Developer Asset Handover Process

Step 1.Stage 1. Practical Completion (PC)

This stage confirms the works are physically complete and ready for inspection.

Key Requirements

• All essential public infrastructure must be constructed and commissioned, including:
• • Roads (except final wearing course)
  • Stormwater, sewer, water, electricity, telecommunications
  • Safety, bushfire and flood protection measures
  • Lot survey pegs and service connections

PC Inspection

• Developer arranges joint inspection with:
• • Principal Certifier (usually Council)
  • Superintendent
  • Contractor
• Site to be clean, pits accessible, and drainage able to be tested (e.g. kerb flooding).

Outcome

• Principal Certifier provides a list of:
• • Major defects → must be fixed before moving forward
  • Minor/non‑critical defects → may be deferred if bonded

Step 2.Stage 2. Initial Handover (Subdivision Certificate + Entry into DLM)

Once major defects are resolved, the developer progresses to formal handover.

Documentation Required

• Completed DA condition compliance schedule
• Non‑Conformance Register
• Work‑as‑Executed (WAE) drawings, certified by Superintendent
• Completed QA records (ITPs, tests, compaction, concrete, etc.)
• Notices of Arrangement from:
• • Water authority
  • Electricity authority
  • Telecommunications authority
  • Council (s138 / s68 where relevant)

Subdivision Certificate (SC) Issue

• The Principal Certifier can issue an SC only once:
• • DA conditions are satisfied
  • All contributions, fees and bonds have been paid
  • Assets are accepted into the Defects Liability & Maintenance (DLM) period

Deferred Works (If Allowed)

• Minor outstanding items (e.g., landscaping, final asphalt, street furniture) can be bonded and completed later.
• Developer must commit to timeframes (typically ≤3 months).

Commencement of DLM Period

• Standard duration: 12 months
• Covers:
• • Rectification of new defects
  • Landscape maintenance
  • WSUD/drainage basin maintenance

Step 3.Stage 3. Final Completion (End of Defects Liability and Maintenance Period)

After the 12‑month DLM period (or adjusted period if registration is delayed), the developer seeks final acceptance.

Final Inspection

• Attended by Council, Superintendent, and Contractor
• May include CCTV inspection of stormwater/sewer assets

Defect Rectification

• Any outstanding issues must be repaired before bond release
• Any newly constructed replacement works start a new 12‑month DLM period

Final Acceptance

• Council confirms:
• • All works are defect‑free
  • All obligations are satisfied
• Bonds are refunded
• Developer’s responsibilities end