No longer on display. Expired on
08 October 2024, 05:00 PM
At Council's Ordinary Meeting held on 16 July 2024, Council resolved to place the Draft Public Gates and Bypasses (Cattle Grids) Policy on public exhibition for community feedback.
The Draft Public Gates and Bypasses (Cattle Grids) Policy aims to reduce the exposure of landowners and Council to risks associated with Public Gates and Bypasses.
The document is available for viewing in hard copy at Council's Customer Service Centre, Singleton Visitor Information Centre and Singleton Public Library and may be downloaded below:
Draft Public Gates and Bypasses (Cattle Grids) Policy
Interested people are invited to attend a drop-in session at Singleton Public Library to meet with Council staff to ask questions or find out more information:
- Thursday 19 September – 4.30 – 6pm
- Tuesday 1 October 4.30 – 6pm (rescheduled from Tuesday 23 September)
No bookings are required.
Submissions have been extended and may be made in writing and addressed to the General Manager, Singleton Council PO Box 314 Singleton NSW 2330 or sent via email to E council@singleton.nsw.gov.au by 5pm, Tuesday 8 October 2024.
FAQs
How do I know if I am eligible to apply for a Cattle Grid or Public Gate permit?
Eligible property owners will meet some or all of the following criteria:
- A grid/public gate on a public road is bordering their property.
- They use a grid/public gate on a public road for their own purposes.
- They installed a grid/public gate on a public road themselves.
When we say public roads, we are referring to all Council owned and formed roads, not Crown or paper roads.
If I already have a permit for my grid, is there anything I needed to do?
If you already have a permit issued by Singleton Council for your grid/public gate then you do not need to apply for another permit. However, we would appreciate if you do have a permit if you could forward it to us to cross reference with our existing records.
As a permit holder of a grid or public gate, what am I responsible for?
As outlined in the Draft Cattle Grids and Public Gates Policy, permit holders are responsible for the maintenance of the grid and gate, the bypass road to the gate, appropriate signage, and 20 metres of road on each approach to a grid. This is enforced by the Roads Regulation 2008 and section 142 of the Roads Act 1993. Council's specifications of gates and grids will be provided once a permit has been issued. It is the permit holder's responsibility to ensure that their grid or public gate meets this specification and is safe for public traffic.
The owner is also responsible for carrying out regular inspections to ensure the facilities comply with specified standards.
What is Annual Compliance?
The owner is required to carry out an annual condition inspection of the structure and submit a Certificate of Currency of Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of $20,000,000 for the structure.
What if I choose not to claim ownership for a grid bordering my property?
If property owners choose not to claim ownership for grids/public gates bordering their properties, Council as the local roads authority has the power under the Roads Act 1993 to take action in respect of unauthorised or unsafe structures, including cattle grids and gates, within a public road reserve. Therefore, in the event that a grid or public gate is not registered by a property owner, Council may remove the grid or public gate, particularly if it is found to be unsafe or non-compliant.
If I want to install a new grid on a public road, what do I need to do?
If a property owner is wishing to install a new grid/public gate on a public road, they can do so by completing the application form to install a public gate or bypass (cattle grid) on a public road.
Where can I find the Draft Cattle Grids and Public Gates Policy?
Council's Draft Cattle Grids and Public Gates Policy can be downloaded here.
If I have a grid or gate on my private property, do I need a permit for it?
If you have a grid or gate on your private property, you do not need to apply for a permit. Permits are only required for grids and gates on public roads.
If I share a grid or gate with an adjacent property owner, can we request a dual permit?
In the case of grids and public gates on property boundaries, Council can issue a permit with two permit holders. This will share the responsibility of the grid or public gate between the two property owners. If Council receives a request from two property owners for the same grid or public gate, we will take this as a case by case basis and discuss whether applicants would like a dual permit or if only one property owner will take responsibility for the grid or public gate.
Are there any ongoing fees to maintain registration?
There are no on-going fees for having grids or public gates registered on public roads. The registration fee is a one-off payment.
Will I need insurance for a grid I take ownership of?
The owner is required to have Public Liability Insurance with a minimum cover of $20,000,000 for the structure.
What’s Public Liability insurance?
Public liability insurance is designed to protect you (or your business) against the costs of claims involving property damage or personal injury which is suffered by another person as a result of your activities.
Why should you have Public Liability insurance for cattle grids?
Public Liability insurance covers the cost of injuries, loss or damage caused to other persons by your cattle grid(s). You could be liable for costs including replacement, repair, medical expenses, rehabilitation, legal costs and other forms of financial compensation. These costs can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars through to potentially millions. If the claim falls within the coverage of your policy, the costs can be covered by the insurer rather than coming out of your own pocket.
Why doesn’t Council’s Public Liability insurance cover the cattle grids?
Council doesn’t own or have responsibility to maintain cattle grids. While Council’s Public Liability insurance covers Council for any claims a person might bring against Council for their injury, loss or damage to property arising out of Council’s business activities, it doesn’t extend to cover you or any other parties for claims brought against you.
How do I know if cattle grids are covered by my existing farm insurance?
You’ll need to check with your insurance broker or insurer to confirm that the cattle grids are covered by your existing policy.