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WATERFRONT OWNERS TAKE NOTE The revetment wall has been engineered for a life of at least 100 years; it is a major concrete structure. However, it can be damaged, obviously by drilling or cutting into it, but less obviously by first damaging the membrane covering the seep holes. The roots of trees or shrubs can damage this membrane which is why your Covenant includes the following clause (9 g): "Tree species with a mature height exceeding 3 metres shall be prohibited within 4.5 metres of the canal wall. Shrubs shall be prohibited from an area within 1.0 metre of the face of the canal wall....." Reading further in the Covenant you will see that no construction is permitted within 4.5 metres of the wall and no excavation is permitted in that area without specific engineering certification. Also, raising the wall or the ground level in that area is not permitted. |
Necessity of Drainage System
After heavy rain water will be absorbed below the surface of the ground and due to the gradient of the land will build up behind the revetment wall. When saturated the water will rise and flow over the revetment wall into the canal.
This situation will leave the ground behind the revetment wall in a saturated and soggy state which will adversely affect recreational and environmental activities together with possible future structural revetment wall deficiencies.
Design of the Drainage System
To overcome the above situation seep holes have been incorporated in the revetment wall to drain away the water into the canal. To ensure that soil is not also carried through the seep holes a membrane (filter) has been installed.
Damage to the Membrane and/or Blockage of the Seep Holes
Should the membrane be damaged - water and soils will discharge through the seep holes causing a 'cavernous' effect behind the revetment wall. Mounds of soil (unless dissipated by wave/current action) will become evident on the canal side of the revetment wall. Effectually the 'cavern' will collapse leaving a hole on the land side of the revetment wall.
Should the seep holes become blocked the water will find its own levels and natural way of escape. This could be by overflowing the revetment wall and/or through other seep holes not blocked and could be on the property in question and/or neighbouring properties.
Main Reasons for Damage and/or Blockage of the Seep Holes
Trees are the most likely danger where residents plant trees or large shrubs close to the revetment walls. The roots of the trees/shrubs will block the holes, ground water will not be able to get way, the back of the wall will become waterlogged and will flow over the top of the revetment wall. If this situation is allowed to continue over the long term it will cause a deterioration of the wall. The Noosa Waters Residents Association continually reminds and 'educates' the residents through their newsletters of this situation and danger.
Building construction is a danger as any excavation can expose and damage the membrane. This is a less likely danger as there is a 4.5m wide 'green' zone behind the revetment wall before structural construction can take place. This 'green' zone is protected initially by the Estate Developers Covenant and in more recent times by the agreement with Noosa Council to incorporate same in suitable by-laws.
Weakening by drilling, channelling and cutting of the wall is not allowed without engineering and council approval.
Load bearing structures on or within 4.5 metres of the vicinity of the wall, i.e. swimming pools, house extensions, jetty or boat lifting device fastenings, etc.
Constant water waves and wash from passing vessels gradually will cause deterioration of the wall. This is why there is a 4 knot - no wash boat limit in Noosa Waters. Boat owners should always look back and check their boat wash. Excess wash can also cause damage to jetties, boat lifting devices and even other vessels moored to jetties.
Waterfront owners who cause damage and deterioration by negligence to their own revetment walls could be liable for any damage and deterioration to their neighbour's revetment wall.
The revetment wall forms part of the property title and is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain. Copies of registered plans showing the property title must be obtained from the Titles Office as they are protected by copyright.
For full details contact Council's Land Use Section - 07 5449 5200.
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