Impact to Navigation Assessment

Assessment of Impact to Navigation from works in NSW waterways

Transport for NSW is responsible for the safety of navigation on NSW waterways under the Marine Safety Act 1998 and regulates impacts to navigation in, on or over NSW navigable waters under the Marine Safety Regulation 2016.

As part of its responsibilities, Transport assesses the impact on navigation from any proposed development or works that may potentially impact navigation. Navigation advice can inform land use and natural resource management planning, development planning and assessment processes.

As an assessment is required prior to a project obtaining approvals to commence works, Transport recommends individuals submit a request for assessment of navigational impacts when developing plans for proposed works on NSW waterways including domestic waterfront structures, aquaculture facilities and irrigation infrastructure. Engaging with Transport early in the design process can ensure that potential impacts to navigation can be identified and addressed prior to works progressing and will minimise delays to approval processes.

Public authorities are also required to consult with TfNSW prior to conducting any development comprising of a fixed or floating structure in or over navigable waters under section 2.15(2)(c) of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Transport and Infrastructure) 2021.

Transport’s impact to navigation assessment process applies to all works occurring in NSW navigable waterways and ensures that works are subject to consistent assessment and determination outcomes.

Important notes

Proposed developments on lands vested in Transport (e.g. works in Sydney Harbour, Botany Bay, Newcastle Harbour and Port Kembla Harbour) are currently subject to an alternate process managed by the Maritime Property and Planning team. Refer to the Maritime Property and Planning webpage for works on these sites.

This assessment only covers how the Proposal might impact navigation. It does not mean the Proponent has permission to start any part of the Proposal.

Before commencing the Proposal, the Proponent must make sure that they have all the necessary approvals and comply with all relevant laws. For example, these may include the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, the Crown Land Management Act 2016, the Fisheries Management Act 1997, the Marine Estate Management Act 2014, and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth). The Proponent should make enquiries to identify if any other laws apply.  

Contacting Transport

To assist with streamlining the assessment process, Transport has established regional mailboxes. Please direct your enquiry to the appropriate email address below:

Submitting your application

Please download the Domestic or Commercial Works Application form by clicking on the appropriate link below and complete all fields.

• Application for Domestic Works (PDF, 260.44 KB)
• Application for Commercial Works (PDF, 275.17 KB)

Then save a copy of your completed form to your computer.

Sending your application online

Send an email to the appropriate email address above and attach your completed saved application form, along with any extra documentation.

Note: Please ensure you also attach any other relevant documents (e.g. DA plans, additional information etc.) in support of your application, before pressing “Send” on the email to Maritime.

Sending your application by post

If you would prefer to print, manually complete and post your application, please download the appropriate form by clicking on it, then save it to your computer. From here, you can print the form, complete the fields and then post it along with any supporting documentation, to the appropriate address below: