Wattle Range Council is seeing an increase in the unlawful use of Shipping Containers in the region.

With the recent shortage of building materials and increasing wait times for building contractors resulting in increased building costs, shipping containers are being considered as a quick and affordable solution for storage, outbuildings and in some cases, habitation. Unfortunately, there has been a recent spike in the installation of shipping containers on land in the Wattle Range region without the required Development Approvals.

“In some cases, people are simply placing them on their properties without knowing that it is unlawful development,” says Jake Turner, Council's Building Officer.

“Shipping containers and Atco Huts are just like any other building and need to go through the same planning and building approval process.”

Council becomes aware of unlawful developments in various ways, including anonymous reporting, routine property compliance inspections, or from conveyancer checks associated with transfer of property ownership. The maximum penalty for an unlawful development is $120,000.

“Getting the right approvals ensures that development is appropriate for where it is proposed, constructed in a way that is safe and compliant with the Building Code and Australian Standards,” says Emma Clay, Director Development Services.

“Council wants to ensure that the use of shipping containers does not detrimentally affect the quality and amenity of our local community.”

Local residents who are considering using a shipping container on their properties are strongly encouraged to contact the Council prior to purchasing.

“We have a team of planners and builders who are happy to provide some preliminary advice about the planning process, if there will be any issues with zoning and where on the property a proposed shipping container can be situated,” says Ms Clay.

“Getting this information at the start will avoid unnecessary headaches down the track, including possible enforcement action by the Council.”

For further information about shipping containers, please refer to Council’s website or contact the Development and Regulatory Department on 8733 0900.