A SOC is issued by the relevant council to an applicant once all permit conditions and requirements, including those imposed by Melbourne Water, have been satisfied. 

However, there are some key steps required by Melbourne Water to help streamline the process and avoid unnecessary delays for the applicant.

Payment requirements

We need to verify that the payment of the full drainage contributions amount has been made.

This means all payments need to have the Melbourne Water reference number included, which is printed on the tax invoice and Works Offer (contract), e.g. MWA-132xxx.

If we can’t locate the payment reference in our system, we will request further information from you which can cause delays in obtaining a SOC. This is especially difficult when we receive a lump sum payment from a large developer for multiple projects without any reference numbers specified.

Melbourne Water requires applicants to ensure whoever is issuing the payment (including accounting departments, where relevant) includes the reference number with their payments to facilitate this process.

We also require one payment per reference number (for example, we can’t accept one lump payment for multiple drainage contributions). Ensure you email a copy of your remittance advice/details of your payments with the reference number to [email protected].

Please pay the drainage contributions charge to Melbourne Water at least 3-4 weeks before you request an SOC to ensure adequate time for payment clearance and processing.

Works and Non-Works Offer requirements

The applicant must ensure that they have met all requirements outlined in the applicable Works or Non-Works Offer before they can request and receive a SOC.

They need to demonstrate all conditions in the permit and/or relevant Offers have been met, including inspections for Practical Completion of works (where specifically noted as a requirement), so that the SOC application can be assessed and approved in a timely manner.

Find out more

For more information about a Statement of Compliance process and our requirements for assessing your application, visit our website.

If you need further assistance, please email [email protected] or phone 131 722.