Stormwater runoff
Stormwater runoff from any subdivision and/or individual site must be directed to a lawful discharge point. There must be:
- no net increase in peak flows of stormwater runoff from any site during weather events from Q2 to Q100 storm rating
- no adverse impact external to the site either from redirection, concentration and/or increase in flood levels.
Our City Plan Land Development Guidelines and the Queensland Urban Drainage Manual provide information for engineers and stormwater designers to help with the planning, design and management of urban stormwater drainage systems.
Building sites
Stormwater runoff from building sites must also be collected and directed to a lawful discharge point. For stormwater associated with building work, please refer to the Building Code of Australia. For stormwater associated with City of Gold Coast services, please refer to our Land Development Guidelines.
Stormwater drainage associated with building works that connect to Council's system requires an Operational Works (OPW) application, except for the following:
- property drainage other than connection to the existing concrete kerb and channel
- existing stormwater pit or inter-allotment drain where the catchment drainage is less than 500 square metres.
The design of the proposed drainage system for the building must:
- not adversely affect the upstream drainage
- ensure the downstream drainage system is capable of adequately catering for the discharge of the additional flow produced as a result of the building or structure.
Report stormwater drainage issues
Roads & footpaths Private property
More information
Contact us on 07 5667 5978 or via email: mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.
Sediment control
Development is the main source of stormwater pollution. Disturbed soils, silt, litter and other materials can end up in our streams, rivers, and the Broadwater, causing both short- and long-term environmental problems.
Both homeowners and the development industry are responsible for erosion and sediment control and can be issued with fines for polluting the city's stormwater.
Penalties
When we receive a complaint, we will inspect the site and may issue a Penalty Infringement Notice (on-the-spot fine). On-the-spot fines range from 15 penalty units (over $2000) for individuals to 75 penalty units (over $10,000) for corporations. For information on penalty units, visit Penalty units.
Serious or repeat offenders may be prosecuted though the courts. Maximum penalties are over $200,000 for individuals and over $1 million for corporations.
On-the-spot fines are also issued for a breach of development approval conditions – up to 20 penalty units for individuals and 20 penalty units for corporations. Higher penalties apply if offenders are prosecuted through the courts. Maximum penalties are over $580,000 for individuals and over $2.9 million for corporations.
Report erosion or sediment from building works
Erosion or sediment runoff
Minimising stormwater pollution
Best Practice Erosion & Sediment Control is a practical guide on how to minimise stormwater pollution from building sites. It is designed to help people comply with their statutory environmental responsibilities and avoid large fines.
Benefits include:
- all-weather site access
- improved wet weather working conditions
- sites do not get boggy
- fewer mud and dust problems
- reduced stockpile losses
- reduced clean-up costs
- better public image
- fewer public complaints
- reduced risk of fines
- better fishing for everyone.
More information
For further information regarding development applications please contact Planning Assessment on 07 5582 8866 or email mail@goldcoast.qld.gov.au.