About flood work approvals
Flood work approvals allow you to construct and use a work that is situated in or near a river, estuary or lake, or within a floodplain, and is likely to have an effect on the flow of water to or from a river, estuary or lake, or the distribution or flow of floodwater.
Flood work approvals ensure that the construction or use of a flood work does not negatively affect water sources and their dependent ecosystems, or other water users; and minimises the existing and future risk to human life and property.
Examples of flood works include barrages, causeways, cuttings, embankments, levees to prevent inundation of flood waters and building pads.
Where to apply for a flood work approval
- WaterNSW issues flood work approvals for private rural landholders and rural industries.
- The department issues flood work approvals for government agencies, including councils.
How to apply for a flood work approval
Approvals for a flood work are governed by floodplain management plans, which specify the types of flood work that may be constructed within that management zone.
You can apply for a new approval or apply to amend or extend your existing approval.
Exemptions
You do not need a flood work approval:
- for major projects which are state significant development or state significant infrastructure
- in certain circumstances specified in the regulations, for example:
- for local councils, if the work is constructed or used under a development authorisation granted by a council, and the work is not located within an unmanaged designated high-risk flood area
- for the Rail Corporation NSW if the work is for the purposes of a railway
- for a roads authority if the work is for the purposes of a public road
- to comply with a direction given in an emergency under the State Emergency and Rescue Management Act 1989 or State Emergency Service Act 1989
- for a ring embankment around a dwelling house, shed or silo, but only if the work is not located in a designated high-risk flood area and does not enclose more than the permissible area
- earthworks that are less than 150 mm above (not below) the natural surface of the ground, but only if the work is not located in a designated high-risk flood area.
Contact us
For information about whether an exemption applies to your proposed activity, contact us at waterlicensing.servicedesk@dpie.nsw.gov.au
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