Our engineering geologists, engineers and surveyors cover the investigations a project needs before design starts, across Ballarat and regional Victoria.
Site class to AS 2870 for footing design.
Building a new home, extension, shed or pool.
The engineering behaviour of soil and rock, for design.
Larger buildings, structures, roads and civil works.
Geological insight for planning, feasibility and early risk.
Before detailed investigation or design begins.
Likelihood, frequency and consequence of landslides for a proposed development.
A planning permit where an Erosion Management Overlay applies.
Slope stability and ground control for extractive industry projects.
A work plan under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990.
Whether a site can treat and absorb wastewater on site.
Building, extending or subdividing in an unsewered area.
A detailed feature and level survey of the site.
Before architectural drawings begin.
The Bushfire Attack Level for the building, to AS 3959-2018.
Building or extending in a Designated Bushfire Prone Area.
Bushfire risk and how to reduce it, for planning.
Building or extending in a Bushfire Management Overlay.
Testing for soil contamination, with NATA registered laboratory analysis.
Subdividing or changing to a more sensitive use, ideally before you buy.
How salinity affects a development and how to manage it.
A planning permit where a Salinity Management Overlay applies.
Earthworks, stormwater, pavements, levels and site services.
Homes, townhouses, units, car parks and industrial sites.
Engineering geology gives the insight needed for planning, feasibility, concept design and early risk management, long before detailed design. It identifies geohazards such as landslides, rock falls, sinkholes, flooding and erosion, and guides targeted investigation. Our geotechnical investigations then go well beyond a standard soil test: desktop studies, mapping, drilling, test pits, core logging, in-situ and laboratory testing, and geological models that support design.
Landslip risk assessments are a regulatory requirement in many council areas when a planning permit is sought and part of the property is covered by an Erosion Management Overlay. Our chartered engineering geologists assess the likelihood, frequency and consequences of landslides for the proposed development, and recommend how to reduce and manage the risk. Your local council can tell you whether an overlay applies.
Proposed quarries, quarry expansions and extractive industry projects in Victoria need an approved work plan under the Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990, and many need a geotechnical assessment to the Earth Resources Regulation guideline for terminal and rehabilitated slopes (September 2020). We provide competent person letters and geotechnical assessment reports that meet the guideline, and they can form part of a ground control management plan.
An LCA shows whether a property can treat and manage wastewater on site, with a septic tank or treatment system, without significant environmental or health risk. Most councils require one with the planning or septic permit application for land without mains sewer. We test on site and in the lab, draw the site in CAD and consider every suitable treatment and disposal option, to give your application the best chance at Council.
An LCA does not guarantee approval, but it gives Council the information it needs. We can revise an older LCA if your plans or the standards change.
A feature and level survey of the site and surrounds, delivered as a CAD drawing or terrain model, using robotic survey equipment. Best done before architectural drawings start. It captures levels and contours, existing structures, neighbouring buildings, trees, drainage, services, driveways and paths, which matters most for economical footing and retaining wall design.
Required when building or extending in a Designated Bushfire Prone Area. We inspect the site and set the Bushfire Attack Level to AS 3959-2018: BAL 12.5, 19, 29, 40 or FZ. Best done at the same visit as the soil test and survey.
Required when building or extending in a Bushfire Management Overlay, usually at planning permit stage. Depending on the zone and overlays, this can include a bushfire hazard site assessment, management plan, management statement or landscape assessment. Every report includes CAD drawings with aerial imagery.
Usually required when subdividing land or changing it to a more sensitive use, such as townhouses on a former house block or a home on a former industrial site. Best done before you buy. The scope depends on the size of the development, the location and the current use. Laboratory analysis is done by a NATA registered laboratory.
May be required at planning permit stage where a Salinity Management Overlay applies. Our geologists and engineers assess how the development may be affected by salinity and how it may affect groundwater and waterways, then recommend rehabilitation and ongoing management in a clear report.
Soil tests, feature surveys, land capability assessments and bushfire assessments can be done in one visit. Combining them costs less than booking them separately.
Request a combined quoteCall during business hours, or send the details and a few photos and we will be in touch to talk it through.
Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm
mail@mcclellands.com.au
201 Armstrong St North, Soldiers Hill, Ballarat VIC 3350
