About controlled allocations
In water sources that are not fully committed, the right to apply for new water access licences can be provided through a controlled allocation order. In fully committed water sources, water access licences can only be obtained through the water market – that is, purchasing from existing licence holders.
A controlled allocation provides a right to acquire a water access licence for a specified water source by auction, tender or other means specified in an order published in the NSW Government Gazette.
The process of obtaining a water supply work approval to take the water is separate from acquiring a water access licence through a controlled allocation. It will incur additional fees and require an impact assessment that may affect how much water you can take and use.
For more information on the legal provisions for controlled allocations, see Section 65 of the Water Management Act 2000.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to frequently asked questions about controlled allocations.
How to apply
Once you have registered for and been successful in the controlled allocation process, you can apply for the water access licence. Find out more about how to register your interest and the information on a controlled allocation.
What you need
Before you can apply for a controlled allocation licence, you must first apply for a controlled allocation.
Find out more about how to apply for a controlled allocation.
A controlled allocation provides a right to acquire a water access licence for a specified water source by auction, tender or other means specified in an order published in the NSW Government Gazette.
The process of obtaining an approval so you can take the water is separate to acquiring a water access licence through a controlled allocation. It will incur additional fees and require an impact assessment that may affect how much water you can take and use.
For more information on the legal provisions for controlled allocations, see section 65 of the Water Management Act 2000.
Application form
Use these documents to apply for a water access licence obtained by a controlled allocation:
- Controlled allocation application guide (PDF, 154.11 KB)
- Controlled allocation application form (PDF, 240.06 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: $1,708.86*
*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.