Grids and Gates

Grid Ownership Program

Upper Hunter Shire Council has announced that it will be conducting an audit of all cattle grids and gates in the local government area (LGA). According to Council, records indicate that many rural property landowners in the LGA are responsible for the maintenance of a grid, or own a rural property that borders a grid on a public road.

As a result, Council is offering landowners the opportunity to claim ownership of public grids, in accordance with Council Roads Ramps Public Gates and Grids Policy. All grids and gates on public roads must be registered and a permit provided, with the permit holder responsible under the Roads Act NSW 1993 for the maintenance of the grid and gate, the bypass road to the gate, and 20 metres of road on each approach to a grid.

Landowners of rural rated properties presumed to be eligible to apply for a permit for a grid will have received a letter outlining inviting them to undergo the process of obtaining a permit for their grids. 

To encourage landowners to take ownership of their grids, the council is waiving the usual $1,230 application fee for registration, with the offer set to run until 30 June 2023.

However, Council notes that as the local roads authority, it has the power under the Roads Act 1993 to take action in respect of unauthorised or unsafe structures, including cattle grids and gates, within a public road reserve. In the event that a grid or gate is not registered by a property owner, Council may remove the grid or gate, particularly if it's found to be unsafe or non-compliant.

Landowners who wish to register their grids or gates can do so by completing the online form below, or by submitting the enclosed application form via post or email. Council stresses that the condition of the grid must comply with current standards.

For further information, contact Council on (02) 6540 1100. 

This opportunity provides landowners with a chance to demonstrate their commitment to maintaining the safety of all road users, while also potentially saving them money by waiving the usual application fee for grid registration.

Frequently Asked Questions: 

How do I know if I am eligible to apply for a grid permit? 

Eligible property owners will meet some or all of the following criteria: 

• A grid on a public road is bordering their property.
• They use a grid on a public road for their own purposes.
• They installed a grid on a public road themselves.

When we say public roads, we are referring to all Council owned and formed roads, not Crown or paper roads. 

Alternatively, you can complete the eligibility checker in the related information section of this page. If you meet any of the criteria you can submit your details straight to us for assessment. 

If I already have a permit for my grid, is there anything I needed to do? 

If you already have a permit issued by the Upper Hunter Shire Council for your grid then you do not need to apply for another permit. However, we would appreciate if you do have a permit if you could forward it to us to cross reference with our existing records. 

You can send through any existing permits via e-mail at Council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

As a permit holder of a grid or gate, what am I responsible for?

As outlined in Councils Roads, Ramps, Public Gates and Grids Policy, Permit holders are responsible for the maintenance of the grid and gate, the bypass road to the gate, appropriate signage, and 20 metres of road on each approach to a grid. This is enforced by the Roads Regulation 2008 and section 142 of the Roads Act 1993. Council's specifications of gates and grids will be provided once a permit has been issued. It is the permit holders responsibility to ensure that their grid or gate meets this specification and is safe for public traffic. 

What if I choose not to claim ownership for a grid bordering my property?

If property owners choose not to claim ownership for grids bordering their properties, Council as the local roads authority has the power under the Roads Act 1993 to take action in respect of unauthorised or unsafe structures, including cattle grids and gates, within a public road reserve. Therefore, in the event that a grid or gate is not registered by a property owner, Council may remove the grid or gate, particularly if it is found to be unsafe or non-compliant. 

If I want to install a new grid on a public road, what do I need to do? 

If a property owner is wishing to install a new grid on a public road, they can do so by completing the application form found in the related information section of this page. 

Where can I find Council's Roads, Ramps, Public Gates and Grids Policy? 

Councils Roads, Ramps, Public Gates and Grids Policy can be found in the related information section of this page or On the policies page on our website. 

If I have a grid or gate on my private property, do I need a permit for it? 

If you have a grid or gate on your private property, you do not need to apply for a permit. Permits are only required for grids and gates on public roads. 

If I share a grid or gate with an adjacent property owner, can we request a dual permit?

In the case of grids and gates on property boundaries, Council can issue a permit with two permit holders. This will share the responsibility of the grid or gate between the two property owners. If Council receives a request from two property owners for the same grid, we will take this as a case by case basis and discuss whether applicants would like a dual permit or if only one property owner will take responsibility for the grid or gate. 

Are there any ongoing fees to maintain registration?

There are no on-going fees for having grids or gates registered on public roads. The registration fee (which is being waived until 30 June 2023) is a one off payment. 

Will I need insurance for a grid I take ownership of?

Upper Hunter Shire Council recommends that owners obtain their own public liability insurance and notes UHSC as an interested party on the policy.