Port Authority of New South Wales owns and manages port lands in Sydney Harbour, Eden, and Yamba and undertakes port and navigation-related developments across various parts of NSW. Developments proposed by other parties may also require Port Authority’s consent as landowner and/or the approval of the relevant Harbour Master for activities that would disturb the bed of a designated port.
All development requires planning approval or confirmation that it qualifies as exempt development under an environmental planning instrument. Additional statutory approvals or permissions may also be necessary.
Port Authority carries out several development approval and review functions, including:
1. Permission to Lodge
Port Authority provides landowner's consent for developments proposed by tenants or other parties on land it owns, where development consent or approval is required. For further details, refer to the Permission to Lodge page.
2. Division 5.1 approvals
As a public authority, Port Authority carries out development permitted without consent under Division 5.1 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, as specified in environmental planning instruments. A determining authority under Division 5.1—such as Port Authority or another public authority—can assess the environmental impacts of certain activities they are undertaking or approving. These developments are assessed through a Division 5.1 review of environmental factors (REF). For more information, refer to the Division 5.1 approvals page.
3. Exempt Development
Exempt development refers to developments that have minimal environmental impact and are classified as exempt in an environmental planning instrument. While development consent or approval is not required, all requirements in the applicable planning instrument must be met. Landowner's consent is still necessary for any exempt development on Port Authority-owned land. For further details, refer to the exempt development page.
4. Harbour Master Permission
Written permission from the Harbour Master is required for any proposed works—whether related to a Port Authority facility or not—that would disturb the bed of a port or fall under section 110 of the Ports and Maritime Administration Regulation 2021. For further information, refer to the Harbour Master permissions page.
Port Authority aims to provide the highest level of service to our customers while fulfilling our statutory obligations.
Refer to the Planning and Permissions FAQ page for additional information.
Contact
If you are proposing to undertake any works on Port Authority-owned land or wish to use Port Authority land, please contact our Customer & Commercial team.