Useful information for DAs for water-based development

Minimisation of structures/demonstrated demand

All proposals for water-based developments within Sydney Harbour should ensure that congestion of the waterway and foreshore is minimised and that development does not interfere with navigation, swimming or other recreational activities.

Importantly, a DA for a structure must illustrate a demonstrated demand for the facility.

Further, the extent of any development must be kept to the absolute minimum necessary to provide access to the waterway in order to meet with the objectives of the relevant water zone as set out in the Sydney Harbour Catchment Sydney Regional Environmental Plan 2005.

Any statement of environmental effects submitted in support of a DA for a proposed water-based structure must set out:

• why the structure is needed
• how frequently the structure will be used and by whom
• why the size or extent of the structure is the absolute minimum necessary.