FAQs (Frequently asked questions)
See also: A-Z site index
Council contact info
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What is council's postal address and open hours?
Contact information for council is available including opening hours, location, mailing addresses, phone, fax and email.
Living in the Shire
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How do I apply to remove or lop a tree (under the Tree and Bushland Vegetation Preservation Order)?
The process for seeking approval to prune or remove a tree located on private property within Sutherland Shire changed as at March 2008.
Changes to both the Sutherland Shire Local Environment Plan and the Development Control Plan mean that an application to prune or remove a tree is now required.
Application forms to are available from council's customer service centre or a form and more information is available on the Trees and Bushland Vegetation Preservation page on this site.
You can use the one application form for up to three trees. Where your application involves more than three trees please complete both the application form & supplementary attachment. Upon completing the form(s) it(they) can be lodged with council in person, via mail or fax.
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What can I do about neighbourhood noise (incl. barking dogs?
Several authorities have some involvement with this. The NSW Environment Authority has a web page provides advice on this and other sources of problem noise (this is not a Sutherland Shire Council web site).
If you need to lodge a complaint with council, it must be made in writing (see council contact and mailing address information). Please include as much information as possible in your letter, including the address of the dog, whether the problem is worse at any particular time of day/night/weekend etc, as well as your daytime and evening contact information.
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What are opening hours for the Animal Shelter (formerly called the Animal or Dog Pound)?
The Sutherland Shire Animal Shelter page has opening hours, contact information, pictures and descriptions of dogs and cats looking for new homes, and lots more.
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How do I register my dog or cat?
See the page Microchipping and Registering your dog or cat.
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Are there any off-leash areas for dogs?
See the page Other information for dog owners and the community.
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Will my garbage be picked up as normal on public holidays? What hours does the Lucas Heights tip operate?
See the page waste and recycling collection page.
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What can I do about a street light out?
Sutherland Shire Council does not maintain street lights - to report a street light out, contact Energy Australia on phone 1800 044 808, or check for information on the Energy Australia web site (this is not a Sutherland Shire Council web site).
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When will I get kerb and guttering in my street?
This is on the Roads construction and reconstruction page.
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Rates, fees charges
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When are my rates due and how can I pay them?
See the options available for paying your rates.
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What are the fees for fines and for registrations?
This varies widely depending on the particular matter. Phone council's Administration Centre during business hours on 02 9710 0333 to discuss your particular query.
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What are the charges for certificates?
- Zoning Certificates: Section 149 (2) $40.00; Section 149 (2) (5) $100.00; copies $33.00; urgency fee add $71.00.
- Building Certificates: $210.00 for dwellings & outbuildings. For buildings other than dwellings & outbuildings the fee is $210 (floor area not exceeding 200 sq metres); $210 plus 42c for every sq metre over 200 sq metres (floor area 200 - 2,000 sq metres); $966 plus 6.3c for every square metre over 2,000 sq metres (floor area in excess of 2,000 sq metres) Additional inspections will be charged at $75 per inspection. An additional fee may be charged for an application for a building certificate where a development consent, complying development certificate or construction certificate was required for the erection of the building and no such consent or certificate was obtained.
- Outstanding Rates: Section 603 $60.00, urgency fee add $34.00.
- Outstanding Notices: Section 735A/121ZP $110.00.
- Conveyancing Act Certificates: Section 88G $35 or $100 for expedited
Zoning, Outstanding Rates, Outstanding Notices & Conveyancing Act Certificates can be applied for online (no urgency fees apply) - see online services - e-certificates. Alternately, to apply for a certificate, contact council's Administration Centre during business hours on 02 9710 0333 for an application.
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Building and development
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What hours can building work take place?
Permissable hours vary depending on the type of approval granted but work must not start prior to 7am & must not finish later than 6pm. No construction or demolition is to be carried out on Sundays and public holidays.
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Does my neighbour have to contribute to the cost of a dividing fence?
Adjoining land owners are liable to share equally the cost of fencing work that will result in a sufficient dividing fence. If one owner wants a fence of a higher standard , the owner wanting the higher standard is liable to pay the difference in the cost between that fence and a sufficient dividing fence. If an existing dividing fence is damaged or destroyed by one owner or someone on the owner's land, that owner is liable to pay up to the whole cost of restoring the dividing fence. Further information is available on a brochure "New Dividing Fences Law" issued by the NSW Department of Local Government. Phone council's Administration Centre during business hours on 02 9710 0333 to have a copy mailed to you.
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How do I go about installing a rainwater tank?
Rainwater tanks are addressed under exempt development in the Local Environmental Plan. Alternately, effective from 27 February, 2009, you may choose to address the criteria under State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt & Complying Development Codes) 2008. You can see this policy at http://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/planning_reforms/housing_code.asp
- Go to NSW Housing Code then refer to Subdivision 32 - Rainwater Tanks (Above Ground) or Subdivision 33 - Rainwater Tanks (Below Ground)
Also, Sydney Water is offering a rebate to help customers who install a rainwater tank - details are on Sydney Water's web site.
Should your proposal require the lodgement of a Development Application, Council has resolved to waive all Council fees associated with its lodgement. State Government charges ie Planning NSW Levy & Long Service Levy, however, may be payable, as will any costs associated with the Construction Certificate.
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What can I do with my block of land?
This varies widely depending on how planning regulations affect your particular block due to its location, size, zoning etc. Phone council's Administration Centre on 02 9710 0333 and you can speak to the Duty Planners, Building Inspectors & Engineers who are available between 8.30am & 1.00pm Monday to Friday to assist in such enquiries.
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Can I get property ownership information over the phone?
No. The NSW Privacy and Personal Information Protection Act 1998 (PPIPA), which commenced on 1 July 2000, provides for the protection of personal information and privacy of individuals generally. The PPIPA establishes information protection principles which cover the collection, storage, use and disclosure of (and access to) personal information. In accordance with these principles, council may only provide ownership information to parties who have established their identity and have demonstrated a legitimate need for such information. It is not possible to establish identity over the phone.
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What is 'exempt' and 'complying' development?
See information on the development applications page.
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What are the lodgement costs for development applications?
These vary according to the type of development and the zoning of the land - phone council's Administration Centre during business hours on 02 9710 0333 to get more information on your particular questions.
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What's included on a zoning certificate (also called a Section 149 (2) certificate)?
Look on the zoning page for information about land zoning and zoning certificates.
- What is a BASIX Certificate?
BASIX is a web-based planning tool designed to assess the water & energy efficiency of new residential developments. To get a BASIX Certificate you must show that your proposed home will be designed & built to use less mains supply water & produce less greenhouse gas emissions. A BASIX Certificate has been required for new houses & dual occupancy developments in Sydney since July, 2004. It has also been required for alterations & additions to dwellings valued at more than $100,000 as well as large swimming pools since October, 2006. From 1 July, 2007 Basix has applied to alterations & additions valued at, or more than, $50,000. To obtain a BASIX Certificate you must complete the on-line assessment at www.basix.nsw.gov.au. (this will link will take you away from Council's website). If your proposal meets the BASIX targets when you have completed the assessment you will be able to print your BASIX Certificate.
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Other levels of government
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Who are my local members?
"Local members" is a term usually referring to the members of State and Federal Parliament who represent your particular area. Sutherland Shire is covered by two federal electorates (Cook and Hughes), and four state electorates (Cronulla, Heathcote, Miranda and Menai).
The current members are:
FEDERAL
- Federal Electorate of Cook: The Hon. Scott Morrison, MP
- Federal Electorate of Hughes: The Hon. Danna Vale, MP
STATE
- State Electorate of Cronulla: Mr Malcolm Kerr, MP
- State Electorate of Miranda: Mr Barry Collier, MP
- State Electorate of Sutherland: Ms Alison Megarrity, MP
- State Electorate of Heathcote: Mr Paul McLeay, MP
Details for each representative can be found on the following web sites (these are not Sutherland Shire Council sites):
More information and maps of the electorates are on the following web sites (these are not Sutherland Shire Council sites):
Information is available on this web site on the Sutherland Shire Councillors who represent your local government area.
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updated 30 June 2010