3 MAY 2016

Starting this week, tenancy arrangements will be simplified for those with reclaimed land or wetland structures such as jetties or pontoons in Sydney Harbour.

Roads and Maritime Services is now offering a wetland licence as an alternative to a wetland lease, reducing the cost and paperwork involved for people who wish to occupy land which sits below the average high water mark.

“Roads and Maritime administers around 2200 wetland leases over public land around the harbour which has been reclaimed to extend waterfront blocks or build other structures such as jetties, swimming pool and boatsheds,” a Roads and Maritime spokesperson said.

“Under the existing leasing arrangements, lessees have the option of entering into a lease term of either three or 20 years.

“In most cases, people have opted for a three year lease as planning laws require development consent for leases of more than five years duration.

“Offering these 2200 existing occupants a licence as opposed to a lease will mean development consent will no longer be required, reducing costs and streamlining processes for lessees with less expense to the lessee in engaging town planners and surveyors.

“Moving to a licence system will also bring Roads and Maritime wetland tenancies in line with similar tenancies managed by NSW Lands on Crown land at other various locations around NSW.

“The new system is in line with the recommendation made by the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal of NSW in 2011 to follow a single tenancy system for private waterfront tenancies on public land.

“Roads and Maritime has consulted with key stakeholders including the Waterfront Action Group and Maritime Property Advisory Group who have been supportive of the move to a licensing system.”

ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES MEDIA UNIT 8588 5999 or media@rms.nsw.gov.au