A Subdivision Works Certificate (SWC) is required before commencing any civil construction works in connection with a development consent for the subdivision of land.
Subdivision works include civil works such as reticulated water/sewerage works, roadworks, stormwater drainage and earthworks in connection with appropriate conditions of consent. A SWC certifies that subdivision works carried out will be consistent with development consent, and that these works will meet all regulatory requirements.
SWCs are issued by either a local Council or a private certifier at the start of the construction process. SWCs do not apply to complying development certificates and some Crown developments.
When subdivision works are completed and the applicable conditions of the development consent are addressed, a subdivision certificate can be applied for. A subdivision certificate authorises the registration of a plan of subdivision under Part 23 of the Conveyancing Act 1919.