Frequently Asked Questions
Am I required to register my dog?
Dogs are not required to be registered in Calliope Shire. However, the Local Law does require all dogs to have identification when taken into a public place (parks, footpaths). Council recommends that your dog wear an identification tag at all times to ensure that you can be contacted should your dog escape from your property.
How many dogs can I keep on my property?
The size of your property determines how many dogs you can keep:
Size of Property = No. of Dogs Allowed
Under 400m² = 1 dog
Over 400m² but less than 4 hectares = 2 dogs
Over 4 hectares but less than 50 hectares = 5 dogs
Over 50 hectares = Unlimited dogs
Are there water restrictions currently in place?
There is a current water restriction in place in Builyan which has been set at 100l per person per day. All residents have been informed and are encouraged to use water sparingly.
How often is my water meter read?
Water notices will now be issued every four months, enabling residents to monitor their water usage more closely.
Notices issued in November for water consumed July – October
Notices issued in March for water consumed November – February
Notices issued in July for water consumed March – June
Water notices also include the fixed water access charge for this 4 month period. The fixed charge represents the cost to maintain, operate, improve and manage the water reticulation system. This cost previously appeared on your rates notice.
When are my rates due?
Calliope Shire issues a rates notice annually, with the current notice issued in August. Your rates are calculated for the current financial year, ie- 01/07/07 to 30/06/08. Council offers two discount periods: 12% discount closing early September and 6% discount closing early October. The rates account becomes 'outstanding' after the close of the 6% discount period, and full payment or payment arrangements are required prior to this date to prevent further action being taken. Various payment options are available to residents including paying by installments.
Can I book a park for my wedding?
Millennium Esplanade and Canoe Point are popular areas to hold weddings. You can apply to Council to hold your wedding ceremony in a park. Application forms and conditions of use can be found under Parks & Recreation.
My neighbour’s tree is hanging over my fence. What can I do?
Council recommends that you first talk to your neighbour about having the tree trimmed. Under the law you are entitled to lop off the overhanging branches of a neighbour’s tree. You should not trespass to do this. *Any branches you lop off belong to the neighbour and they cannot refuse to take the branches back if you are unable or unwilling to dispose of them yourself. Generally your neighbour is not obliged to share the cost of hiring someone to remove the branches if they are too big or too high for you to cut down. (*visit their website)
To find out more information about dividing fences and overhanging tree branches, visit the Department of Justice & Attorney-General website, and refer to their fact sheet “Avoiding conflict with your neighbours about fences and trees”.
What can or can’t I do in the easement on my property?
The “terms of the easement” describe what you can or can not do in an easement. To be certain of the terms of the easement, you are strongly advised to get a copy of the easement documents from the Department of Natural Resources. For more information, visit our Development section.
Can I build a bonfire on the beach?
Calliope Shire Council strongly discourages the building of bonfires or campfires on our local beaches and fires are prohibited absolutely in our parks and recreation reserves. more information...
