Ownership of a parcel of land means accepting certain rights and responsibilities. Landowners must develop their land in accordance with the laws governing land use planning and any buildings on their land must meet prescribed performance standards.
No effluent or emissions (noise, dust and so on) should be generated on the property which will affect the health of either the neighbours or the environment. Landowners are also required to contribute (through the payment of rates and taxes) to community infrastructure, and properties must be kept in a condition that does not constitute a fire hazard.
The City of Albany is responsible for administering the provisions of the town planning, building, health, bushfire, dog control and emergency management legislation introduced by the State Government. City staff can help landowners gain the required approvals for development and building proposals and provide advice on matters relating to land ownership. Where nuisances arise, City of Albany staff will investigate complaints and determine the role, if any, that the City can play in resolving the nuisance.
The City of Albany also provides a range of community services (libraries, roads, community events and so on) and funds those services from a combination of grants from the Federal and State governments, from fees collected for services and from the levying of rates on properties. The annual budget prepared by the City establishes the level of service provided to the community and also sets the level of rates paid by individual landowners.
