Walls

Positioning
Best practice guidance for the placement and arrangement of embellishments
Site setout
- Timber is not preferred but may be appropriate for walls in remote locations where carting of heavy materials is challenging.
- Planter box rock retaining wall should only be used where it is not feasible to install a garden and there is no alternative. They harbour pests, attract rubbish and require frequent watering.
- Planter boxes are not recommended for tree planting as they can constrain root systems and render the tree unstable.
Orientation
- Installation of walls under the drip line of mature trees is not recommended. If there is no option, construction is to be carried out under the supervision of a qualified arborist.
- Skate deterrent devices are to be installed on top of walls where there is a risk of damage from skate board use.
Safety
- Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles apply.
Clearances
See the following for further guidance:
- LIM Seats
- Table 2: Positioning guidance offsets.
Table 2: Positioning guidance offsets
Embellishment | Distance from | Minimum distance | Reason |
Retaining walls | underground services | Nominated distance | refer to service provider |
Seating on walls (free-standing) | surface level | 450 mm–520 mm high | to provide seating for an average height adult |
Seating wall | activity areas | safety clearances | |
Retaining and free-standing wall bases | any other items | 2.5 m | for deck mower clearance (where possible). |
Safety barriers
- Refer AS 2156 – Walking tracks, to identify barrier requirements adjacent to a retaining wall.
See the following for further guidance:
- Figure 6: Identify barrier type/retaining wall barrier with handrail
- LIM Handrails and balustrades.
Figure 6: Identify barrier type/retaining wall barrier with handrail

Note: The risk assessment for each site is as per the WH&S Risk Calculator (AS/NZS ISO31000)
Method to identify barrier requirements adjacent to a retaining wall
- Identify track classification AS 2156.1 - (class 1 illustrated)
- Assess impact surface type (sand) AS 2156.2 table 3 - hi=0 (favourable fall surface illustrated)
- Calculate actual fall height - heff=(hf+hi) 1278 mm=(1278 mm+0)
- Identify allowable barrier type for effective fall height AS 2156.2 table 2 (type A illustrated)
* AS 1428.1 - 30% luminance contrast is required between barrier and the background it is viewed against
*Accredited access consultant advice.
This component is currently in development