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Water
Controlled activity approvals

How to apply for controlled activity approvals

Application forms and guides, including ones to help you apply for a new approval or amend an existing one.

controlled activity applications and approvals

Controlled activity approval applications

There are 5 different application transaction types relating to controlled activity approvals. Find out about each type:

New

New approval Part IV

  • The application is for a new controlled activity approval.
  • The controlled activity is part of a development which requires development consent from a local council and this development consent has been granted.
  • There are three sub-categories with the total amount payable different for each:
    • assessment time less than 4 hours
    • assessment time more than 4 hours
    • security deposit or bank guarantee required.

New approval Part V

  • The application is for a new controlled activity approval.
  • The controlled activity is not part of a development which requires development consent.

Amend

  • The application is to amend an existing controlled activity approval under Part IV or V.
  • Amendments include changes to the proposed development works and/or property owners.

Extend

  • The application is for the extension of a controlled activity approval that is about to expire or has expired.

Surrender

  • The application is to surrender an existing controlled activity approval, or
    • where works have been completed and an extension of your approval is not required
    • where works as specified by the approval have not commenced and will not be commencing.
  • By surrendering
    • The controlled activity approval is closed.
    • You no longer have approval to continue or commence work on waterfront land.
    • You cannot amend or extend a surrendered approval.
    • If you wish to continue or start work on waterfront land you are required to submit a new application and obtain a new controlled activity approval.

Request a security bond release

  • The application is to release a security deposit or bank guarantee which was provided under a condition of a controlled activity approval.

Some activities may also require approval from a local council, which you should obtain first via the NSW Planning Portal.

How to make an application

To improve user experience and processing times, applications can only be made online, via the NSW Planning Portal.

  1. Use the Water Assist tool to obtain support information and complete all pre-lodgement requirements.
  2. Use the link within the Water Assist tool to register and/or log in to the NSW Planning Portal to:
    1. lodge your application online
    2. pay the required application fees
    3. provide required documents and plans
    4. obtain your approval or decision from the department
    5. check for additional information requirements
    6. check the status of your application.

Application fees and payment

The department charges fees to cover the cost of assessing applications relating to controlled activity approvals. The application fee depends on the type of application and the type of assessment required.

The department has updated its fee schedule for controlled activities. These minor changes will help:

  • simplify fees for applicants
  • reduce application assessment times.

When you lodge your application online using the NSW Planning Portal, you will be required to pay a lodgement fee. This will be calculated by the Planning Portal based on your application type.

In some cases, the assessment of your application will require an additional fee to be paid. You will be notified via email if this is the case. Simple online payment can then be made.

A controlled activity approval will not be granted until any additional fee is paid.

Simple online payment is available for all fees. The department does not accept cash or cheque payments.

Fee table

Application fees are increased annually according to the consumer price index.

Application fees for controlled activities
Type of application Lodgement fee Additional fee
New approval Part V $484 $156 per hour above 3hrs assessment time
New approval Part IV  Assessment time less than 4 hours $969  -
Assessment time more than 4 hours $969 $477
(+ $156 per hour above 7hrs assessment time)
Security deposit or bank guarantee required $969 $953
(+ $156 per hour above 7hrs assessment time)
Amended approval Part IV or V $484 $156 per hour above 3hrs assessment time
Extension approval Part IV or V $484 -
Surrender CAA Part IV or V $0 -
Security bond release $474 $156 per hour inspection fee
where works are non-compliant

Refunds

Application fees are non-refundable for change of mind or where an application is not granted or refused.

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