Shire of Northam
FAQ'S

Animals
Building
Dog Registration
Multiple Dog Applications
Firebreaks
Kennel Licences
Inkpen Landfill Site
Licensing Services
Swimming Pool Registration and Fences
Wundowie Library

ANIMALS

Stock - General

The Ranger Services deals with straying stock (goats, sheep, cows, pigs and horses). The Ranger will attend to stock, which are wandering the streets/public open spaces. The Ranger will try to them or find their owner.  If unable to locate the owner the Ranger may impound any animal found wandering.

Stock - Complaints

If you have a complaint about a stock related matter, please report the incident to the Shire of Northam. The following information.  When making a complaint the following information is required:

Animals - Miscellaneous Information

TOP

BUILDINGS

Building Licences

Every builder and/or Owner Builder intending to

an existing building should obtain a Building Licence before commencing work.  Failure to obtain the necessary building permits prior to commencing construction can result in legal prosecution.

Below is a list of structures that require Building Licences:

Fees

Fees payable on Building Licences are dependent on the value of the project.

In addition to the normal Building Fee, the Shire of Northam is required to collect a Builders Registration Board Levy on behalf of the Builder's Registration Board of Western Australia. This $34 levy is placed onall Building Licences, regardless of the value of the project.

The Shire of Northam is als required to collect a Building Construction Industry Training Fund Levy (BCITF) on all building licences and the amount is calculated as a percentage of the total cost of the building.


Plans and Specifications - New Buildings

Plans and specifications, are to be submitted in duplicate and a statement of use, signed by the owner, is to be lodged with the office of the Building Surveyor in support of an application for a building licence in respect to all proposals to:

    1. Erect a building or outbuilding,
    2. Alter or make additions to an existing building or outbuilding,
    3. Demolish or remove an existing building or outbuilding.

The plans, shall be

NEW WORK is to be clearly delineated as distinct from EXISTING WORK by means of colouring or other suitable means.

Buildings valued over $12,000 must be constructed by a Registered Builder or Registered Owner Builder.  For dwellings of this value, home indemnity insurance is required from the Registered Builder.

Home Indemnity Insurance is NOT required for Owner Builders.

Applications forms to become an Owner Builder are available from the Shire and should be lodged with the Builders Registration Board with the $107 Applicaiton Fee.  The Shire requires proof of Owner Builder Approval from the Builders Registration Board before releasing the Building Licence.

PLANS are to include the owner’s name and initials and shall comply with the following:
(a)
 2 Complete sets of drawings (to a scale of not less than 1-100) showing a plan of every storey, at least two elevations or external fronts and one or more sections, transverse or longitudinal, showing the heights of the storeys, depths of foundations, underpinning, levels of the ground, the construction of the walls, floors and roofs, all clearly figured and dimensioned in millimetres together with any other information that the Building Surveyor may require;
(b)
 A block and drainage plan (to a scale of not less than 1-500) showing street names, lot numbers and title reference of the proposed site with the north point, the size and shape of the block of land on which it is proposed to erect, alter or add to the building, alterations or additions, the dimensioned position of proposed new and existing buildings on the site; the relative levels of the site with respect of the street or way adjoining; the position and size of any existing sewers and existing stormwater drains; and the position of street trees, if any, between the site and the roadway;
(c)
 2 copies of specifications describing materials to be used in the construction if not indicated on the drawings to show that the building, will be constructed in accordance with the Building Code;
(d)
 When required by the Building Surveyor, a complete set of detailed drawings covering the structural members and detailed calculations of the stresses;
(e)
 Plans of septic systems and drains, and sullage water disposal are to be submitted with the building plans. (Please complete a separate application to install an apparatus for the treatment of sewerage.  This application is to be submitted to the Shire of Northam with a $184 application inspection fee);
(f)
 An estimate of the cost of the proposed construction and when required by the Building Surveyor, the name and address of the registered architect and/or qualified engineer, under whose supervision the construction is to be carried out; and
(g)
 If building work is to be carried out by an owner/builder, then the value of his time is to be estimated and added to the cost of materials used, to obtain a true estimated value of the work.

NOTE:  The Building Permit is considered void, if work is not substantially commenced
within one year of the date the permit was issued.

Workmanship - All work must be carried out in accordance with the standard of workmanship approved by the Builders Registration Board of Western Australia.
Building Contrary to Plans  - If the owner or builder wishes to erect the building in any way contrary to the plans approved by Council, they should contact the building surveyor who has authority to approve the alterations.

Responsibility - It is the responsibility of the person submitting a building application to ensure that the proposed building is erected in conformity with the Building Codes of Australia and the Health By-laws in force.

Compliance with Fire Requirements - Every person lodging a building licence, excluding Classes 1 and 10 of the Building Code, shall deposit with the Fire Brigades Board plans and specifications of sufficient detail to enable the Fire Brigades Board to assess their compliance with the Fire Requirements of the Building Code of Australia.

Notification to other Relevant Authorities - It is the responsibility of the builder to submit plans and specifications to the Water Corporation.

Resited Dwellings

The dwelling will be inspected in its existing location. An application form must be completed and an inspection fee of $275 paid (for up to 100kms travel).  Should the structure be unacceptable, there will be no refund of this fee.

After payment of the inspection fee, arrangements should be made for Council's Building Surveyor to inspect the building within seven (7) days and a report submitted to Council, at the first meeting after that inspection.

Following approval of the structure as suitable for transportation, plans and specifications must be lodged and a building licence obtained. Normal building fees are payable.

Council's policy is that where the building is acceptable, a $10,000 bond must be lodged, either in cash or bank guarantee with the Shire of Northam and a legal agreement drawn up, whereby the bond will be refunded on the following basis;

1.
 The dwelling, when transported to the site, must be stumped, joined, all windows external and internal made good, all doors and windows to be in working order, at this stage one third will be released;
2.
 When all septic tanks, wells and plumbing are completed, a further one third will be released;
3.
 A final refund of one third will be made when the work is completed, including all painting (within six (6) months) and the site is cleared of all debris.

All applicant(s) must be prepared to accept any conditions placed on the building by the Building Surveyor, prior to resiting and any further conditions that might be found necessary after the building has been placed on its new location.

A building will not be allowed to be moved into the Shire of Northam boundaries until approval from Council has been obtained.
Further advice can be obtained from Council's Building Surveyor on 9622 1099
  TOP

DOG REGISTRATIONS

Registrations

All dogs over the age of 12 weeks old must be registered.

Fees

                Sterilised                    Unsterilised
1 Year        $10.00                                   $30.00
3 Years      $18.00                                    $75.00

Pensioners:     50% of applicable registration fee
Working Dogs:     25% of applicable registration fee

Please Note:

(1) Proof of Sterilisation is required when applying for sterilised concession. Proof includes the vet's bill, sterilisation certificate or previous registration papers from another local government showing the dog as being registered as sterilised.  If you have none of the above a "Statutory Declaration" will need to be completed
(2) A current Pension Card must be shown when a dog is registered eg, sole parent, invalid or pension must be written on the card.  Health Care Cards are not acceptable to receive the pension discount
(3) A "Statutory Declaration"* needs to be completed to claim for a working dog concession, stating that the dog is used for working purposes (eg rounding up sheep).

  * Statutory Declarations are available from the Shire of Northam Administration Office

Dog registrations expire on 31 October each year, regardless of the date the dog was registered

Your dog/s can be registered at the Shire of Northam Administration Office.  Alternatively, you can register your dog by post. To register by post, you will need to telephone the Shire Office to request a registration form.  Complete the form and return to the Shire of Northam, PO Box 613, Northam with a cheque or money order.  Your registration tag will be posted out to you with a receipt.

Dog registrations are not transferable between dogs.  A new registration form must be filled out for each new dog.

A dog registered in any local government in WA is automatically registered anywhere in State and registrations are transferrable from one local government to another.  If you move, there is no need to cancel your registration.  Always ensure when you move that you advise your old local government of your new address and contact details.

Dog Complaints

If Ranger Services finds a dog wandering the streets, it will be taken to the Shire Dog Pound
If you see or are reporting a wandering/stray dog or have a complaint  about a dog related matter, you need to contact  Ranger Services.  If you have witnessed a dog attack on a person or livestock it is important that you report the matter immediately to Ranger Services.  Ranger Services for the Town of Northam and the Shires of Toodyay and Northam can be contacted by calling (08)  9574 4555.
When making a report or a complaint or if you have witnessed a dog attack you will need to supply the following information:
  • Your Name, Address and Telephone Number;
  • The time, and date of the incident;
  • The location of the dog;
  • Breed and colour;
  • Where the dog is from (if known);  and
  • If you have witnessed an attack you will need to provide some information regarding what has been attacked (ie, stock person)     

Dog Infringements

Depending on the severity of an offence committed by a dog, Ranger Services may issue an infringement to the owner or person in control of the dog at the time of the offence.

Listed below are examples of offences that can result in an infringement notice being issued:

  •  Unregistered Dog ($100, Dangerous Dog - $200)
  •  Keeping more than the prescribed number of dogs ($100)
  •  Breach of Kennel Establishment Licence ($200)
  •  Dog in place without consent ($100, Dangerous Dog - $200)
  •  Dog causing a nuisance ($100, Dangerous Dog - $200)
If you are infringed for an offence, you are required to pay the prescribed penalty within twenty-eight (28) days of the notice being issued. Failure to pay infringements may result in Council referring the matter to the Fines Enforcement Registry, which can result in your Drivers Licence being suspended.
Should you wish to dispute your infringement, you may do so in writing to the Manager of Environmental Health and Building Services within twenty-eight days of receiving the notice.   No appeals are dealt with over the telephone.
If a stray dog is tied or locked up, the Shire Ranger will pick up the dog as soon as possible and bring it to the Shire of Northam Dog Pound.

If a dog owner is no longer able to keep the dog or the owner moves and is unable to take the dog, the Shire of Northam may pick up the dog. This is called a "surrender".  A fee is charged for this service.

The owner must fill out a surrender form at the same time as payment and hand-over of the dog is completed. This form states, once the dog has been handed over, that the owner no longer has any legal standing regarding this dog.

                                          

PLEASE NOTE
The Shire of Northam does not deal with ill treated, injured or abandoned dogs. Should you have a complaint of this nature please contact the RSPCA on 9209 9300.
Ranger Services does not pick up deceased dogs from any property.
For information relating to kennels, please refer to the section on Kennel Licences.

TOP

MULTIPLE DOG REGISTRATIONS

Under the Dog Act of Western Australia, a person is allowed to keep a maximum of two dogs on any one premises so long as those dogs are registered.  A person or persons wishing to keep between 3 - 5 dogs on a property will need to submit a "Multiple Dog Application" to Council.  There is no fee however ALL dogs must be registered.
The application must be submitted (in writing) to Council stating:
  • the address of the property;
  • the number of existing dogs on the premises;
  • the number of additional dogs to be kept at the premises; and
  • the reason why the additional dogs are to be kept.
Once Council has received your application, we will then notify all adjoining landowners in writing, giving 14 days for any objections to the application. Any objections received must be substantiated. If no objections are received, Council’s Chief Executive Officer may grant approval. If objections are received, the application will need to be addressed at a Council meeting.
Council may grant two types of approval. ‘Temporary Approval’ is when approval is given for a time frame, such as three months, after which the application becomes void.  A situation that may require temporary approval could be if a person is ‘babysitting’ a dog for a small period of time.
‘Permanent Approval’ is given to cover the lifespan of the dogs, however if the dog passes away, it is not to be replaced.  A situation that may require permanent approval could be a third dog being trained for farm purposes, with the intent of replacing an older dog.
To keep more than 5 dogs you must apply for a Kennel Licence.

TOP

Firebreaks - refer Bushfire Control

KENNEL LICENSES

Persons wishing to keep six or more dogs on their property must make application to Council for a Kennel Licence.

No person will be permitted to keep more than five (5) dogs on any one property until such time as a Kennel Application has been approved, a building licence issued and the kennels have been completely constructed.

The procedures for an Application for a Kennel Licence within the Shire of Northam are as follows:
(1)
 The owner must make Application to Council

All applications must be in writing and in accordance with Schedule 3 of the Shire of Northam Local Law (Available from the Shire of Northam Administration Office) and should include the following information:
  • A plan of the premises showing the location of kennels and yards and all other building structures and fences;
  • Plans and specifications of the kennels.


NOTE
Temporary Kennels will not be permitted under any circumstances
(2)
 Once the application has been received it must then go up before the Town Planning, Health & Building Committee and the Ordinary Council or Full Council Meeting.  Council will give notification to the Applicant whether the application has been approved or not approved.  If Council approves the application it will do so with conditions that must be met prior to going further.  The application then moves to step (3).
(3)
 If approved (and it may not be), the application will then need to go through the following process:
  • Advertisement in the Local Newspaper asking for public comment;
  • Notification to all owners and occupiers of neighbouring properties, asking for any comment.
To allow this process to proceed the Applicant will be requested to pay a fee to cover the cost of advertising, postage and handling.

The public and neighbouring property owners and occupiers have 28 days to make comment on the proposal.  The matter then has to go back to Committee and Council for final approval or rejection.
(4)
 Building Your Kennels:
Gaining approval to hold a Kennel Licence does not give the applicant/s approval to start construction of the kennels;
Before construction on the kennels can commence a 'Building Licence' will need to be submitted to Council;
Submitted with the 'Building Application' will need to be two (2) copies of both site plans and structural plans;
Payment of a 'Building Licence Fee' is also required.

See the Section on BUILDINGS for further details on submitting a 'Building Application'
or Contact Council's Building Surveyor on 9622 1099
(5)
 Kennel Licence Fee:
  • The Fee for a Kennel Licence is $30.00 per annum (expiring 31st October each year);
  • All dogs on the premises must be registered;
  • Dogs may be either registered separately or by paying a bulk registration fee of $100.00;
  • A bulk registration fee will register all dogs on the premises.

TOP

INKPEN LANDFILL SITE

Hours:    The hours for the Inkpen landfill site are as follows:

Entry Passes:        Entry passes to the Inkpen Landfill Site are posted to ratepayers annually, with their rate notice.

Please ensure that you present your pass when disposing of refuse.  Failure to present a 'tip pass' gives the landfill attendant the right to refuse entry or charge a tipping fee.

Ratepayers and residents are reminded that: 

Charges:    for the disposal of refuse at the Inkpen landfill site the following charges are applicable:

Ratepayers and residents may deliver a ute load or trailer load (6 x 4) which is equivalent to approximately 1 cubic metre free of charge providing they produce their 'tip pass'  to the attendant.

In recognition that persons may not have a full truck load, Council has approved the following rate of charges for domestic waste when it exceeds the 1 cubic metre load referred to above:

    Domestic Waste Only:

    Vehicle Tyres:

Council is not permitted to bury tyres at landfill site and arrangements have been made for a tyre company to collect all the tyres from the site and dispose of them at an approved site.

Council has introduced this as a service to ratepayers and the following charges are levied to cover the cost of pick up and disposal:

Note: all charges include GST

Recycling:    Council encourages residents to recycle.

In addition recycling bins for cans, paper and glass are located at:

TOP

LICENSING SERVICES

The Shire of Northam conducts Licensing Services on behalf of the Department of Transport.  Licensing Services include:

Driver examinations are conducted Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings of each week (an appointment is necessary).

All other licensing services are available Monday to Friday between the hours of 8.30 am to 4.30 pm at the Shire Administration Office.

TOP

SWIMMING POOL REGISTRATION & FENCES

Any person owning a pool that is not registered with Council should notify this office immediately 

The Government gazetted amendments to the Building Amendment Regulations (No. 2) 2001, in respect to Swimming Pool Safety Laws - Pre 1992 Pools, on 14 December 2001.  The changes which affect Pre 1992 pool owners are:
(1)
 The need to upgrade safety barrier requirements to the standards applicable between July 1992 to November 2001, which include:

(a)
 Minimum self closing, self latching doors and protective windows have to be installed where they provide access to the pool area.

(b)
 Gates installed prior to 1992 that open into the pool area have to be altered so that they open in a direction away from the pool area.
(2)
 Owners of Pre 1992 pools need to undertake the upgrade of safety barriers by 17 December 2006
(3)
 When a property is sold, the new owners of Pre 1992 pools will have 3 months from the date of settlement to upgrade their safety barrier requirements.

Further advice can be obtained by contacting Council's Manager, Environmental Health & Building Services, Mr Phil Steven on 9622 1099.

A copy of the pamphlet is available at the Shire of Northam's Administration Office.

Swimming Pool Fences

Design and Construction - Fences and gates shall be designed and constructed so that at any point the outside of the fencing will present an effective barrier to young children.   The design and constructional requirements are therefore aimed at inhibiting access under, over or through the fencing.
The fencing shall be of a permanent nature and the requirements shall apply at all times throughout the life of the fence.

Materials

Fencing may be constructed from any type of material, provided that the finished fencing components comply with the requirements of the standard.

All constructed materials concerned with the safety aspects of the fencing (including shielding of the latching mechanism) shall be of a durable nature and satisfactory for their intended purpose under the conditions prevailing at the site. In particular, they shall have a reasonable natural life when exposed to the likely conditions of weather (sun, rain, dew), pool chemicals, atmospheric pollution, decay, insects, ground water, salt spray, etc.

Fencing Height

(1)
 Fences and Gates shall have an effective height of at least 1.2 metres at any point along their length, on the outside of the fencing.
(2)
 The height along the length of the fence shall be measured to the finished ground level.
(3)
 Ground Clearance The height of any opening between the bottom of the fencing and finished ground level shall not exceed 100 mm.
(4)
 Vertical Members spacing between any adjacent members, such as palings, rods or wires, shall not exceed 100 mm at any point.
(5)
 Horizontal Members on all fencing components providing a substantially horizontal surface, such as rails, rods, wires or bracing, that could be used as holds for climbing should be placed on the inside of the fencing. Where such parts are located on the outside of the fencing, or where vertical members are spaced and provide openings of more than 10 mm width, the following requriement shall apply:
  • Horizontal members shall be at least 900 mm apart
(6)

Gates and Fittings  - Security of closure When a gate is closed and latched and is lifted upwards or pulled downwards with a force of 240 N, movement of the gate shall not:

  • Release the latching device
  •  Unhinge the gate; or
  • Increase the gap between the bottom of the gate and the finished ground level beyond 100 mm

Direction of Opening Gates shall be mounted so that they swing outwards only, away from the pool area.
(7)
 Automatic Closing Device - All gates shall be fitted with a device that will return the gate to the closed position and operate the latching device from any position with a stationary start, without the application of manual force.
The closing device shall be capable of complying with these requirements with the gate at any position from resting on the latching mechanism to fully open.

Latching device Gates shall be fitted with a self-latching device that will automatically operate on the closing of the gate and will prevent the gate from being reopened without manually releasing the mechanism.
(8)
 Location of the latching device Where the release to the latching device is located at a height less than 1.5 m above finished ground level or where the latch itself is located at a height less than 1.5 m above finished ground level and is capable of being released at the latching mechanism, the location of the latching device and its release shall:
  • Not be on the outside of the fencing;
  • Be in such a position that to release the latching mechanism from the outside it will be necessary to reach over or through the fencing at a height greater than 1.2 m above finished ground level;
  • Be at least 150 mm below the top of the fencing where a hand hole is not provided, or at least 150 mm away from the edge of any hand hole opening where a hand hole is provided.
(9)
 Shielding of Latching Device - Where the release to the latching device is located at a height of less than 1.5 metres above the finished ground level, or where the latch itself is located at a height of less than 1.5 metres above ginished ground level and is capable of being released at the mechanism, the latch and its release shall be so shielded that no opening greater than 10mm occurs within an area bounded by:-

(a)   A circular or near circular area with a radius of 450 mm from the operating parts of the latch;
(b)   The top of the fence, if this intersects the area described in (a)
(10)
 Where it is necessary to have a hand hole in a fence or gate, the bottom of the opening shall be at least 1.2 metres above finished ground level, and the shielding shall be extended up to a horizontal line through the top of the hand hole, or 150 mm above the top of the latch, whichever is the higher.
(11)
 Use of perforated materials or mesh Perforated materials such as chain wire may be used provided that mesh openings are not greater than 50 mm nominal. Where such materials are used which have openings greater than 12 mm (but less than 50 mm) the construction of the fencing shall meet the requirements for these materials specified in Clause 2.3.

Fencing shall be free of safety hazards, which may include sharp edges, projections and the like

TOP

WUNDOWIE LIBRARY

Wundowie Resource Centre (Incorporating the Wundowie Library and Telecentre)
Phone (08) 9573 6205   Fax (08) 9572 7284

Provides the Wundowie and surrounding communities with a suitable library service in conjunction with the Library Information Services of Western Australia (LISWA).

Wundowie and Resource Centre can be contacted on the above numbers or by email at:

            wundowietc@westnet.com.au

OR   through their Webpage at:         www.wundowie.com

Opening Hours

Monday 12:00 pm to 5.00 pm
Tuesday 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Wednesday 12.00 pm to 7.00 pm
Thursday 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm
Friday 9.00 am to 7.00 pm
Saturday 9.00 am to 12 noon

TOP

 
 

| FAQ's| Adverts  |
 | Location   |   Who We Are   | Statistics & Meetings   | Services & Organisations   | Finances   |
| Notices & News   |  Newsletter   |   Minutes   |  Agendas   |  Contacting Us   | Bushfire Control   |