Check your block

Before you begin any kind of development, building, landscaping or other project, you need to check your block before you plan to ensure that you won't be doing damage to our utility networks, blocking access to vital infrastructure, or endangering yourself and others.

Failure to do so could be a dangerous and expensive mistake.

ActewAGL infrastructure includes things like:

• meters
• manholes
• poles
• gas and water pipes
• cables
• wires
• connections
• substations.

Dial before you dig

Dial before you dig is a free national service funded by utility organisations in Australia who own underground services. Make just one call on 1100, tell them your location and they pass the referral to the relevant utility services, who send the information to you, generally within two working days.

Service operators are available between 8.00am and 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Find out how much space to leave

It is illegal to block access to, or interfere with, utility infrastructure. Damaging or interfering with underground pipes or cables could be expensive and dangerous. Structures that block access may need to be removed so that maintenance and meter reading can be carried out.

The minimum distance required for clear access varies for powerlines, sewers and water mains. To check the required distances from powerlines, sewers, pipes and gas and water mains call ActewAGL on 6248 3555 between 8.30am and 5.00pm or lodge an online enquiry.

Be aware: that you may still have legal obligations regarding building and access requirements even if the relevant infrastructure is located adjacent to your block and not within your property's boundaries. Minimum distances still apply.

Fines and removal

If you build a structure that is too close or interferes with ActewAGL infrastructure, you may have to pay for it to be removed and you could also be fined up to $5,000.