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Media Release - Department of Water and Energy Sydney: 6 February 2008 NEW RULES FOR WORKS ON WATERFRONT LAND Works carried out in, on or under waterfront land are now regulated by the Water Management Act 2000, the Department of Water and Energy announced today.
“Activities on waterfront land now require a controlled activity approval under the Water Management Act 2000 instead of a permit under the Rivers and Foreshores Improvement Act 1948,” the Department’s Licensing Manager, Marwan El-Chamy said.
Waterfront land includes the bed and a distance inland of forty meters from a river, estuary or lake. A controlled activity relates to almost any work carried out in, on or under waterfront land including removing or depositing material or any activity that that affects the quantity or flow of water in a water source.
“This is part of the NSW Government’s commitment to better managing the State’s waterways under the latest water management legislation, which ensures our precious water resources are protected and shared fairly and sustainably for the long-term,” Mr El-Chamy said.
“The new rules won’t burden landholders with additional red tape, but will ensure these types of activities are carried out in accordance with the Water Management Act 2000, which has stronger environmental protections.”
Mr El-Chamy said that landholders should contact the Department of Water and Energy (DWE) to find out whether they require a controlled activities approval before beginning any works.
“Comprehensive information about the new rules is available on the Department’s website and has been sent to local councils,” he said.
“I strongly encourage anyone considering undertaking works in, on or under waterfront land to first review this information and contact their local DWE office to determine what approval is needed.
“While our main goal is to work cooperatively with local councils and landholders, there are stiff penalties under the Act for those who knowingly break the rules.
“Illegally interfering with a NSW waterway can have disastrous effects for nearby landholders and water users, and the environment.”
More information about controlled activities and obtaining an approval is available on the Department of Water and Energy’s website www.dwe.nsw.gov.au. Alternatively landholders can phone their nearest DWE office for advice.
© NSW Department of Natural Resources
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