Assessable development requires a development permit and approval from the State Assessment and Referral Agency (SARA).

You must also apply to SARA if you want to extend, change or cancel a development permit.

• Find out if your planned development is considered assessable development.

Assessment criteria

The benchmarks against which developments are assessed can be found in the State Development Assessment Provisions (SDAP). The codes relating to water developments are available as separate documents below.

Ensure your application addresses each of the performance criteria in the applicable code to avoid delays.

Taking or interfering with water – State code 10

This code covers the assessable development of works for taking or interfering with water. This includes works that:

• take or interfere with water in a watercourse, lake or spring
• take or interfere with underground water
• take overland flow, where applicable.

For help preparing a development application that meets the requirements of this code, refer to State code 10 of the current SDAP version and associated guidance material.

Removal of quarry material – State code 15

This code covers assessable development of works for the removal of quarry material from watercourses or lakes. For help preparing a development application that meets the requirements of this code, refer to State code 15 of the current SDAP version and associated guidance material.

Category 2 and 3 levees

Works related to Category 2 and 3 levees are considered assessable development. For more information about assessment requirements, read about constructing and modifying levee banks.

How to apply

Application forms are available from the Department of State Development, Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning (DSDILGP). You will need to use DA Form 1 (Development Application).

SARA provides the single agency lodgement and assessment point for applications.

DSDILGP coordinates the integrated assessment through SARA. Technical agencies, for example the Department of Regional Development, Manufacturing and Water, provide SARA with technical advice on whether the application complies with the relevant state code.

Who to contact

For more information about assessable development, contact DSDILGP.

Also consider...

• Read about state planning laws.
• Find out more about which overland flow works require certification.
• Read about bore construction standards and licensing requirements.
• Find out more about constructing and modifying levee banks.