Report a leak

Complex works

Complex works are more technically challenging assets where Hunter Water wishes to focus more of its attention including water and sewer mains greater than and including 300mm in diameter, water and sewer pump stations, pressure sewer systems, works with electrical and mechanical components, stormwater assets, sewer vent works or those being assessed under the Connecting Asset Funding (CAF) infrastructure standard.

You will be advised of the type of works and the assets required for your development in your requirements letter.

What is the Complex Works process?

  1. Receive requirements letter
    You will be advised of the type of assets required for your development (Routine Minor, Routing Major or Complex) in your development assessment requirements letter. Hunter Water processing times are approximately 30 days, however can take up to 60 days.





    Requirements letters are valid for 12 months from the date of issue, unless the letter is acted upon by submission of a deed & design which then adds an additional 12 months to the letter's validity.






  2. Engage an accredited design consultant
    You will need to engage an accredited design consultant to prepare a complex works design. Please refer to our list of Accredited Design Consultants to select a suitable party to complete the design review process.
  3. Have an inception meeting
    We recommend that an inception meeting is held between Hunter Water's representative on the requirements letter, our Design Assurance Engineer and your design consultant. At this meeting we will discuss the scope of the design, which will provide the design consultant with the necessary guidance to begin preparing the design.
  4. Execute complex works deed
    After you receive your requirement letter, a Complex Works Deed will need to be executed by the developer and Hunter Water. The deed should be signed by the owner and submitted to Hunter Water at developer.deed@hunterwater.com.au for execution.
  5. 15% design
    The accredited design consultant is required to submit the preliminary asset design report and detailed design. On completion of Hunter Water's design review, we will discuss the outcomes with the design consultant including any non-conformances with the design standards, and to agree on the requirements to proceed to the 85% design review phase. This design review will take approximately 4 weeks for initial review and 3 weeks for any subsequent reviews.

    Design and inspection fees for complex works are charged based on Hunter Water's Developer Fees and Charges Schedule. Some projects such as pump stations that require radio path surveys may incur technical services fees.
  6. Complete an environmental assessment
    Your Design Consultant will need to submit an application for Environmental Assessment and then choose one of the appropriate pathways to show that the environmental factors have been considered and managed. A Permit To Enter may be required to access neighbouring properties for the completion of the works.
  7. 85% design
    The accredited design consultant is required to submit the amended design submission following the 15% design review. Any final design issues will be discussed with the designer and closed out to finalise the design review process. This design review will take approximately 4 weeks for initial review and 3 weeks for any subsequent reviews. Upon completion of any required changes, including incorporation of the environmental assessment, Hunter Water will advise that the designer can submit the 100% design.
  8. Engage an accredited construction contractor
    You will need to engage a suitable contractor to complete the works. Complex works require an Accredited Construction Contractor to be used.
  9. 100% design
    The accredited design consultant is required to submit the final design submission and the Complex Works design submission checklist. Hunter Water will confirm the submission is complete and all fees have been paid before issuing Authorisation to Proceed (ATP) to construction. Water and sewer designs are valid for 12 months.
  10. Construction
    The Accredited Construction Contractor contacts Hunter Water's project officer to plan the commencement of works and submit project documentation in accordance with the Developer Works Manual. The accredited construction contractor captures 'Work As Constructed' data throughout the construction, in conjunction with inspections by Hunter Water personnel, before issuing a request to connect to Hunter Water’s networks (commissioning). Once connection is permitted, the accredited construction contractor connects to the networks then tests and confirms functionality.
  11. Project finalisation
    The finalisation package is prepared and submitted to Hunter Water by the accredited construction contractor where all required asset and project information is provided as part of the transfer of ownership including a security value for the works. Hunter Water will review the finalisation package(s) and issues a Completion Certificate for the complex works. Upon issue of the completion certificate by Hunter Water and having received securities from the developer, ownership of the works is then transferred to Hunter Water, and the 24-month Defects Liability Period (DLP) commences.
  12. Section 50 Certificate
    Your requirements letter will detail all requirements that you need to complete. During the works process, submit all other documentation (DA Consent, subdivision plan, etc) via the Property Self Service Portal. You may also need to pay a Developer Charge depending on the type of development. Provided all conditions in the requirements letter have been met and outstanding fees are paid, Hunter Water issues the Section 50 Compliance certificate, and the asset creation process is complete.
  13. Return of Securities
    After 24 months, the developer submits a request for the return of project security. Hunter Water will complete a site audit of the works ensuring no outstanding defects are found and return the held security.

What is the differences between minor, major and complex works?

CategoryDefinition
MinorGravity sewer main pipes less than 25m in length with a pipe diameter of 150mm or less and construction of water services.
Please note - works greater than 1.5m in depth and/or involving entry in a confined space must be carried out by an Accredited Construction Contractor
MajorGravity sewer main pipes and water main pipes of less than 300mm in diameter.
ComplexSewer and water main pipes 300mm and greater in diameter; telemetry; mechanical/electrical components; pressure sewer; wastewater pump stations; water booster stations; stormwater assets; sewer vent works.

Hunter Water may direct works to be completed by a category of works that differs from the above due to the complexity of the works required.