Request compensation from council

If you have experienced injury, loss, or damage to your property and you believe was it was due to negligent actions by the Yarra Ranges Council, follow the steps below to seek compensation.  

Make a request

Step 1.Contact your insurer: 

If you experience injury, loss, or damage to your property, the council suggests that the best and fastest option for action is to contact your insurer.

Step 2.Contact the Council:

If you want to seek compensation without enacting your insurer and you have experienced an injury, loss, or damage that you believe was due to negligent actions by the Yarra Ranges Council, please contact us at 1300 368 333 to discuss your request for compensation.

Step 3.Request a form:

If Council is the responsible authority and you want to seek compensation without enacting your insurer, we will send you a Request for Compensation form.

Step 4.Complete the form:

Once we receive the completed claim form, your claim is forwarded to our Risk Department for investigation. The Risk Management team will send you an acknowledgement letter outlining the process. Please note: this process can take up to 6-8 weeks, and there is no guarantee you will be compensated.

Step 5.Next steps:

Once the investigation is complete, the Risk Management team will contact you and inform you of the status of your claim. If your claim is denied, you will receive a written decision explaining the reasons for the denial and information about seeking a review of the decision.

Alternatively, you can rely on your own insurance coverage, depending on the nature of the incident. You may also contact the Victorian Ombudsman or seek legal advice.

Please note:

  • In these situations, you may also have to organise your own repairs, as the Council does not repair private property.
  • We have an obligation to ensure the ethical use of Council funds, including ratepayer contributions. We can only accept claims for reimbursement where investigations demonstrate we have liability. 
  • Submitting a request does not automatically mean your claim will be accepted or you will receive compensation.