If you are a contractor, construction worker or individual planning works that involve occupation or excavation within a Council road reservation (including nature strips and footpaths) you require a road works permit (for excavation works) or a road occupation permit (for non-excavation works).
Road works permits
If you require a permit for any works that involve excavation within the road reservation please complete the road works permit application form.
Road occupation permits
If you require a permit for non-excavation works (such as traffic control, cranes, scaffolding, or temporary fencing) please complete the road occupation permit application form.
Private Underground Electrical Connections (PUECs)
The safety of our community and workers is our top priority. For this reason Kingborough Council will not approve applications for Private Underground Electrical Connections (PUECs) within Council-managed road reservations. This decision reflects our commitment to reducing safety risks for anyone performing excavation work in these areas.
Why We Are Making This Decision?
PUECs run underground from power poles across road reservations to private properties, yet they are not mapped by TasNetworks. This lack of mapping poses a significant risk to workers, who may unknowingly encounter live electrical lines during excavation – an unacceptable hazard with the potential for serious injury or death. The absence of clear, publicly accessible maps for PUECs creates a safety gap that Council cannot ignore.
Many other Tasmanian Councils share this stance, agreeing that only clearly recorded, maintained, and identifiable underground electrical assets should be permitted in road reservations. In July 2024 Councils engaged TasNetworks on this issue, and they are currently evaluating future policies on PUECs.
Conditions for Potential Exceptions
As the road manager, Kingborough Council may consider allowing electrical conduits only if TasNetworks assumes full responsibility for their maintenance and mapping. Such assets must also be identifiable through Before You Dig Australia (BYDA) enquiries to prevent accidental contact during excavation. As the state’s electrical authority, TasNetworks is best positioned to maintain accurate records of these underground connections.
Alternative Solutions
We understand that this decision may impact current preferences, and we would like to highlight available alternatives for electrical connections:
- Obtaining a point of supply via a private service pole within the property boundary, connected via a TasNetworks owned overhead service wire from the distribution network.
- Obtaining a point of supply via a TasNetworks Turret or Cabinet at the property boundary, connected via a TasNetworks owned underground main from the distribution network.
These options allow electrical connections to proceed safely and in accordance with Council’s requirements.
Next Steps and Ongoing Advocacy
Kingborough Council will continue working with other municipalities and TasNetworks to advocate for comprehensive mapping of electrical infrastructure, enhancing safety for all. Until such mapping becomes available, this directive will remain in place to prevent unnecessary risks in our community.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please reach out to us. Your safety and the safety of our community is our priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in supporting this important precaution.
