Avoid unnecessary delays to a Statement of Compliance
As we are heading towards the end of the financial year, there’s a few simple but important steps you can take to help streamline the process in obtaining Melbourne Water consent for a Statement of Compliance (SOC).
An SOC is issued by the relevant council to an applicant once all permit conditions and requirements for the project, including those imposed by Melbourne Water, have been satisfied.
However, Melbourne Water is still receiving applications that haven’t followed the necessary steps to help streamline the process.
Payment requirements
Melbourne Water need to verify that the payment of the full drainage contributions amount (if applicable) has been made.
This means all payments must have the Melbourne Water reference number included, which is printed on the tax invoice and Works Offer (contract), e.g. MWA-132xxx.
If they can’t locate the payment reference in their system, they will request further information from you, which can cause delays in obtaining the SOC.
This is especially difficult when they receive a lump sum payment from a large developer for multiple projects without any reference numbers specified.
Melbourne Water requires that you remind the person in your business who issues the payment to include the Melbourne Water reference number with their payments to facilitate this process. They also require one payment per application (rather than a lump sum payment for multiple applications). Ensure you email a copy of your remittance advice/details of your payments with the reference number to AR@melbournewater.com.au
Melbourne Water also kindly requests the relevant drainage contributions charge is paid at least 3-4 weeks before you request an SOC to ensure adequate time for payment clearance and processing.
Works and Non-Works Offer requirements
You must also ensure that you have met the requirements outlined in the Melbourne Water Works and/or Non-Works Offer before you can request and receive a SOC.
You need to demonstrate all conditions in the permit or relevant Offers have been met, including inspections for practical completion of works (where specifically noted as a requirement), so that your SOC application can be assessed and approved in a timely manner.
Find out more
For more information about the Melbourne Water Statement of Compliance process and their requirements for assessing your application, visit: melbournewater.com.au/building-andworks/apply-to -build-or-develop/statement- compliance
If you need further assistance, please email enquiry@melbournewater.com.au or phone 131 722.