Do you want to propose a development or use of land on Port Authority-owned land? Refer to the following FAQs for additional information.

  • Once you decide to proceed with a development proposal on Port Authority of New South Wales land and are ready to prepare a planning application, contact Port Authority’s Customer & Commercial team to discuss whether they will consider the proposal.

    phone: +61 2 9296 4999
    email: property@portauthoritynsw.com.au

  • After Port Authority's Customer & Commercial team confirms that they will consider your development proposal, you must provide the following information at a minimum:

    • A completed Permission to Lodge Application Form
    • A plan showing the location of the proposed development
    • A written description of the proposal
    • An initial estimated development cost (EDC) to help clarify the planning approval pathway at this early stage
    • Any additional information requested by Port Authority

    Once Port Authority receives this information, the planning team will contact you to discuss the proposal. If necessary, they will arrange a Planning Application Meeting to review the planning application in detail.

  • The Planning Application Meeting (PAM) serves to:

    • Outline the approval process for your development proposal
    • Explain Port Authority’s assessment requirements
    • Advise on relevant Port Authority guidelines and policies that must be considered

    This meeting ensures that you understand all necessary steps and compliance requirements before proceeding with your application.

  • Port Authority may develop and implement guidelines and policies that must be considered as part of a development application. Applicants will receive further information on applicable guidelines during the process.

    In addition to Port Authority’s own policies, various policies, guidelines, and instruments prepared by other government authorities may also be relevant to development proposals on Port Authority sites. When preparing an application, it is essential to refer to these documents to ensure compliance.

    Since policies and regulations frequently evolve, applicants should check with Port Authority, the relevant consent authority, and their own environmental planning experts for the latest advice and guidance.

  • The applicant is responsible for preparing the planning application. In most cases, specialists will need to prepare the required documentation and assess the potential impacts of the development proposal.

  • The information required to assess a development proposal will depend on the type and scale of the development. After the Planning Application Meeting, Port Authority will provide a list of specific requirements for inclusion or consideration in the proposal.

    Additionally, the relevant consent authority will outline the planning assessment and approval requirements applicable to the development proposal.

  • Applications requiring development consent are typically assessed and approved by the Minister for Planning or the Minister's delegate. In some cases, the local council may act as the consent authority.

    For developments permitted without consent, the relevant determining authority (e.g., Port Authority) will assess and approve the application.

    Port Authority will advise on the appropriate approval authority once initial details of the proposed development are provided.

  • If Port Authority provided a Permission to Lodge, it may track compliance with key conditions of approval, commitments, and Permission to Lodge requirements from its perspective as the landowner.

    Port Authority may require the submission of documentation and information to ensure compliance, in addition to any compliance obligations set by the relevant consent authority.

    After securing planning approval, you must also obtain Port Authority approval before commencing construction, fit-out works, or operations, as specified in the Permission to Lodge requirements.

  • Your development proposal may require additional approvals and licenses, including:

    • Construction Certificates and Occupation Certificates
    • Harbour Master permission to disturb the bed of a port
    • Approvals or permits under State legislation, such as:
      • Heritage Act 1977
      • Fisheries Management Act 1994
    • Environment Protection Licenses
    • Commonwealth approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

    While Port Authority can assist in identifying potential approval requirements, it is the applicant’s responsibility to apply for and obtain all relevant statutory approvals and permits.