Approval Processes - Clubs / Community Groups

1. Introduction

Clubs and community groups which have been successful in obtaining a grant under the Better Boating Program will most likely need to follow the process described below to obtain planning and construction approval for their project.

On land owned by Maritime (being Sydney Harbour and its tributaries, Botany Bay, Port Kembla Harbour and Newcastle Harbour) clubs and community groups will also need to satisfy Maritime’s land tenure requirements.  In this regard, and to minimise delays, clubs and community groups should contact a Maritime leasing officer at an early stage.  This applies irrespective of whether the project is to construct a brand new facility or to alter an existing facility.

On other land, clubs and community groups will need to enter into a land tenure arrangement with the relevant landowner.

2. Landowner’s consent to make a development application

If Maritime is the land owner or one of the land owners:

• Consult Maritime’s policy and complete an “Application for Permission to Lodge”;
• Provide plans, drawings and other supporting documentation as required and pay the application fee.

Clubs and community groups will be advised in writing if Maritime’s land owner’s consent is granted.
If Maritime is not the land owner go to Stage 3.

3. Development Application

If Maritime is the consent authority, clubs and community groups must complete a “development application” (DA) and provide all plans, drawings and supporting documents as required and pay the application fee. In Sydney Harbour, the development application will normally need to be required to be submitted to Maritime.

If a council is the consent authority, contact the relevant council.

Clubs and community groups will be advised in writing if development consent is granted.

4. Construction Certificate

A Construction Certificate (CC) is required prior to work commencing. Previously known as a Building Application, a CC certifies that the detailed construction plans and specifications for the development are consistent with the development consent and comply with the Building Code of Australia.

An accredited certifier can be engaged to issue the CC and carry out subsequent inspection/s of the structure. For further information on accredited certifiers or how to find an accredited certifier please contact the Building Professionals Board (www.bpb.nsw.gov.au).

The CC should certify that the development addesses all relevant Australian Standards for publicly-accessible facilities. If the development includes pontoons, further certification may be required.  Please see the information sheet Planning and construction approval documentation – what’s required? on Maritime’s website for further information.

5. Agreement for lease and licence

Clubs and community groups will be required to sign an agreement for lease and licence if the project is proposed to be located on any of Maritime’s land. In addition to any other requirements, a copy of the DA and CC will need to be provided to Maritime at this point.

Construction must not be commenced until this tenure agreement, which will include a construction license, is finalised.

6. Final lease and licence

Following construction, in accordance with item # 5 above, clubs and community groups must enter into a final lease or licence with Maritime if it owns any of the land on which the project is located.  Normally Maritime will grant a renewable lease or licence for a term of 3 years.

In respect of long term leases, clubs and community groups must first obtain planning approval for a plan of subdivision for lease purposes.

On land not owned by Maritime, clubs and community groups will need to enter into a final land tenure arrangement with the relevant landowner.