Stormwater pollution from building sites
It an offence to cause stormwater pollution in Caloundra City. Stormwater pollution occurs when sediment and other 
contaminates are washed away from construction sites and renovations.
- causes of stormwater pollution
- public health local law
- on-the-spot fines
- making sure your building site complies
- erosion and sediment control brochure
Causes of stormwater pollution
Sediment and other contaminates that are washed away from construction sites and renovations can lead to:
- road hazards
- localised flooding
- increased costs to maintain stormwater infrastructure and canals
- decreased habitat for marine life
- loss of amenity to waterways and beaches
Under Council’s Local Law No. 7 (Public Health), it is an offence for any person to 'cause a nuisance'’ either through their actions or by failing to act. This applies to activities that cause a risk of:
- harm to human health or safety or personal injury
- property damage or a loss of amenity
- environmental harm or environmental nuisance
A nuisance includes waste that is deposited on or released to:
- waterways
- a stormwater system
- premises without the consent of the owner or occupier
Council officers can issue $375 on-the-spot fines if the correct erosion and sediment control measures are not in place, particularly on new building sites.
Community members can contact Council to report building sites, including home renovations, that may be causing an environmental nuisance.
Making sure your building site complies
For information on how you can ensure your building site complies with Council’s Local Law, see the Healthy Waterways' booklet: 'Best practice guidelines for the control of stormwater pollution from building sites'.
The booklet is available from Council’s Customer Service Centre at 1 Omrah Ave, Caloundra or by phoning (07) 5420 8200.
Erosion and sediment control brochure
For further information, download the erosion and sediment control brochure:
Erosion and sediment control brochure (PDF 128KB)
To view pdfs you can download Adobe Acrobat for free.