Works on waterways

WORKS ON A WATERWAY PERMIT

Works and activities in, under, on or over the bed and banks of Designated Waterways (see definition below) in Victoria require a Works on Waterways Permit from the relevant Catchment Management Authority. To protect our rivers and creeks it is important that new activities or works undertaken do not adversely affect the health of those waterways. Many practices undertaken with the best intentions have caused major degradation to our waterways.

For example, poorly constructed crossings and other structures can cause erosion, obstruct water flow and hinder the passage of aquatic life.

Works and/or activities requiring a permit may include:

Access crossings including bridges, culverts and fords
Services/utility crossings
Stormwater outlets
Stabilisation works such as bank protection, battering and retaining structures
Vegetation and debris removal
Sand and gravel extraction

What are designated waterways?

Designated waterways are named or unnamed, permanent or seasonal, and range in size from a river to a natural depression. Designated waterways are declared under the Water Act 1989. Maps of these waterways can be inspected at your local CMA office. You can also contact the North East CMA and we will check if there are designated waterways on your property for you, and we can email you a map showing roughly where the designated waterways are.

What happens if I don’t obtain a Works on Waterways Permit?

Failure to obtain a permit or failure to observe the given conditions may constitute an offence under the Water Act 1989 or the CMA's Waterways Protection By-laws. Penalties for offences apply.

Who manages water in the North East Region?

Responsibility for the region's natural waterways and providing water services is shared between the North East CMA, rural and urban water authorities.

Catchment Management Authority - Talk to the North East CMA for:

Permits to undertake works on waterways
Flood information and advice
River health

Rural Water Authority - Talk to Goulburn-Murray Water for:

Permits to take and use water
Groundwater extraction
Bore construction

Urban Waterway Authority - Talk to North East Water for:

Urban water and sewerage infrastructure
Urban bill enquiries

APPLICATION PROCESS

Step 1. Permit applications and guidelines are available from the North East CMA office or can be downloaded below.

Step 2. Fill in the application form providing as much detail as possible, before submitting the application to the North East CMA.

Step 3. An assessment of the application is undertaken. Assessments of applications can take up to 30 business days. Depending on the complexity of works further information may be required to progress your application. In this instance, additional charges may apply.

Step 4. Subject to the application and proposed works being deemed as satisfactory, a permit may be issued. Where an email address has been provided the permit will be emailed to the applicant when issued.

Step 5: Any person, who carries out works or activities for which a permit has been issued must:

notify the CMA at least 7 days before commencing the works or activities; and
notify the CMA upon completion of the works or activities.

Note: Unless otherwise stated, the permit issued is valid for one year from its date of issue (unless earlier revoked by the CMA).

Works on Waterways Brochure and Application Form

Works on Waterways Information Sheets

Works on Waterways - Flood Debris Click Here

Works on Waterways - Bridges Click Here

Works on Waterways - Culverts Click Here

Works on Waterways - Deviation/Realignment Click Here

Works on Waterways - Ford Click Here

Works on Waterways - Large Wood Click Here

Works on Waterways - Services/Utilities Click Here

Works on Waterways - Bank Stabilisation Click Here

Works on Waterways - Vegetation Click Here

Works on Waterways - Storm Water Click Here

CONTACT US

You can contact the Statutory Planning Team directly at planning@necma.vic.gov.au or Phone 1300 216 513