Report a Pothole or Road Damage

Common Road Defects

You should report the following road issues:

• Potholes: Holes or depressions in the road surface
• Cracked or broken pavement: Significant cracks, crumbling edges, failed surfaces
• Damaged road edges: Eroded or collapsed road shoulders
• Uneven surfaces: Significant dips, ridges, or raised sections
• Missing or damaged line marking: Faded or absent road markings
• Collapsed or blocked drainage: Water pooling on roads
• Damaged kerbs: Broken, cracked, or missing kerb sections
• Failed footpaths: Damaged, cracked, or uneven pedestrian paths
• Damaged speed humps: Worn or damaged traffic calming devices

Road Hazards Requiring Immediate Attention

Contact the City immediately for urgent hazards:

• Large potholes creating immediate danger
• Collapsed road sections
• Major debris on roadway
• Missing or downed traffic signs
• Traffic signal malfunctions
• Exposed utility infrastructure (water, gas, electrical)

For emergencies involving immediate risk to public safety, call 000 first, then notify the City.

City of Wanneroo Managed Roads

The City is responsible for maintaining:

• Local access roads (most suburban streets)
• District distributor roads within City boundaries
• Council-maintained rural roads
• Footpaths adjacent to local roads
• Local road drainage systems

Main Roads WA Managed Roads

State government (Main Roads WA) is responsible for:

• Major highways: Mitchell Freeway, Wanneroo Road, Marmion Avenue, Ocean Reef Road
• Primary distributor roads: Major arterial routes
• Regional roads: Significant inter-regional connections

For issues on state-managed roads:

• Main Roads WA: 138 138
• Online: www.mainroads.wa.gov.au

The City can help redirect your report if you're unsure which authority manages a particular road.

Online Reporting (Fastest Method)

Report issues quickly using the City's online portal:

1. Visit www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au/reportissue
2. Select "Roads and Infrastructure"
3. Choose issue type (pothole, damaged road, etc.)
4. Enter location:
   • Street address or intersection
   • Or drop a pin on the interactive map
5. Describe the issue in detail
6. Upload photos (highly recommended)
7. Provide your contact details (optional but recommended)
8. Submit report
9. Receive confirmation and reference number

MyWanneroo Mobile App

Report on the go using the MyWanneroo app:

1. Download MyWanneroo from App Store or Google Play
2. Open app and tap "Report an Issue"
3. Select "Roads and Pavements"
4. Location automatically captured via GPS (or manually adjust)
5. Take photo directly through app
6. Add description
7. Submit report
8. Track status within app

Phone Reporting

Call the City to report road issues:

• Customer Service: (08) 9405 5000
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• After hours emergencies: (08) 9405 5000 (automated service for urgent issues)
• Information to provide: Location, type of damage, severity, your contact details

In-Person Reporting

Visit the Civic Centre to report in person:

• Address: 23 Dundebar Road, Wanneroo WA 6065
• Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Bring: Location details, photos if available

Email Reporting

• Email: roads@wanneroo.wa.gov.au
• Include: Detailed location, description, photos, contact details
• Subject line: "Road Damage Report - [Location]"

Essential Information

To help us locate and assess the issue quickly, provide:

• Precise location:
  • Street name and closest house number
  • Nearest intersection
  • Which side of the road
  • Distance from landmark or intersection
• Type of defect: Pothole, crack, uneven surface, etc.
• Size and severity:
  • Approximate diameter and depth
  • Is it getting worse?
  • Does it pose immediate danger?
• When noticed: When did you first observe the damage?

Helpful Additional Information

• Photos: Clear images showing the defect and its location (best evidence)
• Nearby landmarks: Bus stops, schools, shops
• Traffic conditions: Is it on a busy road?
• Recent weather: Heavy rain, storm damage
• Your contact details: For updates and follow-up questions

Taking Effective Photos

Good photos help prioritize and plan repairs:

• Take photos from multiple angles
• Include a reference object for scale (ruler, water bottle, shoe)
• Show the location context (street signs, house numbers)
• Capture the full extent of damage
• Ensure photos are clear and well-lit
• Take photos safely - don't stand in traffic

Step 1: Report Logged

• Timeframe: Immediately for online/app reports, within 1 business day for other methods
• Action: Report entered into City's asset management system
• Notification: Confirmation and reference number provided

Step 2: Initial Assessment

• Timeframe: Within 2 business days
• Process: City staff review report details and photos
• Priority assigned: Based on severity and safety risk
• Inspection scheduled: If needed

Step 3: Site Inspection

• When required: For complex issues or verification needed
• Conducted by: Roads maintenance crew or engineer
• Assessment includes: Safety risk, extent of damage, repair method needed

Step 4: Prioritization

Repairs are prioritized based on:

Step 5: Repair Scheduled

• Work allocated to maintenance crews or contractors
• Materials and resources arranged
• Weather conditions considered (some repairs require dry conditions)
• Multiple repairs in same area may be grouped for efficiency

Step 6: Repair Completed

• Work carried out according to priority timeframe
• Quality checks performed
• Report status updated to "Completed"
• Notification sent to reporter (if contact details provided)

Temporary Repairs

For urgent safety hazards, temporary repairs may be implemented quickly:

• Cold mix asphalt: Quick pothole filling material
• Safety barriers: Cones, barriers, signs to warn motorists
• Purpose: Immediately reduce hazard
• Follow-up: Permanent repair scheduled

Permanent Repairs

Long-term solutions vary by defect type:

Factors Affecting Timeframes

• Weather: Rain prevents some repair types
• Priority level: Urgent issues addressed first
• Resource availability: Crew and contractor schedules
• Material supply: Availability of repair materials
• Scope of work: Complex repairs take longer
• Traffic management: Busy roads may require specific work windows
• Utility coordination: Underground services may need to be located

Online Tracking

Monitor progress using your reference number:

• Log in to MyWanneroo portal
• Go to "My Requests"
• View real-time status updates
• See estimated completion dates

Status Meanings

Automated Notifications

If you provided contact details, you'll receive updates via:

• Email notifications at key milestones
• SMS alerts (if mobile number provided)
• In-app notifications (MyWanneroo app users)

When to Follow Up

Contact the City if:

• Priority timeframe has passed without action
• Temporary repair has degraded
• Issue has worsened significantly
• You haven't received updates as expected
• Completed repair appears defective

How to Follow Up

• Reference your original report number
• Phone: (08) 9405 5000
• Email: roads@wanneroo.wa.gov.au
• Online: Update your existing request through MyWanneroo portal

Valid Reasons for Delays or No Action

• Lower priority: More urgent issues addressed first
• Capital works scheduled: Road scheduled for full reconstruction, individual repairs inefficient
• Weather dependent: Awaiting suitable conditions
• Utility conflict: Underground services need attention first
• Private property: Issue is on private property, not City responsibility
• State roads: Issue referred to Main Roads WA
• Within tolerance: Defect meets acceptable standards (minor cracks)
• Already scheduled: Part of upcoming maintenance program

Reactive Maintenance

Your reports contribute to reactive maintenance:

• Responding to specific reported issues
• Addressing emerging defects
• Safety hazard rectification

Proactive Maintenance

The City also conducts regular inspections:

• Scheduled road condition surveys
• Preventative maintenance programs
• Routine patching and resealing

Capital Works

Major road upgrades and reconstructions:

• Multi-year planning and budget cycles
• Prioritized based on condition assessments
• Community consultation for significant projects

If Your Vehicle is Damaged by a Road Defect

If you believe a pothole or road defect damaged your vehicle:

1. Document the incident immediately:
   • Take photos of the defect and damage
   • Record exact location and time
   • Note weather and road conditions
   • Obtain witness details if available
2. Report the defect: Even if claiming damages, report the hazard to prevent further incidents
3. Obtain repair quotes: Get written quotes for vehicle repairs
4. Contact City's insurance team:
   • Email: insurance@wanneroo.wa.gov.au
   • Phone: (08) 9405 5000
5. Submit claim with evidence: Photos, quotes, incident details
6. Claim assessment: City's insurer will investigate

Claim Considerations

Successful claims typically require proof that:

• Defect existed before the incident
• City was aware or should have reasonably been aware of the defect
• City had reasonable time to repair before your incident
• Defect directly caused the damage

Note: The City is not automatically liable for all damage. Each claim is assessed on its merits.

Avoiding Pothole Damage

• Remain alert and scan the road ahead
• Maintain safe following distance
• Don't swerve suddenly – maintain control
• Reduce speed when road conditions are poor
• Ensure tyres are properly inflated
• Report hazards you encounter

After Hitting a Pothole

• Safely pull over to inspect damage
• Check for visible damage to wheels, tyres, suspension
• Note any unusual noises or handling changes
• Have vehicle inspected by mechanic if concerned

Other Road-Related Contacts

• Main Roads WA (state roads): 138 138
• Western Power (streetlight issues): 13 13 51
• Water Corporation (water main breaks): 13 13 75

Your reports help keep our roads safe for everyone. Thank you for being our eyes on the road!