Crown Lands Leasing

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) has been appointed the Crown Land Manager of land formerly managed by NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Crown Lands.

These functions include responsibility for managing coastal harbours along the NSW coast. Regional harbours are important to the local communities, providing job opportunities, tourism and recreation and are contributors to the NSW economy through the commercial and charter fishing industries and recreational boating.

How are vessels prioritised?

To maintain a consistent and fair approach, TfNSW has retained the same priority order for berthing of vessels in regional harbours that the previous management authority, Crown Lands, had in place for fishing Co-Operatives. This order is:

  1. Government/Emergency vessels
  2. Commercial fishing vessels (Licensed Fishing Boats - LFBs)
  3. Charter fishing (CFB) and other commercial vessels
  4. Recreational vessels (1. NSW registered vessels; 2. Vessels registered in another jurisdiction).

TfNSW may implement other local Conditions for regional harbour berthing allocations on a needs basis, dependent, for example, on the vessel type, location (navigation and environmental considerations) and local infrastructure.

What conditions should I be aware of when applying for a berth license?

  1. The applicant/holder of berth licence (e.g. name of licensee) must be the same as the registered vessel controller. If not the same, evidence that the person is a Director of the Company that owns the vessel, must be provided.
  2. Sub-letting of berths is strictly prohibited, unless approved in writing by TfNSW – TfNSW has the right to terminate any arrangement if a berth is found to be sublet to another person/vessel.

Map of State-wide Berthing Locations - What areas do we cover?

Tweed Heads

Brunswick Heads

Port Macquarie

Wooli Harbour

Wollongong

Ulladulla

Bermagui

Narooma

Eden

 

What does a commercial lease cover?

Commercial leases are in general long-term leases for periods between 5 and 10 years covering businesses associated with marinas, restaurants, licenced/registered clubs, boat repair and various other commercial and industrial uses including port activities.

View or download the Commercial lease policies and procedures on the Maritime Property policies and information guides| Transport for NSW.

The nature of commercial leases is such that the rental charges are determined on the basis of independent advice provided by registered valuers.

Under section 3.26 of the Crown Land Management Act 2016, TfNSW may grant leases or licence for a term (including any options for renew) which is:

  • 10 years or less, without the Crown Land Minister’s consent; and
  • more than 10 years, with the Crown Land Minister’s consent.

Berthing Licences

Berthing Application Form (PDF, 184.17 KB)

Schedule of rates are dependent on vessel suitability and the harbour

Short Term Licences

Licence Application Form (PDF, 228.49 KB)

Short Term Agreements change on a case by case basis, depending on the permitted use. Please contact Transport for NSW for further Berthing or Short Term Licence enquiries

Phone: (02) 8849 2831

Email: Property.management@transport.nsw.gov.au