Shared fence with Council-owned land

Under the Fences Act 1968 and the Fences Amendment Act 2014, Council is liable to pay half the cost of fencing on land joined by a private owner, where the Council side of the land is a Council owned or managed building.

 

Is all Council-owned land eligible for this scheme?

Unfortunately, no.

If the adjacent land is used as a public reserve, including any walkways, road reserves, tree reserves, or a public park, Council is exempt from paying half a fence cost. This is because in these situations, Council is not considered to be an ‘owner’ but a custodian or trustee for the public.

If your property borders this type of land, Council is not required to make a contribution towards the cost of a new fence, fence repairs or removal of graffiti.

Does my property share a fence with Council land?

You can check if your property is eligible by using the interactive map. Simply type in your address to check if your property adjoins Council land. 

If after using the map you are still unsure if you are eligible, please contact us and we can assist. 

If you do border a Council-owned property, and your property is eligible for this scheme, you will need to obtain two fencing quotes for repairs or replacement of the fence.

I don't know my neighbour, how do I get their contact details?

If you are a property owner and need to find out who owns the property you share a fence with, you can request ownership details for fencing purposes through Council.

Please go to our Fencing information page for more details on how to apply.

What is Council obliged to do under this scheme?

If your property requires new fencing, Council will contribute half the cost of a standard paling fence (1.63 metres high).

Any additional costs or features to the fence, including Colorbond fencing or higher fences, must be paid for by the private owner.

For non-standard fences, please ensure that the quote additionally includes the cost of a standard paling fence.

 

Interactive map

To check if your property adjoins Council land, use our interactive map to check. All you will need to do is start typing your address then select from the list of addresses, or zoom into the desired location and click within the map. The map will indicate if you share a fence line with Council-owned land. 

How to apply

Email

Step 1.Confirm eligibility

Council is only liable to pay half the cost of fencing on land joined by a private owner, where the Council side of the land has a Council owned or managed building.

If you're unsure whether you're eligible after using the interactive map above, please contact us.

Step 2.Obtain two quotes

You will need to obtain two fencing quotes for repairs to, or replacement of the fence. 

Council is only required to contribute to half the cost of a standard paling fence, (1.63 metres high). For non-standard fences, ensure that the quotes include the cost of a standard paling fence.

Step 3.Submit your application

Submit a request for half cost fencing in writing and include two contractor quotes for consideration.

You can email us your request and two quotes to info@moorabool.vic.gov.au

In person

Step 1.Confirm eligibility

Council is only liable to pay half the cost of fencing on land joined by a private owner, where the Council side of the land has a Council owned or managed building.

If you're unsure whether you're eligible after using the interactive map above, please contact us.

Step 2.Obtain two quotes

You will need to obtain two fencing quotes for repairs to, or replacement of the fence. 

Council is only required to contribute to half the cost of a standard paling fence, (1.63 metres high). For non-standard fences, ensure that the quotes include the cost of a standard paling fence.

Step 3.Submit your application

Submit a request for half cost fencing in writing and include two contractor quotes for consideration. You can submit your application in person at any of the following locations:

Ballan Office 
15 Stead Street, Ballan
Open: Monday-Friday 8.30am-5pm

Darley Civic and Community Hub 
182 Halletts Way, Darley
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm  

Lerderderg Library 
215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh
Open: Monday to Friday 8.30am-5pm
           Saturday 9am-2pm

Post

Step 1.Confirm eligibility

Council is only liable to pay half the cost of fencing on land joined by a private owner, where the Council side of the land has a Council owned or managed building.

If you're unsure whether you're eligible after using the interactive map above, please contact us.

Step 2.Obtain two quotes

You will need to obtain two fencing quotes for repairs to, or replacement of the fence. 

Council is only required to contribute to half the cost of a standard paling fence, (1.63 metres high). For non-standard fences, ensure that the quotes include the cost of a standard paling fence.

Step 3.Submit your application

Submit a request for half cost fencing in writing and include two contractor quotes for consideration.

You can mail us your request and two quotes to PO Box 18, Ballan, Victoria 3342

What happens next?

We will consider the submitted quotes and carry out an inspection prior to any works. We will also contact the property owner and fencing contractor to arrange works. Following completion, we will inspect the final product for compliance.

FAQs

How long does it take for the Half Cost Fencing application to be processed?

The process can take up to 5 working days.

Is there a fee for a Half Cost Fencing application?

No, there is no application fee.

Do I need a building permit for my Half Cost Fencing application?

A building permit is only required if the fence height will be 2 metres or above.

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