Retaining Wall Advice

Getting council approval for a retaining wall in Australia involves checking your local height trigger, engaging a structural engineer if required, preparing drawings and documents, and lodging a development application or complying development certificate. This step-by-step guide walks you through the entire process.

Not every retaining wall needs a structural engineer — but many do, and getting it wrong can mean council fines, insurance issues, or a wall that fails. This guide explains exactly when engineering is required in Australia, what triggers the need for a permit, and what an engineer actually provides.