FAQs

No. This is an existing Policy that was last adopted in 2022. As part of Council’s regular policy review cycle, the Policy has now been reviewed and updated.

This Policy was initiated by Council to prevent damage to our parks, reserves and fire trails, and adjoining vegetation.  Approved applicants must enter into a Licence Agreement with Council, under which stringent conditions are placed to ensure there is no damage to our parks, reserves or fire trails.  

Private access through the Mannikin and Deepwater Estate fire trails is not permitted under Council resolution FIN 110-09 on 27 January 2009.  In addition, under the Plan of Management for the Warrangaree Drive Bushland Reserve, adopted by Council on 28 September 2009, access through the Mannikin and Deepwater Estate fire trails is prohibited for the purposes of construction of buildings and amenities.

Requests for temporary access across fire trails and reserves to carry out work on adjoining private land are assessed on a case-by-case basis. Council will only approve requests for access where there is a sealed road or fire trail across the fire trail or reserve. We will not approve access across grassed areas, footpaths or via public thoroughfares. We also reserve the right to refuse requests for access where it is determined that access may pose a risk to the customer.

Customers are required to complete an online application form, provide a copy of their public liability insurance certificate, enter into a licence agreement and pay a security bond. See our website for more information.

Details of applicable fees and charges are available online.

We can only approve access to land under our care control.  If the fire trail or reserve is owned or managed by another authority such as Crown Lands, a Local Aboriginal Land Council or NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, you must apply directly to that authority for access.

The application process ensures each request is considered individually for its potential impact on our public open space. Many of our parks and reserves contain natural bushland of high ecological value, which provides critical habitat for threatened and endangered species. Many of our parks are in urban settings, making protection of this habitat even more important. Our parks and reserves are for the enjoyment of all our residents.

Fire trails play an important part in ensuring firefighters can access fires and safely contain them. They are also used to assist with management of bush fire risk across the landscape. To assist with containing and managing fires across the landscape, firefighters need good access.