About the zero share licence
A water access licence (WAL) is generally required to extract water from rivers or aquifers. It permits the licence holder to take water allocations credited to the WAL in accordance with its terms and conditions. A zero share WAL is a water allocation account with no shares (0 ML)
After you have been issued with a zero share WAL, you will need to purchase or lease shares from another licence holder to account for the water you use. This is a separate transaction called a WAL dealing. WaterNSW facilitates all WAL dealings.
Visit WaterNSW for more information on dealings.
How to apply
You must complete the application form to obtain a new zero share WAL.
Application form
Use these documents to apply for a specific purpose access licence:
- Zero share licence application form (PDF, 279.84 KB)
- Zero share licence application guide (PDF, 146.27 KB)
Submit your application
Submit by email
Email your completed application form and any other documents it requires to waterlicensing.servicedesk@dpie.nsw.gov.au.
Fees
Application fee: $1,303.55*
*Fees and assessment times
*To find more information about related fees and applications visit the Fees and application forms page.
See the Assessment timeframes. page to find out how long your application will take.
Paying for your application
After we have accepted your application form, an officer from the department will call you to finalise your payment. You can pay the application fee by credit card or direct deposit.
Not sure about what you need?
We've developed the Water Assist tool to help you work out who to talk to and what steps to take to get the licences and approvals you need.