Major projects
Major projects are state significant developments and state significant infrastructure (SSD and SSI) under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.
Our department is responsible for:
- water access licences and Water Act 1912 licences required for major projects
- water policies which apply to major projects, such as the aquifer interference policy
- providing advice to the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment–Planning & Assessment on the assessment and management of major projects.
Major projects are exempt from requiring certain approvals under the Water Management Act 2000. This is because water management considerations are included in the assessment of major projects and conditions of consent.
Pre-approval
Department of Planning, Industry and Environment–Water provides advice to Department of Planning, Industry and Environment–Planning & Assessment and to proponents to ensure that the proposed development is sustainable. The department's Water assessment team coordinates this advice and can be contacted at water.assessments@dpie.nsw.gov.au. Please note more detailed information in Assessing major developments - Water in New South Wales (nsw.gov.au).
Post approvals
The NSW Government remains closely involved with the development of projects after approval is granted. The post-approval process is important in ensuring that water resources are effectively managed and monitored. Projects must comply with water licences, and have adequate monitoring in place for the Government to track and monitor compliance. SSD and SSI projects may need to consult with the department and/or NRAR on post approval management plans required as a condition of consent. Submissions are lodged via the Major Projects Portal.
Submit your post approval management plan via the Major Projects portal to Department of Planning, Industry and Environment–Water if your DA requires you to report on any of the following:
- Groundwater Models
- Groundwater Monitoring and Modelling Plans
- Surface Water and Groundwater Monitoring Reports
- Water Management Plans
- Extraction Management Plans
- Subsidence Management Plans
- Specific Requests from Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
- Groundwater Models
- Groundwater Monitoring and Modelling Plans
- Surface Water and Groundwater Monitoring Reports
- Water Management Plans
- Extraction Management Plans
- Subsidence Management Plans
- Specific Requests from Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
Submit your post approval management plan via the Major Projects portal to NRAR if your DA requires you to report on any of the following:
- Water licensing under the Water Management Act 2000
- Works typically requiring a Controlled Activity Approval under the Water Management Act 2000 (eg water course realignment, riparian rehabilitation)
- Specific Requests from Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
- Breach of Water Licence Conditions – submit directly via NRAR's Report suspicious water activities.
- Water licensing under the Water Management Act 2000
- Works typically requiring a Controlled Activity Approval under the Water Management Act 2000 (eg water course realignment, riparian rehabilitation)
- Specific Requests from Department of Planning, Industry & Environment
- Breach of Water Licence Conditions – submit directly via NRAR's Report suspicious water activities.
FAQs
For more information visit FAQs for post approval management plans.
Compliance
Department of Planning, Industry & Environment is responsible for compliance and enforcement of consents for major projects.
The NSW Natural Resources Access Regulator is responsible for compliance and enforcement of NSW water law including requirements for water licences.
For information, go to Compliance.