Permits

There are two types of permits you can apply for. One is from the SE NRM Board and the other is for a permit where the Minister is the direct authority.

Important information:

Guide to applying for WAA - click here

Farm Dams fact sheets - click here

Guidelines for culverts - click here

Application form for water affecting activity 'dams' - click here

Application form for water affecting activities 'other' - click here

1. Applying for a Permit from the board

Permit application process

Please note that the assessment of applications takes an average 40 working days, providing all the required information is supplied at the time of application. Therefore, we advise that you apply for your permit at least two months before you intend to undertake the activity. Permits are usually valid for one year from the date of issue.

Step 1 Determine the type of WAA for application purposes

DAMS - construct a new, or modify an existing, dam OR
OTHER WORKS – all non-dam related water affecting activities 

Some dams require development approval from your local council. For further information on dams, please refer to the Farm Dams page.

Step 2 Obtain the relevant permit application form

Below are the permit application forms for water affecting activities. Please ensure your print off the correct permit application for your activity

• Application form for water affecting activity 'dams' - click here

 

• Application form for water affecting activities 'other' - click here

 

• Part 4: NRM Policy of the Regional NRM Plan and the Morambro Creek Water Allocation Plan (if the activity is to take place in the Morambro Creek Prescribed Area) outlines the principles which applications are assessed against.

 

If you are having trouble viewing or printing permit applications then they can be requested from the natural resources centres by phoning (08) 8762 9100 (Naracoorte) or (08) 8724 6000 (Mount Gambier) or email: reception@senrm.sa.gov.au.

Step 3 Complete the application

Provide information on the proposed activity. Clear and detailed information assists in the assessment process and helps to have your application assessed as soon as possible. For further information on how to apply for a WAA please refer to our Guide to applying for a WAA permit.

 All applications should include:

§  a Certificate of Title

§  any plans and photographs of the proposed activity and site location

§  GPS coordinates (if available)

§  consultants or engineering reports (where applicable)

§  any other supporting information as required under the Regional NRM Plan or relevant Water Allocation Plan.

Step 4 Lodge the application

Permit applications, accompanied by the prescribed fee, must be lodged with the board. Information about the fee and lodging instructions are on the application form.

 

Step 5 Provide additional information

When you apply for a permit you may be requested, in writing, to provide additional information. The timeframe to assess the application and make a decision may be extended to take account of any delays in obtaining additional information.

Step 6 Site assessment

A Natural Resources South East officer may visit your property to assess the application and identify any possible impacts that may result from the proposed activity. Your application will be assessed against the relevant principles from the board's Regional NRM Plan or relevant Water Allocation Plans.

Step 7 Permit notification and conditions

The board will notify you of the decision in writing. You may be required to undertake additional actions in accordance with the conditions of an approved permit. If your permit application is not approved, or you disagree with any of the permit conditions, you may appeal to the Environment, Resources and Development Court within six (6) weeks of the decision.

Step 8 Site audit

The applicant is required to notify the board within 14 days of completion of works associated with an approved WAA. A Natural Resources South East officer may conduct a further site visit to ensure permit conditions have been met.

 

The Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation is the relevant authority for a number of other WAAs, as follows:

·         wells, imported water, using effluent, commercial forestry

Application forms for a permit for the above activities can be found online or by phoning (08) 8735 1152.

SOUTH EASTERN WATER CONSERVATION AND DRAINAGE BOARD:

·         private water management works

Further information on the Drainage Board. An application form for a permit for private water management works can be requested from the Drainage Board by phoning (08) 8733 3533.

Still not sure?

If you are unsure whether you are undertaking a water affecting activity or need advice on applying for a permit, please contact the natural resources centres on (08) 8762 9100 (Naracoorte) or (08) 8724 6000 (Mount Gambier).