Dredging and removal of quarry material from under tidal water

If you are removing material from land under tidal water for sale, reclamation or fill above the high water mark, or for land-based disposal, you must apply for an allocation of quarry material (allocation notice).

In addition to an allocation notice, you may need a development permit before you can start removing underwater material. If the work is proposed within a marine park you may also need a marine park permit.

Dredging more than 1,000 tonnes within a year is an environmentally relevant activity and you will need to apply for an environmental authority.

Once you have an allocation notice, you can lodge the other applications.

Apply for an allocation of quarry material

You must apply for an allocation of quarry material for all activities that involve the removal of material from under tidal water.

Removal may include:

  • extractive industry (e.g. for sand or gravel for construction purposes)
  • capital dredging associated with some form of tidal works (e.g. excavation of marina basin, dredging of a new navigation channel)
  • maintenance dredging.

You will usually need to pay a royalty for the removed material but there are exemptions.

Find out how to apply for an allocation of quarry material on the Australian Business Licence and Information Service (ABLIS).

Model conditions – Allocation of quarry materials (ESR/2015/1600) (PDF, 142KB) have been developed as well as a guideline on dredging and allocation of quarry material (ESR/2016/1979) (PDF, 201KB) to help businesses who seek an allocation. The model conditions may be applied to an allocation and the guideline provides advice regarding the approval process.

For businesses requiring an environmental authority for ERA 16, model operation conditions (ERA 16 – extractive and screening activities) (PDF, 187KB) has been developed as well as a guideline on dredging and allocation of quarry material (ESR/2016/1979) (PDF, 201KB). The model operating conditions may be applied to an environmental authority and the guideline provides advice regarding the approval process.

Renew, transfer or surrender your allocation

You can renew, transfer or surrender your allocation of quarry material using the following forms:

Moving material within tidal water

You do not need to apply for an allocation of quarry material if you move material from one location to another within tidal water. However, you may need a development permit, environmental authority or a marine park permit.

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  • Last reviewed: 29 May 2024
  • Last updated: 8 Jul 2022