Reclamation
General information
Reclaiming land under tidal water involves filling land under tidal water to a level above the high water mark to make the land suitable for a particular purpose. By its nature, the activity can result in the degradation and loss of coastal resources including foreshores, wetlands and wader bird habitats. Reclamation can also adversely affect coastal processes and scenic landscape values.
Thus, the need for any reclamation work, as well as the extent and nature of any potential adverse impacts of this activity on coastal processes/resources and their values must be examined carefully.
The relevant information materials on this issue are listed below for quick referencing. You can also read the relevant legislation online by visiting the Office of Parliamentary Counsel website.
Guidelines and policies
You are advised to read the guidelines and related government policies on this issue before lodging a formal application for a licence or permit.
Guideline: Owners consent for development assessed under the Coastal Act
Pre-design/pre-lodgement meeting service
The department offers a 'pre-design/pre-lodgement meeting' service for projects which may include issues requiring a high level of assessment. This service includes meeting with a departmental project manager to discuss all the information requirements to be provided with your application.
For more details, read the Pre-design conference fact sheet.
This service can be initiated by contacting Permit and Licence Management or by email at palm@derm.qld.gov.au or completing a Pre-design conference application form (Word, 285K)‡. If a pre-design/pre-lodgement meeting is required to discuss your application in more detail, a departmental officer will contact you directly.
Permits and approvals
The approval(s) required will depend on the nature and scope of your project. The development assessment process under the Coastal Protection and Management Act 1995 (Coastal Act) is aligned with the Integrated Development Assessment System (IDAS) under the Sustainable Planning Act 2009 (SPA).
To find out how to apply for a licence or permit to carry out the proposed activity lawfully you will need to download and read the guidelines and key reference materials.
Forms and fees
Please download an application form; contact Permit and Licence Management or email palm@derm.qld.gov.au for assistance. You will need to complete IDAS forms 1 and 23 for this type of work. Details about fees and charges will be included with your application kit.
For an overview download the information sheet on Fees and royalties payable under the Coastal Act (PDF, 96K)* and Paying fees to the Department of Environment and Resource Management (DERM) by EFT (PDF, 131K)*.
* Requires Adobe Reader
‡ Requires Microsoft Office files viewer
Last updated 11 March 2010