Crown Lands anchors at Sydney International Boat Show

Crown Lands is joining exhibitors at the annual Sydney International Boat Show to raise awareness about requirements for waterfront structures, such as jetties and pontoons.

Thousands of maritime enthusiasts will attend the annual event to be held at the International Convention Centre and Cockle Bay Wharf from 1 to 4 August.

Crown Lands, a branch of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), is responsible for the management of Crown land, including land below the mean high-water mark.

The agency’s presence at the boat show will raise awareness about lawful development and occupation of Crown waterways, and help boating enthusiasts and waterfront landowners learn how to properly apply to develop waterfront structures.

Crown Lands representatives will share information with boat show attendees on how to obtain consent before any development begins on waterfronts, information on waterfront licenses and what is permitted on foreshore Crown land or waterways.

If you want to build a domestic waterfront structure on foreshore Crown land or a waterway you must first get Crown Lands’ consent, development approval from the local council, and then apply to Crown Lands for a licence to use the land.

Waterfront structures that are built without proper authorisations can create safety problems if they are not built to proper standards and maintained appropriately, can restrict community access to public land and waterways and also harm the environment. It is also an offence to construct or undertake development on Crown land without authority.

Items such as recreational craft, outdoor seating, materials or equipment should also not be stored on foreshore Crown land.

The Sydney International Boat Show attracts thousands of boating and maritime enthusiasts while showcasing the latest marine products and technologies.

For agencies like Crown Lands, it is an important event for networking, collaboration, education and awareness about requirements to help ensure safety and compliance on our waterways and precious foreshore public land.

For more information on domestic waterfront structures, visit Apply for a domestic waterfront licence. 

Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said:

“We want communities to safely enjoy our waterways so it is very important that any development of domestic waterfront structures is properly approved.

“Managing built structures through appropriate approvals and licensing ensures our waterways are safe, not overcrowded and public access to foreshores is maintained.”