

Yes, any development within 25m of a SCRC requires referral. Refer to State Development Assessment Provisions supporting guideline on the department's Assessable development under the Planning Act webpage.

In relation to utilities, large or above ground water hydrants, booster stations, switch board cabinets or pad mounted transformers must be outside the road corridor. This space must be planned for early in the development planning phase through the liaison with Transport and Main Roads and relevant utility providers. Leaving this assessment to after stamped approved drawings causes cost and time delays to development applications.

My development requires installation of Non-Transport Utilities within SCRC, what do I need to submit for consideration?

Submissions can be lodged for review via online portal Permits for Access to the Road Corridor.
This is the first step of the submission. Refer to Non-Transport Utility Management and Design Manual (NTUMDM) for guidance on design criteria and required information with the application.

I have certified drawings and PUP application approval to construct Public Utilities on behalf of Utility Authority, (to be a gifted asset post construction) in the SCRC. Do I need any further permits?

Yes, the PUP approval is to allow the utility to be within the SCRC, however a separate permit is required to construct the asset within the SCRC. An RCP application via the online Permits for Access to the Road Corridor Portal is required with reference to the PUP application number.

Refer to Other matters requiring approval webpage for further guidance.

My design proposal shows new utility alignment within the preferred service corridor depicted in the NTUMDM. Is a referral still required?

Yes, Transport and Main Roads are required to assess all new infrastructure in relation to current or future road works, departmental infrastructure or existing applications for other service utility installations. You can submit your pre lodgement advice application via online portal. Refer to NTUMDM for guidance on design criteria and required information with the application.

My design proposal shows new utility alignment outside the preferred service corridor depicted in NTUMDM. Is a referral still required?

Yes, Transport and Main Roads are required to access all new infrastructure in relation to current or future road works, departmental infrastructure or existing applications for other service utility installations. You can submit your pre lodgement advice application via online portal. Refer to NTUMDM for guidance on design criteria and required information with the application.

Councils and Public Utility Authorities

I require access to the SCRC to maintain and inspect an existing asset. Do I need a permit to do so?

Unless a legally binding infrastructure agreement or document stipulating process for access depicts otherwise, an RCP application is required prior to conducting works within the SCRC.

Submissions can be lodged for review via online portal Permits for Access to the Road Corridor.

I require access to the SCRC to conduct emergency works? Is there a procedure or process I need to follow?

Yes. Transport and Main Roads currently have Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and infrastructure agreements with many third-party asset owners with clear procedures for emergency works. Where agreements or MOUs do not exist, it is recommended to seek guidance from the department and develop a collaborative working document to help streamline access for emergency works in future.

Legislation indicates I can install PUP within the road corridor, why do I need to apply for a PUP approval permit?

Legislation requires consent and agreement from the landowner to carry out works. Access to the State-Controlled Road Corridor in legislation is not an unfettered pass infrastructure must meet various conditions of entry before any written approval is given. If proposed infrastructure has a risk of detriment to public assets or public safety, it may not be allowed within the corridor or would require special conditions if access is granted.

Can a developer or contractor obtain a PUP approval on my behalf?

No. They are not a public utility under legislation and cannot act on your behalf to conduct tasks required by you under legislation. The developer or contractor may begin the review process on your behalf (submit an application via online portal) to begin initial discussions (pre lodgement advice and so on), however the PUP authority must be involved in the process to confirm line and level, conditions and requirements of the utility asset to be installed in SCRC prior to formal agreement / written approval being obtained.

Note, for design and construct works external to PUP Authorities, the contractor or developer is required to submit plans for any proposed works on PUP infrastructure to the PUP Authority, prior to granting the developer or contractor with stamped approval IFC drawings. It is recommended that liaison is conducted with Transport and Main Roads during PUP design concept stage to prevent potential rework after significant time and money is invested into detailed design.

Once conditions are met, drawings finalised and PUP application is approved, the contractor / developer can then apply for an RCP to install / construct the agreed asset.

Is there a way to streamline process or make improvements to interactions between Transport and Main Roads and Councils or Authorities?

Yes. Transport and Main Road's Statewide Utilities and Stakeholders team continually seeks to review and improve systems and processes relating to utility installation in state-controlled roads and is committed to engaging with stakeholders, including councils and utility providers, to progress process improvements.

Other Utility Entities

I am not a PUP according to legislation. What is the process for me to install an asset within the SCRC?

In the first instance, send a detailed email containing information about your intended installation to [email protected]. The Statewide Utilities and Stakeholders team will be contact with you to discuss the process. The team will manage all interactions with the relevant Transport and Main Roads District staff and negotiate terms of an Infrastructure Agreement approving access to the SCRC.

Your application falls under Ancillary Works Encroachment Application of which applications will require assessment with conditions provided. Generally contractual agreements are drafted up for this asset, prior to allowing installation. Upon agreement and approval, construction works will require an RCP to install the asset and depending on circumstances may also require a TCP.