Council processes thousands of complaints from the community about water, air and noise pollution, drainage, overgrown vegetation and unauthorised land use.
All complaints regarding public land or private property should be lodged with Council by contacting the Customer Service Centre on 9707 9000 or emailing council@cbcity.nsw.gov.au.
To operate a mobile food outlet in the Canterbury-Bankstown Local Government Area without development consent, you must comply with the development standards of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Exempt and Complying Development Codes) 2008 – Subdivision 27A Mobile food and drink outlets. (The SEPP Code).
Council may impose fines on operators that do not meet the criteria and operators are encouraged to do all necessary checks prior to trading.
Noise caused by pool pumps, air conditioning units and stereo systems can cause issues in our neighbourhood. They can affect our sleep, interfere with watching our favourite television shows, affect our conversations and even our health. So, to help manage neighbourhood noise issues, the NSW State Government introduced time restrictions on the use of certain household equipment and vehicles:
Noise source | Time restrictions |
Power tools | 8pm-8am on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 8pm-7am on any other day |
Swimming pool and spa pumps | 8pm-8am on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays 8pm-7am on any other day |
Music | Midnight-8am on Friday, Saturday or any day preceding a public holiday. 10pm-8am on any other day |
Air conditioner or water heater | 10pm-8am on weekends and public holidays 10pm-7am on weekdays |
Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving residential premises) | 8pm-8am on weekends and public holidays 8pm-7am on weekdays |
Refrigeration unit fitted to motor vehicles | 8pm-8am on weekends and public holidays 8pm-7am on weekdays |
The Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017 provides regulatory measures to control noise emissions from the abovementioned sources and is enforced by Council's Environmental Health and Compliance Officers or the Police.
For all other noise disturbances, an officer can issue a direction or notice, if the noise is deemed offensive noise under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.
During winter, excessive smoke from the use of solid fuel heaters is a common source of air pollution in the City of Canterbury Bankstown. The correct operation of a solid fuel heater will mean more efficient heating and will minimise excessive smoke. Correct ways to operate a solid fuel heater include:
- Always burn small logs of dry, well-seasoned hardwood;
- Store firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area;
- Stack wood loosely in a wood heater to allow air to circulate;
- Use dry kindling to establish a fire quickly;
- Do not leave the fire to smoulder overnight;
- Regularly check the chimney for smoke; and
- Ensure the chimney is cleaned at least annually.
Council Officers can investigate concerns regarding smoke from solid fuel heaters and if necessary, issue a direction to help ensure that excessive smoke is not emitted from the chimney or flue.
If you observe sewage discharging from private property or the stormwater outlet pipe in the street gutter, you can contact Council’s customer service on 9707 9000.
If you are a land owner and your sewerage system chokes up or falls into disrepair, a Council Officer may be called to investigate the issue and direct you to engage the services of a qualified plumber. The costs incurred for the repairs will fall to the owner in most cases. If you believe a Council tree has caused damage to your private sewerage network, you can seek further advice from Council’s customer service centre.
In some cases, large sewage overflows in the street are caused by Sydney Water’s sewer mains in which case you can contact Sydney Water on 132 090 and they will dispatch a technical crew to investigate the leakage. Leaking water mains can also be reported to this number.
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that is able to withstand heat, erosion and decay and has fire and water resistant properties. It was as a very widely used building material between the 1950s and 1987. It was often called 'fibro' and included in products like asbestos cement, such as flat or corrugated sheeting, water and flue pipes, insulation, vinyl flooring and casing for electrical wires. Never cut, drill sand, scrape, scrub or water blast asbestos products.
When inhaled asbestos poses significant health risks. It can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. You need to be especially careful when handling any material that may contain it.
Small household quantities
It is legal for you to remove and correctly dispose of up to 10m2 of non-friable or bonded asbestos such as fibro, piping etc.
When handling asbestos it is important that you wear the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and don't create extra dust which could be harmful to you and your family. If in doubt, call an expert.
For more information on safe handling visit Asbestos in NSW.
The material must be disposed of at specific waste sites. Always phone the landfill you plan to visit in advance to ensure they accept household asbestos waste (many also require 24 hours notice of the delivery).
Click here to find a local facility that accepts household quantities.
More than 10-metres square
For more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos you need to engage a licenced Class A or B asbestos removal contractor. They can provide you with the tipping receipt as proof of correct disposal.
At the completion of the removal you should be provided a Clearance Certificate, issued by an independent competent person. Make sure you only engage a SafeWork NSW licenced asbestos removal contractor.
Loose or friable asbestos
For any quantity of friable asbestos (that is any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry) you need to engage a licenced Class A asbestos removal contractor.
At the completion of the removal you should be provided a Clearance Certificate, issued by a WorkCover NSW licenced asbestos assessor.
Swimming pools that are not regularly filtered and chlorinated can produce foul odours and breed mosquitos, which are known to spread disease.
Council encourages residents to try to solve the problem amicably by talking to the property owner, occupier or managing agent if known. Often people are unaware that their lack of swimming pool maintenance is causing a problem.
If you lodge a customer request with Council, an Officer will inspect the property to determine whether the pool water is posing a risk to public health and safety. If the water quality is significantly stagnant, Council will direct the occupier and/or owner to drain the pool or filter/chlorinate the pool water, under the Local Government Act 1993. Penalties may be imposed upon those who fail to comply with an Order from Council.
Matters that relate to light nuisance should be dealt with privately between the affected parties. There are no environmental laws that govern light nuisance therefore Council encourages the resolution of these matters by speaking with your neighbour.
Lighting for all new developments will form part of the development approval process and there may be specific conditions of consent relating to lighting for commercial or industrial properties.
Open fires are prohibited on private property and incinerating waste in your backyard could lead to significant fines.
The NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 is the primary regulatory tool that governs development in NSW.
Development includes building, use of a premises, demolition and alterations.
If you are carrying out any type of development such as building work or a commercial undertaking (including a home business), be sure to seek appropriate town planning advice prior to carrying out the activity as you may be required to obtain development consent.
Council may impose fines on land owners that unlawfully lease accommodation where prior approval has not been obtained. This includes boarding houses, dual occupancies, granny flats and self-contained units, all of which require planning approval.
Street lighting is important for safety reasons, particularly in urban areas. However, some lighting can be a nuisance.
Overly lit office buildings and advertising signs are two examples of excessive lighting, and repeated exposure can reduce quality of life in residential areas. It is also a waste of energy resources which results in the unnecessary consumption of fossil fuels and contribute to air pollution.
If you have a complaint regarding flood lighting in local parks which are not switched off or from offensive lighting from commercial property, contact our City Planning Division on 9707 9000 (This does not apply to private lighting).
The City of Canterbury Bankstown has numerous rivers, creeks and waterways in which we love to swim, fish and boat.
When it rains, the stormwater collects any material or pollutant on the ground which enters the closest stormwater drain and then discharges to a river or creek. Common sources of water pollution include litter, construction site runoff, paint, oil, chemicals and sewerage.
- Washing your car on the lawn or using a commercial carwash. Don't let detergents go down the stormwater drain;
- Picking up rubbish around your property and street;
- Collecting lawn clippings and leaves from the road or footpath an putting them in the green bin;
- Putting cigarette butts in the bin; and
- Picking up dog droppings.
- Storing liquids and chemicals under cover and in a bunded (contained) area;
- Carrying out work involving oils and fluids indoors and in a contained area;
- Ensuring that you have approval from Sydney Water to discharge commercial or industrial waste to the sewer;
- Maintaining all pollution control devices (for example grease traps); and
- Implementing pollution prevention measures at building sites.
The Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 provides regulatory measures to control water pollution and is enforced by Council's Environmental Health and Compliance Officers.
Council also conducts environmental audits of commercial and industrial premises to ensure these businesses meet environmental standards.
Each council acts as the regulator for Underground Petroleum Storage Systems (UPSS) in their Local Government Areas.
As of 1 September 2019, the City of Canterbury Bankstown is responsible for more than 100 UPSS sites in our city, most of which are service stations with a small number of depots and golf courses.
Licensed premises and public authorities within our city remain the responsibility of the NSW Environment Protection Agency (EPA).
Owners of UPSS are required to comply with relevant provisions of the UPSS Regulation 2019, the POEO Act 1997 and relevant Australian Standards.
This includes becoming aware of a pollution incident and notifying Council within 7 days.
A UPSS is the entire system of underground tanks, pipes, valves and other equipment designed to store and handle petroleum products.
We are conducting a proactive environmental inspection program targeting all UPSS stations in our City.
As the Appropriate Regulatory Authority (ARA) as of 1 September 2019, Council will conduct inspections of all UPSS, starting in 2020.
Contact Emergency Services immediately. After immediate danger has passed, notify Council within 7 days using the Leak Notification Form.
Community complaints regarding UPSS will be investigated. Council has the authority to conduct regulatory inspections or a full site audits where necessary.
Call Council's Customer Service Centre on 9707 9000.
For further information about water pollution, please contact the NSW Environment Protection Authority on 131 555 or refer to EPA website.
If you would like Council to investigate an water pollution incident, or for further information, contact Council's Environmental Health and Compliance Unit on 9707 9000.
If your neighbour does not repair damaged roof gutters, downpipes or stormwater drains, or if they alter natural ground surfaces resulting in water other than normal rain surface water entering your property, contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 9707 9000.
If sewage is discharging on the ground from a blocked or damaged sewer pipe, you can let us know as well.
If the discharge is occurring in the street, contact Sydney Water on 132 090. Leaking water mains can also be reported to this number.
Air pollutants mainly come from the discharges of gases and particles, mostly from industry, motor vehicles and domestic solid fuel heaters. Air pollution contributes to environmental issues as well as health problems, especially for people suffering from existing respiratory conditions, such as asthmatics, and for children and frail older people.
In regards to air pollution and odour nuisances, Council will investigate:
- Backyard burning;
- Solid fuel heaters;
- Commercial premises such as spray painting businesses;
- Industrial premises that are not licensed by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA); and
- Food businesses.
The Protection of the Environment Operations (Clean Air) Regulation 2010 provides regulatory measures to control emissions from the abovementioned sources and is enforced by Council's Environmental Health and Compliance Officers.
Council also conducts environmental audits of commercial and industrial premises to ensure these businesses meet environmental standards.
During winter, excessive smoke from the use of solid fuel heaters is a common source of air pollution in the City of Canterbury Bankstown. The correct operation of a solid fuel heater will mean more efficient heating and will minimise excessive smoke. Correct ways to operate a solid fuel heater include:
- Always burn small logs of dry, well-seasoned hardwood;
- Store firewood in a dry, well-ventilated area;
- Stack wood loosely in a wood heater to allow air to circulate;
- Use dry kindling to establish a fire quickly;
- Do not leave the fire to smoulder overnight;
- Regularly check the chimney for smoke; and
- Ensure the chimney is cleaned at least annually.
Council's Officers can investigate concerns regarding smoke from solid fuel heaters and if necessary, issue a direction to help ensure that excessive smoke is not emitted from the chimney or flue.
For further information about air pollution, please contact the NSW Environment Protection Authority on 131 555 or refer to the EPA website.
If you would like Council to investigate an air pollution incident or for further information, contact Council's Environmental Health and Compliance Unit on 9707 9000.
Quarterly, Annual and Wet Weather Monitoring for Kelso Waste Management Facility
Both vacant and occupied properties with overgrown vegetation, an accumulation of materials or swimming pools with stagnant water can pose a health, safety and environmental hazard to the community.
Overgrown properties are one of the most common issues reported to Council, especially during the spring and summer months. Overgrown properties are a concern as they can potentially harbour vermin, create a neighbourhood nuisance and in some cases, pose as a fire danger.
Council encourages residents to try to solve the problem amicably by talking to the property owner, occupier or managing agent if known. Often people are unaware that their lack of property maintenance is causing a problem.
If you lodge a customer request with Council, an officer will inspect the property to determine whether a property is considered significantly overgrown and poses a threat to public health and safety. If the property is considered to be unsafe or unhealthy, Council will direct the occupier of the land and/or land owner to remove the overgrown vegetation, under the Local Government Act 1993. Penalties may be imposed upon those who fail to comply with an Order from Council.
Accumulated materials stored on a property can potentially harbour vermin, create a neighbourhood nuisance and in some cases, pose as a fire danger. The materials, if left unsecured, can potentially enter our stormwater drains and pollute our City's waterways.
Council encourages residents to try to solve the problem amicably by talking to the property owner, occupier or managing agent if known. Often people are unaware that their lack of property maintenance is causing a problem.
If you lodge a customer request with Council, an officer will inspect the property to determine whether a property poses a threat to public health and safety due to the accumulation of materials. If the property is considered to be unsafe or unhealthy, Council will direct the occupier of the land and/or land owner to remove the accumulated materials, under the Local Government Act 1993. Penalties may be imposed upon those who fail to comply with an Order from Council.
Swimming pools that are not regularly filtered and chlorinated can produce putrid odours and breed mosquitos, which are known to spread disease.
Council encourages residents to try to solve the problem amicably by talking to the property owner, occupier or managing agent if known. Often people are unaware that their lack of swimming pool maintenance is causing a problem.
If you lodge a customer request with Council, an Officer will inspect the property to determine whether the pool water is posing a risk to public health and safety. If the water quality is significantly stagnant, Council will direct the occupier and/or owner to drain the pool or filter/chlorinate the pool water, under the Local Government Act 1993. Penalties may be imposed upon those who fail to comply with an Order from Council.
If you would like Council to investigate an unsafe and or unhealthy premises, or for further information, contact Council's Environmental Health and Compliance Unit on 9707 9000.