Skip navigation

Planning and Development

Dam Permit Approval

Process for Dam Permit Approval

1. Informal communication

Action

Discuss your intentions with Regional Water Management Officers 

 Decision

Approval to carry out works is not required for dams:

  1. not on a watercourse and that hold less than one megalitre of water;
  2. constructed for the primary purpose of storing waste as defined in the Act

2. Application submission and referral


Document

Submit an Application for Dam Works Permit to the Coordinator Licensing, Water Management Branch, Department of Primary Industries and Water (DPIW) *1



Process

ACDC informs applicable local council of proposed dam works

 Process

DPIW will refer the application to the Assessment Committee for Dam Construction (ACDC)

Action

If the proposed dam works are wholly or partly within a pipeline planning corridor, you are required to notify the operator of the pipeline licensed under the Gas Pipelines Act 2000

3. Advertising and consultation

External timeline
6 weeks to notify Director of application, unless application is refused or approved by delegate
Process

ACDC publicly advertise dam works application *2


Document

Third parties may make submissions to the ACDC in writing

 DecisionIf no submissions, an ACDC delegate may approve the decision

Process

Applicant notified of decision *3

 Internal timeline
Timeframe for making representation at least 14 days from advertisement
Process

Technical Advisory Committee of ACDC:

  • Considers technical issues of application;
  • Considers objections;
  • May suggest information gathering;
  • May recommend conditions
    		Process

    If no further information required

    4. Assessment and decision

    External timeline
    12 weeks for ACDC to request additional information from applicant
    Process

    Director of Environmental Management advised of application

    		 Process

    ACDC considers advice

    		 Process

    ACDC may request further information from applicant
    Process

    Director of Environmental Management may refer application to the Board of Environmental Management and Pollution Control (BEMPC)

    		 Decision

    ACDC will determine the application by either:

    • refusing it; or
    • approving it with or without conditions


    		Internal timeline
    14 days from notification to refer to EMPC Board
    Process

    Third parties notified of decision

    		 Process

    Applicant notified of decision

    5. Appeal

    Decision

    Tribunal decision either confirms, varies or sets aside ACDC/delegate decision

    		 Process

    Tribunal holds formal hearing at which all parties are able to provide submissions to support their case

    Action

    Applicant and/or third parties may lodge an appeal with the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal (RMPAT)

    		 External timeline
    14 days to submit appeal

    Key

               
      decision   process
      action   internal timeline
      document   external timeline
     

    document notes

    1. The application form must be accompanied by any required information and the prescribed fee. Regional Water Management Officers can assist with meeting the requirements.
    2. Advertisement includes:
      • specifying the name of the applicant, details of the application and any other information the Assessment Committee may require;
      • specifying where a copy of the application, including any other documents submitted, will be available for inspection;
      • inviting written representations from any person who may be affected by the application; and
      • specifying a period of at least 14 days from the publication of the notice during which representations may be made and the address to which they are to be sent.
    3. If an applicant disagrees with the decision made, an appeal may be lodged. Refer to section 5 for avenues of appeal.