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| Dam Works PermitsThe Assessment Process
Further Information
Under the Water Management Act 1999 a dam permit is generally required for all dams except in circumstances such as:- a dam that is not on a watercourse and that holds less than one megalitre of water;
- a dam constructed for the primary purpose of storing waste as defined in the Act.
In addition to a barrier across a watercourse, a "dam" includes an excavation in a water course and a flood levee, both of which also require a permit under the Act.
As a general rule, any works in a watercourse may require a permit and should be referred to the Department.
Contact your local Regional Water Management Officer or Dam Consultant to get details.
A dam permit only allows for the construction of a dam. You may also need to apply to the Department of Primary Industries and Water for a water licence to store and use the water in the dam. Approval of a water licence proceeds according to the Department's normal process. Please check with your local Regional Water Management Officer.
Dam permit and water licence application fees for dams are explained in the Water Regulations which are available on the Tasmanian Legislation website:www.thelaw.tas.gov.au |
To start the dam assessment process three conditions must be met to satisfy the requirements of a dam permit application: - an application form must be completed
- required information must be supplied
- the prescribed fee must be paid.
Your Dam Consultant can assist you with each of these requirements.
This flow chart outlines the process for assessment for applications for permits to undertake dam works.
This is a Portable Document Format (PDF) file and requires the use of Adobe Acrobat Reader. The Reader is easy to download and is free of charge.
The Assessment Committee for Dam Construction (ACDC) is established under the Act as the responsible entity for allocating dam permits in Tasmania.
The ACDC has members with expertise in the management of water resources; the use and economic development of water resources; engineering and safety matters relating to dams; integrated natural resource management; and best practice environmental management.
| The functions of the ACDC are: | Composition of the ACDC | - to consider applications for permits, grant or refuse permits under Division 4 and determine any conditions to which the permits should be subject;
- to determine the size, type, location or purpose of dams in respect of which the grant or refusal of an application for a permit may be delegated;
- to determine what type of additional information is to be provided under section 152 by an application for a permit;
- to provide for the conciliation of any matter arising from an application for a permit;
- to report or make recommendations to the Minister or any other person in respect of applications for permits;
- to perform such other functions as are conferred or imposed on the Committee by or under this or any other Act;
- to do such supplemental, incidental and consequential acts as may be necessary or expedient for the performance of its functions.
| The ACDC consists of six members appointed by the Minister as follows:- two persons nominated by the Minister, one of whom is appointed as chairman of the ACDC; and
- a person nominated by the Minister having the administration of the Environmental Management & Pollution Control Act 1994; and
- a person nominated by the Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association; and
- a person nominated by the Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- a person nominated by the Local Government Association of Tasmania.
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The Assessment Committee for Dam Construction must, within 14 days after acceptance of a dam permit application:- publish a notice of the application in a local newspaper
- notify the council in the municipal area where the proposed dam is situated.
A notice to a council is not required if the application is made by the relevant council.
A notice is to:- specify the name of the applicant, details of the application and such other information as the Assessment Committee may require
- specify where a copy of the application, including any other documents submitted with the application, will be open for inspection
- invite written representations from any person who may be affected by the application
- specify 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.
When approval for the dam construction permit is given or refused, both the applicant and those making objections are advised. A further 14 days is allowed for successful applicants to request a review of licence conditions, or unsuccessful applicants and those with public objections to appeal the authorities decision to the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal.
Your Dam Consultant can help you apply for a dam permit. They can visit your property to advise on appropriate dam locations, and will compile the basic information needed to process your application.
ACDC Offsets Guidelines: offsets are one form of mitigation for the potential impacts of dams works proposals on natural values.
Dam Safety
Undertaking works in rivers
Contact: Coordinator, Water Licence and Dam AdministrationBill Shackcloth
Coordinator, Water Licence and Dam Administration
1 Franklin Wharf
GPO Box 44
HOBART TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6233 2613
Fax: 03 6224 4977
Email: Bill.Shackcloth@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
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