Connecting to our network

What is a Connection Approval?

A connection approval is an authority given by Unitywater for developers to make a connection, disconnection or alteration to our water and/or sewerage network.

We class a development as any activity that requires new, additional or upgraded connections to our infrastructure. This includes new projects such as land subdivisions, residential homes or units, and commercial or industrial builds, as well as extensions or upgrades to existing properties or premises.

Please note: if you are seeking connection of a single dwelling, visit connecting a new house.

Why do I need one?

Unitywater manages the water and sewerage networks across the City of Moreton Bay, Sunshine Coast Regional Council and Noosa Council areas.

When assessing applications to connect we need to carefully consider any potential impacts from your proposed development, in terms of protecting:

Public health and safety – by assuring firefighting flow, water quality and containment of sewage
The environment – by containment of sewage
Our customers and the community – by providing prudent and efficient infrastructure and service costs.

We assess whether:

Water supply and sewerage capacity exists to service your needs
Firefighting flow requirements can be met
Existing infrastructure is adequate, or
An upgrade, extension or alteration to our mains infrastructure (known as network works) is required to service your development.

How to apply to connect

A connection approval reserves capacity for your development in our network. If upgraded infrastructure is required, you also need to lodge a Network Works Application. This ensures that water or sewerage infrastructure works meet our design and construction standards.

Before completion, additional connections to our network typically go through five phases of approval: Planning, Application, Construction, Connection and Final Acceptance.

To help you navigate this process and get your project to market quicker, our Accreditation Register lists Registered Certifiers who prepare, assess and submit your applications (Certification Packages).

We will then assess the Certification Packages and issue Decision Notices.

We only accept connection applications prepared by a Registered Certifier. All applications are submitted via the Development Portal.

Sign in to the Development Portal

Two men appealing a decision for development application process

Development Portal

Apply for connections, disconnections or alterations to our network

Sign in or Register

Steps for connection approval

Step 1

Developer selects a Registered Certifier from the Accreditation Register on the Unitywater website

Step 2

Developer's design engineer prepares connection applications

This is ideally done in consultation with a Registered Certifier

Step 3

Design engineer provides application to Registered Certifier for assessment

Step 4

Registered Certifier prepares Certification Package for Unitywater

Step 5

Unitywater audits the package and issues approvals

Why do I need a Registered Certifier?

Previously, Unitywater assessed all applications to connect to our network. We’ve now accredited a large pool of Registered Certifiers who can prepare, assess and submit your application to us. This gives you greater choice, reduces bottlenecks and speeds up the approvals process.

What's the difference between an Accredited Entity and a Registered Certifier?

Both Accredited Entities (a business or sole trader) and Registered Certifiers (individuals) have been trained, registered and accredited by Unitywater to assess connection applications and certify that engineering designs and constructed assets are compliant with the relevant connections approval requirements and prescribed standards. Registered Certifiers work under an Accredited Entity, who oversees their work and is responsible for ensuring they have the necessary support and systems to do their job effectively.

What happens if my Certification Package is not approved?

If certain criteria in the Certification Package have not been met, we provide written advice to your certifier on what needs to be rectified. Once they have resubmitted the package and it’s up to standard, we’ll issue you with a Decision Notice as soon as possible.

What fees and charges are payable to connect?

We levy a fee to audit your Certification Package, which is payable on submission. Fees are also payable to establish the live network connection for your constructed works.

Infrastructure charges apply if your development places additional demand on our trunk infrastructure. These are detailed in our Infrastructure Charges Schedule.

Visit the Pricing, fees and charges page for more information.