The Plan phase incorporates all of the initial work that is done from the preliminary feasibility studies through to the finalisation of plans for a new estate. This is supported through easyACCESS by giving access to the planning layers in Yarra Valley Water’s GIS system. 

If you are considering developing land or looking to purchase land for the purpose of development, you are able to seek servicing advice regarding the provision of water and sewerage services to the proposed development from Yarra Valley Water. 

The advantage of seeking Preliminary Servicing Advice (PSA), is that you are able to obtain knowledge of relevant issues in order to make informed decisions regarding the development, therefore potentially reducing costs and avoiding possible delays. PSAs are valid for three months.

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The Estate phase is the beginning of the interaction with the Land Development team at Yarra Valley Water.

The creation of an estate within the Works Portal will enable all subsequent documentation for this development to be easily identified and tracked over the development process. 

An estate in: 

• A greenfield development is a large parcel of land that may be developed in many stages. It may be developed using stage deeds that define stage details and specific servicing conditions. 
• An infill development is a property or group of properties surrounded by existing infrastructure. 

The Works Portal manages the information about each development.

The Stage phase contains more detailed planning documentation including the plan of subdivision and is the point at which the Development Deed is created. Each estate must contain at least one stage but may have many. 

Development Deeds 

For developments that require the construction of new water and sewerage infrastructure, a Development Deed is the formal agreement between Yarra Valley Water and a developer. 

The Development Deed provides all requirements for completion of the work relevant to each stage. 

The responsibility for the development work rests with the developer who will engage Accredited Consultants and Contractors to complete these works on their behalf. 

The Developer and Yarra Valley Water execute (sign) the Deed. Changes to Consultant and Contractor accreditation mean they are not required as signatories to the Deed. 

Standard Conditions are no longer a Schedule as they are incorporated into the body of the Deed. 

The In Principle Acceptance form has been replaced by the requirement that the Developer and Yarra Valley Water execute the Deed within three months from the date of issue of the letter that accompanies the Deed (approval period). If the Developer does not sign and return the Deed to Yarra Valley Water within this period, the Deed will expire. If the development is to proceed, but the Deed is not executed within the three month approval period, a revised Deed together with additional fees will be required. 

The Create Assets phase is where all the on ground works are completed.

Works Portal forms are used to administer the necessary approvals and notification during the creation of assets. It enables simpler submission processes for these approvals and notifications and will also provide online access to the status of documentation. 

Design

During this phase the Consultant will submit the drawings, specifications and other information including samples, models and patterns that are required for a development and for the construction of the development works. 

Pre-Construction

The period before construction commences during which the consultant lodges information with Yarra Valley Water to advise contractor details and audit schedules. 

Construction

Construction activities associated with water and sewer asset development works. Yarra Valley Water has specific requirements that need to be met during this process. 

Completion

The defects liability period is the time between the date of issuing an Acceptance of Works (AoW) certificate and a Certificate of Completion (CoC). A two (2) year Works Warranty period follows in which the developers provide a warranty for the works.

The Finalise phase contains all the documentation from the time the works have been completed, through to the return of the works warranty bond.